RIRW – Chapter 57

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The entire group of educated youths in Zuojiatun’s production team believed that the most likely candidate to return to the city was Shen Yiming. Of course, this was assuming the decision was privately settled between the commune and the production team, leaving no room for others to compete. However, now that everyone was aware of this opportunity, they weren’t going to sit idly by. Those with connections headed to Zuo Shuisheng’s house, while others made calls to the city.

Li Hongbing, for instance, took the afternoon off to call her father in the city. She asked him to see if he could maneuver things to delay finalizing the spot.

Li Jianghe, her father, was thrilled to hear the news. Without hesitation, he agreed to help. He was well aware of his daughter’s feelings. Shen Yiming’s background wasn’t a mystery to him anymore. During a meeting, Deputy Minister Wei Guohua had casually mentioned a long-lost son—none other than Shen Yiming.

Even though Li Jianghe knew that Shen Yiming’s relationship with the Wei family was delicate, his daughter’s affection for the young man was undeniable. Though he had a preference for another young man, Li Chenliang, who was a cherished son in his family and would strengthen ties between their households if they married, Li Chenliang was unruly and hard to handle. As a compromise, Li Jianghe found Shen Yiming to be a decent choice.

This small matter of a single return-to-the-city spot from the Dahe Commune ended up escalating, even drawing the attention of officials in the provincial capital.

Back in Zuojiatun, the commotion among the educated youths continued. They frequently visited Zuo Shuisheng’s house, leaving him perpetually annoyed. Normally, these people didn’t value him much as the team leader, but now they were suddenly trying to curry favor. Did they think it would work?

It didn’t.

To avoid the hassle, Zuo Shuisheng started spending his post-work hours at Zuo Dacheng’s house instead. Their home was farther from the village, spacious, and much more comfortable.

Li Hui, Zuo Dacheng’s wife, wasn’t stingy either. Every time Zuo Shuisheng visited, she’d prepare a plate of peanuts for him to snack on while chatting.

Still, the more they talked, the more Zuo Dacheng and his wife felt disheartened. In the end, all they could do was sigh. A good son-in-law always belonged to someone else’s family.

Unaware of their thoughts, Zuo Shuisheng snacked on peanuts as he explained, “I won’t hide it from you. I’ve already recommended Yiming to the commune. I’m acting with a clear conscience, and no one can accuse me of being unfair. Even if we put it to a vote in the production team, the result would be the same. Those educated youths accusing me of favoritism—what have they done themselves, really?”

Zuo Dacheng nodded repeatedly. Though he felt it was a shame, he understood how important returning to the city was for someone from there. If Shen Yiming could truly return, it was better than being stuck in the countryside.

Zuo Dan, who was also munching on peanuts, chimed in, “Uncle, has Comrade Shen Yiming been taking leave recently to deal with this matter?”

“Of course. He’s been going to the commune every day. I don’t know exactly what he’s doing there, but I know why,” Zuo Shuisheng replied. “You can’t blame him. Young people need to fight for themselves; they can’t just sit around waiting for opportunities.” He seemed to understand completely.

Zuo Dan, however, only chuckled. A few days ago, Shen Yiming had been deliberately chatting with her, trying to get close. She’d felt then that he wasn’t reliable, and now it seemed she’d been right. While he was sweet-talking her, he’d been preparing his return to the city. Fortunately, she wasn’t the kind of girl who could be easily deceived. Otherwise, she might have been heartbroken.

From then on, whenever she saw Shen Yiming, she avoided talking to him. Even when he approached, she only responded half-heartedly. Did he really think she was the type to fall for his tricks?

The matter of the return-to-the-city quota remained unresolved due to the commotion at the commune.

Zuo Dan, however, had lost interest in the topic. Compared to the educated youths’ city quota, what caught her attention was Xu Fengxia’s return from the farmland infrastructure project base. It wasn’t so much the event itself but rather Xu Fengxia’s appearance that intrigued her.

On the day Xu Fengxia returned, Zuo Dan was loosening the soil in her yard with the gate wide open. It was midday, and the view stretched far into the distance. Before Xu Fengxia even entered the village, Zuo Dan spotted her. Clad in a heavy cotton coat, her face was sallow—clearly the result of overwork and severe malnutrition.

