OBS Chapter 1455 A Ten-Thousand-Yuan Household?
Chapter 1455 A Ten-Thousand-Yuan Household?
Chapter 1455 A Ten-Thousand-Yuan Household?
Over the next few days, Qin Hao and his group of five went separately to the brigade to complete the procedures for returning to the city. The process went surprisingly smoothly. Jia Shifa personally greeted them with a smile, running around doing everything, stamping the official seals quickly, and writing the letters of introduction neatly, afraid of any slight delay.
When they finally held the "Approval Form for Educated Youth Going to the Countryside and Returning to the City" stamped with a bright red official seal in their hands, all five of them breathed a long sigh of relief, as if a huge stone that had been weighing on their hearts for a long time had been lifted.
Shi Xiaona was overjoyed; her fair face glowed with excitement, like the warm winter sun finally shining into her heart. She carefully folded the form, put it in her inner pocket, and patted it gently, as if it were not just a piece of paper, but a pair of wings that could carry her away from here.
"Finally... finally I can leave here," she murmured, her eyes welling up with tears.
As the five men left, they passed the hilltop behind Taishan Village. This was where they had dug out rat holes, set traps to catch rabbits, and shared their "secret snacks." Standing on the hilltop, the entire Taishan Village was laid out before them—low earthen houses, crisscrossing field ridges, chimneys emitting smoke, and the land they had worked on in the distance.
"Beijing! I'm back!" Shi Xiaona took a deep breath, suddenly cupped her hands to her mouth, and shouted loudly in the direction of the capital.
The crisp sound echoed through the valley, startling a few crows into flight. Her face showed undisguised joy and relief.
Fu Heming also seemed very happy. She took Shi Xiaona's arm and shouted along, though her voice wasn't as loud, but the light in her eyes was undeniable.
Yang Shumo and Qin Hao stood behind them, smiles on their faces. Yang Shumo was mostly happy for Shi Xiaona, but also looked forward to the future.
Only Xie Zhiqiang kept turning back to look at the village below the mountain, his eyes filled with complex emotions, as if he were reluctant to leave.
Yang Shumo noticed and nudged him with his elbow, teasing, "Old Xie, haven't you had enough of this godforsaken place yet? Why don't you stay for another two years?"
Xie Zhiqiang snapped out of his daze, a hint of panic flashing across his face. He stammered, "No... how could I? Who wants to stay in this lousy place any longer? I'd love to leave as soon as possible."
"Then why do you look so absent-minded, like you've lost your soul?" Yang Shumo didn't believe it.
Qin Hao glanced at Xie Zhiqiang's guilty look, a meaningful smile playing on his lips, and teased, "You just don't understand, Da Mao. What he's reluctant to part with isn't the place, but—the people."
"A person?" Yang Shumo was taken aback, then his eyes widened as he looked at Xie Zhiqiang and then at Qin Hao: "Who? Who is it?"
Xie Zhiqiang's face flushed red instantly, and he hurriedly reached out to cover Qin Hao's mouth: "Brother! Brother Qin! My own brother! Please, don't say anymore! You can't just say this!"
Qin Hao nimbly dodged to the side, laughing and cursing, "Pah! Did you wash your hands after relieving yourself this morning, Mr. Xie? You just shoved it into my mouth!"
Shi Xiaona and Fu Heming were also drawn to the scene and looked over curiously. The more flustered Xie Zhiqiang became, the more they felt something was wrong.
Under Yang Shumo's persistent questioning, Xie Zhiqiang's secret was finally exposed. It turned out that the audacious young man had secretly taken Jia Shifa's daughter, Jia Xiaoying, into the haystack last night.
"You bastard Xie Laozhuan!" Yang Shumo's eyes widened. "You even dare to mess with that old bastard Jia Shifa's daughter? Aren't you afraid he'll skin you alive if he finds out? Even if we're leaving, you can't do this!"
Xie Zhiqiang, in a fit of desperation, retorted, "What do you mean by 'provoking'? We're mutually in love! Xiaoying...she's willing too! Jia Shifa is Jia Shifa, and Xiaoying is Xiaoying, they're not the same!"
Shi Xiaona frowned, her tone reproachful: "Xie Zhiqiang, this is irresponsible of you. You're about to go back to the city, and you're still treating that girl like this. What will she do in the future?"
