In the fiery red era of the heavens, refrigerators are refreshed daily.

Chapter 129, Section 128: The New Car's Ownership – A Glorious Moment

The controversy surrounding the renovation of the drying platform has been resolved, and Director Tian has demonstrated a decisive and efficient work style.

In just three days, all the promised compensations were delivered in full, an efficiency that is astonishing.

The ticket collection notice stamped with the street office seal was personally delivered to each household by Officer Liu.

Meat coupons, oil coupons, tofu coupons, sugar coupons, and wool coupons, though few in number, were like timely rain after a long drought, quietly nourishing the parched hearts of every household.

Without further ado, each household head solemnly signed their name on the final agreement to renovate the drying platform, each with their own thoughts.

More tangible than ration coupons are the extra allocated temporary worker quotas.

Pasting matchboxes, making buttonholes, removing scraps of yarn... these seemingly trivial jobs, yet capable of earning real money, were indeed prioritized by the neighborhood committee for these few Shikumen households. A careful calculation showed that each family could earn an extra four or five yuan per month.

In those days when prices were low and every penny was precious, this was a considerable sum of money. It could add an extra spoonful of oil to the dinner table or buy a few yards of cloth to make a new jacket for the child.

This continuous benefit is more reassuring than one-time vouchers; it's a true "slow and steady wins the race."

The Chen family's happy event made the entire Shikumen community feel proud and elated.

The temporary job promised by Director Tian was quickly assigned to Zhang Chunfang without any delay. It was a small collective factory under the jurisdiction of the street office; the work wasn't easy, but it was stable.

As long as you are diligent and don't make mistakes, you can earn a steady salary of a dozen yuan a month.

For the Chen family, who had a large population and heavy burdens, this was like a godsend.

The day Zhang Chunfang received the notice, Granny Chen clutched the thin piece of paper tightly in her withered hands, tears welling in her cloudy eyes, as she repeatedly murmured, "What a tragedy... what a tragedy..."

His voice was choked with the relief of a heavy burden being lifted, and held a faint hope for the future.

Zhang Chunfang's youthful face also radiated a long-lost glow, and she walked with a spring in her step, as if the uneven bluestone slabs under her feet had been transformed into a smooth road leading to a new life.

The bicycle ticket belonging to the Yang family made the neighbors' eyes light up with envy.

The scarcity and symbolic significance of this "old three items" far surpasses that of temporary work quotas or meat coupons. It represents dignity, convenience, and even an intangible status.

On Sunday morning, sunlight streamed into the alleyway.

Yang Yongkang specially changed into a half-new set of work clothes, and with that precious bicycle ticket in his hand, he went to the No. 1 Department Store alone under the watchful eyes of his whole family.

When he carefully stepped over the high threshold of the Shikumen gate and into the courtyard, pushing his brand-new, shiny "Forever Brand Model 13" bicycle that seemed to radiate light, the air in the entire alleyway seemed to freeze instantly.

"Wow! A new car! Permanent license plate!"

Someone shouted first, their voice filled with disbelief and amazement.

Instantly, the courtyard erupted in chaos.

The neighbors, young and old, men and women, all rushed out and surrounded the "precious gem" that gleamed with a cold metallic luster, as if it were a rare treasure.

Li Guihua was the first to rush forward, circling the car, her fingers wanting to touch it but hesitant, afraid of leaving fingerprints: "Dad! You bought it? It's brand new! The paint is so shiny it's dazzling! It's really nice, did you get the price?"

Zhang Xiuying couldn't help but step forward, her fingertips touching the cool, smooth handlebars. Her face was filled with undisguised excitement and pride, but she scolded him, "Old man, why did you push it back all by yourself? There are so many people and cars on the road, what if you bumped into something or scratched it? You didn't even ask someone to come with you!"

Supported by Zhang Chunfang, Granny Chen shakily approached, squinting her old eyes to examine the vehicle closely: "Oh my, Master Yang, your family is really... lucky and capable! This kind of vehicle used to be reserved for cadres! We've really broadened our horizons today!" Her withered hand carefully touched the gleaming wheel rim.

Mrs. Feng stepped forward with a smile and exclaimed sincerely, "Master Yang, congratulations! This car is really beautiful, practical and stylish." Her husband, Teacher Feng, also nodded with a smile.

