RIRW – Chapter 115

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When Li Hui heard that Shen Yiming was going to the farm, she was somewhat opposed. She knew that Shen Yiming worked at the provincial military district, and people like them with questionable backgrounds were often taboo in such places.

Although it might not necessarily affect him, she still didn’t want to drag Shen Yiming down. Back then, Dacheng’s eldest brother, Zuo Hongjun, lost his position as team leader just because someone said she had a bad background. He held a grudge against her and Dacheng for nearly ten years.

She definitely didn’t want her daughter and son-in-law to become enemies with others because of such things.

She believed that her parents, being reasonable people, wouldn’t fuss over something like this either.

But Shen Yiming was insistent. “I still have to visit the elders. I’m just going to take a look—it won’t have any effect. Even if it does, it’s just a job.”

Hearing Shen Yiming say this, Li Hui felt a surge of emotion in her heart. How many people could speak so lightly about it being “just a job”?

What a good kid.

Under the table, Zuo Dan kicked Shen Yiming, and he continued, “It really won’t have any effect. I came to the countryside this time to gather information anyway. Visiting the farm is part of that—no one can say anything.”

Since Shen Yiming had said as much, Li Hui naturally didn’t stop him anymore. “Alright, I’ll prepare some things for you. You can go with Dandan tomorrow. Do you want me to come along?”

Zuo Dan immediately said, “Mom, you’ve got class tomorrow. Don’t let it interfere. Shen Yiming and I will go.”

Li Hui was still thinking about school and nodded. “Alright, then you two go on your own. Your grandparents will definitely be happy to see you both.”

Early the next morning, the two set off in an old horse-drawn cart.

As Shen Yiming drove the cart, he pulled a long face, looking like someone owed him money. Zuo Dan snickered beside him. “Comrade Yiming, didn’t sleep well last night?”

“You didn’t leave the door open for me last night,” Shen Yiming said with a hint of grievance.

Zuo Dan patted his shoulder in a lecturing tone. “Comrade Yiming, young people shouldn’t always be thinking about improper things. Always sneaking around—what for? Young people should be full of righteousness!”

Upon hearing this, Shen Yiming grabbed her and gave her a big kiss, as if he wanted to swallow her whole.

When they arrived at the farm, the gatekeeper was surprised to see Zuo Dan again.

Though surprised, he still shook hands with Shen Yiming, and a few ration and ID tickets quickly exchanged hands. The man immediately opened the gate and let them in.

Inside, they still had to deal with the farm director.

Shen Yiming revealed his identity—he was here to conduct interviews and gather information. He intended to do an interview with the farm director.

Upon hearing that it was for an interview, the director was thrilled and invited him into the office.

Shen Yiming then asked Zuo Dan to go ahead and find the Li family. Seeing that they came together, the director was happy to help and sent a record-keeper to take Zuo Dan to them.

At that time, everyone was still working in the fields. Zuo Dan followed the record-keeper straight to where her grandparents were working. Seeing the elderly couple bent over digging in the soil, Zuo Dan felt quite uncomfortable.

The farm’s conditions were poor, and the workload was even heavier than in the village. Most of those working here were older folks. It was a hard scene to witness.

The record-keeper went to call the grandparents out. When the two saw Zuo Dan, they were surprised. She had just come to visit them not long ago—why was she here again?

They were worried that something had happened at home.

They didn’t ask any questions along the way. Once back in the house and away from others, Grandmother Li finally asked, “Dandan, what’s going on? Didn’t you just visit us? Nothing’s wrong at home, right?”

“No,” Zuo Dan smiled, “Everything’s fine at home. I brought my fiancé to visit you this time. He’s in the farm office right now. He’ll be here in a bit.”

“Your fiancé came?” Grandmother Li asked, “What for? What if it causes trouble for you two?”

Zuo Dan said, “He said he’s not afraid. Even if it causes trouble, he still wants to come see you.”

Hearing this, Grandfather Li smiled slightly. “Dandan’s fiancé sounds like a responsible man. Just like your father in that regard.”

