5 The Scoundrel Chicken Seller of the Early 2000s (5)

Inside the old tile-roofed house of the Gu family.

The two children had already bathed and were in bed. They had napped too late in the afternoon, so now they were full of energy.

There was no television at home, so they could only play and make noise in bed by themselves.

Lin Juan had finally quieted them down. She glanced at the clock—it was almost ten o’clock, and Gu Chen still hadn’t returned.

Of course, he wouldn’t come back this early.

He’d probably be out until midnight again.

If he came in late and woke the children, she’d have a headache once more.

Lin Juan thought about how the children had rejected Gu Chen today, saying they didn’t like him and didn’t want him around.

If he kept going out drinking and bragging every day and not coming home, how could the kids possibly like him?

“Mom, I’m sleepy,” Xiao Zijia said, looking at Lin Juan.

“Mommy’s going to turn off the light.” Lin Juan tucked the two children under the covers. Just as she was about to turn off the lights and go back, she heard the sound of a motorcycle.

Her face brightened with surprise, and her heart even quickened.

The motorcycle sound drew closer, then slowly faded away.

Lin Juan’s expression dimmed; it was only passing by their home. She leaned on the bed frame and slowly walked back, pulling the covers over herself.

“Sleepy time,” little Yanyan hugged her white rabbit and said to Lin Juan, “Let’s not open the door for Dad. Don’t let him come in.”

Lin Juan didn’t respond. She felt a heavy weight inside—tonight, she still didn’t know if Gu Chen would come home.

What was so good outside that kept him away every day?

“Rumble rumble rumble—” Another motorcycle sound. Lin Juan no longer expected anything and was indifferent, her mind wandering as she thought about how to soothe the two children.

Not long after, Gu Chen’s low voice came through the window: “Are you all asleep?”

Lin Juan was stunned and immediately sat up.

“Sleeping!” Yanyan sat up and shouted out the window, “I’m already asleep!”

She still remembered how this bad dad had made her cry and didn’t want to open the door for him—he should be kept outside.

“Oh,” Gu Chen replied, “Then my wife must not be asleep, right? I bought some delicious late-night snacks for her. I’ll just let her eat them alone.”

Yanyan didn’t know what late-night snacks were, but she knew they were tasty, and she immediately hesitated.

“He wouldn’t bring us anything to eat. He’s lying!” Xiao Zijia spoke firmly.

“Big liar!” Yanyan stood up, putting her little hands on her hips, pouted cutely, and shouted at the dark window, “You’re a big liar! I don’t believe you. You don’t have any tasty food!”

“I really brought it. Open the door and see.” Gu Chen coaxed gently and shook the bag, “There’s roast duck with vermicelli soup, barbecue, little chicken legs, very fragrant. Use your little nose to smell it—”

Yanyan was easier to fool. Hearing his voice, she actually got up, walked to the foot of the bed, and sniffed with her little nose. But since she had cried so much today, her nose was a bit blocked. She couldn’t smell anything and angrily said, “There’s no chicken leg! You’re lying!”

Lin Juan felt helpless. After coaxing the two children a little more, she got up to open the door for Gu Chen.

As she reached the door, she thought maybe her nose was off because she really smelled the fragrance.

“Click—”

Gu Chen pushed the door open and came in. He turned on the light, lifted the bag in his hand, and looked at the two little bundles in bed: “I’m not lying. Come see if it’s tasty and if there are chicken legs.”

*

Inside the cramped, narrow old house, the curtains drawn and the door closed, the space was already confined.

Once Gu Chen entered, the aroma from the bag instantly filled the entire room. Even Yanyan, with her stuffy nose, could smell it, not to mention anyone else.

Yanyan swallowed hard and leaned close to Xiao Zijia’s ear. She raised her little hand to cover her mouth and whispered loudly enough for everyone to hear: “Brother, he really seems to have tasty food. It smells so good—”

Lin Juan saw the deeper smile in Gu Chen’s eyes and felt a little shy.

Her daughter was simply adorably naive.

Gu Chen set the bag down on the table, and Lin Juan quickly came over. “Put some paper underneath, or it’ll leak.”