Even He Caiyun, who lived on the third floor, unusually refrained from making sarcastic remarks this time. She simply leaned against the doorframe, her gaze fixed on the new car with a complex mix of emotions. Her eyes held an undisguised envy and a hint of admiration that she herself was unwilling to admit.

She nudged Zhao Tiemin, who was standing silently beside her, and said, "Look at Master Yang's family! That's what you call capable! When will you get one of those?" Zhao Tiemin took a drag of his cigarette and mumbled a "hmm," but his eyes were fixed on the brand-new metallic sheen.

Surrounded by the crowd, listening to the cacophony of congratulations and exclamations, Yang Yongkang's usually weathered and expressionless face revealed a rare, almost imperceptible, shy smile.

He awkwardly responded to his neighbor's enthusiasm: "It's good...it's good...I'm lucky...I'm lucky..."

That evening, the atmosphere in the small front building of the Yang family was even more festive than during the Chinese New Year.

Yang Yongkang carefully carried the brand-new Forever bicycle into the house, where it occupied the most prominent position in the main room, like a treasure to ward off evil spirits.

Under the dim light, the family sat around the dinner table, and the topic of conversation naturally revolved around the car.

"Dad," Yang Guangming put down his chopsticks and said in a steady voice, "I think we should give this car to my mother. She has a long commute to and from get off work every day and also needs to buy groceries. It would be much more convenient for her to have a car."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Xiuying quickly waved her hands: "No, no! Why would you give me this? I'm not a cadre. If I ride a new bike out, people will gossip! Besides, I'm not a very good rider. If I fall and get hurt, it will hurt both my body and my heart!"

She looked at the new car as if it were a delicate porcelain doll.

Li Guihua was also envious, but knowing her limits, she chimed in, "Yes, Mom is right. This car is a symbol of our family. You're the deputy factory director's secretary, coming and going every day, representing our family's image. It's most suitable for you to ride it! It makes you look young and energetic!"

Yang Guanghui, who was engrossed in eating, looked up when he heard this and smiled憨厚ly: "I have my old 'tank' to take Dad to the factory, it's quite good. The new car is for Mingming, to make a good impression, it's only right."

His tone was sincere, without the slightest hint of dissatisfaction.

Every morning, he would ride his old bicycle, which rattled all over except for the bell, carrying his father Yang Yongkang to the Dongfang Machinery Factory, rain or shine. This had long been a fixed scene in the Shikumen mornings.

Yang Yongkang listened in silence, his fingers unconsciously tapping lightly on the polished edge of the table.

The dim light outlined his slightly hunched yet still sturdy profile.

After a moment, he raised his eyes, his gaze sweeping across the faces of his family members one by one, finally landing on his youngest son, Yang Guangming. His voice was deep and carried an undeniable weight: "New car, for Mingming to ride."

He paused, then looked at Zhang Xiuying. "Xiuying, from now on, Mingming will carry you to work. It's a bit far, but it's faster than walking alone." This decision not only considered Yang Guangming's need for a presentable image at work but also solved his wife's commuting difficulties. More cleverly, it transformed the convenience and prestige brought by the new car into a son's filial piety towards his mother.

Zhang Xiuying's worries vanished instantly, leaving only a warm and comforting feeling.

“Mom, Dad is right.” Yang Guangming immediately chimed in, his tone filled with an undeniable affection and responsibility. “From now on, I’ll be Mom’s personal driver! I’ll guarantee safety and a smooth ride!” He smiled at his mother, his eyes brimming with youthful energy.

Li Guihua and Yang Guanghui both smiled and nodded in agreement.

Little Zhuangzhuang stood to the side, seemingly understanding but not quite, clapping his little hands and giggling.

The family was enjoying a happy time together. The brand-new Forever bicycle stood quietly in the corner, its metallic luster seemingly softened, blending into the warmth of the occasion.

Monday morning, just as dawn was breaking.

There was a rustling sound coming from inside the Shikumen (stone gate).

The wooden door of the Yang family creaked open.

Yang Guangming pushed out the brand-new Yongjiu Type 13 motorcycle.

In the dim morning light, the handlebars, rims, and every spoke of the bicycle gleamed with a cool and dazzling metallic luster, creating a stark contrast with the surrounding gray walls and damp bluestone pavement, as if it were surrounded by its own halo.

