1979: Literary Master, Starting from the Return of Educated Youth

Chapter 102 Traveling with Sister-in-law
"real."

Xu Yuexin said seriously, "It's just that the time is uncertain. It could be tomorrow or twenty years later."

Zhu Chen reacted.

"You are the only one who knows how to talk."

Zhu Chen smiled and said, "When did you start writing?"

Great, successfully made the Queen of Daughters laugh.

"This May."

Xu Yuexin replied.

"Oh? The college entrance examination is in July..."

Thinking of this, Zhu Chen couldn't help but stand in awe.

This means that in just two months, Xu Yuexin not only wrote two excellent works, but also was admitted to Yanjing University.

The two of them talked as they walked, and slowly walked to the outside of the community.

After becoming familiar with each other, Zhu Chen began to talk about his troubles with Xu Yuexin.

"Since the resumption of the college entrance examination, the way schools and employers view us college students has changed."

"I have inquired and this is the case in more than one place. It is said that some units are still preparing to issue regulations, intending to treat us as high school students when promoting and evaluating professional titles in the future."

Zhu Chen spoke in a very calm tone, with no sign of distress on his face.

But Xu Yuexin could clearly feel the worry in her words.

After two dealings, he learned that Zhu Chen went to university before the resumption of the college entrance examination.

At that time, there was no need to take an exam to go to university. Instead, students were admitted based on recommendations from the masses and approval from leaders.

At that time, everyone envied Zhu Chen for being able to go to university, because that way they didn't have to go to the countryside.

People don’t know what to do. Who would have thought that today everything would be turned upside down? Those who were originally envied have encountered troubles, while some of the educated youth who went to the countryside have entered universities for further studies after the college entrance examination was resumed.

Xu Yuexin understood one thing: if someone like Zhu Chen, who originally enjoyed the treatment of a college student in the workplace, was demoted and treated as a high school student one day, then the actual treatment he would receive in the end would certainly be worse than that of a high school student.

Because there is never a shortage of jealous people in the world, and when they see her being downgraded, someone will definitely step forward and step on her.

"Look at the bright side of things. At least you didn't have to go to the countryside to work in the fields in the past few years."

Xu Yuexin comforted him in a gentle voice, "At least there is something to earn."

When people talk about their troubles, sometimes they are not necessarily looking for a solution. Perhaps just a word or two of comfort can make the other person feel much better.

On the contrary, giving solutions without knowing the other party's specific details can easily add new troubles to others.

Because other people also have brains and will try hard to think of a way out.

Since Zhu Chen has not found a way out yet, it means that all the solutions she can think of are subject to the constraints of reality and are not feasible.

Accordingly, there is no need to mention it again.

Just as Xu Yuexin thought, Zhu Chen's lips curled up slightly after hearing his comfort.

"You're right, I should be more optimistic."

"You are so positive, so your mentality must have always been good since you were a child, right?"

"It's OK. When I run into trouble occasionally, I think that society is changing so fast these days, so why should I take it too seriously?"

"Oh? You mean..."

"Well, what I want to say is that as society continues to develop and national policies are introduced, many common problems that have troubled everyone will naturally be resolved. People whose life paths were originally blocked by obstacles will no longer have to worry about the original obstacles because they have new options."

"Natural resolution, a new path to choose..."

After hearing Xu Yuexin's words, Zhu Chen felt something in his heart and repeated it to himself.

Xu Yuexin didn't say anything else, leaving Zhu Chen to reflect on his situation alone.

In silence, the two walked behind the woods outside the community, and there were no other pedestrians around.

"Can you give me an example to explain what you just said?"

In the lush greenery, Zhu Chen asked sincerely, "I just thought carefully about what you said, and I feel like I understand something, but I also don't quite understand it."

At this moment, the look in Zhu Chen's eyes when he looked at Xu Yuexin was not only the initial appreciation, but also admiration.

After the conversation just now, Xu Yuexin is no longer just a writer in her eyes, but also a philosophical life mentor.

"Let me give you an example from real life. Since we were kids, we needed meat coupons to buy meat."

"I don't know how many families have been troubled by that small meat coupon. The meat coupons are not enough, and the elderly give one of their children a meat coupon. The other children have complaints. Some people have connections and can buy fatty meat, while those without connections can only buy lean meat..."

"You've heard of such a thing, haven't you?"

"Yeah. When I was in college, some of my classmates complained about this."

"Then think about it now. Have people been worrying less about meat coupons in the past two years?"

"On the one hand, everyone's pork quota increased, and on the other hand, small vendors began to come into the city to sell meat. At their stalls, you could buy meat without a meat ticket."

