Chapter 15: Debt Collection (2)

After a moment of surprise and confusion, the older woman recalled that Su Taotao had mentioned visiting relatives, but after scanning the area for a while, she couldn’t recall which relative it was. So, she had to ask, “The relative you’re visiting wouldn’t happen to be from our family, would it? You are…?”

Su Taotao smiled and said, “It’s just an excuse; we’re actually here to find Comrade Chen Sihai.”

The older woman immediately understood, “Oh, so you’re looking for my son. Come on in, come in! Sihai, come out, someone is looking for you.”

The older woman had a good impression of this family. Usually, people who showed up out of the blue to ask her son for favors were often turned away before they even met Chen Sihai. She rarely greeted visitors with such warmth. “Please, have a seat. I’ll get you a glass of water.”

Su Taotao was polite but not overly formal. After thanking her, she led the others to the long bench.

Zhou Linglan was a bit nervous and embarrassed, following Su Taotao to sit down.

It must be said that Zhou Linglan was great at teaching kids. The two little children were visiting such a narrow corridor-style building for the first time, but they were just curious, looking around briefly. Chenchen sat quietly in his uncle’s lap without touching anything, even ignoring the box of assorted candies and cookies on the table.

“Who’s looking for me…”

A man in his forties, with a proper demeanor and a tall, sturdy build, lifted the curtain and stepped out of the room. Upon seeing Su Taotao and the others, he paused, frowning and asking, “Who are you?”

Su Taotao stood up, introduced herself, and handed him a letter from Cao Guohua. “Please, take a look at this first.”

After reading the letter, Chen Sihai looked extremely excited and immediately asked, “Where is Old Cao now? How is he? Is he okay?”

Su Taotao nodded. “Teacher Cao is with our production team, and everything is going well, don’t worry.”

Chen Sihai asked for the specific details about Su Taotao’s production team and about Cao Guohua. Su Taotao didn’t know much, so Zhou Linglan answered most of his questions.

After hearing the answers, Chen Sihai repeatedly nodded. “That’s good, that’s good.”

When Su Taotao noticed that he hadn’t mentioned the repayment yet, she reminded him, “Comrade Chen, about what Teacher Cao mentioned…”

Chen Sihai slapped his forehead, finally looked at the IOU and photos in his hand, and said to Su Taotao, “Yes, it’s true. I’ll go get it for you right away.”

After speaking, Chen Sihai went into the room and came out with a package. “Here, three hundred yuan. This is some of the regular tickets I have lying around.”

Su Taotao hadn’t expected things to go so smoothly. She was about to decline, offering to accept only two hundred and fifty yuan.

But Chen Sihai raised his hand to stop her. “Let me finish first. Of this three hundred, two hundred and fifty is the debt. With the IOU and the photos, we’re all squared up. The remaining fifty is my humble request. I know Old Cao well. Since he went to the countryside, he’s been reluctant to keep in touch with us. If you hadn’t come today, I still wouldn’t know about his situation. He mentioned in the letter that your family has been good to him.

By the way, I’ve also met Old Fu a few times, so I’m shamelessly asking you to keep an eye on Old Cao for me. It’s nothing too hard. Just when you’re improving the food at home, you can send a portion to Old Cao. If he runs into any trouble, let me know. As for those tickets, you can use them if you need. If you happen to take something to Old Cao, that would be great. If it’s really too inconvenient, just ignore me. I’m keeping the tickets here in case you need them. You’ll use them more than I will. In any case, I’m really grateful for your help.”

When Su Taotao heard Chen Sihai’s words, she understood how close his relationship was with Cao Guohua. She shook her head and said, “Comrade Chen, you’re too kind. We can’t do much, but Teacher Cao and my father-in-law were comrades, so we’ll definitely help if we can. Don’t worry, I’ll take care of it.”

Chen Sihai showed a delighted expression. “I really can’t thank you enough. Thank you so much. I’m currently the factory director at the meat processing plant, so it’s not too hard to buy meat. If you ever need to buy some, just come find me.”

The Chen family were good people. When they left, Chen Sihai gave Su Taotao a piece of meat. It wasn’t much, just a bit over a pound, but it was premium front-leg meat. Chen Dama also insisted on giving Su Taotao a piece of flawed cloth and kept offering candy to the two little children.

Fu Yuanhang was so frightened that he repeatedly declined, but in the end, he could only reluctantly accept two candies. Chenchen’s small pouch, embroidered with a peanut patch, was stuffed full.

Su Taotao also insisted on leaving all the remaining mountain goods with them, which they accepted happily. Chen Mama even made an agreement with Su Taotao that if she had any more mountain goods in the future, just send them over, and if there was anything she needed to exchange, just let her know. With her wide network of acquaintances, she would help Su Taotao exchange them.

Su Taotao thanked them profusely but declined the Chen family’s invitation to stay for a meal.

Even though they had only just met, the Chens had already gone above and beyond. To ask for more would be inappropriate.

