Haifeng Town.
The market buzzed with activity on Sunday, alive with fishermen unloading their fresh catches from the boats. Liu Xin's fingers drummed on her legs as she scanned the crowd of men entering the small market.
Despite the influx of people heading to their respective stalls, she couldn't spot the person she was looking for.
Just as she was about to leave, a middle-aged fisherman at the stall beside her turned and said, "Ah, Liu Xin, Liang Weijun left earlier. His catch is with me; I'll help you with it."
Liu Xin's hand fell limply to her side as she nodded; disappointment etched on her face. "Oh, okay. Thank you, Uncle Li."
The woman at the stall next to hers, Wu Qian, Li Hao's wife, said, "Don't worry, sweetie. He probably left to buy something. Let's set up your stall first."
Liu Xin smiled gratefully but declined. "Thank you, Aunt, but it's fine. I can do it myself."
"Ay, what are you talking about? Liang Weijun caught so many fish today I wondered if there'd be any left for us," Li Hao said, walking over and starting to unload the fish from the foam box. Liu Xin moved to help, but Li Hao gently pushed her hand away.
Wu Qian, seeing this, laughed. "Just let him help. You know Liang Weijun pays us to help you set up every time. Though we'd do it for free, he insists on paying."
Liu Xin nodded with a small smile. Despite living in this small town for almost a year, she still wasn't fully accustomed to the life there, especially with her memory being so foggy. Liang Weijun always made sure she was well taken care of.
"Ay, ay, ay, what's all this chatter about?" Liu Xin suddenly felt a hand around her shoulders. Recognizing the touch, she removed it and turned to see a 16-year-old girl. "Nothing. Just talking about how I'm not that lazy that Auntie and Uncle need to help me set up the stall every time."
"Were you listening to those punks gossiping about you again?" Li Mei asked, her eyes darting towards the other stalls in displeasure.
Wu Qian lightly tapped her daughter's shoulder. "You just got back from church; mind your manners. And remember, Liu Xin is older than you, so show some respect."
Li Mei nodded. "Yes, Ma. I just learned not to talk behind people's backs. Those punks should attend Sunday mass too. They're probably just jealous because you're so pretty and Brother Weijun is so handsome."
Wu Qian tapped her daughter's shoulder again, this time more firmly.
"What? I'm just telling the truth, Ma. One time I saw Yang Rui Rui trip in front of Brother Weijun, but he didn't even glance at her and just kept walking," Li Mei said, laughing.
Wu Qian sighed, turning to Liu Xin. "Don't mind this child. She sees drama in everything."
Liu Xin shrugged, knowing Li Mei was right.
Some women her age didn't like her much and she often heard whispers about herself. She usually ignored it since she seldom went out except to sell at the market. But she knew they ostracized her because they liked Liang Weijun.
Wu Qian continued, arms folded, "That girl tripped, and you're laughing at her? Is that good behavior, Li Mei?"
"Ay, come on, Ma. You can ask Pa how those pesky girls swarm around Brother Weijun like flies whenever he's here. Besides, she tripped in her yellow sundress—the one she only wears for special occasions—and there was no occasion that day!"
Li Hao chimed in, "Don't ask me. Ah, Liu Xin, your aunt will cook her special dish for lunch. Would you like to join us?"
Liu Xin smiled and shook her head. "Thank you, but it's Sunday. Liang Weijun will be here all day, and I want to spend my time with him."
"Ay, ay, okay, we understand. No need to show us that sickly sweet smile of yours," Li Mei said, nudging her lightly.
Liu Xin chuckled.
Liang Weijun usually came to town three to four times a week, staying over on weekends. He'd stay with her Saturday night, and every Sunday morning, he helped her set up the stall and remained until all the fish were sold. They cherished these Sundays, enjoying the entire day in each other's company. However, recently, he had been leaving right after fishing, leaving her to set up the stall with the Li couple.
Wu Qian approached her, gently patting her shoulder with a reassuring smile. "Don't pay any mind to what others say, sweetie."
Liu Xin nodded, as she had never cared much for the gossip; all she wanted was to live peacefully.
Besides, they didn't really know her at all.
Lazy? She could accomplish anything she put her mind to, if only Liang Weijun would allow her to exert herself and do the work.
Hollow like a doll? Perhaps they just hadn't taken the time to get to know her beyond their fixation on Liang Weijun.
Yet there was another rumor circulating in town, one she tried not to dwell on but which lingered at the back of her mind…
That she was merely Liang Weijun's mistress.