At this time, the two of them had already arrived home, so there was no need to speak in riddles. Han Lin also didn’t avoid the topic and honestly recounted what had happened to him that day.
The commune’s black market was now divided into two. For safety, Han Lin had gone to the one he was already familiar with.
But once inside, he sensed something was off. There were plenty of people, yet some didn’t look like they were there to buy or sell anything.
So as soon as he entered, Han Lin became more vigilant.
He had mingled in the black market before, so naturally, he had familiar contacts.
He hadn’t planned to stay long. Finding a familiar face to sell his gold nuggets to was the quickest way.
However, when he arrived at his usual spot, those familiar contacts weren’t there. This made Han Lin even more uneasy.
Just as he was pondering, he heard chaotic running noises not far away.
Not wanting to get involved, Han Lin immediately jumped over a wall, planning to use the back path to escape.
But as soon as he landed, a briefcase came tumbling down as well, landing right in front of him.
At first, Han Lin didn’t know what was inside. But since the thing had practically fallen into his hands, he didn’t waste the opportunity.
It wasn’t until he left the black market’s boundary that he opened the case and saw it was full of ration tickets.
After leaving the market area, Han Lin didn’t go far. Instead, he stayed nearby to observe.
Some others had run out behind him, but none had the guts Han Lin did. Once outside, they didn’t dare look back and quickly left.
Only Han Lin stayed to watch.
After more than ten minutes, he saw a few men with red armbands dragging three people out.
Han Lin didn’t recognize them, but from their appearance, they seemed to be the original heads of the black market.
Since that side of the black market had already turned chaotic, Han Lin decided to check out the other one.
Though it was said to be two separate places, in reality, they weren’t very far apart.
Within minutes, Han Lin arrived.
This market was in the back alley of a residential compound. One had to pass through the compound first to reach the alley.
Usually, the compound’s front gate had two guards, while the side door had a small gap that could be pushed open—if one was lucky.
But this time was different.
There were no guards at the front gate, and the inside was completely silent.
Han Lin didn’t enter. Instead, he waited outside patiently. When he saw two men limping out from within, he turned and left.
“This time was just a lucky break, but it seems the black markets won’t be safe to visit anymore.” After saying this, Han Lin lowered his head again to sort through the tickets.
It was his first time seeing such a complete collection. Besides the usual grain and meat ration coupons, there were also industrial vouchers, as well as tickets for bicycles, televisions, sewing machines, and radios.
“This ticket seller really suffered a big loss this time.”
Not to mention the TV and radio coupons, even a bicycle in the department store cost 120 yuan, and a single bicycle ticket on the black market could fetch at least 100 yuan.
Among these tickets were five bicycle coupons, one television coupon, and three each for sewing machines and radios.
If sold, they would bring in quite a bit of money. But clearly, now was not the right time to do so.
“The commune’s black market is this messy… I wonder how things are in the county seat.”
When the two had gone to the county, though it was hectic and busy, they also heard some other news along the way.
Not only had the commune’s top leader changed, but even the head of the county had been reassigned by higher authorities.
“I heard the county head used to be sent down for re-education, but now he’s been promoted.” Though there was no one else at home, Han Lin still lowered his voice when speaking.
Yang Dai raised her brows—this was news she hadn’t heard.
Over the years, many cadres had been sent down to the countryside for reform. Even their Huangzhuang brigade had a few, living in cow sheds, doing the dirtiest and hardest labor, paraded around the village every few days.
And yet, in all these years, not one had managed to return to the city.
For this county head to come back from re-education and immediately become the top official—he must have powerful backers.
Such thoughts crossed both Han Lin and Yang Dai’s minds, but in the end, they chose to snuff out the candle and go to sleep.
After all, a county head was far removed from them.
For now, their struggle was only to keep their daily lives above water.
Since they had slept late, naturally, they didn’t wake up early.
After breakfast, they returned the bicycle to Han’s family.
Mother Han couldn’t help but nag them again, urging them to work diligently.
But Yang Dai truly disliked working in the fields. Even before marriage, she had been inconsistent, working three days and resting two. Since she was impervious to persuasion, Mother Han had no way to deal with her.
Father Han, however, once again kept Han Lin behind. He wanted Han Lin to inherit his craft, so he wouldn’t starve in the future.
“The county’s chemical factory is about to build new dormitories. These next few days, go with me to the Housing Department more often.” Father Han’s tone was serious, but his eyes softened when looking at his son.