He made a point of dressing extra smartly today. His white shirt was spotless and perfectly ironed, his dark blue khaki trousers were crisp, and he wore a pair of faded white canvas shoes.

Her hair was neatly combed, revealing a full forehead and bright eyes, making her look energetic yet calm and capable.

"Mingming, you've brought your bike out?" Li Guihua, who was rinsing rice under the tap, straightened up and looked at the new bike with shining eyes. "New! Really new! It'll be so cool to ride it!"

"Good morning, sister-in-law!" Yang Guangming greeted her with a bright smile and clear voice.

Grandma Chen from next door also poked her head out, a kind smile on her face: "Mingming, taking your mom to work? Your mom is so lucky!"

"Good morning, Grandma!" Yang Guangming replied, carefully stabilizing the car.

At this moment, Zhang Xiuying also came out.

She changed into a bright blue floral print blouse that she had kept at the bottom of her trunk. Her hair was neatly combed, and her face showed undisguised joy and a hint of nervousness from sitting in a new car for the first time.

She was carrying a canvas bag that she had used for many years, the edges of which were worn white, and inside was an aluminum lunchbox.

"Mom, hold on tight." Yang Guangming straddled the bicycle seat, his left foot firmly on the ground and his right foot on the pedal.

Zhang Xiuying turned sideways and carefully sat on the back seat, her hands tightly gripping her son's clothes at the waist. Her movements were a little clumsy, but they revealed complete dependence.

"Hold on tight? Let's go!" Yang Guangming turned around and asked softly. After receiving a nod of approval from his mother, he pushed off with his feet. The wheels spun smoothly, the chain making a soft and pleasant "tap-tap" sound. The brand-new tires rolled over the wet bluestone slabs in the courtyard, leaving two shallow water tracks.

"Mom, you're living a life of luxury!"

"Mingming, is the new bike easy to ride?"

"Have a nice trip!"

The neighbors' eyes were all fixed on the mother and son, filled with undisguised envy and good-natured teasing.

Standing at the window of the third-floor pavilion, He Caiyun watched as the gleaming new car carrying Zhang Xiuying drove out of the black gate amidst the stares of the crowd, and a sour feeling welled up in her heart again.

She pursed her lips, but ultimately said nothing. She simply slammed the wooden window shut with a muffled bang.

The car drove out of the alley and merged into the morning rush hour.

Yang Guangming rode slowly, striving for a steady ride. Zhang Xiuying was initially a little nervous, her back ramrod straight, her hands gripping her son's clothes tightly. Gradually, sensing her son's composure and the stability of the bike, she slowly relaxed, a relieved smile appearing on her face.

The morning breeze brushed against my cheeks, bringing a rare coolness.

"Mingming, you rode quite steadily." Zhang Xiuying's voice, filled with a relaxed laugh, carried on the wind.

"Don't worry, Mom, I'll make sure you get there safely!" Yang Guangming replied with a smile, his voice brimming with confidence.

On the way, the eyes of coworkers, whether they knew each other or not, were drawn to this brand-new Forever bicycle.

When they saw that the person riding the bicycle was Yang Guangming, the newly appointed secretary of the young deputy factory director, and that Zhang Xiuying, who was well-liked in the factory, was sitting on the back, surprise, envy, and friendly greetings rose and fell.

"Hey, Xiao Yang! A new car? A Yongjiu Type 13! It's really good!" An experienced worker from the same workshop as Zhang Xiuying waved and called out loudly from afar.

"Master Zhang, you're so lucky! Your son is carrying you to work! You're enjoying your retirement!" a familiar coworker joked with a smile.

"Secretary Xiao Yang, this car is brand new! It suits you perfectly! You look great, young man!" A colleague from the department who was passing by also nodded in approval.

"Mama Yang, sit tight!" an auntie whose name I don't know called out with a smile.

Yang Guangming smiled and nodded in response, his attitude both humble and generous.

Zhang Xiuying smiled somewhat shyly, but the pride and satisfaction in her heart were like tea leaves unfurling, slowly spreading and permeating her entire body.

The morning breeze ruffled her neatly combed hair, and the rising sun danced on the wrinkles around her smiling eyes.

Looking at her son's young and upright figure, and feeling the wheels of his car moving smoothly beneath her, she felt that this crowded, noisy commute, filled with the smell of sweat and coal smoke, had never been so comfortable and pleasant.

(End of this chapter)