NCCnovel Chapter 75 Pig's Head Meat: Gratitude Breaks Through Resentment, Tough Guy Bows His Head, Showi
Chapter 75 Pig's Head Meat: Gratitude Breaks Through Resentment, Tough Guy Bows His Head, Showi
In March, Beijing finally shed its biting chill. The Chinese toon trees in the Hongxing Courtyard sprouted tender red buds, and a breeze carried a faint fragrance of grass and trees. In the backyard, Liu Haizhong's chimney was already emitting smoke half an hour earlier than usual. The black smoke, carrying the aroma of meat, slowly drifted towards the central courtyard, attracting several sparrows to circle and chirp on the wall.
Liu Haizhong squatted in front of the stove, a pair of red-hot fire tongs in his hand, but his eyes weren't on the flames in the firebox; instead, they were fixed on the pound of pig's head meat tied with straw rope on the cutting board. He had gone to the market at five in the morning to queue up and buy the meat, choosing the lower jaw part with cartilage. The vendor had given him an extra bunch of fennel and half a piece of ginger. The meat had just been blanched and was now a tempting dark reddish-brown, ready to be braised.
"Dad, the fire's going out!" Liu Guangfu came in carrying a bowl of cornmeal. Seeing that only a few embers remained in the stove, he quickly added some firewood. The atmosphere at home had changed drastically in the past two weeks. Before, his father would always drink cheap liquor and curse, but now he had not only given up drinking, but he also kept glancing furtively at him and his second brother. His eyes had lost their former ferocity and gained an inexplicable unease.
Liu Haizhong snapped back to reality and hurriedly poked at the firewood with tongs. Sparks crackled and popped, burning his hand. "What are you yelling about!" He instinctively wanted to glare, but the words softened as he spoke. "Go see if your brother is awake. Tell him to put on that new set of work clothes. He shouldn't always be wearing that one with the worn-out cuffs."
Liu Guangtian heard everything clearly from the inner room, and his forging manual paused. Ever since Lin Chen recommended him to the precision forging group as an apprentice, he had been going to the workshop to practice every day before dawn. Lin Chen not only gave him a handwritten technical manual but also always kept him behind after get off work to teach him how to identify steel textures and adjust forging angles. Last week, during the workshop assessment, the pass rate of his forged bearing rings was higher than that of the veteran apprentices. The workshop director praised him in front of the whole group, saying that he could be promoted to a permanent position in another six months.
Liu Guangtian noticed and remembered all these changes. He knew why his father had been acting strangely these past few days—that pound of pig's head was meant to be used to apologize to Lin Chen. His father used to always say that Lin Chen was "a young rascal who didn't know his place," but ever since Lin Chen helped Guangfu find odd jobs at the scrap yard and led Guangtian onto the path of technical work, his father had never said a bad word about Lin Chen again; he just couldn't bring himself to thank him.
"Dad, should I go?" Liu Guangtian walked out of the inner room and looked at his father's gray hair at the temples, feeling a little sad. His father used to always say "spare the rod and spoil the child," and he and Guangfu had been beaten countless times. But ever since his eldest brother Guangqi ran away, his father seemed to have aged ten years overnight, and his back had become a little hunched.
"Bullshit!" Liu Haizhong slammed the fire tongs on the stove, his voice loud but not very angry. "I'm the father, this is none of your business." He lifted the pot lid, put the blanched pig's head meat into the braising liquid, and threw in fennel, ginger and two pieces of rock sugar. "Go to the Central Court and see if Master Lin is home. Tell him I invited him over for drinks at noon."
As Liu Guangtian approached the central courtyard, he saw Lin Chen squatting by the storage room door, fiddling with a pile of scrap steel. In the morning light, Lin Chen, dressed in blue overalls with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, revealing his muscular forearms, held a homemade caliper, carefully measuring the thickness of the steel. Beside him, Qin Huairu squatted in front of a sewing stall, Jia Dang helping her sort and fold the mended clothes. The mother and daughter spoke softly, their laughter occasionally punctuating the sounds of their conversation.
"Master Lin." Liu Guangtian walked over quickly, scratching his head somewhat awkwardly. "My dad asked me to invite you to my house for lunch. He bought some pig's head meat."
Lin Chen looked up, put down the calipers in his hand, and nodded with a smile: "Okay, I'll go over after I've put these steel materials away." He glanced at Liu Guangtian's new work clothes, "Just issued? They fit well. How's your forging feel lately? Did you get the quenching temperature I told you about last time?"
"I've got it!" Liu Guangtian's eyes lit up when the technology was mentioned. "As you said, controlling the temperature at 850 degrees Celsius produces parts with just the right hardness. Yesterday, the director even used my sample to demonstrate to the new recruits." As he spoke, he pulled a small notebook out of his pocket. "I also wrote down some questions that I'd like to ask you when you have time."
