Chapter 9

Zhou Changhuai set down his chopsticks and recounted everything that had happened today at Captain Hu Qinghui’s house in detail.

The county revolutionary committee members were all stunned after hearing him.

Wu Jianxun was so furious his face turned pale. He pointed to his secretary:
“Secretary Li, did you write all that down? How can the Lingtou Brigade treat educated youth comrades like this? And they even insulted a soldier’s wife! This must be dealt with seriously.

“And another thing—the return-to-city quota for Lingtou Brigade is canceled. It will not go to that Educated Youth Yang. You all hold a meeting right after this, draft a handling plan, and submit it to me. This must be resolved quickly.”

Then Wu Jianxun turned to the educated youth and reassured them:
“Rest assured. As for your living conditions in Lingtou Brigade, we’ll help improve them. As for return-to-city quotas, from now on I will personally supervise to make sure they are distributed fairly.”

The educated youth were all overjoyed.

Sun Lei said, “Thank you, Director Wu. With you keeping watch, we feel at ease.”

Wu Jianxun gave them another promise:
“Just go back and finish your production tasks properly. As for returning to the city, I can share a bit of news—policies change frequently, anything is possible.”

Sun Lei, excited, grabbed the hand of the young man beside him.
“Did you hear that? I told you—we’ll definitely be able to go back!”

Wen Jiao really wanted to tell these educated youth, Just wait two more years, and you’ll all be able to return.
But of course, she couldn’t say it—and they probably wouldn’t believe her anyway.

To lighten the mood, Secretary Li urged, “Come on, everyone, eat before the dishes go cold.”

Wu Jianxun sipped his tea and continued,
“Here’s the arrangement: if you have any difficulties in the future, come directly to the county revolutionary committee and find Secretary Li. Report it to him—he’ll collect everything and pass it to me.”

“Understood,” Secretary Li replied.

Sun Lei quickly raised his teacup.
“Let’s toast Director Wu, the county revolutionary committee leaders, Commander Zhou, and Comrade Wen Jiao—thank you for standing up for us educated youth who have no one else to rely on.”

Everyone raised their cups together in salute.

The meal ended on a cheerful note. Wu Jianxun then found an excuse to pull Zhou Changhuai aside for a smoke and quietly asked,
“Commander Zhou, regarding your brigade captain—do you want to handle this strictly, or just make a show of it?”

Zhou knew Hu Qinghui was still the brigade captain, and to deal with him properly would require convincing everyone. So he replied,
“I trust Director Wu to find a thorough way to handle this.”

Wu nodded, thinking as he spoke:
“Very well. Let me consult with the others, and I’ll give you a satisfactory response as soon as possible. I’ll also have Secretary Li keep a close eye on these comrades at the educated youth station.”

“Thank you, Director Wu. I owe you one,” Zhou said.

“Commander Zhou, don’t say that—we’re all servants of the people, doing this for the people,” Wu replied.

Zhou put a hand on Wu’s shoulder. No more words were needed—they understood each other.

After leaving the county revolutionary committee, Sun Lei suggested they stop by the department store since it was rare to come into town.

Wen Jiao tugged discreetly on Zhou’s sleeve and whispered,
“I didn’t bring any money or ration coupons.”

Zhou smiled warmly.
“I brought some. Buy whatever you want. But as for clothes and shoes, I think we should wait until we’re back on Nanya Island to buy those—long trip, too much to carry.”

“That’s what I was thinking too,” Wen Jiao explained.
“I just want to get some treats for Mom, Brother and Sister-in-law, and for Zhiyong and Xiaoju. And if there’s any pork, I’d like to buy some so we can make dumplings at home.”

Hearing her call them “Mom” and “Brother and Sister-in-law,” Zhou was especially happy.
“Good. Buy plenty. And you eat more yourself—you’re too thin.”

The image of last night, the two of them tangled together in the river, suddenly flashed into Wen Jiao’s mind. Her face flushed crimson.

Zhou also recalled that moment; seeing her blushing cheeks, he seemed to understand. His lips curved upward—this little wife of his was truly lovable. He would have to take good care of her.

The group rode the tractor to the department store.

Sun Lei raised his hand:
“Everyone can split up and shop on your own. When you’re done, come back here and wait. Once everyone’s together, we’ll head back.”

Zhou said to Sun Lei,
“You all go back first. Wen and I still need to stop by the non-staple food store and the farmers’ market—it’ll take some time. We’ll take the bus back later.”

Sun Lei objected,
“We came together, so of course we’ll go back together. It’s still early—we’re not in a hurry. We’ll wait for you two. Everyone, take your time shopping—we’ll leave with Commander Zhou and Comrade Wen.”

“Alright!” Everyone agreed.

Lin Hui was the happiest.
“Good thing I brought my money and ration coupons today! I’ll buy some fabric and have a new dress made before we go back. Perfect for the change of season!”

The other girls quickly chimed in that they wanted to make clothes too.

The group dispersed, and Zhou led Wen into the department store.

As they walked, Wen craned her neck in every direction, fascinated by the sights unique to this era.

“Don’t you come to the county town often?” Zhou asked curiously.

Wen paused, then lied, “Not really—mainly because I’m too busy.”

Zhou understood. Educated youth always had the hardest, most exhausting tasks—no wonder some broke down under the pressure.

Thinking of that made him feel even more tender toward Wen. How had this slim, delicate girl managed to endure?

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They browsed the department store, but Wen didn’t buy anything. She tugged Zhou’s sleeve again:
“I’ve seen enough. Let’s go to the non-staple food store. We’ll buy candies and biscuits for Zhiyong and Xiaoju, and some brown sugar for Mom and Sister-in-law.”

“Alright,” Zhou said, leading her out of the department store.

The moment they entered the food shop, Wen went straight to the counter.
“Comrade, I’d like to buy some candies, biscuits, and brown sugar,” she said to the female clerk.

The clerk, expressionless, asked coldly,
“How much do you want?”

Zhou stepped forward, pulled out his money and ration coupons, selected several and placed them on the counter.
“Fill these coupons for us. Just tell me the total afterward.”

Seeing such a handsome officer, the clerk instantly brightened. As she took the coupons, she smiled sweetly:
“Of course, Commander. Please wait a moment—I’ll take care of it right away.”

Leaning against the counter, Wen smiled at Zhou and teased,
“Looks like I should always bring you along when I shop. See how different her attitude is?”

Zhou chuckled.
“Gladly. I’ll be your escort anytime.”

Wen was secretly delighted, fighting the impulse to kiss him on the spot. This man was just too charming.

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After buying candy and biscuits, they went to the farmers’ market and bought three jin of high-grade flour and a jin and a half of pork shoulder, half lean, half fat. Then they returned to the department store to meet the others.

When Lin Hui saw them, she handed Zhou a net bag and smiled:
“Commander, this is a small token from all of us at the educated youth station. Congratulations to you and Comrade Wen on your wedding!”

Inside the bag were a thermos, a washbasin, two enamel cups, and two towels—all printed with the bright red “Double Happiness” wedding symbol.

“Thank you, everyone,” Zhou said. “Just put it on the tractor—we’ll take it down when we get off.”

“Alright,” Lin Hui agreed cheerfully. “I’ll help you load it, and I’ll remind you when we’re back at Lingtou Brigade.”

Watching Lin Hui’s lovestruck expression was amusing to Wen—but she didn’t feel jealous at all. In fact, she was pleased. It showed her taste was good and made her glad she’d acted decisively to win Zhou Changhuai.