“Isn’t this the solution to the meat-eating problem that has troubled everyone?”

Xu Yuexin patiently and persuadingly said.

After the household contract responsibility system was implemented in rural areas, more farmers started to engage in animal husbandry.

Although their breeding scale is still very limited, some people are still willing to eat less at home and take the remaining pork, chicken, duck, fish, etc. to the city to sell.

These meats are produced outside the supply plan and do not require meat coupons, providing wealthy citizens with an extra opportunity to eat meat.

After listening to Xu Yuexin's words, Zhu Chen thought about it carefully and found that it seemed to be true.

In the past two years, especially in the past six months, the number of times we see meat on our table has increased.

Isn’t this a typical policy introduced to solve common problems for everyone?
"Believe me, just like the problem of eating meat, the common problems that bother you college students will also have a chance to be solved as our country develops."

Xu Yuexin encouraged.

In fact, when he said this, Xu Yuexin had already thought of how to solve Zhu Chen's current dilemma.

However, this plan was somewhat risky, and he could not tell it before Zhu Chen showed any urgency.

"You're right. There will definitely be a chance to resolve it."

Zhu Chen said with a cheery look, his tone full of the confidence given by Xu Yuexin, "I should cheer up."

Xu Yuexin realized that he had achieved his goal of encouragement, so he smiled and said, "Go home and ask Auntie to buy as much pork as you want. Don't feel bad about the meat ticket."

"After a while, this thing will be useless."

"Ah? Abolish the pork coupons?"

Zhu Chen was surprised.

Xu Yuexin could understand her reaction.

If something is in limited supply from childhood, then the sense of scarcity will become an ideological stamp engraved deep in everyone's soul.

Even thinking about breaking the limit is incredible for ordinary people.

"Strictly speaking, it cannot be called abolished, but it is indeed of no use from now on."

Xu Yuexin said seriously, "It won't be long before this day comes."

In 1980, NB City was the first to open up pork supply and abolish the purchase requirement.

Soon, major cities such as Beijing and Guangzhou followed suit.

As for the complete abolition of pork coupons, that was to happen in 1984. By then, Guangzhou and Shenzhen would be the first to take the lead, and other cities would follow at different times.

“I still don’t dare to think about it.”

Zhu Chen said honestly, "Every household still treats it as a treasure."

According to Zhu Chen's idea, pork in state-owned stores might continue to be supplied with coupons, but the scale of the free market would gradually expand.

For now, she cannot accept the prediction that tickets will be phased out of daily life.

"Would you like to make a bet?"

Xu Yuexin asked casually.

He had used the betting trick to trick Chen Yixue twice, and now it was Zhu Chen's turn. He just didn't know if she would be fooled.

Thinking of this, Xu Yuexin glanced at Zhu Chen's expression and found that she was thinking.

"It's better not to."

Zhu Chen shook his head cautiously and said, "You know too much. I'm afraid I can't win the bet against you."

She actually didn't take the bait!
Xu Yuexin wondered if he had exposed himself too obviously.

"Well, actually I didn't plan to bet anything with you."

Xu Yuexin took a step back and took out an ordinary fountain pen from his pocket, "This pen was given to me when I won an award before."

"If you're willing to bet, I'll put it here for you first."

"I won, you give it back to me. You won, and it's yours from now on."

Zhu Chen was attracted by the bet.

This is a souvenir given to a famous writer when he won an award. It is a fatal temptation for her as a literary girl.

And even if you lose the bet, you won’t lose anything.

I just can't understand why Xu Yuexin wanted to make such a bet with me.

However, if you don’t understand, then don’t understand. As long as you don’t suffer any loss, it’s fine.

"Okay, you mustn't regret it."

Zhu Chen smiled and took the pen from Xu Yuexin's hand, feeling that he had definitely won.

How could the pork supply system based on coupons, which has been in place for nearly 30 years, be abolished just like that?

Xu Yuexin was smiling even happier than her in his heart.

In fact, this is just an ordinary fountain pen and has no origin at all.

What's important is that by taking and returning the pen, he could create another opportunity to be alone with Zhu Chen.

Today's time alone was accidental. Even if the two met again in the future, there would definitely be other people present. No woman would go alone to find a married man for nothing.

So Xu Yuexin had to create opportunities on his own so that there would be a follow-up between the two of them.

"Once a word is spoken, it is hard to follow."

Xu Yuexin smiled slightly, and the two parted ways.

It’s great to receive a pen from a great writer, and it’s an award-winning souvenir.

On the way back to Keyuan Community, Zhu Chen thought happily.

