Chapter 12: Song Rou Heads to the Countryside

The director grew even more convinced that Song Jinxi was an outstanding comrade. After all, she hadn’t chosen the warmer southern regions, but had instead opted for the frigid north. Northern winters are no joke! So the director voluntarily told her that among the northern villages, Red Star Brigade had a reputation—its village chief was known to be clear-headed and capable.

Song Jinxi slipped a few White Rabbit milk candies into the director’s hand, earning herself another round of enthusiastic advice and reminders.

Leaving the Youth Program Office with 160 yuan, 5 jin (approx. 2.5kg) of grain coupons, and 2 jin (approx. 1kg) of meat coupons, she went straight to make a private deal to sell the courtyard house. The price would be a bit lower, but Song Jinxi didn’t care. She handed over the property deed and walked away with 1,400 yuan.

Then, suddenly inspired, she put on makeup to make her face look bruised and battered and returned to the Youth Program Office.

“I’m Li Mei. I’m here to sign my daughter up. Her name is Song Rou.”

The staff looked puzzled:
“That’s not how it works. You can’t register without a household booklet. Unless you have some proof? And her age… is she even old enough? Why isn’t her name in our records?”

Song Jinxi raised her darkened hand (artfully made up to look injured) and pulled out a pack of cigarettes, offering one to the man.
“Why are you arguing with me? I’m already angry. My daughter insists on going to the countryside, and I just tried to stop her—look at what she did to me! I can’t control her. Just get her registered! You’ve got quotas to meet, right? Wouldn’t it be troublesome for you if you can’t fill them?”

“Aiyo, registering a kid? No big deal. I know you—Li Mei. I’ll register your daughter. But all the good assignments are full right now. Only Northern Wilderness is left. Still, your family’s mindset is admirable. I’ll be sure to publicize this and make your family a role model!”

Song Jinxi smirked to herself:
“Done! Breaking someone slowly is way more satisfying than a quick death. Living without hope is the real torment. And anyway, I’m kindly ruthless—after how you bullied the original owner, all I did was send you off to the countryside.”

“Clearly, the kindest person here is me~ If your life turns miserable, that’s not my fault. There’s only the Northern Wilderness left—enjoy it! Hope you survive without family support!”

“The Northern Wilderness gives better subsidies—260 yuan, plus 10 jin of grain coupons and 2 jin of meat coupons. You can collect it now or wait until we notify you. By the way, departure is tomorrow!”

Song Jinxi replied:
“Tomorrow? That works. Could I trouble you to notify us officially this afternoon? We want everyone to know how forward-thinking and outstanding my daughter is. I’ll take the subsidy now, thank you very much!”

After finishing the paperwork, she headed to the newspaper office, deliberately revealing her bruises—thanks to some cleverly applied medicine for a truly tragic effect. Tearfully, she pulled out the severance letter, and the staff promised it would be published the next day. She walked out slowly.

The newspaper staff assumed her shaking shoulders were from grief, but in reality—she was trying not to laugh her head off.

With everything settled, she returned to the little courtyard. Although they’d agreed the buyer would officially take over tomorrow, she couldn’t resist checking in today—it was just too lively to ignore. As soon as she entered, she felt such warmth from the atmosphere that she instantly loved it. But judging by scumbag dad’s face, he probably still had no clue that everything had been turned upside down.

Song Bai really didn’t know he’d been fully exposed. The money he gave up had actually been borrowed—he was guarding against Li Mei. When he saw Song Jinxi return, he rushed forward:

“I’ve already given you 500 yuan—you’d better keep your word. Take the secret to your grave. Don’t say a word!”

“I won’t. As long as you don’t bring it up, I won’t either. After all, being drugged isn’t exactly something I want to publicize either.”

Time passed, but the Youth Program Office hadn’t sent anyone yet. Just as they were about to give up and leave, the official arrived:

“I’m here to remind you about the countryside assignment. Don’t forget! Song Rou is leaving for the Northern Wilderness tomorrow morning—6:30 train. Here’s the ticket.”