After washing a large soup bowl, Zhan Lin scooped the boiling water from the pot, carried it to the round table in the living room to let it cool, then went into the inner room to fetch her military canteen and gave it a quick scrub.
She had searched the entire house and now needed to consider how to handle the items she had found.
There were deposit slips: 2,500 yuan under Hong Huiying’s name and 1,600 yuan under Zhan Guocheng’s. She planned to go to the bank soon to see if she could withdraw all the money and deposit it into her own passbook.
As for the 3,400 yuan in cash, she had no intention of depositing it in the bank again, at least not this year. She decided to store it together with the gold in the place where her master had kept his savings.
Coupons were frequently used and needed to be kept in an accessible spot. The job referral letter had to be dealt with soon as well.
She intended to make two handwritten copies of Madam Hong Huiying’s account book. Items like remittance slips, old xuan paper, her brother’s diary, and medical certificates weren’t immediately needed, so she would store them carefully.
The wristwatch didn’t need hiding. If Madam Hong Huiying wanted it later, she could take it; if not, Zhan Lin would keep it.
Having made her decisions, Zhan Lin took the coupons and walked to the kang stove room. When her master decided to leave her this small courtyard, he had specifically chosen one evening to show her where things could be hidden in the house. She had never told anyone about this.
The large wooden cabinet was sturdy and heavy, crafted by her master’s husband as wedding furniture for his son, though it had never been used.
Zhan Lin crouched beside the cabinet, removed the small iron pad under the leg near the wall, and twisted the leg forcefully. It shifted by fifteen degrees and wouldn’t budge further.
She felt along the edge of the cabinet’s baseboard until her fingers found a tiny protrusion. Pressing it in, the side panel slid outward slightly. Pushing the panel, it glided open smoothly, revealing a hidden compartment.
She placed grain coupons in four sections, cloth coupons in one, and cigarette coupons in another. After a moment’s thought, she took out ten of the cigarette coupons. Cigarette coupons and liquor coupons were valuable—she might need them unexpectedly soon, so it was better to carry some with her.
The San Zhuan Yi Xiang coupons and television coupons she intended to give to her brother.
Her brother’s father-in-law worked in the city’s armed forces department and had strong connections. Before the power plant started auditing accounts, they needed to find a way to meet with her father.
After hiding the coupons and job referral letter, she restored the large cabinet to its original state. Zhan Lin folded the remaining coupons in her hand and tucked them into a small pouch sewn into the inner layer of her waistband. Then, carrying the account book, she went to the kang room. She retrieved a needle from the sewing machine’s compartment and crouched by the window.
Beside a brick near the floor was a tiny air hole. Inserting the needle and wiggling it a few times, the brick popped out slightly. Pulling it free revealed a narrow space about 15 centimeters long, less than 4 centimeters wide, and six or seven centimeters deep.
This was where her master’s husband had hidden his private savings. Zhan Lin folded the account book in half, slipped it into the opening, and that was done.
Returning to the living room, she drank a few sips of water to moisten her lips. Then she took a porcelain basin, placed the gold, cash, and other items inside, covered it with a large towel, opened the main room door, and headed to the kitchen.
Entering the kitchen, she closed the door and drew the small window curtain. Carrying the basin to the back of the stove, she used a ash rake to push the ashes inside the large stove’s cavity inward. Shining a flashlight, she reached into the stove cavity and pushed a half-brick lying horizontally toward the wall.
The half-brick appeared tightly fitted, but when pushed in the right direction, it moved easily. Once it shifted, the other bricks loosened.
After retrieving the brick, Zhan Lin raised the iron head of the ash rake and tapped it against a brick in the wall. Instantly, the brick clung tightly to the iron head. As the brick was pulled away from the wall, it revealed itself to be a palm-sized magnet.
With the magnet attached to the rake head, she reached into the stove cavity and easily lifted an iron plate. Beneath the plate was a jar fixed in place with cement.
The jar had been personally embedded there by her master to store savings. Of course, now the jar contained only a small pile of copper coins at the bottom; the rest of the money had long been donated by her master.
Zhan Lin placed the gold and cash inside, sealed the jar, replaced the iron plate, restored the bricks to their original positions, and sprinkled some ash to conceal the traces.
Finally, there was the matter of the evidence. In the corner of the storeroom doorway, beneath the wall where the coal stove stood, another empty jar was buried.
By the time she finished, it was already late. She quickly brushed off the dust, scooped water to wash herself. Her gray trousers didn’t show much, but her light-colored shirt had picked up black ash, leaving noticeable stains. She went upstairs to change, came back down, scrubbed the soiled shirt twice, and hung it under the eaves.
