Chapter 16: The Whole Family Goes to the County Town

They decided to leave the offal and similar parts behind — partly to compensate Butcher Zhang, since once properly cleaned, those are all valuable items, and partly because Butcher Zhang had his own meat stall and could sell them for a good amount.

Besides, Bai Ye didn't feel like dealing with those things. Sure, they were great once properly prepared, but he already needed half a day to make spiced meat — no way he wanted to handle those extras.

Since the Bai father and son kept refusing everything, Butcher Zhang had no choice but to bring out a bag of blood sausage for them. "I just made these this morning. You can eat them as soon as you get home. I cleaned them real well!"

"Alright then, thanks Uncle Zhang." Bai Ye carried the bag while he and his father tried to lift the pig. But the pig was so heavy, it was a real struggle for the two of them.

After a moment of thought, Bai Ye said, "Uncle Zhang, can I trouble you with one more thing?"

"Sure, go ahead."

"Could you help us divide the meat by part? Otherwise we'll have to do it all ourselves once we're back," said Bai Ye.

"That's no trouble at all." Butcher Zhang grabbed his knife and with smooth, practiced movements, began slicing the meat. He split the half pig open and then divided it neatly by cut.

Ribs, trotters, elbows, pork belly, rump...

In just a matter of minutes, it was all sorted and arranged perfectly.

While Bai Ye went to grab some plastic bags from the car, the work was almost finished by the time he got back.

"Uncle Zhang, you're amazing!" Bai Ye gave him a big thumbs-up. "Thanks so much for today, we're heading back now!"

"Wishing your business great success! Best if you come buy meat from me every day."

"Haha, I'll take your good wishes." Bai Ye certainly hoped that day would come.

With over ten bags of pork loaded into the car, the father and son finally headed home.

"Bai Ye, we didn't make much from the spiced meat yesterday, huh?" asked the father.

"Well, not exactly. We just didn't sell much. Plus, we still have ten or so pounds of ribs. And today, we've got another twenty-something."

"Spiced ribs go for a good price. Easily over thirty per pound," Dad nodded.

Around here, ribs and big bones were always in demand. They were just testing the waters today — didn't even prepare any of the pricier cuts yesterday.

But there were indeed people at the market asking about them today.

"Actually, it's not just pork," Bai Ye mused. "Didn't An'an say yesterday we could also make some spiced vegetables?"

With how good his spiced meat recipe was, it would be a shame to let it go to waste.

Pork prices were high toward the end of the year, which meant profit margins weren't. And since they were just starting out, they couldn't price things too high. Otherwise, forget about profit — he might not even meet his quota.

But in a few days, once the New Year season approached, prices for spiced meat could definitely go up. And by then, they'd have a loyal customer base too.

"What kind of spiced veggies?"

"Anything goes — potatoes, dried tofu, lotus root. Even vermicelli works," Bai Ye said while driving. "We could also get some chicken, do spiced chicken, chicken frames, even spiced eggs."

Dad was already drooling a little. "Sounds good!"

Those were all perfect dishes to pair with drinks!

"Oh right, Dad. I received some money yesterday, probably from the small boss I worked for. About three thousand or so. Let's head to the county town this afternoon and buy everyone new clothes. It's almost New Year."

"New clothes, huh? Alright. Get some for your mom and your sister. As for me, forget it. But your coat is in tatters. Your mom's sewing skills aren't great either — better just buy a new one."

"We'll get clothes for everyone. Dad, you just work on convincing Mom."

"Got it."

When the two of them got back, Jiang Lan gave them a good scolding. "Do you know what time it is? Why are you back so late? And you didn't answer your phone either!"

Bai Ye checked his phone. Sure enough, it was almost 2 p.m., with two missed calls. He suddenly remembered — the phone was with his dad.

Quick to pass the blame, Bai Ye put on an innocent face: "Mom, I didn't know. Dad had my phone."

Dad looked even more innocent. "I don't know how to use that thing. The keypad ones we used to have worked way better."

Jiang Lan was both angry and amused by the pair. "You must be starving. Go eat."

"Did you all eat already? Let's eat together."

"We already did. Look at the time." Jiang Lan scooped out a big bowl of stew and hot rice from the pot.

While the father and son went out to unload the meat from the car, Jiang Lan fired up the gas stove and made them a quick scrambled egg with scallions.

"What's this? Pork again? How'd the sales go today?" she asked.

"Really well!" Bai Ye grinned. "Only one hind elbow and some broth left. So Dad and I decided to buy a whole pig."

"Got a good deal today, thanks to your son," Dad chimed in as he washed his face and recounted the story at Butcher Zhang's place.

Jiang Lan was furious when she heard. First, she cursed out Song Laoliu for pulling a knife on someone over a pig — was he in love with the pig or something? Then she turned to scold Bai Ye — why didn't he stay away from something so dangerous? What if he'd gotten hurt?

Bai An'an quickly interrupted, "Mom! It's almost New Year. Don't say stuff like that!"

"Exactly," Dad muttered quietly.

"You too!" Jiang Lan glared at him, and he immediately shut up.

"Mom, let's go to the county town this afternoon," Bai Ye said while eating.

Jiang Lan paused. "Why?"

"Dad…" Bai Ye looked at him.

"Well…" Dad coughed, "The kid just wanted to buy you and An'an some new clothes. And look at his own coat — that thing you patched up, anyone who sees it will laugh."

"That's true…" Jiang Lan thought of the old down jacket from yesterday.

It had already been worn for years, and after being ripped, the down was leaking out — basically a giant hole.

When she patched it up yesterday, she stuffed it with a ball of cotton. Who knew if it would even keep out the wind?

"Alright, let's go. Bai Ye and An'an do need new clothes." Jiang Lan thought for a moment, then took out 1,000 yuan from the cupboard drawer.

"Mom, you don't need to spend your money. I've got it." Bai Ye quickly repeated what he had told his dad earlier.

"Didn't buying that whole pig cost money too? That was a big expense," Jiang Lan said. "Besides, this money was originally sent home by you. Your father and I just kept it safe for you."

Bai Ye's nose stung with emotion.

He'd worked away from home for three years and didn't earn much. The first two years were more like apprenticeships — food and lodging were provided, but the pay was low. This year was a little better, but even then, only the first half of the year brought in any money.

And his parents hadn't spent a single cent on themselves.

"Dad, Mom. Please, use this money. I work hard so you can live better. Otherwise, what's the point?" Bai Ye wiped his eyes. "Trust me — our family is only going to get better from here."

Bai An'an chimed in, "Brother, I'll work hard too!"

Jiang Lan and Bai Dad exchanged a glance, a mix of guilt and pride in their eyes. "Alright, let's eat first. After that, we'll head to the county town together."