One of the male educated youth chimed in, “I have the same suitcase. So according to your logic, that makes me a capitalist too?”
Li Juan snorted, “Exactly. It’s just a suitcase. Just because you can’t afford something doesn’t mean only capitalists can own it. You’re slapping labels and escalating things for no reason. That kind of thinking is dangerous and very harmful to group unity. I think you need some ideological education.”
Zhao Xiaomei’s face instantly paled. She wasn’t new to the educated youth movement—she knew exactly what ideological education implied. She immediately backed down, “I was just joking. You guys are taking it too seriously. Song Yun and I know each other—that’s why I made a joke.”
Li Juan snorted but didn’t press further. She didn’t pursue the ideological education issue any more.
The male educated youth, seeing the situation had been smoothed over, didn’t add anything further either.
Meanwhile, unaware of what was going on back at the youth station, Song Yun had already arrived at the abandoned courtyard at the east end of the village.
And abandoned it certainly was. The courtyard gate, locked for who knew how long, collapsed with a push. The yard, nearly half an acre in size, was overrun with weeds—some taller than Song Yun herself.
But rather than frown at the mess, her eyes lit up. This is all potential money! she thought, seeing the overgrowth as future star coins.
The house was just as dilapidated as Captain Liu had described, but Song Yun was satisfied. It was spacious, with two main rooms, two side rooms, a standalone kitchen in the back, and a separate firewood shed—all decent in size. It was clear the former owner had once lived quite well.
Both main rooms had heated brick beds (kang), though they had unfortunately collapsed.
After checking the whole place, the only space barely suitable for living was the firewood shed. All the other rooms either had caved-in beds or large holes in the roof—completely uninhabitable.
Song Yun quickly made up her mind and said to Captain Liu, “I’ll rent this house. I’ll go with you to the brigade office shortly to sign the lease. But I’ll need your help with the repairs. Could you estimate how much it’ll cost? I’ll entrust it all to you. Would that be okay?”
Captain Liu thought for a moment. The wheat in the fields had already been harvested, so there wasn’t much work left. There should be enough available labor, and since people could earn wages from the repairs, it would be a good job for those struggling financially in the village.
“Sure, I’ll handle it for you. I’ll make sure it’s repaired nicely and get it done as soon as possible,” Captain Liu promised. Then he glanced at the overgrown yard and thought about how few beds were left at the youth station. After some hesitation, he added, “This place isn’t livable yet, and there’s really no space at the youth station. How about this—you and your brother stay at my house until the repairs are done? You can share a room with my daughter, and the boy can sleep in my room.”
Song Yun was deeply grateful. “Thank you. That’s very kind of you, but I’d prefer to stay here with Ziyi.”
“How? There’s not even a proper roof to keep out the wind and rain!” Captain Liu frowned disapprovingly.
Song Yun pointed to the back courtyard. “We’ll stay in the firewood shed for now. I checked it—it’s big enough, the roof, doors, and windows are intact. It’s a bit drafty, but we can manage.”
Captain Liu had looked at that shed too, and it was indeed usable—though it would get cold at night. But judging from their luggage, especially the large bundle, she probably had brought thick quilts. Besides, the weather wasn’t that cold yet.
“Alright then, if you’ve thought it through, that works.”
With that decided, Song Yun followed Captain Liu to the brigade office. They signed the lease, and she paid one year’s rent upfront—14 yuan in total. Captain Liu then calculated the renovation costs. There weren’t any modern bricks available—only mud bricks, which could be traded for with either goods or money. That part would be arranged later.
Roof repair materials had to be purchased from the supply and marketing cooperative. Winters here were long and snowy, so the roof and windows had to be sturdy—these were the most critical costs.
Including rebuilding the kang beds and other labor expenses, the total cost came to around 160 yuan.
That was no small sum in a rural village like this. Most families in Qinghe Village couldn’t even come close to affording that amount.
Song Yun handed over 160 yuan without hesitation. “Please take this for now. If it’s not enough, just let me know. If hiring more workers means higher costs, that’s okay too. The sooner it’s finished, the better.”
Captain Liu took the money and was truly touched. This educated youth named Song Yun was clearly kind and genuine. They had just met, yet she was willing to entrust him with such a big task and so much money without even blinking.
“Don’t worry, I’ll get it done properly for you. You have my word,” he promised firmly.
“Thank you so much,” Song Yun said. “I’ll head back and move our things. I’ll leave you to your work.”
Captain Liu suddenly remembered the courtyard had no cooking facilities. “Come to my place for dinner tonight. It’s not convenient for you to cook yet.”
Song Yun had already been planning to bring something to thank him, so she readily agreed.
When she returned to the youth station, the older educated youth had just finished work and come back. They were enthusiastically helping the newcomers find a spot on the shared kang beds. Everyone’s luggage had already been moved into the rooms—except for Song Yun’s, which still sat alone in the courtyard.
“You must be Comrade Song?” a young woman around twenty-five or twenty-six smiled as she approached. Her eyes sparkled with admiration when she saw Song Yun.
“Yes, I’m Song Yun,” she replied with a smile.
“I’m Zhao Yan. I’m the group leader for the female educated youth here.” Zhao Yan glanced at the boy behind Song Yun and didn’t seem surprised, clearly already informed about her bringing her younger brother.
“I heard you went with Captain Liu to look at houses. Did you find a suitable one?” she asked.
Song Yun explained the rental situation and said she would be moving in that same day.
Zhao Yan clearly looked relieved upon hearing this. The kang beds at the youth station were already packed—there was no room for another person. The same went for the male side. If Song Yun hadn’t found a place and insisted on staying, Zhao Yan honestly wouldn’t have known what to do.
“That’s great. Looks like you have a lot of things—I’ll help you carry them over,” Zhao Yan offered warmly, picking up the largest bundle.
Song Yun didn’t refuse. “Thank you so much. I was just worrying that I wouldn’t be able to carry it all in one trip.”
“No need to be so polite. Oh, and tonight, since it’s your first day, the station is preparing two extra dishes to welcome you all. Once you’ve dropped off your things, come join us for dinner.”
Thinking about Zhao Xiaomei’s sour attitude and how the other educated youth kept their distance from her, Song Yun smiled and declined. “I’ll pass. The house is in really rough shape—it’ll take a long time to tidy up, so I don’t think I’ll have time.”
Zhao Yan looked at her closely. Song Yun seemed calm and serious. Remembering the way the other girls had talked about her earlier, Zhao Yan could guess what was going on. “Even if you’re busy fixing things, you still have to eat.”
Knowing she couldn’t keep the house renovation a secret for long, Song Yun simply explained, “I’ve asked Captain Liu to help find people to fix the place. I’ll be going to his house later to discuss the details, so I might be eating over there.”