Chapter 29: Fixing the Truck (Part 3)

Liu Qingguo greatly admired Zhao Xiulan. Truly, one cannot judge a book by its cover. Zhao Xiulan, who appeared to be an ordinary countryside girl, unexpectedly knew how to repair trucks.

Jiang Cheng scrutinized Zhao Xiulan for a moment. He thought that despite her thinness and dry appearance, she was quite pretty. Especially her dark eyes, sparkling like gemstones. When she smiled, there were two shallow dimples, adding a touch of cuteness.

Whether it was his own illusion or not, Jiang Cheng felt that the girl standing in front of him was definitely extraordinary.

Liu Qingguo said, “How could you say that! Comrade, you’ve really helped me out!”

On the side, Jiang Cheng suggested, “Comrade, how about next time you come to the county, we treat you to a meal?”

Liu Qingguo hastily followed up, “Yes, yes, we’ll treat you to a meal!”

Zhao Xiulan shook her head and said, “You don’t need to be so polite! Besides, I don’t know when I’ll be back in the county next time! I have to go now; you guys carry on with your business!”

With a basket on her back, Zhao Xiulan seemed ready to leave.

Seeing that Zhao Xiulan declined thanks and rewards, Jiang Cheng and Liu Qingguo didn’t insist further.

“Comrade, where do you live? Shall we give you a ride home?” Jiang Cheng proposed.

Liu Qingguo agreed, saying, “Yes, comrade, we won’t insist on treating you to a meal, but I must see you safely home, or I won’t be able to sleep at night.”

Considering that she still had a three-hour walk ahead of her, Zhao Xiulan’s legs weakened. If Jiang Cheng and Liu Qingguo could give her a ride home, she would avoid this trouble.

Seeing the sincere expressions on Jiang Cheng and Liu Qingguo’s faces, Zhao Xiulan nodded in agreement, “Alright, I won’t be so polite with you guys then. Thank you!”

Liu Qingguo grinned, showing a row of white teeth, “No trouble, no trouble!”

A faint smile lingered on Jiang Cheng’s lips as he withdrew his gaze from Zhao Xiulan.

Zhao Xiulan got on Liu Qingguo’s truck, and the three of them headed towards the production team where Zhao Xiulan lived, following her directions.

On the way, they chatted a bit, and Zhao Xiulan learned some things about Liu Qingguo and Jiang Cheng.

Liu Qingguo worked in the county’s transportation team, a proper urban worker.

Jiang Cheng came from a directly administered city, Lu City, and worked in technology. He didn’t reveal specifics about his occupation, but someone who could produce special ration tickets must be quite exceptional.

Perhaps due to his special status, he couldn’t reveal too much, which Zhao Xiulan understood.

Everyone has their own privacy, just like how Zhao Xiulan wouldn’t disclose her own matters to others.

Since Jiang Cheng didn’t mention it, she didn’t ask, respecting his privacy.

According to the information Zhao Xiulan gathered, Lu City was the most economically prosperous area in the 1960s, located in the south of the Yangtze River. It was rich in various resources and had a lot of coastal trade. With preferential policies and support, it was better off than most other areas.

Because of its slightly closer ties to foreign countries, various exotic foreign goods would appear there.

Jiang Cheng could produce special ration tickets and hailed from Lu City, indicating that he was even more remarkable.

Liu Qingguo and Jiang Cheng were college classmates. After graduating, Liu Qingguo was assigned to the current county, while Jiang Cheng continued his studies. From their conversation, although not explicitly stated, Zhao Xiulan could tell that Jiang Cheng seemed to have studied abroad.

(End of Chapter 29)