Chapter 41:

The first day of the Lunar New Year is for paying New Year visits. As the head of the family, Yu Qingshan would not go out on this day. If visitors came, he would be responsible for hosting them.

Apart from relatives and younger generations, children from the neighborhood would also drop by. While the elders stayed at home, the younger ones would mostly go out. Yu Xianghai, in addition to visiting his maternal grandparents and uncles, also paid New Year visits to his father’s friends and senior leaders at the factory who had shown him kindness. Yu Xiang’an, aside from visiting her maternal grandparents, also returned to the factory to pay respects to her superiors, such as Deputy Director Wang and Yan Yuzhen, among others.

The two younger ones had even more places to visit. At this time, as long as a household wasn’t completely destitute, they would welcome children—the more visitors, the better. Before setting out, their pockets were empty, but after making the rounds, they would return with their pockets stuffed full. They would then go home once to deposit their haul in their special little boxes before heading out again to continue their visits. The peanuts, sunflower seeds, and even candies they collected on this day, if eaten sparingly, could last them two months.

When getting dressed that morning, Yu Qingshan hesitated for a while. He had two new outfits for the New Year—one from his youngest daughter and the other from his second daughter-in-law. After comparing the two, he ultimately chose the one from his daughter-in-law, feeling that it made him look more spirited. After all, the New Year calls for wearing something lively.

Seeing Yu Qingshan’s choice, Yu Xiang’an rubbed her nose, feeling a little guilty. Yu Xiangyan, on the other hand, secretly gave Wen Ruzhen a thumbs-up.

Both Yu Mingjie and Yu Xiangju were wearing new clothes this year. Yu Xiangju had woken up early, admiring his new outfit with delight. Not long after, Yu Mingjie arrived in his new clothes—his made by Ye Qijia, while Yu Xiangju’s were made by Zhao Qiaoniang.

Normally, they would wear hand-me-downs from their elders. Only during the New Year, if there were enough fabric coupons, could they get new clothes, which were a rare luxury for them. Wearing new clothes made them extra careful to avoid getting them dirty.

The two boys were quite popular in the neighborhood. Early in the morning, they had practiced a few New Year greetings and wandered around the area. By breakfast time, their pockets were already full once. Most of the treats were peanuts, roasted soybeans, and other inexpensive but filling snacks.

Candies were usually limited to one per household, and in poorer families, there might not even be any. Among the treats were also red envelopes. Their family had prepared some candies too, but the supply was limited—first come, first served. Early visitors would have a chance to get some, while latecomers would miss out.

Since Yu Xiang’an was still unmarried, she could also receive red envelopes when paying New Year visits to others. However, the amounts were small—just a token gesture—typically one or two cents, with slightly more generous ones being five cents or even ten or twenty cents.

Yu Xiangqing went to her maternal grandparents’ home to pay New Year respects and was then kept close by Yao Cuifen. Given Yao Cuifen and Qin Qiang’s seniority and status, many people came to pay them respects, including unmarried young men and women.

Wen Ruzhen and Wen Yizhen, though also from the county town, had no relatives here. Friends weren’t suitable for New Year visits at this time, so they stayed home to help host visitors.

By noon, most visitors would leave, as lingering past mealtime would be inappropriate unless the relationship was particularly close—otherwise, it might seem like they were angling for a free meal.

After returning, Yu Xiang’an emptied the red envelopes from her pockets. Many of these envelopes were handmade from red paper—their family had bought some red paper, cut it into roughly uniform sizes, and sealed them with paste.

After making her rounds, she had received red envelopes from all the leaders she visited. None of them gave just one or two cents—Deputy Director Wang’s was the most generous, giving her fifty cents.

Yu Xiangju and Yu Mingjie looked at her red envelopes with envy. Though they had received far more envelopes than her, most of theirs—aside from those from close relatives—contained only one cent each. Fifty cents was equivalent to fifty of their red envelopes, and they hadn’t even received that many.

“Seems like he’s very satisfied with your work performance,” Yu Xiangyan mused, rubbing his chin. “If he weren’t, he wouldn’t have given you such a big red envelope for the New Year.”

Yu Xiang’an agreed without modesty. “I’m quite satisfied with myself too.”

“Hahaha…”

The group laughed and chatted, the atmosphere warm and lively.

At this time, there weren’t as many entertainment options as in later years, so the New Year was the most festive occasion of the year. The joy on everyone’s faces was genuine, and the mood was vibrant.

