Rebirth in a Courtyard: I Am a Little Hunter

The thirtieth day of the twelfth lunar month, Lunar New Year's Eve.

Before it was completely dark, the courtyard house was already a different scene altogether. Most of the doors that were usually tightly closed were now open or ajar, letting in the dim, flickering light and a much richer atmosphere of everyday life than usual.

The air was filled with a complex mix of smells: the aroma of fried meatballs, the savory smell of stewed meat, the sweet smell of steamed buns, the rich aroma of simmered bones, and the scents of cheap cigarettes, coal stoves, and winter dust. All of these blended together to create the unique "New Year's flavor" of this era and this courtyard.

The children changed into clothes that were either new or old, but always the cleanest. Like birds released from their cages, they chased and played in the yard and alleys, clutching a few small whips in their hands. They would light one every now and then and throw it out, which would bring a crisp sound and shouts and laughter from their companions.

The adults were busy inside and outside the house. The sounds of chopping filling, stir-frying vegetables, working the bellows, and calling for children to come home intertwined to create a chaotic yet lively New Year's Eve symphony.

Inside the east courtyard, however, lies a different, warm scene.

The eight-immortal table in the center of the main room has been moved to the center of the room, and a brazier has been placed under it. The charcoal fire is burning brightly, dispelling the last trace of winter chill.

Wearing a clean apron and with her hair neatly combed, Wang Xiulan wore a rare, heartfelt smile as she brought the last dish—a large pot of steaming hot, flavorful, and rich stew—to the table.

This stew can be described as "luxurious". The bottom layer consists of red and white radish chunks and fried tofu puffs that have been stewed until tender and flavorful after absorbing the broth. The middle layer is covered with thick, dark green kelp strips and chewy bean curd "artificial meat". The top layer is neatly arranged with a dozen or so deep red, glistening, and trembling pork belly strips, which have been simmered separately in the broth of braised pork to absorb the flavor. They are fatty but not greasy, lean but not dry, and have a rich soy sauce aroma.

The moment this dish was placed on the table, the steam carrying the powerful aroma of meat and a complex savory fragrance rose up, instantly becoming the focus of the entire table.

Surrounding this pot of stew are several other dishes: a bowl of braised pork belly, its bright red color, marbled with fat and lean meat, and mouthwatering; a plate of stir-fried bright green spinach; a plate of cold, glistening vermicelli salad; and a plate of cucumber salad, a luxury in winter these days!

The cucumbers were vibrant green and tender. After being smashed, they were mixed with minced garlic, vinegar, and a touch of precious sesame oil, making them refreshing and not greasy. This was a "rare item" that Wei Chen had specially brought out from his game world cabin. In addition, there was a dish of golden-brown and crispy fried peanuts and a dish of pickled vegetable shreds drizzled with sesame oil. The soup was made with stewed meat broth, cabbage, and tofu, and was milky white and rich.

The staple food is large, fluffy white steamed buns, a whole basketful, and you can have as many as you want.

With six dishes and a soup, three meat dishes and three vegetable dishes, in an era when most families only have one or two meat dishes or even just plain soup on their New Year's Eve dinner table, the abundance of this meal is enough to make any neighbor envious.

Wei Ran had already changed into the new cotton-padded jacket her brother had bought for her. It was red with small white flowers, which made her little face look even more rosy and cute. Like a happy little butterfly, she circled around the table, helping to set the table, but her eyes kept glancing at the stew and braised pork, secretly swallowing her saliva.

"Mom, brother, can we eat now?" Wei Ran asked for the umpteenth time, her voice full of eagerness.

"That's enough, you little glutton." Wang Xiulan smiled indulgently, took off her apron, and sat down. Wei Chen also washed his hands and sat in the main seat. Under the dim light bulb, the family of three sat around the table, their faces bathed in a soft glow.

"Here, the first glass," Wei Chen raised the enamel mug filled with orange soda, looking at his mother and sister, "Wishing Mom good health and a happy smile; wishing Ranran academic progress and happiness; wishing our family a prosperous and peaceful new year!"

"Okay, okay!" Wang Xiulan's eyes were slightly red as she raised her glass, which contained plain water. "Mom also wishes my son success in his work and a bright future; and wishes my daughter good health and a carefree life!"

"Happy New Year to Mom and Brother! May we have meat to eat every day!" Wei Ran chimed in, making Wei Chen and Wang Xiulan laugh.

"Bang!" The three cups gently clinked together, making a crisp sound, which also marked the beginning of this special New Year's Eve in the East Wing.