Han Lin agreed. Dealing with the Housing Department was better than earning work points in the fields.
Both he and Yang Dai shared the same thought—earning work points in Huangzhuang brigade wasn’t worth it.
In this era, if one wanted to live openly and well, becoming a worker was the best path.
That way, buying things at home wouldn’t have to be done in secret.
Of course, city jobs weren’t easily open to villagers, so connections with the county Housing Department were a rare chance.
After leaving Han’s house, Yang Dai went to the elementary school.
Today was the day the teacher recruitment results were posted. Though she knew she had no chance, she still wanted to see.
When she arrived, a crowd had already gathered in front of the bulletin board.
The school was only hiring two teachers, so the results were posted clearly with big names.
Even from the back of the crowd, Yang Dai spotted them.
The first was Zhu Qingguo, who had already caused a stir during the trial class. The second was a completely unfamiliar name—Xia Ziqing.
Xia Ziqing wasn’t from Huangzhuang brigade but a youth sent down last year.
Everyone immediately started debating, especially about Xia Ziqing.
Before the results, no one—including Yang Dai—thought a sent-down youth had any chance.
The elementary school had recently expanded, taking in students not only from Huangzhuang but from several neighboring brigades.
So when recruiting teachers, they also considered candidates from those brigades. But never sent-down youths.
And yet now, one had been hired as a teacher, sparking widespread dissatisfaction.
But the principal stood firm, insisting Xia Ziqing was a promising teacher and that villagers shouldn’t judge youths by old standards.
“Their household registrations have been transferred to Huangzhuang. They are now part of our brigade.” The principal had great authority, and with him speaking up, tying the matter to hukou, everyone had no choice but to accept.
Standing a little further away, Yang Dai watched the commotion, then turned to leave. She planned to head to her parents’ home.
The job her father had arranged, she had no intention of taking. Harmony at home mattered most, and she was no longer the same Yang Dai as before—she needed to act more sensibly.
“Yang Dai.” A voice called behind her.
She thought it was her nemesis and soon-to-be sister-in-law, Wang Lixia.
But turning back, she realized she was wrong. The caller was Xia Ziqing, with whom she had no connection at all.
“Hello, Comrade Yang Dai. My name is Xia Ziqing. Pleased to meet you.” Xia Ziqing extended a hand.
“I heard you submitted articles to the newspaper. I hope all your wishes come true.” The smile on Xia Ziqing’s face was genuine and warm.
Yang Dai couldn’t figure out why Xia Ziqing would take the initiative to greet her.
But since the other was so friendly, she couldn’t just stay cold.
They walked and talked.
Soon, Xia Ziqing explained his background: from a big city, Shanghai, born to a family of workers. As there were four siblings, one had to go to the countryside, so he volunteered.
He spoke calmly and smoothly, and Yang Dai found the conversation interesting.
Still, she couldn’t understand the sudden goodwill.
No matter how she thought about it, she couldn’t see what qualities of hers Xia Ziqing might value.
But since someone wanted to befriend her, and her reputation was already so poor, she didn’t see any harm in accepting.
When Yang Dai returned home, only her mother was there.
“I heard our brigade is going to bring in tractors from the commune. They’ll need tractor drivers. Tell Han Lin to get ready.”
Being a tractor driver was far better than earning work points in the fields.
“Talk to him, and later approach your father-in-law. While no one else knows about it yet, try to secure this early.” Mother Yang spoke mysteriously, but in her heart, she had already made plans.
After all, Yang’s father had played a role in hearing the news first.
On Han’s side, the eldest son was the team’s accountant, and Father Han himself was close with the brigade leader.
With both families working together, as long as Han Lin didn’t embarrass himself, the tractor driver position would be his.
If he became one, it would be easier than farming, and his reputation would improve.
By then, her daughter would be working at the commune, and the couple’s future would finally look bright.
As a mother, she could stop worrying every day.
But Yang Dai had come back specifically to refuse this job offer.
Just as she opened her mouth, shouts came from outside.
“Yang Dai, someone’s here for you. Come back quickly!”
“They even drove a tractor here—so impressive!”
The messenger left as quickly as they came.
Yang Dai immediately thought of the person she had escorted to the hospital yesterday. She hadn’t expected them to be discharged so soon.
She hurried back home.
Mother Yang, having heard the word “tractor,” wouldn’t be left behind either. Soon, half the brigade was heading toward Yang Dai’s house.