Fu Heming chimed in, "That's right! If I were Jia Xiaoying, I'd report you for indecent assault and make sure you're stuck in Taishantun forever, unable to go anywhere!"
He patted his chest with lingering fear and said thankfully, "Luckily, Jia Xiaoying isn't as brainy as you two, nor is she that heartless. Besides, it takes two to tango, and I didn't force her."
"You'll fall for a woman sooner or later," Qin Hao said with a laugh.
After crossing the back mountain, Qin Hao and his group were lucky enough to run into a fellow villager who was driving a donkey cart to the county to buy coal. They hitched a ride with the villager and finally arrived at the county's train station around 10 a.m.
The platform was bustling with noise, crowded with people waiting for their trains. There were educated youth returning to the city like them, as well as people visiting relatives or on business trips, carrying large and small bags, packed tightly together, their breath forming a continuous white cloud.
As soon as they settled on the platform, Yang Shumo and Xie Zhiqiang spotted a local man hunched over, carrying a basket and furtively selling something to passengers. They went closer to investigate and saw it was roasted sunflower seeds! Wrapped in small triangular packets of old newspaper.
"Hey, some sunflower seeds! Perfect for snacking on on the way!" Yang Shumo's eyes lit up, and he pulled out a few cents: "Boss, two packs, please!"
"I want a pack too!" Xie Zhiqiang quickly took out his money.
Just then, several educated youths wearing worn-out green cotton-padded coats swayed and squeezed over, stopping right next to Shi Xiaona and Fu Heming. The leader, a young man in his early twenties, was not short, but rather thin, with a prominent long face. He sizing up Shi Xiaona in a sleazy manner, his gaze making her very uncomfortable.
Shi Xiaona noticed the gaze, frowned, pulled Fu Heming to the side, and turned her back.
The horse-faced educated youth wouldn't give up. He grinned and moved closer: "Oh, isn't this Shi Xiaona? Let's get acquainted. My name is Liu Shikuan, from Di'anmen Street."
Shi Xiaona ignored her, pretending not to hear.
Liu Shikuan felt a little embarrassed, but seeing Shi Xiaona's fair skin and beautiful appearance, and how her figure was still undeniable even under the bulky cotton-padded coat, he couldn't help but feel aroused.
He persisted, "Don't be so cold, let's be friends. My father is the director of the Di'anmen Subdistrict Office! It must be hard to find a job after you go back to the city, right? Just tell me, and with just one word from me, I guarantee I'll arrange a good job for you, sitting in an office, sheltered from the wind and rain, how about that?"
As he spoke, he leaned forward, almost touching Shi Xiaona.
Shi Xiaona was both angry and anxious, and desperately tried to dodge, saying, "Go away! I don't know you! And I don't need you to arrange work for me!"
Fu Heming also stepped in front of Shi Xiaona, glaring angrily: "How can you be like this? Stay away from us!"
People around looked over, but most of them thought it was better to avoid trouble and no one said anything.
Seeing that Shi Xiaona showed no respect in front of so many people, Liu Shikuan's patience wore thin. The fake smile on his face vanished, replaced by a ruthless glint. He reached out to grab Shi Xiaona's arm: "What are you pretending for? You don't know what's good for you, do you?"
Just as his hand was about to touch Shi Xiaona's sleeve, a hand with distinct knuckles but exceptional strength reached out from the side and precisely grabbed his wrist.
Liu Shikuan was taken aback and turned his head to look. He saw a tall, calm-looking young man standing beside him, looking at him coldly.
"Who the hell are you? Let go! Did you hear me!" Liu Shikuan struggled but couldn't break free, and immediately cursed angrily.
Qin Hao twisted his wrist slightly, using a clever technique. Liu Shikuan immediately felt as if his wrist bones were about to be crushed, and a piercing pain shot through him. He couldn't help but cry out "Ouch!" and squatted down following the force, grimacing in pain.
"Brother Kuan!" Upon seeing this, the educated youths who were following him rushed over.
Liu Shikuan, having lost face so badly in front of the beautiful woman, was both in pain and furious; he was practically bursting with rage. He squatted on the ground, looked up, and roared at Qin Hao, "You're asking for it!"
He then yelled at his henchmen behind him, "What the hell are you standing there for? Get him! Beat him up!"
