CHONGQING (CQNEWS) -- The “Back-basket Line” in Chongqing keeps exploding on social media. In the back-baskets of vegetable growers were full of vegetables and fruits, as well as the livelihood of a family. Before dawn, the reporter and vegetable growers took the first train of Line 4, experiencing the daily life on the "Back-basket Line".

At 6:25 am, Shichuan Station of Line 4 was much more bustling than other stations. On the platform, vegetable growers chatted with each other, with the baskets beside them full of freshly harvested vegetables and fruits.

76-year-old Li Daxiu (right) was one of them. She, who lives in Shichuan Town, set off from home with her daughter Xiong Gaofang (left) at 6 o'clock to catch the first train at 6:32. In the past, Li Daxiu and surrounding vegetable growers sold vegetables in the town. After the subway was put into operation, they have more options. "We sold vegetables in the fairs in Huangnibang and Hongtudi," said Li Daxiu, adding that although the vegetable markets near the urban downtown was farther, it was easier to sell vegetables there. “It is convenient and affordable to take the subway!”

It would be better for vegetable growers carrying baskets on their backs if someone could give them a hand when they enter and exit the stations. So the station staff would try their best to provide assistance, such as checking quickly, supporting the baskets of growers with hand, and guiding them to take the elevator to the platform.

As the first train arrived on time, growers quickly got on the train, and the carriages were occupied instantly. As soon as Li Daxiu and her daughter sat down, a young passenger was attracted by the fresh vegetables in front of them.

On the train, Li Daxiu and other vegetable growers tacitly kept their baskets close to their feet, to make the aisle clear in the middle. "I was worried that the back-baskets would affect other passengers, but they understand us," said Li Daxiu.

When they arrived at Longxing Station, it was not full light yet. Li Daxiu and her daughter, carrying baskets on their back, walked fast and vigorously by following the “big troop”, hoping to reach the fair as early as possible and choose a good position.

On the plastic cloth spread was put a basin of broad beans, which they started to peel since 2:00 am when they got up.

"Come and take a look, very fresh beans!" The mother and the daughter warmly canvassed customers from the passers-by. Worried that her daughter is hungry, Li Daxiu took out a box of milk she brought and fed he daughter.

After 10:30, when their broad beans were sold out, they planned to return by the same way they came by taking the subway. This was not the first time Xiong Gaofang accompanied her mother to sell vegetables. At the age of 54, she operated a small company, but now she takes care of her grandchildren in the downtown area. This year, her parents have a bountiful harvest of broad beans, and they always want to go to the fair to sell vegetables. Worried about that her parents are too old to go to the fair, Xiong Gaofang often comes back to help them. “I advised them to stay at home, but they are accustomed to the life in this way. I am willing to accompany them and help them sell vegetables.”

When waiting for the subway on the return journey, Li Daxiu sat on the basket, counting the fruits of their labor that day, smiling from ear to ear.

The mother and the daughter didn’t feel tired although they had got busy from the early morning until they got on the train home. In the past, in the town, it was already three or four pm when they sold out vegetables, while now they can get home and have lunch after vegetables are sold out.

The mother and the daughter supported each other and walked back home. Day after day, one journey after another.

When walking on the field path back home, they could see a speeding rail transit train in the distance. The baskets are full of livelihood, and the trains carry their lives. Filled with expectation and anticipation, they are heading for a better life. (Translated by Hu Chuanmin, Fathom Language Limited)