Yun Qing had not returned home in the past two years. Whenever he was on break, he spent his time reading in the library. Aside from Zhou Yunlan, there was nothing else about that family he missed. The siblings often exchanged letters, so he knew everything that happened at home.
With Yun Qing, the original wife's son, away, the family seemed especially harmonious, and there were far fewer conflicts. He did not want to return, and the others were even less willing to have him back.
In her letters, Zhou Yunlan said that their parents' relationship was excellent now, and perhaps they would soon have another younger brother or sister.
After reading this, Yun Qing smiled knowingly. It was not that they were about to have another younger brother or sister. Zhao Hongmei had learned that the gold existed and was working hard to use herself as bait. Unfortunately, her scheme was destined to fail.
Yun Qing's internship assignment was at the First Machine Tools Factory. Half a year later, he graduated with outstanding results. When assignments were being made, he volunteered to go support a local area.
This was precisely the era when dedication was valued. His decision naturally made the teachers very fond of him, and so he was assigned to the First Automobile Manufacturing Plant in Ji Province.
The day he received his assignment form, Yun Qing nearly jumped for joy. It was truly a place to his liking—Northeast China, the place he had always wanted to go.
After packing his luggage, Yun Qing returned to the siheyuan courtyard.
“Second Brother, it’s been several years since you last came home. What, did you forget you still have a family?” Zhou Hongjun looked at Yun Qing with open hostility. He always felt that this second son of his was about to fly away.
“No. During our school breaks, we have to follow our teachers for internships. That way, we can learn more, and later we can still be assigned to a decent workplace.
“If we could give the teachers some gifts, perhaps I could be assigned to a ministry. Father, do you have any way to help?”
After Yun Qing finished speaking, he stared at Zhou Hongjun. He had never told his family about graduating early; this return was meant to test them.
Zhou Hongjun’s face visibly stiffened, and even Zhao Hongmei’s expression became unnatural.
“What could I possibly do? Don’t you know our family’s situation? It’s already good enough if my wages can keep us fed. Where would I get money for gifts?” Zhou Hongjun lowered his head and spoke while rolling a cigarette.
Zhao Hongmei visibly relaxed. It was good that the head of the household had not lost his mind. The wolf cub’s mother was dead, so those things would naturally go to her own son. Besides, this little brat could still be assigned a job, so there was no need to covet anything.
Yun Qing tugged at the corner of his mouth and said, “Sigh, then I can only work hard on my own. I’ll do more work, study diligently, and try to leave a good impression on my teachers.”
“That’s the right way to think. To forge iron, one’s own strength must be solid. If you have the ability, you’ll naturally be assigned somewhere good,” Zhou Hongjun said earnestly.
Yun Qing was nearly angered into laughter. What was the old man pretending to be? He simply could not understand it. Did guarding all that gold really make a person immortal? Sooner or later, it would have to be divided anyway. Or did this old fossil simply enjoy hoarding wealth?
He did not understand, nor did he want to.
After eating dinner at home, Yun Qing left, and Zhou Yunlan came out to see him off.
“Little Sister, you’ll graduate in half a year. Do you have any plans?”
“Second Brother, what plans could I have? Taking the high school entrance exam will probably be difficult. If I can’t pass, I’ll just do odd jobs.” Zhou Yunlan sighed.
Odd jobs? Would the family even give you that chance? They would probably have sold you by the pound long ago.
“Are you willing to leave the capital city?” Yun Qing wanted to give this girl a chance as well. If she was willing, he would take her with him.
“Leave the capital city? Where would I go?” Zhou Yunlan’s large eyes were filled with confusion.
“Anywhere is fine. Aren’t you afraid that if you fail the exam, your family will sell you for money? Don’t forget, you’re already sixteen this year. You’ll be seventeen when you graduate, old enough to get married,” Yun Qing said.
Zhou Yunlan was not stupid. She understood the implication behind his words. If the family paved the way for Third Brother, they might truly sell her. During these years in the capital city, she had heard plenty of stories like that.
