RIRW – Chapter 79

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For so many years in Zuo Village, no one had ever gone to the provincial capital to become a worker. Zuo Dacheng becoming an apprentice didn’t count—he was just running errands for the master craftsmen to learn a skill. But Zuo Xiaozhu was different. He was also an apprentice, but this was called an apprentice worker. What did that mean? It meant he would first learn from a master, and once he learned the trade, he could be officially promoted. That meant he would officially become part of the great working class.

What was the most honorable thing in these times? Being a worker! They received government-supplied grain, lived in work-unit housing, and their lives were just like the propaganda about communism.

Everyone went to ask Zuo Shuisheng how he got into the city.

This kind of thing wasn’t easy to explain. He could only say that the provincial capital’s workplace had chosen him. Who knew how it actually happened?

But why did they pick Xiaozhu?

Everyone was itching with curiosity, a mix of envy and jealousy. Of course, the biggest question was: how did Zuo Xiaozhu get into the city? But Zuo Shuisheng kept playing dumb, and no one could get a clear answer.

When Xu Dapeng returned to the village, people finally got some clues—it was said that Xu Dapeng had introduced Xiaozhu to the provincial capital.

Xu Dapeng had come back this time to say goodbye to Zuo Dan. After all, in this village, he was most familiar with her. Even if he didn’t consider Shen Yiming’s connection, he still had to let Zuo Dan know before he left; otherwise, it would seem heartless. He was also bringing Zuo Xiaozhu along to the provincial coal yard. Since they were both leaving, he couldn’t just let Xiaozhu go on his own.

Xu Dapeng hadn’t been back to the village in a long time. People had been surprised when he left, and now they were even more surprised to see him return—only to head back to the city so suddenly.

Some speculated that Xu Dapeng must have helped Zuo Xiaozhu get into the city. Otherwise, how come they were both going to the same coal yard and leaving together?

Naturally, no one came forward to clarify the situation. A misunderstanding was just a misunderstanding.

At Zuo Dacheng’s house, Xu Dapeng was bragging about his time at the coal yard.

“The old masters at the coal yard, they know a lot, sure, but their knowledge is outdated. I just casually pointed a few things out, and they started treating me like a master. I’ve only been there a few days, but my position is already solid. Even Director Zhang of the coal yard doesn’t give me a hard time. When I said I was leaving, he didn’t want to let me go.”

Zuo Dan thought: Your uncle works at the provincial coal yard and often takes care of the commune’s coal yard. Who would dare give you a hard time? If you leave, so do their benefits—of course they don’t want to let you go.

Xu Dapeng took a sip of wine and said, “I really have to thank Shen Yiming for getting me back to the city. I don’t even know how to express it. Shen Yiming is such a good person—loyal, righteous, and warm-hearted. Uncle Dacheng, you really found the right son-in-law.” If you got benefits, you had to praise the person who helped you.

Zuo Dacheng felt good hearing this. He also thought Shen Yiming was great—such a likable son-in-law. Now, when he walked around the village, everyone envied him for having such a good son-in-law.

Speaking of son-in-laws, he suddenly remembered that he had once considered Xu Dapeng. But when he found out Xu Dapeng already had a partner, he gave up the idea. So he casually asked, “Dapeng, now that you’re going back to the city, what about your partner? You have to make proper arrangements.”

Pfft—

Xu Dapeng was so shocked that he choked on his drink, covering his mouth and coughing. Li Hui quickly patted his back and then turned to Zuo Dacheng. “Why are you bringing that up while drinking? Don’t choke the kid.”

Zuo Dacheng: … What else are we supposed to talk about while drinking? He didn’t dare say that out loud, though—he wouldn’t dare argue with Li Hui. She was the one in charge at home.

Meanwhile, Zuo Dan looked at Xu Dapeng and asked, “Xu Dapeng, since when did you have a partner? How come I never heard about it?” The commune wasn’t that big, and she often went there. If he had a partner, how had she not heard about it?

Xu Dapeng had recovered and now looked completely confused. “That’s what I’m wondering! Since when did I have a partner? Uncle Dacheng’s words scared me. Uncle, I’m not some heartless man abandoning a woman just to go back to the city!”

