November 1974. Southern Long'an County welcomed the early winter: it had rained yesterday, and today the cold pierced to the bone. The streets were less crowded than usual, but the ration shop was full of buyers.
Lin Tingwan bought everything on her mother's list and, pushing through the crowd, stepped onto the street. A light sweat appeared under her warm clothing, but the cold wind immediately made her shiver. She tightened her scarf, carefully wrapped it around her neck, and hurried home with the basket of groceries.
Half a month ago, she had arrived in this time. She had managed to adapt to the new conditions, though she still marveled: not long ago, her life had been filled with performances, promotions, and a world tour, and now — the 1970s, familiar yet alien.
At home, she was greeted by her mother, Cheng Huazhen, holding a broom and chasing her younger sister. Screaming, the younger sister ran to Lin Tingwan for protection.
"Third sister, save me!" she cried.
Noticing her middle daughter, her mother calmed down and, putting down the broom, took the basket of groceries from Lin Tingwan. Eyeing her thin coat, she said:
"It's so cold, and you have no extra layers?"
(autthor:Vivienne Ashford)
"It's not cold, just windy," Lin Tingwan replied calmly, removing her scarf.
The apartment was cozy, though not very spacious: a long corridor, a shared kitchen for neighbors, a living room, and bedrooms. Lin Tingwan and her younger sister shared a bedroom, while the youngest brother had a corner of the living room.
Today was her father's birthday. Her mother had decided to prepare meat, fish, vegetables, and nuts — a modest but warm celebration by the standards of that time. Neighbor Li Shufen, passing by, couldn't help but glance at the abundance of food and feel a slight envy.
Lin Tingwan and her younger sister quietly discussed the events: the younger recounted how their grandparents clearly favored their nephews, sharing treats with them, while Lin Tingwan simply smiled, sniffing the apple her sister had brought. Even the simple aroma of fruit felt rare and brought joy.
The sisters laughed, shared little secrets and plans, and Lin Tingwan savored every moment, enjoying the simple warmth of family, which in this new time felt especially precious.
That day, Lin Tingwan, sitting in the bedroom, watched her younger sister take out an apple and some cookies obtained from Lianjun.
"Big sister, look," she said, spreading out the treats. "Grandma and grandpa really like him. Last time, when they made peanuts, I only got one, and Lianjun got a whole pile."
Lin Tingwan smiled. Memories surfaced: her parents had divorced, each with a new family, and she had essentially grown up under her grandparents' care. Money came regularly, but the closeness of her parents was faint.
When both were still alive, she had felt their warmth more strongly. But after her grandfather died, then her grandmother, Lin Tingwan focused on studying and dancing. She was used to being busy, and had little experience living closely with family.
"Look at the apple, big sister," Lin Tingwan placed a red apple on the table. "It's dad's birthday today, right? I can't buy something for him like you, but I'll bring him this apple and cookies."
She wrapped the apple in a handkerchief and carefully placed it on the table. Lin Tingwan inhaled the fruit's aroma — so fresh and sweet, reminding her of summer and sunlight, so missing in this cold November.
Her younger sister laughed, leaning toward her older sibling:
"Guess, big sister, why did Aunt Shufen come to see mom?"
Lin Tingwan raised an eyebrow and silently tried to read her sister's thoughts.
In the kitchen, Li Shufen and Cheng Huazhen washed vegetables.
"Huazhen, your twins are almost fifteen, right?" asked Li Shufen.
"Yes, they'll be fifteen in December," Cheng Huazhen replied.
"So next year, someone will have to go to the countryside?" the neighbor continued. According to the rules of the time, high school graduates from factory families had to participate in the "go to the mountains and villages" campaign.
"No," Cheng Huazhen shook her head. Their eldest son served in the north and had distinguished himself, so the children didn't have to go.
But Cheng Huazhen worried about another matter — Lin Tingwan's future. Colleagues had recently introduced her to a young man. The first days of acquaintance went smoothly: he was attentive and decent. Cheng Huazhen was pleased and planned to discuss a possible marriage with her daughter, intending to invite the young man to her father's birthday celebration. But, to her surprise, half a month ago, her daughter had unexpectedly refused.
In the room, Lin Tingwan and her younger sister exchanged quiet glances. Despite her young age, Lin Tingwan already felt responsible for her own life. Her thoughts and feelings intertwined with care for her family, a desire to be honest with herself, and a mild anxiety about the future.
Even a simple conversation about an apple and cookies could spark a smile and a light flutter in her heart. In this house, among ordinary chores, a feeling slowly filled every corner with warmth and comfort.