Thanks to Battalion Commander Chu, it took a full ten minutes just to undo all the braids.
By the time Gu Fangbai had chased everyone out, changed clothes, and emerged from the bedroom, it was already half past six.
Xu Huailan chided, “What took you so long? We’ve been waiting for you to have breakfast.”
Gu Fangbai choked back a response and instinctively glanced at a certain someone. Seeing the guilty party rubbing his nose sheepishly, she pursed her lips but ultimately said nothing, heading straight to the corridor to wash up.
Chu Yu immediately followed, diligently scooping water and handing her a towel while praising the double braids she’d styled today, admitting they looked much better than the ones he had done.
Remembering the loose, messy braids from before, Gu Fangbai didn’t feel particularly complimented, but she wasn’t going to get angry over such a small matter. Instead, she asked him about something else: “By my calculations, Xiangxue should arrive at Honghe Brigade by this evening, right?”
Chu Yu: “If everything goes smoothly, yes. But she’ll still need to transfer to a bus to get to Honghe Brigade. Since there’s no travel at night, she’ll have to stay in the city for one night. The earliest she can reach her destination would be tomorrow afternoon.”
After getting off the bus, she might still need to take a tractor or ox cart—or even walk. Considering Xiangxue had already been tossed about on a train for four or five days, Gu Fangbai felt her scalp prickle with sympathy.
Really, transportation in this era was so inconvenient: “Then… did you go cancel the engagement with Fang Zhifan?”
Mentioning this caused Chu Yu’s good mood from the past few days to dip slightly: “Yes. I just said he couldn’t protect Xiangxue, and that calling off the engagement was to avoid dragging him down, so I sent her to the countryside as an Educated Youth.”
As for his suspicions about that Fang fellow, he didn’t bring them up at all. He was still waiting to catch the other party’s weak points and didn’t want to alert the enemy.
Quite direct. Gu Fangbai carefully dried her face with the towel, curious: “How did he react?”
Chu Yu took the used towel from his wife, spread it flat on the clothes rack, and hung it on the line to dry. He sneered, “Of course he didn’t agree to cancel the engagement. He said a lot of heartfelt words about how much he cares for Xiangxue, promised he would definitely protect her, and tried to find out her address.”
As expected, it wasn’t so easy to make him give up. Gu Fangbai pulled Snow Cream from her pocket and haphazardly applied it: “What did you say then?”
Chu Yu shook his head: “I didn’t need to say anything more. Uncle Fang agreed to cancel the engagement directly and said that, to be safe, we shouldn’t reveal Xiangxue’s location.”
Gu Fangbai sighed: “Uncle Fang and his wife are such good people. How did they raise someone like Fang Zhifan…”
After joining the army and carrying out many missions, Chu Yu had seen enough to understand that some people were born evil, without any reason.
But he didn’t plan to discuss Fang Zhifan any further. Seeing that his wife was ready, he took her hand and led her to the dining table…
Breakfast today was plentiful. Besides congee and boiled eggs, there were also meat buns and vegetable buns that Chu Yu had bought from the State-run Restaurant.
Early in the morning, Gu Fangbai didn’t have much of an appetite, so she chose a vegetable bun to nibble on.
Chu Yu: “The State-run Restaurant said they’ll have the rice balls you like tomorrow. Should we buy a few to eat on the train?”
Gu Fangbai shook her head: “In summer, food spoils easily. Let’s just buy meals on the train.”
Chu Yu had no objections: “Alright, whatever you say.”
“Listen to her? Why listen to her?” Xu Huailan could hardly bear to watch these two children, each more impractical than the other when it came to daily life. “The food on the train is expensive and tastes awful. Before boarding, have your uncle make you a few savory rice balls—not too many, just enough for one meal. How could they possibly spoil? Then pack a couple of canned meat dishes with extra oil and salt. On the train, all you’ll need to buy is a bowl of rice.”
Gu Fangbai wanted to point out that these preparations weren’t exactly cheap either, but meeting her aunt’s unwavering gaze, she wisely conceded. “I’ll do as you say.”
Xu Huailan shared the trait of most mothers everywhere: even when their children were grown and married, she still felt the need to fuss over every detail. This was especially true for her niece, who had lost her parents at a young age—she wished she could keep the girl under her watchful eye forever.
Now that the child had no choice but to embark on a long journey, Xu Huailan had been anxious for days.
One manifestation of her anxiety was excessive chatter. And so, on the topic of household management, she went on and on with advice.
It wasn’t until breakfast was nearly over that Gu Weiguo, who had seen enough, interrupted. “Fang Bai, Uncle Wang came by earlier to ask if you’re selling your job.”
