The dishwashing job paid little and was mind-numbingly dull. From morning till night, thousands of plates passed through my hands. A thin trickle of water ran from the hose beside me. I sat there, day after day.
Four years ago, I would have never imagined enduring such monotony. But now? I barely noticed it. Prison had worn me down, smoothed out my edges.
After twenty-some days, I received my first month's wages—just 400 yuan. I went to the market and bought two Sanhuang chickens and a box of tea. Feeling it wasn't enough, I added two pounds of nuts and several bags of White Rabbit candies before heading to Li Fang's house for the second time.
At the foot of her building, I spotted a cart selling oranges and bought two more pounds, finally satisfied with the weight in my hands.
Climbing the stairs, I worried about ruining her father's appetite again, so I resolved to leave right after delivering the gifts.
Li Fang greeted me at the door with a bright smile.
*"Why did you buy so much?"*
I just grinned. *"The chickens and tea are for your parents. The White Rabbit candies are for you—I know you like them."*
*"Come in, give those to me."*
*"I'll carry them. These chickens are alive—they might scratch you."*
She took the bags from my right hand, arranging them on the coffee table, then carried the two chickens to the kitchen. Soon, I heard her chatting with her mother.
*"Oh, two chickens?"*
*"Yes, hens."*
*"Will they lay eggs?"*
*"Maybe. We'll keep them for now. If they don't lay by New Year's, we'll make soup."*
*"Good. Leave them in the kitchen—the balcony's too cold, they'll freeze."*
Listening to them, I sensed her mother's mood wasn't as harsh as before. Still, this was only my second visit. I didn't dare overstay, afraid her father might retreat to his room again.
*"Uncle, I should go,"* I said.
Her father frowned, studying me. *"Leaving already?"*
I forced a smile. *"Yeah… just brought some things over… didn't want to disturb you. I'll head out."*
I turned and closed the door behind me.
On the second-floor landing, I heard Li Fang's footsteps rushing after me.
*"Wait!"*
I stopped.
She reached me, holding a red plastic bag with knitting needles poking out. From it, she pulled out a pair of gloves and told me to hold out my hands.
At first, I offered my palms.
*"No, like this,"* she said, gesturing for me to extend them vertically.
As she slid the gloves onto my hands, she scolded gently, *"It's freezing, and you're washing dishes in cold water. Don't just wear rubber gloves—put these wool ones underneath. And I'm knitting you a scarf too, but it's not finished yet."*
My vision blurred instantly.
A woman this good—I'd never find another like her.
The past weeks had been too much. My face twisted, and before I knew it, I was crying.
Li Fang stood one step above me, just tall enough to pull me into her arms. She held me like a child, murmuring, *"Shh, you're doing fine. You didn't see—Mom was actually pleased today. And Dad didn't stop me from coming after you. They're giving you a chance."*
That only made it worse. I sobbed into her shoulder.
*"Oh, come on,"* she whispered, patting my back.
I didn't care anymore—I just needed to cry it out. We didn't even notice we were still in the stairwell until a neighbor returning with groceries edged past us with an amused *"Oh my."*
Li Fang flushed. *"A-Cheng, enough. We look ridiculous."*
When I finally calmed down, I straightened up. *"I'll… come back next time."*
*"Good. But don't bring so much. Just you is enough."*
I nodded and walked downstairs, out of the alley.
This time, the way home felt brighter.
And my hands?
They didn't feel cold at all.