RIRW – Chapter 74

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From living in a high position to having nothing, from a spacious courtyard to a cramped tube apartment, Wei Guohua also felt disheartened and unwilling to go out.

Du Juan, frustrated by his attitude, could only rely on Wei Jingren.

Now, only Wei Jingren was working and earning a salary in the family. As for the family’s savings, she didn’t plan to touch them, intending to save them for the two children who had gone to the countryside.

Out of the three children, only Jingren stayed in the city. The other two younger ones had gone to the countryside, and Du Juan herself felt heartbroken for them.

When Wei Jingren heard that she would have to support the family from now on, she felt the pressure. Her current salary was only about thirty yuan, and she had never been rated as an outstanding employee at her workplace, so she hadn’t gotten a raise. Thinking about having to support the family, she wondered how they would manage.

She then thought of Shen Yiming, “Mom, should we go find Yiming… after all, he’s also Dad’s son. Now that Dad is in this state, he should know, right?” She believed Shen Yiming was capable and could definitely help with this situation.

Wei Jingren felt that although Shen Yiming had misunderstandings about her and didn’t want to acknowledge her, it didn’t stop her from considering him as family. The job situation back then was arranged by her mother behind her back, and she only found out after she started working. She didn’t explain it clearly to Shen Yiming just to avoid making things difficult for her mother.

Du Juan rubbed her temples, feeling irritated by the family’s current state and reluctant to let Shen Yiming know about their situation.

However, on second thought, Shen Yiming was also Wei Guohua’s son. Why shouldn’t he take responsibility? Such a heavy burden shouldn’t be shouldered by Jingren alone, a young woman.

Moreover, she had some thoughts of her own, feeling that the family’s current state was somewhat related to Shen Yiming. He shouldn’t be the only one living comfortably.

Provincial Military District Newspaper Office.

Shen Yiming was writing an article. Recently, the military district was organizing activities, and the newspaper office needed to write promotional articles. The entire office was busy, and he even had to squeeze time to write letters to Zuo Dan. Yet, the girl hadn’t replied to any of his letters. He had also called the commune several times to speak with Secretary Zhang, but she hadn’t gone to the commune meetings, saying she was busy managing the production team’s educated youth.

He knew the girl was still thinking about that day’s incident. Shen Yiming felt innocent; some things were beyond his control.

Remembering that day, Shen Yiming’s eyes softened as he looked at the article, a smile forming at the corner of his mouth.

“Yiming, what are you thinking about? Your sweetheart?” a woman in her thirties teased.

When Shen Yiming first joined the newspaper office, many people had their eyes on him. His looks were just too good. The female staff at the newspaper office, being educated and cultured, were particularly drawn to good-looking men.

But before anyone could make a move, Shen Yiming was already trading ration coupons to buy clothes for his sweetheart, saying she was far away and he was worried she might forget about him.

This immediately dashed everyone’s hopes. Not only did he have a sweetheart, but with his conditions, he was still worried she might forget him. She must be something special.

A man who was already devoted to someone else, no matter how attractive, was not worth pursuing, as it could ruin one’s reputation.

However, Shen Yiming’s devotion to his sweetheart made people trust his character. Combined with his gentle and polite demeanor, he easily made people feel close to him.

Shen Yiming twirled his pen and smiled, “Speaking of which, I have something to trouble you with, Sister Chu. The weather is getting hot, and the military uniform I got for her last time isn’t suitable anymore.”

Hearing this, Sister Chu smiled, “That’s a small matter. We get new uniforms every year, and I can’t possibly wear them all. When the new uniforms are issued, I’ll give you the coupon.”

Shen Yiming smiled, “Then I’ll thank you in advance, Sister Chu. By the way, has your sister found a job yet?”

Speaking of this, Sister Chu sighed. Her sister would graduate from high school next year, and if she couldn’t find a job, she would have to go to the countryside. Their family only had two daughters. She had avoided going to the countryside by marrying early, as her husband was a soldier in the military district. But her parents were both workers in the coal mines, and good positions there were hard to come by. If her sister wanted to take over their jobs, she would have to work in the mines. But for a young girl, such work would make life very hard.

“If it really comes to that, she’ll have to go work in the mines. At least she can stay in the city. It’s better than going to the countryside with no one to take care of her,” Sister Chu said helplessly. She had only gotten her job at the newspaper office because she was a military family member and had a high school diploma, which the military district took into consideration. She couldn’t help her family much.

Shen Yiming put down his pen and said softly, “Let me think of a way. If I can find something, your sister might have to start working early and won’t be able to finish high school.”

Hearing this, Sister Chu’s eyes lit up. She whispered, “If it really works out, who cares about finishing high school?” In these times, finding a job was the most important thing. The only reason they had insisted on finishing high school was to delay going to the countryside.

As they were talking, Editor-in-Chief Wang came out of his office with a smile. Seeing Shen Yiming, he said, “Comrade Shen Yiming, come in for a moment.”

