Chapter Six: Before Going to the Countryside

After Han’s mother finished instructing the second sister, she didn’t wait for her response but turned to Han’s father.

“You, as the head of the family, exchange some nationwide grain coupons, and together with all the miscellaneous tickets we have, it should be enough for our son for the time being.”

“If he lacks anything over there, he can send a telegram home, and I’ll quickly mail it to him.”

“Big girl, you won’t be busy on the train, so in these two days, hurry and knit a sweater for your brother from the family’s wool.”

“If the place is chosen, your brother could leave at any time, so you must hurry, understand?”

“Mom, don’t worry about that,” replied the eldest sister. “Even if I have to stay up late, I’ll make sure to finish the sweater for him as soon as possible.”

Han’s mother nodded and continued, “No matter where it ends up being in the Northeast, it’s colder than our capital.”

“Our quilts will be hardly enough over there, so let him take the ones we have at home for now.”

“Later, I’ll find some cotton and make you a new quilt, a new cotton coat, pants, and shoes.”

“We’ll not suffer, nor go hungry; just get by when you’re working in the fields.”

“Don’t overexert yourself and wear yourself out, or I’ll be crying myself to death at home.”

“If you need anything, I’ll send it, but you mustn’t marry a wife over there, understand?”

“Mom, I get it. Marrying over there means cutting off the way back to the city.”

“I have no intention of spending my life in the countryside, I won’t make such foolish mistakes.”

“And besides, I’m still young—don’t you think it’s a bit early for this talk?”

“You’d better start planning for big sister; she’s already at the age for matchmaking.”

Han’s mother replied, annoyed, “Your sister’s been matched with several, but none pleased her.”

“I can’t figure out what kind of person she wants, and if she keeps dragging it out, I’ll just marry her off to anyone.”

“Please don’t,” Han Li said. “Let big sister take her time. After all, it’s a matter of her whole life.”

“Our family is very open-minded—even if she’s picky for twenty years, I’ll support her.”

“You silly child, what nonsense are you spouting?” Han’s mother said.

The eldest sister chimed in, “I think little brother is right—I’m not in a hurry to marry.”

“You don’t know—last time Aunt Liu at the street corner introduced me to a teacher, tall and gentle.”

“The first thing he did was test whether I’d transfer my job to his little sister after marriage, saying he couldn’t bear for her to suffer in the countryside.”

“I spit on that. He doesn’t even look at himself. If I married someone like that, what kind of life would I have?”

Han’s mother exclaimed, “Why didn’t you tell me sooner, you silly girl? Just wait, tomorrow I’ll go give Liu’s wife a scolding!”

“Doesn’t even inquire properly, and wants to introduce any old thing to my daughter...”

After Han’s mother vented her anger, the youngest sister stammered, “Mom, what do you want me to do for brother?”

“What do you mean, what do I want you to do? Do I need to spell it out? Take apart and wash your brother’s bedding.”

“Wash and iron his clothes, then make him a new pair of cloth shoes for wearing after coming back from the fields.”

“His feet always sweat—if he keeps wearing those yellow rubber shoes, the smell will be unbearable.”

Han Li...

Ever since he confirmed he’d be sent to the countryside, Han Li began preparing necessities for himself.

At the very least, he wanted to bring extra grain; even if his family sent money, good things aren’t always available for purchase.

He didn’t know if the place he was going to had electricity, so he needed to bring some candles.

Candles, when taken apart, are just wax—he could melt them and thread a string through to use.

He felt he still lacked many things, but he wasn’t sure exactly what.

Where to get them? Han Li thought of a place he’d avoided until recently—the black market.

For the black market to operate, there had to be someone backing it. Otherwise, it would be unstable.

No matter who was behind it, Han Li felt he could take the risk.

If he could trace it to the source, he could redistribute wealth a bit.

Anyway, his ability to disassemble items within ten meters meant he could put things into his space unnoticed.

He wouldn’t bring money or goods, so even if searched, he wouldn’t get caught.

All things considered, he faced little risk, so Han Li was tempted.

But first, he needed a reason to stay out overnight—just needed to inform his mother.

For families nowadays, this wasn’t a big deal, though it was influenced by the broader environment.

Most kids were raised almost free-range—even first graders went to and from school on their own.

Unlike later generations, when parents had to pick up young children and, as they grew, had to guard against them being abducted.

As someone born and raised locally, Han Li didn’t need to ask where the black market was. He often heard about it, and in recent years, with looser restrictions, the number of black markets in the capital had noticeably increased.

His target wasn’t the customers but the organizers behind the scenes.

So, after informing his mother, Han Li set out. It required both care and patience.

There was no need to mystify the black market—it was simply an organized trading venue.

Han Li spent a dime to enter and wandered around; most stalls were ordinary people trading daily necessities.

Oil, white flour, cornmeal, sorghum flour, eggs, a small amount of meat, and so on.

Of course, there were also antiques and watches—large items easy to carry, though in limited supply.

But good things like oil, white flour, and rice disappeared instantly whenever they appeared.

Many stalls were clearly run by black market insiders—their goods were more complete, but much more expensive.

Han Li only looked; he had no intention of taking from ordinary people.

Nor did he plan to take risks in public; as for other details, he neither noticed nor had time to investigate.

He bought nothing and lingered too long—if mistaken for a competitor, he’d get beaten.

Han Li left the alley and, after several twists and turns, hid in an abandoned building.

He’d chosen this spot earlier—it offered a clear view of the alley entrance.

He was gambling on luck, since the black market had four exits.

If he didn’t catch anyone here, he’d go home empty-handed.

More people came at night than during the day, so Han Li kept watch near the market until dawn.

His whole body was covered in bites, exhausted and itchy, just as he was about to collapse.

In the distance, a horse-drawn cart arrived, and a group rushed from the alley and quickly loaded up the cart.

The speed was astonishing, and then they followed the cart away.