Gu Fangbai was hesitating over whether to accept the half meat bun her husband offered when she looked up in surprise. “They know I’m going for Sui Jun?”
Xu Huailan nodded. “They’re elders who’ve watched you grow up. We didn’t keep it from them.”
Gu Fangbai understood. “My job can’t be sold…”
Although buying and selling jobs was common practice these days, it was still an under-the-table operation, not something to be openly discussed.
With so many people already displeased with her and Chu Yu, why hand them ammunition just for a few hundred yuan?
Moreover, not everyone was suited to take over an editor’s role. As for selling it—the editor-in-chief wouldn’t agree anyway.
“Right, right, I wasn’t thinking it through. I’ll go tell Old Wang later.” Xu Huailan hadn’t considered this initially, but her niece’s words made her realize the risk. Sighing, she added, “Those young folks in our Family Compound—if they can’t find jobs soon, they’ll have to go to the countryside.”
Historically, the mandatory rustication movement seemed to have started around 1968. Remembering how the neighbors had always looked out for her, Gu Fangbai formed an idea.
But since nothing was certain yet, she kept it to herself.
It wasn’t until evening, after she had formally handed over her work and moved all her personal belongings from the dormitory back to the Family Compound, that Gu Fangbai shared the news. “The newspaper office is recruiting three intern editors recently. The assessment is scheduled for next Monday at 9 a.m. Aunt, could you let Uncle Wang know?”
Job openings were scarce these days. Whether at newspapers, factories, or restaurants, any vacancies were usually snapped up by relatives of current employees, with no information leaking to outsiders.
If Gu Fangbai hadn’t spoken up, the Family Compound likely wouldn’t have heard about the newspaper’s recruitment.
Naturally, Xu Huailan was delighted and quickly asked, “What are the requirements? Since there are three positions, should I notify a few more families?”
“That’s fine.” More candidates meant more opportunities, and Gu Fangbai had no objection. “The requirements aren’t low: high school education or above, college graduates will be prioritized, and they must have decent writing skills. Oh, and the newspaper office will conduct tests.”
An assessment is reasonable; after all, they are writers who make a living by their pens. Xu Huailan asked a few more questions, confirmed there were no other requirements, and then grew restless. She happily asked her niece to keep an eye on the pot of porridge on the coal stove and went downstairs to find her old friends.
Seeing this, Chu Yu, who had been accompanying them, turned to his wife: “Fang Bai, we’re leaving tomorrow. I’d like to gather with my comrades tonight.”
Gu Fangbai glanced at her wrist: “Why didn’t you mention it earlier? It’s already 6 o’clock. Will you have enough time?”
Chu Yu smiled: “There’s time. We agreed to meet at 6:30. Would you like to come with me?”
Gu Fangbai didn’t mind meeting her husband’s friends, but asked, “…Are the other family members going?”
“No, it’s just a few of us brothers.”
“Then I won’t go either. Next time, ask your comrades to bring their families along.”
Being the only wife there would indeed make her uncomfortable. Chu Yu didn’t press further: “Then I’ll be off.”
Gu Fangbai saw him to the door: “Will you come back after dinner?”
Chu Yu: “I’ll come again tomorrow morning.”
“Alright… wait a moment.” Remembering something, Gu Fangbai hurried to the bedroom. She returned in less than a minute and stuffed some money and ration coupons into his hand: “Don’t be stingy when treating others to a meal.”
Chu Yu actually still had some money on him—not much, but enough to cover a meal. However, the feeling of his wife giving him pocket money was so delightful that he couldn’t bring himself to refuse. Still, he hesitated and said, “This is a bit too much.” There were over ten Da Tuan Jie notes.
Gu Fangbai didn’t mind: “Take it. You should always have some money on you. Let me know if it’s not enough.”
Their family wasn’t short on money, so there was no need to be overly frugal. She even planned to put all their cash and ration coupons in a drawer once they settled in the army. That way, her Battalion Commander Chu could take money directly when he needed it, instead of having to ask her every time. Wouldn’t that feel less awkward? After all, he earned quite a decent monthly income.
Chu Yu had no idea about his wife’s plans. With over a hundred yuan tucked in his pocket, he was overjoyed, completely forgetting that it was originally his own money. His mind was filled with just one thought… his wife cared for him.
So, as he left, the elated Battalion Commander Chu bent down, leaned in, and gave his wife a quick kiss on the cheek before hurrying away.
“……” Watching her husband’s almost fleeing figure, Gu Fangbai felt both speechless and amused. It was just a kiss on the cheek—was it really such a big deal?
