Chapter 44: Job Secured

“Alright, enough of that depressing talk—let’s drink,” Wu Wei said, raising his glass.

Nan Zhou raised his own and clinked it against Wu Wei’s before downing the liquor in one gulp.

“Don’t worry. Nan Qiao is excellent in her own right—her future won’t be bad. Besides, she’s got you, your younger brother, and your parents. With all of you, she’ll be well protected.”

Nan Zhou nodded. “Of course.”

And so, Nan Zhou and Wu Wei drank and chatted into the night.

—

Meanwhile, in the little courtyard of the Hongqi Commune, after seeing her brother off, Nan Qiao returned to the kitchen and took out a couple of dishes from her space to place on the counter.

It was just too hot to cook, and Nan Qiao wasn’t in the mood. She figured she’d slack off tonight and just eat something pre-made with Shen Nian.

When Shen Nian returned, the two of them ate together, washed up, and then Nan Qiao went to her room to talk to her about what happened today.

Upon hearing it, Shen Nian was a bit upset—she was losing a playmate—but was genuinely happy for Nan Qiao too.

“So… you’re not coming back to stay anymore? The village chief just said today that the educated youth courtyard is nearly done,” Shen Nian said gloomily.

“I don’t know yet. I think we’ll have to wait until Secretary Qian and the village chief finish discussing it to know for sure.”

“Alright. I do hope you’ll get to go to town, but I’m really going to miss you,” Shen Nian said, hugging Nan Qiao.

Nan Qiao hugged her back, patting her on the back. “Don’t worry, it’s not far. I don’t think the village chief will agree to let me live in town full-time, so I’ll still come back every few days.”

“Qiao Qiao, don’t worry. While you’re gone, I’ll study really hard! We’re still working toward taking the college entrance exam together, remember? That promise still counts!” Shen Nian said seriously as she pulled away.

Qiao Qiao was already so outstanding—there was no way she was going to drag her down!

Motivated by this, Shen Nian grew even more serious and declared, “Qiao Qiao, you go rest now. I need to study! I’m pulling an all-nighter!”

With that, she started shooing Nan Qiao out, pushing her out the door, locking it behind her—swift and efficient.

Standing outside, Nan Qiao couldn’t help but laugh at Shen Nian’s dramatic antics. Hearing the sound of her reading aloud from inside, Nan Qiao chuckled softly and turned to return to her own room.

But just as she pushed open the door, a dark figure grabbed her forcefully and pulled her inside.

That familiar scent and silhouette—Nan Qiao didn’t resist as the figure pulled her in. She looked up at the person and spoke softly, “So now you just barge in uninvited, huh?”

“I missed you. I didn’t see you all day,” Sheng Yanchuan murmured.

With Nan Zhou around these past few days, Sheng Yanchuan hadn’t dared sneak over at night. The only times they’d seen each other were in passing at work, barely exchanging a word.

If he hadn’t overheard someone chatting today, saying they saw Nan Zhou send Nan Qiao back before leaving again, he wouldn’t have dared come at all.

Now, Sheng Yanchuan sat on the edge of the kang, hugging Nan Qiao. Even without speaking, just being able to hold her like this made him happy.

Nan Qiao looked at him, hesitating for a moment before finally saying, “There’s something I want to tell you.”

“What is it? Go ahead,” Sheng Yanchuan said, still hugging her with his face buried in her neck. The warmth of his breath tickled her neck, making her squirm.

“Stop that, it tickles. I’m being serious.”

Hearing her serious tone, Sheng Yanchuan straightened up. “Alright, I’m listening.”

“I might not be working in the village anymore. There’s a translation job in town—I might be transferred there. But it’s not finalized yet. We’ll have to wait for Secretary Qian to discuss it with the village chief.”

Nan Qiao stared closely at Sheng Yanchuan after speaking, feeling a little uneasy.

After a pause, Sheng Yanchuan finally said, “That’s actually a good thing. A translator job in town will definitely be easier than working here. And with Secretary Qian involved, it’s pretty much a done deal.”

Sheng Yanchuan genuinely supported her going to town. Even if it meant seeing her less, town wasn’t far from the village. She’d be busy, but he had time—and reasons to go to town often because of the black market. It was only after Nan Qiao arrived that he started going less frequently.

So to him, there was nothing inconvenient about her being stationed in town.

Nan Qiao relaxed upon hearing his response.

“I was worried you’d be upset.”

“Why would I be? It’s a good opportunity for you. But tell me—have you found a place to stay in town? I know some people who can help you ask around.”

