Everyday Life of a Married Couple Running a Stall

Cheng Ling ran a stall at the market, and every day at dusk, Shu Qiao would come by to pick up discarded vegetable leaves.

Amid the market's clamor, Shu Qiao's smiling eyes and cheerful thanks quietly found their way into Cheng Ling's heart.

Before long, Cheng Ling was always saving the freshest bunch of vegetables in his basket for Shu Qiao.

In return, Shu Qiao brought him a waterskin full of clean water every day.

One saved a little, the other gave a little. The leaves stayed crisp and green, and the water tasted sweet.

Once they understood each other's feelings, marriage followed naturally.

After they wed, jars of pickled vegetables gradually filled the little courtyard in Qingshui Village.

When cooking smoke rose, it heralded the changing seasons and three meals a day at their stove:

Fresh spring bamboo shoots with porridge, and refreshing cold noodles on summer nights.

Crisp autumn radishes to go with a bowl of rice, and hot winter soup filled with homemade meatballs.

From spring through winter, one tended the stall while the other kept the home. Their days were happy and peaceful.

Reading Guide:

1. Family life and the simple routines of rural living.

2. An alternate setting; please don't overanalyze it.

3. There will be children later in the story.

Please add my upcoming novel, "The Daily Life of Two Husbands Raising a Child," to your reading list!

Theme: Live a steady life and make each day better than the last.