The group of educated youths looked at each other, and although they hesitated, they still rushed towards Qin Hao with shouts, taking advantage of their numbers.
"Old Qin, be careful!" Shi Xiaona exclaimed in alarm, her heart pounding in her throat.
However, before he could finish speaking, Yang Shumo and Xie Zhiqiang, who had just squeezed their way back after buying sunflower seeds, had already witnessed this scene. Yang Shumo's face darkened, and he shouted, "Anyone who dares to touch my brother, just try it!"
His roar was like thunder, carrying an imposing aura. He rushed to Qin Hao's side in one stride, and Xie Zhiqiang followed without hesitation, blocking Shi Xiaona and Fu Heming.
There were six or seven of them, more than twice the number of Qin Hao's group, so they weren't easily intimidated by Yang Shumo's shout. Liu Shikuan, clutching his still-aching wrist, stood up and said fiercely, "Damn it, more reinforcements? Let's beat them up together! I'll take responsibility if anything happens!"
The two sides immediately started fighting. The platform was already crowded, and when the fight broke out, the surrounding crowd gasped and scattered to create an open space.
But when they actually started fighting, Liu Shikuan and his gang realized they had kicked a hornet's nest.
Yang Shumo, needless to say, was a veteran of street fights since childhood, a properly trained wrestler. Against these untrained thugs who only knew haphazard punches, he was like a tiger among sheep. His moves were fast, accurate, and ruthless; often, before his opponents could even see his movements, he had already seized an opening, tripping or throwing them to the ground cleanly and efficiently. Almost no one who dared to challenge him could last more than two moves.
Xie Zhiqiang was a mischievous and troublesome child who had gotten into many fights. He had rich practical experience and was ruthless. Although he was not as good at fighting as Yang Shumao, he could hold his own against three or four people of similar skill level, using both fists and feet, and targeting the most vulnerable spots.
Qin Hao wasn't idle either. He mainly protected Shi Xiaona and Fu Heming, occasionally making a move. His actions were concise and effective, often rendering anyone who lunged at him powerless with a single strike.
In contrast, Liu Shikuan's gang, who usually bullied honest people because of their numbers, suddenly lost their morale when faced with a tough opponent like Yang Shumao. Seeing their companions being thrown around and lying on the ground groaning in pain, the remaining men cowered and dared not advance, some even starting to back away.
In the blink of an eye, only two or three people remained standing on Liu Shikuan's side, and they all looked terrified. Several lay sprawled on the ground, some clutching their stomachs, some hugging their legs, groaning, and a few simply closed their eyes and pretended to be dead, not wanting to get up and get beaten again.
Liu Shikuan was dumbfounded; he hadn't expected his opponent to be so formidable. Looking at Yang Shumo's menacing gaze and Qin Hao's calm yet chilling stare, his legs began to tremble.
"So? Do you submit or not?" Qin Hao's tone was calm, yet it carried an invisible pressure.
Liu Shikuan's face flushed red and then turned pale, and his wrist was still throbbing with pain. He looked at his companions lying on the ground in a state of "wailing and lamentation," and then at the crowd around him pointing and whispering, and even faintly laughing. He knew that he had really lost face today.
A wise man doesn't fight a losing battle, so he gritted his teeth and said, "I give up, I give up! You...you let go..."
Qin Hao shouted, "Remember this: if you see us in the future, stay away. Don't make trouble for yourself."
With that, he casually flicked his wrist, and Liu Shikuan staggered back several steps, fell to the ground with a thud, rolled half a circle, and finally got up covered in dust, his brand-new green cotton coat now stained with dirt.
"You!" Liu Shikuan was filled with shame and indignation, pointing at Qin Hao with his finger trembling.
Qin Hao made a move to step forward again. Liu Shikuan was so frightened that he took several steps back, shouting with a fierce but weak voice, "Fine! Today I, Liu Shikuan, admit defeat! Dare to state your name? We'll meet again someday!"
"What's there to be afraid of..." Yang Shumo, being straightforward, was about to give his name and address.
"Aren't you going to get lost?" Qin Hao interrupted Yang Shumo before he could finish, stepping forward with a sharp look in his eyes: "Haven't you had enough of a beating? Want to practice some more?"