Yu Mingjie and Yu Xiangju couldn’t sit still. After lunch, they eagerly set out again. As children, they had the privilege of receiving many treats today. Just by walking around and greeting familiar faces with a cheerful “Happy New Year,” they could receive red envelopes. Even one cent could buy a small piece of candy.

Though their New Year’s money would eventually be “safeguarded” by adults under various pretexts, the joy of receiving it in the moment was irreplaceable.

The second day of the New Year was traditionally for married daughters to return to their parents’ home. Since Yu Qingshan’s daughters were still unmarried, there were no daughters returning, so the family went to the Qin household instead.

Though Qin Fenglan was no longer around, her children remained, so visiting their maternal grandparents was only natural.

Zhao Qiaoniang could have gone back to her parents’ home as well, but after her parents passed away, she essentially had no maternal home to return to. Ding Minxiu would have returned if she had married in the conventional way, but she hadn’t.

The second day was a common time for married daughters to return home, so uncles and cousins were accompanying their wives and children to their in-laws’ homes. Typically, only households expecting returning married daughters would adjust their schedules.

The eldest uncle had two sons, while the second uncle had two daughters and one son. The elder daughter had long since married and was now pregnant, making it inconvenient for her to return this year. The younger daughter had been abducted as a child and had never been heard from since.

When they arrived at the Qin household, only Qin Qiang and Yao Cuifen were present.

Yao Cuifen pulled Yu Qingshan aside to talk about a young man who had visited the day before. “The one who came yesterday seemed quite good. His name is Li Yuming, two years older than Xiaoqing. He also works at the supply and marketing cooperative, though not at the counter—unlike Xianghai’s wife, he’s in the warehouse…” She went into detail about the young man.

Yu Qingshan listened attentively, while Yu Xiangqing stood nearby, looking resigned. Yao Cuifen spoke as if there were some potential, but the young man had simply come to pay a normal New Year visit, exchanged a brief greeting, and left.

Yao Cuifen added, “There’s just one issue. He’s already a worker, but his family has another younger brother. His mother’s job will likely go to his brother in the future. His father is the family’s breadwinner and won’t retire anytime soon.”

When someone retired, their job could be passed down, but not their seniority or rank. If a child took over a parent’s job, they would have to start from scratch, often with a significant pay cut. Under such circumstances, early retirement was a raw deal, and most people wouldn’t consider it.

Yu Qingshan sighed.

Finding a suitable match among working families was no easy task.

The ideal candidates were those from smaller families or those with enough influence to arrange jobs—but he knew better than to aim too high.

Yu Xiangqing interjected, “Dad, Grandma, don’t grasp at straws—no, I mean, don’t rush. I’ll work hard at this. These things can’t be forced.”

Yu Qingshan fell silent. She was right—it couldn’t be rushed. They would take their time. Even if she returned to the countryside, they could still keep an eye out for suitable matches here.

On the third day of the New Year, the family returned to the countryside to visit their paternal grandparents. They brought many gifts with them.

Though their life in the county town wasn’t particularly luxurious, it was still far better than most rural households.

For rural families, after deducting food rations from their annual work points, they might only earn thirty or forty yuan for the entire year—less than Yu Qingshan’s monthly salary of over forty yuan.

Though they had to buy all their food in the county town, as long as the grain shops supplied normally without resorting to the black market, they could usually make ends meet with some to spare.

The third day was always lively at the Yu household. Every year, Yu Qingshan’s family returned on this day to celebrate the New Year together with the extended family. As a result, if Yang Huili wanted to visit her parents, she would either go on the second day or delay until the fourth, staying home on the third to host her brother-in-law’s family.

Her two married daughters also tried to visit on days when the family was gathered, such as the third day. This way, they could see not only their grandparents and parents but also their uncle, cousins, and their families.

For Yu Qingbao’s family, the third day was even more festive than New Year’s Eve.

When Yu Qingshan’s family arrived, Yu Manrong and Yu Manhong had already returned with their husbands and children. The Yu family home suddenly felt cramped—standing room was scarce indoors, so everyone spilled into the courtyard for more space to chat.

This was only Yu Xiang’an’s second time meeting her two older cousins—the first had been at Yu Manchang and Xu Xiaojuan’s wedding.