“Tsk, tsk, tsk… It’s broad daylight, Third Sister. Can you and Third Brother-in-law be a bit more discreet?” Gu Rongzhi, who had just come out of the bedroom, hadn’t expected to witness such an intimate moment. He felt a bit embarrassed but couldn’t resist teasing.
Gu Fangbai turned around, pretending not to notice her brother’s teasing, and casually instructed him: “You’re home? Perfect. Go slice the green peppers. We’ll stir-fry them with the loofah skins later.”
Such thick skin… Gu Rongzhi gave his third sister a thumbs-up.
Gu Fangbai then took three eggs from the cupboard, planning to stir-fry them with loofah pulp. Two dishes would be enough for dinner.
But as she cracked the eggs into a bowl, she remembered something and turned to her brother, who was obediently slicing the green peppers: “Fourth Brother, you’ll graduate from high school next year. Do you have any plans? If you want to join a newspaper, I can introduce you to the editor-in-chief.”
All the Gu children had excellent grades. Although Rongzhi was only in his first year of high school, graduating early was possible. After all, good jobs were hard to come by.
Though young, Gu Rongzhi had his own ideas about the future: “Forget it, I’m not cut out to be an editor. It takes me a whole day to struggle through a five-hundred-word article.”
Gu Fangbai was amused: “It can’t be that bad. Don’t you write essays for exams?”
“Well, it’s just an exaggeration. Anyway, I don’t want to be an editor—I want to be a doctor.”
Being a doctor was a fine ambition, but with universities suspended at the time, Gu Fangbai couldn’t help worrying: “Do you want to attend a Worker-Peasant-Soldier University?”
Although later generations often criticized Worker-Peasant-Soldier Universities, it wouldn’t be fair to dismiss them entirely—many sincere students studied there. However, spots were scarce, and it wouldn’t be easy for her younger brother to secure one.
Yet Gu Rongzhi remained unfazed: “There’s no rush. I’ve looked into it—to study medicine at a Worker-Peasant-Soldier University, you need some medical background first… I’ll keep an eye on the Hygiene Station at the neighborhood office or the Barefoot Doctors nearby. After learning for two or three years, I’ll try to get a university spot.”
Her brother was only sixteen this year. Even if he couldn’t get into a Worker-Peasant-Soldier University, he’d only be twenty-five when the college entrance exams resumed. As long as he kept his goal in mind, his future was promising. Gu Fangbai admired her brother’s clarity and couldn’t resist praising him…
=
Meanwhile.
In contrast to the siblings’ warm moment.
After successfully stealing a kiss, Chu Yu, who had dashed away swiftly, strode into the State-run Restaurant with a triumphant air.
He hadn’t arrived early—four people were already seated at the table against the wall.
Seeing him beaming, completely free of the gloom he’d had upon returning, they immediately teased him:
“Wow! Marriage really changes a man, huh? Look at you—your eyes were already small, and now they’re practically disappearing from all that grinning!”
“Why didn’t you bring your wife along? Still keeping her hidden?”
“We’ve all prepared red envelopes. If she doesn’t show up, we’ll just save the money.”
“……”
In his buoyant mood, Chu Yu ignored their jabs: “Has Tang Bing arrived yet?”
“Not yet.”
Chu Yu checked the time, figuring Old Tang should be there soon, and went to order first. Returning to the table, he stretched out his hand: “Red envelopes!”
The four grumbled:
“Demanding red envelopes as soon as you open your mouth—are you a bandit?”
“Exactly! You haven’t even told us what your wife does.”
“You got married out of the blue without a word—who introduced you?”
“No details, no red envelopes!”
Overjoyed to have married Fang Bai, Chu Yu saw no reason to hide anything from his buddies. He briefly described his wife’s situation, then added, “Didn’t Tang Bing tell you?”
At this, the three gritted their teeth in unison: “What? Old Tang knew about your wife? That guy kept it tight-lipped! We’ll make him drink three penalty drinks later!”
Tang Bing, who had rushed to the restaurant right after work, overheard this as he entered and angrily punched the instigator: “I couldn’t blab without your permission! Who was I covering for anyway? Today, I’m not just drinking—I’m ordering extra plates of meat to bankrupt you, you rascal.”
Another round of laughter erupted, and one of them joked, “Once you’re married, you’re broke. Old Chu probably doesn’t have a cent on him—don’t tell me we’ll have to pay with our red envelopes.”
This was met with agreement—for family men, having a couple of yuan to your name was considered well-off.
Of course, “everyone” here clearly didn’t include our Battalion Commander Chu.
He seemed to have been waiting for his buddies’ invitation. Pulling out a stack of Da Tuan Jie from his pocket, he said in a casual tone, “Eat whatever you want today. My Fang Bai said if the money isn’t enough, just ask her for more.”