“Exactly!” Zuo Dan was happy to praise Shen Yiming in front of others.

After chatting a while, Zuo Dan asked, “Grandma, where’s my uncle? I didn’t see him just now.”

“…” Grandmother Li’s expression changed slightly. “He’s not with us right now. He’s working on the other side.”

Zuo Dan asked knowingly, “Why is that?”

Grandmother Li sighed, “It’s all because of Xiaoxue. We didn’t expect her to be sent to the farm too. At first, we didn’t acknowledge her. But later, she secretly found your uncle and cried, saying she only came to see us. She even pulled some strings to get transferred here. Your uncle was moved to tears. Knowing she couldn’t handle the work, he found someone to switch jobs with and went to accompany her. He’s been coming home late these days, sometimes not even having time to eat. We didn’t think Xiaoxue would go to such lengths, so we just let it be…”

“Aiya, you were tricked!” Zuo Dan said angrily. “How could she deceive you like this? She did something wrong and now wants the elders to feel guilty? That’s so heartless.”

Hearing this, Grandmother Li was shocked. “What’s going on?”

Grandfather Li also looked at Zuo Dan.

Zuo Dan sighed. “Grandma, originally, this wasn’t something honorable, so I hadn’t planned to tell you. But I didn’t expect Su Xue to treat you like this. I’m really angry. I have to tell you the truth!”

She then explained to the two elders how Su Xue, in order to avoid labor in Shanwo Village, had faked a marriage — and not just with anyone, but with a PLA soldier. If that wasn’t bad enough, she ran away after the fake marriage. When the soldier found her and reported it to the commune, she was punished and sent to the farm.

Grandfather Li was so furious his face turned red. He slammed the small wooden table several times.

Grandmother Li clutched her chest. “Such misfortune for our family. Truly a disgrace. Our whole family’s been working hard here, just to preserve a bit of dignity. And yet she commits such shameful acts… it’s just…” She couldn’t even bring herself to say the word “shameless.”

“Please don’t get too upset. It’s not worth harming your health. My mom will worry again if she hears,” Zuo Dan quickly comforted them.

“Sigh, I just never imagined… that someone from the Li family could turn out like this.”

“Grandma, don’t take it too hard. Honestly, I kind of understand her mindset. After all, didn’t my aunt divorce my uncle just to avoid hardship?” Zuo Dan deliberately brought up the past. Since her aunt had told Su Xue about how her mother was abandoned, she figured her aunt wasn’t a good person either—so she might as well twist the knife.

Grandmother Li shook her head and sighed. She had never seen such things in her life.

Thinking back to her daughter-in-law who divorced her son to escape hardship, and now her granddaughter who faked a marriage to avoid suffering, it didn’t seem all that surprising anymore.

“Dandan,” Shen Yiming came in from outside, with the farm director happily following behind him. “You all chat, and feel free to visit often in the future,” the director said with a big smile before leaving.

Zuo Dan didn’t even have to ask—she knew Shen Yiming must’ve given the man some kind of benefit. But she didn’t press him on it. Instead, she quickly introduced him to her grandparents. “Grandpa, Grandma, this is my fiancé Shen Yiming. He works at the military district newspaper in the provincial capital. His family also works in education.”

Shen Yiming respectfully greeted them. “Hello, Grandpa. Hello, Grandma. I’m Shen Yiming. I haven’t come to visit you before, I hope you’ll forgive me.”

Grandfather Li and Grandmother Li were both educated people. Their first impression of Shen Yiming was very positive, and with his demeanor and manners, they were even more pleased.

“Good, good. It’s very kind of you. You really didn’t need to come see us. Given our situation, it’s not convenient,” Grandmother Li said repeatedly, feeling that Dandan had found a good match.

Grandfather Li also smiled and said, “So you work at the military district newspaper. Then you must be quite a writer. What a shame I haven’t had the chance to read any of your work.”

“It’s just some humble scribblings, not worth mentioning, Grandpa,” Shen Yiming replied modestly.

“Grandpa, don’t flatter him. He just writes stuff to fool people. Come, sit and chat,” Zuo Dan said, pulling her grandfather to sit.