Liu Shikuan was intimidated by Qin Hao's imposing manner, and when he saw Yang Shumao walking over with his fists clenched, he was terrified. He didn't dare to ask for any titles anymore, and could only yell at his "underlings" who were still lying on the ground pretending to be dead, "Aren't you leaving yet? Are you planning to lie here and eat dinner? A bunch of useless trash!"
"Oh...oh..." The henchmen who had been pretending to be dead quickly got up, helped their injured companions, and slunk out of the crowd with Liu Shikuan.
As Liu Shikuan and his group fled in disarray, the crowd on the platform burst into laughter and discussion.
"Serves them right! These street thugs need to be taught a lesson."
"Those young men are really skilled, are they trained in martial arts?"
"I know that guy with the long face, his name is Liu Shikuan, from the Di'anmen area. He's a bully who acts like a tyrant because of his family connections. Today he's finally met his match!"
Qin Hao and his companions ignored the surrounding chatter. Just then, a long whistle sounded in the distance, and a green train, puffing out white smoke, slowly pulled into the station.
"The bus is here! Get ready to board!" The crowd began to stir, pushing and shoving forward.
Qin Hao, Yang Shumo, and Xie Zhiqiang helped Shi Xiaona and Fu Heming, and with great effort, they managed to squeeze into the crowded carriage. The carriage was packed with people; the aisles were full, the luggage racks were overflowing, and the air was filled with various smells.
They finally managed to find a small spot to stand near the connecting area between the carriages. Shi Xiaona and Fu Heming stood by the window, while Qin Hao and the other two blocked the way outside.
The train slowly started moving, the platform gradually receded, and Taishantun, along with those years of being sent to the countryside, was finally left behind.
Amidst the swaying and jolting, Shi Xiaona, who had just regained her footing, still flushed with shock and excitement from the fight, suddenly brightened up. She turned to her companions and excitedly suggested, "Hey, you guys, now that the college entrance exam has been reinstated, how about... we take the exam together?"
This topic invigorated the exhausted group, but their reactions varied.
Xie Zhiqiang was the first to shake his head, and said with a wry smile, "Xiao Na, you all know our family situation. We have many siblings, and my dad is the only one supporting the family. After I return to the city, they will definitely give me priority to work in a factory to earn money to help support the family. Besides..." He scratched his head, somewhat embarrassed, "I'm not as smart as Lao Qin and Da Mao. My grades were just average when I was in school. With my background, going to university now? I doubt I could even get in. Let's just forget about it and start working as soon as possible."
Shi Xiaona was most concerned about Yang Shumao's attitude. She looked at Yang Shumao with expectation in her eyes: "Yang Shumao, what about you?"
Yang Shumo scratched his head, looked at Shi Xiaona's expectant eyes, thought for a moment, and said in a simple and honest voice, "Xiaona, if you take the exam... I'll take the exam too. Wherever you go to school, I'll try my best to get into that school."
Shi Xiaona's face immediately lit up with a smile, and she felt a sweet warmth in her heart.
Qin Hao shook his head inwardly. Given Yang Shumao's family, they'd probably already be waiting for him to return to the city and start earning a salary. That salary would likely be meticulously planned out. Taking time off to study for the university entrance exam? That was an impossible dream.
"Old Qin, what about you?" Shi Xiaona turned her gaze to Qin Hao. She hadn't paid much attention to this quiet classmate before. But recently, after Qin Hao displayed a composure, decisiveness, and wisdom unlike his usual self, she had subconsciously begun to place greater importance on his opinions.
Qin Hao met her gaze and said calmly, "Me? I don't plan to go to university. I'm going to the south to do business."
Upon hearing this, not only Shi Xiaona, but also Yang Shumao, Xie Zhiqiang, and Fu Heming stared at him in surprise, as if they had heard something unbelievable.
"Doing business?" Shi Xiaona frowned slightly. "But... isn't speculation illegal? If you get caught, you'll go to jail!"
This idea was still deeply ingrained in early 1979.
Qin Hao smiled and said firmly, "What law are you breaking? This is called reform and opening up. The policy has changed. In the south, they have started to loosen restrictions on private businesses. As long as you register with the industry and commerce department, get a business license, operate legally, and pay taxes according to regulations, it is a protected legitimate business, not speculation."