Lin Chen took the notebook and flipped through it. It was filled with forging parameters and questions, the handwriting messy but very serious. Just as he was about to explain, he heard Qin Huairu's voice: "Master Lin, would you like to come here for a couple of steamed buns for lunch? I just steamed them this morning, they're still warm."
Turning around, I saw Qin Huairu holding two snow-white steamed buns, smiling and waving this way. Since she started her sewing business, she seemed like a completely different person; the worry on her face had lessened, and she spoke with a straighter back. Jia Dang ran over, holding a embroidered purse, and handed it to Lin Chen: "Uncle Lin, this is for you, it's a peace charm I embroidered."
The purse was made of sky-blue coarse cloth, embroidered with a small plum blossom, the stitches fine and neat. Lin Chen took the purse, put it in his work pocket, and thanked him with a smile, "It's really beautiful, thank you Jia Dang. We're going to Liu Haizhong's house for lunch, why don't you and your mother come along? It'll be more fun with more people."
Qin Huairu quickly waved her hand, "No, no, you men are drinking, my daughter and I won't join in the fun." She stuffed the steamed bun into Lin Chen's hand, "Here, it goes perfectly with the braised pig's head."
Lin Chen didn't refuse any longer, took the steamed bun and put it in the storage room. He then helped Liu Guangtian sort and stack the scrap steel before following him to the backyard. Just as they reached Liu Haizhong's door, they smelled a rich aroma of braised meat mixed with the subtle fragrance of white wine, making their mouths water. Aunt Liu was standing at the door looking around. Seeing Lin Chen, she quickly greeted him with a smile, "Master Lin is here! Please come in and sit down!"
The small square table inside was already set with dishes: a large plate of braised pig's head meat, glistening with oil and sliced into even pieces, with a dish of minced garlic and vinegar next to it; a plate of stir-fried cabbage, bright green and refreshing; and a dish of pickled radish strips, sour and crunchy, appetizing. In the center, a white porcelain bowl held braised meat soup, topped with a layer of sesame oil, with two wine glasses and a bottle of Erguotou (a type of Chinese liquor) next to it.
Liu Haizhong came out from in front of the stove, holding a dishcloth in his hand. When he saw Lin Chen, his expression became somewhat unnatural. He rubbed his hands together and said stiffly, "You're here? Have a seat." Although he had wanted to apologize for a long time, when he was actually in front of Lin Chen, the words seemed to be stuck in his throat, and he couldn't say them no matter what.
Lin Chen sat down with a smile and placed the steamed bun on the table: "Master Liu, you're too kind. You even specially bought pig's head meat." He picked up the wine bottle and poured a glass of wine for Liu Haizhong and himself. "I heard that Guangtian has been doing well lately. Even the workshop foreman praised him as a promising talent."
Mentioning his son, Liu Haizhong's eyes lit up instantly, and the restraint on his face lessened. He placed a piece of pig's head meat into Lin Chen's bowl, his voice becoming much louder: "It's all thanks to you! Before, when this kid was with me, I only ever made him do the hard work; I never realized he had this talent." He took a sip of baijiu, wincing from the spiciness, and as if making a decision, put down his glass, stood up, and cupped his hands in a respectful gesture towards Lin Chen. "Master Lin, I was foolish before, disrespectful to you, and even tried to steal your food rations. I apologize!"
Lin Chen quickly stood up and helped him up: "Master Liu, please sit down. Let's not talk about the past. Everyone makes mistakes."
"No, I must make amends." Liu Haizhong stood up stubbornly, his eyes reddening. "All my life, I've hoped my son would amount to something. After Guangqi ran away, I thought our family was completely ruined. I drank and cursed all day, taking all my anger out on Guangtian and Guangfu. If it weren't for you pulling them back, those two kids might have been ruined by me." He wiped his face, his voice choked with emotion. "I, Liu Haizhong, will remember this kindness for the rest of my life!"
Aunt Liu, wiping away tears, chimed in, "Master Lin, you don't know, the day Guangtian received the commendation letter from the workshop, his father held the letter and cried half the night, saying that he had finally done right by his ancestors."
Liu Guangtian and Liu Guangfu stood to the side, their eyes also reddening. Their father used to beat and scold them, and they harbored some resentment. But seeing him bowing and apologizing now, all that resentment vanished. Liu Guangfu picked up a bowl of porridge and handed it to Liu Haizhong: "Dad, have some porridge to calm yourself down."