They had married nearby, in neighboring production teams, with matches carefully selected by Yang Huili.

Yang Huili had chosen what she believed were the best options within reach—hardworking men who could support their families, with reasonable in-laws who wouldn’t mistreat their daughters-in-law, manageable sisters-in-law, and households that weren’t dirt-poor.

Her two sons-in-law largely met these criteria, and at first glance, there seemed to be no major issues. Now, both daughters were mothers of two children each.

Though close in age to Yu Xiang’an and Yu Xiangqing, they looked noticeably older.

Working in the fields every day under the sun had aged them faster.

The two brothers-in-law were quiet, gathered around Yu Manchang as he talked about the brick factory.

After working two more months after the New Year, he would return to the production team to start a brick-making workshop and build a large house.

Yu Manwu and Yu Mansheng were still unmarried. They needed their own houses before they could find wives.

The reason they hadn’t built earlier was due to limited funds. But now, if they could build brick houses in one go, their prospects would improve dramatically—they could practically choose from any girl in the production team.

Moreover, rural homesteads weren’t hard to secure. Once approved, they could build as they pleased. Yu Manchang wanted to model his house after Yu Xiang’an’s, with a dedicated kitchen and bathroom.

Since he knew how to make bricks, the materials wouldn’t cost money—just labor. Rural men had plenty of strength to spare.

Timber could be sourced from the mountains with the team leader’s approval. The only expenses would be roof tiles and meals for helpers.

Compared to buying everything, this would save a fortune.

If hard work could earn them a brick house, they were willing to give it their all.

Yu Xiangyan was also intrigued. If possible, he wanted to contribute something similar to the village where he was sent—improving their living conditions and fostering goodwill with the locals, which would benefit them in the long run.

While the men talked enthusiastically, the women gathered separately to chat.

Wen Ruzhen was the center of attention.

As a new daughter-in-law, no one knew her well yet, so curiosity was natural.

Only the grandparents and uncle’s family knew about her background—the others were unaware.

Yu Manrong and Yu Manhong showered her with compliments.

The siblings were exceptionally good-looking—far more so than the local educated youths.

Their praise was so direct it made Wen Ruzhen blush.

Yu Mingjie, held close by Ye Qijia, listened intently before declaring with childish earnestness, “I think not only is Second Aunt pretty, but Mom and Aunties are all very pretty too.”

His words delighted everyone.

“Mingjie, you’re such a sweet talker.”

What woman doesn’t love being called pretty?

Yu Mingjie’s pockets were soon stuffed with even more treats.

After the laughter, Yu Xiang’an excused herself to use the outhouse. Yu Manrong and Yu Manhong exchanged glances before Yu Manrong followed her in.

“Xiao’an, Manchang’s temporary job was thanks to you. Are there any others?”

Yu Manrong looked embarrassed. “Your brother-in-law and I are still sharing a room with the kids. We’d like to save up some money. If there aren’t any, it’s fine—I know it’s not easy.” City dwellers coveted such jobs, let alone rural folk.

Yu Xiang’an paused, then smiled. “Sis, I understand.”

Even if Yu Manchang started a brick-making workshop in the production team, the benefits would primarily go to the Red Star Production Team and nearby areas—at most, bricks would be cheaper and more accessible, but their income wouldn’t increase.

Yu Xiang’an thought for a moment. “Temporary jobs aren’t easy to come by. What is your husband particularly good at?”

For example, Zhao Qiaoniang was skilled with her hands, making her suitable for the textile factory, while Yu Manchang’s strength suited the brick factory.

Yu Manrong sighed. “Your brother-in-law is a simple man—quiet, hardworking, willing to toil from dawn till dusk without complaint. He didn’t get much schooling, just enough from literacy classes to recognize common characters and write his name.”

I see, that makes it harder to find. Yu Xiang’an said, “I can’t promise you anything, but I’ll keep an eye out.”

“That’s already very kind of you,” Yu Manrong replied with a smile and a nod. “Thank you for your trouble. There’s no rush—take your time. If we find it, great. If not, we’ll just keep saving up like we are now. Sooner or later, we’ll have enough.”

The two chatted for a while, and when they returned, they found that someone else had arrived at the house—a distant relative Yu Xiang’an barely remembered.

