Niang is still a softie when it comes to me.
“Was Papa all right?” I ask.
“Papa has been quiet. He must have thought he was too harsh on you.”
I feel the guilt of making my parents worry about me. But I am pleased on how I got the agreement from Zhao Yan to help me.
When we arrive home, Niang and Papa treat me like a long lost daughter. Papa even asks Jinu to show me around next day to prevent me from get lost again. But he warns me only around the neighborhood and no further.
Jinu told them about Zhao Yan. Papa and Niang were a bit stiff at first with his Xiongnu identity. After find out how he has helped me and how he has been forthright and kind towards Jinu, they agree on Jinu meeting him again.
“Be careful though.” Papa says. “Xiongnu don’t believe in honesty.”
“Jinu.” I say it as casually as I possibly can. “Why don’t you ask your friend Zhao Yan if he can find milk, cream or butter? I am thinking about some recipes might need them. And don’t forget to ask if he knows any stores with unusual spices, plants or seeds. You know something unique. “
Then I announce to my family that I will start experimenting things again, just like when we were in village. I tell them I got a lot of ideas today walking around the Market Place.
Niang supports me right away. Papa only tells me to let him know if I need to use money. I want to tell him I need freedom more than money. But that have to wait until Zhao Yan smoothes out the relationship with my family.
When Zhao Yan finally gets the permission to see me at the rear court, another month has passed.
He and my brother has become fast friends, even my parents have met him many times. In fact, I hear them talking about him every day: he has found them a better supplier for our bamboo containers; he has helped them hire more workers; or he has introduced some restaurants who are more than willing to buy eggs and fish from our farm. His connection in the business circle have been a big help to our family business, especially my family has just relocated to Chang’an and doesn’t know too many people.
Papa is no longer hostile towards him. As for Niang, once she found out Zhao Yan, just like Ponu, is with mixed blood, she treats him like a family member.
“Xiaonu, care to have some milk?”
I see Zhao Yan standing at the threshold to the rear court.
I can’t help my smile seeing him again. I have been waiting for him patiently to be able to meet me freely.
“Silly girl.” He taunts me with a big smile too. “They are too busy at the store. So they ask me to bring you the milk.”
He walks in leisurely as if this is his own house.
“Have you really brought me some milk?” I ask him. I haven’t had any milk since I mysteriously landed in this world.
“Of course.” He stops in front of me and raises up a bronze jar in his hand. “Have I ever lied to you?”
I cross my hands in front of me. “Thank you, thank you, and thank you. I am so craving for some milk.”
He laughs quietly and gently touch my head with his other hand. “Poor kid. A jar of milk can make you so happy.”
“You don’t understand. I love to drink milk. Not just that, I can also make so many delicious food. Do you want to have some steamed custard?” I ask him eagerly.
He nods and hands me the milk jar. I ask him to beat the eggs while I get the steamer ready.
“You always let me do the hard work.” He complains and I laugh.
I add sugar and milk to the egg liquid.
“Keep beating.” I order him and he complies.
When egg mixture is ready, I carefully remove the bubbles from surface. I pour the mixture into small bowls, cover the bowls with small saucers on top, and put them in the steamer.
“This way, the surface will be very smooth.” I explain to him, who watches me closely while I was working.
“That’s good.” He smiles.
While we are waiting for the steamed custard, I show him the soaps and perfumes I have made. He likes them and tells me he has found a perfect manager to run the shop. I have no objections since I have no clue on how to run a business.
Seeing my reaction, he laughs again. “All right, I won’t bore you anymore. You just need to make sure teach the workers in the shop how to make them and I will take care of the rest.”
I am more than happy to comply. Then I feel it might not be fair for him.
“I can take less profit from this business.” I offer him. “I feel bad you do all the work and take all the financial risk.”
He gives me a long glance. “Remember what I have told you? It is all yours, number thirteen.”
His joke makes me laugh. I lead him to see how I made the soaps.
“Don’t touch them.” I stop him before he puts his hand in a barrel contains wood ash water. Pointing the skeleton sign outside the bucket, I warn him. “Every time when you see a sign like this in my place, it means danger and do not get close.” I then explain acid, alkaline and PH balance to him.
“Anyway, wood ash water is a type of alkaline solution and it hurts skin.” I end there.
“Really?” He looks lost.
“Take some wood ash water back to your shop and soak a small piece of hide in it. Then you will understand what I have said. But remember, do not get any of the liquid on your skin. ”
“What are these for?” He points to the barrels in the yard with large leaves in them.
“To collect rain water. I used them for the wood ash water.”
I realize his curiosity is no less than Doctor Liu. The more I answer his questions, the more questions he has for me. The only way to silence him is to bring out the steamed custard, which turns out to be even better than I remembered. I think it is because of the milk. My mom only buys skim milk, but Zhao Yan has bought me the milk without any processing.
When I present steamed custard to my family, they easily fall in love with it. As always, Jinu and Papa decide to sell it in the store. But they know no supplier for milk.
“I can help on that.” Zhao Yan says. “I have a friend owns a cattle farm outside Chang’an. Actually Jinu has already met him at one of our gatherings. We can pay him a visit tomorrow.”