“…You really don’t have a partner?” Zuo Dacheng was stunned. Then what had Shen Yiming meant… Oh, right! Shen Yiming never actually said Xu Dapeng had a partner. He had just mentioned that someone in the commune was waiting for him. Oh dear, what a huge misunderstanding.

“It’s nothing, it’s nothing,” Zuo Dacheng said quickly, trying to cover it up. “Last time you went to the town’s coal yard, I must have misunderstood what Yiming said. Just a mix-up! Let’s have another drink.” He hurriedly clinked glasses with Xu Dapeng, thinking to himself that this misunderstanding had actually been a good thing. If it hadn’t happened, he might have tried to set up Dapeng and Dandan, and then Shen Yiming wouldn’t have had a chance! It must have been fate that brought Yiming and Dandan together.

Xu Dapeng waved his hand dismissively and laughed, “It’s just a misunderstanding, no big deal. Uncle Dacheng, let’s drink!” He clinked glasses again and took another sip of wine.

Zuo Dan glanced at the two men, the corners of her mouth curving slightly. Misunderstanding? Shen Yiming was someone with a sharp mind—there was no way he had misspoken by accident. Unless he had done it on purpose.

And why would he want her father to think Xu Dapeng had a partner? Wasn’t it obvious? He had been interested in her all along but hadn’t said anything—he had just been playing mind games. What a cunning old fox.

Meanwhile, Xu Dapeng and Zuo Dacheng weren’t thinking that much. They were just drinking, one cup after another.

At Zuo Hongjun’s house, another drinking session was going on. He was drinking with the man he considered his future son-in-law—Yang Wenxin.

Yang Wenxin had been at the commune for a few years, working as a teacher at the local primary school. Among the educated youths there, he had made a name for himself. While he couldn’t compare to Shen Yiming, Zuo Hongjun still thought he was quite decent—not someone who would bring shame to the family.

After drinking a few cups, Yang Wenxin finally got to the point.

“I know who arranged for Xu Dapeng to return to the city—it was Shen Yiming. The people at the coal yard said that when Shen Yiming was back last time, he specifically went to see Xu Dapeng. It must have been him who pulled the strings. Otherwise, how could it be such a coincidence? Shen Yiming definitely has connections to get people back to the city.”

Xu Fengxia picked up some food for him and said, “Wenxin, are you sure about this? Does that Shen Yiming really have this kind of ability?”

“He definitely does. Otherwise, how did he manage to get himself back to the city without using a return-to-city quota?” Yang Wenxin affirmed confidently. He had been thinking about returning to the city for years. Unfortunately, as a teacher at the local elementary school, his chances of returning were much lower than others. But Shen Yiming’s situation gave him hope—returning to the city without relying on an official quota meant more possibilities.

Because of the alcohol, his face was a little flushed, and he looked somewhat excited. “It’s a pity I can’t return to the city. If I could, I would marry Zuo Huan and take her with me.”

Hearing this, Zuo Huan’s eyes lit up. Why had she chosen to be with a former educated youth? Wasn’t it precisely to go to the city?

“Then… then how can we get back to the city?”

Xu Fengxia also looked at Yang Wenxin. To be honest, she originally didn’t want Yang Wenxin to return to the city. But after seeing how Shen Yiming’s return had brought so many good things to Zuo Dacheng and his wife—making them the most envied couple in the village—her perspective changed. Having a son-in-law return to the city was clearly something to be proud of.

Yang Wenxin took a sip of wine without saying anything. “Returning to the city isn’t easy unless you have the right connections. If Shen Yiming could help an outsider like Xu Dapeng return, then at the very least, he should be willing to help a relative like me.”

He didn’t need to say everything explicitly—just enough for them to understand his meaning.

If Shen Yiming could go out of his way to help an outsider, why wouldn’t he help a family member?

Xu Fengxia’s expression darkened. Why did they have to rely on Zuo Dacheng’s family for help? Zuo Hongjun also felt unhappy. He had already cut ties with his younger brothers, and now that Zuo Dacheng’s family was doing well, it made him feel even more humiliated. Having to ask them for help would only make things worse.