This man wasn’t entirely unrelated to them. He was the son of Yu Changyou’s younger cousin. His father had passed away early, leaving him as the only child. Now in his thirties, he had been spoiled rotten by his mother—lazy to the core, preferring sitting over standing and lying down over sitting. Since the difference in work points between those who worked hard and those who didn’t wasn’t significant, he took full advantage, barely earning enough to feed himself. If he hadn’t been somewhat diligent in his youth, he probably wouldn’t have found a wife at all.

Being lazy naturally meant he had little to his name. When it came time to arrange a marriage for his son, he couldn’t scrape together a dowry. But he had thick skin. Seeing Yu Qingshan’s family as “well-off,” he figured that as relatives, they ought to help each other out in times of need.

Yu Qingshan had been a worker for many years. His eldest son and daughter-in-law were both formally employed, and his youngest daughter now had a steady job too. Only one son and one daughter had been sent to the countryside, but they had rural household registrations and could grow their own food. They didn’t need much support. So, why not lend him some money? It wasn’t like they were using it anyway.

Yu Qingshan didn’t want to lend him anything. He’d already given him five yuan for his eldest son’s betrothal. Back then, he hadn’t wanted to lend it either, knowing full well what kind of man he was. But he couldn’t bear to see the old woman—his mother—struggling for her son in her final days. She just wanted to see her grandson married before she passed. Out of respect for her, Yu Qingshan had handed over the five yuan, treating it as a loss. And now, here he was again?

When Yu Shijian heard him mention the five yuan, he laughed awkwardly. “Ah, that… I’d actually forgotten about that. My apologies. But I remember now—I’ll pay you back next time, along with this new loan.”

Yu Qingshan said flatly, “Return what you borrow, and borrowing again won’t be hard.”

Yu Shijian retorted, “We’re family. You really think I wouldn’t pay you back?”

Yu Qingshan nodded, not bothering to spare his dignity. If the man didn’t care about his own face, why should anyone else?

“Exactly. I do think you won’t pay me back.”

With so many people watching, Yu Shijian grew furious. “How can you be so stingy? Your family is well-off. Lending me ten yuan is nothing to you—just a few days’ wages. If you don’t lend it, my son’s marriage will fall through. Who knows how long it’ll take to find another match? Are you really willing to ruin this for him?”

Yu Changyou’s voice turned stern. “This is the path you chose. You refused to work hard and earn money—who else can you blame? You’re their father. They’re your sons. You should’ve thought of this day when you were lazing around.”

The man’s family was always borrowing fire from others. They probably only bought two or three boxes of matches a year.

Let alone other necessities.

Yu Changyou sighed. “Enough. Go home. I didn’t agree to lend you money last time either. If you want to blame anyone, blame me for not correcting your laziness when you were young. If you keep pushing, you’ll return what you borrowed right now.”

Yu Qingshan had his own children—his second son and those sent to the countryside—to support. He didn’t have spare money to lend, especially after the medical expenses for Yu Changyou’s illness. Was he supposed to empty his savings?

He wouldn’t allow it.

Yu Shijian had thought coming at this time would make them more agreeable, but instead, he left humiliated.

Borrowing money wasn’t unusual, but why on earth had he chosen a family reunion day to ask?

He wasn’t the first to borrow from Yu Qingshan. In the countryside, a whole family might toil all year only to earn what Yu Qingshan made in a month. Having come from the same place, Yu Qingshan was willing to help in emergencies—but not chronic poverty. Yu Shijian was the latter. He’d be poor his whole life because he refused to work. The real victims were his children.

Besides, Yu Qingshan didn’t have much to spare.

His savings had been drained by Yu Changyou’s illness, then by Yu Xiangyan’s wedding. The dowries for his two sons couldn’t differ too much, or it would breed resentment. As for Yu Xiang’an, she had her salary, but she was paying off the house, buying necessities, and maintaining a decent appearance for her job at the factory. She also contributed to the family’s meals. By the time all that was accounted for, she had little left to save.

Yu Qingshan’s own wages, beyond household expenses, were set aside for his daughters’ dowries. They were of marriageable age now—who knew when an opportunity might arise? If the groom’s family provided a betrothal gift, shouldn’t the bride’s family offer something in return?

A dowry was a woman’s security in her marital home.

Yu Xiang’an and the others returned in time for the second half of the drama. Seeing the festive mood dampened, Yang Huili stood up to lighten the atmosphere. “For lunch today, we have something special. Just a few days ago, wild boars came down from the mountains. The team leader led a group to hunt them—three in total. Every household got a share of meat. We were lucky—we got a pork belly. Today, we’re making pork belly chicken stew. It’ll be so delicious, you’ll be licking your lips!”

