RIRW – Chapter 120

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Zuo Dan spent the whole day reviewing her schoolwork, and she was also waiting for Shen Yiming to come home at night so she could settle the score with him. But when he returned, to her surprise, he brought back a whole bunch of food—and even some baijiu (Chinese white liquor).

Grandma looked at all the goodies and laughed. “What’s the special occasion today? You bought so much.”

“I just felt like it’s been a while since the house felt lively, so I picked up some things,” Shen Yiming said, letting out a long breath.

Grandma went to fetch some bowls and plates, laying out the braised pork, meat buns, and some fried peanuts to go with the alcohol.

The family sat around the table to eat. Shen Yiming immediately opened the baijiu and poured himself a cup.

Zuo Dan covered the bottle with her hand. “Comrade Shen Yiming, young people shouldn’t drink too much.”

Grandma also tried to stop him. “Yiming, don’t drink unless there’s a reason.”

“Just let me drink a little tonight. I feel like having some,” Shen Yiming said with a smile.

Zuo Dan looked at him and thought he seemed different today. Grandma studied him for a moment too. “Alright, you can drink, but not too much. Otherwise, Dandan will have to take care of you later.”

“Mhm.” Only then did Shen Yiming take a sip, a content smile spreading across his lips.

Throughout dinner, only Grandma and Zuo Dan really ate the food. Shen Yiming just picked at a few bites and focused mostly on sipping his drink—slowly, savoring each mouthful as though tasting something deeper.

Zuo Dan watched him closely, frowning slightly. She felt like something was definitely going on with him.

That night, when they were in bed, Shen Yiming snuggled up and tried to get frisky. But no matter what he did, Zuo Dan refused. Last night, he’d tricked her—he’d said he was going to plant the seed in her belly, but in the end, he didn’t. Big liar! She had decided she wasn’t going to be nice to him for a while.

“Dandan, I’m really happy. Even if it might not be real, I still feel happy,” Shen Yiming said as he kissed her.

Zuo Dan was confused and pushed him. “Shen Yiming, what’s going on with you?”

“There’s something… I don’t know if it’s true or not. There’s no way to be sure right now, but I really hope it is,” he said, holding her tightly. She could feel his body trembling slightly.

“What is it? Tell me, and I’ll help you figure it out,” she said, setting aside her grudge, sensing something important had happened.

Shen Yiming sighed. “Maybe the future is going to change. Maybe something big is coming. But the news isn’t confirmed yet—it’s just a rumor spreading around in Beijing.”

He didn’t say exactly what it was, but Zuo Dan suddenly felt a jolt. Counting the days, it really might be about time. Everything was about to end. Things were about to change.

She said excitedly, “Shen Yiming, where there’s smoke, there’s fire. If there’s news at all, then it’s probably very possible.”

“I think so too. That’s why I was so happy today. I wanted to drink, to talk to someone. But there are some things I just can’t say. Dandan, I’m so glad I have you. You always understand me—whatever I say, you get it.”

Overcome with emotion, Shen Yiming couldn’t hold himself back. He flipped over and kissed her, eager to share all his joy and sorrow with her.

Zuo Dan was just as moved. She wrapped her arms around his shoulders and responded with deep passion.

Shen Yiming kissed her lips, then down to her ear, her neck… and all the way to her chest.

“Shen Yiming…” Zuo Dan ran her fingers through his hair. “Let’s plant a little baby. If we do it early, the timing will still work…”

She hadn’t forgotten the big picture. Grandma was getting older. If she and Shen Yiming waited to have children until after they graduated from college, it would be years later.

Grandma had been through so much in her life. Zuo Dan felt that if they could spare her any regrets, they should. Besides, whether it was now or later, they were going to have kids anyway.

Shen Yiming, panting, replaced his kisses with his hands, kneading her gently as he kissed her lips again. “Okay, let’s plant a little baby.” Their child wouldn’t have to live through the things they had lived through.