“No need. My brother already paid the rent for the rest of the year. I’m renting Bai Kaixuan’s courtyard—it’s just a street away from the county committee compound.”

“Bai Kaixuan…” Sheng Yanchuan repeated the name, his expression darkening.

Seeing that, Nan Qiao poked his cheek. “Look at that sour face. He’s about to get married—remember the girl we saw with him last time? What are you even thinking?”

Exposed, Sheng Yanchuan looked away awkwardly. Seeing Nan Qiao teasing him, he retaliated by pinching her soft waist.

He teased, “Wow, so you’re laughing at me now? I’m just worried someone might snatch you away…”

“That won’t happen. I’m only interested in you…”

That one sentence eased Sheng Yanchuan’s heart considerably.

“Then when you move, I’ll help you carry your things.”

“Okay. I probably won’t bring too much, though—I’ll still be coming back to the village. Once the new educated youth compound is finished, I’ll probably have to move things there.”

“I heard from Huzi it’ll be ready for occupancy in a week or two.”

“Already? Shen Nian said it was only just completed a few days ago,” Nan Qiao said in surprise.

“It’s summer—hot and sunny. A few days of sun and everything dries out. It’s harder in cold weather.”

Nan Qiao nodded. She didn’t know much about construction, but the speed still surprised her.

“I just wonder what the living situation will be like there. If I run into people like Dong Jiayan, it’ll be a headache.” Nan Qiao frowned. Dong Jiayan and Wang Yuman hadn’t given her trouble lately, but they were still like pesky flies—annoying even if not dangerous.

Always passive-aggressively provoking her—she’d had enough.

“If it really becomes unbearable, just offer someone some benefits and swap bunks or rooms. You’ll be in town most of the time anyway—they won’t get to bother you for long.”

“We’ll see when the time comes. I won’t be there, but Shen Nian will.”

Sheng Yanchuan nodded. He only cared about Nan Qiao—he didn’t bother considering anyone else.

That night, lying in bed, Nan Qiao reflected on the day’s events. Everything had gone surprisingly smoothly. Thinking about how she wouldn’t have to work in the fields anymore put her in an exceptionally good mood.

In fact, she hadn’t planned on telling Sheng Yanchuan or Shen Nian so soon. After all, nothing had been finalized yet.

But putting herself in their shoes—whether as a boyfriend or a close friend—if they only learned about it after the decision was made, it would be hard for them to accept.
That’s why she chose to tell the two of them a bit in advance.

Whether things worked out or not in the end, at least there wouldn’t be any unpleasantness between her, Shen Nian, and Sheng Yanchuan.

Night gradually deepened, and Nan Qiao slept soundly and dreamlessly through the night.

—

The next morning, just as the sky began to brighten, Nan Qiao woke up. After washing up in her space, she only came out when she heard Shen Nian calling from outside.

“Qiao Qiao, are you up? I’m heading out for work!”

“I’m up! Be careful—don’t trip!” Nan Qiao called after her as she watched Shen Nian run off.

Shen Nian waved over her shoulder and soon disappeared around a corner.

Nan Qiao had nothing much to do that morning, so she sat in the courtyard, idly flipping through a book. She wasn’t taking in a word of it.

She didn’t know if Secretary Qian had come to the village yet, but she was starting to get impatient to hear the outcome…

“Why are you sitting out here? Isn’t it hot?” Nan Zhou pushed his bicycle into the courtyard and asked, seeing Nan Qiao zoning out under the tree.

“It’s not too bad under the shade,” Nan Qiao replied absentmindedly.

When she looked up and saw Nan Zhou rubbing his brow, she took a deep breath, gathered herself, and went into the kitchen. A moment later, she came out with a glass of honey water.

“Here, have some honey water—it’ll help you feel better.”

Nan Zhou took it and drank a sip before saying, “Haven’t drunk like that in a while. I’m still feeling it a bit.”

“Then why didn’t you sleep a bit longer? You’re back so early.” Nan Qiao glanced at the clock—it wasn’t even ten yet.

“Wu Wei left for work, so I headed out too. Didn’t want to leave him with the door unlocked. By the way, did you hear if Secretary Qian is coming today?”

Nan Qiao shook her head. “I didn’t leave the house this morning, so I don’t know. But if someone’s coming, they should be on their way by now.”

“Alright, I’m gonna go lie down for a bit. If they do show up, wake me, okay?” He had barely slept and had drunk quite a lot, so even with his good stamina, he was feeling the toll.