Gulping down several mouthfuls of water to quench her thirst, Zhan Lin poured the remaining water into her flask, picked up her bag, made sure she hadn’t forgotten anything, locked the door, and pushed her bicycle out.
Passing by the neighboring courtyard, she noticed the door was open and saw Old Man Chen repairing a radio in the yard. She politely greeted him, “Keeping busy?”
The old man looked up with a smile. “I heard some noise in your yard earlier and stepped out to take a look. When I saw no lock on your door, I knew it must be you or your mother.”
“I just got back from a business trip and came today to tidy up. Where are Granny Zheng and Grandma Ban?”
“They went fishing early this morning,” the old man said, glancing at his watch. “It’s about time; they should be back soon.”
“Well, I won’t keep you.”
“Alright, take care.”
Zhan Lin left Yuanqian Hutong and cycled toward Xichang. Ms. Hong Huiying’s money was deposited in the bank opposite Yunguilou in Xichang. Her father, Zhan Guocheng’s money, was kept in a bank near her grandmother’s home.
With the deposit slips and household register in hand, withdrawing the money went smoothly.
Just before closing time, Zhan Lin arrived at the bank where her passbook was registered. She slipped two liang of sugar ration coupons into the passbook, which finally brought a reluctant smile to the teller’s face.
After depositing the money into her passbook, she stepped out of the bank and breathed a deep sigh of relief.
Summer days were long, and even at six o’clock, the sun was still high in the sky. It was rush hour, and unlike the quiet afternoon, the streets were now bustling with people and the constant ringing of bicycle bells.
The state-run grocery store was so packed there was hardly room to stand. She had originally planned to buy some soybeans, but that idea was abandoned—it was impossible to squeeze inside. She decided to check out the nearby state-run restaurant instead, as there would be no dinner waiting for her at home.
The state-run restaurant was filled with noisy customers. The servers shouted order numbers at the top of their lungs, their faces flushed with urgency, occasionally cursing under their breath.
Seeing that sautéed fish slices were available, Zhan Lin ordered a portion, along with a serving of scallion-braised tofu. After taking her number, she turned to find a seat. With no empty tables, she didn’t hesitate to share one with a mother and her child.
After finishing her meal, she stepped outside to find the sky painted with sunset clouds, a breathtaking crimson glow stretching across the horizon. Pushing her bicycle, she found a spot with a good view and admired the scene for a while.
So beautiful!
It was time to return to Qigu Xiang. Zhan Lin shouldered her bag and mounted her bicycle.
As the sun set, the breeze turned cool, refreshing against her skin. The road was crowded with people and vehicles, so she didn’t dare ride too fast. Her fingers rested lightly on the brakes, her eyes fixed ahead while keeping watch on her surroundings.
To get to Nancaishikou, she had to cross the street, so she simply got off her bike. After crossing the road and weaving through the dense crowd, she mounted her bicycle again. But just two or three minutes into her ride, a series of sharp, jarring bell rings sounded from behind.
A brand-new 28-inch bicycle swept past her like a gust of wind. She gripped the handlebars tightly, her shoulders tensing up.
When she saw who was riding so recklessly, Zhan Lin was somewhat surprised—Zhang Lihe? What’s more, Zhang Lihe had Cen Jin perched on the rear rack.
Cen Jin, sitting sideways, clung desperately to the rack, stiff with tension, yet she refused to touch Zhang Lihe. She gave Zhan Lin an apologetic smile and opened her mouth to tell Zhang Lihe to slow down, but before she could utter a word, he slammed on the brakes.
With a screech, Zhang Lihe felt the warmth from behind bump into him. He grinned crookedly, released the brakes, and pedaled even harder.
Zhan Lin cursed inwardly—what a reckless fool, riding so fast with someone on the back, he’s really asking for trouble. Watching the two of them disappear into the crowd, her feelings were complicated.
How had Cen Jin’s attitude toward Zhang Lihe changed so much in just one afternoon?
But just seven or eight minutes later, she saw the two of them again. At the entrance of Xiaoguanqiao Hutong, Cen Jin waved as she watched Zhang Lihe leave, while he kept glancing back every few steps.
Could they be any more obvious? As if there’s no one else on the street? Where are the red armbands when you need them? Zhan Lin felt goosebumps rise. The two she had seen that afternoon on Xinhua Lu Dong hadn’t been like this.
She didn’t want to watch, but she had to pass through Xiaoguanqiao Hutong.
