Chapter Sixteen: The Passionate Old Educated Youth

After hearing Village Chief Zhao’s words, Han Li immediately nodded in agreement. All he wanted was an independent, free space; the house didn’t need to be large. As long as he could prepare his own meals, improve his living conditions, and avoid suffering through the long winter, that was enough.

The three leaders of Shanghe Village gathered to whisper among themselves. Liang Ziqiang and Zhang Dagang kept their eyes on Han Li as Village Chief Zhao spoke, clearly having learned of his connections and worked out a suitable plan.

Village Chief Zhao coughed and said, “Since you agree, the village will allow you to build a house. But considering other reasons, your house can only be built near the Youth Center. It’s getting late today. Go home and think about what kind of house you want to build. Tell us another day, so we can help you estimate the costs.”

Han Li asked, “Why can it only be built near the Youth Center? Can’t it be elsewhere?”

Captain Liang replied, “It’s better for you young people to stay together, so you can look after each other. The location is settled. If anyone else wants to build a house, let us know tomorrow. Don’t mention it piecemeal—the village doesn’t have that much spare time.”

They had no choice. Shanghe Village had many people, but a vast area. Almost every household had a spacious yard, and though the houses seemed scattered, there was a central point to the village. If other male youths chose to build houses, the three would certainly plot their foundations within the village, not on the outskirts near the Youth Center, since such houses would lose much value. These days, the closer a house is to the village center, the more valuable it is; those on the edges are worth little.

But the three knew well the ways of the villagers: gossipy, meddlesome, and quick to take advantage. Han Li was the nephew of Director Liu from the Youth Affairs Office, and it was said his family was quite well-off; his life would surely be comfortable. If he were placed in the village center and frequently taken advantage of by the local women, Han Li might complain, and the three wouldn’t be able to explain themselves to Director Liu.

Hao Hongmin and Yang Xiuying nudged one another, then stepped forward.

“Village Chief Zhao, Captain Liang, Accountant Zhang, we’d like to know roughly how much it would cost to build two small rooms. If the price is reasonable, we plan to build a house as well.”

All eyes fell on the two young women; no one had expected they’d have the means to build a house. Only Han Li wasn’t surprised—he’d noticed from their food and clothing along the way that their families were well-off.

Village Chief Zhao said, “Two similar rooms with a yard wall would cost a few dozen yuan, but that’s not fixed. The exact amount depends on what kind of house you want—the difference can be quite large. It’s getting late, so hurry back. Once you’ve decided, let us know.”

Han Li asked, “When we’ve made our decision, who should we report to?”

Captain Liang, impatient, said, “I’m in charge of production; everything else goes to Village Chief Zhao. For any trivial matters, just find him. Now take your grain and hurry home.”

With that, Captain Liang left the office, hands behind his back. Accountant Zhang smiled and said, “There’s a cart in the village—you can use it to haul your grain home. Just return it tomorrow. Oh, and the grain sacks are a gift from the village. Take good care of them; if they’re lost or damaged, the village won’t give you another.”

“Uncle Zhao, dinner’s ready at home, so I’ll head back,” said Accountant Zhang, who also left, hands behind his back.

“Pack up your grain and go home. Once you’ve thought about the house, come and tell me,” said Village Chief Zhao.

A group of them quickly loaded the grain onto the cart and hauled it back to the Youth Center.

Sun Yong spoke up, “The village gives out cracked corn kernels—about the size of rice grains. They make filling porridge, though they scratch the throat a bit. Cooking them takes more time and firewood, but if you want finer cornmeal, you can use the communal stone mill in the village center. You can grind the corn into meal, then steam cornbread or make mush.”

As Sun Yong finished, Jiang Xiaoli chimed in, “Our grain is locked in individual cabinets. When you eat, take out as much as you need for your meal. Mainly, this keeps the grain safe from mice. But since you’ve just arrived and aren’t prepared, you can write your name on your sack and put it on the shelf in the middle room of the Youth Center. Once you have your own cabinet, you can store it there. If you plan to build your own house, there’s no need to prepare a cabinet now—your new house will have cabinets built to fit your room, so you won’t waste space.”

Jiang Xiaoli then explained the meal arrangements at the Youth Center. Everyone ate from the same pot. Cooking duties rotated; you took out as much grain as you expected to eat and gave it to the cook for the day. The cook could return from the fields a bit early to prepare the meal—this was common for both the youths and the villagers.

Han Li listened quietly, noticing a bit of rivalry between the two Youth Center leaders. He didn’t know why, but whatever the reason, it promised trouble.

His dream was to become a landlord and live like a salted fish. He’d crossed into this era, but so what? Crossing over meant a new life, but it didn’t change his original emotional intelligence or intellect. Nor would the world revolve around him. So, it was best not to overthink things.

Achieving his dream mattered most; anything else, he preferred not to get involved.

They hauled the cart back to the Youth Center, where the old youths had already prepared dinner. With everyone’s help, the grain was put away, and the newcomers were invited to wash up and eat.

Everything seemed warm and harmonious, and the new arrivals were deeply moved. In a strange land, to be cared for by a group of enthusiastic older brothers and sisters was a comfort.

Even the young women felt this way—as if the earlier quarrel in the room had never happened.

But once they sat at the table, the new youths quickly realized how naive they’d been.

PS:
Thanks to “Hug You, She Is a Habit” for the reward of 100 points.