Chapter 10 Going to the Countryside

Jiang Li pretended to rush into her room and then came out angrily, punching each of the Jiang family members. “My money is gone! Didn’t you steal it? You’re crying wolf!” The Jiang family screamed. They had planned to steal, but they hadn’t succeeded; Jiang Li’s money was gone, and their house had been emptied.  Xia Meifeng cried.

Jiang Wenjun yelled for the police. The neighbors heard the commotion and knew what had happened. They thought the Jiang family deserved it, but felt sorry for Jiang Li, whose money was stolen. The police came but found nothing. They told the Jiang family to wait for further notice.

The Jiang family sat on the floor.

They had lost their jobs, house, and money; they had to return to the countryside. Jiang Li was unaffected. The neighbors felt sorry for her. Some neighbors decided to help Jiang Li before she left for the countryside. Director Hu also heard about the Jiang family’s situation and decided to help. He approved a 200 yuan subsidy and some coupons for Jiang Li.  The other neighbors also contributed, giving Jiang Li about 120 yuan.

Jiang Li was touched. She thanked them and promised to send them something if she found something good in the countryside.  Jiang Wenjun and the others were much worse off; they borrowed money to return to the countryside.

 The neighbors gave them money so they could leave. Before they left, Jiang Li gave each of them a bad luck charm.  After being given the bad luck charm, Jiang Wenjun fell and broke a tooth at the train station.

 Jiang Wan was almost kidnapped. Jiang Li knew their future would be miserable.  She prepared for her trip to the countryside. Brother Long came to collect the house on the day Jiang Li left.  “Little girl, you’re amazing.

After I used the talisman, my mother’s symptoms improved immediately.” Brother Long believed in her. Jiang Li smiled. “Brother Long, it’s good that it worked. Do good deeds; it will benefit you and your family.” Brother Long, though a gangster, wasn’t malicious. He agreed.  He gave Jiang Li some coupons.

Jiang Li thanked him and took the coupons.  She gave the house keys to Brother Long and went to the Youth League office to arrange her trip to the countryside. Many young intellectuals were waiting to go to the countryside.  Jiang Li left the machinery factory’s apartment complex; many neighbors came to see her off.

 “Xiaoli, remember to write to us when you arrive in Heilongjiang Province.” “Xiaoli, if you have any difficulties in the countryside, remember to tell us, and we’ll help you.” “Xiaoli, the countryside is different from the city.

Take care of yourself.” Jiang Li accepted their well-wishes, feeling warm. She waved goodbye and boarded the bus to the Youth League office.  When Jiang Li arrived, she found many young intellectuals waiting to go to the countryside.