Suddenly, a stern voice came from behind. Liu Sanliang turned and was startled. “Di-Director Hu?”
Director Hu snorted and ignored Liu Sanliang, walking straight to Lin Xun. His eyes were full of admiration. “You are the Lin Xun comrade who saved Weifeng?”
Director Hu had gone to the county for a meeting today. When he returned, he saw Lin Xun delivering the cow.
At first, he was surprised. Who was this young female comrade with such skill? Only when Secretary Sun called her Xiao Lin did he realize she was the Lin Xun mentioned by Director Chen.
Lin Xun didn’t know how Director Hu knew her, but she nodded. “Yes, that’s me.”
The crowd was even more amazed. They all lived nearby and had heard of Weifeng, the famous dog. They had initially thought Lin Xun was just skilled with cows, not knowing she could also treat dogs.
Director Hu said, “Indeed, Director Chen was right about your skills. Xiao Lin, would you like to work at our veterinary station? With your talent, there’s no need for a trial period. You can be hired as a regular staff member immediately.”
Secretary Sun was stunned. He hadn’t even spoken yet, and Director Hu was already willing to hire Lin Xun as a regular employee.
Normally, people started at the commune as temporary workers and had to be evaluated for a year before becoming permanent.
Permanent workers not only earned better pay, were respected, but also had a guaranteed position for life.
Secretary Sun was thrilled, but Lin Xun shook her head. “Director, thank you for your recognition, but I think the farm suits me better.”
The crowd gasped.
“Xiao Lin, you’re foolish! The commune is much better than the farm!” Secretary Sun exclaimed.
Director Hu realized, “Are you afraid Liu Sanliang will trouble you? Don’t worry. I will have him removed.”
Liu Sanliang was dumbfounded. Just now, Director Hu had ignored him, and he thought he was safe. Now, because Lin Xun didn’t want to work at the commune, Director Hu intended to fire him? Was there any justice left?
“Director Hu, no! I was wrong! I was truly wrong! I won’t do it again. Please forgive me! I apologize to Comrade Lin Xun. Please, forgive me!”
Liu Sanliang shouted desperately, but it was useless. Director Hu had the guard drag him out.
People like Liu Sanliang, who relied on connections and had acted arrogantly for years, were long disliked by Director Hu. No one defended him.
Lin Xun looked at the tearful, snot-filled Liu Sanliang with no pity. People like him got what they deserved.
However, she still did not intend to work at the commune. She had initially been attracted by the better pay, but Liu Sanliang’s interference made her realize that the commune was full of competition and intrigue.
She preferred a quieter place to focus on her veterinary skills, earn money, and prepare for university when the national exams resumed.
She smiled. “Director, I’m sorry. I still think the farm suits me better. But rest assured, if the commune needs me, I will always help.”
Hearing her determination, Director Hu sighed and did not insist. “Alright then. You will work at the farm, but your pay will be at the level of a regular commune employee.”
Lin Xun was shocked. This was no small matter. She could receive the commune salary while earning from her farm work—getting two salaries at once! Incredible.
Director Hu smiled. “Of course it’s real. Let’s finish the paperwork now.”
He was smart. With Lin Xun’s delivery skills, keeping her at the commune and having her teach other veterinarians would drastically reduce livestock mortality. He was eager to show off to the county.
Secretary Sun was also delighted that Lin Xun preferred the farm. She would get double the benefits, meat and grain ration included, making Lin Xun ecstatic.
Meanwhile, Liu Sanliang was left outside, humiliated and stepping in dog feces.
After the paperwork, Lin Xun had planned to go home with Secretary Sun but saw a mule cart approaching.
Huo Yanzhou stopped the cart and walked over. “Everything settled?”
Lin Xun blinked. “How did you come here?”
“The unit gave me a half-day leave. I heard it would snow soon, so I asked Comrade He Yurong, and she said you were at the commune.”
Secretary Sun had already returned. Lin Xun approached the mule, petting the small animal she hadn’t seen for days. “Perfect timing. I start work tomorrow. Huo Yanzhou, teach me to drive the cart?”