Zhang Lihe finally rode off reluctantly on his bicycle, and Cen Jin’s expression changed in an instant as she turned to look at the narrow alley across the street. Feeling awkward, Zhan Lin pushed her bike out of the alley.
Cen Jin withdrew her gaze and turned into the hutong.
Zhan Lin looked up at the sky—it was already growing dark. She crossed the street and followed into Xiaoguanqiao Hutong. Whether intentionally or not, Cen Jin’s pace was slow, and Zhan Lin caught up with her in no time.
“Zhang Lihe can’t get you a job.”
Cen Jin glanced back at Zhan Lin, expressionless, and continued walking. “I heard from Zhang Lihe that you’re married?”
“Yes.” There was no denying it. Zhan Lin smiled bitterly. “Want to congratulate me?”
“Marrying someone you love is indeed worth congratulating.” Cen Jin slowed her pace again, walking on Zhan Lin’s left side. “Will you leave Weiyang City and go to Qian Sheng to reunite with Ning Yunshu?”
After a few seconds of silence, Zhan Lin turned to look at Cen Jin. “Are you after my job?”
It seemed the little princess had grown up too. Cen Jin smiled, grabbed the handlebars of Zhan Lin’s bicycle, and nudged her toward the narrow path ahead.
“You said it yourself—Zhang Lihe can’t get me a job, so I have to find another way.”
“So you’ve set your sights on me?” Zhan Lin shot her an annoyed glare. “What makes you think I’d give you my job?”
Cen Jin: “Zhang Lihe’s father, Zhang Derun, is from Hongqi Gongshe in Taishan Xian, Cangzhou, Ji Sheng. He came to Weiyang City in 1952 and, through an introduction, started working as an accountant at the power plant. In 1953, his wife, Shi Lanhua, followed him into the city. In 1957, Shi Lanhua began working as a salesclerk at the department store. At the end of 1957, Zhang Derun brought his three daughters and one son into the city. Over the next eleven years, his three daughters either landed good jobs before getting married or secured decent work immediately after marriage.”
All of this, Zhan Lin knew. Not just her, many of the older workers at the power plant were aware as well, but she still listened intently. Her intuition told her that Cen Jin wouldn’t bring this up without a reason.
Cen Jin didn’t disappoint her: “Zhang Derun also had a younger brother named Zhang Deyang. During the famine in ’59, he went into the mountains to hunt and was killed by wolves. His wife and children—can you guess where they are now?”
This, Zhan Lin truly didn’t know. She only knew that Zhang Derun had a younger brother who was killed by wolves.
“In Weiyang City?”
A pretty accurate guess. Cen Jin continued, “Zhang Deyang’s wife, Feng Yuhuan, brought her three sons and two daughters to Weiyang City in ’63. After settling here, she started working as a warehouse keeper at Baoyuan Shipin Chang.”
“At the beginning of ’64, Feng Yuhuan’s eldest son entered the electromechanical factory. By the end of the year, her second daughter was assigned to work as a statistician at the grain station. The third son apprenticed under a master to learn driving and became a formal employee of the municipal transportation department in the first month of ’66. Feng Yuhuan’s youngest daughter, Zhang Meiqi—do you know her?”
Should she know her? Zhan Lin shook her head. “No.”
Cen Jin: “Besides the director, the Shi Ge Hui has three deputy directors: Huang Baishan, Kang Danian, and Jin Dongyang. Kang Danian’s wife died three years ago. A year later, he remarried—to Zhang Meiqi.”
A deputy director of the Shi Ge Hui? Zhan Lin was extremely sensitive to this: “I’ve never heard that Zhang Derun’s family had relatives in Weiyang City.”
“That’s exactly why you haven’t heard.” Cen Jin blinked and tilted her head slightly, keeping an eye on their surroundings. “Zhang Derun’s family lives in the east of the city, while Feng Yuhuan’s family settled in the west. As long as they were careful, outsiders wouldn’t know they came from the same family.”
True enough. Zhan Lin wondered, “If outsiders wouldn’t know, then how did you find out?”
Cen Jin smiled. “Caiwa Changjie. My mother left me and my brother a total of 276 yuan and 80 cents. I spent 90 yuan to hire someone to investigate the Zhang family. The person was very experienced. I just mentioned the Geweihui, and they quickly zeroed in on Zhang Meiqi, following the trail until they uncovered everything.”
Caiwa Changjie had been a chaotic place even before the founding of the country, a mix of all sorts of people. After the founding, it became relatively quiet, but the people living there didn’t change much. Most of those who had been active there before the founding still stayed in the area afterward.
