Chapter 42: Counterattack

Chen Sijing kept her short hair neatly combed back, held in place by a black hairband. Her gaze was somewhat stern, and her piercing eyes fell upon Song Nanting in a way that seemed to be assessing her. The moment Song Nanting entered, a hint of doubt crossed her mind — was this a cotton exchange, or an inspection?

Maintaining her composure, Song Nanting entered and politely greeted everyone.
Deng Xiuxiu waved at her with a smile. “Comrade Song, come sit down.”
The main room of Yang Changhe’s home had a large kang (heated brick bed), and a plate of peanuts was placed on the kang table.

Song Nanting sat down next to Deng Xiuxiu.
Zhao Aihua pointed to a pile of cotton nearby. “This is five jin of cotton — enough for you to make a mattress.”

Song Nanting thanked her and was about to ask what the other party wanted in exchange when Deng Xiuxiu said, “Don’t rush with that. Let’s chat first. From the moment I saw you, I liked you, this girl.”
Zhao Aihua nodded in agreement. “This girl’s different from the rest — I like her, too.”
If they hadn’t liked her, Zhao Aihua wouldn’t have gone to the trouble of helping exchange cotton.

Song Nanting was confused and unsure what these women were up to. But since they had already put her on the collective marriage introduction list, they certainly wouldn’t match her with someone else against her will. Furthermore, people who cared about their dignity wouldn’t force a marriage. So, Song Nanting simply sat quietly and listened.

Deng Xiuxiu then asked, “How many brothers and sisters do you have in your family?”
Song Nanting replied, “I have an older brother and a younger brother. They’ve both gone down to the countryside, voluntarily — to contribute to the country’s progress.”
In this era, a family sending their children down to the countryside was a sign of proper class background — enthusiastic and helpful — which made a favorable impression. Furthermore, there was a convenient policy for army marriage applications in which a candidate’s background was investigated. So there was nothing for Song Nanting to be worried about in this regard.

Sure enough, after her answer, Chairwoman Chen’s expression softened, and her gaze toward Song Nanting grew much gentler. “That’s a good thing — you’re a family with a strong spirit of dedication. Although you’ve just arrived and haven’t yet made much of a contribution to the team, if you successfully match up, it’s a contribution to the commune’s political task. Very good.”

Song Nanting nodded and thanked her.

When they were about to leave, Deng Xiuxiu tugged at Song Nanting’s arm. “Do you know who that person was just now?”
Somebody who made both Deng Xiuxiu pay such close attention and Zhao Aihua treat her with warmth — it certainly was a leader. Nevertheless, Song Nanting kept up her discretion. “I don’t know.”

“That’s fine.” Deng Xiuxiu whispered, “She’s the chairwoman of the commune’s Women’s Federation — a cousin of a division commander’s wife.”
Deng Xiuxiu saw Song Nanting’s surprised expression and exchanged a meaningful look with her. “So make the most of this opportunity — there are quite a few promising military officers who are still looking for a wife.”

Song Nanting wondered whether Lu Jianan might be amongst them. She nodded and said, “Thank you, Director Deng.”
Deng Xiuxiu waved casually. “Don’t be so courteous. It’s a small matter.”

Deng Xiuxiu and Chen Sijing left. Shortly after, Deng Xiuxiu came back. “Do you know why there are so few women at the educated youth spot?”
Song Nanting had heard a bit about it. “It seems… they’re all married?”
“That’s right.” Deng Xiuxiu’s eyes filled with irony and disdain. “But how many married voluntarily, you think?
Comrade Song, I think you’re a strong match. Take care of this opportunity — but remember, there are people you shouldn’t trust and need to be cautious about. Do you get me?”
Song Nanting nodded, “I understand.”
“Go back in.” Deng Xiuxiu patted her shoulder and turned to leave.

Back home, Song Nanting handed over the cotton to Zhao Aihua.
Cotton and cloth were hard to come by these days.
She didn’t want to take advantage of Zhao Aihua, nor put her in a difficult spot, and made sure to pay in cash or with cotton stamps in return.
Zhao Aihua smiled warmly. “This girl’s a thoughtful one. Later, if someone asks, just say you exchanged something for it.”
Song Nanting nodded. “Got it.”

When Song Nanting arrived back at the educated youth spot with the cotton, she saw a shadow near her window, peeking in.

Her expression cooled immediately. She quietly walked forward and said, “Are you looking for something?”
Startled, the person turned, clutching their chest, and fell face to face with Song Nanting’s icy expression.
“It… I was worried about you, wondering whether you had gotten back safely.”
Then, without another word, Han Fangju turned and darted toward the main room.
“Stop.”
Han Fangju kept her back turned. Her voice was nervous. “Wh… what? I care about you — don’t accuse me of theft. Look at you, you’re poor. What could I possibly want to steal from you?”
“That’s what you say — I hadn’t even made a claim.”
Song Nanting stepped forward, quietly adding, “A confession without a trial, isn’t it?”
Han Fangju turned back. “What confession?”
Song Nanting smiled. “Who knows? Wasn’t it you who said something was stolen previously? So we’re not sure who the thief might be… But if someone attempts to frame me, I’ll make sure they pay for it.”

“I… I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Han Fangju turned to leave, but Song Nanting grabbed her by the back of her collar.
Han Fangju lowered her voice, alarmed. “Song Nanting, what are you doing?”
“Nothing much.”
Song Nanting tugged her back toward her own doorway. With her other hand, she opened the door and stuffed something back into Han Fangju’s arms. “I’m just letting you know you dropped something — aren’t you going to take it back?”
Han Fangju was shocked. “Y–you…”

“Surprised?”
When Song Nanting came back, it was just in time to see Han Fangju attempting to dispose of something in her room.
If she had been a step later, it might have been a different story — then all the educated youths might have isolated her, losing her spot in the collective marriage matching event, and forcing her into a rushed marriage.
It seemed these educated youths really kept her on her toes.
With a casual movement, Song Nanting picked up the money pouch from the kang table and stuffed it into Han Fangju’s arms.
Han Fangju was confused. “What are you doing?”
“Giving you money.”
Then, Song Nanting tugged her outside and screamed, “Thief! Thief!”