CHAPTER 208: 208 CLASSMATES

Jiang Xinyu watched Shen Xueqi leave, then bid farewell to her two female classmates, "I’m heading home. Feel free to come find me during the holidays; you can find me at the textile factory."

"Alright, I’m looking for somewhere to go anyway," Qiao Jingyi replied cheerfully.

"No problem. I’ll treat you to something good; I’ve stored up quite a bit."

"I’ll come too," Zhou Qingying said excitedly.

"I’ll be waiting for you both then."

Time flew by, and it was already the end of July. It had rained three times this month, so the autumn harvest should be good.

August was scorching. When she was at home, she wore shorts and a vest, and there was always hot water heated in the yard for showering. She wondered when electricity would be available for residents. She had a fan in her space, ready to use as soon as there was power.

Wang Ailing had gone home briefly; she didn’t go herself, as it was too hot, and she didn’t want to suffer. In the end, Ailing brought her a bag of potatoes and two fresh zucchini, perfect for stir-frying. Add a bit of dried chili and a few drops of vinegar to boost the appetite.

There were watermelons available at the supply and demand cooperative; Jiang Xinyu bought several to store in the cellar, saving them for a treat in the evening.

By the factory gates, there were still ice pops for sale. Despite her cravings, Jiang Xinyu didn’t dare eat them, as she was still thin, not yet back to her previous weight, though she was much better. She feared catching cold, so she didn’t indulge.

She didn’t have menstrual pain issues, but she knew eating cold things was not good for women’s health, so each time she passed the ice pop vendor, she quickened her pace, afraid she’d give in to temptation.

In mid-August, Qiao Jingyi and Zhou Qingying came to visit.

They arrived at noon. "I’ll let you try our textile factory’s cafeteria first. Are you heading back today?"

"No, I’m staying for three days, otherwise I wouldn’t have come on a Friday," Qiao Jingyi said matter-of-factly.

Jiang Xinyu gave a thumbs up, "Smart move. I’ll cook barbecue for both of you tonight; I’ll go buy some meat in the afternoon."

"There’s meat?"

"Of course. Come on, follow me inside." Jiang Xinyu registered at the gatekeeper, and the three went directly to Jiang Xinyu’s office.

"It’s not cool in here."

"It’s all like this. I’ll apply for an electric fan next year; it’s not feasible now. It’s fine at the factory, but there’s no electricity at home yet."

At noon, she led the two girls into the cafeteria, attracting quite a bit of attention.

Today’s meal was stewed potatoes and tri-cornmeal buns. Both came from dual-income families and weren’t hungry, but their food was also quite ordinary. "Jiang Xinyu, your cafeteria food is quite good."

"It’s alright. Our factory has good benefits; once New Year comes and supplies aren’t as tight, it might get even better."

Wang Ailing saw Jiang Xinyu and came over with her lunch box.

"Xinyu, who are these two?"

"Sis, these are my high school classmates: Qiao Jingyi and Zhou Qingying. Ladies, this is my village elder sister, Wang Ailing."

They exchanged greetings, and soon Song Qingqing and Pan Xiulan joined. A group of girls eating together was quite an attraction.

"Director Jiang, aren’t you going out in the afternoon?" Song Qingqing asked, winking at Jiang Xinyu.

Suppressing laughter, Jiang Xinyu replied seriously with nonsense, "Yes, I have things to do this afternoon."

Jiang Xinyu took her two classmates home.

"Wow, your place is really clean."

"It’s alright. Do you want to take a shower?"

"Sure, it’s so uncomfortable being sweaty."

"You take your time to wash; I’m going outside to find something tasty."

Jiang Xinyu biked to the supply and demand cooperative, bought three kilos of eggs, and just before reaching the entrance, she pulled out a streaky pork slab weighing five to six pounds.

Her two classmates had already changed clothes and were sitting by the main room’s door.

"Today you two are in for a treat; I’ll prepare while you decide whether you want barbecue or braised pork?"

"Braised pork, it’s so tempting."

"Braised pork."

"Haha, no wonder you two are good friends, your thoughts are so in sync. Alright then, braised pork it is; I’ll also make ’sea-bottom grab’ for you."

"Jiang Xinyu, what is ’sea-bottom grab’?"

"You’ll understand once you taste it."

The two girls, also clean types, had washed all their dirty clothes and hung them on the line.

"Do you want to go out to play or rest?"

"In this heat, I don’t want to go anywhere."

"Me neither, your place is quite cool."

"Then you both rest; I’ll prepare dinner."

"We’ll help."

"Sure, braised pork needs a long simmer to taste good."

Dinner really amazed the two girls: a big bowl of braised pork, a bowl with a layer of terrifying chili-covered seafood, a bowl of canned peaches, a bowl of watermelon chunks, and a plate of smashed cucumbers.

"Jiang Xinyu, this is too much food; my home doesn’t even have such good dishes for New Year’s. And it’s real rice; I haven’t had it in three years."

The three arranged the table in the yard, enjoying the subtle breeze and the delicious meal with satisfaction.

Although just two girls, their appetite was impressive; half the braised pork was eaten, and they even picked the fattier pieces. Even the seemingly intimidating ’sea-bottom grab’ was finished, leaving only the smashed cucumbers untouched.

"I can’t move; I’ve eaten too much."

"Haha, are you two serious?"

"Really, it’s up to here," Zhou Qingying gestured to her throat.

"Alright, why don’t you two take a few laps while I clean up."

She watched them lament over the poured-out ’sea-bottom grab’ broth. "You’ll spoil it if saved for tomorrow."

"If spoiled, it’ll be thrown out anyway."

Once tidied, the three strolled around the yard. The two had noticed Jiang Xinyu lived alone but hadn’t dared to ask.

Suddenly, there were a few claps of thunder, "Is it going to rain?"

"Yes, the clothes should be dry by now, so let’s bring them inside. Do you want a shower?"

"Yes, a rinse will make for a good night’s sleep."

Three lay on the kang bed; Jiang Xinyu found it uncomfortable without a mattress on her side, while the other two casually laid on the bamboo mat.

The wind brought rain hitting the glass, but the windows couldn’t be opened due to the heat. Eventually, the three returned to sit by the main room door.

The rain didn’t stop until morning, refreshing the air. Breakfast was egg-fried rice, with each having a bowl of milk powder.

"Jiang Xinyu, your lifestyle is so good; I’m staying here, living with you."

"Forget it; I can’t afford to support you. How about dumplings for lunch?"

"Sure, sure."

Once the dried goods were soaked and the dough made, if Jiang Xinyu were alone, she wouldn’t venture out, but she couldn’t stay cooped up with guests.

"I’m not going out; it’ll be all muddy outside. I’m resting here, having just come back from school," Qiao Jingyi said, sprawling on the kang.

Jiang Xinyu looked at Zhou Qingying.

"I’m staying too; what’s fun out there anyway? Home is more comfortable."

"Alright, there’s a bookshelf. Help yourselves."

"Spare us; I don’t want to touch a book in my life."