At first, Zuo Dan didn’t recognize her, assuming she was a beggar. After all, in these times, some people from impoverished production teams couldn’t survive on their team’s rations and resorted to begging.

But as the “beggar” entered the village and stood at a distance from Zuo Dan’s house for a while, their eyes met. Zuo Dan noticed a mix of emotions in the woman’s gaze—shock, anger, unwillingness. It was then she recognized her: Xu Fengxia, her troublemaking aunt-in-law who could never sit still. After a tense moment, Xu Fengxia slinked away.

Her hasty retreat was easy to explain. Next door, Grandmother Zuo had called out to Zuo Dan, asking her to bring some cabbage seeds for planting in her garden. As soon as Grandma’s voice rang out, Xu Fengxia bolted.

Later that afternoon at work, Zuo Dan overheard gossip about Xu Fengxia. Apparently, her health had deteriorated to the point where she needed rest at home. Her month of unpaid labor at the farmland project had been a punishment by the commune, earning her no work points. Now that she had to recuperate, she would miss the spring planting season.

While the villagers speculated about how Zuo Hongjun and Zuo Qing would have to work harder to support their family, Xu Fengxia stirred up new drama. She sought out the village matchmaker, Granny Qi, declaring her intent to find a live-in son-in-law for Zuo Qing. After a month of grueling labor, Xu Fengxia claimed she grew weak at the mere thought of work. A hardworking son-in-law would be essential to earn work points and support her as his mother-in-law.

In these times, however, it was laughable to expect a strong laborer to agree to become a live-in son-in-law. Granny Qi was troubled by the request, spreading the word across the commune and even seeking help in neighboring communes. The more people involved, the wilder the rumors became. The most far-fetched rumor claimed that Zuo Hongjun was planning to build a spacious brick house as an incentive for the son-in-law.

When this reached Xu Fengxia’s ears, she was livid—almost spitting blood. A brick house? She didn’t even have one herself! That biased third brother was always helping the second brother’s family build houses while neglecting hers. He’d face retribution one day, she thought bitterly.

Zuo Dan, unaware of Xu Fengxia’s frustrations, was thoroughly entertained by the gossip, listening intently each day. Even Shen Yiming slipped from her thoughts. Fortunately, Shen Yiming seemed to have given up on her too, spending all his time at the commune, determined to secure the city spot at all costs.

Watching Shen Yiming’s relentless efforts, Li Hongbing felt secretly pleased. The more desperate he was for the quota, the more it benefited her. To her, it was clear that in Shen Yiming’s eyes, Zuo Dan, a country girl, was incomparable to the chance of returning to the city. Look how quickly he’d stopped paying her any attention!

Still, Li Hongbing worried that Zuo Dan might try to influence him. So after work, she sought Zuo Dan out for a talk.

“Comrade Zuo Dan,” she began, “you can see that Shen Yiming is determined to return to the city. I hope you’ll keep your distance from him in the future. You come from two completely different worlds.”

Hearing this, Zuo Dan rolled her eyes twice. “Which eye of yours saw me bothering him? And by the way, could you explain what these ‘two worlds’ mean? Aren’t we advocating equality for all? How is it that in Comrade Li Hongbing’s view, the countryside and the city are still separate worlds? Your ideological consciousness seems lower than mine!” She added a hint of disdain to her tone, making Li Hongbing’s face twist with frustration.

“You’re just being stubborn, but I’m saying this for your own good. I hope you won’t take any wrong actions that might affect a talented educated youth’s opportunity to return to the city and contribute to the country’s development.”

Li Hongbing thought it was pointless to argue with Zuo Dan, though she wouldn’t admit it was because she couldn’t win the argument. Either way, Shen Yiming needed her connections to secure the city spot. Once he figured things out in a few days, he’d know the right choice to make.

Zuo Dan also felt it was meaningless to argue with Li Hongbing—what’s the point of debating over a man? To her, it wasn’t worth it at all.

The commotion over the city return quota was still going strong. The educated youths stopped visiting Zuo Shuisheng’s house and instead took turns heading to the commune. Zuo Shuisheng approved all their leave requests, letting them exhaust themselves chasing the quota. He didn’t believe they could actually secure the spot by scrambling at the last minute.

The chaos continued into the final days of spring planting. By then, Zuo Dan had lost interest in the matter. With the fieldwork winding down, she asked Zuo Shuisheng for leave to visit Zuo Cong in the county.

