Chapter 63

Nowadays, intellectuals have been pushed to the lowest rungs of society. Publicly announcing Wangwo’s award would inevitably go against certain forces’ plans. However, many leaders still support Wangwo—after all, his residence in the capital was personally arranged by one such leader.

Su Weiran poured a glass of water for Zhenzhen, showing little sign of disappointment. “Wangwo’s award carries immense significance for Huaguo. Even if some people try their hardest to bury it, they won’t succeed. Sooner or later, the whole world will know.”

“Teacher is right.” Zhenzhen nodded in agreement, taking a sip of water before looking expectantly at the scrolls in the nearby painting cylinder. “Teacher, which painting are you giving me?”

Amused by her sparkling eyes, Su Weiran chuckled. “I’ve given you quite a few paintings over the past two years. Why do you still look at my painting cylinder like a greedy cat?”

Zhenzhen smiled sheepishly. “It’s just that Teacher’s paintings are too good. At first, I couldn’t put into words why I liked them, only that they were beautiful. But after learning from you these past few years, I’ve started to grasp their essence.”

Su Weiran laughed at her words. “You? Grasping essence? With your half-baked skills? Aren’t you afraid of talking big?”

Zhenzhen looked at him righteously. “Why wouldn’t I appreciate art? Sure, my skills are a bit rough, but at least now I can say things like ‘bold use of colors’ and ‘majestic composition’ instead of just ‘so pretty, so pretty, so very pretty,’ right?”

Su Weiran burst into hearty laughter. He tidied up the table, laid out a sheet of paper, and said, “Less talk, more action. Let’s see what you’ve got. You haven’t come to practice for over half a month—have you been practicing at home? Draw something for me.”

Zhenzhen guiltily rubbed her nose, skipping past his question. “My brother’s getting married, and the kang table could use some paintings. I was just thinking of making a few for him.” Her gaze swept over Su Weiran’s floral paintings on the wall, and she added uncertainly, “It’s just for the family’s own kang, so whether it’s ugly or nice, no one will mind.”

“Already doubting yourself before you even start?” Su Weiran took out pigments and various brushes, arranging them on the table. “That’s not how a disciple of mine should act.” He looked at her with utmost seriousness. “I’ve had many students before, but that was just to make a living. You’re different. You’re my disciple—my only disciple. I believe that under my guidance, your painting skills will surpass everyone else’s.”

Zhenzhen immediately straightened her back, swelling with pride and confidence. She nodded solemnly. “Of course!”

Su Weiran tousled her hair with a helpless smile. “Your only flaw is that thick skin of yours.”

Laughing, Zhenzhen rolled up her sleeves, picked out a few pigments, and began mixing colors. Seeing her blend shades of pink, Su Weiran asked, “Are you planning to paint flowers?”

Zhenzhen nodded. “Weddings should feel festive, and besides, this style is popular where we live.”

Su Weiran merely nodded, offering no further comment. He was more interested in watching her execution.

After preparing her colors, Zhenzhen didn’t immediately start painting. Instead, she closed her eyes for a moment, visualizing the flowers she wanted to depict. Having spent her childhood running through the mountains, and with her unique ability to control and sense all things connected to the earth, she had an intimate understanding of every plant she had ever seen.

Opening her eyes, she dipped her brush into the pigment and began painting. Since the petals’ colors shifted depending on the sunlight’s angle, she continuously adjusted her tones as she rapidly translated her mental image onto the paper.

Standing behind her and slightly to the right, Su Weiran quietly observed her work. Three lotus leaves swayed in the wind, dominating most of the canvas. A single white lotus tinged with pink stood proudly at the center, accompanied by a delicate pink bud—symbolizing new life and hope.

Zhenzhen’s deep familiarity with plants was evident in her artwork. The subtle transitions of color lent the lotus an elegant grace, while the intricate veins on the leaves emphasized their resilience in the wind.

Su Weiran nodded slightly. Painting lotuses was a fundamental exercise in brush and ink technique. Though Zhenzhen’s handling of ink and color was still somewhat rigid, and her brushwork a little immature, her understanding of the lotus compensated for many of these shortcomings.

After about an hour, she finished the painting. Taking a step back to admire her work, she looked rather pleased with herself. “No wonder they say praise makes people improve. Teacher, after your encouragement, my skills skyrocketed! Just look at how good this painting turned out.”

Su Weiran once again burst into laughter. He didn’t know whether to scold her or compliment her. Sensing his dilemma, Zhenzhen quickly added, “Of course, one can’t rely on praise alone. Teacher, why don’t you tell me what I did wrong?”

Su Weiran put on a serious expression and pointed out various aspects of her work. However, rather than focusing too much on technical brushwork and color use, he shared his thoughts and personal insights on painting. To him, rigidly adhering to fixed techniques would strip a painting of its spirit, making it counterproductive.

