Under Xu Ru’s arrangements, once they had fetched their small shovels and kraft paper sacks, the ten of them took their assigned roles and got ready to start work.
In no time, the entire school field was buzzing with activity. Although there were fewer girls than boys, the workload was divided per person, so the girls had no less to do than the boys.
Eight of them worked within their designated sections, pulling weeds. Qi Fang and Cheng Ling followed behind, gathering the weeds into piles, stuffing them into sacks, and carrying them off to the trash heap.
The sun, slowly tilting westward, showed no mercy. The faint breeze did nothing to ease the lingering heat of September. Tiny insects darted through the weeds, adding to everyone’s irritation. From time to time, shrieks rang out as girls were startled by centipedes or large bugs hidden in the grass.
Sweat gradually covered their faces, flushing their cheeks red. Their movements lost the strength they had at the beginning, and they found themselves standing up more often to pound their aching backs, resting longer each time.
Finally, the chubby girl—Wang Gaoli—couldn’t take it anymore. She tossed her shovel onto the ground and stared at her reddened right palm.
“How is anyone supposed to do this kind of work? My hands are sore and red, and it’s so hot. This isn’t work for humans!”
Beside her, Shen Xiaoxue, wearing a round hat, was drenched in sweat, yet instead of diminishing her appearance, it gave her a touch of lively charm.
She walked over, picked up their water bottles, and silently handed one to Wang Gaoli, who accepted it with a huff.
On the other side, Xie Xiaolian chimed in, “There’s so much work, and it’s exhausting. Why should we be the ones doing it? I won’t even be able to finish this in one afternoon—I might not even get dinner.”
As she spoke, her eyes began to glisten with tears.
Wang Gaoli glanced at Xie Xiaolian’s affected behavior and curled her lips behind her cup.
After putting the cup down, she scanned the others. Everyone was working fairly quickly, but the fastest was Lin Erxia—she had already cleared nearly a third of her assigned plot in just over half an hour.
Wang Gaoli’s eyes flickered, and she stepped over the weeds, standing above Lin Erxia.
“Hey, classmate—how about you help me and Xiaoxue weed? I’ll give you a handful of milk candies.”
She knew that in the countryside, people might not even taste sugar once a year—let alone milk candy.
Taking advantage of a short break, Lin Erxia looked up at her and immediately noticed her double chin—clearly well-fed—but her brain didn’t seem to work as well.
Saying something like that so openly—wasn’t that blatant speculation and opportunism? Everyone nearby had heard it; some even put down their tools to watch the drama unfold.
Before Lin Erxia could respond, Xu Ru stood up and spoke loudly:
“The school assigned this labor not just to remove weeds, but to let us experience the hardship of work and understand the struggles of working people. It’s also to encourage us to contribute to national construction through labor in the future. We’ve always shouted the slogan ‘Labor is most glorious.’
“Not for you to play tricks and slack off here. You must finish your assigned work. I’ll be supervising you today—if you don’t finish, you’ll stay here until you do. You won’t go home until it’s done.”
After finishing, Xu Ru glared at Wang Gaoli and swept her gaze across the others. Intimidated by her presence, everyone quickly lowered their heads and got back to work.
Nearby, Lin Zhuer had also heard everything. She glanced at Xu Ru, then toward Lin Erxia, before lowering her head and working faster. However, her shovel was badly rusted, so she had to use more force, occasionally shaking her aching right hand.
Lin Erxia looked at Wang Gaoli, who still seemed unconvinced. Still not satisfied? She really dares to say anything. If someone wanted to make a big deal out of it, they could easily label her as having the airs of a capitalist young lady.
Though Xu Ru’s words were harsh, they were ultimately for Wang Gaoli’s own good.
Wang Gaoli didn’t understand—but others did. Shen Xiaoxue stepped forward, took Wang Gaoli’s hand, and shook her head seriously. Then she turned to Lin Erxia:
“Classmate, on Wang Gaoli’s behalf, I apologize. She doesn’t quite understand how to weed properly, and seeing how fast and well you work, she wanted to ask for guidance. But her way of speaking was inappropriate—she should apologize for that.
“I’ll make sure she completes her work properly. Not a single bit will be left undone.”
Shen Xiaoxue smiled at Lin Erxia, then addressed the rest of the class.
Lin Erxia shrugged it off. “It’s fine. Since we’re classmates, helping each other is only natural. If Wang Gaoli needs something, she can just ask. But next time, don’t stand so high above me—I have poor eyesight and can’t see clearly.”
Wang Gaoli suppressed her anger. She knew Shen Xiaoxue meant well, so she crouched down and apologized to Lin Erxia.
“I’m sorry—I spoke improperly.”
Lin Erxia smiled. “It’s okay.”
Afterward, Wang Gaoli also assured Xu Ru she would finish her work. Xu Ru didn’t press further, and the matter was settled.
At that moment, Shen Xiaoxue spoke gently, “Let me introduce us—I’m Shen Xiaoxue, and this is Wang Gaoli. We’re very happy to be classmates with everyone for the next two years.”
With her introduction, everyone relaxed and began introducing themselves.
“I’m Cheng Ling, from Hongyuan Commune!” she said the loudest.
“I’m Liu Xiaomei.”
…
“Lin Erxia, from Changlin Commune.”
After everyone finished introducing themselves, the atmosphere noticeably improved.
Shen Xiaoxue smiled. “It’s an honor to be classmates. Over the next two years, let’s help each other.”
Wang Gaoli had already composed herself, her chubby face now full of smiles. “Yes, yes! I managed to grab some milk candy from the supply and marketing cooperative today. I’ll bring some for everyone tomorrow. I just blurted it out earlier.”
She stuck out her tongue sheepishly, and the group grew even more cheerful. Being able to attend high school already meant their families were relatively well-off, but milk candy—something that required ration coupons and luck—was rare in the villages. Who wouldn’t be happy to taste it?
“Thank you, Wang—so generous!”
“You’re too kind, really!”
In everyone’s eyes, Wang Gaoli’s image quickly shifted from being criticized to becoming the most popular person—partly because of the candy, but also due to her personality.
Xu Ru and Lin Erxia exchanged a glance. Lin Erxia wasn’t bothered—so long as no trouble came her way, she was perfectly happy to be an easygoing classmate.
Xie Qinglan also joined in the excitement but suddenly noticed Xie Xiaolian seemed distracted. She leaned closer and whispered:
“Xiaolian, what’s wrong? Aren’t you happy about the candy?”
Xie Xiaolian forced a smile. “Sister Qinglan, I’m just worried I won’t finish the work. You know my health has always been weak.”
She held out her reddened hands. Xie Qinglan glanced at Xu Ru, then whispered into her ear:
“It’s okay—we’re working side by side. I’ll do a bit more later; no one will notice.”
Xie Xiaolian immediately brightened. “Thank you, Sister Qinglan. You’re the best.”
“Why thank me? We grew up together—no need to be so polite,” Xie Qinglan said casually.