Chapter 15: Show Off

Shuxin thought about the notification from the staff that she wouldn’t start working until next month, meaning there were still over ten days until then. Her food quota would also be transferred to the railway bureau, and from tomorrow onward, she could begin receiving rations from the city.

The train station was still under construction, and once it was completed and the trains started running, the recruitment office had told her that she would work as a train attendant. She would be assigned to specific trains when she started work, depending on whether they were long or short trips.

However, most long-distance trains would take about half a month for a round trip, and she would be on the train for ten days to half a month at a time, taking care of all her needs during those journeys, so she needed to prepare thoroughly.

When Shuxin returned to Liulin Brigade, the Liu family was mostly out, and since she hadn’t had lunch, she hurried back without eating. Now she was starving; she dropped off her things and headed into the kitchen, quickly preparing a bowl of noodles to fill her stomach.

After eating, Shuxin returned to her room to sleep. She hadn’t slept well at the guesthouse the previous night, so she wanted to catch up on her rest.

When Grandma Liu came home, she noticed the bags in the main room and realized that Shuxin had returned. She peeked into Shuxin’s room but guessed that she was sleeping, so she didn’t disturb her.

Grandpa Liu mentioned how Shuxin had gone to the city to look for work. He believed that with Shuxin’s capabilities, she would surely succeed, and he happily went to make dinner. Since Shuxin had been in the city for so many days, he felt she must not have eaten or rested well, so he planned to make something delicious to treat her.

When Shuxin woke up, the Liu family had returned. She noticed the package still sitting in the living room and decided to open it to share the contents with her family.

The Liu family knew that Shuxin had gone to the city for a job and were eagerly curious to find out if she had succeeded. However, everyone remained quiet as she took her time preparing to unpack, sending her some exasperated glances.

Finally, Shuxin’s brother couldn’t hold back any longer. “Hey, Shuxin! How did it go with the job in the city? Are you going to say anything or just keep us in suspense? It’s killing me!”

The rest of the Liu family wanted to ask too but were worried that if Shuxin hadn’t found a job, pressing her wouldn’t help, so when her brother asked, they all looked at him with appreciation.

Shuxin understood their eagerness and decided to give them the good news without teasing. “I got it! I’m going to work at the railway bureau as a train attendant. My friend helped me out, and I returned yesterday to sort out the paperwork with the brigade leader. I’ll start in half a month.”

“Really? Great! Great! That’s fantastic! Our Liu family finally has someone with prospects, and being a train attendant is such a good job!” Grandpa Liu exclaimed excitedly.

Not only Grandpa Liu, but the entire Liu family was overjoyed. Dad and Mom Liu were grinning from ear to ear. Even Aunt Liu’s family was happy for Shuxin since they were all family, and with Shuxin getting a job, she could help support their two cows back at home.

Grandma Liu was even more thrilled. Ever since Shuxin arrived, she had become Grandma Liu’s treasure. After all those years, even her several grandsons had to step aside when it came to Shuxin.

Once they finished dinner and cleaned up the dishes, the Liu family was still buzzing with excitement. A job as a railway worker was an impressive accomplishment. If it wasn’t for Grandpa Liu holding everyone back, Grandma Liu and a few others would have wanted to go out and take a stroll around the village to chat with the neighbors.

Once Shuxin waited for the family’s mood to settle down, she began to take out the things she had brought back. The Liu family quickly crowded around her, eager to see the various items she had collected at the purchasing station, especially since she could finally receive money for them now. Their excitement was palpable!

This time, Uncle Liu’s family earned 5.7 yuan from selling their items. “Here, Uncle, take this; it’s our family’s 4.5 yuan. Mom, you take good care of this. Grandma and Grandpa, this is yours, one yuan.”

Everyone received their share of the money, and they passed the yuan meant for Grandma Liu to her. Although Grandma Liu had only collected a small amount of medicinal herbs, leading to just one yuan, she had two sons who shared 4.5 yuan with her. Shuxin had also given her three yuan, so Grandma Liu ended up with a net gain of 7.5 yuan.

Once the money was distributed, Shuxin continued unpacking and distributing items: “These are shoes I bought for Grandpa, Uncle, and Dad. Make sure to take good care of them. Grandma, Uncle, and Mom, this is fabric for you. These two shirts are for the older brothers; since you’ve grown up, keep them for matching and visiting relatives. This is a toy and candy for Guohong, and lastly, this is for you, Sister. I picked it out after a long time—it’s a pair of little black leather shoes.”

As everyone saw the valuable items Shuxin pulled out, they hesitated to reach for them. Shuxin quickly explained, “This is just me celebrating since my job is confirmed. I’m happy, so I’m being generous today. Take everything; you know I won’t be short on money with my salary now. But if you take my things, you’d better pamper me a bit more!”

“Pamper? Of course! I pamper my little sister the most. Who else is as pretty and capable as her? Right, big brother?”

“Exactly! Our Shuxin is the treasure of the Liu family; how could we not pamper her!”

Her older cousin and brother quickly chimed in with praise, and the others were not to be outdone, showering Shuxin with compliments. They were family after all, and everyone knew how a little bit of Shuxin’s self-love contributed to the happiness of those around her. Of course, if they got gifts from her, they had to say something nice in return.

Hearing all the admiration made Shuxin feel rejuvenated. Yes, she was that perfect—beautiful and capable, and whoever married her would be blessed for generations to come.

The next day, as Shuxin went to work, the villagers of Liulin Brigade saw the Liu family marching proudly toward the fields, heads held high, clearly wanting everyone to see them.

Those familiar with the Liu family asked what had happened to make them so happy. The Liu family eagerly seized the opportunity to show off their news to the villagers.

In the past, Grandpa Liu had advised the family to keep a low profile to avoid impacting Shuxin’s work. But Shuxin explained that it didn’t matter; she was already an employee and had started receiving city rations. It was just that the train station was still under construction, so she hadn’t begun working yet. With her explanation, the Liu family became excited to share the news with their neighbors.

By the time they reached the fields, nearly the entire village already knew that Shuxin had become a worker and that she was now considered a city person.

Groups formed as people chattered, one of the aunties commenting, “I knew all along that the Liu family’s second daughter was capable. Graduated from high school, and I had a feeling she’d do well, but I didn’t expect it to happen so quickly!”

“Yeah, less than half a year after graduation, the Liu girl got a formal job in the city. What a pity; if only my son weren’t already married, he could have proposed to her!”

“Oh please, back when the Liu girl didn’t have a job, none of the boys from ten miles around could catch her eye. Now that she’s in the city, she’s bound to be even more picky!”

Listening to their conversation, Shuxin chose not to argue. Besides, they weren’t wrong; her grandma clearly felt more important now, believing that ordinary city folks didn’t match her anymore. Just take a look at Grandma Liu in the crowd; you could tell how proud she was.

For the next two days, Shuxin was apprehensive about the village aunties, who would grab her and discuss everything under the sun, with conversations constantly turning back to her new city job. Eventually, Shuxin decided to escape to the mountains for some peace.

With still half a month before starting work, Shuxin kept herself busy—she would work the fields and climb the mountains as much as possible while she still had time. Once her job began, she knew she would have far less time to do so.