Guo Youning watched her father's flustered expression, her momentary emotion fading away.
She chuckled and said, "Just teasing you! Your daughter is clever enough to thrive in the countryside. I'll become an outstanding Educated Youth—just wait for my good news."
Guo Aiguo tapped her forehead affectionately. "Still so mischievous at your age, always keeping me on edge."
Then he spoke earnestly, "I believe you can endure it. But there's one thing I must emphasize: never wander alone in the countryside, don't casually accept favors from male comrades, and above all, don't rush into marriage carelessly. You must protect yourself."
Guo Youning committed his words to heart, nodding seriously. "Don't worry, I'll be cautious. I'm still young and in no hurry to marry—my standards are high anyway. Just rest assured and wait for my return to the city."
She knew that even if her family couldn't secure her a job, once the college entrance exams resumed in four years, she would return triumphantly.
Guo Aiguo grunted firmly. "You will return!"
With serious matters concluded, they hastily ended their walk.
Back home, she received gifts from the others.
Her eldest sister gave her ten yuan and a beautiful hairpin, while her eldest brother gifted ten yuan and a Hero Brand fountain pen.
Though just ten yuan and small presents, they were exceptionally precious.
Their entire salaries had to be handed over, with Ms. Tang Xin allowing only two yuan monthly pocket money—saving up this much had been no easy feat.
Her younger brother's gift was rather peculiar: a foot-long wooden rod, polished to a glossy sheen and surprisingly heavy.
He proudly explained, "Second Sister, this is my secret weapon. It's been with me for three years, and I've never lost a fight wielding it. Today, I solemnly pass it to you. If anyone bullies you in the countryside, use it to fight back—guaranteed invincibility!"
Guo Youning gave him a thumbs-up, accepting it with amused exasperation. "Thank you, Great Warrior Guo! Your second sister will surely honor its might!"
Guo Youran, placing one hand behind his back and stroking his chin with the other, nodded approvingly. "My heart is content. May Second Sister carry forward the legacy of this Mystic!"
"Mystic" it was, then. Everyone burst into laughter, realizing her younger brother had quite the performative personality.
Guo Youting pushed him aside impatiently. "Little Brother, why boast about a mere stick? Move aside—I have something better for Second Sister."
Guo Youran muttered discontentedly, "Little Sister knows nothing of quality! This is made of walnut wood—impossible to find!"
Ignoring him, Guo Youting proudly pulled from her pocket a bottle filled with crimson liquid.
"Second Sister, this weapon is extremely potent. I did a week's worth of homework for a classmate to trade for these Devil Peppers. If you encounter troublemakers, splash this on their faces—it'll guarantee victory. You must protect yourself, Second Sister. A tragedy like what happened to Xiao Fang will never befall you."
Tears welling in her eyes, Guo Youning accepted it. So they all understood what the original host had feared—even her younger siblings were silently protecting her. Her family had given their utmost sincerity to "her," to herself.
She replied softly, "Thank you, Tingting. I promise to return safe and sound."
"I believe you, Second Sister!"
After the gift-giving, Tang Xin led her to the master bedroom.
She handed her a dozen or so small bills. "Ningning, keep these one-yuan, dime, and cent notes in your bag for pocket money. Hide the ten-yuan bills in the secret compartment. Remember what Mom said—never show off your money. Keep a low profile in the countryside too. It's not about fearing thieves, but about not giving them ideas."
"Don't mind my nagging. Our top priority in the countryside is taking care of yourself. If you can't handle farm work, do less. Don't take gossip to heart—dignity isn't worth much."
"We're not relying on work points to get by. If the food is bad, find chances to eat at the State-Owned Restaurant. Wait for Mom and Dad to find a way to bring you back."
Guo Youning took the money and nodded obediently. "Don't worry, Mom. I've memorized everything you said."
Tang Xin looked at her now cheerful daughter with red-rimmed eyes full of reluctance. She stroked her braids affectionately. "Mm, Mom trusts you. Rest early tonight to build up your energy. The long train ride will be exhausting."
Guo Youning obediently returned to her room.
After washing up, she chatted with her sisters until she fell asleep.
Before dawn, she was woken up. The family hurried through breakfast, carrying bags and suitcases, escorting her to the train station.
Guo Youning dreaded goodbyes. In just a few days, she'd developed deep bonds with her family, as if they'd always been together—truly magical.
When they arrived at the station, the train was already waiting; this was the departure station.
Taking advantage of the sparse crowd, they quickly boarded. Her family passed two large bags and a suitcase through the window, settling them just before departure time.
Guo Youning leaned to the window, suppressing her sorrow, forcing a smile. "There's a surprise I left for you on the bedroom bed. Remember to check."
"I'll write as soon as I arrive. You should head back now, or you'll be late for work and school."
Just then, the conductor announced over the loudspeaker: "The train from Beijing to Heilongjiang Province is departing soon. Please ensure safety and maintain distance, comrades seeing off loved ones!"
Tang Xin wiped her tears and urged again, "Ningning, take care of yourself!"
Guo Aiguo's eyes were also red. "Do less farm work. Dad will send money to support you!"
Her siblings shouted concerned words too, but the train was already clattering away, making their voices indistinct.
Slowly, their figures blurred, and their waving hands disappeared…
Thus, Guo Youning embarked on her new journey, carrying her family's blessings and advice.
She wiped tears she hadn't realized had covered her face, composed herself, and observed the passengers beside and across from her.
One girl and two boys, around her age, likely all Educated Youth like her being sent to the countryside.
Their train tickets had all been purchased uniformly by the educated youth office.
The girl directly opposite wore a semi-new Bulaji Dress, her delicate features lending a touch of cuteness.
The boy diagonally across had sharp eyebrows and bright eyes accentuated by a green military uniform, giving him an air of distinction.
The boy beside her was much plainer—faded, patched blue work clothes hung on his thin frame, sunken cheeks suggesting severe malnutrition, paired with a lost gaze, he looked rather pitiful.
As Guo Youning observed them, they were also sizing her up.
The girl across fluttered her large eyes and spoke first. "Hello everyone, I'm Li Wanrou, 18, from Beicheng District, heading to Ping'an Commune in Changning County, Heilongjiang Province for re-education."
"I heard most people in this carriage are Educated Youth assigned to Heilongjiang. Where are you all posted?"
The boy in military uniform sitting beside her chimed in, "Hello everyone, I'm Liao Hanjie, 19 years old, also assigned to Ping'an Commune."
Guo Youning followed with her introduction: "Guo Youning from Nancheng, almost 18, assigned to the same rural area as you."
And that was it. The boy beside her lowered his head, picking at the calluses on his hands, completely detached from the situation.