Sister Chu gave Shen Yiming a meaningful look, signaling him to continue their conversation later. If this could really be arranged, a big weight would be lifted off her mind.

Shen Yiming smiled and got up to enter the office.

Seeing him come in, Editor-in-Chief Wang smiled and said, “Yiming, sit, sit. Your recent military promotional article was very well written. The part about rural soldiers’ families supporting their loved ones in the military was particularly vivid. The story you wrote about Sanpo from the production team, who sent her only son to the military for the country and insisted on not burdening the military, showing self-reliance, was very touching. Many soldiers were moved. It’s because of such parents that we have so many excellent soldiers. We should really thank these military families. With the new recruitment coming up, I think we can create a theme to encourage military families.”

Shen Yiming didn’t sit down. Noticing that Editor-in-Chief Wang’s tea had cooled, he poured him a fresh cup and placed it by his hand. Then he smiled slightly and said, “This was based on what I saw and heard during my time in the countryside. I think to write this kind of article, one needs to go to the countryside and see the lives of military families firsthand.”

“You’re absolutely right. Only by going to the field can we write vivid articles. Yiming, I think this task can only be assigned to you. Among the experienced writers here, you’re the only one who isn’t married and can travel easily,” the Editor-in-Chief said, lowering his voice. “I trust you to handle this.”

Shen Yiming nodded, “I already have a rough direction for this. If you approve, I can start immediately.”

“Great, that’s the spirit. Always think ahead. Although you’re young, you’re very steady. I’ll leave the field investigation to you.”

Then he added, “Yiming, the advice you gave my friend last time was very helpful.” He didn’t elaborate further. Shen Yiming looked surprised, “Editor-in-Chief, what are you referring to? I don’t remember what I said.”

“Oh, maybe I remembered wrong,” Editor-in-Chief Wang smiled. “Yiming, keep up the good work. Young people like you have a bright future here.”

After Shen Yiming left, Editor-in-Chief Wang sipped the hot tea Shen Yiming had poured for him, a smile on his face. He felt that having this young man in his team was a real treasure. Not only was he a talented writer, but after the recent changes in the provincial party committee, he had subtly mentioned some situations in the propaganda department, which helped his old comrade secure the position of deputy minister. Sometimes, the most important thing is to seize opportunities when they arise.

After leaving the office, Sister Chu handed Shen Yiming some fabric coupons, “Get some more fabric for your sweetheart’s clothes. I usually wear my military uniform and don’t need these.”

“Sister Chu, you’re being too polite. If I take these, what kind of person would I be?” Shen Yiming placed the coupons back on her desk.

Hearing this, Sister Chu felt comfortable and realized she had made a mistake. Giving things like this was indeed being too polite.

“Yiming, if you need anything in the future, just say it. Don’t be polite.”

“There is something. I need to write an article and would like to invite Brother Xiang for a meal to discuss the situation of military personnel,” Shen Yiming said without hesitation.

“No need to treat him to a meal. Come to our house, and I’ll cook. You can have a good chat,” Sister Chu said cheerfully. She felt that Shen Yiming was being too polite. He was helping her with a big favor and even wanted to treat her husband to a meal. She couldn’t be ungrateful.

Shen Yiming didn’t refuse this time.

At noon, after work, everyone had left, but Shen Yiming was still buried in writing a project plan.

“Yiming, someone is looking for you outside. They say they’re your family. A young female comrade,” the security guard at the door suddenly called out with a cheerful smile.

Shen Yiming’s eyes lit up when he heard this. He put down his pen and walked out.

The security guard followed behind him, still grinning. “This is the first time I’ve seen you act a little less composed. Is that what happens when you’re dating? Your girlfriend looks gentle and refined. Which unit does she work for?”

Hearing the words “gentle and refined,” Shen Yiming paused in his steps. He turned back and asked the security guard, “What does the person looking for me look like?”

“She looks delicate, has a ponytail, and is wearing a dress. You can tell at a glance that she comes from a well-off family.”

The smile in Shen Yiming’s eyes instantly disappeared. The corner of his mouth curled up with amusement. “That’s not my girlfriend. She’s here to ask for my help.”

“Oh, my mistake,” the security guard said, a little embarrassed.

“My girlfriend has dimples, looks beautiful, and is very lively,” Shen Yiming said with a smile before slowly making his way toward the guardroom.

The security guard muttered to himself, “Dimples, pretty, and lively. Hmm, easy to recognize. I’d better remember that next time and not get it wrong again.”

When Shen Yiming arrived at the guardroom, Wei Jingren was sitting properly, waiting. As soon as she saw him, she stood up right away and looked at him with a hint of excitement. “Yiming!”

Shen Yiming ignored her and walked straight outside. Wei Jingren quickly followed him. The two stood under a big tree outside the main entrance.

“Is there something you need?” Shen Yiming asked coolly, as if she were a stranger—neither liked nor disliked.

