Chapter 6: Li Hongmei

Exiting the large gate of the subdistrict office, Wen Nuan turned and headed to find her classmate, Li Hongmei. The two had been high school classmates, and their relationship had been fairly good back in school.

Compared to Wen Nuan, who had neither a loving father nor a caring mother and was considered pitiable by many, Li Hongmei was the cherished jewel of her family, held dearly in the palms of their hands.

Li Hongmei’s parents were both employed as workers (a rarity and privilege at the time), and her family included an older brother and a younger brother. She was their only daughter, treasured as though she were a priceless gem.

However, no matter how well her family treated her, there was no way to escape the policy of Rural Re-education. When the garment factory held its recruitment exam, Li Hongmei had also taken part, but unfortunately, she didn’t pass.

 Her family was likely racking their brains trying to figure out a way to arrange a factory job for her. After all, they couldn’t bear the thought of their precious daughter going to the countryside and enduring hardship.

“Knock, knock, knock!”

Wen Nuan knocked on the large wooden door of Li Hongmei’s house. At this hour, Li Hongmei was likely at home.

Sure enough, within two minutes, a series of quick footsteps—tap-tap-tap—echoed from inside, followed by Li Hongmei’s voice.

“Who is it?”

“Hongmei, it’s me—Wen Nuan!”

“Creak.”

The door opened from the inside, and Wen Nuan was greeted by Li Hongmei’s surprised gaze.

“Nuan Nuan, what brings you here? Come in! My mom was just talking about you earlier, saying I should go visit you. I can’t believe it—she mentioned it at lunch, and here you are in the afternoon!”

Compared to Li Hongmei’s warm enthusiasm, Wen Nuan’s demeanor was much calmer. Having experienced a rebirth, she was still adjusting to her circumstances, so her emotions remained relatively subdued.

Li Hongmei chatted animatedly for a while, but noticing that Wen Nuan hadn’t responded, she turned to glance at her and found her staring off into space. Irritated, she tugged on Wen Nuan’s arm.

“Nuan Nuan! What are you thinking about? I’ve been talking to you, and you didn’t even react!”

“Sorry, I got a little distracted. Go ahead, I’m listening now—really paying attention this time!” Wen Nuan apologized with a soft smile.

Li Hongmei sighed but didn’t let it dampen her mood for long. She cheerfully fetched some biscuits and candies from home to share.

“Nuan Nuan, try these! My brother got them from the supply building. They’re super tasty!”

“Thanks, Hongmei, but I’m not hungry right now. Just leave them there. I actually came over because I need your help with something,” Wen Nuan replied earnestly.

“Need my help? What’s the matter? Don’t tell me that stepsister and stepmother of yours have been bullying you again!” Li Hongmei asked, her expression turning serious.

“Hongmei, it’s not about them. I wanted to talk about work,” Wen Nuan said, her tone steady but firm.

“Work? What about it? Didn’t you get accepted as an apprentice worker? Oh, right, I haven’t even asked you yet—when are you starting?” Li Hongmei asked, her eyes lighting up with curiosity.

Wen Nuan sighed deeply, her expression calm but resolute.

“I’m not planning to start that job,” she said slowly.

Li Hongmei was stunned when she heard this, unable to hold back her surprise.

“Why? You worked so hard to pass the exam! Is it your stepmother causing trouble again? Nuan Nuan, listen to me, you can’t give in. You need to hold onto this job—it’s your lifeline for the future!”

Wen Nuan was touched by Li Hongmei’s genuine concern. It had been so long since anyone had cared about her this much.

“Hongmei, calm down,” Wen Nuan said, her tone soothing. “I’m not giving the job to Wen Qing. I’m planning to sell it.”

“Yes, Hongmei, I want to sell the job to you,” Wen Nuan admitted calmly, meeting Li Hongmei’s gaze.

Li Hongmei hesitated, her expression conflicted. “But… Nuan Nuan, are you really okay with giving it up? This is a rare opportunity!”