Then they continue the co“One last thing. “ I tell Zhao Yan while he helps me get on a one-horse carriage he just called for me. “My parents might not be nice to you. They had some really bad history with Xiongnu. Please understand.”
He sneers. “I have figured that part out when you told me the names of your brothers.”
Jinu, the name of my older brother, actually means attacking Xiongnu. Ponu means destroying Xiongnu. And my name Shiaonu, means laughing at Xiongnu.
“Well,” I laugh at his grudge. “At least, I won’t laugh at you. I will laugh with you.”
I made an exaggerated smile with my teeth clenching together.
He cracks up by my comic expression.
“Shiaonu.”
Both Zhao Yan and I turn our heads to the voice. My brother Jinu is darting towards us.
“Where have you been?” he yells at me loudly. “We have been searching for you all over.”
Before I can say anything, he turns to Zhao Yan.
“Who is this? Did he hurt you?” He asks with a very suspicious tone.
“Brother.” I cut in before he becomes hostile towards Zhao Yan. “This is Mr. Zhao, who has actually helped me.”
I quickly explain to Jinu. “I sneaked out of our house, trying to check out our neighborhood. But I got lost. I then walked a long time trying to find the way back. I was thirsty and tired. Mr. Zhao has bought me some tea and he is just about to send me home.”
Jinu doesn’t look like he believes what I said. But Zhao Yan quickly raise his hands together and bow to Jinu. “My name is Zhao Yan. I have a tanning shop in West Market Place. I saw your sister wondering on the street alone. Worrying about her safety, I offered her my help. She hurt her feet walking. I was just going to escort her home.”
Zhao Yan’s frank and polite words works better with Jinu, who bows back sincerely. “Thank you for taking care of my sister. I am Zhao Jinu. My family just opened a small stored called Xiao Xiao Dian Xin. You are very welcome to drop by any time. My parents would also be grateful for what you did.”
Zhao Yan acts as if he is surprised to find out we own Xiao Xiao Dian Xin. “Do you mean the Xiao Xiao Dian Xin?”
I see my brother Jinu stands taller when he takes the subtle yet flattering question. “Yes, that’s our store.”
Zhao Yan immediately greases up further. “For real? I have been coming everyday trying to buy some mooncakes. But they have always been sold out before my turn. Your business is the best among all the stores in both East and West Market Places. Actually the other day, some of my friends were guessing who owns the store. But none of us would have ever guessed such a young and handsome businessman.”
I laugh my heart out internally. Jinu’s face turns red on Zhao Yan’s comment. He bows again towards Zhao Yan.
“Thank you for such kind words. We are new in business and we still have a lot to learn. If you don’t mind giving me your address, I will send some mooncakes and jellos to you personally. And you can come to our store any time without waiting in line.” Then he adds. “I feel like I have seen you before.”
“I feel the same about you, Brother Jinu.” Zhao Yan says. “I feel very fortunate to meet you and Shiaonu today. Why don’t you join me tomorrow at Spring Wind restaurant? I have a regular gathering with a few friends. They have all been in business here for a long time. I am sure they would like to meet the new face in town. And it might be beneficial for you as well.”
By now, Jinu has totally bought in everything Zhao Yan just said. He thanks Zhao Yan again and promises to meet him and his friends in the restaurant the next day.
“Now I remember where I have seen him.” Jinu suddenly exclaims on the way home. “At the bamboo woods near lake in our Village.”
Oops. “When did you see him there?”
“A few days ago. He seemed as if he was looking for something.”
Luckily he did not see Zhao Yan and me together. A few days ago, I had been already locked up by my parents.
“Did Niang and Papa get really mad at me?” I ask Jinu.
“They are not mad. They are freaked out.” Jinu says. “Niang has been crying and blaming Papa to confine you in the house. She said you have been growing up running around our village freely, the city life and the confinement was too much for you.”
Niang is still a softie when it comes to me.
“Was Papa all right?” I ask.
“Papa has been quiet. He must have thought he was too harsh on you.”
I feel the guilt of making my parents worry about me. But I am pleased on how I got the agreement from Zhao Yan to help me.
When we arrive home, Niang and Papa treat me like a long lost daughter. Papa even asks Jinu to show me around next day to prevent me from get lost again. But he warns me only around the neighborhood and no further.
Jinu told them about Zhao Yan. Papa and Niang were a bit stiff first with his Xiongnu identity. After find out how he has helped me and how he has been forthright and kind towards Jinu, they agree on Jinu meeting him again.
“Be careful though.” Papa says. “Xiongnu don’t believe in honesty.”
“Jinu.” I say it as casually as I possibly can. “Why don’t you ask your friend Zhao Yan if he can find milk, cream or butter? I am thinking about some recipes might need them. And don’t forget to ask if he knows any stores with unusual spices, plants or seeds. You know something unique. “
Then I announce to my family that I will start experimenting things again, just like when we were in village. I tell them I got a lot of ideas today walking around the Market Place.
Niang supports me right away. Papa only tells me to let him know if I need to use money. I want to tell him I need freedom more than money. But that have to wait until Zhao Yan smoothes out the relationship with my family.