"Let's eat!" Wei Chen gave the order, and Wei Ran was the first to reach for her chopsticks, clearly aiming at a trembling strip of meat. She carefully put it in her mouth, her eyes immediately narrowing into crescent moons of happiness, and she mumbled a praise that was hard to understand: "Mmm...it's so delicious! Brother, Mom, you should eat too!"

Wang Xiulan put a large piece of braised pork on her son's plate and some spinach on her daughter's plate, saying, "Eat slowly, don't choke. Eat some vegetables, a balanced diet of meat and vegetables."

Wei Chen also served his mother meat and vegetables, while he picked up a piece of smashed cucumber with his chopsticks. With a "crunch," the cucumber was crisp and refreshing, carrying the aroma of garlic, vinegar, and a hint of sesame oil, instantly diluting the heaviness of the meat and whetting his appetite.

"This cucumber... is truly a rare find." Wang Xiulan also picked up a slice, savoring it carefully, and exclaimed, "In the dead of winter, only my son has the ability to get his hands on one."

"My friend grew these in a greenhouse. There aren't many, just a little bit, so we'll just have a taste," Wei Chen said with a smile, then put a piece of meat into his mother's bowl. "Mom, please eat more. You've worked so hard this year."

"It's not hard work, it's not hard work." Looking at the sumptuous dishes on the table and then at her healthy and lively children, Wang Xiulan was filled with an unprecedented sense of peace and happiness.

Once upon a time, New Year's Eve was a time of quiet desolation, poverty, and even a touch of gloom for their family. Her husband had passed away early, leaving her and her child as orphans. The New Year was a difficult time; they often had to carefully plan their meager food supplies, barely managing to make a few vegetarian dumplings to mark the holiday. They never imagined that one day they would be able to enjoy such a sumptuous New Year's Eve dinner, with plenty of white steamed buns and meat to eat to their hearts' content.

All these changes came from her son. Wang Xiulan looked at Wei Chen with a gaze full of relief, pride, and an indescribable dependence.

Her son had grown up, become capable, and become the pillar of the family. She no longer needed to worry day and night about making a living, no longer needed to be subservient to others, and no longer needed to carefully survive in the cracks of life. This year was a true year of reunion, a year to say goodbye to all the loneliness and poverty of the past and to start a new life.

"Mom, try the tofu puffs in this stew. They've soaked up all the broth and are especially delicious." Wei Chen served his mother more food.

"Brother, I'd like another piece of braised pork, the fatty kind!" Wei Ran said, holding up her bowl.

"Okay, here you go. But you should also eat some cabbage and tofu, and drink some soup."

"Um!"

The family chatted and laughed, enjoying each other's company. The charcoal brazier emitted a steady stream of heat, making the house cozy and warm. A layer of misty condensation formed on the windowpanes, separating the warmth inside from the cold outside.

The radio was playing programs from the Central People's Broadcasting Station. Although there was some static, the festive music and New Year's greetings added to the holiday atmosphere.

This radio was a gift from Brother Tiger at the Ghost Market. Although it was secondhand, it was practically new. Over the past year, Wei Chen, working as "Iron Tower," traded three or four pigs with Brother Tiger every month, earning him a considerable amount. To maintain his pork supply, he bought himself many gifts for the Lunar New Year. There were food items, household items, and most importantly, this radio.

"After the New Year, Chen'er, you'll be nineteen." Wang Xiulan said with a smile as she ate her meal, "You have a job in the city, and nineteen isn't too young anymore. You should keep an eye out for suitable girls. Mom is still waiting to hold her grandson."

"Pfft—" Wei Chen almost spat out his soup, and said with a wry smile, "Mom, I'm still so young, there's no rush. Let's talk about it when I have a stable job."

"Why aren't you in a hurry?" Wang Xiulan said reproachfully. "If we were in the countryside, your age would already have children running around. Now that our family is better off and you've made something of yourself, you should find a girl you know well and who has good character as soon as possible. Only when you're settled down will I feel truly at ease."

"That's right, brother, I want a sister-in-law!" Wei Ran chimed in from the side, blinking her big eyes.

Wei Chen was overwhelmed by his mother and sister's words, so he could only vaguely reply, "Okay, okay, I'll keep an eye on it. But this depends on fate, it can't be rushed. Mom, you should eat more vegetables. I specially picked out this fish for you; it has few bones."

Amidst laughter and chatter, the sumptuous and heartwarming New Year's Eve dinner drew to a close. Wei Ran patted her tummy and let out a small, satisfied burp. Wang Xiulan began clearing the dishes, with Wei Chen helping. The radio played the sounds of a Spring Festival Gala (which was already taking shape at this point); although the program was simple, it was lively and festive.