Wild boars?!

The mood instantly lifted.

Everyone clamored:

“How big were they?”

“How many came down?”

“Did they really have long tusks?”

With so many people, lunch required three tables to seat everyone.

There weren’t many dishes, but they were hearty, each served in large portions. Everyone ate until they were stuffed.

Yu Xiang’an loved the soup so much she drank too much and had to pace outside to aid digestion.

After a couple of laps, someone called her name. She looked up—it was Ruan Chenxi.

Surprised, Yu Xiang’an asked, “You didn’t go back?”

They’d spoken a few times, though they weren’t exactly friends. From what she knew of Ruan Chenxi’s background, she shouldn’t be unable to afford the trip home.

Ruan Chenxi forced a smile. “Happy New Year. Shanghai’s too far. I’ll go back next year.”

Yu Xiang’an nodded. “That’s fine. It really is a long way.”

Yu Shunwen was reasonable about these things. For those from far away, he’d write introduction letters with ample time, never deliberately obstructing. There must be another reason.

And coming here today—it couldn’t be a coincidence. Had she come specifically to find her?

Ruan Chenxi complimented Yu Xiang’an’s new clothes and asked about her holiday before hesitantly getting to the point. “There’s something I’d like to ask of you. I know it’s sudden, but I have my reasons.”

Yu Xiang’an listened attentively.

Ruan Chenxi looked at her hopefully. “Your uncle’s family seems to have an extra room. Could you ask if I could board there?”

Yu Xiang’an hadn’t expected this. She refused gently. “There aren’t any spare rooms. The unused ones are for when our family visits.”

Even if there were, it wouldn’t be appropriate. Yu Manwu was around Ruan Chenxi’s age. Living together, even with others around, could lead to gossip. If neither party had such intentions, it was best to avoid the situation altogether.

Ruan Chenxi was disappointed but not entirely surprised. Having anticipated this, she pressed on. “Your family’s local, with many relatives. Do you know anyone else with a suitable place? I’d clean, pay rent, and cook my own meals—no taking advantage.”

“May I ask why? Isn’t the educated youth dormitory okay?”

As fellow educated youths, they should have more in common.

Ruan Chenxi hesitated, unsure how to explain. “You know how we female educated youths live together, separate from the males.” The dormitory was a repurposed old building, unable to house everyone at once, so the men and women lived about 500 meters apart.

“For the past half-month, I’ve noticed someone following me. I’ve been too scared to go anywhere alone. In secluded spots, I’ve felt them getting closer—until I’m with others, and they hide. The others haven’t noticed anything. They say I’m imagining it, but I’m certain. I’m terrified. I want to move somewhere with more people around.”

This was serious. Yu Xiang’an’s expression turned grave. “No one else has seen anything?”

“That’s the problem,” Ruan Chenxi said bitterly. “They haven’t. They think I’m paranoid. But I know what I saw. I feel targeted.”

Yu Xiang’an fell silent. Female educated youths were often vulnerable targets—far from home, without relatives, usually better-off and more attractive. Predators saw them as easy prey, knowing they’d have little recourse if wronged.

This couldn’t be ignored. Yu Shunwen was the production team leader, her uncle. He needed to know.

“You’re sure you didn’t mistake it?”

Ruan Chenxi nodded firmly. “Absolutely. Look at my dark circles—I haven’t slept properly in days.”

“Come with me to see the team leader.” At this, Ruan Chenxi visibly relaxed. She quickly explained, “I wanted to go before, but without proof, I was afraid he wouldn’t believe me.” Even her dormmates hadn’t noticed anything. She’d lost confidence until she heard Yu Xiang’an’s family was visiting today. She’d come hoping to find her, to see if she’d believe her and help report it.

If she hadn’t found her, she’d have gone to the team leader anyway. She couldn’t take it anymore.

Yu Xiang’an understood but didn’t mind. Adult relationships were rarely purely altruistic. “I want to be friends” seldom meant just that.

Besides, she felt sympathy. Ruan Chenxi was a stranger here, just as Yu Xiangqing was in Niujiao Village.

She didn’t mind helping now, hoping that if Yu Xiangqing ever needed aid in Niujiao, someone would step forward for her too.