Chapter 9: First Day at Work

The next morning, Su Yue put on her brand-new work uniform, tied her long, black hair into two braids, and walked out of her room.

Shen Qiuxia urged her, “Come eat quickly. It’s your first day at work—you mustn’t be late.”

Su Yue obediently sat down to eat, and Shen Qiuxia began to chatter, “Even though the county isn’t far, it’s still an hour’s walk. You’re a young girl—it’s not safe going back and forth alone. Just listen to me and stay in the dormitory. Come home when you get a day off. Understand?”

Su Yue took a bite of her pancake, her cheeks puffing out slightly. “Got it, Mom. Don’t worry about me. These pancakes smell amazing.”

Shen Qiuxia smiled and gently patted her daughter’s head.

From the day she was born, Su Yue had been less of a worry than her three older brothers. By the age of two or three, she could brush her teeth and wash her face by herself. By four or five, she could dress and feed herself—and even help with chores. After starting school, she became even more sensible, doing housework on her own after classes. During winter and summer breaks, she’d go to the fields to earn work points. During the three years of famine, she even smuggled food back home.

Time had flown by so fast. Now, after the New Year, her daughter would be getting married. A wave of sadness surged in Shen Qiuxia’s heart, and her eyes turned red.

Su Yue was enjoying her food when she looked up and noticed her mother’s expression. She quickly put down her bowl. “Mom, what’s wrong?”

Shen Qiuxia shook her head, her voice slightly choked. “It’s nothing. My daughter’s just growing more and more beautiful. Hurry and eat—don’t be late for work.”

Su Yue could see the reluctance and heartache in her mother’s eyes and quickly comforted her. “Don’t worry, Mom. I’ll come back to visit as soon as I get time off.”

Shen Qiuxia nodded. After Su Yue finished eating, she hurried her along again. “Go on now—don’t be late!”

Su Yue smiled, slung her satchel over her shoulder, and headed out.

At the village entrance, she saw Li Xiangbei riding toward her on a bicycle.

His face was beaming as he called out, “Yueyue, hop on! I’ll take you to work.”

Su Yue was surprised. “Where did you get a bicycle? You could’ve just waited for me at the county gate.”

She had just been thinking that Li Xiangbei would probably be waiting for her there—but to her surprise, he had ridden all the way to the village early in the morning. Warmth flooded her heart.

Li Xiangbei scratched his head with a grin. “I borrowed it from Daliang. It’s your first day—I couldn’t just not pick you up.”

The “Daliang” he mentioned was Zhang Daliang, a classmate of theirs. His grandfather and father were both war veterans, and his family was quite well-off. He had once shown interest in Su Yue, but eventually, he and Li Xiangbei became best buddies.

Su Yue smiled and tugged at the corner of Li Xiangbei’s shirt as she climbed onto the back seat.

“Let’s go!” Li Xiangbei whooped and pedaled hard, the bicycle swiftly picking up speed.

“Look, that must be the Su girl’s fiancé. What a good lad—came early in the morning just to take her to work.”
Passersby couldn’t help but comment as they watched the scene.

“Yeah, tall and sturdy—definitely someone who knows how to live a steady life.”

After half an hour of riding, they reached the county gate and quickly got off. These days, red armband monitors were everywhere. If unmarried men and women were caught riding together, they could be taken for a public lecture.

They walked one after the other toward the steel factory.

Su Yue stopped and said softly, “This is it. You’d better hurry or you’ll be late too.”

Li Xiangbei replied, “My mom wanted me to ask—will you come to our place for dinner tonight?”

Su Yue smiled. “Sure, I’d love to. I’m heading in now.”

She put on her work badge and joined the crowd entering the steel factory. Turning a corner, she headed for the third-floor records room in the office building. The door was closed. Just as she raised her hand to knock, a voice came from behind her.

“You must be Comrade Su, the new hire?”

Su Yue turned and saw a woman in her forties, dressed neatly in her uniform, smiling warmly at her.

“Yes, I’m Su Yue,” she responded politely.

The woman took out a key, opened the door, and introduced herself enthusiastically. “I’m Li Shufang, head of the records room. There are three of us here in total. The other is Comrade Wu Yuxia. Come in.”

“Nice to meet you, Sister Li. I’ll be counting on your guidance from now on,” Su Yue said with a smile.

Li Shufang had a kindly, well-fed appearance—rare in this era of shortages.

She chuckled. “The work here isn’t difficult. As long as you’re careful and patient, you’ll pick it up quickly. You’ll see in a few days.” She pointed to a desk. “That will be your station.”

“Thank you, Sister Li,” Su Yue said, walking over to her desk.

“Xiao Su,” Li Shufang added, “once you’ve put your things down, grab a basin and fetch some water from the stairs. Wipe down your desk and area.”

Su Yue placed her satchel on the stool. “Alright, I’ll go now.”
She had kept her money and ration coupons in her pocket. Her bag only held her lunchbox. She planned to tidy up first, then put her bag in the locker.

Carrying a basin, she went to the water station. There were already quite a few people there—apparently everyone cleaned their work area first thing in the morning.

While waiting in line, Su Yue felt someone tap her lightly.

“Su Yue! I didn’t expect you to be working here too. I’m in the logistics department. Which department are you in?”

Turning around, Su Yue saw it was her classmate Qin Mingyue.

Smiling, she replied, “Qin! I’m in the records room.”

“What a coincidence! I just started and don’t know anyone here. I’m so glad to see you!” Qin Mingyue said excitedly, words tumbling out like rapid-fire.

Su Yue started washing her cloth. “Me too. It’s nice to see a familiar face here.”

After cleaning the cloth and fetching a basin of water, Su Yue politely interrupted, “Comrade Qin, I should head back now.”

Qin Mingyue nodded quickly. “Alright. I’ll come visit you when I can!”

Su Yue smiled and headed back to the records room.

Seeing Li Shufang wasn’t around, she got to work cleaning her area. She placed her satchel in the locker and set out her enamel mug on the desk.

She then went to empty the used water and refill the basin.

When she returned, another woman was sitting in the room, holding a mirror. “You must be Su Yue. I’m Wu Yuxia. I started here two years ago. Take the thermos and go to the canteen to get hot water. Remember—fetch a pot every day.”

Just as Su Yue was about to speak, Li Shufang returned.

She placed a thermos next to the water basin shelf. Seeing that the water was clean, she smiled. “Xiao Su, I’ll write a note for you. Take it to the logistics office and collect your office supplies.”

“Got it, Sister Li,” Su Yue replied.

Wu Yuxia put down her mirror. “Hey! Xiao Su! I was talking to you—why are you pretending not to hear?”

Su Yue turned and responded calmly, “You were talking to me? Oh, sorry—I thought maybe your maid was also named Su Yue.”

She had clearly seen Wu Yuxia take the thermos from her own locker—and there was a key hanging there too. It was obviously someone’s private item.

Li Shufang burst into laughter and handed the note to Su Yue. “Xiao Su, if you need water, use that thermos. That one’s for public use in our office.”

Su Yue smiled. “Okay, Sister Li. I’ll go fetch the water next time.”