She fetched some paper and placed it below. Gu Chen opened the bag and took out the packed chicken legs first, looking at the two children. “Come eat chicken legs quickly. They won’t taste good once they get cold.”

Inside the transparent bag were tempting chicken legs that looked delicious.

Yanyan swallowed hard again, about to reach for one, but seeing her brother not move, she hugged her white rabbit and stood on the bed, glancing between the chicken legs and her brother.

Xiao Zijia remained unmoved.

Gu Chen looked at his son. Next year he would start first grade. Being clever from a young age, he wasn’t easily fooled. One chicken leg wouldn’t sway him.

If not for their poverty and Lin Juan working so hard, Gu Zijia would definitely be a good student.

“Mom will take you to wash your hands first.” Lin Juan knew the children held resentment toward Gu Chen and didn’t want to miss any chance to improve their relationship. She picked up both children and took them outside.

When they returned, both had washed their hands.

Gu Chen took out the dinner from the bag—one bowl of roast duck vermicelli soup, some barbecue, and three little chicken legs.

Lin Juan blew on the chicken legs; seeing they were no longer hot, she gave one to each child.

Yanyan held her chicken leg happily, swallowing hard. Lin Juan brought over two small stools for them to sit. “Your hands are greasy. Don’t touch the bed. After you finish eating, Mommy will take you to wash your hands.”

“Okay.” Yanyan nodded, opened her mouth wide, and took a big bite. Overcome by the aroma, her little eyes narrowed into slits, and her smile bloomed like a flower.

The chicken legs were marinated, naturally flavorful.

Lin Juan usually wouldn’t do this because money was tight and had to be spent wisely. She never bought snacks for them or splurged on chicken legs just to satisfy cravings.

As the older brother, Xiao Zijia was not as excited as his sister. He took the chicken leg from his mother’s hand and quietly observed Gu Chen, refusing to give in.

Gu Chen hadn’t spoken since they washed up, instead going to wash his face with a towel.

*

“Eat quickly. It won’t taste good once it cools.” Lin Juan urged her son.

Seeing Gu Chen wasn’t around, Xiao Zijia slowly lowered his head and took a bite, chewing.

Yanyan saw Dad had gone out, looked at her brother, and took another bite of chicken leg, beaming, “Such delicious chicken legs, brother—”

“...Hmm.” Xiao Zijia answered with a hint of pride.

Gu Chen returned and went straight to bed. Lin Juan looked at him: “Aren’t you eating? There’s still a chicken leg.”

“I bought it for you. I’m full. I can’t eat,” Gu Chen said, then added, “Don’t let them eat too much barbecue. You eat more.”

Lin Juan looked at the barbecue on the table—chicken cutlet, eggplant, vegetables, bean sprouts, fried fish balls—her old favorites. The roast duck vermicelli was also something she liked.

She felt somewhat dazed. After becoming a mother, she thought these foods unhealthy and less economical compared to homemade meals. But back when they were dating, Gu Chen would occasionally take her out for a meal.

After marriage and children, with tight finances, Lin Juan never went out for breakfast, dinner, or barbecue—not once.

She said it was for the kids’ health, but finances were a big part.

Lin Juan opened the vermicelli soup, seeing roast duck pieces and duck blood slices atop the noodles. She looked at Gu Chen. “Do you still have money?”

Gu Chen didn’t earn money, but the motorcycle needed fuel, so she gave him money monthly for gas.

This dinner must have cost quite a bit; he probably used fuel money to buy it.

“It wasn’t me who bought it.” Gu Chen lied to ease her worry. “I was negotiating a business deal today and closed a big one. My middle school friend Li Dahai knows a wealthy heir who wants to buy poultry. I’m the intermediary. If it goes through, I might get a bonus. They asked me to bring some food back for my wife and kids.”

Gu Chen really used the little money left. Now prices were low; barbecue was cheap, and vegetables cost a mere yuan for five skewers. Compared to before, it was like heavenly prices.

The total wasn’t much.

“A big deal?” Lin Juan immediately suspected, “Do we have to front the money? Don’t get scammed.”

