“Seeing you all like this makes me want to find a partner too.”
These words were spoken by Li Juan.
She smiled bitterly: “I’m getting older. If I don’t find someone soon, I’m afraid I never will. I wouldn’t mind someone from the village—I’m not afraid of hardship, but I am afraid of entrusting myself to the wrong person.”
At this, the atmosphere in the courtyard grew somewhat heavy.
In truth, it wasn’t just Li Juan who was anxious; Liu Linlin was too.
Even the male educated youths, who were also around twenty-five or twenty-six, felt the same way.
Song Wei asked them, “Would you rather return to the city or get married and settle down?”
“If we could go back, who wouldn’t want to?”
Though city life might have its own drawbacks, they were all educated people with broadened horizons. Spending their entire lives in the countryside, toiling under the sun with a future that stretched out predictably and bleakly, was simply too agonizing.
“Then wait a little longer.”
To be honest, Song Wei couldn’t quite remember exactly when the college entrance exam was restored. She only knew it should happen within the next few years.
Setting aside this heavy topic, everyone cheered up and moved on to other discussions.
Amid the lively chatter, Li Juan finished preparing the filling.
Song Wei thanked her and returned to Lin Zhen’s home. The dough had risen nicely by then, so she began making the buns.
This was something she knew how to do, and the buns she made were not only large, pleasing to the eye, and plump but also had a chewy, satisfying texture.
Hei Dan helped with stoking the fire, and the two of them worked busily together.
By the time the buns and steamed buns were ready, Lin Zhen was almost awake.
He had slept for three hours.
Though the dark circles under his eyes hadn’t completely faded, he looked much more refreshed.
Song Wei was just transferring the buns and steamed buns into a large basin.
Hei Dan went to serve the mushroom sauce.
Even if they only had steamed buns, dipping them in the mushroom sauce would make them delicious.
“You’re awake—just in time for dinner.”
The warmth from the kang bed made the room much cozier than outside. On the table, a enamel basin the size of a washbasin was filled to the brim with buns and steamed buns, each taking up half the space.
There were still more in the steamer.
But the three of them could easily finish this basin.
In this weather, the leftovers would keep for two days without any problem.
The three of them ate with hearty appetites, tacitly enjoying the meal.
“The higher-ups have told us to leave the royal tomb alone for now. The same goes for the snake—keep the information under wraps.”
Song Wei nodded. “That’s good.”
She had no particular obsession with wealth, jewels, or grand fortunes, so she naturally felt no curiosity about the contents of the royal tomb.
Since the giant snake showed no intention of harming anyone, it was best not to provoke it.
“I think things are about to change.”
Song Wei’s eyes sparkled as she looked at him. “Tell me, what’s going on?”
“My former superior told me that the higher-ups have already begun cracking down hard on that organization.”
As he spoke, a sharp glint flashed in Lin Zhen’s eyes. Once that organization fell, the country’s development would no longer be suppressed or sabotaged.
Over the years, many people had been persecuted by them. Soon, very soon, order would be restored.
“Also, the college entrance exam will likely be restored soon.”
He had learned a bit about the exam from Song Wei and knew it was only a matter of time before it was reinstated.
He estimated it would happen within the next couple of years.
“You can give a hint to those you trust at the educated youth center. Just make sure the news doesn’t spread.”
Song Wei had a good relationship with the educated youths at the educated youth center. Without hope, they might indeed have settled for marrying someone or hastily entering into marriage.
“Alright, I’ll talk to them tonight.”
Those who remained at the educated youth center were all well-behaved. As for people like Luo Yecheng, Xu Laidi, and Zhao Yuyin, they had brought trouble upon themselves and been arrested. It was uncertain whether they would even be released by the time the college entrance exam was restored.
By evening, Song Wei still had to return to the educated youth center to sleep.
After returning, she gathered everyone in the room with the communal bed.
“I have something to tell you, but after tonight, not a word of this can be shared.”
Seeing how serious Song Wei was, the others grew nervous.
“The college entrance exam will be restored soon, likely within the next two years. So, don’t think about finding a partner anymore. Use this time to study hard, so you won’t regret it later.”
Whether male or female educated youths, without a solid emotional foundation, those with weak moral compasses or less conscience might marry now. But if the exam were restored, whether they passed or not, it would not bode well for their partners.
Those who passed might abandon their partners or children and leave.
Even those who didn’t pass would eventually return to the city, and many would similarly abandon their partners and children.
This would be bad for everyone involved.
Even those with a sense of responsibility, who wouldn’t divorce, would inevitably face conflicts due to long-distance separation.
So, unless there was someone they truly loved, it was best not to entangle themselves with anyone here before leaving.
Song Wei’s words landed like a bomb, stunning the educated youths into silence.
“Wh-what did you say…”
Bai Yunjiao’s voice trembled as she spoke.
The others were no better, their eyes fixed intently on Song Wei, afraid they had misheard her.
Song Wei repeated herself.
“You heard correctly. Lin Zhen told me this. Remember, don’t let this get out.”
As soon as she finished speaking, Li Juan covered her mouth, weeping with joy.
None of them doubted the truth of Song Wei’s words.
For the educated youths, this was undoubtedly the best news they could have received.
Of course, this news didn’t affect Gao Le and Zhao Su as much, but they were still happy for the others.
After the initial excitement subsided, they looked at Song Wei with gratitude.
“Thank you, Song Zhiqing. Truly, thank you.”
They finally saw a glimmer of hope, a reason to persevere.
Song Wei said, “Work hard, all of you.”
“Song Zhiqing, once we find textbooks and study materials, why don’t you study with us?”
Song Wei rubbed her nose. “Ah… that won’t be necessary for me.”
The others looked at her in surprise.
“Is it because of Lin Zhen?”
Song Wei quickly waved her hands. “No, you’ve misunderstood. I’m just not cut out for studying.”
She shrugged. “You know how they say ‘simple-minded, strong-limbed’? Well, compared to studying, I prefer the thrill of hunting in the mountains. And compared to the city, I prefer the feeling of being able to find food easily here in the countryside, surrounded by mountains.”
Though city life had its advantages, Song Wei preferred the countryside.
Rural work was tough and exhausting, but no one knew how much Song Wei loved the sense of harvest it brought.
And to her, the work wasn’t tiring at all.
Song Wei had no desire to move to the city. Instead, she dreamed of one day contracting vast stretches of mountains and fields, growing more delicious food, and filling granaries to the brim. That sense of abundance was what truly satisfied her and kept her at peace.
However, her ideal might seem somewhat unconventional to people nowadays.
Song Wei rubbed her nose again. “You all focus on your studies. I’ve already figured out what I want to do in the future.”
Li Juan said, “As long as you’ve thought it through and won’t regret it later, that’s what matters. We only have the college entrance exam as a way out, but you’re different.”
They wanted to leave and return to the city, but Song Wei—even if she stayed in the countryside—lived better than most city dwellers.
Leave a Reply