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

Chapter 181, page 180: A phone call from the Northeast. Second brother hospitalized. Dispute among educated youth.
Time slipped away quietly amidst the clatter of abacus beads and the rustling of paper turning, like the silent sycamore leaves falling outside the window, piling up layer by layer, only to be swept away by the autumn wind.

Yang Guangming buried himself in a "small mountain" of various reports and policy documents, the smell of ink lingering around his nose.

His world seemed to consist only of densely packed numbers, clauses, and carefully chosen words.

He handled daily affairs methodically, speaking calmly and clearly when chairing departmental meetings. When listening to reports from group leaders, his gaze was focused, occasionally interjecting with a key question or two, getting straight to the point. His instructions were clear and specific, neither overly harsh nor vague, ensuring everyone clearly understood the standards and direction of the work.

Zhou Weimin and Wu Aihua gradually adapted to their roles as team leaders. Although their brows still showed signs of fatigue from being busy, they were more composed now that things were on track.

With Yang Guangming's support, they became increasingly adept at coordinating the work within the group, and dared to make decisions when encountering difficulties, only needing to consult or report to Yang Guangming at crucial points.

The older staff members in Groups Four and Five, who were initially hesitant or even slightly resistant, gradually backed down their intentions after Yin Yongliang was quietly transferred and Yang Guangming gained increasing prestige through his solid work and the support of Zhao Guodong.

The whispers and feigned compliance of the past have decreased, replaced by polite nods and greetings when meeting and a significant increase in cooperation at work.

A new, efficient, and rule-based order is slowly settling in the finance department, like murky water gradually becoming clear.

On the surface, the finance department was calm and even more organized than before, with timely reports, clear accounts, and smooth communication.

But everyone present could vaguely sense the invisible pressure emanating from the young Deputy Section Chief Yang—not from reprimands or power, but from his meticulous professional attitude, his almost demanding adherence to procedures, and his eyes that seemed to see through every detail.

At the same time, they could all sense the increasingly profound silence beneath Section Chief Liu Jinsheng's unchanging warm smile. That silence was not inaction, but rather a kind of cautious observation and waiting.

It's already the end of October.

The chill of late autumn completely dispelled the lingering warmth of summer, seeping in through the cracks in the wooden window frames. A thick coat or sweater was needed in the mornings and evenings. The flowers and plants in the yard had long since withered, leaving only bare branches swaying in the cold wind.

Just after 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Yang Guangming was intently reviewing a quarterly report on the use of funds. His pen nib paused briefly on a data point, pondering the rationale behind it.

There was a soft knock on the office door, a quiet sound that broke the silence inside.

"Please come in," he replied, his gaze still fixed on the report.

The door was pushed open a crack, and the face of a young clerk surnamed Wang peeked in. His tone carried the typical respect, even a hint of timidity, that of a clerk of that age when meeting a superior.
"Section Chief Yang, I'm sorry to bother you. Section Chief Liu would like to ask you to come over now. He says he has a phone call from you, it's an outside call directly to him."

Yang Guangming nodded slightly, put down his pen, and felt a little surprised. An outside phone call? Who could be calling?

The finance department only has one telephone in the office of the department head that can directly make and receive external calls. The phone in his office is just an extension for the factory's internal telephone and cannot make external calls. If someone calls from outside the factory, they need to be transferred through the switchboard, which is quite troublesome.

Usually, when someone calls him from outside the factory, they call the factory office switchboard first, and then the switchboard transfers the call to him.

It's very rare for an outside call to go directly to the section chief's office, because he rarely leaves this phone number with anyone.

He got up and strode towards the section chief's office.

Liu Jinsheng was holding the microphone and waiting. Seeing him enter, his face immediately broke into his usual warm smile. He covered the microphone with his hand and lowered his voice, saying:

"Guangming, this is your second sister, calling from Northeast China. She sounds quite anxious, so listen carefully."

His eyes revealed just the right amount of concern.

Second sister? That's a long-distance call from Northeast China.
Yang Guangming's heart sank suddenly, as if it had been squeezed by an invisible hand.

He communicated with his second sister quite frequently, and the external line number in Liu Jinsheng's office was indeed specially written down for his second sister, so that it would be more convenient to call this number if there was any emergency.