Liu Haizhong took the bowl of porridge, took a sip, and then sat down again. He picked up his chopsticks and served food to Lin Chen, saying, "Eat, eat quickly. This pig's head meat has been braised for an hour, so it must be very flavorful." He also served food to his two sons, saying, "You two eat too. From now on, follow Master Lin and learn properly. If you dare to slack off, I won't let you off the hook!" Although his words carried a threat, they lacked their usual ferocity and instead revealed a sense of expectation.
As the group was eating, they heard arguing coming from the courtyard gate, mixed with Jia Zhangshi's shrill voice. Lin Chen put down his chopsticks and frowned: "I'll go take a look."
Upon arriving at the central courtyard, they saw Jia Zhangshi standing with her hands on her hips in front of Qin Huairu's sewing stall, pointing at the clothes on the stall and cursing: "You spendthrift woman! You have a perfectly good life, but you insist on showing your face in public and setting up a stall, disgracing our Jia family!" Several neighbors were gathered around, and Yan Bugui stood to the side with his arms crossed, his eyes full of calculation, as if he was plotting something.
Qin Huairu's face turned pale, but she still stood tall: "I earn money with my own skills, I don't steal or rob, how is that disgracing the Jia family? All the grain coupons and money in the house, weren't they all earned by me?"
"You earned this?" Madam Jia sneered, reaching out to overturn the table at her mending stall. "This land belongs to the Jia family. If you set up a stall here, you have to pay me your share! Otherwise, I'll smash your stall!"
"Stop!" Lin Chen strode over and stood in front of Qin Huairu. "This courtyard is a public area, not the Jia family's private property. Sister Huairu earns her living with her skills; why should she pay you a share?"
Upon seeing that it was Lin Chen, Jia Zhangshi's arrogance immediately diminished, but she still stubbornly insisted, "What business is it of yours how I discipline my daughter-in-law?"
"You call this discipline?" Liu Haizhong's voice came from outside the crowd. He strode over, carrying a carrying pole, and slammed it into the ground. "That mother and daughter work hard from dawn till dusk to support their family, and what do you do? Not only do you not help, but you try to steal from them? Have you no shame!"
Madam Jia was taken aback by Liu Haizhong's intervention and immediately became agitated: "Liu Haizhong, mind your own business! This is a family matter of the Jia family!"
"You shouldn't bully people like this even in family matters!" Liu Haizhong took a step forward, looking down at Jia Zhangshi. "You instigated Jia Geng to steal before, and now you're bullying Qin Huairu. Do you really think there's no one in charge of this courtyard? Believe me or not, I'll go find the neighborhood chief to settle this right now!" He had worked as a laborer at the docks when he was young, which had given him great strength. Now, with a stern face and imposing manner, Jia Zhangshi was so frightened that she took a step back.
Seeing this, Yan Bugui quickly stepped forward to smooth things over: "Master Liu, don't be angry. Aunt Jia was just confused for a moment. We're all neighbors, let's talk it out." He turned to Jia Zhangshi, "Aunt Jia, it's not easy for Huairu to raise three children alone, so please don't make things difficult for her. Besides, she sets up this stall to earn a living for her children. As their grandmother, you should also feel sorry for them."
Jia Zhangshi's eyes darted around, and just as she was about to speak, she saw Jia Geng run in from outside, holding an empty bowl in his hand: "Grandma, I'm hungry, I want to eat steamed buns." He was startled when he saw the scene in the yard and hid behind Jia Zhangshi.
Qin Huairu looked at her son, her heart softening. She picked up a steamed bun from the stall and handed it to him, saying, "Eat this." Then she looked at Jia Zhangshi and said, "Mother, I know you're upset, but our family is in such a state now that we can only rely on Jia Dang and me to earn money. If you're willing to help me take care of the locust flowers, I'll save you two steamed buns every day. If you're not willing, please don't come and cause trouble."
Looking at the steamed bun in her hand, and then at Jia Geng hiding behind her, Jia Zhangshi's arrogance completely vanished. She took the bun, stuffed it into Jia Geng's hand, and muttered, "Who wants the bun you gave me? I just came to take a look." After saying that, she turned and walked home, her steps somewhat disheveled.
Seeing that there was no more excitement to watch, the neighbors dispersed. Yan Bugui walked up to Lin Chen and said with a smile, "Master Lin, you really have influence; even Master Liu is willing to speak up for you." He paused, rubbed his hands together, and continued, "By the way, my son Jie Kuang is starting to learn arithmetic recently, do you think you could…"
"Teacher Yan is an arithmetic teacher, so teaching his own son is definitely no problem." Lin Chen interrupted him with a smile, "I have something to do, so I'll go back to Liu Haizhong's house first." After saying that, he turned and left, leaving Yan Bugui standing there, his face turning pale and then red.