"Is that so?" Yang Shumo asked skeptically. "Old Qin, how did you know? We're in this remote mountain village, where information is very scarce."
Qin Hao had already prepared his answer: "Do you still remember our elementary school classmate, Zhao Yajing?"
"Zhao Yajing?" Yang Shumo thought for a moment: "That...that blond girl who always has two snotty noses and follows us around?"
Qin Hao laughed: "She's not a snotty-nosed girl anymore. She owns her own shop in Guangzhou and is her own boss. I heard she's already a millionaire."
"A millionaire?!" Xie Zhiqiang gasped, his eyes widening in astonishment. "Zhao Yajing? Her? She's that rich now?"
In his mind, a person with ten thousand yuan was a legendary figure.
Yang Shumo also looked incredulous: "I remember back then... her father's class background wasn't very good. Later, fearing it would implicate her mother, he got a divorce and took Zhao Yajing to the south to stay with relatives. Back then, their family was known as one of the poorest in our alley... It really is true... how the tables have turned!"
Shi Xiaona, however, did not quite agree. Growing up in a well-off family with parents who were both highly educated intellectuals, she was influenced by the scholarly atmosphere of her home and believed that studying and going to university was the right path.
“But, Lao Qin,” she tried to persuade him, “you can make money anytime. It’s better to go to university while you’re young. Besides… who knows when this policy might change? What if it changes back again?”
Qin Hao gently shook his head: "The policies will only get better and more open. This is the general trend. However, now is indeed the best time to take the college entrance exam. In the future, the competition will only become more and more intense and more difficult."
……
The green train clattered along the tracks, not moving fast, but Taishantun was, after all, a suburb of Beijing, not too far from the city. Two hours later, the familiar Beijing Railway Station platform finally appeared outside the train window.
After another difficult struggle and squeezing, the five of them finally managed to squeeze out of the train station and breathe in the crisp, familiar air of a Beijing winter. Looking at the wide station square, the familiar buildings, and the bus and bicycle traffic, a real sense of "I'm really back" welled up in their hearts.
But the journey home wasn't over yet. They squeezed onto a packed bus, swaying and rattling as they traveled across half of Beijing. By the time they finally returned to the familiar Jiudaowan Hutong, it was already noon. The winter sun slanted across the gray alley walls and weathered gatehouses, creating a tranquil and welcoming atmosphere.
"Phew! Finally home!" Xie Zhiqiang let out a long sigh of relief, his face beaming with undisguised ease and joy. "I'll head out now! I'll get settled in later and then we'll meet up! See you guys!"
"See you later!" they said goodbye to each other.
Xie Zhiqiang shouldered his luggage and turned into a narrower alley next to him with light steps.
The remaining four continued walking. After rounding another bend, Shi Xiaona continued to patiently remind Yang Shumo, "Yang Shumo, when you get back, remember to review the key points I highlighted for you. If there's anything you don't understand, you can ask me, or we can review together..."
Yang Shumo nodded with a simple smile: "Okay, I understand, Xiaona, don't worry."
As they were talking, a figure walked over from the opposite side. The woman was in her early twenties, tall and slender, wearing a white wool coat and a bright red scarf that made her skin appear exceptionally fair. She had bright features, and her eyes and brows carried a charm and mature allure rarely seen in this era.
"Sister Fei." Yang Shumo greeted the person who came over immediately, his tone clearly showing familiarity.
Ye Fei's gaze swept over Qin Hao, Shi Xiaona, and Fu Heming, lingering for half a second on Shi Xiaona's face before turning her attention back to Yang Shumao as if she hadn't seen them. Her tone was natural and casual, even carrying a hint of affection as she instructed, "You're back? Perfect timing. Come to my house later. I need to talk to you about something."
After saying that, without waiting for Yang Shumao's reply, she nodded slightly to him and walked straight past them, leaving behind a faint scent of face cream.
"Oh... okay." Yang Shumo responded almost reflexively, nodding sheepishly, completely unaware of Shi Xiaona's sudden change in expression and the jealousy and dissatisfaction that rose in her eyes.
Yang Shumao only looked away when Ye Fei's figure disappeared around the corner of the alley. He turned around, wanting to continue talking to Shi Xiaona about studying, but saw Shi Xiaona snatch her small suitcase from his hand, her face already darkened, and she angrily said, "Go to your sister Fei's house, I don't need you to take me."