Xiangmei would call Section Chief Liu directly, crossing thousands of miles, and the phone call would be so expensive, so it must be something extremely urgent that she couldn't handle on her own.

"Thank you, Section Chief." Yang Guangming took the microphone, the cool touch of the receiver seeming to spread along his fingertips, and his fingers involuntarily tightened a little.

Understandingly, Liu Jinsheng pointed to the door and mouthed, "I'm going outside for some fresh air," before quietly closing the door behind him and leaving Yang Guangming with a private space for the call.

His deliberately heavy footsteps echoed down the corridor, gradually fading into the distance.

Yang Guangming took a deep breath and held the receiver close to his ear: "Hello? Second Sister? It's me, Guangming. What happened?" He tried to keep his voice steady, but his speech unconsciously quickened, revealing his inner tension.

Yang Xiangmei's voice came from the other end of the phone. Through the crackling static, she seemed to be trying hard to remain calm, but one could still hear the suppressed anxiety and a barely perceptible sob in her voice: "Little brother... no, it's nothing serious, it's just... it's just that my second brother..."

Her voice paused, as if she were suppressing surging emotions and organizing her thoughts, "My second brother fell down the hillside and is in the county hospital now."

Yang Guangming's brows furrowed instantly, and he gripped the microphone tighter: "How badly did you fall? What did the doctor say? Where are you injured?" He fired off a barrage of questions, his heart pounding in his throat.

"The doctor said...the doctor said the situation wasn't particularly serious...it's just that there are a lot of scrapes and contusions all over the body, and a lot of bruises...the worst is...my lower leg, the bone is fractured, and it's already in a cast."

Yang Xiangmei spoke quickly, her voice hoarse from crying, "If it were just like that, I definitely wouldn't call home and bother my family. I'd grit my teeth and bear the expense and suffering myself... But..."

She paused again, her breathing becoming heavy, as if she had made a great decision. "But this matter is a bit complicated, and quite serious. My second brother said... he said he didn't fall by himself!"

He was deliberately pushed down by his roommate, Li Dongliang! They say Li Dongliang wanted to harm him!

She practically uttered the last few words through gritted teeth, her voice filled with fear and anger.

"Was it pushed on purpose? Why? Was there some argument?" Yang Guangming's heart sank; things were indeed not simple.

Given his impulsive and prideful nature, it's not surprising that my second brother, Yang Guangyao, would have conflicts with others during the harsh conditions of being sent to the countryside. However, when it escalated to the point of intentional harm or even "wanting to kill him," the nature of the conflict became entirely different.

“I asked him, but my second brother wouldn’t go into details. He just insisted that Li Dongliang pushed him and was determined to sue him and put him in jail.”

Yang Xiangmei's voice was filled with helplessness and panic, "But what Li Dongliang said was completely different."

He insisted that his second brother had slipped and fallen accidentally, claiming he hadn't touched him at all, and even countered by saying his brother had lost his balance and was simply framing him! He was clearly trying to extort money from him for medical expenses!

"Now both sides have their own version of events, arguing fiercely and neither side will give in."

My second brother was furious and insisted on going to the police station to report the case immediately, but the captain and the party secretary stopped him for the time being, saying they would investigate further and were afraid it would have a bad impact...

"Little brother, I'm all alone here, my mind is a complete mess, I really don't know what to do, I'm so panicked... The way they were arguing was terrifying..."

Yang Xiangmei's voice finally trembled with suppressed sobs, but she quickly suppressed them, reverting to her feigned strength, "I had no other choice, that's why I thought of making a phone call..."

You left this Section Chief Liu's number in your last letter, saying that in case of emergency, calling this number would allow me to reach you more quickly. I was anxious, so I made this call.

"Second sister, don't panic, listen to me."

Yang Guangming took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down. His tone became extremely calm and clear, as if it carried a power that could penetrate telephone lines and soothe people's hearts.

"First and foremost, the most important thing right now is to treat my second brother's injuries."

Don't worry about the money, I have it.

The necessary expenses must be spent; use the best medicine and see the best doctors!
Make sure to ask the doctor clearly whether the bones were set correctly, and whether there will be any long-term effects. Especially the leg; you absolutely cannot let it become a disability that affects walking later, understand? This is the most important thing!

