Chapter 26

“I’m just worried about him. If Gangzi gets better, I could die peacefully.”

“Your two girls are doing so well—what are you still worried about Gangzi for? Let’s not even talk about Yumei. Once Er Ya becomes successful in the future, she definitely won’t ignore her little brother.” As she said this, the person turned to Lin Yun. “Right, Er Ya?”

“I think Er ya will be someone who can live off state-distributed food in the future. And she’s a kind-hearted kid. Who knows, maybe we’ll even get to benefit from her someday.”

Lin Yun just smiled without answering or refuting it.

After all, even if you argue here, these people won’t change their opinions. Instead, they’ll try to force you to change yours. Lin Yun didn’t want to debate with people who’ve held the same views for decades.

“By the way, where’s your Gangzi today? Haven’t seen him running around.”

“He went with his dad to turn in the public grain. No idea when they’ll be back.” Zhao Lanxiu said this while glancing toward the village entrance, as if hoping to see the father and son returning.

“My husband also went to turn in the grain today, and he’s not back either. That load isn’t easy to finish in one trip—they can go again together tomorrow,” an aunt chimed in.

Zhao Lanxiu replied, “This year we borrowed an ox cart from my brother. They hauled everything in today. I just hope they don’t have to haul it back.”

“Hey? Did you hear? Our brigade might be getting electric wires this year.” A voice suddenly cut in.

Lin Yun perked up at that. Even though she knew the power supply might only be enough to light two or three light bulbs—and low-wattage ones at that, or it might short out—it was still way better than fumbling around in the dark every night.

“Who did you hear that from? I haven’t heard a thing.”

“My man. Didn’t he go to that meeting with the village head the other day? When he came back, he said the higher-ups think it’s ridiculous that we have such a big reservoir here but still no electricity. Villages much farther from the reservoir have power already.

The higher-ups are taking this very seriously. They said our village must get electricity this year.” The woman looked very proud as she spoke.

The people around her started chiming in with praise: “Your man is really capable. Not like mine…” The sentence ended there, the rest left hanging deliberately for dramatic effect.

“You really lucked out finding such a man. You’re going to have plenty of good days ahead.”

The woman clearly enjoyed the flattery and began excitedly sharing everything she knew about the electrical wiring plan.

“I heard from my husband that in the cities they use cement utility poles for wiring. He said they’re really tall and impressive. I wonder what they’ll use here.”

“I’ve heard of cement but never seen it. And even if they use cement poles, who’s going to pay for it?”

At that question, everyone fell silent. Of course, they were all happy about getting electricity. Even if they had to help out with labor, the villagers were very willing.

But when money was mentioned, the excitement faded. After all, they’d been using kerosene lamps for years and gotten by just fine. Why suddenly the rush to get electricity now?

At that time, as long as villagers didn’t have to pay, they were willing to work. Everyone in the countryside had strength, but money—money was what most people didn’t have.

The topic suddenly hit a wall, and everyone seemed to silently agree to move on.

“Alright, alright, let’s not talk about this. It’s not something for us to worry about anyway.”

Just then, Lin Yumei suddenly spoke up, “Mom, is that Dad and Gangzi coming back? I think I hear the bell.”

Hearing that, Zhao Lanxiu listened carefully too. “That is the bell! Go see if it’s your dad and brother.”

With a quick “Okay,” Lin Yumei ran off down the dirt road toward the village entrance.

Lin Yun also heard the bell. At first, she’d been curious why people tied a bell around an ox’s neck. She knew oxen were important tools at this time, and copper bells weren’t cheap.

Later, Lin Yonggang told her that unless a family had kids who were free to watch the ox every day, most people would just tie the ox in a grassy area and then go back to work. They’d check on it or move it after a few hours.

But sometimes the rope would come loose from the tree or ground, and the ox might wander off. The bell made it easier to find.

There had even been a case in the village where an ox without a bell got loose, and the family cried for days—it was heartbreaking.

And also, in the grass there were often snakes and other poisonous creatures. Oxen ate close to the roots of the grass and could get bitten easily. The bell could scare off the pests.

Now hearing the bell, Lin Yun had to admit—it really was useful.

She started seeing the silhouettes of Lin Chuntian and Lin Yonggang appear on the road. As they got closer, she also noticed two more people on the ox cart—likely others who had gone to hand in grain and were heading back together that night.

“Aiya, mine’s back too. Alright, I need to go home and heat up food. I’ll be going.” And with that, the woman left.

Lin Yun and Zhao Lanxiu also stood up and said goodbye to the others under the tree.

Seeing that the ox cart was empty, Lin Yun knew the grain had been successfully delivered. When the five of them got home, Lin Yonggang shouted as soon as he walked through the door.

“Quick, quick, I’m starving!”

“The food’s still warm in the pot. Go eat,” came the reply.

“Jie (Sis), you don’t know how much I did today. I was thinking about Dad’s shoulder—I was the one who hauled all the grain up there.” Lin Yonggang looked absolutely miserable as he said it.

Lin Yun laughed at him: “Alright, you worked hard today. Here, have a candy.” She handed him one of the candies Zhao Baozhu had given her earlier.

“Thanks, Jie! You’re the best.”

“Go eat now.”

Ten or so days passed quickly. On August 30th, Zhao Lanxiu suddenly came to find Lin Yun.

“You’re going back to school tomorrow. Here’s five yuan—take it. I’m not giving you any more money this semester.” She shoved the money into Lin Yun’s hand.

Lin Yun pushed it back. “I don’t want it. I’ve got money of my own. Use this to buy something nice for yourselves. Don’t worry about me.”