After saying that, he turned and left, his steps quick and hurried.
"Hey, why are you jealous? Sister Fei is my sister." Yang Shumo was completely baffled and quickly chased after her to explain.
Shi Xiaona was furious and ignored him completely, focusing only on walking forward.
They had almost reached Yang Shumo's house. Just then, a gate next to them creaked open, and a middle-aged woman wearing an apron and with a somewhat stern face poked her head out. It was Yang Shumo's mother. She spotted her son immediately, and her voice rose sharply: "Silly Mao, you're finally back! What are you standing there for? Get home right now! There's a ton of stuff waiting for you at home!"
The appearance of Yang's mother interrupted Yang Shumao's pursuit. He looked at his mother's unquestionable expression, and then at Shi Xiaona's stubborn back as she walked towards his door without turning back. He could only stop in his tracks, and said helplessly to Qin Hao beside him, "Old Qin, please... take care of Xiaona for me. I... I'll go back first."
Qin Hao patted him on the shoulder to reassure him: "You don't need to nag. Hurry up and go back. Otherwise, your mother will resort to family discipline again."
Yang Shumo gave a wry smile, turned around and followed his mother into the courtyard, the gate slamming shut behind him.
Qin Hao shook his head, quickened his pace, and caught up with Shi Xiaona and Fu Heming. Soon, they rounded another bend and arrived at Shi Xiaona's impressive little villa.
"Xiao Na, He Ming, we're here. I'll leave you here." Qin Hao stopped.
Shi Xiaona's anger subsided slightly, but her face still looked pale. She nodded and said softly, "Thank you, Lao Qin. Today... it's all thanks to you and Yang Shumo."
"Don't mention it, we're all classmates. Come on in, your aunt and uncle must be getting impatient." Qin Hao smiled.
Shi Xiaona and Fu Heming pushed open the courtyard gate and went inside.
Inside Shi Xiaona's courtyard, Fu Heming helped Shi Xiaona carry her luggage into the main room, and the two rested temporarily on the porch. Fu Heming gently pushed up his glasses, his red lips slightly parted, and he said thoughtfully, "Xiaona, don't you feel... that Lao Qin seems like a different person since he came back this time?"
Shi Xiaona was sulking in front of a bare pomegranate tree in the yard when she heard this. She glanced in the direction Qin Hao had left and pouted, "He's a little different from before. He seems to talk more, his opinions are more firm, and he's bolder... But that's not surprising. Men, after all, growth often happens in the blink of an eye. After experiencing a few things, he might suddenly become enlightened."
Fu Heming covered his mouth and chuckled: "You talk as if you know so much about men."
"What?!" Shi Xiaona blushed. "That's what my dad said!"
Fu Heming smiled but didn't reply, his gaze unconsciously drifting towards the alley entrance.
Shi Xiaona keenly noticed her friend's subtle action, and suddenly, as if struck by a thought, she leaned closer and asked in a mischievous whisper, "Hey? He Ming, lately... you seem to be paying a lot of attention to Lao Qin? You've asked about him several times. Could it be... that you're interested in him?" She deliberately drew out her words.
Fu Heming blushed instantly, like a cat whose tail had been stepped on. He instinctively pushed up his glasses to hide his panic: "What nonsense are you talking about! I didn't! I was just... just curious! I think he's changed a lot."
"Is it really just pure curiosity?" Shi Xiaona tilted her head and looked at her with a smile.
"Yes!" Fu Heming nodded vigorously, but his eyes were somewhat unfocused.
Shi Xiaona patted her chest, feigning relief: "That's good, that's good. I was worried you'd fall for someone else, what would happen to my second brother? You're my parents' chosen daughter-in-law."
Fu Heming then realized that Shi Xiaona was deliberately teasing him, and he immediately became furious and embarrassed. He reached out to tickle Shi Xiaona: "You little brat, Shi Xiaona! You're deliberately messing with me, aren't you! Just wait and see how I deal with you!"
"Ah—I was wrong! Second sister-in-law, have mercy! Hahaha..." Shi Xiaona laughed as she dodged, her clear laughter echoing in the quiet courtyard.