"I understand. The doctor said that we were brought here in time, and the bones are aligned fairly well. As long as we take good care of ourselves, don't move around too much, and get enough nutrition, there shouldn't be any major problems." Yang Xiangmei seemed to have found her pillar of support, and her tone calmed down a bit, but it still trembled with uncertainty.

"Okay. Secondly, since this matter is so serious and involves the possibility of intentional injury, someone from the family must go and handle it."

Dad's getting old and can't handle the hassle, and my older brother can't leave his factory either, so I'm the only one who can go."

Yang Guangming's mind raced, and he made a decision in an instant, his tone leaving no room for doubt.

"Can you come over as soon as possible? Can you take leave from the factory? It's so far away..." Yang Xiangmei's voice was a mixture of expectation and worry. She hoped her younger brother would fly over immediately, but she was also afraid of affecting his work.

"No problem, I'll figure something out. Second sister, listen up."

Yang Guangming's tone became more serious, "Until I arrive, you must not do anything, and you must not have any further disputes with Li Dongliang, the brigade leader, or the party secretary."

Your task is to take good care of your second brother in the hospital, ensure his treatment, and soothe his emotions. Don't worry about anything else.

Everything will be handled once I arrive, understand? Remember that!

He repeatedly gave instructions to make sure his second sister listened.

"Yes! Yes! I understand, little brother, I'll listen to you. I'll stay with my second brother and not go anywhere." Yang Xiangmei agreed repeatedly, the panic in her voice noticeably lessening, like a lost ship finally seeing the light of a lighthouse.

"Tell me the exact address of the hospital, and I'll write it down." Yang Guangming took the pen and notepad from Liu Jinsheng's desk.

After carefully noting down the information about "Orthopedic Ward of XX County People's Hospital, Heilongjiang Province" and "Kaoshantun Brigade, XX Commune", he comforted his second sister for a few more minutes, told her that he would set off as soon as possible, and then hung up the phone.

Holding the still-warm telephone receiver, Yang Guangming stood rooted to the spot. The office was silent except for the faint whistling sound of the wind blowing through the power lines outside the window.

He pondered for a moment, his brow furrowed.

My second brother was injured, there was a dispute, each side had their own version of events, and it was suspected to be intentional injury... The situation in the Northeast is unclear, and the conflict is escalating. Once he goes there, it will definitely not be resolved in three or five days.

He needs time, he needs legitimate and ample time.

He quickly composed himself, making himself appear heavy and anxious, yet calm, before pushing open the office door.

Liu Jinsheng stood at a distance with his hands behind his back, seemingly admiring the autumn scenery outside the window, but in reality, he was keeping a close eye on the movements behind him.

Hearing the door open, he immediately turned around, his face displaying just the right amount of concerned inquiry: "Guangming, are you done on the phone? Is everything alright at home? Your second sister sounded quite anxious; was it from the Northeast?"

Yang Guangming's face showed just the right amount of heaviness and helplessness. He sighed and said, "Thank you for your concern, Section Chief. It really was my second sister calling from Northeast China."

Sigh, it's my second brother. He was working in the countryside when he accidentally fell off the mountain and broke his leg. He's in the hospital now.

My second sister is there all alone. She's young and inexperienced, and completely lost. Someone from the family needs to go and look after her as soon as possible.

He omitted the controversial part about the "deliberate shoving," emphasizing only the outcome and the family's urgent need.

"Oh dear! You broke your leg? That's a big deal!" Liu Jinsheng immediately expressed his deep sympathy, his brows furrowing as if he felt the pain himself. "It takes a hundred days to recover from a broken bone, you'll have to take good care of yourself! It could leave lasting damage! Your second sister is a young girl, it's really not good for her to stay there. We need someone to take charge. With your brother in trouble, you can't not go."

He rubbed his hands together, looking very troubled, yet also very considerate of Yang Guangming, his performance perfectly convincing: "You've just settled down, and there's a lot going on in the department... Groups four and five have just been sorted out... But my brother at home had an accident, so I can't not go... This is a problem..."

He pondered, as if trying to help Yang Guangming come up with a solution that would satisfy both sides but would require some compromises.

Yang Guangming followed up, his tone very sincere, even pleading: "Section Chief, I know that taking leave at this time will indeed cause trouble for the department, but the situation is really urgent..."

