Chapter 14: Labeling

Song Yun raised an eyebrow. She hadn’t expected Zhao Xiaomei to provoke her so openly. Given their history, Zhao Xiaomei should’ve been lying low in front of her—if not trying to curry favor, then at least minimizing her presence to avoid any exposure of past incidents that might tarnish her reputation.

But Zhao Xiaomei did the exact opposite. Not only was she unafraid, but she also stared at Song Yun with undisguised hatred in her eyes. Song Yun couldn’t tell whether to admire her boldness or laugh at her stupidity.

Looking at Zhao Xiaomei, Song Yun gave a fake smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “What exactly is improper about it?”

Zhao Xiaomei gave a cold snort and tilted her chin, trying to show off what she believed was her most perfect jawline. In a loud voice, she declared, “We’re educated youth going to the countryside to support rural development. This isn’t some kind of family picnic! I’ve never heard of someone bringing a child along to the countryside. Do you think the Educated Youth Office belongs to your family?” Her gaze swept over the new suitcase at Song Yun’s feet, and the flames of jealousy nearly burst from her eyes. “I think you’re just playing the capitalist miss—coming to the countryside to enjoy life! I’m going to report you!”

Song Yun’s expression turned cold. “You sure love slapping labels on people the moment there’s a disagreement. You must have a lot of practice—how many others have you falsely accused like this?”

Zhao Xiaomei’s face stiffened, and she instinctively glanced at the other educated youth around her.

But the others immediately stepped back, distancing themselves by two steps. Clearly, they wanted nothing to do with her.

Zhao Xiaomei’s eyes reddened with fury.

Song Yun continued, her voice sharp, “You just said bringing my younger brother to the countryside breaks the rules. I asked you what rule exactly, but you couldn’t name a single one. You tried to smear me with baseless accusations and repay kindness with malice—pretty impressive, really. Not something you see every day.”

Repay kindness with malice?

Now that line caught everyone’s attention.

There was clearly a deeper story here.

Curiosity flared in the eyes of those around them. Even the cadre in charge of leading the group subtly perked up his ears.

Zhao Xiaomei panicked and tried to interrupt, but it was already too late.

Song Yun stared at her coldly. “You were nearly raped by Fang Daniu from the Wuxing Brigade. He ripped your clothes—remember that? I’m the one who saved you. And now, instead of being grateful, you try to frame me? What, are you thinking if I die, no one will remember what happened between you and Fang Daniu?”

The crowd fell into stunned silence. Everyone stared at Zhao Xiaomei with strange, scrutinizing eyes.

If what Song Yun said was true, then Zhao Xiaomei’s character was downright rotten. Someone who could frame her own savior for personal gain—what might she do to others in the future?

People began to see her as a venomous snake hiding in the dark, ready to strike without warning.

Zhao Xiaomei’s face turned bright red. She shouted in protest, “You’re lying! You’re spreading rumors and slandering me! I’m going to report you!”

Song Yun shrugged, looking indifferent. “Whether I’m lying or not, you know the truth—and so do the folks in Wuxing Brigade. Anyone can call and ask; the truth’s easy to find. Why don’t you explain to everyone how you, an educated youth stationed in the outskirts of Beijing in the very desirable Wuxing Brigade, ended up reassigned to the remote mountains of Heilongjiang? Educated youth aren’t just allowed to change postings on a whim, are they?”

People who had still been skeptical suddenly looked enlightened. That was right—Wuxing Brigade on the outskirts of Beijing was one of the best places in the country to be sent down. People pulled strings and begged for spots there. Why would she voluntarily leave such a cushy place to suffer out here?

Clearly, something was fishy.

Zhao Xiaomei was practically trembling with rage. She had already been full of resentment over being “returned” by the Wuxing Brigade and reassigned to this remote Heilongjiang village. Now this wretched woman had ripped off her facade in public, exposing everything she’d tried so hard to keep hidden.

What was the point of her reassignment now?

She looked around desperately and locked eyes with a male educated youth who had always shown interest in her and treated her well. But now, he stood far away, looking at her with clear disgust—and a trace of contempt.

Zhao Xiaomei’s whole body trembled. Her finger pointed at Song Yun, but it shook uncontrollably. “You’re vicious! Throwing such filthy accusations at me—don’t you realize that lies like this can destroy someone? How am I supposed to face anyone after this?”

Song Yun sneered. “What does how you face people have to do with me? You’re allowed to slap deadly labels on people, but others aren’t allowed to fight back with the truth? Your shamelessness really knows no bounds.”

Zhao Xiaomei looked like she might collapse at any moment.

Seeing the drama had run its course, the team leader finally stopped pretending to be deaf and barked, “Enough! What is this, a marketplace? You’re educated youth—not a bunch of street shrews. Grab your luggage and follow me. If you miss the bus, you’ll have to pay out of pocket to stay at a guesthouse.”

Everyone quickly grabbed their things and followed the team leader toward the bus station across from the train station. From the provincial capital, they had to take a long-distance bus to the city, then switch to a different bus to the county, and finally ride an ox cart or tractor to their assigned production brigade. The journey was long and arduous.

Song Yun didn’t spare Zhao Xiaomei another glance. She just picked up her things, took her brother’s hand, and calmly followed the team leader.

The other educated youth also wanted no association with Zhao Xiaomei and left her behind without hesitation.

Only two soft-hearted girls hesitated a little, then returned to help Zhao Xiaomei carry some of her bags and called her to catch up.

By the time they transferred twice and reached the county seat, it was already 2 PM.

The sixteen educated youth—nine men and seven women—were all assigned to one commune: Huaiyang Commune. Half of them went to Zouyang Village, while the other half, including Song Yun and Zhao Xiaomei, were assigned to Qinghe Village. Whether it was fate or misfortune, the two girls were sent to the same place.

Zouyang Village had sent a tractor to pick up their group, quickly loading people and luggage before heading off. The eight assigned to Qinghe Village could only watch enviously.

“Enough gawking,” barked Team Leader Liu Xiangqian, who had come to pick them up. “Put your stuff on the ox cart. That tractor isn’t coming back for you.”

He was already frustrated. Another batch of eight, and the commune’s youth station was running out of space. At least the boys could do some work, but these girls? All pale, soft, and weak—what use were they?

And the village bachelors—just seeing a city girl could send them into a frenzy. More trouble. He was tired of it.

The boys weren’t much better either. The village girls and young wives loved to hang around the male educated youth, and there had already been scandals.

And now… a child?

Liu Xiangqian had been told one of the female youth was bringing a younger sibling, but he hadn’t known the details. Seeing it now, of course he had to ask.

He approached Song Yun. “Comrade, is this boy your brother?”

Song Yun nodded. “Yes, he’s eight. Our parents are gone, and we have no relatives to rely on. Since I was being sent down, I had no choice but to bring him.”

Seeing the brigade leader’s frown deepen, Song Yun quickly added, “But don’t worry—since I dared to bring him, I’m confident I can take care of him. I’ll manage all his food and daily needs myself and won’t take a single resource from the commune. He won’t be a burden.”