……
On the other side, Qin Hao, carrying his luggage, walked through several familiar alleys and finally arrived at the gate of a rather crowded-looking courtyard house. The original owner's home was in the west wing of this large courtyard house.
Pushing open the slightly ajar gate, the courtyard was quiet. At this hour, those going to work hadn't returned yet, and those going to school were still at school. A clothesline stretched across the yard, hanging with some washed sheets and clothes, already frozen stiff. Honeycomb briquettes and scattered miscellaneous items were piled in the corner. The doors and windows of several rooms were tightly shut.
Qin Hao walked to the door of the west wing. In those days, the people coming and going in the courtyard were mostly long-time neighbors, and their homes generally didn't have much of value. In addition, the local customs were relatively simple and honest; when people went to work during the day, they would often just close the door, not lock it. Qin Hao gave it a gentle push, and with a creak, the door opened.
A familiar smell, a mixture of old furniture, coal smoke, and faint food aromas, wafted through the air. The house wasn't large; you could see from one end to the other at a glance. The outer room served as both living room and dining room, with a square table, two chairs, and a cupboard against the wall. The inner room was the bedroom, separated by a curtain. The furniture was all old, but it was kept fairly tidy. Several yellowed New Year pictures and certificates of merit hung on the walls.
Qin Hao put down his luggage. The stove had gone out, and the room was as cold as an icebox. He skillfully found matches and scrap paper, lit a few pieces of firewood, added coal briquettes, and rekindled the stove. As the fire gradually grew stronger, a little warmth returned to the room.
He rummaged through the cupboard, found two leftover cornbread buns, heated them by the stove, and ate them with some still-warm water from the thermos. The bumpy, crowded journey, coupled with his constant tension, brought a wave of intense exhaustion as he relaxed. He took off his coat, lay down fully clothed on the hard bed in the inner room, and fell into a deep sleep almost instantly.
He slept soundly for a long time. It wasn't until the sky outside the window became hazy and dark, and the room was completely dark, that Qin Hao was awakened by the noise coming from the yard—people returning from get off work and school were coming home one after another.
He had just sat up and rubbed his throbbing temples when he heard hurried footsteps outside the door, followed by the door being pushed open abruptly.
"Hao Hao? Is Hao Hao back?" A woman's voice, filled with urgency and joy, came from behind.
Using the last bit of daylight filtering through the window and the light from the stove fire, Qin Hao saw a middle-aged woman walk quickly in. She was about forty years old, not tall, and thin. She was wearing the blue overalls commonly seen in textile factories, with a scarf around her neck. Her face showed the weariness of long hours of labor, but at this moment her eyes shone with an astonishing brightness, filled with worry and anticipation.
"Mom, I'm back." Qin Hao stood up.
Li Yuxiang rushed to her son, carefully examining his face by the light of the stove fire. Her hands trembled slightly as she touched his arms and shoulders: "You've lost weight... you're darker... but you're stronger now. It's good that you're back, it's good that you're back!" Her voice choked with emotion, tears welling in her eyes: "You must have suffered a lot this past year in the countryside, right?"
"Thank goodness, Mom, it's all over now."
Li Yuxiang then remembered something and quickly turned around: "Are you hungry? Mom will cook for you right away! Is the stove lit? Okay, okay... I bought some meat, I'll make dumplings for you tonight! Let's have a good New Year!"
As she spoke, she rummaged through the cloth bag she had brought, which contained some vegetables and a small piece of pork that was mostly fat and mostly lean.
"Mom, no rush, sit down and rest for a while." Qin Hao pulled his mother to sit down in the chair.
The mother and son sat around the stove, talking for a while. Qin Hao talked about the less strenuous and somewhat interesting things that happened in Taishan Village, omitting the thrilling parts and the struggles with Jia Shifa. Li Yuxiang, on the other hand, talked about the big and small things that had happened at home and in the factory over the past year, her rambling words filled with a mother's love and concern.
The fire cast their shadows on the wall, swaying gently, filling the room with a long-lost warmth.
After the dumplings were wrapped and cooked, the two enjoyed a cozy dinner by the stove and under the dim light of a 15-watt bulb. After finishing their meal and tidying up, Li Yuxiang's expression became serious. She wiped her hands and sat down opposite Qin Hao.