After separating from Zhu Chen, Xu Yuexin did not go home, but went straight to the telegraph room and sent a telegram to Lin Qingxia, asking her to invite himself and Chen Yixiu to go to Hong Kong.

The Spring Festival in 1980 came later than usual, and spring came right after the New Year.

According to Xu Yuexin's memory, at the end of March 1980, the price of silver reached its historical high after more than two months of skyrocketing, and then plummeted.

The reason for this rise was the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, and the plunge was because the United States emerged from stagflation and funds flowed back into the stock market.

Xu Yuexin had to arrive in Hong Kong in advance so that he could react before the price trend reversed.

Lin Qingxia replied to the telegram Xu Yuexin sent in the morning in the afternoon.

After receiving the telegram, Xu Yuexin added it to the application materials and submitted it to the public security department for approval.

Unlike later times, the permit to enter and exit Hong Kong in those days was a one-time issue and had to be applied for separately each time.

After submitting the application, Xu Yuexin found Chen Yixiu and asked her to prepare to go to Hong Kong.

"What could I do there?"

Chen Yixiu hesitated.

“Understand the music trends over there and prepare for the transformation.”

"In a few years, the folk music market will be dominated by pop songs."

Xu Yuexin gave her a reason she couldn't refuse.

Chen Yixiu was indeed moved.

"Okay, I'll prepare the luggage in a moment."

"Remember, book two rooms this time."

Chen Yixiu spoke decisively but cautiously, fearing that the situation in Guangzhou would happen again.

"Oh, I know."

"Snapped!"

After Xu Yuexin finished speaking, he slapped his sister-in-law on her butt.

"Big hooligan!"

Chen Yixiu covered her peachy buttocks, feeling both shy and annoyed.

……

A few days later, permits to enter and exit Hong Kong were sent to the two. Xu Yuexin and Chen Yixiu kept the certificates and boarded a train heading south.

Xu Yuexin no longer had any gold on hand, so he planned to take the RMB directly over there and then exchange it for Hong Kong dollars to ensure that he had cash in hand before selling the silver.

Xu Yuexin felt a little regretful about this. If he had known earlier, he would have kept more gold on hand.

As I said, people have no foresight. Xu Yuexin never thought that he would go in and out of Hong Kong so frequently.

He planned to sell all the silver this time and save some money in his account in Hong Kong to be used for future expenses.

After arriving in Guangzhou, the two took a train to Kowloon.

When the train arrived in Kowloon, Chen Yixue was still sighing: "Are we going in and out too frequently?"

Xu Yuexin leaned close to Chen Yixue's ear and said, "Two or three times is nothing. I can go in and out thousands of times in three hours."

"You should know this."

Chen Yixue was stunned, and then flew into a rage: "Go as far away as you can!"

"I don't want to see you again!"

"I have the money."

Xu Yuexin reminded quietly.

Chen Yixiu was wearing a skirt and didn't carry a shoulder bag to prevent pickpockets, so all the money was kept by Xu Yuexin.

Chen Yixue glared at him angrily: "You just embezzled my money like that?"

"We are a family, so there is no corruption or no corruption."

Xu Yuexin spread out his hands and grabbed his sister-in-law's hand without saying a word. Amid her protest of "let go", he quickly walked towards a taxi and headed straight for Central.

Kowloon is still an area with chaotic public security at the moment. In line with the principle that a gentleman does not stand under a dangerous wall, Xu Yuexin plans to go to Central first.

After arriving in Central, Xu Yuexin stayed in the car by himself. After briefly explaining the time to Chen Yixiu, he asked her to go to the bank to exchange Hong Kong dollars.

In the early 80s, the RMB exchange rate was relatively strong, and some banks in Hong Kong were still willing to carry out RMB exchange business.

The driver was quite dissatisfied with Xu Yuexin's behavior, but since he had already sent the person to the destination, he could only wait helplessly.

After a while, Chen Yixiu exchanged 3000 Hong Kong dollars and gave the money to Xu Yuexin.

"keep the change."

Xu Yuexin handed two ten-dollar Hong Kong dollars to the driver without even turning his head.

The extra five dollars is considered as his waiting fee.

Xu Yuexin specifically told Lin Qingxia in the telegram not to pick him up, after all, as she was a big star and was very busy.

The most important thing is, if I let Lin Qingxia come to pick me up, I will definitely have to live in her house again. How can I control my sister-in-law then?
After getting off the car, Xu Yuexin and Chen Yixiu walked towards a hotel.

"Remember, two rooms."

The sister-in-law specifically reminded him, fearing that Xu Yuexin would play tricks again.

(End of this chapter)