Wen Nuan smiled faintly, her tone steady. “Hongmei, I’ve thought it through. I have no choice but to go to the countryside. Even if I keep the job, I won’t be able to use it. Instead of letting it go to waste or falling into the hands of someone undeserving, I’d rather let you have it. Your family has always treated me kindly, and I know this opportunity can help you and your family a lot.”

Hearing this, Li Hongmei’s eyes softened. “Nuan Nuan, thank you. But… how much are you selling it for? My family isn’t rich…”

Wen Nuan thought for a moment and then replied, “I won’t ask for much—just what’s reasonable and what your family can manage. We can talk to your parents about the details.”

Li Hongmei nodded seriously. “Alright, I’ll talk to them. Nuan Nuan, thank you for trusting me with this.”

Li Hongmei’s face lit up with relief and determination. “Nuan Nuan, you can count on me. I’ll go talk to my parents right away and see how much we can prepare. I promise, we won’t let you suffer any losses.”

Wen Nuan smiled faintly, her heart warmed by Hongmei’s sincerity. “No rush, Hongmei. Just let me know once you’ve decided. We’ll handle everything properly.”

“You’re so thoughtful, Nuan Nuan. But really, thank you for thinking of me first. My parents have been worried sick about finding a good job for me.”

“I know,” Wen Nuan replied gently. “That’s why I came to you. You’re the one I trust most.”

The two shared a quiet moment of understanding, their friendship feeling stronger than ever. Li Hongmei gave Wen Nuan’s hand a reassuring squeeze. “Don’t worry, Nuan Nuan. Even in the countryside, you’ll get through it. You’re much stronger than you think.”

Wen Nuan’s smile deepened, her eyes reflecting a newfound resolve. “Thank you, Hongmei. With friends like you, I know I’ll be alright.”

“Of course, of course, that was me being nosy,” Li Hongmei said with a sheepish grin. “But thank you for thinking of me, Nuan Nuan. Alright, wait here for a bit. I’ll head over to the factory and talk to my father to get the money for you. How much are you thinking?”

“This is just an apprentice position,” Wen Nuan replied calmly. “Let Uncle decide how much he thinks is appropriate. I’ll be heading to the northeast soon and will need quite a few ration tickets, so I don’t mind if it’s less money as long as I can get more grain tickets, fabric tickets, and cotton tickets.”

“Got it. Leave it to me!” Hongmei promised enthusiastically. “Don’t worry, I won’t let you take a loss. Here’s an idea—why don’t you come with me to the supply and marketing cooperative? My father can help you look for some slightly defective items that don’t require tickets.”

“Wouldn’t that be too much trouble for Uncle?” Wen Nuan asked hesitantly, feeling a bit guilty.

“Not at all! You’re practically family. Come on, let’s go!” Hongmei said with a bright smile, grabbing Wen Nuan’s arm and pulling her along.

“What’s there to worry about? You’ve solved her daughter’s problem of being sent to the countryside. They should be thanking you instead!” Li Hongmei said with a grin.

“You know how it’s been these days—my parents have been worrying themselves sick over my work situation. My big brother even considered giving up his job to let me have it and going to the countryside in my place.

“But look at me—do you think this small frame of mine could handle the kind of work they do? That’s just a joke! Thank goodness you came along. Otherwise, who knows how much longer they’d be stressed out!”

Listening to Li Hongmei’s words, Wen Nuan couldn’t help but feel a little envious. A family so caring and supportive—why couldn’t she have that?

Still, it was only a fleeting thought. She didn’t linger on it or let it weigh her down. After all, getting a second chance at life wasn’t something everyone was lucky enough to have.

Following Li Hongmei, the two of them soon arrived at the Supply and Marketing Cooperative. Li Hongmei’s father, Li Dabin, was the deputy director there and held a bit of authority.

“Oh, Hongmei, you’re here! Your father’s in the storage yard out back,” said Aunt Sun, one of the staff members.

“Got it, Auntie Sun. I’ll take my classmate over. Thanks! I’ll bring you some candy later!”

“You little rascal, always sweet-talking. I sell candy for a living—how could I ever run out?”

“Hehe, but it’s not the same! Alright, I’ll stop chatting with you now. I need to talk to my father!”

“Alright then, off you go!” Aunt Sun replied with a smile.