The golden afternoon sunlight spilled lazily across the quiet town, stretching long shadows over tiled roofs and cobblestone alleys. The air carried a crisp coolness unique to winter, but the warmth of the sun softened it, making the streets feel calm and pleasant.
The winter sun hung lazily in the sky, casting a soft golden glow over the bustling marketplace. Jia Lan wandered slowly with her basket looped over one arm, her steps unhurried. The chatter of hawkers, the clinking of scales, and the aroma of roasted chestnuts filled the air. She paused here and there, admiring the bright fabrics fluttering in the breeze or the fresh vegetables piled neatly in bamboo baskets.
Jia Lan walked leisurely through the marketplace, her wicker basket hanging from her arm. The basket swayed lightly with each step as she strolled past rows of stalls. Housewives haggled over winter greens, children tugged at their mothers for sweet pastries, and shopkeepers called out with cheerful persistence.
She wasn't in a rush. With her winter vacation ending in just three days, she let herself wander, soaking in the lively chatter, the smell of roasted chestnuts drifting from a corner stall, and the simple warmth of an ordinary day.
After half an hour of leisurely roaming, she finally decided it was time to head home. The afternoon light made everything seem gentler, as though the whole town was wrapped in a soft haze of peace. Before she reached the courtyard gate, Jia Lan slowed her steps, casting a quick glance around.On the quiet road leading back, Jia Lan glanced around. With a faint smile, she transferred rice from her planting space warehouse into her basket thirty, perhaps thirty-five kilograms of fine white grains, enough to make her arms ache under the weight. On top, she carefully added several apples and pears, their skin glowing red and pale yellow under the sun.
The wicker handle immediately grew heavy in her grip, but her posture remained graceful as she adjusted her hold. A faint satisfaction warmed her chest. The harvest she had been saving up was finally starting to move into the house.
Inside the courtyard, only her mother and grandmother were at home.
By the time she pushed open the courtyard gate, her mother and grandmother were already waiting.
"Lan Lan, what did you buy that weighs so much?" her mother, Madam Jia, frowned as she wiped her hands on her apron.
Her grandmother clucked her tongue, "Girls shouldn't carry such heavy things. Let me help."
"Lan Lan, give it here, it looks heavy!" Mother Jia quickly stepped forward, while Grandmother Jia reached for the other side. Between the three of them, the basket was carried into the kitchen.
Together, they carried the basket into the kitchen. Jia Lan set it down with a light sigh of relief.
The moment they placed it down and lifted the cloth cover, their eyes lit up.
"This…" her grandmother's eyes widened. She pinched a grain of rice between her fingers, holding it up to the light. "Look at this! Such clean, full grains. Better than anything sold in the market.
"This Rice!" Grandmother Jia's voice carried a hint of joy. She picked up a handful and let the grains slip through her fingers. "So white, so plump, the texture is excellent. This will cook into fragrant porridge."
Mother Jia nodded in agreement, smoothing her sleeve. "It's rare to see rice of this quality even in the market. This year's harvest must have been truly abundant."
Jia Lan smiled faintly, pretending not to notice their quiet amazement. "We'll eat well this winter, won't we?"
Her grandmother chuckled, patting her hand. "With rice like this, even a plain bowl of congee feels like a feast."
Madam Jia's lips curved in relief. "Good child. Rice of this quality is precious. It will be perfect for your father and brothers when they come home."
On the side, the apples and pears were washed and cut into neat slices, their crisp fragrance filling the kitchen. Mother Jia set a small plate before Jia Lan. "Here, Lan Lan, eat some fruit while we talk. Fresh sweetness will brighten your cheeks."
"Thank you, Mother." Jia Lan accepted with a grin, biting into a slice of apple. The crunch was crisp and refreshing, the juice spreading coolness across her tongue.
The three of them sat together, nibbling on fruit and chatting about little things—the weather, the neighbors, the coming spring festival, and how quickly her winter holidays had passed.
"Only three days left before you head back to the capital," Mother Jia sighed softly, brushing Jia Lan's hair from her shoulder. "Time flies."
Grandmother Jia, however, smiled. "At least she has brought back rice and fruits to keep us company while she's gone. We'll taste a bit of Lan Lan's thoughtfulness every day."
Jia Lan rested her chin in her palm, a contented warmth filling her chest. For now, she didn't need riches or splendor the sight of her grandmother's gentle smile, her mother's busy hands, and the fragrance of rice and fruit in the kitchen was enough to make her heart swell with quiet happiness.
She knew she'd transfer the rest of her harvest in two days, just before leaving. But for now, she simply wanted to sit in the winter sun, eat her apple slices, and soak in the comfort of home.
They spoke of neighbors who had recently bought new chickens, of an upcoming wedding in the village, and of her little cousin's mischief. None of it was grand or remarkable, but to Jia Lan, it felt grounding, real, and warm.
Her gaze fell on the basket of rice resting quietly by the stove. She knew that in two days, she would transfer the rest of her stored harvest before leaving for the capital. A quiet sense of contentment settled over her like she was preparing not just food for the family, but comfort and security for their days ahead.
Outside, the winter sun slanted lower, filling the courtyard with a soft golden glow. And inside, laughter and conversation mingled with the faint scent of rice and citrus, weaving another ordinary, perfect memory.