Sullenly, he took another sip of his wine. “Returning to the city isn’t that important. The countryside is fine too.”

Yang Wenxin’s expression shifted—he was clearly displeased.

“Dad, how can you say returning to the city isn’t important? It’s extremely important! If Teacher Yang goes back, I can go with him and become a city person,” Zuo Huan said anxiously.

Zuo Qing, who was listening from the side, felt a pang of envy. She glanced at Zuo Huan, sitting next to Yang Wenxin, and her mood became somber.

Zuo Hongjun didn’t care what his daughter thought. He refused to lower his pride to ask for help. If Zuo Dacheng still respected him as an elder brother, he should offer help on his own. How could an older brother lower himself to beg?

Xu Fengxia was also hesitating. Given the current situation of Zuo Dacheng’s family, she doubted they would be willing to help. More importantly, she wasn’t entirely convinced that Shen Yiming had that kind of power. They were all former educated youths—how much more capable could he be than Yang Wenxin, a teacher?

Maybe this Yang Wenxin was just dreaming and making things up.

Since his plan didn’t succeed, Yang Wenxin was in a bad mood. After dinner, he left immediately, saying he needed to prepare for class. Whether or not he actually had class, he just didn’t want to stay at their house any longer. If it weren’t for trying to establish ties with Shen Yiming, he wouldn’t have bothered dealing with these people.

Zuo Huan looked decent enough, but there were plenty of women in the village for him to choose from.

That Shen Yiming sure had bad taste—choosing a girl from such a rural family. Yang Wenxin had seen Zuo Dan before. Aside from her looks, there wasn’t much special about her. Her family background was terrible, with a mother and relatives carrying a bad political record.

After Yang Wenxin left, Zuo Huan started making a fuss at home.

Every time she went out, she heard people praising Zuo Dan—saying she was lucky, had good fortune, and now had a job as the village accountant with a city man as her fiancé who truly cherished her. Everyone believed she was set for a good life.

Hearing those words made Zuo Huan furious. What made Zuo Dan any better than her? Why was the man she found worse than the one Zuo Dan got? She had been interested in Shen Yiming first! It was only because she didn’t get the chance to interact with him that Zuo Dan snatched him away. Now, she had chosen Yang Wenxin, who wasn’t bad—a teacher at the village elementary school, an educated man. The only downside was that he hadn’t returned to the city yet. If he could, he would definitely be better than Shen Yiming.

Zuo Hongjun, fed up with the argument, grabbed his pipe and stormed out to smoke alone.

“Mom, why don’t you persuade Dad?” Zuo Huan sat on the bed, crying and complaining. She knew it was useless to argue with her father, so she turned to her mother instead.

Xu Fengxia frowned deeply. “How am I supposed to persuade him? Your dad is too proud. He would never go to your second uncle for help.”

“What’s more important—his pride or his daughter? If Teacher Yang goes back to the city, I can go with him!”

Zuo Huan dreamed of living in the city.

Xu Fengxia said, “Why do you keep calling him ‘Teacher Yang’? Call him by his name. You two are engaged.”

Blushing, Zuo Huan said, “Teacher Yang says it sounds more cultured. I think it’s good—when I call him that, everyone knows he’s a teacher.”

Xu Fengxia didn’t argue. “Fine, fine. I’ll go talk to your second uncle’s family. Even if we’re not on good terms, we’re still family. They should help us.”

That afternoon, Xu Fengxia went straight to the fields to find Li Hui and told her directly about the matter.

Li Hui was surprised that Xu Fengxia was even speaking to her. But as soon as she heard the request, she immediately understood—it wasn’t about mending the relationship; they just needed something. When they didn’t, they ignored her.

Li Hui was kind, but she wasn’t stupid. Before, even when she knew she was being taken advantage of, she had no choice but to endure it. But things were different now. Not only was she incapable of helping with this request, but she also had no intention of troubling Shen Yiming with it. He was already struggling on his own—how could they burden him further?

So, she refused outright. “Dapeng got back to the city because of his uncle’s connections, not Shen Yiming. You’re mistaken.”

