Chapter Forty-Four: The Arrival of New Educated Youth

Village Chief Zhao was hurrying back to the village, a sullen look on his face, and to his surprise, he was trailed by seven new educated youths—three men and four women. Never in his wildest dreams had he expected so many educated youths to be assigned to their county this time. Bringing back seven newcomers was thanks to Director Liu's influence, and now the surrounding villages were green with envy.

When the announcement was first made, his heart brimmed with pride. Especially the way the other villagers looked at him—it felt like he had just won a prize. But as soon as he stepped out of the county’s educated youth office, unease started to gnaw at him. He could already imagine the wave of complaints awaiting him upon his return.

Yet today, it was supposed to be just two of them coming—so why had he impulsively rushed over himself? Next time—no matter what—he swore he would never take on this errand again. Once more, Victory Zhao, the village chief, silently made a promise to himself...

When Han Li arrived by the riverside, the place was bustling with activity. Women washed clothes and vegetables, children caught fish and shrimp, or splashed about in the water.

“Educated Youth Han, what are you up to now?”

“I’m picking up some stones to lay a path near my new courtyard. That way, my feet won’t get muddy after it rains.”

“You’re such a silly kid. If people walk on the ground enough, it’ll become firm by itself.”

“There’s only me walking there. How many years would it take for me alone to pack it down? I’d rather just get some stones now.”

“Why don’t you get yourself a wife? Then there’ll be two sets of footsteps. It shouldn’t be hard for you if you put your mind to it.”

“Educated Youth Han, I think you really should find a wife, or you’ll have a tough time ahead.”

Han Li was speechless.

“You have no idea—the village gets lively after the snow falls…”

“Exactly! Step outside and you freeze to death, stay on the heated bed and you suffocate. In the end, only married couples have any fun…”

“I’ve heard some families get so rowdy it’s like slaughtering a pig…”

Han Li could only admit defeat in the face of the aunties’ relentless banter. He truly couldn’t handle it.

The barrage of words from these women rolled over Han Li like cartwheels, leaving the young man no choice but to flee the scene.

He changed spots to collect stones. On his fourth trip back, he heard a commotion coming from the educated youth courtyard. It seemed the new arrivals had been brought back, but the hubbub sounded a little different from usual. Han Li dropped the stones in his yard and went to wash up and change his clothes, waiting for Sun Yong to call him for dinner. After all, he had contributed grain—he’d be foolish not to eat.

This time, Village Chief Zhao had brought the new educated youths straight to the courtyard himself, rather than letting the two team leaders handle it. As soon as he entered, he called all the educated youths out for a brief meeting.

He asked the old educated youths to help the newcomers, since the food in the warehouse was running low. He wanted to save what was left for villagers who could work hardest during the autumn harvest; they just needed to survive until then. By that time, he’d try not to let these kids go hungry.

“Our Shanghe Village production team has welcomed a few more new educated youths today. Let’s give them a warm round of applause.”

What had gotten into Village Chief Zhao today, personally escorting the new arrivals? Was there someone particularly important among them? The old educated youths were bewildered by his actions, but they clapped along anyway.

“The newcomers will need your help to overcome all difficulties. Learn from the exemplary comrades, always be willing to give, do good deeds, improve yourselves, and make the term ‘educated youth’ shine here. All right—Sun Yong, Jiang Xiaoli, you two team leaders arrange their accommodations. Afterwards, go to the branch to get some advance rations. That’s all.”

With that, Village Chief Zhao turned and left, leaving everyone even more puzzled. His attitude didn’t seem like he was here to back up any special person—if anything, it felt like he was washing his hands of the matter.

Regardless, the two team leaders first had to settle their lodging. It was always a headache. Some wondered, if being an educated youth team leader was such a hassle and the village didn’t give them extra food, why did they bother?

Well, it was just like those students in high school who vied to be class monitors because it added points when applying to college. They all hoped to return to the city or get into workers-peasants-soldiers universities, so this detail in their records became important.

This time, they skipped the self-introductions and simply led the new arrivals to their respective rooms. Just as Sun Yong and Jiang Xiaoli expected, as soon as the newcomers entered, they started complaining about everything—the old educated youths had claimed all the good spots, it was too crowded, and so on—excuses of every kind.

The two leaders stood by, letting them argue, and only stepped in when the noise died down.

“Our conditions here are what they are. No amount of shouting will change that. Bed spots are first come, first served. If someone is willing to swap, that’s fine, otherwise you pick from what’s left. If you’re still not satisfied, you can go out and build your own house—make it as big as you want. Three of our educated youths have already set an example; they now have their own homes and courtyards and live quite comfortably.”

“Team leader, how does one go about building their own house?” asked a young woman, standing next to her identical twin. Both wore watches and white floral dresses with little leather shoes now covered in dust. It was obvious their families were well-off—just like Han Li, Hao Hongmin, and Yang Xiuying before them.

Sun Yong sighed inwardly—had the competition for down-country postings become this fierce? What chance did kids from ordinary families have, especially if university spots were at stake?

Although he grumbled to himself, he answered honestly, “I'm not sure about the specifics. You can ask the village chief when you get your advance rations, or ask the people who did it when we eat.”

“By the way, since it’s your first day in Shanghe Village Production Team, according to our tradition, us old educated youths will make a welcome dinner for you. Everyone will be there, so you’ll get to know each other.”

Hearing this, the newcomers quieted down, resignedly putting away their bedding and luggage. Then they followed the two team leaders to the village office, asking questions about the village along the way. Sun Yong and Jiang Xiaoli answered everything, playing the role of guides as best they could.

Meanwhile, Village Chief Zhao was boasting to Team Leader Liang and the others, treating the arrival of seven new educated youths like a triumphant victory. But when the topic of advance rations came up, Zhao fell silent.

Team Leader Liang said, “Let me handle this. We’ll follow the rules—everyone gets their full share, but each can only draw one month’s ration in advance.”