Wei Jingren was already used to this kind of attitude from him. “Yiming, do you know about Dad’s situation? He’s not doing well right now. Our family has moved into a tube-shaped apartment.”

“That apartment… I remember it was originally allocated to my mother,” Shen Yiming said as if suddenly realizing something.

Wei Jingren hadn’t expected that to be the first thing he’d say, and her face immediately turned awkward. “Yiming, Dad—”

Shen Yiming clasped his hands behind his back. “Comrade Wei Jingren, your family is struggling now, so you came to ask me for money?”

Wei Jingren’s face flushed with embarrassment. “I—I didn’t mean that.”

“Good, that’s a relief,” Shen Yiming said. “I was worried that some people might shamelessly ask me for money. Oh, by the way, Comrade Wei Jingren, are you still comfortable at your job? A clerical office like the one you work in isn’t exactly an essential department. Without a duplicating machine, what use is a document processing office? What do you think?”

Wei Jingren’s face turned pale. “Yiming, I really didn’t mean anything by it. We’re family, and I just thought you should know since something happened at home.”

Shen Yiming chuckled. “Maybe you should ask your mother if she had the same thought when she tried to starve me to death back then.”

“My mother didn’t— that was just a misunderstanding! She couldn’t manage everything,” Wei Jingren hurriedly explained.

Shen Yiming smirked coldly, unwilling to waste his time arguing with her. “If you want to keep your job, don’t keep showing up in front of me.”

With that, he stuffed his hands into his pockets and walked back toward the newspaper office.

Wei Jingren wanted to chase after him, but after recalling what he had just said, she didn’t dare. She knew Shen Yiming could make things happen—after all, he had created the position at the transportation company. If he could get someone in, he could get someone out just as easily.

Back in his office, Shen Yiming picked up the phone and called Song Gang.

Song Gang had just finished his meal and returned to his office when he saw the call. He immediately beamed. “Yiming! What made you think of calling me?”

“Help me arrange a meeting with your big boss. About that matter of him wanting to get into the provincial office—I’ll see if I can make the connection happen.”

“Oh-ho! That’s great! When do we meet?”

“Tomorrow night. I’ll be leaving for a work trip in a few days.”

“Got it. You’re doing him a huge favor, and I get to benefit from it again,” Song Gang said, laughing joyfully. After all, whenever Shen Yiming helped the transportation company, Song Gang was the one who reaped the rewards. Since Shen Yiming wasn’t officially part of the transportation system, the benefits could only fall to him.

Meanwhile, Zuo Dan had been feeling uneasy these past few days. Her eyelid had been twitching nonstop, making her restless. She had suspected something might happen among the educated youth, but everything had been calm.

Under her management, the educated youths in Zuojia Village were all behaving well, working hard to learn farm work. After so many years of the “Down to the Countryside” movement, they no longer harbored unrealistic dreams of returning to the city like the early batches. Even if they disliked rural life, they knew they had to make the best of their situation.

Since it wasn’t the educated youth causing trouble, then what was it? Zuo Dan pondered over it for days until she attended a meeting at the commune and received some news that left her stunned.

A journalist from the provincial military newspaper was coming to the commune to conduct an on-site investigation, focusing on military families for a special feature. The commune instructed all production team cadres to cooperate fully.

The moment Zuo Dan heard this, she knew something was off. Since when did they do on-the-ground interviews like this? It didn’t take a genius to figure out who this so-called journalist was.

After the meeting, she rushed to the commune’s communication office to call Shen Yiming.

Hearing his usual “refined” voice on the other end, Zuo Dan growled, “Comrade Shen Yiming, what are you up to?”

“Oh, Comrade Zuo Dan from Dahe Commune! Hello there. Did you hear I’m coming to the commune and call specially to coordinate work with me?”

“As if I’d be honored to host you! Ha ha ha,” Zuo Dan laughed sarcastically.

In his office, Shen Yiming leaned back in his chair, enjoying the conversation. He could picture Zuo Dan’s expression perfectly. Suddenly, something occurred to him, and he asked, “By the way, Comrade Zuo Dan, about the house you mentioned last time—would a tube-shaped apartment work?”

“Huh?” Zuo Dan was momentarily stunned before she realized what he meant. Of course, she knew about tube-shaped apartments—most workers lived in them. For ordinary workers, they were practically the equivalent of future high-rise apartments.

But…

“Comrade Shen Yiming, my family lives in a four-bedroom house with a front and back yard. Do you really think I’d squeeze into a tube-shaped apartment with you?”

Shen Yiming nodded lightly. “I thought so. Oh, right, Comrade Zuo Dan, I just remembered —your family’s house is quite spacious. So for this work trip, I won’t bother anyone else. I’ll just stay at your place. Comrade Zuo Dan, thank you for your hospitality. I really appreciate it. I’ll be sure to mention it to Secretary Zhang later. Maybe they’ll even award you an ‘Outstanding Cadre’ medal at the end of the year.”

Zuo Dan: “…Go roll around in the dirt!”

She slammed down the phone.