Chapter Three: I Am Going to the Countryside
Did his family really lack for food? What he truly wanted was a storage space he could freely use. That way, in a few years when the country opened up, he could become a trader, and gradually realize his dream of becoming a landlord. The easiest, laziest, and lowest-cost way to make money was to wait until after the reforms and then shuttle goods between the South and the North as a hustler. Step by step, he could achieve his dream of being a landlord, and finally enjoy a life of leisure and comfort.
Otherwise, when the market finally opened up, even if a two-entry courtyard house cost only a few thousand yuan, he still wouldn’t be able to afford it. The average monthly wage was only thirty or forty yuan—a person would have to go without food or drink for twenty or thirty years just to save up. But the price of a house wouldn’t wait for you to get a promotion or a raise, nor would it wait until you had saved enough to buy it. So don’t be deceived by stories of cheap courtyard houses from that era—think about how much disposable money you actually had on hand.
No money, but still want to buy a house? With what—ideals and good intentions? Or just dreams in the end? Of course, with his foreknowledge, he could use other means to become one of the first to prosper. But that process would be exhausting and complicated, which went against his desire to win by lying low.
In the end, Han Li consoled himself—having a mediocre golden finger was already pretty good; what more could he ask for? Did he really need a bicycle too?
After brushing his teeth and washing his face, Han Li sat down with his father at the family’s Eight Immortals table. There was no need for either of them to serve themselves; the two just waited for the meal to be served. When Han Li first arrived, he had wanted to help, but each time he was stopped by his mother or sisters.
“A man should just sit and wait for his meal. You don’t need to worry about these things,” they would say.
Han Li rather liked this rule, though unfortunately, it had gradually disappeared in later generations for various reasons. Add to that some so-called toxic “chicken soup” philosophies, and the whole world ended up turned upside down.
Breakfast was simple: cornmeal porridge, steamed buns made of mixed flour, and a plate of pickled vegetables. Only Han Li had two fried eggs set before him, but he divided them evenly among everyone, then said:
“Dad, Mom, I’m going to the countryside. Please help me find an easier place through your contacts at the neighborhood office.”
The whole family was stunned when Han Li said this.
His mother hurriedly asked, “Son, your father and I are already pulling strings to find you a job—let’s not think about going to the countryside just yet.”
Han Li replied, “Dad, Mom, I’ve already made up my mind about this. There’s no way our family can get two work positions. In other words, no matter what, one of us will have to go to the countryside. But what kind of place is that? There’s no way my little sister, a young girl, could go. Everyone knows how hard and bitter it is, but more than that, there are all kinds of unsavory people there. One careless mistake, and a girl’s reputation could be ruined for life. That would destroy her future. But I’m a grown man; I can endure hardship, and I don’t have to worry about my reputation.”
As soon as Han Li finished, all eyes turned to him—some surprised, some troubled, some astonished, some grateful.
His mother said, “You? Able to endure hardship? Why do I find that hard to believe?”
“I have always kept up with my boxing practice, haven’t I? Master Li even says I’m tough. Besides, you wouldn’t let me go hungry over there, so I won’t have to endure too much,” Han Li replied.
His father cut in, “There’s news about jobs these days; let’s talk about it then.”
Han Li persisted, “Dad, we all know how things are these past couple of years. Basically, there haven’t been any new jobs. And even if there are, they’re all spoken for by the factories themselves—none would ever fall to our family. So let’s not waste any more money on this. I’ll just answer the country’s call and go to the countryside for now. In a couple of years, when office jobs become available for little money, I’ll come back. I also heard that in the Northeast, you can stay holed up indoors for five months of winter. There are plenty of wild delicacies and fruits in the mountains. As long as you’re willing to work, it’s practically a life of enjoyment.”
His mother snorted, “Enjoyment? If it were so enjoyable, everyone would be flocking there. Don’t let yourself be fooled, silly boy.”
His eldest sister chimed in, “How about I give my job to my little brother? I don’t mind going to the countryside.”
His second sister said, “Oh, come off it, big sis. I’ve already done my training at the supply and marketing cooperative. I may not be good at much, but I can certainly handle the villagers in the countryside.”
The eldest sister countered, “With my position, little brother could become a driver in the future. With Dad teaching him, he’d pick it up in no time.”
Just then, the youngest sister, who usually went unnoticed, spoke up, “I’m not that weak, and I’m not so silly as to be tricked. Maybe I should go to the countryside after all.”
As his sisters bickered back and forth, Han Li was both touched and a little annoyed. He had already decided to go himself. For a short while, he could cover up his different habits with a heavy heart, but over time, around those who knew him best, his true self would inevitably show through.
After a few years in the countryside, things would be different. Any changes in him could be attributed to his time away.
Han Li said, “Enough, everyone. How can I call myself a man if I let my sisters suffer in my place? The matter is settled. Mom, just help me pick a good spot through the Youth Office. If you don’t, I’ll just sneak off and sign up myself. Either way, I’m definitely going.”
At that, the family fell silent. His parents exchanged glances.
“You’d better not sneak off to register, or I’ll break your legs. Your father and I will talk it over. Aren’t you and your little sister supposed to pick up your diplomas from school today? Hurry and eat or you’ll be late.”
It was now 1973. In 1977, the national college entrance exams would be reinstated. That meant he’d only have to spend a little over four years in the countryside—not so hard to endure. Besides, as the only son, his parents wouldn’t let him remain in hardship forever. Even if a job couldn’t be found right away, money and goods would keep flowing to him while he was away.
After breakfast, Han Li and his youngest sister left for school. Other than for exams, they hadn’t set foot in school for two months. The school was full of young people, and wherever they gathered, there were always too many different ideas. The teachers merely read from the textbooks without any extra commentary. There weren’t many students who truly wanted to listen, either. Most spent their time on the streets or at school, looking for ways to stir up trouble in pursuit of their so-called justice.