Grandmother Li wanted to pour tea, but realized there wasn’t even any hot water in the house. She looked a little embarrassed.

Zuo Dan said, “Grandma, no need to be so polite. We just came to see you.”

At the table, Shen Yiming asked about the Li family’s past. Grandfather Li replied, “It wasn’t anything much. I never imagined things would go downhill so fast. I’d heard some rumors, but I believed if one walks upright, they shouldn’t fear their shadow. I hadn’t done anything wrong, so no one could pin anything on me. Back then, for the sake of the children, I didn’t dare step out of line. Who knew, one of my former students pulled out an old essay I’d written and claimed I had ideological issues. It’s laughable—that essay was one I wrote in my youth, supporting the domestic revolution. I’d even received an award for it. But when the political storm hit, it was out of control. That student reported me, and then I was sent here. I didn’t mind for myself, but it dragged my whole family down.”

“Was that student also surnamed Li?” Shen Yiming asked.

“How did you know?”

Grandfather Li was surprised. He thought maybe Li Hui had told him. Then Shen Yiming said, “I heard some rumors back in the provincial capital.”

Grandmother Li wiped her tears. “Just thinking about it is heartbreaking. That student used to call us ‘Teacher’ and ‘Madam’ so sweetly. Then turned around and tried to destroy us. Once trouble started, even our family’s old business from the last generation was dug up. They called us capitalists.”

It was the first time Zuo Dan heard such firsthand details, and it made her feel deeply emotional.

“You’ve really been wronged, Grandpa, Grandma. Dandan and I will do something about it,” Shen Yiming suddenly said.

“Ah—there’s no need, really. Don’t do anything rash. Many here are in the same situation. It’s just the way things are,” Grandmother Li said quickly, afraid they might ruin their future trying to help.

Shen Yiming smiled. “Don’t worry. We’ll act within our limits.”

Zuo Dan glanced at him, thinking he might be talking too big. Just like Grandma said, the way things are can’t be changed by just one or two people.

Grandfather Li said, “Young man, just for those words of yours, I’m grateful. But you and Dandan just live your life well. That’s enough. We’re doing fine as we are.”

Shen Yiming simply smiled.

Because of Shen Yiming’s attitude, Grandfather Li and Grandmother Li felt much closer to him. In this day and age, someone unafraid of being implicated and still willing to speak like that—well, they’d never met such a person.

Since coming to the farm, they had seen too much of the coldness of human nature.

As the group chatted, the bell for the end of the workday rang in the farm.

Grandmother Li started preparing lunch. She wanted to treat them well, but there wasn’t much at home to offer.

In the end, she cooked a pot of vegetable porridge and added a bit of smoked meat.

Just as the food started cooking, there was a commotion next door. Zuo Dan remembered the tobacco leaves Zuo Dacheng had asked her to bring over, so she grabbed them and said, “Grandpa Liu next door is back—I’ll go bring him a little something.”

Grandmother Li said, “Go on, go on. Old Liu has asked about you. He always says you bring him things every time you visit.”

Shen Yiming smiled and said, “I also admire this old general’s deeds very much. I’ll go with you.”

“Alright, come back early for the meal,” Grandmother Li said with a smile.

After the two left, Grandmother Li tugged on Grandfather Li’s sleeve. “Dandan’s partner is indeed a good one. No wonder our Xiao Hui always praises him.”

Grandfather Li said, “If he were my student, I’d definitely teach him with all I’ve got.” As a teacher, it was rare in a lifetime to come across a good seedling.

Old Liu from next door was quite happy to see Zuo Dan bringing him tobacco. Although he hadn’t interacted with her much, he felt close to her, knowing she was Zuo Dacheng’s precious daughter.

After learning that Shen Yiming was Zuo Dan’s fiancé, he cheerfully patted Shen Yiming on the shoulder. Watching how much force he used, Zuo Dan was worried he might actually hurt him.

After the polite greetings, Shen Yiming eagerly began chatting with Old Liu about the old days. It had been a long time since Old Liu had someone to brag to, and upon seeing that this scholarly young man was interested, he enthusiastically recounted his glorious past.