If he approved leave for the educated youths, how could he deny his own family?

The next morning, Zuo Dan set off early, carrying a permission slip and some grain for Zuo Cong. Since the family was busy with the fields, no one could accompany her. She carried ten pounds of grain herself and headed toward the town to catch the bus. Just as she left the village, she ran into someone familiar.

“Zuo Dan, heading out so early?” Shen Yiming smiled at her from a horse-drawn cart.

Zuo Dan raised an eyebrow and glanced at him. “You’re out early too. You even managed to get a cart.”

The cart Shen Yiming rode was the one Zuo Mugen used to use for transporting people. With tractors now in the village, the cart was mostly unused, kept to let the old horse enjoy retirement. It was only occasionally brought out for use.

Shen Yiming grinned. “Hop on, I’ll give you a ride.”

Only a fool would refuse a ride. Zuo Dan climbed aboard. “You’re really something, huh? You seem more familiar with this village than we are. You can borrow a cart whenever you want, but if someone else tried, Uncle Mugen would chase them off with a stick.”

Shen Yiming snapped the whip lightly, and the old horse began to trot slowly.

“If you wanted to borrow it, you’d get it too. The real question is, do you know how to drive it?”

“What’s so hard about that?” Zuo Dan thought. It’s just whipping the horse and letting it run.

Shen Yiming raised an eyebrow and handed her the whip. Without hesitation, Zuo Dan took it, held the reins, and gave the horse a firm whip on the back.

The horse started running, but its pace was uneven. Zuo Dan, who had been sitting fine before, began swaying side to side with the movement. Shen Yiming quickly grabbed the reins, slowing the horse to a steady trot.

Zuo Dan coughed. “First time—bound to be a bit rusty. Anyway, I won’t practice today. Don’t want to delay your important business.”

Shen Yiming chuckled. “It’s quite important—related to whether or not I can return to the city. As you know, everyone’s heading to the commune now. If you don’t go, someone else might grab the spot.”

Hearing his confident tone, Zuo Dan said, “You seem pretty sure of yourself. You really think you’re guaranteed to get the spot?”

“I’ve always been confident,” Shen Yiming replied with a self-assured smile. He glanced at her. “Actually, Zuo Dan, before the spot is finalized, I was thinking of finding someone here to settle down with.”

Zuo Dan curled her lips slightly.

“I’ve seen so many girls, and honestly, you’re the most suitable one. Honest, hardworking, kind, and always willing to help. It’s a pity…” Shen Yiming sighed.

Zuo Dan wasn’t about to listen to his nonsense. Putting on a serious face, she said sternly, “Comrade Shen Yiming, you’d better watch what you say. You’re about to return to the city, and you’re saying these things to me? Do you think that’s appropriate? Do you think it has any meaning? As a man, you should have some self-awareness and a sense of responsibility. It’s lucky that I’m the one hearing this. If it were one of those naïve girls, you’d ruin her.”

As if chastened by her words, Shen Yiming hung his head for a long while. Then, with a hint of testing the waters, he looked up at her and asked, “Comrade Zuo Dan, from what you said earlier, if I weren’t planning to leave, it’d be okay for me to say this?”

“Is that what I meant?” Zuo Dan said, her face stern.

“That’s what it sounded like to me,” Shen Yiming replied earnestly.

“Suit yourself,” Zuo Dan said. “Either way, you’re someone who wants to return to the city, so why not just focus on that? Can you stop stirring up trouble? Deal?” She wasn’t in the mood for any “I like you” nonsense anymore. In her eyes, Shen Yiming, despite being somewhat clever, was no different from the countless other educated youths. As soon as a chance to return to the city appeared, he’d run faster than a rabbit. And before running off, he wouldn’t forget to flirt with the local girls—shameless.

“So, if I give up the chance to return to the city this time, will what I said be possible?” Shen Yiming pressed further.

Seeing him get more and more into it, Zuo Dan chuckled. “Sure. But it can’t be because you were rejected or eliminated. That wouldn’t count as giving up; it’d just mean you weren’t chosen in the first place.” She didn’t believe he’d actually give up such an important opportunity.

Shen Yiming put on a thoughtful expression, as if weighing a serious decision. Suddenly, he pulled the reins tightly, bringing the old horse to an abrupt stop with a neigh.