This show-off was remarkably successful, as evidenced by the tightly clenched fists of the others…
=
June 30, 1968.
After two clear days, Su Shi was once again shrouded in rain.
By four in the afternoon, the entire train station was enveloped in a gray curtain of drizzle.
Yet, no amount of rain could deter the growing crowd gathering on the old platform.
Most stood in small groups, chatting while waiting for the train to arrive.
Gu Fangbai, Chu Yu, and their companions were just one small cluster among them.
Gu Weiguo and Xu Huailan, who had insisted on taking time off to see the children off, no matter how reluctant they were, couldn’t halt the relentless march of time.
Sure enough, while they still had so much left to say, the train’s whistle sounded in the distance.
“How strange, why isn’t it late today?” Xu Huailan craned her neck to peer down the tracks. Though she saw nothing, she knew the train would arrive soon.
Seeing most people around them already jostling to grab their luggage and secure seats, she quickly set aside her sorrow and urgently turned to her nephew-in-law. “Little Chu, it’s too crowded. Since you booked sleeper tickets, just climb in through the window later.”
Chu Yu, already worried about his wife being jostled, agreed immediately.
Just then, Gu Weiguo picked up one of the bags and urged, “The train’s coming!”
The train would stop for at most ten minutes, sometimes even less, so everyone was tense.
Chu Yu was familiar with this train. Hoisting another bag, he led the group straight to their designated carriage.
A woman inside the carriage, realizing they were passengers for that compartment, warmly reached out to help pull them in.
With her husband pushing from below and the stranger assisting from above, though she bumped her hands and feet painfully, Gu Fangbai managed to climb inside.
While thanking the woman, she turned to haul up the bags being passed to her.
Chu Yu, agile and needing no assistance, swiftly handed up both large bags before climbing in effortlessly in a few moves.
“…Fang Bai, don’t sleep too soundly on the journey. Remember to take turns with Little Chu!” As parting drew near, Xu Huailan couldn’t hold back. Before she finished speaking, her throat felt stuffed with cotton, choking with emotion.
Gu Weiguo was no better than his wife, but as a man, he refused to cry in front of the younger generation. Suppressing the sting in his nose, he said, “Little Chu, please take good care of Fang Bai. She’s never had to endure hardship at home—don’t let her suffer.”
Gu Rongzhi chimed in immediately, “Exactly! Third Brother-in-Law, if you treat Third Sister poorly, I’ll go to the army and bring her back myself.”
The family of three stood on the platform, heads tilted upward, eyes red, offering one earnest reminder after another.
Throughout it all, Chu Yu showed no impatience. Whether it was anxious advice or worried warnings, he patiently acknowledged each one with good grace.
Only when the train started moving did he sit beside his wife, handing her a handkerchief and soothing gently, “Don’t cry. We’ll come back together on the next family visit leave.”
With strangers in the carriage, Gu Fangbai took the handkerchief and covered her face, quickly composing herself.
Yet her mood remained somber.
After all, she had not only swapped bodies with the original owner but also inherited and integrated their personality and memories.
Therefore, when interacting with the original owner’s family, aside from the initial awkwardness, Gu Fangbai quickly adapted.
Now that they were suddenly separated, it was only natural to feel reluctant.
Thinking back to the scene of her uncle, aunt, and fourth brother running after the train, Gu Fangbai, who had just steadied her emotions, couldn’t hold back and her eyes reddened once more…
In such a public setting, Chu Yu couldn’t bear to see his wife’s tears, nor could he openly comfort her with an embrace. He could only bring up topics that might interest her: “Xiangxue should have gotten off the train by now.”
At these words, Gu Fangbai was indeed distracted: “I wonder if Xiangxue’s journey went smoothly.”
As it turned out, Chu Xiangxue, whom the couple was thinking of, had a smooth trip.
No one on the train knew about her background, and thanks to her brother’s arrangements, instead of facing disdain, she received considerable assistance.
The only thing that took Chu Xiangxue by surprise was that she had assumed her brother’s friend would only appear after she arrived at the Honghe Brigade.
In reality, he was already waiting for her at the train station.
Staring at the exceptionally tall and sturdy man holding a sign with her name not far away, Chu Xiangxue found herself utterly bewildered…
Author’s Note: The next chapter will still be posted tomorrow at 8 p.m. I’ll try to update more [laugh-cry][laugh-cry]
Still desperately seeking favorites!! [heart][heart][heart] Please leave comments!! And nutrient solutions!!! This chapter will randomly drop 100 red envelopes, mwah! [covering face peeking](*╯3╰)