Could you please grant me a few more days off? I'll go and come back as soon as possible, trying to save time on the journey. I'll return immediately after handling the urgent matters.

Liu Jinsheng narrowed his eyes, and soon, a solution he had already thought of—a "good guy" solution that would do him a favor—was proposed.

He lowered his voice, sounding very sincere: "Guangming, I understand your difficulties. If you insist on taking leave, I'm afraid you won't be able to make it in time if it's too short, and if things get complicated over there, three to five days definitely won't be enough."

If this goes on for too long, the factory will have difficulty approving it according to regulations, which will put me in a difficult position. After all, you've only been here for a short time...

I have an idea, what do you think?

He leaned closer and lowered his voice: "Perfect timing. A while ago, a partner in Harbin had a fabric payment outstanding, about four thousand yuan, which hasn't been settled yet. The amount isn't large, but it's been dragging on for quite a while."

It wasn't anything urgent, really. I figured if I followed up one more time before the end of the year, it should be settled.

"I'll send you on a business trip in the name of the department to Harbin to follow up on this debt. The timeframe for following up on debts can be short or long, it's quite flexible."

After you finish your business, you can conveniently stop by your brother and sister's place to visit them and take care of some family matters. No one can say anything about it; public and private matters are separate, but human relationships still exist.

Travel expenses can be reimbursed, which can save you some money. What do you think?

After he finished speaking, he looked at Yang Guangming, his eyes filled with the meaning of "I'm thinking of you." Yang Guangming's heart skipped a beat. This was indeed the best arrangement at the moment, almost resolving all his concerns. The business trip excused him, making it not only a legitimate reason to take leave with ample time, but also reimbursed expensive travel and accommodation costs, saving an ordinary family a huge amount of money.

He didn't care about money, but with this official pretext, he could stay in the Northeast for a while longer and get his second brother's matter sorted out without worrying about the factory urging him to hurry up.

Although he was not short of money, he had to accept Liu Jinsheng's "kindness" and accept it appropriately.

His face immediately lit up with gratitude, relief, and even a sense of accomplishment, and his tone became somewhat excited:
"Section Chief! This...this is so kind of you! You've really helped me a lot! It's a real lifesaver!"
Otherwise, I really don't know how to ask for leave. I'm afraid of missing work, and I'm also worried about my family...

"This arrangement is wonderful! It allows me to handle official business while also taking care of my family. Thank you so much, Section Chief! Thank you so much!"

He thanked him repeatedly, making a grand gesture.

"Oh, it's nothing, it's what I should do. Everyone has emergencies sometimes. We're all in the same department, it's only right that we help each other out."

Liu Jinsheng waved his hand, adopting the demeanor of a considerate and generous leader, his smile becoming even warmer. "Then it's settled. Go and get things ready quickly—let the letter of introduction, advance travel expenses, exchange for national grain coupons—get these procedures done as soon as possible. I'll approve the slips for you right away."

He said this as he sat back down at his desk, took out a notepad and began writing approval notes.

"Thank you, Section Chief! I'll get on it right away!" Yang Guangming thanked him again solemnly, his fingers tightening slightly as he took the approval slip, as if accepting a heavy trust.

After leaving Liu Jinsheng's office, Yang Guangming returned to his own office and quickly wrote a business trip application, briefly explaining the necessity of going to Harbin to collect the remaining payment and the difficulties that might be encountered, thus requiring a certain amount of time for the trip.

The application was well-reasoned and left room for maneuver.

Liu Jinsheng quickly signed the approval, and even added the words "handle at your discretion and make sure it is done properly" after "reason for business trip", which showed that he was both supportive and principled.

Holding the approval slip, Yang Guangming first went to the factory office to get a letter of introduction. Seeing that it was signed by Section Chief Liu and that Deputy Section Chief Yang was on a business trip, the factory office staff were very efficient, quickly stamping the letter and handing it to him.

It's a thin piece of paper, yet it represents the organization's assignment and proof of identity.

He then returned to the finance department, found the person in charge, and completed the procedures for advance payment of travel expenses.

As the deputy section chief, his procedures were naturally smooth and unimpeded.

Based on the business trip location and expected duration, he deliberately requested a longer number of days, thereby obtaining a sufficient advance for travel expenses, and also exchanged for the corresponding number of national grain coupons as required.

