As agreed, they would head to Lenghe Town. Old Chen first brought He Liansheng and Qin Ailan there, since work was waiting to begin. Qin Jiao and the others would finish matters in Wulitun before following.
Early in the morning, a military jeep arrived at the village entrance. Chen Bohan was already inside. “Xiao Zhang, drive slowly.”
“Yes, sir!” the young driver replied loudly.
“No need to buy bedding for Comrade He. I have extra at home—you can use it. The assigned house is in the family quarters. I specially got you one next to Brother Qingsong’s place so you can look out for each other.”
He Liansheng simply nodded. He had no particular demands for food or lodging—he had endured far worse environments before.
“The house isn’t big. Conditions are limited, but everyone lives the same.”
Even regiment-level cadres lived in similar small houses—mud walls, tiled roofs that often leaked during heavy rain due to scarce building materials.
As the vehicle left the lush Hongxing County and headed northwest, the greenery gradually disappeared. After passing several checkpoints, the land turned into endless yellow earth.
By evening, they arrived.
The so-called family quarters were simple rows of mud houses arranged neatly. Each household had the same “凸”-shaped layout—one room for living and dining, one bedroom, and a small makeshift kitchen corner.
From every home, dim lights glowed, and the smell of cooking filled the air.
Looking at the small house, something in He Liansheng’s heart softened.
He remembered what Qin Jiao had said—her dream was to bring her grandmother and sister to live together, to have a home of their own, even if it was just two small rooms.
“Xiao He?” A tall man approached—it was Zhao Qingsong.
“Brother Qingsong.”
“Come inside. Stay at my place tonight. We’ll sort yours out tomorrow.”
Inside, the room was modest but tidy, with a table, stools, a portrait on the wall, a calendar, and a clock.
“Conditions are tough now, but it’ll get better. They’ll build brick houses in the future.”
He Liansheng nodded.
Meanwhile, back in Wulitun, Qin Jiao’s family was busy preparing to move.
“Lai Di?” Liao Zhixian appeared at the door.
After some conversation, it became clear he was concerned about Qin Ailan—perhaps even fond of her.
Qin Guihua gently discouraged him. Though he was decent, he had no stable job.
Qin Jiao, however, wasn’t so dismissive—she knew Liao Zhixian had potential.
Just then, Liu Dahuo’s mocking voice came from over the wall—but Qin Jiao quickly shut him up with a threat.
Soon, preparations continued.
The rabbits were distributed—some to Wang Lifen, others to Qin Youdi.
Qin Jiao also arranged for medicinal herbs to be handled properly and entrusted valuable plants like dendrobium to reliable villagers for cultivation.
She encouraged them to plant it, promising future profits.
Though hesitant, they eventually agreed.
Later, Qin Jiao delivered rabbits to her second sister’s home.
“You’re giving them all to me?” Qin Youdi’s eyes lit up.
They talked about Qin Ailan’s new job in the provincial city, and Qin Youdi proudly planned to spread the news.
Before leaving, Qin Youdi secretly gave Qin Jiao money—over twenty yuan.
Back home, Qin Guihua felt touched.
Soon, official transfer papers arrived—they had to leave immediately.
On the 28th, they boarded a train to the provincial capital.
The journey was chaotic—crowded, noisy, exhausting.
Qin Jiao carried a heavy iron pot on her back, squeezed by the crowd like a turtle under pressure.
Qin Guihua carried bedding, struggling to keep balance.
Qin Pan, the youngest, lost her shoe in the crowd.
“Don’t pick it up!” Qin Jiao shouted, fearing they might get separated.
Amid the chaos, they finally reached the station exit.
Then—
Qin Pan suddenly shouted excitedly, “Third sister, someone’s here to pick us up!”
Qin Jiao looked up.
At the exit stood a man in a white shirt, holding a sign that read:
“Qin Jiao, Qin Pan, Qin Guihua.”
Old He had come to meet them.