Startled, Zuo Dan exclaimed, “What are you doing?”

Shen Yiming looked at her with the determination of someone burning his bridges. “Comrade Zuo Dan, after much careful consideration just now, I’ve decided to give up my chance to return to the city this time. I won’t compete for the spot anymore.”

“…” Zuo Dan stared at him like he was a fool. “What did you say? Did you not sleep well? It’s still early. How about I take over driving the cart while you take a nap?”

“No, no, no. I slept early last night, and I’m feeling great. So I remember everything you just said. I give up the city spot, and then this matter between us will work out.”

Zuo Dan looked up at the sky. What was going on?

Before she could figure out what Shen Yiming was up to, he started driving the cart again. While urging the horse forward, he added, “I’ll head straight to the town to find Secretary Zhang and get a written declaration that I’m withdrawing from the competition for the city spot. I’ll show it to you when I pick you up tonight. Once you see the proof, it’s settled between us.”

Zuo Dan felt like she must still be dreaming. She must have misheard him.

No matter what Zuo Dan was thinking, Shen Yiming spent the entire journey emphasizing the matter, reminding her repeatedly not to forget. Once he got the proof, their “thing” would be settled.

Zuo Dan looked at him blankly. What exactly would be settled?

Shen Yiming responded earnestly, “Of course, we’d be dating. And, as Chairman Mao once said, dating without marriage as the goal is just playing around. I’m not someone who likes to play around. What about you, Comrade Zuo Dan?”

Not playing around? You’re playing around right now! Zuo Dan gave him a strange look and asked, “Shen Yiming, if you’re giving up so easily, what were you busy with all these days?”

“It wasn’t easy. I just went through a mental struggle before finally deciding to give it up.”

He then brought up their earlier conversation. “You still haven’t told me—would you play around?”

Zuo Dan turned her head, avoiding his gaze, her eyes darting as she thought it over. Clearly, Shen Yiming was trying to trap her. She couldn’t figure out why he would give up the opportunity to return to the city so easily, but she didn’t believe it was that simple. He must have something up his sleeve.

Oh, you think you’re clever? Let’s see who’s better at this game. She glanced at him and said in a serious tone, “Get the proof first, and then we’ll talk.”

Then, waving her hand dismissively, she added, “Hurry up and drive the cart. I still need to catch a ride to the city. And remember, I need to see the proof, or I won’t believe you.”

Shen Yiming’s lips curled into a smile. “Don’t worry, I’ll show it to you. I’ll even let you keep it.”

When they reached the town, Shen Yiming personally escorted her to the bus heading to the county. He made sure the ticket seller arranged a good seat for her before standing outside the bus and watching it depart. Zuo Dan casually waved at him, still wondering what kind of game he was playing.

After the bus left, Shen Yiming left the station and cheerfully drove his cart toward the coal yard.

When Xu Dapeng saw him arrive again, he greeted him with a smile. “Come on in! I already brewed tea—I knew you’d show up today. Are you staying for lunch, or heading back?”

Shen Yiming parked the cart and joined Xu in the office. “I’ll stay for lunch. I won’t head back until tonight.”

As Xu poured tea, he teased, “You’ve been coming to the commune every day, but instead of networking with the leaders to secure your spot, you just hang out here with me. What’s your plan? Aren’t you worried they’ll give the spot to someone else? Secretary Zhang is supportive of you, but you don’t seem to care at all.”

Shen Yiming sipped his tea leisurely, savoring it. “What’s the point of rushing? No matter how much effort I put in, the result will be the same.”

“Then why do you come to the commune every day? Isn’t this just a waste of time?” Xu asked as he brought over some peanuts and sunflower seeds. The two of them settled into their usual routine of tea and chatting.

Leaning back in his chair, Shen Yiming said lazily, “I just want people to see how determined I am to return to the city this time.”

Xu Dapeng looked utterly confused. He realized he was more anxious about this than Shen Yiming himself. “Aren’t you worried about losing the spot? If you miss this chance, who knows when the next one will come?”

Shen Yiming smiled as he cracked open a peanut. Worried? What was there to worry about? He had no intention of relying on the official spot to return to the city. He’d figured it out during last year’s New Year’s visit—his family was still keeping a close watch on him. If he returned using the official spot, he’d never truly be free for the rest of his life.