The entire family was courteous and knew their boundaries. The way the children were raised showed that this was a family worth getting to know better.

Su Taotao never expected that a trip to the county seat to collect a debt would bring such a huge unexpected gain. Not only did she recover the money owed, but she also earned a significant favor. It seems that living in the 1970s has brought her some good luck after all.

The family of four stepped out of the Chen family’s house. Zhou Linglan was still in disbelief. “Taotao, is it really true that we not only got the money back but also received so much meat in exchange?”

Before Su Taotao could reply, Fu Yuanhang, who was floating on cloud nine from the candy, eagerly nodded. “It’s true, Mother. I saw a thick stack of money with my own eyes, and there was a lot of meat in the basket!”

Since his older brother left, Fu Yuanhang had forgotten how long it had been since he last saw meat, except for the occasional fish and meat distributed by the village leaders during festivals.

Before they successfully collected the money, Su Taotao’s heart had been in suspense. It was only now that she finally relaxed. She nodded. “Yes, we can at least have a meat dish every day from now on so that you and Chenchen can grow tall and strong. Isn’t that right, Chenchen?”

Chenchen, perched on his uncle’s shoulder, nodded. His mouth was full of candy, his big eyes wide and his cheeks puffed up. Caught up in the joy, he also smiled widely.

After coming out, the family of four found a small park to sit in and finished the dry rations they brought along. After eating, Su Taotao checked the time. There were still a few hours before the tractor would return to the village.

Chen Sihai had given them quite a few fabric tickets (tickets used to buy fabric), so Su Taotao decided to take them to the state-owned store first.

Upon arriving at the store, Zhou Linglan said, “Taotao, I’ll just wait outside and watch the baskets.”

Su Taotao thought for a moment. It would indeed be inconvenient for Zhou Linglan to carry the baskets inside, and she might end up not wanting to buy anything.

“Alright, you take a rest outside for a bit. We’ll be out soon. Yuanhang, you must be tired too. Let your mother hold Chenchen for a while.”

Chenchen, who was no longer resistant to Su Taotao, actively reached out to her.

Fu Yuanhang actually wanted to say he wasn’t tired, but when he saw Su Taotao’s expectant look, he swallowed his words.

Su Taotao was delighted to hold the little boy, cherishing him dearly.

“Chenchen, how about you pick a set of clothes and a pair of shoes for yourself later?”

Chenchen, tilting his head, found the question a bit beyond him. This was his first time in a state-owned store, let alone buying clothes and shoes.

After confirming the route, Su Taotao headed straight for the children’s clothing section.

Clothes from this era didn’t have many fancy styles, and the colors were not very vibrant. The most popular were the green military uniforms.

It was also Fu Yuanhang’s first time in a state-owned store. The variety of goods was overwhelming to him. He looked down at his own worn-out liberation shoes, which were too big and had been stepped on the heels. His older brother bought them for him before he left, and he only dared to wear them during the New Year. The shoes had a hole in them, and he shyly pulled back his toes, contemplating whether to wait outside with his mother.

However, the opportunity to be inside the state-owned store was rare, and he couldn’t help but want to continue looking, so he followed Su Taotao with a stiff upper lip, keeping his distance from the new clothes and shoes, not daring to touch anything for fear of soiling them.

“Yuanhang, pick a set of clothes for yourself too,” Su Taotao said, shifting through the clothes and looking back at him.

Fu Yuanhang was startled, quickly waving his hands and shaking his head. “No need, no need, Sister-in-law. I don’t need any. Just buy for Chenchen.”

Fu Yuanhang knew that the money they recovered was from the savings Su Taotao brought with her when she married into the family. Before leaving, his mother had instructed him not to spend Su Taotao’s money if possible.

Su Taotao really wanted to pat this child on the head. The admiration and expectation in his eyes were impossible to hide, yet there was no greed or gloom. He was a sensible child who made her heart ache.

“Yuanhang, look at these two sets of clothes. The larger size for you and the smaller size for Chenchen cost almost the same. But think about it, when you outgrow the larger size, Chenchen can still wear it. One set of clothes for two people. Aren’t we getting a good deal?”

Fu Yuanhang blinked, finding her logic somewhat convincing but also feeling like something was off. Before he could react, Chenchen’s small hand had already pulled on a green military uniform. “This one, Uncle…”

Su Taotao smiled, giving Chenchen a kiss. “Chenchen, you have great taste. I like this set too. We’ll buy these two sets, the larger one for Uncle and the smaller one for Chenchen.”

Chenchen nodded, his big eyes curved, looking very happy.

A nearby saleswoman, who had been picking her teeth, had overheard their conversation and had been giving them a look of indifference since they entered. But now, she spoke up. “These ready-made clothes are pricey and require fabric tickets. Can you even afford them?”

Su Taotao didn’t even look at her, handing two large bills and good fabric tickets to Fu Yuanhang. She pointed to another young female clerk who was smilingly introducing clothes to an old man dressed in rags. “Yuanhang, wait over there. When that sister is free, tell her we want to buy these two sets of clothes.”

