Deng Xiaojun was much more enthusiastic, standing beside her with concern. "I heard you were sick. Our classmates wanted to visit you together. Soon we'll all be going our separate ways—hardly any of our group found jobs, most will have to go to the countryside."
Guo Youning initially didn't want to engage with him, but seeing the sincerity in his eyes and genuine care, she felt obliged to respond politely. "Thank you for your concern. I've mostly recovered, so there's no need for visits. I'll be leaving for Heilongjiang the day after tomorrow."
Deng Xiaojun's face showed reluctance. "My dad got me a temporary job at the Meatpacking Plant cleaning pig organs. Surrounded by weird smells all day, it's pure torture! I'd rather go to the countryside with you all."
Guo Youning imagined his work scene and nearly laughed. Was there any job worse than this? No wonder he carried a faint fishy odor.
She subconsciously rubbed her nose, corners of her mouth lifting as she comforted him, "Having a job that lets you stay in Beijing is better than anything. Don't be so picky. Besides, there might be transfer opportunities later. Once you go to the countryside, who knows when you'll get to return? You might spend your whole life farming under the sun. You should be content."
A flicker of surprise crossed Deng Xiaojun's eyes. He wondered how someone who usually blushed after saying a few words could now talk so fluently. Could an illness and impending rural assignment really change a person's nature?
With departure looming, there was no time to dwell. His gaze dimmed as he stepped closer, lowering his voice. "No need to queue here—there's hardly any meat left at the stall. By your turn, it'll be gone. Come with me to the Meatpacking Plant; I know how to get meat. Since we're about to part, we can chat while walking."
She felt slightly tempted but worried about causing trouble. Still, it was better to clear up matters between young hearts rather than lead anyone on.
Guo Youning nodded and followed him out of the queue, heading toward the nearby Meatpacking Plant.
They maintained a two-foot distance until reaching an empty street where Deng Xiaojun mustered courage and asked shyly, "Will you write to me after you go to the countryside? I'll wait for you."
Guo Youning studied him carefully—about 175cm tall, slender build, decent looks, cheerful personality with a bookish delicacy. Not her type.
She preferred broad-shouldered, narrow-waisted men with long legs, sharp features, preferably eight-pack abs, radiating sunny energy.
Not wanting entanglement with an immature boy, she gave two dry laughs. "We've been classmates for years—staying in touch is natural. But no need to wait. I don't know if I'll ever return. Don't waste your youth."
Deng Xiaojun's eyes reddened at the edges in agitation. Stammering, he said, "I… I just want to wait for you. I… I like you!"
Blushing, he pulled a Hero brand fountain pen from his pocket and tried to press it into her hand.
Guo Youning quickly stepped back—she wasn't one for ambiguity.
Waving her hands decisively, she stated plainly, "Stop! If you still consider me a good friend, take back both the pen and those words. Otherwise I'm leaving right now."
Stunned by her firm rejection and immediate turn to leave, Deng Xiaojun stood confused. Hadn't she shown interest before? How could this happen? Had he misinterpreted? Been presumptuous?
Deeply hurt, he hung his head and unwillingly tugged her sleeve. "We used to be so close, so in sync. How could you change so suddenly?"
Though Guo Youning didn't want to crush his young heart, beating around the bush wasn't her style.
"What is tacit understanding?" I've always been devoted to studying and saw you as a brother. If you won't accept being my younger brother, then let's just go our separate ways!"
Seeing how resolute and unwavering she was, Deng Xiaojun felt his heart turn cold.
It seemed he really had been wishful thinking. Suppressing his sadness, he choked out: "Fine, brothers it is. But I'm older, so I'll be the older brother."
Guo Youning pulled her sleeve back and patted his shoulder cheerfully. "Alright, older brother it is. So, Brother Xiaojun, are you still taking me to buy meat? If not, I'm leaving."
Deng Xiaojun had always liked the gentle, shy Guo Youning who would blush before speaking. Seeing her so straightforward now suddenly shifted his perspective, as if he was truly seeing her for the first time. That hazy affection slowly began to fade.
He suddenly felt that being brothers was the right choice after all. Reviving his spirits, he declared boldly: "Do I seem like someone who goes back on his word? Hurry up and keep up."
Guo Youning discovered another one of Deng Xiaojun's virtues – he was flexible and didn't get stuck on things.
The two then chatted about classmates, teachers, going to the countryside… hitting it off quite well. She even managed to get information about a black market where incense and candles could be bought from him.
More friends really did mean more opportunities. Ten minutes later, they arrived at the back door of the Meatpacking Plant.
Deng Xiaojun warmly greeted the old gatekeeper, skillfully offered him a cigarette, and they smoothly entered.
As soon as they stepped into the factory area, the strong smell of animal hair and blood hit them. The factory buildings were well-constructed, suggesting this was a decent workplace. As long as one could get used to the smell, the prospects were promising, and there would be no shortage of meat to eat.
Deng Xiaojun led her to a small room. Upon entering, he first distributed cigarettes, then obediently called out: "Master Li, my good master, you've got to spare me some meat today. My classmate has an urgent need."
A burly, bald middle-aged man in his forties readily accepted the cigarette and laughed: "I've drunk plenty of your liquor and smoked plenty of your cigarettes. It's rare for you to ask for a favor. In front of such a pretty classmate, your master won't embarrass you."
He turned to size up Guo Youning, a gleam of curiosity in his eyes, and said meaningfully: "This young lady is quite a beauty. I still have two jin of premium pork belly, two pig's feet, and one set each of large and small intestines. What would you like?"
Guo Youning's eyes lit up. "Can I buy it all?"
She wasn't short on money or coupons, and such a good opportunity shouldn't be missed. However, she couldn't just take advantage without giving something in return.
After speaking, she took out a pack of Daqianmen cigarettes from the basket she carried – actually smuggled out from her spatial warehouse.
Guo Youning politely handed it to Master Li. "Thank you for your trouble!"
Seeing she was someone who knew how things worked, Master Li felt particularly pleased. It didn't matter who he sold these reserved meats to, but getting a free pack of Daqianmen worth over thirty cents was a huge win.
He thought to himself that this girl was worth dealing with – even more generous than Xiaojun, offering a whole pack at once.
He pretended to refuse verbally: "How can I let Junzi's classmate spend money!" but his hand swiftly and deftly accepted it – clearly an old hand at this.
With an acquaintance's introduction and cigarettes paving the way, Guo Youning spent two jin of meat coupons and 1.6 yuan to buy two jin of premium pork belly. The pig's feet and intestines didn't require coupons, and he gave them all to her for 1 yuan, even throwing in two large femurs for free.
Guo Youning was very happy. It seemed the family would eat well today.
Before leaving, she slipped another pack of cigarettes to Master Li. The two were getting along so warmly—who wouldn’t like a girl who was pretty, sweet-talking, and knew how to handle things? By then, she was even more popular than Deng Xiaojun.
Their forms of address had changed too—"Uncle Li" and "big niece"—chatting away as if they were old friends.
Guo Youning’s behavior once again reshaped Deng Xiaojun’s understanding of her. Could this slick and worldly person really be the same girl who used to be shy and easily embarrassed?