“What could they scam me for? They’re wealthy outsiders. I’m just running errands. If I don’t get paid, I at least get a free meal. If it works out—” Gu Chen paused, a smile tugging at his lips, “If they give me a bonus, I’ll give the money to you and the kids.”

Lin Juan thought the chance of success was slim, but hearing Gu Chen say that stirred her heart. Even if he didn’t earn, he still thought of her and the children.

“Don’t get your hopes up. Just do your best,” she cautioned him.

“I know. We’re all brothers. Just helping out. If they don’t pay, it’s fine,” Gu Chen said.

Lin Juan felt reassured.

Gu Chen lay in bed playing on his phone while Lin Juan and the kids ate dinner.

She fed the kids vermicelli and roast duck. Neither had ever tasted roast duck. Yanyan’s eyes lit up as she ate. “Mom, it’s delicious!”

“Tasty, right?” Lin Juan smiled and fed her son.

Though silent, Xiao Zijia ate whatever Lin Juan offered, clearly enjoying it.

Lin Juan fed Yanyan a piece of grilled cabbage. She bit down crisply—“crunch crunch”—and chewed the whole leaf. Standing on tiptoe, she looked at the barbecue box and mumbled to Xiao Zijia, “Brother, this is really good. Try it.”

The two little ones had never eaten barbecue before. Lin Juan didn’t stop them, feeding them whatever they wanted.

They huddled around Lin Juan, gnawing on chicken legs, eating roast duck and vermicelli, and savoring salty, savory barbecue. They were utterly happy.

Yanyan chattered nonstop: “Mom, what’s this?” “What’s that?” “Give some to brother...”

Gu Chen on the bed was completely forgotten. He wisely said nothing, listening to the family’s chatter, a smile touching his brows.

*

“Cock-a-doodle-doo—”

A pale light appeared in the east. Before dawn, the roosters crowed throughout the village.

Lin Juan rose in the dark, covered the children with blankets, and then slowly got up.

On school days, she always woke before five. Having slept late last night, she woke at five but had to hurry.

In the kitchen, she turned on the light and began preparing.

Soaking noodles, cooking, washing vegetables, kneading dough—

Once the ingredients were ready, she heated oil and tossed in the noodles, stirring.

The aroma quickly filled the kitchen. Lin Juan carefully adjusted the heat, knowing that too high a flame would burn the food, too low would leave it flavorless.

Just as she finished stir-frying the first batch, she heard movement outside. Gu Chen had woken and yawned, heading to wash his face with his toothbrush.

“Why did you wake so early?” Lin Juan asked during a break.

“I have to help Li Dahai’s friend gather information. I’ll probably visit many poultry farms, so I need to start early. They’re waiting for my news.”

After washing, Lin Juan called him back and set aside a bowl of fried noodles and a fried egg for him.

Gu Chen sat in the kitchen eating quickly, occasionally chatting with Lin Juan.

He finished in a flash.

Lin Juan brought over the kneaded dough with chopped scallions and began mixing.

As she bent to lift the bowl, Gu Chen stepped forward. “I’ll do it.”

He lifted it effortlessly.

While frying the noodle cakes, Gu Chen ate half a bowl more of fried noodles.

Since they were for elementary students, the cakes had to be palm-sized. She gave him the first two.

He ate quickly, blowing softly because it was hot.

“Be careful,” Lin Juan chuckled.

The once quiet kitchen, bustling only with Lin Juan, now echoed with the voices of two people.

As dawn brightened and the sun rose, Lin Juan realized she was running late and had to send Gu Chen to wake the children.

*

“Quick, or it’ll be too late,” Lin Juan urged. She still had to rush to sell breakfast; if too late, she wouldn’t finish selling.

Gu Chen went inside to call the two children.

They had eaten well yesterday and slept late, so they were reluctant to get up.

Seeing it wasn’t Mom, they didn’t want to respond.

“You’ll be late for school.” Gu Chen scooped up one child, then the other, carrying them outside.

Originally drowsy, the children gradually opened their eyes outside. Seeing that it was Dad holding them, they instantly woke up and flailed like silly fish in his arms.

“Put me down—”

“Ahhh—”

The little bundles yelled loudly, squirming and writhing so much Gu Chen feared they’d bounce out. He tightened his grip.