The painting needed time to dry before it could be mounted. Since it was meant to be inlaid on the kang table, leaving margins wasn’t necessary. Zhenzhen decided to wait until she finished her second painting the next day before mounting this one.

As Su Weiran packed the pigments back into a box, he casually asked, “The paper and pigments you brought last time are almost used up. Are they still easy to buy? I actually have a lot of top-quality supplies stored in my basement, but I’m not sure if that place is under surveillance.”

Zhenzhen pondered for a moment before replying, “I’ll discuss it with my family and take a trip there to check.”

Hearing this, Su Weiran quickly handed her a set of keys. “You know my address. Move the wardrobe in the living room aside, and you’ll find the basement entrance. Here’s the key.” He paused, a wry smile appearing on his face. “Before we left, I hid all the important things there. I don’t know if it’s been discovered. If by chance the supplies are still there, bring back more brushes, paper, and pigments for me. Also, take some money from the box on the basement table—these past few months, you’ve been covering a lot of our expenses.”

Zhenzhen took the key and said, “How much could food and daily necessities possibly cost? The real priceless thing is the skills you’re entrusting to me. Even if we go by the old rules, I should still show my respect to my teacher. Besides…” She playfully winked at Su Weiran. “I’m your last disciple, Teacher. Taking care of you in your old age is only right.”

Su Weiran felt warmth in his heart, looking at Zhenzhen with eyes full of affection. “You’re right. It was I who was being too attached.”

After leaving the study with Su Weiran, Zhenzhen got a few nourishing recipes from the old Chinese medicine doctor to bring home for Grandma Li, hoping to help her build up her health during the winter. Although Zhenzhen couldn’t bring Grandma Li to the doctor for a pulse reading, and she herself had no medical skills, her special ability allowed her to sense the conditions of living beings. By simply holding Grandma Li’s hand, she could tell which parts of her body were weak or cold. Every time she visited, she would report her family members’ health conditions to the old doctor and ask for appropriate dietary remedies. Then, she would take the ingredients home while hunting or gathering herbs and prepare nourishing soups for them, making sure no one noticed anything unusual.

After drinking these nourishing soups for two years, Grandma Li, who had once had graying hair, had grown back a good amount of black strands. Her sleep had improved too—she could now sleep soundly through the night—and she looked much more energetic than in previous years.

—

After leaving the mountain hideout, Zhenzhen slipped into her personal space, wrapped up the wool fabric she had prepared earlier along with the new items she had bought today, and scanned the outside with her consciousness. Once she found a secluded spot near home, she emerged.

Carrying a massive bundle, she returned home, startling Grandma Li. As she and Wang Sufen helped her take it down, she asked, “Where did you go? What’s in this bundle?”

Zhenzhen picked up the warm water Grandma Li had prepared for her and gulped down more than half before wiping her mouth and saying, “A few days ago, Grandma, you were worried about my third brother’s wedding—his clothes, bedsheets, and such. Well, two days ago, while playing up north by the railway, I overheard two people talking privately. One of them was desperately looking for high-quality ginseng to save a life. From what I gathered, his family had quite a stash of fabric and was willing to trade, but he couldn’t make it public, only seeking a deal in secret. Since I was small and standing at a corner, they didn’t notice me.”

Zhenzhen sneaked a glance at Grandma Li’s expression, then guiltily lowered her gaze. “Grandma, you know what I can do. As long as something exists on this mountain, I can find it. So I quickly dug up a twenty-year-old ginseng and traded it for this fabric at his home.” She paused and hurriedly added, “I made sure to cover my face and wear a hat. I only said one sentence, and I even altered my voice. He’ll never recognize me even if he sees me again.”

Grandma Li didn’t look at the bundle on the kang bed but instead pulled Zhenzhen close to her. “If you keep doing things like this, I won’t tell you anything anymore.”

Zhenzhen let out an “Ah?” and looked at her with a puzzled expression.

Grandma Li shifted inward and patted the kang, signaling for Zhenzhen to sit down. Then, she called out to Wang Sufen, “It’s just the three of us at home today. Let’s have a little chat.”

Wang Sufen responded and went out to bring in a basin of frozen pears and persimmons, placing them on the kang. “Mom, eat while you talk.”

Grandma Li handed Zhenzhen a frozen persimmon and said with a touch of distress, “My dear, do you realize how dangerous it was to go out and trade ginseng for fabric? How could you be so bold?”

Just as Zhenzhen was about to reply, Grandma Li cut her off bluntly, “Do you think having some abilities makes you more capable than others?”

Zhenzhen nodded seriously. “I do think I’m quite capable.” As she spoke, she peeled the persimmon and took a sip of its icy, sweet juice, her eyes squinting in satisfaction.