Zhan Lin: “You knew all along that the person blocking your job assignment was Zhang Lihe.”
“Yes, even before I received my graduation certificate, I knew he was behind it.” Cen Jin’s eyes grew dark and unreadable.
“From the day I entered Weiyang Finance and Accounting, I had been looking forward to my job assignment. To secure a good job after graduation, I ranked first in every subject. I counted the days one by one, finally waiting for the job assignment, only for the school office to tell me that my father’s background was problematic.”
“After repeated questioning, I found out that a teacher who taught basic mechanical principles had studied in the Soviet Union and was denounced in ’67. My father was the top student among the several batches taught by that teacher and the only one who entered a machinery factory and rose to become an engineer.”
“Because of this, they concluded that my father had a close relationship with that teacher. My father died in ’64. From ’64 to this year, six years had passed, and no one had ever questioned his background. But just as I was about to graduate and receive my job assignment, it suddenly surfaced.”
Although Cen Jin’s family didn’t live in the Sanhuaguo Jiedao area, Zhan Lin had heard some things about her family.
Her father passed away from illness, and his job was taken over by her uncle. Later, her mother fell ill, and her aunt stepped in as a substitute. When her mother died, the job naturally became her aunt's.
She also had a younger brother who reached school age but was kept at home year after year to look after her eldest cousin's children. When the neighborhood committee came to inquire, the whole family claimed the child simply didn’t want to go to school.
"Anyone who blocks my job assignment after graduation is my mortal enemy." Cen Jin walked up to Zhan Lin and rested one hand on the bicycle handlebars. "Your father was arrested this morning."
Zhan Lin hummed softly, her tone devoid of emotion. "Gao Po Xie. Caught in the act."
Cen Jin said, "I’ve laid out the story of 'The Zhang Family’s Move to the City' in such detail, and you have no other thoughts?"
Zhan Lin wasn’t foolish—she understood perfectly. "Zhang Derun, the head of the power plant’s finance department, isn’t clean."
Good that she knew. Cen Jin looked at Zhan Lin. Before today, she had never imagined having much to do with this little princess. But just now, the little princess had come knocking on her own.
"Zhang Derun’s salary is fixed. His wife moved to the city in 1953 and got a job in 1957. That means before 1957, only Zhang Derun among the six members of his family had an urban household registration. Supporting six mouths on one salary, yet he still managed to secure a good job for his wife."
"In 1959, during the famine, his younger brother risked going into the mountains to find a way out, which shows that before 1959, Zhang Derun didn’t provide much support to his hometown. After that, he single-handedly supported both branches of the family."
"Feng Yuhuan’s youngest son was born after his father’s death. From 1959 to 1961, no one in the Zhang family starved to death. Zhang Derun’s father died at the end of 1962 after breaking his back, and his mother passed away in her sleep in the spring of 1963."
"In 1963, after Feng Yuhuan brought her five children to the city, she immediately moved into a small, independent courtyard and started working right away. This means the housing and job were arranged even before she came to the city. A few days ago, I went to the west side of the city. Feng Yuhuan, at 41, has hands that are delicate and fair—clearly, she’s never done heavy or hard labor."
"Her eldest son got married on the 12th of last month, and at the beginning of this month, he was allocated an apartment of over 40 square meters."
"One thing after another, one sum of money after another." Cen Jin leaned in closer to Zhan Lin. "I’ve created a ledger for their family."
How do smart people’s minds work? Zhan Lin was very interested in that ledger. "And then?"
"And then…" Cen Jin lowered her voice even further. "After I visit Zhang Lihe’s home, I’ll know roughly how much discrepancy there is between their family’s income and their accounts."
Zhan Lin asked, "Can you really figure that out?"
"Before the Zhang family moved to the city, they were poor peasants. After moving, their income on paper is fixed." Cen Jin was confident. "I graduated from Weiyang Accounting School with the top score."
After hesitating for a moment, Zhan Lin asked, "Then can you tell me how much discrepancy you’ve calculated so far?"
"You shouldn’t be asking me that." Cen Jin smiled. "You should ask me why, at this moment—right after your father was arrested—I’m telling you about the Zhang family."
Zhan Lin understood. "Why?"
Cen Jin was pleased she took the hint. "If I were Zhang Derun, with a capable nephew-in-law in the Shi Ge Hui, I’d definitely seize this opportunity to cover up some accounts."
"Your father is in custody now, your family is like fish on a chopping block. 'Gao Po Xie'—personal conduct issues—don’t involve many people, they just sound bad. But taking advantage of your position to embezzle factory funds? That could easily lead not only to eating 'Mu Cang Zi' but also affect your relatives' work connections."