Zuo Dan listened with great interest, while Shen Yiming seemed deep in thought.

After recounting the past, Old Liu also explained why he had ended up here—it was because of his explosive temper. He couldn’t keep things to himself and always had to speak out when he saw injustice. That was how things ended up like this.

After listening, Shen Yiming stood and gave him a military salute. “The old general truly commands respect.”

Old Liu laughed heartily. “You even know how to salute?”

Shen Yiming smiled. “The provincial military district raised me. I count as a soldier, too.”

“A scholar among soldiers! If this were wartime, you could’ve been a political commissar. Not bad, young man,” Old Liu said, clearly in high spirits for the first time in a while.

While they were still enjoying their conversation, Grandmother Li came over to call them for lunch and invited Old Liu as well. But Old Liu wasn’t willing—he had his own grain and didn’t want to eat from others.

Knowing how stubborn he was, Grandmother Li didn’t push him and led Zuo Dan and Shen Yiming back home.

As soon as they walked in, they saw Uncle Li sitting there with a dark expression. Zuo Dan immediately smirked.

No need to guess—she knew that her grandparents must’ve told him about Su Xue.

Although she wasn’t fond of Li Wenchang, Zuo Dan still introduced him to Shen Yiming. Shen Yiming greeted him with a polite “Uncle,” and Li Wenchang reluctantly acknowledged it, then lowered his head and started eating.

Grandfather Li’s brow furrowed into deep creases when he saw him like this.

Ever since coming to the farm, the family hadn’t entertained guests. Both Zuo Dacheng and Li Hui were reluctant to use up their parents’ food, so they rarely stayed for meals.

But Grandfather Li and Grandmother Li always hoped the whole family could eat together, and they didn’t mind eating less themselves. So they were very happy that Shen Yiming and Zuo Dan stayed to eat today.

Grandmother Li said apologetically, “There’s really nothing fancy at home to offer you.”

Shen Yiming replied with a smile, “Grandma’s cooking beats any rare delicacy. I used to tell Dandan how great our mom’s cooking was—but now I see, she clearly inherited it from you.”

Grandmother Li chuckled. “Oh, it’s not that good. But it’s true Dandan’s mother started learning to cook from me when she was little.”

Grandfather Li added, “Xiao Hui is most like us. She’s always been smart.”

The atmosphere was warm and pleasant—except for Li Wenchang, who kept a stiff face. After holding it in for a while, he said, “Mom, is there any food left? I want to take some to Xiao Xue.”

Grandfather Li’s expression darkened. “Why? She doesn’t even dare to come here herself, and you still want to send food to her? She hasn’t come to admit her mistakes, and I won’t let you see her. Did you forget what I told you?”

Li Wenchang argued, “This has to be a misunderstanding.” He turned to Zuo Dan. “Dandan, how could you talk nonsense to your grandparents like that? There’s no way Xiao Xue would do something like that. Her mother is a gentle and refined person—no way she’d raise such a bad child.”

Zuo Dan looked innocently at her grandparents. “I only told the truth. If you don’t believe me, go ask the farm director. There are official records. Besides, I have no reason to slander her. And people change, Uncle. You have to accept reality—Aunt has remarried and Su Xue was raised by another man. Honestly, when I came here today, I thought I’d see your whole family sitting together. But it turns out Su Xue doesn’t even have the guts to face you and has to rely on you, her father, to run over to her. I’ve never seen such a way of being a daughter.”

“Dandan is right, Wenchang,” Grandfather Li said sternly. “Back then when they wanted to leave the Li family, you let them go. You don’t owe them anything.”

Li Wenchang felt deeply humiliated. His wife had remarried, and his daughter had taken another man’s surname…

Seeing that he had nothing more to say, the others didn’t bother with him either.

After the meal, Shen Yiming and Zuo Dan left the farm. After all, they had seen the people they came to see and learned everything they needed to know.

Once they were on a deserted road, Zuo Dan grabbed Shen Yiming and asked, “When you said earlier that you want to help Grandpa and Grandma, did you mean it? What exactly are you planning to do? This is a big deal, you know.”