October 18th — all radio stations and newspapers were repeatedly broadcasting one piece of news: The reactionary acts of the Cultural Revolution, the usurpation of the Party by the Cultural Revolution, had been thoroughly crushed!

At home, Zuo Dan and Grandma heard the news on the radio. Grandma asked Zuo Dan in a trembling voice, “Dandan, did I hear that right? Is it true? Really true?”

“It’s true!” Zuo Dan affirmed. “I heard it too.”

Grandma covered her face and cried, “That’s so good. So, so good!”

After crying for a while, Grandma couldn’t sit still at home anymore. She went out with Zuo Dan. The streets were filled with joy and excitement—even little children were running and jumping around.

Everywhere, people were happily discussing the news. The elderly especially were crying and blowing their noses while cursing the ones who had done evil things.

Zuo Dan thought about Zuojia Village. She didn’t know whether they had heard the news yet, so she found a public phone on the street and called home.

Zuo Cong picked up. Before Zuo Dan could speak, he excitedly said, “Sis! Sis, did you hear the news? This is amazing. So amazing.” As he spoke, he began to cry.

Zuo Dan said joyfully, “Xiao Cong, you all heard too?”

Zuo Cong choked back tears and hummed in response. “Dad got a call from the commune yesterday. The news had already spread, but they weren’t allowed to say anything. After Dad heard it, he told Mom, and she was so happy she couldn’t sleep the whole night. First thing this morning, they went to the farm together to tell Grandpa and Grandma.”

Then he asked, “Sis, do you think Grandpa and Grandma can come home now?”

“They can. They definitely can.”

At the provincial farm, the atmosphere was different. Ever since the news arrived, the people working there were all overjoyed. Zuo Dacheng and Li Hui even brought over some meat to celebrate with the whole family.

Father Li hadn’t eaten or drunk with Zuo Dacheng in ages. When Zuo Dacheng brought meat and liquor today, he was beyond thrilled. Old Liu had also been invited by Zuo Dacheng. The three men ate and drank in celebration together, while Li Hui and Mother Li were cooking in the kitchen.

Watching the lively and relaxed scene, the two women felt a bit dazed—it didn’t feel like the farm anymore, but like they were back in their home kitchen.

Old Liu got so happy while drinking, he kept slapping the table. In the past, Father Li would have thought that behavior was rude, but now he was affected too, slapping the table along with him, feeling incredibly refreshed.

Mother Li laughed from the kitchen, “Look how happy your dad is.”

Li Hui laughed too. “He should be happy. Mom, do you think you and Dad might be able to go home now?”

Mother Li sighed. “Who knows? Whether we can or not, at least it’s better than before. And at least no one will come after us anymore. Just thinking about it makes me happy.”

Though Mother Li wasn’t sure if they could return, most of the people at the farm were still hopeful. In private, they were quietly discussing whether they could finally go back home. After so many years, there was finally a glimmer of hope.

Even Li Wenchang believed they had a real chance. He immediately went to tell Su Xue the good news.

Right now, Father and Mother Li were both angry with him and not speaking to him, so he could only talk to his daughter.

Su Xue was just a few days away from leaving the farm. She was stunned when she heard the news. “Is it really true? There’s really a chance we can go back?” Of course, “going back” didn’t just mean leaving the farm—it meant returning to the life they once had, to their former social status.

Li Wenchang, feeling elated and self-assured, said, “They were the ones who started all this, and now they’ve been taken down. Of course we can go back. Xiaoxue, these hard days are finally coming to an end.”

Su Xue’s heart instantly raced. If they could really go back… She faintly remembered the life she had as a child: living in a university housing compound, surrounded by elegant, polished people. Wearing beautiful clothes, eating delicious food.

If they could go back, wouldn’t she be able to live like that again? She’d never have to worry about anyone finding out her background anymore.

“Dad, Dad, that’s amazing,” Su Xue said happily.

Hearing her call him “Dad,” Li Wenchang was moved. Su Xue rarely called him that. The last time she had was during an argument with the old couple.

Su Xue continued, “Dad, do Grandpa and Grandma know? Have they heard the news? Let’s go tell them, let them share in the joy.”