“We heard from people in the commune that Shen Yiming was involved. Don’t try to deny it,” Xu Fengxia said, pretending not to believe her.

Li Hui gritted her teeth and said, “Well, Shen Yiming doesn’t have that kind of ability. He’s just a young man—how could he pull off something that big?”

Seeing how firmly Li Hui rejected her, Xu Fengxia was irritated. This woman had never dared to defy her before—she was only acting this way because her family was doing well now. “Li Hui, if you don’t want to help, just say so. Don’t give me these excuses. Do you think I can’t find another way?”

With that, she stormed off.

Li Hui didn’t dwell on it. No matter what, she wasn’t going to ask Shen Yiming for this favor.

But Xu Fengxia wasn’t giving up. She spent the whole afternoon scheming and came up with a plan. She believed Li Hui refused only because she didn’t want their family to surpass hers.

She wasn’t going to let Li Hui get her way. That evening, she secretly discussed it with Zuo Huan.

“You should take Yang Wenxin straight to the provincial capital and find Shen Yiming. Since it’s far away, he won’t know whether our family agreed or not. Just go to him directly and say we’re all relatives—he can’t refuse to help. Tell him that if he doesn’t, our family will fall out with Dandan’s family. If he really cares about that girl, he’ll make it happen.”

“Mom, do you think this will work? I don’t know what to say to Shen Yiming.” Zuo Huan asked anxiously. For some reason, she had taken a liking to Shen Yiming, but she was also quite afraid of him.

“Are you stupid? Why wouldn’t you dare to talk? If you really can’t, just bring Yang Wenxin along and let him do the talking. At least he’s educated and knows how to phrase things properly. No matter what, just stick to one point: even if our family and your second uncle’s family have separated, we’re still connected by blood—we’re family. He has to help his relatives!”

Xu Fengxia had another thought in mind. Even if this plan didn’t work out, at least Shen Yiming would develop some resentment toward them as his rural relatives. That way, he wouldn’t think too highly of Dandan either. Just look at Zuo Chunhong, her sister-in-law in town—she was always looking down on her rural family. City folks despised villagers.

If she couldn’t have it good, she wouldn’t let the second family have it good either.

The next morning, Zuo Huan headed to the commune’s elementary school to find Yang Wenxin. Afraid that Zuo Dan would find out about their plan, she didn’t even dare to take the usual morning ride with Zuo Xiaozhu and the others. Instead, she walked there.

That day, Zuo Xiaozhu and Xu Dapeng were heading to the provincial capital. It was a big event, like a scholar going to take the imperial exams and secure an official position. Most of the villagers came to see them off.

The elderly folks kept repeating the same thing: “Xiaozhu, you’re bringing honor to our Zuo family village! You must stay in the city—don’t let them send you back!”

Zuo Shuisheng’s face twitched when he heard this. Could they be any worse at choosing their words? His grandson hadn’t even left yet, and they were already worried about him being sent back.

But Zuo Xiaozhu himself was too excited to care. The young man, with his tanned skin, grinned widely, revealing a set of white teeth. “Go back, go back! No need to see us off! If any of you ever need to run errands in the provincial capital, remember to find me!”

“Can we just go to the provincial capital like that? It’s such a big place,” someone in the village asked in amazement.

“Dacheng knows, he’s been there,” an old woman said.

Another person added, “Dacheng’s wife is also from there.”

“Hasn’t Dandan been there too?”

Oh, come to think of it, the Dacheng family really had a strong connection with the provincial capital. Even their future son-in-law was from there. No wonder they were doing better and better.

Amidst the lively discussions, Zuo Dacheng cheerfully drove the tractor, taking Zuo Xiaozhu and Xu Dapeng to the town to catch their bus.

Zuo Shuisheng’s family also went along. Who knew when they would see Xiaozhu again? For people from Zuo Village, who had never traveled beyond the county, the provincial capital was a mythical place—heard of but never visited, utterly unreachable.

After a bumpy ride, they arrived in town. Watching Zuo Shuisheng and his wife wiping away tears as they sent Zuo Xiaozhu and the others off, Zuo Dan quickly hurried into the commune office to call Shen Yiming.