“Would they really?” Zhou Yunlan’s voice trembled as she asked in disbelief.
“What do you think? Don’t you know what your family is like?” Yun Qing said.
“Second Brother, Mother won’t let me leave.” Zhou Yunlan spoke with reddened eyes.
Yun Qing could tell that she still wanted to remain at home. He helplessly shook his head, somewhat angry at her for failing to fight for herself. But if an ox refused to drink, there was no reason to force its head into the water.
If you chose to be a pushover, you could not blame the dogs for eyeing you. Yet when he thought of her tragic fate, his heart softened after all, and he said, “If you can’t survive at home, tell me. I’ll come back for you. Keep your wits about you too, and don’t be so foolish.”
Zhou Yunlan nodded and watched Yun Qing walk away.
Yun Qing went to find his childhood friend, Wang Qiang, who lived in the neighboring courtyard and was now an apprentice at the machinery factory.
“Yun Qing, what made you think of coming to find me? We haven’t seen each other in two years. You’re looking more and more like a cadre.”
Wang Qiang spoke happily. The moment his childhood friend had passed the secondary technical school entrance exam, their paths had been destined to diverge. The fact that Yun Qing still remembered him made him feel very proud.
“Don’t spout nonsense. I look like a cadre? What, have you smelled one?” Yun Qing lightly punched him and laughed as he spoke.
“I’m not wrong. Won’t you be a cadre in the future?”
“I’m not going to argue with you. I came because I have something to discuss,” Yun Qing said seriously.
“What is it? Tell me. As long as it’s something your buddy can do, I won’t say no.” Wang Qiang patted his chest.
Wang Qiang was loyal and good at keeping secrets, which was why Yun Qing had come to him. He pulled him out of the hutong and found a secluded corner.
“Qiangzi, I graduated early and was assigned to Northeast China. I have to leave tomorrow. I haven’t told my family about this, so help me keep it secret.
“You know what my family is like too. They’re all selfish bastards. Keep an eye on things for me. I’m not worried about anyone else; it’s that girl Yunlan I’m concerned about. I’m afraid her family will sell her for money.
“Once I’m settled, I’ll write to you. If Yunlan is in danger, let me know.”
Yun Qing told him that he was leaving.
Wang Qiang nodded. “Don’t worry, Yun Qing. I’m the best at keeping secrets. I’ll definitely keep this confidential for you. I’ll keep an eye on the Zhou Family too. Your father and I work in the same workshop, so nothing will go wrong.”
“Thanks, Qiangzi. Once I reach Northeast China, I’ll send you some local specialties. You’re not allowed to refuse them,” Yun Qing said solemnly.
“Hahahaha, I’m not that generous. If you dare give them to me, I’ll dare accept them. Sigh, will you come back in the future?” Wang Qiang suddenly grew somewhat melancholy, reluctant to part with his friend.
“To be honest, I don’t know either. Isn’t there a saying that true friends remain close even when separated by the ends of the earth? Remember to write back.” Yun Qing patted him on the shoulder.
“All right. You have to remember me too. If you become wealthy and successful, don’t forget your friends, understand?”
Yun Qing laughed. That was how cringe-inducing teenagers were—so lively.
“If you become wealthy and successful, don’t forget your friends!” Yun Qing repeated with equal teenage cringe.
After bidding farewell to Wang Qiang, Yun Qing carried some gifts to the middle school Principal’s home. There were still six months before the storm would begin, and he wanted to warn this Principal. In his previous life, the man’s fate had not been good. For the sake of the care he had once shown Yun Qing, he hoped the man would remain safe.
“Student Zhou, it’s been a long time.” The Principal was delighted to see Yun Qing and greeted him warmly.
“Hello, Principal. How have you been feeling?” Yun Qing was also happy to see him.
“I’m fine. I’m glad you came to see me, but take these gifts back. We don’t do things like this.” The Principal put on a stern expression.
“These are gifts to thank you for teaching me. You must accept them.” Yun Qing cut off his refusal.