Shen Yiming sighed heavily, his expression serious. “I didn’t sleep well last night. There are some things I just can’t remember.”

Zuo Dan reached out and pinched his waist. “Why are you so bad?”

“Comrade Zuo Dan, for someone who hasn’t eaten enough, nothing feels right. You wouldn’t understand that,” Shen Yiming said shamelessly, without the slightest blush.

Zuo Dan’s face turned red immediately. “Shen Yiming, you’re shameless! You’re getting more and more indecent with your words. Just now you were speaking so properly and refined in front of Grandpa and Grandma, and now you’ve completely changed.”

Shen Yiming chuckled, “I’ve always treated people, not matters.”

Zuo Dan puffed her cheeks. “So are you going to tell me or not?”

“Leave the door open tonight.”

“…”

“I just want to lie next to you. I promise not to do anything bad.”

“…Speak!”

Shen Yiming immediately flashed a satisfied smile, gave Zuo Dan a quick hug, and then let go. “I can’t help Grandpa and Grandma right now, but I think there’ll be an opportunity soon. Last time I went to the capital, I asked someone to keep an eye out for news over there. As soon as a chance comes up, I’ll publish an article in the newspaper exposing the situation in the labor farm. At that time, Grandpa and Grandma can be featured as a model case. That’ll easily draw attention from the higher-ups. If there’s a chance for rehabilitation, they’ll be among the first to receive it.”

Zuo Dan nodded. That made sense. Although the political campaign ended not long after, it still took a while before people were restored to their former positions. She raised her eyebrows. “What else? I don’t believe you came here just to help Grandpa and Grandma. You never lift a finger unless there’s something in it for you.”

“Dandan, I want to go into politics in the future. What’s the one thing I lack most?”

Zuo Dan counted on her fingers. “You’re not short on charm or brains. Your knowledge is just so-so… you lack background?”

Shen Yiming kissed her on the forehead. “I have nothing to rely on, so I have to seize any opportunity to do something impactful. If the chance arises, I’ll advocate for rehabilitating these people. My power is limited and might not make a big difference, but once I publish the article, someone’s bound to see it. Even if it only has a small effect, it’ll be something I can benefit from in the future.”

His tone was serious, but in Zuo Dan’s mind, she was stirred. So many people had suffered for years. Knowing someone was out there fighting for them—even if it didn’t work—would still be remembered and cherished.

So many people…

Still, she was a bit worried. “Aren’t you afraid this might hurt your reputation?”

Shen Yiming happily intertwined his fingers with hers. “I’m still young, and the future is long. Don’t worry, I won’t put myself in danger. I won’t let you become a widow. I want you to be someone others look up to, no matter where you go.”

“…Who cares? Maybe I’ll outdo you in the future,” Zuo Dan said proudly. “Wherever you go, people will say, ‘That’s Zuo Dan’s husband.’”

Shen Yiming nodded approvingly. “Good. I’ll wait for that day—when everyone knows I’m Zuo Dan’s husband.”

Zuo Dan happily leaned against Shen Yiming’s shoulder. “So, have you finished everything you needed to do here at the farm?”

“Just about. I just need to do some polishing myself.”

Zuo Dan sighed. “I’m a little disappointed. I thought I’d get to see Su Xue. But she actually avoided us and didn’t even come to the Li house.”

Meanwhile, the farm had begun work for the day.

Su Xue arrived at the fields with an empty stomach, only to find that Li Wenchang wasn’t there.

She immediately grew angry. He had said he wanted to treat her well and make it up to her, but after just a few days, he’d stopped helping her with the work. And even meals—he used to bring food for her, but now he didn’t bother anymore.

And he calls himself her father? He’s not even as good as that butcher stepfather of hers.

Although she felt bitter and wronged, no one was helping her, so she still had to do the work herself, hunger and all.

She endured until the afternoon work shift ended and waited at her place for Li Wenchang, but he never showed up.

Finally unable to stand it anymore, she gritted her teeth and headed to the Li household.