She rarely called him. For one, using the office phone wasn’t convenient, and for another, call transfers were a hassle.

After one transfer, the call finally reached Shen Yiming’s office phone.

Unfortunately, it wasn’t Shen Yiming who answered—it was a woman’s voice. “You’re looking for Comrade Shen Yiming? He’s gone to the military district to give a speech.”

He’s giving speeches at the military district now? Zuo Dan was a little surprised. “Do you know when he’ll be back?”

“That, I’m not sure. Do you have a message? I can write it down and pass it along when he returns.”

This reporter was pretty nice. Zuo Dan smiled, “Comrade, then I’ll trouble you. I’m his fiancée. If he comes back, please tell him that Xiaozhu and the others have gone to the provincial capital today. If he has time, he should go pick them up.”

The moment the person on the other end heard she was Shen Yiming’s fiancée, her voice immediately brightened. “Oh, is this little Zuo? Wow, why didn’t you say so earlier! I’m Yiming’s colleague—just call me Sister Chu. I’ve heard a lot about you from Yiming, but we’ve never met. Next time you come over, I’ll take you around the provincial capital!”

The sudden warmth caught Zuo Dan off guard for a second before she responded, “Sister Chu, you’re too kind. How could I trouble you like that?”

“It’s no trouble! Yiming and I are close, like siblings. Don’t be polite with me.” Sister Chu said enthusiastically.

Zuo Dan knew that with people like her, being too formal would come off as awkward, so she responded straightforwardly, “Well then, Sister Chu, since you’re so nice, I won’t stand on ceremony. When I visit the provincial capital, I’ll definitely find you, and I’ll bring some local specialties for you too!”

“Great, I’ll be waiting!” Sister Chu laughed heartily.

After exchanging a few more pleasantries, they hung up. Zuo Dan rubbed her cheeks and thought to herself, That old fox really is charming wherever he goes. He’s got connections everywhere.

Shen Yiming didn’t return from the military district until the afternoon. He looked a little tired but was still in high spirits.

As soon as he got back, Sister Chu cheerfully ran over to his desk. “Yiming, guess who called for you this morning?”

Shen Yiming was organizing his materials. He smiled and asked, “Who?”

“Your fiancée,” Sister Chu said, watching his reaction. As expected, he immediately stopped what he was doing, his eyes lighting up. “When? What did she say?”

“You weren’t here, so what could she say? Some things a young lady wouldn’t just tell an outsider like me,” Sister Chu teased.

Thinking about Zuo Dan, Shen Yiming couldn’t help but smile. “Did she say why she called?” He knew she wouldn’t contact him for no reason—she wasn’t the type to call just because she missed him. That girl wasn’t sentimental like that.

Sister Chu suddenly remembered the main point. “Oh, right! She said Xiaozhu and the others are arriving in the provincial capital today and asked if you could pick them up if you had time.”

Shen Yiming nodded with a smile. “Good thing you took the call, Sister Chu. Otherwise, I would’ve missed it. If someone comes from back home and no one picks them up, it’d be disappointing.”

Hearing this, Sister Chu lowered her voice. “That’s the one taking over my dad’s job, right?”

Since she knew her father’s former coal yard job was going to Shen Yiming’s contact, she naturally wanted to show some goodwill. She arranged for a military district driver to pick them up.

That night, Shen Yiming took the car to pick up Xu Dapeng and Zuo Xiaozhu.

After a long day of travel, they were exhausted. Seeing Shen Yiming waiting for them, they were so touched they nearly cried.

The car dropped them off at Xu Dapeng’s home, where Zuo Xiaozhu would be staying before starting work at the coal yard the next day.

Before leaving, Shen Yiming seriously told them, “This is all I can do for you. The rest is up to you.”

On the way home, he looked up at the night sky, feeling satisfied. Tomorrow, he’d call the commune and, hopefully, get to talk to Zuo Dan.

But when he finally made the call, the person who answered wasn’t her.

“Yiming, looking for Comrade Zuo Dan? She’s not in today. The production team is busy with harvest preparations.”

With a sigh, Shen Yiming hung up, already thinking about how he could earn more money, buy a house, and prepare for the future.