Grandma Li tapped Zhenzhen on the forehead, her tone filled with indulgence and helplessness. “I know you’re capable. You can control animals and crops, and you’re naturally strong—most people couldn’t take you in a fight. But, my dear, that’s not a reason for you to take risks trading for the family’s sake.”

Zhenzhen, halfway through her persimmon, froze in place, staring at Grandma Li in confusion.

Seeing this, Grandma Li immediately pulled her into an embrace and wiped the persimmon juice from her chin with a handkerchief. “Sweetheart, I’m not saying you did something wrong. I’m just worried about the dangers you might face. Why does it matter what your brother wears at his wedding? We’ll make do with what we have. You just focus on eating sweets, setting off firecrackers, and enjoying the celebrations. Why do you worry about adult matters?”

Zhenzhen quickly finished her persimmon, wiped her mouth and face clean, and hugged Grandma Li’s arm. “I just feel bad for you and Mom. I don’t want you both working yourselves to exhaustion and still worrying about these things. I just figured if I could help, you’d have fewer things to stress over and could take better care of your health—that’s more important than anything.” Seeing that Grandma Li was slightly moved, she continued, “Grandma, you know fabric and clothing aren’t things you can just buy with money these days. Even with the fabric ration coupons Dad gets with his monthly salary, we’d still have to save up for a whole year just to make one new outfit. I understand this situation isn’t unique to us; everyone’s struggling. But since I happened to overhear that conversation, I took a chance and made the trade. But don’t worry, Grandma, that man has plenty of supplies hidden away. He wouldn’t dare make a fuss about it.”

Hearing this, Grandma Li’s face darkened again, and she smacked Zhenzhen’s leg. “Is that the point here?”

Zhenzhen nodded earnestly and raised her hand in a solemn promise. “I won’t do it again. From now on, I’ll discuss everything with you first and only act with your approval.”

Wang Sufen, still unsure, glanced between Zhenzhen and Grandma Li, looking a little uneasy. “Mom, did Zhenzhen do something wrong?”

Grandma Li sighed. “There was some risk involved. If something needed to be traded, she could have just told Mingnan to go. If there was danger, let him handle it—he’s a grown man, quick and strong, and others wouldn’t dare mess with him. But look at Zhenzhen—she’s so bold! She went alone, disguised, and made the trade by herself. Listening to her just now gave me chills.”

Zhenzhen grinned sheepishly and tugged at Grandma Li’s sleeve. “Grandma, honestly, if we’re talking about agility and strength, I’m not sure my brother could beat me.”

“Then let them do some of the work too. Don’t take everything on yourself. And now that all your brothers are getting married, you can’t help them like you used to. Understand?” Grandma Li rubbed Zhenzhen’s head. “I know you have a good relationship with your brothers and that you see them as family, so you don’t want them to suffer or struggle. But they have to live their own lives. They need to learn how to provide for their families and raise their children. Hardship and exhaustion aren’t scary—as long as a family works hard together, good days will come sooner or later.”

“I got it, Grandma.” Zhenzhen wrapped her arms around Grandma Li’s neck and gave her a big kiss on the cheek. “Grandma, you’re amazing. In our Li family, you’re the wisest one.”

“You sure know how to sweet-talk.” Grandma Li kissed Zhenzhen’s soft little face, then picked up the basin full of frozen pears and handed it to Wang Sufen. “Take this upstairs, wipe down the kang with a cloth, and let’s see what Zhenzhen packed in this big bundle.”

Wang Sufen responded right away and quickly tidied up, bringing over the large bundle. Zhenzhen knelt on the kang and untied the two crossed knots, causing the contents to spill out.

Grandma Li picked up a bright red towel blanket from the top and shook it open, her face lighting up with joy. “This color is so vibrant, and it feels so soft. Our supply and marketing cooperative doesn’t have towel blankets this nice.”

Wang Sufen also examined it carefully. “Exactly! I saw some once in the summer—only three of them—and they were much thinner and stiffer than this. I even admired them for a long time, but they were too expensive, so I couldn’t bring myself to buy one.”

Hearing this, Zhenzhen felt a bit regretful. If she had known, she would have gotten a few more—one for Grandma and one for Mom. But now, if she went to get more, she’d definitely be scolded. She looked at the towel blanket in her hands and stuffed them into Grandma Li’s and Wang Sufen’s arms. “Then I won’t give this one to my brother. Grandma and Mom, one for each of you.”

Wang Sufen’s eyes crinkled with happiness. “My precious girl always thinks of Grandma and Mom. We didn’t dote on you for nothing.”

Grandma Li nodded in agreement. “That’s right. My precious girl is so thoughtful. But Grandma can’t use such a bright red blanket—better save it for yourself and use it when you get married.”

Zhenzhen’s face went blank, and she opened her mouth to show her little missing tooth. “Grandma, isn’t it a bit early for that?”

