Chapter 17: Dealing with the Pig's Head

Li Xiangdong smiled and said, “I’m using them as liquor bottles; inside is two jin of Erguotou I just brewed.”

“Why bother brewing loose liquor? Just bring some from home directly. Binzi, remember to bring my two bottles of Tongzhou Laojiao when we go out later.”

Qian Bin readily replied, “Got it, Dad.”

Uncle Qian was generous, and Qian Bin’s temperament resembled his father’s. When these childhood friends gathered to eat and drink, Qian Bin usually picked up most of the tab.

“That won’t do, Uncle Qian. We already feel a bit embarrassed like this. How can we take your wine again?”

“Yes, Uncle Qian, if you keep doing this, we won’t dare to visit your place anymore.”

Li Xiangdong and the others hurriedly declined. Qian Bin paid for the pig’s head and offal—this was a matter among the brothers and shouldn’t involve their elders’ contributions.

Besides, a little loose liquor was enough. Tongzhou Laojiao wasn’t cheap; a bottle cost 2.8 yuan and required a liquor coupon!

Uncle Qian didn’t insist either. “Alright then, keep these two bottles for now. When Binzi’s wife’s baby is born and the full-month banquet is held, us old fellows will drink them together.”

That reminded Li Xiangdong—Qian Bin’s wife was about to give birth. No wonder he hadn’t seen her after entering the courtyard; she must be resting inside.

He cupped his hands and said, “Uncle Qian, I’d like to congratulate you in advance. When my eldest nephew reaches his full month, I’ll definitely drink two good cups with you.”

Why did he say this? Because he knew Qian Bin’s wife had given birth to a big, healthy boy.

Uncle Qian smiled warmly, fanning himself twice with his palm-leaf fan, and said loudly, “What nephew or not, in our old Qian family, sons or daughters are equally cherished. I love my daughters dearly too.”

Though he said this, Li Xiangdong’s words seemed to touch his heart deeply, making him exceedingly happy. The Qian family had single-line descendants for three generations, so naturally, they hoped their daughter-in-law would bear a big, strong grandson.

“Well then, you young fellows keep busy. I won’t interfere; I have work at four in the afternoon. I’ll go rest inside.”

Li Xiangdong said, “You should get a good rest; health is the foundation of revolution. The kitchen staff all rely on Uncle Qian.”

“You speak so well, child. Now that you’re back from the countryside, you must come visit Uncle Qian more often.”

Uncle Qian fanned himself as he stepped inside, then turned to his son, “Binzi, remember to bring the braising spice pack later. It’s specially prepared for the restaurant; the meat tastes authentic when braised with it.”

“Got it, Dad.”

After his father went inside, Qian Bin stood up and patted his numb legs. Being a bit overweight, he couldn’t squat for long.

“Dongzi, you really can talk! Your words are like honey, making my dad all confused. You even got him to bring out the braising spice pack. Maybe you should be my dad’s son instead.”

The braising spice pack was a secret recipe of the old Qian family. His father never let outsiders use it, and even in the kitchen, he watched closely to prevent anyone from learning it.

Xiang Lin held a pig’s ear and admired, “Dongzi’s mouth is famously smooth. Otherwise, how could he eat his dad’s relief grain in the countryside and still get a wife?”

Zhang Sen teased along, “Exactly. When Dongzi and his wife were matched, he said he was good at studying, had high moral character, was helpful, and was even named a ‘Five-Good Student.’ Their walls were covered with awards.”

After laughing, Qian Bin curiously asked, “Hey, Dongzi, didn’t your wife slap you after finding out you lied to her?”

Li Xiangdong indignantly said, “Stop spreading rumors! Nothing like that happened. My wife saw the excellent qualities in me. Now get to work; finish cleaning all the pig’s hair!”

Under the disdainful gazes of the others, he found a shady spot, leaned against the wall, took out a cigarette from his pocket, lit it, and enjoyed a deep puff.

After singeing the pig’s head, which was blackened, it needed to be scrubbed again. Qian Bin placed the pig’s head, the already singed trotters, and tail together, fetched a bucket of water, poured it into a basin, and began scrubbing.

Xiang Lin and Zhang Sen cleaned the pig’s offal in another basin. The large intestines were slimy and foul-smelling, scaring the children nearby to run far away.

“Binzi, give me the pig’s tail. I’ll wash it.”

Li Xiangdong thought for a moment, then stood and went over. Squatting beside Qian Bin, he flipped the pig’s tail in the water.

He planned to stew it and bring it home for his daughter, so he wanted to handle it himself. Qian Bin’s small, slanted eyes looked half-asleep while working, so he didn’t trust him!

After a while, it was cleaned. This stuff was wasteful to cook and troublesome to prepare.

Seeing Xiang Lin and Zhang Sen still peeling the white membrane off the pig kidneys, Li Xiangdong asked, “Are you two done yet?”

“Almost finished.”

They dumped all the cleaned items into a water bucket, then washed the two large basins clean with soapberry powder and put them back inside.

Xiang Lin and Zhang Sen carried the water bucket, followed by Li Xiangdong and Qian Bin, each holding a large tea cup.

Leaving Qian Bin’s house, they twisted through several alleys. Some were so narrow that Xiang Lin and Zhang Sen had to turn sideways to pass. After quite a while, they reached the main road.

Zhang Sen stopped, put down the bucket, and turned to Li Xiangdong and Qian Bin, saying, “This is too heavy. My hands hurt. You two switch and carry it for a bit.”

Xiang Lin said nothing; he knew his brothers well—they were none too hardworking.

Li Xiangdong, carrying a tea cup, didn’t stop walking but passed by them, saying, “Switch what? Just switch with Xiang Lin quickly. We’re almost there.”

“Why look at me? I’m the head chef today; don’t ask me to do helper’s work.”

Qian Bin wasn’t a fool either. Besides, Dongzi was right; no point in switching now when they were almost there!

Crossing the road, they entered Beichuanban Alley, also known simply as the North Alley, where wealthy families lived.

Shi Zhezhe’s family had a courtyard here, about the same size as Li Xiangdong’s home.

It was said the courtyard was part of Shi Zhezhe’s mother’s dowry, but the property deed was in his father’s name. The neighborhood committee had since returned it to the father and son.

This area had wide lanes where four people could walk side by side. After passing through two more alleys, they finally arrived at A Zhe’s doorstep.

“Finally here.”

Xiang Lin put down the bucket and loudly knocked on the door.