In the past other educated youths had tried to win him over with small favours and gifts when they first met but never anything so generous. This was the first time Sun Xiwang the dark faced uncle had received such a gift.
He froze for a moment then glanced quickly at the village head Fu Hongwen nearby. Seeing he was not looking this way he swiftly accepted the cigarettes and slipped them into his pocket. He helped Song Mianmian place her luggage and said with a warm smile You get on too go on up quickly.
Song Mianmian had offered the cigarette exactly so she could ride. Without hesitation she climbed aboard and sat on top of the bedding wrapped luggage. Most of her belongings were stored away in her space. The two bundles she carried were large but light mostly clothing that served perfectly as padding.
Five new educated youths were bound for Redstone Village. Alongside Song Mianmian were two young men and two young women each carrying at least two heavy bundles. Seeing Song Mianmian seated comfortably they followed suit. For several years Yuanshan Town had transported only luggage not people partly to spare the donkeys and oxen and partly to avoid spoiling the new arrivals. Sun Xiwang instinctively wanted to stop them but held his tongue. If he allowed Song Mianmian alone to sit the others would object and he could not tell the truth nor offer a convincing excuse. He decided it was simpler to let everyone ride. But he would need to keep Fu Hongwen satisfied. Handing over an entire pack of cigarettes seemed far too costly. He thought quickly and had an idea.
He stepped down from the cart and approached Fu Hongwen speaking quietly That young woman surnamed Song slipped me two cents saying she hoped to ride along. It is bitterly cold today and there are so few of them so I agreed. Here would you like half of it.
Sun Xiwang congratulated himself inwardly. He had received a premium pack of cigarettes worth twenty cents yet needed only a single cent to keep Fu Hongwen content. Song Mianmian would certainly not mention it to anyone else there was no risk of being found out. A single cent was little but better than nothing. Fu Hongwen was also eager to get out of the cold and return home so he agreed at once.
Once seated the Redstone Village group noticed that youths assigned elsewhere were walking. They felt puzzled then cheered by the thought that Redstone Village must be kinder and more decent than the rest. What good fortune they had. Their spirits lifted. A bright lively young man spoke up as the cart set off Let us introduce ourselves. My name is Zhou Shubai. I am seventeen and from Haicheng.
There was a pause then a calm steady young man said gently I am Jiang Ye. I am twenty one and from Jin City. Zhou Shubai and Jiang Ye both carried simple belongings and dressed plainly though they were good looking. Zhou Shubai stood around one hundred and seventy centimetres while Jiang Ye was at least one hundred and eighty an impressive sight. The two young women glanced his way several times before introducing themselves.
I am Xu Mengqiu. I am seventeen and from Beijing.
I am Ye Xinya. I am nineteen and from Beijing.
Xu Mengqiu dressed simply as well but was pretty tall and graceful. Ye Xinya carried finer things and dressed well she was plain featured with a rounded comfortable build. Song Mianmian spoke calmly I am Song Mianmian. I am nineteen and from Beijing. The cold wind had led her to wrap a thick grey scarf about herself covering half her face. Her skin remained darkened as if by sun and weather and she wore old clothes from the Zhao family so she appeared unremarkable. Zhou Shubai and Jiang Ye nodded politely. Xu Mengqiu immediately linked arms with Ye Xinya saying warmly Sister Xinya may I call you that? You remind me so much of a cousin I love dearly I feel as though I already know you. I hope you do not mind me saying so.
Ye Xinya did not reply she gave a faint nod gently but firmly withdrew her arm and moved closer to Song Mianmian. It was an unmistakable snub. Zhou Shubai bit back a smile. Even Jiang Ye’s mouth twitched. Xu Mengqiu coloured visibly but recovered quickly turning to admire the passing scenery as if nothing had happened.
The journey was short Redstone Village lay only some ten kilometres from the town centre. Within an hour they arrived. Even prepared as they were the sight of the village struck them hard. Only one in four houses had tiled roofs the rest were rough dwellings of thatch stone and mud. Ye Xinya and Xu Mengqiu could not hold back tears. The accommodation stood centrally with barefoot children running alongside but no adult came to greet them. The building itself was brick and tile worn and weathered but not a hovel. Relief showed plainly on every face.
At the gate Fu Hongwen handed the five over to Xiao Weihua the youth leader and hurried away with Sun Xiwang. Xiao Weihua was in his mid twenties lean dark and stern. He rang the bell to gather the existing residents and spoke with scant ceremony These are the new comrades. We shall waste no words. Three young women will occupy Dormitory One and Dormitory Two two in the first one in the second. The two young men will share Dormitory Four.
The arrangement was sensible. Recent departures had left exactly those spaces available. Most agreed it was fair but Xie Shijiao in Dormitory One who had recently quarrelled with her roommates saw her chance and spoke up loudly It is not right. Two sent to us and only one to Dormitory Two. It is unfair and I will not accept it. Four of the six women in Dormitory One disliked Xie Shijiao yet none wished to crowd further so they stayed silent. The Dormitory Two women said nothing but watched stonily. Xiao Weihua grew angry and was about to rebuke her when Song Mianmian spoke.