Back at Liu Haizhong's house, the dishes on the table were still steaming. Liu Guangtian quickly poured Lin Chen a glass of wine: "Master Lin, thank you so much for earlier."
"Why thank me? You should thank your dad." Lin Chen took a sip of his drink and smiled at Liu Haizhong. "What Master Liu said just now was really satisfying."
Liu Haizhong scratched his head, somewhat embarrassed, and said, "I just couldn't stand how she bullied people. I used to be a jerk too, always hitting and scolding the kids. Looking back now, I really regret it." He put a piece of pig's head meat on Lin Chen's plate, "If anyone in this yard bullies you in the future, just tell me, and I'll stand up for you!"
Lin Chen smiled and nodded, feeling a little emotional. Although Liu Haizhong had a volatile temper, he was also a straightforward person; once he considered someone a friend, he would treat them sincerely. He looked at Liu Guangtian: "Guangtian, there's a technical training course in the workshop at the beginning of next month. I've signed you up. Study hard then and try to get promoted early."
"Really?" Liu Guangtian was so excited he almost stood up. "Thank you, Master Lin! I'll definitely study hard!"
Aunt Liu walked in carrying a bowl of stewed cabbage, smiling as she said, "Master Lin, you're truly a great benefactor to our family. If Guangtian and Guangfu ever dare to be ungrateful, I'll be the first to punish them!"
The group ate and chatted, their conversation ranging from forging techniques to trivial matters in the yard, creating a very harmonious atmosphere. Liu Haizhong gradually became more talkative, recounting his experiences working as a laborer at the docks in his youth. Although he exaggerated somewhat, his words still made Liu Guangtian and his brother's eyes light up. Lin Chen occasionally chimed in with a few insightful remarks, which only increased Liu Haizhong's admiration.
After several rounds of drinks, they had almost finished eating the pig's head meat. Emboldened by the alcohol, Liu Haizhong brought up the matter of learning precision forging from Lin Chen again: "Master Lin, look at my old bones, can I still learn? I also want to bring some honor to my children."
Lin Chen pondered for a moment and said, "Master Liu is very experienced, so you'll definitely learn quickly. However, precision forging requires high eyesight and physical strength. If you really want to learn, I'll teach you how to read blueprints first, starting from the basics."
"Great! Great!" Liu Haizhong nodded excitedly, picked up his wine glass and downed it in one gulp. "I'll get a new pair of reading glasses tomorrow, and I promise I'll study hard!"
It was past 2 PM when Lin Chen finally left Liu Haizhong's house. As soon as he reached the courtyard, he saw Qin Huairu replacing the curtain at the sewing stall. The new curtain was made of blue and white checkered fabric, embroidered with small gardenias—a piece of Jia Dang's handiwork. Seeing Lin Chen, Qin Huairu greeted him with a smile: "Master Lin, have you finished eating? Thank you so much, Master Liu, for earlier."
"We're neighbors, it's only right to help each other out," Lin Chen said with a smile. "Jia Dang's skills are getting better and better; this curtain is really beautiful."
Jia Dang peeked out from behind the stall and smiled sheepishly: "Uncle Lin, I also embroidered a purse for Aunt Liu. Thank you for letting me learn to make shoes from her."
Just as Lin Chen was about to speak, he saw Sha Zhu come in from outside carrying a lunchbox. When he saw Lin Chen, he greeted him with a smile: "Brother Lin, just got back from Liu Haizhong's house? I heard he treated you to pig's head meat." He walked to Qin Huairu's stall and handed over the lunchbox, "This contains the pork ribs I stewed, to nourish the kids."
Qin Huairu paused for a moment, and instead of immediately accepting it as before, she said somewhat embarrassedly, "Master Shazhu, no need, we can earn food stamps now, there's no need to trouble you anymore."
Sha Zhu scratched his head, somewhat embarrassed, and said, "I know you can earn money now, but these ribs are specially stewed for the kids, so please accept them. I was foolish before and was used as a pawn. From now on, we're just ordinary neighbors, and it's only right that we look out for each other."
Lin Chen smiled and smoothed things over, "Sister Huairu, Shazhu's offer is just a kind gesture, please accept it. The children are growing, so eating more ribs is good for them."
Qin Huai hesitated for a moment, then took the lunchbox and said softly, "Thank you, Master Shazhu. If you ever need your clothes mended in the future, just come to me, I won't charge you."
Sha Zhu quickly waved his hand, "No need, no need, you still have to pay. Your cooking is worth the price." He looked at Lin Chen, "Brother Lin, are you free tonight? I made some chicken soup, want to have some together?"
"Okay." Lin Chen nodded. "I happen to have something I'd like to discuss with you about the chef skills competition next month."