He held a thick wad of cash and precious national grain coupons in his hands; they felt heavy.

Things went exceptionally smoothly, with almost no obstacles in sight.

But Yang Guangming felt he needed to inform Zhao Guodong. Officially, Zhao Guodong was a factory leader, and he should know that Yang Guangming was leaving for so long; personally, it was a matter of respect, and it might also provide support if needed.

He went to the factory leadership office building again, that somewhat solemn four-story building, and knocked on the door of Zhao Guodong's office.

"Come in." Zhao Guodong's steady, slightly hoarse voice came from inside.

Yang Guangming pushed open the door and entered. "Factory manager, excuse me, I have something urgent to report to you."

Zhao Guodong was reading a document when he saw him come in. He put down his pen, pointed to the chair opposite him, and said, "Guangming, sit down. What's wrong? You look a little anxious." His observation skills were as sharp as ever.

Yang Guangming didn't sit down, but stood and gave a concise but important report on his second brother's injury and hospitalization, his second sister's call for help, and Liu Jinsheng's arrangement for him to go to Harbin on a business trip to handle family matters.

He omitted details of the dispute for the time being, only emphasizing his injuries and his family's helplessness.

After listening, Zhao Guodong nodded, a concerned expression on his face: "Life in the countryside is tough, and accidents are inevitable. Young people are often clumsy, and falls and bruises are common. If a family member is injured, it's only right to go back and check on them. Section Chief Liu's arrangement is very thoughtful, facilitating both public and private matters, which is excellent." He first affirmed Liu Jinsheng's actions.

He hesitated for a moment and said, "There's nothing particularly urgent at the factory lately, and the finance department is back on track. You can go and take care of your family matters without worrying about coming back."

Take good care of your family member's injuries and handle this matter thoroughly before discussing anything else. If you need any more formal documentation from the factory, or if you need to communicate with any local departments, you can call me or the factory office anytime.

He even opened a drawer, took out a brown paper envelope, and pulled out a slightly yellowed piece of paper with several names, workplaces, and phone numbers written on it in pen.

“These are some of my old comrades-in-arms from when I was in the army. They were demobilized and are now working in Northeast China. Some are in Harbin, and some are in nearby cities and counties. They still have some influence in their local areas.”

Zhao Guodong's tone was calm, but his words carried great weight: "In case... I mean in case, if you encounter any difficulties that the locals can't resolve, or if you need to understand anything, you can try contacting them. Just say you're one of my old subordinates, and they'll help you."

He handed the note to Yang Guangming.

A warm feeling welled up in Yang Guangming's heart. Zhao Guodong's actions were not merely a leader's concern for his subordinate, but also carried the protection and trust of an elder for a promising younger generation. This note was a potential "protective charm" and "resource" in Northeast China.

He took the paper with both hands, feeling its weight even more than the stack of travel expenses he had just received. He said solemnly, "Thank you, Factory Director! I'm sorry to have troubled you! I will handle this carefully and try my best not to trouble you senior leaders. In case... there is a real need, I will act accordingly."

"Yes, be careful when you're out and about, safety first. Handle things reasonably, logically, and with restraint, don't act impulsively." Zhao Guodong gave a final word of advice, then waved his hand. "Go on, prepare early, and be careful on the road."

"Yes! Thank you, Factory Director!" Yang Guangming thanked him again, took a step back, and then turned to leave the office, gently closing the door behind him.

Leaving Zhao Guodong's office, Yang Guangming felt even more confident.

The leader's explicit support and the provision of potential resources greatly boosted his confidence in undertaking the trip to Northeast China.

He glanced at his watch; it was already past three in the afternoon. He had to hurry.

He didn't return to the finance department; instead, he went directly to the weaving workshop and entered the workshop office. The workshop was filled with the roar of machines, creating a lot of noise.

"Mom." Yang Guangming called out as he approached the desk.

Hearing the voice, Zhang Xiuying put down her pen, looked up and saw her youngest son coming to see her at this time. She was a little surprised and asked, "Mingming? Why are you here at this hour? Is something wrong at the factory?" Her eyes were questioning.

"It's nothing serious." Yang Guangming tried to keep his tone relaxed and natural, and gave a reassuring smile. "I need to go outside the factory to take care of some things. Give me your bicycle keys, and I'll ride there; it'll be more convenient and save time."