Huo Yanzhou nodded. “There’s a slope ahead. I’ll show you on level ground.”
“Great!” Lin Xun climbed on the cart, still happy, wanting to share her joy. She recounted everything that had happened at the commune.
Huo Yanzhou listened quietly, a smile appearing on his lips without his noticing.
When he heard someone had harassed her, his brow furrowed. “What was his name? Liu Sanliang?”
“Yes, but don’t worry. Director Hu has already removed him!” Lin Xun said excitedly. “We are on level ground now. Teach me.”
Huo Yanzhou was about to hand her the reins but hesitated. If she learned to drive, would she not need him anymore?
Seeing her happy expression, a strong reluctance welled up inside him. He instinctively said, “No!”
Lin Xun froze. “No? Why?”
He didn’t know either. That emotion was sudden and strange. Looking at the gloomy sky, he said softly, “There will be a blizzard in the next few days. It’s unsafe for you alone. I will accompany you.”
Yes, after Lin Xun saved Lv Yuzhi’s life, it was natural for him to take care of her. Absolutely normal.
Lin Xun didn’t know that Huo Yanzhou was rationalizing it for himself. She looked at the dark sky and nodded. “Won’t it be too much trouble for you?”
“Don’t worry. I’m not that busy these days.” He quickly changed the topic, asking about Weifeng.
Lin Xun forgot about driving for a moment, recounting the morning’s events. “Can we find out who put the lamb meat in the trap?”
She didn’t know, but adding fishing line to meat was cruelty that needed punishment.
Huo Yanzhou said, “Don’t worry. Chief Chang already knows and will deal with it.”
Later, at the military district, after lunch, Director Chen came to see Lin Xun. She had gathered the military wives in the hall to teach first aid techniques, which they would then pass to their families.
Afterward, Director Chen handed Lin Xun a high-quality piece of beef. “Xiao Xun, you saved Weifeng today and taught everyone. I don’t know how much to give, but take this beef.”
Lin Xun refused. Beef was more expensive than lamb, and this piece was over three jin.
Before she could finish refusing, Director Chen said sternly, “You must take it. Otherwise, I wouldn’t dare ask for your help if anything happens to Weifeng in the future.”
Lin Xun laughed and accepted. “Alright, thank you, Auntie.”
“Don’t call me Director. Call me Auntie.” Director Chen had liked Lin Xun since the wedding banquet and especially after the Weifeng incident.
“Thank you, Auntie,” Lin Xun smiled.
She had found a job today and received beef. She was overjoyed.
Back home, she said, “Let’s have roasted beef today!” Huo Yanzhou had a big appetite. Two people could finish three jin of beef.
Huo Yanzhou was chopping wood in the yard. “Do you want help?”
“No, I can do it myself.”
The fresh beef had no gamey smell. Cut into thick slices, with some chili and sesame for seasoning, it would be perfect with onions from the northwest.
Lin Xun set up the stove, added charcoal, lit it, and placed the pot. The fire licked the pot bottom, and when the beef was added, it sizzled and the aroma filled the air, carried far by the wind.
Next door, children cried, “Mom, I want meat! I want meat!”
Wang Fengzhu looked at the salted vegetables and cornbread, her face darkening. She had been home for the wedding banquet and missed it.
Now she realized the woman who ruined her plans, Lin Xun, was Huo Yanzhou’s new wife.
Wang Fengzhu’s resentment deepened, not only because of Weifeng but because of Huo Yanzhou.
No one knew Wang Fengzhu had long admired Huo Yanzhou, but she also understood he was tall, handsome, and admired by countless female comrades. She was nothing in comparison.
Now it was different. Huo Yanzhou had married Lin Xun, a second-married woman who could not have children.
Wang Fengzhu had always prided herself on giving birth to three healthy boys. Learning Lin Xun could not have children made her even more resentful. She believed no man would accept a woman without children, especially someone like Huo Yanzhou.
She was convinced that Huo Yanzhou had been seduced by Lin Xun’s charm and would eventually abandon her to be with Wang Fengzhu.
Hearing the children cry, Wang Fengzhu’s eyes flickered as she devised a new plan.