Chapter 2: Su Yue Reports to the Steel Plant

At 6 a.m., Su Yue finished washing up, slung her satchel over her shoulder, and got ready to head out.

Her sister-in-law, Wu Xiulian, spotted her and immediately wore a look of disapproval. Raising her voice, she shouted:
“Little sister, look at you! You’ve already graduated high school—why are you still running around outside every day? A grown girl your age should already be married!”

Su Yue smiled faintly, responding obediently,
“Got it, sister-in-law.”

But Wu Xiulian wasn’t satisfied and kept scolding,
“‘Got it’? Yet you still go out every day. If your reputation gets ruined, no one will want to marry you!”

At that moment, Su Yue’s mother, Shen Qiuxia, walked out of the kitchen carrying a lunchbox. She walked over to Su Yue and gently handed it to her, speaking softly:
“Yueyue, it’s getting late. If you don’t hurry, you’ll miss the ox cart.”

Su Yue took the lunchbox with a cheerful voice:
“Thanks, Mom. Sister-in-law, I’m heading out now.”
With light steps, she made her way toward the village entrance.

The ox cart to the county seat ran only once each morning. If you missed it, the only option left was to walk.

Watching Su Yue’s figure fade into the distance, Wu Xiulian grumbled again to Shen Qiuxia:
“Mom, Little Sis is already a grown woman. Not working is one thing, but she’s always wandering around outside.”

Shen Qiuxia’s expression darkened instantly. She glared at Wu Xiulian.
“You stop right there with your nonsense. My daughter is none of your business.”

Wu Xiulian argued back,
“Mom, I know you dote on your daughter, but you can’t let her grow up lazy. Look at Hongmei—she cuts pigweed every day and earns two work points!”

Shen Qiuxia rolled her eyes and replied sharply,
“You think everyone’s like you—disliking their own daughter from the bottom of their heart?”

Wu Xiulian’s eyes darted slyly, and she tried to flatter her,
“Mom, I get it. But girls around Yueyue’s age in our village—many are already moms. The past few days, a bunch of the village women have been asking me about her marriage prospects.”

The moment Shen Qiuxia heard this, her temper flared like a match to dry straw. She slammed the rag she was holding into the washbasin on the table, splashing water all over Wu Xiulian.

“Mom—!” Wu Xiulian yelped in shock.

“Shut it!” Shen Qiuxia glared at her.
“I’m warning you—if you dare meddle in my daughter’s marriage, I’ll have you and your husband kicked out of this house immediately!”

Wu Xiulian was so startled she flinched, quickly closing her mouth.

But when she turned around, she rolled her eyes in frustration and grumbled silently:
Other families always favor sons over daughters, but this foolish old woman—she’s obsessed with her girl.

Once that daughter’s married, she’ll belong to someone else’s family. When the time comes, won’t the burden of caring for the old folks fall on us?

Su Yue rode the ox cart into town. Before they even reached the city gate, she spotted a familiar figure waiting in the shade.

Li Xiangbei was craning his neck, scanning the area eagerly.

Su Yue’s heart warmed at the sight. She gave him a subtle wink, and he instantly understood. The two walked toward the steel plant—one in front, one behind.

Li Xiangbei followed behind Su Yue, a wide, irrepressible smile on his face. They didn’t stop until they reached the area near the steel plant.

Su Yue turned around, her bright eyes full of joy as she smiled at him.

Li Xiangbei’s face lit up, his smile growing even wider. Excitedly, he said:
“Yueyue, my parents said they’re going to your house to propose marriage tomorrow!”

A flush rose on Su Yue’s cheeks. She lowered her head slightly and gave a small nod.
Su Yue’s shy expression left Li Xiangbei completely stunned. He stood frozen in place, staring blankly as if he had been struck by lightning.

“Dummy!” Su Yue called out in a mix of embarrassment and annoyance.

Li Xiangbei finally snapped out of it, scratching his head sheepishly and chuckling. His goofy demeanor made Su Yue giggle again.

“Aren’t you supposed to be at work today?” Su Yue tilted her head, curiosity sparkling in her eyes.

Li Xiangbei explained with a grin,
“I’ve been working my tail off the past few days and already got the hang of all the work processes. Just yesterday, I helped the supply and marketing co-op get two whole baskets of peaches. My supervisor was impressed, so today he let me come in later.”

Su Yue nodded with a smile, clearly pleased.

Then, with a hopeful look, Li Xiangbei asked,
“Yueyue, can I walk you to the steel plant to check in?”

Of course Su Yue saw through his little scheme. She gave a faint smile and replied,
“Alright.”

“Let me carry your bag for you, Yueyue.”
She didn’t decline, smiling as she took off her satchel and handed it to him.

Li Xiangbei immediately slung it over his shoulder, puffing out his chest like he was showing off something important.

The two walked into the steel plant together. As soon as they entered, the gatekeeper eyed them sharply and bellowed,
“What are you two up to? I don’t recognize you.”

With a sweet smile, Su Yue responded politely,
“Sir, my name is Su Yue. I’m the new records manager hired by the steel plant. This is my fiancé, Li Xiangbei. He works at the county supply and marketing co-op. He’s here to accompany me for check-in today.”

The moment Li Xiangbei heard the words “my fiancé”, his smile widened so much it almost spilled off his face. His pride was unmistakable.

He quickly stepped forward, pulled out a cigarette—Da Qianmen, a high-end brand—from his pocket and offered it with both hands, his face all grins and flattery.
“Sir, I’m Li Xiangbei. I work at the county supply co-op, and I’m Comrade Su Yue’s fiancé. I hope you’ll take good care of her.”

The gatekeeper sniffed the cigarette and let out a satisfied hum. He tucked it into his shirt pocket and waved them in with a much friendlier tone,
“Heard we were hiring a records clerk—didn’t expect someone this young. The HR office is just ahead. Go on in.”

The two exchanged smiles and followed the direction the gatekeeper pointed toward. Before long, they arrived at the personnel department.

Pushing open the door, they immediately spotted a middle-aged woman inside, sipping tea and leisurely reading a newspaper. She looked up when they entered and glanced over them both.

“You must be Su Yue,” she asked first.

Su Yue glanced at the woman’s badge and responded,
“Sister Liang, yes, I’m Su Yue. I’m here to check in today.”

Li Xiangbei pulled out the documents Su Yue had prepared and handed them over.

Clerk Liang flipped through the pages, smiling.
“Sister Liang? My son is older than you!” she said with a chuckle. But her tone made it clear she was actually pleased.

She continued, businesslike and efficient:
“Su Yue, your household registration has already been transferred. Your monthly salary is 28.5 yuan. You’ll also receive ration coupons every month. Here’s your grain ration: 30 jin of grain per month, redeemable at the grain station, plus an additional 20 jin from the plant as a monthly supplement. Oh, and the factory has a small welcome gift for new employees—you can pick that up from the logistics office. You requested dorm housing—room 306 has been arranged. Here’s your key.”

Clerk Liang worked quickly. As she spoke, she signed and stamped everything, sorted Su Yue’s documents and new employee badge into a neat file folder, and placed the dorm key right on top.

Li Xiangbei, quick on the uptake, took the file and smiled at her,
“Thank you very much, Sister Liang.”