"Haohao, it's good that you're back. Mom has worked in the factory for almost twenty years. My back and legs aren't doing well anymore, and I'm getting old. I've asked the labor and personnel department at the factory, and they said I can get a 'substitute' arrangement. Now that you're back in the city, it's perfect. Get the paperwork done and start working at the textile factory. Although the workshop is tough, it's a state-owned factory after all, a secure job. Mom can retire earlier and enjoy her retirement."
She revealed the arrangements she had planned long ago, her eyes filled with anticipation. This is the conventional choice for most families in this era, and also the safest path she could plan for her son.
Qin Hao remained silent for a moment. The firelight danced on his face, reflecting his calm yet resolute expression.
"Mom." He looked up and gazed into his mother's eyes. "I don't plan to go to the factory."
Li Yuxiang was taken aback: "Not going to the factory? Then what do you want to do? If the neighborhood committee assigns you a job, it'll probably be in a factory or work behind a counter in a shop..."
"Mom, I want to go to the south, to Guangzhou, to do business." Qin Hao stated his thoughts directly.
"Doing business?!" Li Yuxiang's voice suddenly rose, her face filled with shock and confusion, followed by deep worry: "Haohao, are you confused? That 'speculation and profiteering' is illegal! You finally got back to the city, wouldn't it be better to just go to work in a factory and live a peaceful life? Why would you take that risk?"
Qin Hao had anticipated his mother's reaction. In early 1979, "self-employed" was still a derogatory and risky term, closely associated with the image of "migrant workers." Securing a stable job in a state-owned factory remained the mainstream social consciousness and the first choice for the vast majority of families.
He patiently explained, “Mom, times have changed. The policies have really changed. Now the country allows private individuals to do business. As long as you register, you can operate legally. This is called ‘reform and opening up,’ a policy set by the central government. Many people in the south have gone into business and made a lot of money.”
Li Yuxiang was skeptical: "Really? Don't listen to people's nonsense. The policy... who knows if it will change back again?"
Her concerns were exactly the same as Shi Xiaona's, representing the mindset of a considerable number of ordinary people.
"Mom, didn't Zhao Yajing's mom next door say that nobody in the south goes to work in factories anymore? They've all gone into business and become bosses. How about this, let's make a deal: if I still can't make money before next year's Lunar New Year, I'll come back and take over your job. Is that alright?"
After a long silence, she sighed deeply, as if she had made a great decision: "You... you've always been very determined since you were little. Okay, Mom... Mom will trust you this time. Do as you said. If you haven't made a name for yourself by next year's New Year, come back quickly, so Mom won't worry at home."
"Okay." Qin Hao felt relieved and a smile appeared on his face.
Li Yuxiang stood up, went into the inner room, opened the old red lacquered wooden box, rummaged through it for a while, and then carefully walked back with a small package wrapped in red cloth.
She closed the door, returned to the stove, and by the firelight, unfolded the red cloth layer by layer. Inside was a small stack of neatly folded banknotes, including ten-yuan notes, as well as five-yuan, two-yuan, one-yuan, and even small change, all stacked neatly.
“This is all that’s left at home…” Li Yuxiang’s voice was a little hoarse. She counted carefully: “It’s a total of one hundred and fifty-three yuan and eighty-six cents. Your father passed away early, and your mother wasn’t very capable… You need some capital to start a business. Take this first.”
One hundred and fifty-three yuan was indeed a considerable sum in an era when the average monthly wage for workers was just over thirty yuan; it was almost all the savings this family had accumulated over several years of frugal living.
Looking at Li Yuxiang's hands, rough and cracked from years of hard work, and the stack of banknotes that carried all the hopes and savings of the family, Qin Hao felt a surge of sorrow and emotion.
"Mom, this money..."
"Take it!" Li Yuxiang shoved the money into Qin Hao's hand without giving him a chance to argue. "It's good to be frugal when you're on the road. You'll be unfamiliar with the place and people in the South, and you'll need money everywhere. Settle down first and see what you can do. After the New Year... Mom will think of a way to get you some more money."
She paused, her eyes reddening again, and turned her face away: "When you're out and about, be careful, don't be reckless, safety first. If... if it really doesn't work out, come back quickly, Mom... Mom can still support you."
"Mom, I will definitely make sure you live a good life," Qin Hao said solemnly.