“They know, they all know,” Li Wenchang replied with a smile.

“Still, let’s go see them. Let’s celebrate with them.”

Li Wenchang’s expression turned slightly uncomfortable. “Your aunt and uncle are already there, celebrating with your grandparents.” Not only were they there—they had brought meat and liquor, too. The meat had been cooked to fragrant perfection, and after it was ready, his mother hadn’t even called him over to eat. She even invited Old Liu from next door, but didn’t call him. He didn’t feel like staying home after that.

Su Xue pouted. “Why’d they show up? Just heard the news and ran over, huh? Trying to cozy up to Grandpa and Grandma. Dad, we should go too—we’re the real family.”

Hearing that, Li Wenchang felt stirred. Yes, he was the Li family’s only son. How could he be absent at a time like this? “Alright, let’s go see your grandparents.”

When the father and daughter arrived at the house, the food was already nearly gone. Old Liu was drunk and getting ready to sleep. The farm had declared a one-day holiday today, so everyone could rest. It had been years since Old Liu could drink this freely.

Zuo Dacheng helped him back to his room. Old Liu patted him on the shoulder. “Dacheng, you’re a good one. A really good one.” Then he collapsed onto the bed and fell asleep.

After tucking Old Liu in, Zuo Dacheng returned to his in-laws’ place. As he entered the room, he heard his father-in-law arguing about something with his brother-in-law.

“Dad, Xiaoxue was thinking of you. As soon as she heard the news, she came to celebrate with you. Why are you driving her away? When Xiaohui and Dacheng came, you were all happy!” Li Wenchang protested.

He had just entered the house with his daughter when the old couple’s faces immediately darkened. Xiaoxue had just called them Grandpa and Grandma, and they were already pushing her out the door.

Father Li said, “Don’t lump Dacheng and Xiaohui in with this. They’re different—they’re kind and loyal. All these years, they’ve always treated us the same.”

Li Wenchang argued, “Xiaoxue is kind and loyal too! As soon as she heard the news, she thought of you.”

With reddened eyes, Su Xue said, “Grandpa, Grandma, I know you’ve misunderstood me. Dandan must’ve said some bad things about me before. But I’m your biological granddaughter. I’m part of the Li family, raised by the Lis. How could you not believe me?”

“What do you mean Dandan said bad things about you?” Zuo Dacheng walked over, clearly displeased. “Go ahead, tell us what Dandan supposedly said. Don’t think just because she’s not here you can talk behind her back.”

“Dacheng, how can you speak to a child like that?” Li Wenchang defended his daughter.

Father Li said, “Dacheng isn’t wrong. Just because Dandan isn’t here doesn’t mean she can spout nonsense. We can tell for ourselves whether what Dandan said was true or not. Our dislike of you has nothing to do with Dandan. You’ve been here for so long and never once called us Grandpa or Grandma. Now you show up—what for? We’re not senile yet!”

As he spoke, a wave of disappointment washed over him. If Su Xue hadn’t come today, he might’ve been happier. It would’ve shown she had some genuine character, some dignity.

“Wenchang, take your child home. We’d like to talk a bit more with Xiaohui and the others,” Mother Li said with a sigh.

Su Xue was fuming inside. These were her biological grandparents, yet they were so partial to outsiders and so heartless to her.

Li Wenchang was also angry. He knew his daughter had her flaws, but she was still his child and a descendant of the Li family. Couldn’t they be more forgiving? Did they expect him to disown her and live his whole life childless?

After father and daughter left the Lis’ shack, Su Xue clutched Li Wenchang’s hand. “Dad, what do we do now? Grandpa and Grandma are clearly biased against me.”

“It’s fine. Give it some time. You’re their granddaughter—they won’t really disown you,” Li Wenchang said, trying to see the bright side.

Su Xue, however, was worried. She regretted going too far before. Now, even if she wanted to make amends, it was too late.

Back in their own room, she immediately wrote a letter to the provincial capital. She had written to her mother for help before but hadn’t received a reply—who knew what had happened?