“Got it, go rest.” Nan Qiao said as she gently pushed Nan Zhou back into the house.

After sitting a bit longer, Nan Qiao saw it was nearly noon and went to the kitchen to prepare lunch.

She planned on making noodles, so she opted for something simple—a large stir-fry, a cucumber salad, and boiled a pot of water. Just as she was about to call Nan Zhou to wake up…

She stepped out of the kitchen and spotted the village chief and a group of people about to knock at the door.

Nan Qiao quickly stepped up with a smile. “Village Chief, Secretary Qian, Minister Zheng—you’re here! Please come in and have a seat!”

She cheerfully greeted them, not expecting that the village chief would be smiling even more brightly than she was…

She led them to the small table in the courtyard and poured each of them a glass of sour plum tea. “Please try it—it’s homemade. Not too sweet, just right for cooling off in this weather.”

Secretary Qian took a sip and nodded. “Very good—Nan Qiao, you’re quite the hand in the kitchen.”

After a bit of small talk, the village chief got down to business.

“Comrade Nan, your opportunity has arrived! I never imagined our village would produce someone so talented.”

The sudden praise left Nan Qiao stunned—had something happened that she didn’t know about?

“Village Chief, I’m just an ordinary educated youth. I really don’t deserve such high praise…”

“Don’t say that! How many people in the village can boast that Secretary Qian personally came to ask for them? You’ve been selected to work as a translator in town, and I’ve agreed! This isn’t just a personal honor—it brings glory to the entire village and even our whole commune. You must do your best in this role!”

“Really, you agreed?” Nan Qiao said in surprise and delight.

“Of course! Staying here, all you’d earn is a few work points a day—just enough for food and clothes. But working in town? That’s contributing to the country. It’s a glorious and important revolutionary task. How could I not approve?” The joy on the village chief’s face was unmistakable.

“Comrade Nan Qiao, you see how much your village chief values you. Once you’re in town, you must work hard and bring honor to your village,” Secretary Qian added kindly.

“Absolutely! I’ll work hard and won’t let any of you down.”

“Good. That’s all we ask.” Secretary Qian then added, “I heard from Old Zheng that you’re planning to rent Bai Kaixuan’s courtyard? Is that settled?”

Nan Qiao nodded. “Pretty much confirmed.”

“Good. Since your families are close, that’s convenient. You can take a few more days to rest and get your things in order. Just report to Old Zheng by next Monday at the latest.”

“Understood, Secretary Qian. But what about my duties in the village…?”

“No issue. You’ll live in town now, and we’ll handle the paperwork on the village’s end. But there are two things you should know.”

Nan Qiao nodded and listened carefully.

“First, your household registration will remain here in the village. So your place in the educated youth dormitory will be retained, and you’ll need to return at least once a month to handle some external procedures. Second… since you’ll no longer be working the fields, you won’t be eligible for the year-end grain and meat allocations.”

“That’s only fair. I’m not contributing labor, so I shouldn’t be taking village resources. I understand.”

“Then there’s no problem. Shen Nian should be back soon too—go finish preparing lunch,” Secretary Qian said, ready to leave.

“Don’t go! Please stay for lunch—I already made noodles. Just a simple meal, but please stay and try my cooking.”

“Uh…” The village chief hesitated. Times were still tough, and he felt a bit embarrassed eating a young girl’s food.

But Minister Zheng was already tempted—he hadn’t stopped thinking about that jar of meat sauce from yesterday… Even aside from that, the smells drifting from this courtyard lately had made his mouth water.

Seeing their hesitation, Nan Qiao insisted, “All three of you must stay! I’ll go wake my big brother—we’ll have noodles ready in no time.”

With that, Nan Qiao ran to Nan Zhou’s room and called, “Big Brother, Secretary Qian and the others are here! Get up and greet them—we’re having lunch together. I’m going to cook noodles now!”

“Alright, I’m coming,” came Nan Zhou’s hoarse voice from within. As Nan Qiao turned to head for the kitchen, Nan Zhou emerged.

“Sorry, everyone. I drank a bit too much yesterday—please forgive my rudeness.”

“You were drinking with Wu Wei, right? I saw him this morning looking half-asleep too,” Secretary Qian remarked.

Nan Zhou chuckled awkwardly. “It had been a while since we last met, and I got a little carried away.”

“You’re old comrades—having a drink is normal. Don’t worry about it,” Secretary Qian said warmly, sensing Nan Zhou’s unease.