Grandma Li reached out and gently closed Zhenzhen’s mouth. “Not early at all. I’ve been thinking about your marriage since the day you were born.”

Zhenzhen looked at Grandma Li, both amused and exasperated. “If you weren’t always the nicest to me, I’d think you disliked me.”

Wang Sufen laughed and put the towel blanket back. “I don’t need it either. I already have a daughter-in-law—why would I use a bright red blanket? People would laugh at me.” Noticing Zhenzhen’s slight disappointment, she quickly added, “I like pink. When you start working in the future, buy me a pink one.”

Zhenzhen immediately brightened up and nodded. “That works! I’ll buy one for everyone in the family. And I’ll get Mom some leather shoes, a pretty dress, and some lipstick.”

Wang Sufen was startled. “That won’t do! If someone catches me, it’d be a big problem. That’s a decadent bourgeois lifestyle—you could get paraded through the streets for that.”

Zhenzhen blinked mischievously. “By then, life won’t be like this anymore. I bet people will be able to buy whatever they want. You could buy two sesame flatbreads, eat one, and throw the other away. You’d eat so much meat that you’d get sick of it and crave fresh wild greens instead. Steamed buns and dumplings would lose their appeal, and you’d only want thick cornbread and oatcakes because they’re chewier.”

Wang Sufen laughed so hard she nearly fell over. “That kind of life sounds like something out of a fairy tale!”

Grandma Li also chuckled non-stop. “What kind of silly fairy would only eat coarse grains and skip the good food?”

Zhenzhen just grinned without explaining further. She pulled out a piece of dark red patterned fabric and showed it to Grandma Li. “Right now, it’s trendy to wear green military uniforms for weddings, but I think weddings should be festive. Grandma, ask my brother and Sister Xiaoxi what they think. If they’re okay with wearing red, we can use this fabric for their outfits. If they prefer military uniforms, just give them this fabric in private. As long as we show our good intentions, that’s enough.”

Wang Sufen pinched Zhenzhen’s little face and clicked her tongue. “I don’t know how your brain works, but you sure think things through better than me.”

Zhenzhen immediately flattered her. “That’s because Grandma taught me well.” She smiled and pulled out some woolen fabric from the bottom. “Grandma, look how nice this material is. How about making coats for you, Dad, and Mom? It’ll look great in the spring.”

Grandma Li felt the fabric and admired it, holding it up against Zhenzhen. “I’m too old for a fancy coat like this—it’d be a waste. Let’s make you an outfit instead. You can wear it to school.”

“I don’t want it.” Zhenzhen wrinkled her little nose. “I think this color looks too old-fashioned. Besides, the light blue coat that my Eldest Uncle sent me in the fall—I’ve barely worn it.”

Speaking of Li Muwen, Zhenzhen couldn’t help but ask Grandma Li, “Grandma, where did Eldest Uncle send my coat from? That kind of thick wool coat isn’t available in Fusheng Province. It’s too hot there—people wouldn’t wear something like that all year round.”

Grandma Li shook her head. “I don’t know either. There was no return address, and the postmark was stamped after it arrived in Bingcheng. Soldiers have rules—we shouldn’t pry into things we’re not supposed to know.”

Zhenzhen looked a little disappointed. “Sigh, I wonder what they’re all busy with. Eldest Uncle hasn’t come home in years, and my Second Brother—I don’t even know if he’ll be back for the New Year.”

Grandma Li silently reached for her tobacco pipe and let out a sigh. “There’s nothing we can do about it. The country needs them. We just have to make sure we don’t hold them back.”

Wang Sufen glanced at Grandma Li and then at Zhenzhen. Lowering her voice, she said, “Last time, when those two Liberation Army officers came to take Mingxi, they left an address for letters. How about we try writing to them? We can mention that Mingnan is getting married next year and see if the military can give Mingxi a few days off.”

Grandma Li hesitated for a moment before nodding. “Write a letter then. Later, Zhenzhen can write it. No need to mention asking for leave—just talk about Mingnan’s wedding and Mingbei’s reassignment. If they can give him leave, they’ll let him come back without us asking. If he really can’t leave, we shouldn’t make it difficult for him by requesting leave.”

Zhenzhen gave Grandma Li a thumbs-up. “Grandma, you’re right.” She quickly put on her shoes and sat at the table. Taking advantage of the daylight, she hurried to finish writing the letter and then read it aloud to Grandma Li. “Since there’s still light, I’ll go mail the letter now.”

Grandma Li nodded and took out a dime from her pocket, handing it to Zhenzhen. “Buy stamps and an envelope, and use the rest to get yourself some candy.”

Zhenzhen immediately covered her mouth, looking horrified. “I’d like to keep a few more teeth, thank you very much.”