Fu Yuanhang had never seen so much money and fabric coupons in his life and was so flustered that he almost dropped them. He hesitated and said, “Sister-in-law, I…”

Su Taotao put Chenchen down and took his small hand. Bending down to meet Fu Yuanhang’s eyes, she said, “Yuanhang, you’re such a good student. You must remember our great leader’s advocacy of ‘equality for all.’ People aren’t divided into classes or ranked by status. Workers and farmers, leaders and employees are just different divisions of labor in society. Of course, there are differences in quality and upbringing among people. Like some people who judge others based on appearances, but we shouldn’t let that bother us.” Su Taotao patted the child’s back and said, “From now on, hold your head high and walk with confidence.”

Fu Yuanhang’s chest swelled with emotion. He nodded heavily, pursed his lips, and seriously said, “Yes,” before striding forward with his head held high.

These days, most clerks acted like they were above everyone else and didn’t care about customer service. Hearing Su Taotao’s words, one of them couldn’t hold back and stood up, glaring at her. “Who are you calling someone who looks down on others?”

Su Taotao couldn’t be bothered with fools. She pointed to a banner hanging on the wall and said, “Can’t read? Let me read it for you: ‘Serve the People.’ Do you think you’re here to be a master?”

The clerk didn’t expect someone with a dirty face and simple clothes to have such a strong backbone. She didn’t dare to respond further and just stood there silently, her face dark.

As long as the clerk didn’t provoke her, Su Taotao wouldn’t engage.

Fu Yuanhang had already brought another salesperson back. The little boy beamed with excitement and confidence, feeling like he’d accomplished something big.

Su Taotao was very pleased. She had been worried that Fu Yuanhang’s previous environment would make him timid and weak, which would be a shame for such a good child.

Su Taotao bought each of them a new outfit and a pair of sandals. Seeing that there were still some fabric coupons left, she also bought a piece of clothing and a pair of sandals for Zhou Linglan and herself.

These days, polyester was in fashion, but Su Taotao felt that pure cotton was more comfortable to wear.

The sandals were chosen by the two boys together, or more accurately, by Chenchen. Standing in front of the shoe cabinet, they whispered, and Fu Yuanhang, who doted on Chenchen, thought everything Chenchen pointed to was good, so he bought them accordingly.

While money went further back then, there were still shortages, and everyone needed to buy essentials for the whole family. In just a short time, all the fabric coupons were spent, and nearly twenty yuan were gone. Su Taotao never thought there would be a day when she’d feel heartache over spending ten or eight yuan.

This reminded her of the string of zeros in her bank account from her previous life. How nice it would be if she could bring that money here to spend.

After reuniting with Zhou Linglan, she was scolded. Zhou Linglan wanted to return the clothes and shoes bought for her.

Su Taotao firmly refused, her face showing how much it pained her. “I should have gone in with you. That was the money set aside by your father for you. You shouldn’t spend it on me and Xiaohang.”

Only then did Fu Yuanhang remember this. He touched the new green military uniform and shoes he had just received, reluctantly handing them back to Su Taotao. “Sister-in-law, maybe…”

Su Taotao looked at them seriously and said, “Do you see me as an outsider?”

Both mother and son shook their heads and said in unison, “No!”

Su Taotao said, “I’ve already said that from now on, I’ll handle all family matters. I know what I’m doing. I almost forgot to tell Dad. It’s too late to write a letter now, so I’ll send a telegram to him.”

After saying that, Su Taotao put Chenchen back on Fu Yuanhang’s back. “Walk slowly to the supply and marketing cooperative and wait for me there. I’ll catch up after sending the telegram. If we get separated, just go directly to the tractor parking spot. I’ll be there before 5:00 PM.”

The agreed meeting time was 5:00 PM.

Sending telegrams was really expensive these days. The telegram Su Taotao sent to Comrade Su Donghan had only seven words, not wasting even a punctuation mark: “Debt collected, safe, don’t worry.”

After sending the telegram, Su Taotao hurried to the supply and marketing cooperative. It was still packed with people at this time.

When she arrived, Zhou Linglan and the others were already waiting at the door.

Su Taotao told them not to go inside and crowd around. She put all the things in a basket and carried the empty basket inside to hold the space.

Seeing her like this, Zhou Linglan looked worried but didn’t say anything more.

When Su Taotao came out, the empty basket was almost full!

Zhou Linglan’s heartbeat became irregular seeing this, but she didn’t ask anything.

When they returned to the tractor meeting point, it was already 4:50 PM.

Su Taotao felt like this trip was like a battle, almost exhausting her.

The team members who came with them kept looking at their full basket, and some even asked what they had bought. Su Taotao deflected them all with a mix of firmness and softness. This was also thanks to Zhou Linglan’s experience, who had covered the basket tightly with a bamboo lid, making it impossible to see, and others didn’t dare to lift it.

Thus ended a busy and fulfilling day trip to the county, walking back to the small mountain village under the setting sun.