"So as long as it’s not excessive, your family will pay up. As for your father, he might not die at the 'Shi Ge Hui,' but once he leaves, accidents can happen. Once he’s dead, some things will be swept under the rug."
It really was. Zhan Lin glanced unabashedly at Cen Jin’s forehead. With so many clever people in the world, why couldn’t there be one more like her?
"Want some candy?"
Cen Jin was taken aback, watching as Zhan Lin pulled three pieces of White Rabbit milk candy from her bag. Almost instantly, tears welled up in her eyes. Since her father passed away, the sweetest days she’d lived were the year she shared a desk with the little princess. The little princess had grown up, but she was still the same little princess who always carried candy in her bag.
She didn’t feel embarrassed and replied, "Yes."
Zhan Lin handed her two pieces: "One for you, one for your brother."
"Thank you!" Cen Jin accepted them, putting one away in her pocket.
Zhan Lin said, "I can’t give you my job."
Hearing this, Cen Jin paused while unwrapping the candy.
"Accountant and cashier at the 'Xinhua Lu Xi Zhaodaisuo.'" Zhan Lin, afraid she’d get upset, quickly added, "I think this job suits you better."
Cen Jin looked up, eyes bright: "You’re not lying?"
Zhan Lin: "I’m not lying."
Still somewhat disbelieving, Cen Jin confirmed again: "Really?"
Zhan Lin: "Really."
"I have to stay in the city." Cen Jin leaned in closer, letting Zhan Lin see her determination. "When it comes to work, I can’t afford to lose. If I lose, my brother and I are done for life. I’m only 18, and my brother isn’t even 10 yet. I refuse to accept that. I must secure a job, take my brother away from those jackals, and live a good life."
Zhan Lin understood her situation: "If you’re worried, you can come with me to 'Yuanqian Hutong' right now. I’ll give you the job referral letter." Better to give it to Cen Jin than let Xu Yanlai benefit.
"No need for that. Even if I get the referral letter now, Zhang Lihe could easily interfere." Cen Jin was rational. "Keep it safe for me. I’ll come get it from you."
"Suit yourself." Zhan Lin pushed her away slightly—she was breathing right in her face. "How are you planning to go to Zhang Lihe’s house?"
"I have my ways. You don’t need to know." Cen Jin unwrapped the candy and ate it. "It’s getting dark. I’ll walk you out of the alley."
"Alright." Zhan Lin didn’t ask further.
"This afternoon, when I went to 'Wujing Lu' with Zhang Lihe, I saw your mother at 'Dao Bamen.' She talked with a woman wearing a floral headscarf for two or three minutes, then rode off on her bike. After your mother left, that woman looked around."
Cen Jin greeted a neighbor, then turned back: "Qin Xiaoqin’s son, Shi Xiangying—have you met him?"
Not in this lifetime, but in the previous one. Zhan Lin shook her head: "Why?"
Cen Jin walked backward: "The name Shi Xiangying really fits."
Got it. Zhan Lin: "Ambitious and determined, right?"
"Do you even know how to use idioms?" Cen Jin turned around. "Shi Xiangying appears gentle and refined on the surface, but underneath, he’s fiercely competitive."
"Sounds a lot like my dad."
"Nonsense."
Exiting the alley brought them to Qixia Lu. Zhan Lin had already stepped onto her bike pedal but couldn't help turning back to remind Cen Jin, "Zhang Lihe's family aren't easygoing people. Be very careful—don't get yourself killed."
"Don't worry, I won't. With such a great job waiting for me, I'm really cherishing my life right now. I even want to treat you to candy someday."
"Alright then, I'm heading home."
Zhan Lin stepped on the pedal but was held back. She turned to see the rear seat being pulled.
She smiled, "Is there something else?"
Cen Jin said, "On the night of the 15th, Shi Xiangying went to Old Lady Feng’s house in the back-facing room at No. 11 Courtyard in Nancaishikou and bought 10 yuan worth of Huanqingxiang."
What? It took Zhan Lin several seconds to process what she was saying. "In the middle of the night, you know what happened several miles away from your home?"
She hadn’t wanted to say it earlier precisely because she was afraid Zhan Lin would ask this. Cen Jin let go of her hand, "When he came to buy the medicine, I was in the inner room of Old Lady Feng’s house."
Zhan Lin said, "You went to Nancaishikou in the middle of the night…"
"It’s getting dark, you should hurry home." Cen Jin turned and jogged away.
Author's Note: