Chapter 102 : A Show of Power

Su Xieyun noticed everyone’s envious gazes and felt a bit proud, though she maintained a modest tone “We all come from the same place, so let’s help each other in the future. If you have any difficulties, I’ll ask my cousin to help you.”

If Su Xieqiu had heard this, she would probably have spat in her face. Her cousin was truly generous with other people’s resources, and her shamelessness was as thick as a city wall.

The team leader guiding them to the Youth League Home shook his head upon hearing her words.  

He thought to himself that this cousin of Comrade Su Su Xieqiu was really good at taking liberties. He had initially believed this girl to be quiet and gentle, but now he saw how wrong he was.  

Han Zhenyu and his wife probably wouldn’t have a moment’s peace from now on.

—

When they arrived at the Youth League Home, the young men and women from the city saw there were only two rooms. Standing at the doorway, they immediately started complaining.  

Even in the city, they had shared small homes with their families. But that was something they were used to growing up with siblings or parents.  

Now, being asked to sleep with strangers and so many of them in one room triggered protests, especially among the women.

The men were more easygoing, not as particular about their living arrangements. Having ridden in the same carriage together, they were already familiar with one another and didn’t see much issue with sharing a room.  

After joining in the chatter briefly, they quickly quieted down.  

The women, however, were a different story. They were not as carefree as the men. Some didn’t like each other and avoided talking, while others were already competing subtly.  

Now, being told they’d have to share a room and sleep on the same kang, they were clearly unhappy.  

There were eight female educated youths assigned to the Sanhua Brigade this time. As the saying goes, “Three women make a drama.” With eight, it was bound to be even more chaotic.  

One of them spoke up, “Captain, this kang isn’t that big. How are eight of us supposed to sleep here?”

Another short, feisty female educated youth chimed in, “Exactly! Your village has so much land. Can’t you build a few more houses? If we’re crammed together like this, how can we sleep? If we can’t rest properly, we can’t work.”

Their chatter filled the yard, one voice after another, leaving the team leader feeling overwhelmed.

Seeing the group growing louder and more agitated, the captain sneered and cut them off sharply: “These are the conditions of our village. If you think they’re too poor, you can go back to where you came from. No one’s stopping you.”

The yard fell silent immediately. The outspoken female educated youths didn’t dare say another word.  

If the captain grew angry and refused to take them in, it would only make things worse for them.  

None of these people had come to the countryside willingly. If they could have stayed in the city, they would never have chosen to relocate to such a remote area.  

And if the Youth League Office found out they were causing trouble and refusing assignments, they might be sent to even more remote locations. Returning to the city would become an impossible dream.  

—

One of the more composed male educated youths, Xiang Guoqiang, quickly stepped in to defuse the situation. Smiling, he said, “Captain, it’s just that a few of the female comrades didn’t express themselves clearly. Please don’t take it to heart. We didn’t mean any disrespect.”

He continued with a lighter tone, “The kang is big, but with so many of us, we might not even have room to turn over.”

Glancing at the captain, he added in a polite, negotiating tone, “Captain, with fifteen of us in just two rooms, it’s a bit crowded. Could you help us free up two more rooms?”

The captain looked at Xiang Guoqiang, his expression softening slightly. He knew this young man was level-headed and sensible.  

In fact, the captain hadn’t planned on cramming all the newly arrived educated youths into just two rooms from the beginning.

The Youth League Home originally had two houses, and with the two newly built ones, there were now four houses in total.  

Last year, there were three male educated youths and five female educated youths living there, three of whom were married. Those two original rooms could accommodate several people.  

The team leader turned to Liu Huajun, an experienced educated youth standing in the yard, and said:  

“Liu Huajun, there are three people living in your room now, and two in the women’s room. With so many newcomers this time, the original two houses can’t fit them all. Let’s allocate some to your side.”  

Hearing that more people would be squeezed into their room, Liu Huajun felt a bit displeased. But since it was the captain speaking, he didn’t dare object. Reluctantly, he went inside to make space.  

The team leader knocked on the next door and called out, “Miao Lili, Shen Wanxia, open the door and let the new educated youth in.”  

There was no response at first. After a moment, Miao Lili reluctantly opened the door.  

The team leader ignored her attitude and addressed the new female educated youth:  

“Three of you will stay in this room, and the rest in the other one.”  

Then, turning to the men in the courtyard, he said sternly:  

“If anyone has objections, you can leave now. The Sanhua Brigade doesn’t have time to cater to you.”  

The yard grew quiet once again. The previously vocal female educated youth didn’t dare speak up anymore.  

Xiang Guoqiang quickly stepped forward with a smile and said, “Captain, now that arrangements are made, we have no objections.  

“Most of us have just graduated and come here in response to the country’s call. We’re unfamiliar with many things, so we hope the captain will guide us.”  

The captain thought to himself, ‘Finally, someone sensible.’  

Nodding, he replied, “Since you’re answering the nation’s call, you should work hard here. No pain, no gain. Life in the countryside is tough, but with land, as long as we put in the effort, we won’t go hungry.”  

“You’re absolutely right, Captain,” Xiang Guoqiang agreed warmly.  

“Good. Discuss your arrangements among yourselves. Tomorrow is a rest day; work starts the day after,” the team leader concluded, preparing to leave.  

—

Before he could leave, Su Xieyun quickly asked, “Captain, I heard from the driver that my cousin lives nearby. How can I get there?”  

The captain knew this information couldn’t be kept secret. Even if he didn’t answer, the older educated youth would tell her.  

Pointing to the north, he said, “Follow this road straight. The yard at the foot of the mountain is her home.” With that, he left the Youth League compound.  

—

Standing at the door, Su Xieyun looked in the direction the captain had indicated. It didn’t seem far, perhaps just a few minutes’ walk.  

She considered taking her luggage over but found the two bags too heavy to carry by herself. She decided to take the smaller one first and planned to ask her cousin, Su Xieqiu, to help fetch the larger bag later.  

Just as she was about to leave, Li Bihua, who was preparing to make her bed, noticed her and rolled her eyes.  

“Xieyun, you’re not staying here? Are you heading to your cousin’s house?” she asked with a smile.  

“Of course,” Su Xieyun replied matter-of-factly. “It’s too crowded here, and I’m not used to this kind of living. My second uncle told me before I came that I should stay at my cousin’s house.”  

Li Bihua, seizing an opportunity, said, “Then I’ll come with you. I haven’t seen Su Xieqiu in so long, I miss her.”  

Unhappy at first, Su Xieyun glanced at her, but when she thought about her heavy bag, she smiled and said, “Fine. Help me carry that bag.”  

Though displeased with being ordered around, Li Bihua saw this as a chance to get closer to Su Xieqiu. She reluctantly agreed, picked up the bag, and the two of them headed to Su Xieqiu’s house together.