Back at the provincial slaughterhouse, Su Yidao also brought home some meat, and the whole family was lively and festive.

They normally didn’t lack meat at home, but today he was genuinely happy. He didn’t care for offal—he brought back pork belly and cooked it until it sizzled with oil.

His son, Su Xiaodao, devoured it enthusiastically.

Guo Caiping, though, seemed distracted as she ate. Seeing Su Yidao so happy, she brought it up: “Xiaoxue wrote a letter a while ago, said she was having a hard time.”

Su Yidao, sipping his drink, laughed heartily. “If she’s struggling, we’ll send her some supplies. Things will only get better from now on—don’t be stingy.” Their household had city residency, and he worked at the slaughterhouse—not only did he get a salary, but he also made some extra on the side. When it came to material goods, he was always generous with his kids.

Guo Caiping smiled. “You really do dote on your kids. I was worried you were still mad about last time. But Xiaoxue has had it rough—she’s just a girl, always had poor health, and it’s normal she can’t handle farm work. I bet the locals were bullying her. You know, many educated youths have been taken advantage of.”

Su Yidao nodded repeatedly. “Why would I hold a grudge against a child? Go ahead and send her something. Tomorrow, I’ll sneak out some pig offal and trade it for food stamps to send her. Let her eat well.”

“Mom, I have money too! I’ll give it all to my sister!” Su Xiaodao shouted.

“Mm,” Guo Caiping replied faintly, without even looking at him, and continued eating.

After the meal, Guo Caiping went to the post office to send a package to Su Xue.

She had actually considered going in person but decided to wait. She needed to be sure before making a decision.

Not long after, trouble began stirring in the provincial capital.

Someone sent anonymous letters accusing Li Jianghe of the Provincial Revolutionary Committee of distorting upper-level policy, fabricating charges, and wrongfully exiling many innocent people. He was even accused of abusing power for personal gain and seizing the property of those people.

These letters didn’t just go to provincial leaders; they were sent to various newspapers as well. As the saying goes, “Everyone kicks a man who’s down.” The central government had already started cracking down on major targets, and though the smaller ones hadn’t been officially dealt with yet, everyone was eager to act.

Those who had once benefited now wanted to earn merit. Those who had suffered finally had a chance to speak up.

At the military district’s newspaper office in the provincial capital, Editor-in-Chief Wang was overjoyed when he read the letter. He paced around his office and then called Shen Yiming in to discuss a plan.

“This is a great opportunity!” Editor Wang said excitedly. “We have to publish an article as soon as possible and take Li Jianghe down. If we do, our newspaper will make waves. Yiming, can you handle it?”

“I can,” Shen Yiming replied, “but we’ll need some higher-ups in the province to apply pressure. After all, Li Jianghe is part of the Revolutionary Committee. Though there’s movement from above, nothing’s happened here yet. Editor, I remember you have a friend in the provincial propaganda department… Could they help with this? If they do, and once the dust settles, this will be a huge achievement.”

“Yes, yes, yes—I’ll call him right away. He’ll want to claim credit for this. I bet other newspapers are already stirring things up too. We can’t fall behind. How do you plan to write the article?”

“I’ve been to the labor farm before and interviewed the director, so I’m quite familiar with the conditions there. Li Jianghe’s crimes are a provincial matter, but we can focus on the people he persecuted—their lives, their experiences. That’ll grab public attention and technically keep us from interfering in provincial politics.”

Editor Wang nodded in satisfaction. Though it was a military newspaper, they still needed to tread carefully. Yiming was always thorough and thoughtful—he’d made the right choice in him.

“Good. You’ll take full charge of this article. If you need extra people, get whoever you want—I’ll inform them. Make sure it’s eye-catching. We want people to remember our paper.”

Shen Yiming gave his guarantee. “Rest assured, Editor—I’ll get it done!”

He had already gathered the materials long ago. The article itself had been written months earlier and had gone through several rounds of polishing.

Everything was ready—the only thing left was the east wind.