“Mommy, Mommy—”

“Help—”

Their shouts and struggles made it seem like they were being abused.

Lin Juan hurried out, alarmed by the noise.

Gu Chen gently set the children down, and they darted away like little puppies.

Lin Juan watched the scene, both amused and exasperated. Checking the time, she said, “Jiajia, take your sister to brush teeth. Mommy’s running late.”

Knowing how busy Mom was in the morning, they stopped fussing and obediently held hands to brush and wash.

They could dress themselves and carry their backpacks.

Gu Chen watched, a ripple stirring in his heart.

They were still so young but, indeed, more sensible than most kids. Before she died, Lin Juan had begged him to be kinder to the children—her last thoughts were filled with worry and reluctance toward them.

These two children truly were blessings.

Xiao Zijia finished putting on his shoes and even crouched down to help his sister.

Lin Juan prepared fried noodles, fried rice noodles, and fried pancake separately in pots—quite heavy in weight.

Time ticked away, and she grew anxious, speeding up her movements.

The Gu family village was two kilometers from the town elementary school. Every morning she had to bring breakfast to sell, pedaling a tricycle with the children.

Lin Juan pushed the tricycle out, and the two children were about to get on.

Gu Chen carried the breakfast pots out, tied them to his motorcycle, and said, “Come on, get on my bike. I’ll take you there. Riding your bike would take too long. There’s no time.”

He looked at Xiao Zijia. “Come here, I’ll take you.”

Naturally, the two little ones were reluctant.

They preferred to ride the tricycle with Mom rather than Dad’s cool motorcycle.

But seeing their worried mother, Xiao Zijia frowned. Riding the bike would make Mom’s work harder. If Dad helped, Mom wouldn’t be so tired.

Xiao Zijia stood up, took Yanyan’s hand, and walked over to the motorcycle.

Gu Chen reached out, and Xiao Zijia was lifted onto the bike, sitting in front, pressed close against his father.

His face was full of awkwardness; his small lips pressed tight in silence.

Lin Juan couldn’t refuse. She had to ride the tricycle alone with the kids and the breakfast, facing a hill on the way. There really wasn’t enough time.

Being late meant unsold food, which was a loss.

“Wait, I’ll get some things.” Lin Juan packed what she needed, locked the windows and door, then lifted her little daughter onto the back seat, saying, “Hold Dad tight.”

Yanyan, at her age, was sitting on Dad’s motorcycle for the first time. Naturally scared, she stretched out her little hands and hugged Gu Chen’s waist tightly, her chubby cheek pressed against his back.

Before setting off, Lin Juan got off to fetch something. Yanyan was scared and started to make a sound, but Gu Chen reached out and wrapped his hand around her.

Her voice stopped abruptly, and she hugged Dad even tighter. A strong sense of safety washed over her.

This feeling was different from being with Mom. Dad’s hand was warm.

“Let’s go.” Lin Juan got on the bike.

Gu Chen started the motorcycle. With a “vroom vroom” the exhaust emitted thick smoke as the black Jialing bike moved forward.

The two little ones were scared, but with Mom and Dad on board, they felt safe.

Especially Yanyan, protected by her parents, smiling happily as the bike sped along.

Xiao Zijia was more interested in the cool motorcycle. He was a bit uneasy at first because sitting in front gave him a clearer view. His little head turned left and right.

Along the way, they passed some grandparents on bicycles taking their grandchildren to school. Xiao Zijia peeked out happily.

The village children all said their dad never let them ride motorcycles.

Hmph!

But now he was riding Dad’s motorcycle to school!

Early in the morning, they met many villagers—some going to the fields, some sending kids to school, some heading to town to buy groceries.

Seeing Gu Chen riding the motorcycle with Lin Juan and the children, many were surprised and whispered:

“Is the sun rising from the west today? Gu Chen usually ignores them all.”

“Yeah, and he’s up so early. That’s rare.”

“You don’t know, Lin Juan’s breakfast business does pretty well. Gu Chen must want money and is following her to collect it. It’s useless for Lin Juan to be pretty if she can’t think straight. She deserves a hard life.”

...