When Zhao Yan finally gets the permission to see me at the rear court, another month has passed.
He and my brother has become fast friends, even my parents have met him many times. In fact, I hear them talking about him every day: he has found them a better supplier for our bamboo containers; he has helped them hire more workers; or he has introduced some restaurants who are more than willing to buy eggs and fish from our farm. His connection in the business circle have been a big help to our family business, especially my family has just relocated to Chang’an and doesn’t know too many people.
Papa is no longer hostile towards him. As for Niang, once she found out Zhao Yan, just like Ponu, is with mixed blood, she treats him like a family member.
“Xiaonu, care to have some milk?”
I see Zhao Yan standing at the threshold to the rear court.
I can’t help my smile seeing him again. I have been waiting for him patiently to be able to meet me freely.
“Silly girl.” He taunts me with a big smile too. “They are too busy at the store. So they ask me to bring you the milk.”
He walks in leisurely as if this is his own house.
“Have you really brought me some milk?” I ask him. I haven’t had any milk since I mysteriously landed in this world.
“Of course.” He stops in front of me and raises up a bronze jar in his hand. “Have I ever lied to you?”
I cross my hands in front of me. “Thank you, thank you, and thank you. I am so craving for some milk.”
He laughs quietly and gently touch my head with his other hand. “Poor kid. A jar of milk can make you so happy.”
“You don’t understand. I love to drink milk. Not just that, I can also make so many delicious food. Do you want to have some steamed custard?” I ask him eagerly.
He nods and hands me the milk jar. I ask him to beat the eggs while I get the steamer ready.
“You always let me do the hard work.” He complains and I laugh.
I add sugar and milk to the egg liquid.
“Keep beating.” I order him and he complies.
When egg mixture is ready, I carefully remove the bubbles from surface. I pour the mixture into small bowls, cover the bowls with small saucers on top, and put them in the steamer.
“This way, the surface will be very smooth.” I explain to him, who watches me closely while I was working.
“That’s good.” He smiles.
While we are waiting for the steamed custard, I show him the soaps and perfumes I have made. He likes them and tells me he has found a perfect manager to run the shop. I have no objections since I have no clue on how to run a business.
Seeing my reaction, he laughs again. “All right, I won’t bore you anymore. You just need to make sure teach the workers in the shop how to make them and I will take care of the rest.”
I am more than happy to comply. Then I feel it might not be fair for him.
“I can take less profit from this business.” I offer him. “I feel bad you do all the work and take all the financial risk.”
He gives me a long glance. “Remember what I have told you? It is all yours, number thirteen.”
His joke makes me laugh. I lead him to see how I made the soaps.
“Don’t touch them.” I stop him before he puts his hand in a barrel contains wood ash water. Pointing the skeleton sign outside the bucket, I warn him. “Every time when you see a sign like this in my place, it means danger and do not get close.” I then explain acid, alkaline and PH balance to him.
“Anyway, wood ash water is a type of alkaline solution and it hurts skin.” I ends there.
“Really?” He looks lost.
“Take some wood ash water back to your shop and soak a small piece of hide in it. Then you will understand what I have said. But remember, do not get any of the liquid on your skin. ”
“What are these for?” He points to the barrels in the yard with large leaves in them.
&nbs
p; “To collect rain water. I used them for the wood ash water.”
I realize his curiosity is no less than Doctor Liu. The more I answer his questions, the more questions he has for me. The only way to silence him is to bring out the steamed custard, which turns out to be even better than I remembered. I think it is because of the milk. My mom only buys skim milk, but Zhao Yan has bought me the milk without any processing.
When I present steamed custard to my family, they easily fall in love with it. As always, Jinu and Papa decide to sell it in the store. But they know no supplier for milk.
“I can help on that.” Zhao Yan says. “I have a friend owns a cattle farm outside Chang’an. Actually Jinu has already met him at one of our gatherings. We can pay him a visit tomorrow.”
Then they continue the conversation about deliveries, quantities, prices, which totally bores me.
“Is this how your family works?” Zhao Yan laughs at my lack-of-interest. “Shiaonu makes something good and others take care of the rest?”
“She used to let Ponu do all the work after she came up with ideas.” Jinu says. “Now Ponu is not home and we are busy, she has been totally frustrated.”
“That’s not fair. I only let Ponu do things I can’t do and I pay him back by cooking the food he likes.” I protest right away.
“That’s interesting.” Zhao Yan says. “I am free, Shiaonu, so you can ask me to do things just like you ask Ponu.”
I realize this is the opportunity that I can hang out with Zhao Yan freely.
“Really, you will help me?” I then turn to Papa. “Papa, can he help me, please?”
Poor Papa, other than say yes, I cannot imagine anything else he can say in front of Zhao Yan. “Yes, of course, if uncle Zhao has time to help you with your crazy ideas. But remember don’t bother him too much.” Papa says.
“Thank you, Papa. And thank you too, uncle Zhao.” I quickly answer my Papa. I dare not look at Zhao Yan. I don’t know how old he is. But my guess is about late twenties.
My Soul is in the Sky Page 9