He didn't plan to tell his mother the truth for the time being, lest she be distracted at work in the afternoon, or even panic and ask for leave to go home, only to be unable to help and cause her unnecessary anxiety.

It would be better and safer to wait until the whole family is together in the evening to discuss everything.

Zhang Xiuying, unsuspecting, took out a bunch of keys from her pocket, untied the bicycle keys, and handed them to Yang Guangming: "Oh, okay. Ride slowly. Are you going home for dinner tonight?" she asked casually.

“Yes. Mom, you go ahead with your work, I’m leaving.” Yang Guangming took the keys and hurriedly left the workshop office.

Riding his mother's old-fashioned bicycle, Yang Guangming headed straight for the train station.

The cool autumn wind blowing on my face already carried a distinct chill, and the branches and leaves of the trees on both sides of the road had begun to fall.

He pedaled quickly, the chain making a slight creaking sound, his mind constantly calculating the time, train number, and what he needed to prepare.

Upon arriving at the train station, the ticket hall was teeming with people, a cacophony of dialects, slang, shouts, and hawking, the air thick with the stench of smoke. He squeezed to the ticket window, looking up at the densely packed train information board above.

He learned that there were no direct trains from Shanghai to Harbin, and that a transfer in Shenyang was required. He carefully inquired about the departure time, arrival time, and transfer waiting time.

Then, he bought a hard-seat train ticket from Shanghai to Shenyang for the next morning.

The ticket seller handed over the small, cardboard ticket with the departure date, train number, and seat number printed in black.

Looking at the light yet heavy train ticket in his hand, and the large wad of change he received, Yang Guangming deeply felt the enormous cost and inconvenience of traveling far in this era.

The hard seat ticket for the nearly 30-hour journey from Shanghai to Shenyang alone cost him more than 30 yuan.

This is almost equivalent to a month's salary for an average worker. And that doesn't include the transportation cost to the county town. Including everything, the journey from Shanghai to the small county town would cost approximately fifty yuan.

It's not that he can't afford a sleeper berth; he could get one with Zhao Guodong's work ID or by using connections.

However, since it was under the guise of a business trip, if he took the hard sleeper ticket back for reimbursement, even if he paid the difference himself, it would easily give others cause for criticism. He would be seen by Liu Jinsheng or those in the department who outwardly obeyed but inwardly resentful as pursuing pleasure and having questionable conduct.

He must be careful in this detail.

Although the hard-seat journey is arduous and unbearable, it is beyond reproach and best embodies the spirit of "enduring hardship for official business".

After buying the train ticket and carefully putting it in his inner pocket, Yang Guangming hurriedly rode his bicycle back to the factory.

He didn't go back to the office, but instead went back to his dormitory building.

He opened the door; the room was tidy but deserted. He found a large blue travel bag he used for business trips, opened it, placed it on the bed, and began packing things inside.

Several changes of white cotton underwear and socks, a thick dark sweater, a pair of woolen pants, a towel for washing face and feet, a toothbrush and toothpaste, a soap dish, several books, two blank kraft paper notebooks, and two fountain pens filled with blue-black ink...

He also took out an envelope from a locked metal box in the drawer. Inside were some of the national grain coupons and spare cash that he had usually saved. He also took some of the money and coupons he had advanced for this business trip with him, and put most of the rest into the refrigerator.

After thinking for a moment, he took out a few more items of food from his spatial storage and cleverly stuffed them into the side pockets and interlayers of his travel bag, intending to eat them on the road, mainly to avoid attracting attention.

After packing, the travel bag was bulging and quite heavy. He tried carrying it on his back; the straps felt heavy against his shoulders.

Looking out the window, the sun is already setting in the west; it's almost time to get off work.

He locked the door, picked up his travel bag, went downstairs, clipped the bag to the back rack of his bicycle, got on, and rode towards the factory gate.

Soon after the get off work bell rang, workers poured out of the workshops like a tide, chatting and greeting each other as they pushed their bicycles toward the factory gate.

Zhang Xiuying and several of her close friends walked out together, chatting about everyday things. They immediately spotted her son waiting under the sycamore tree at the factory gate, along with the conspicuous large travel bag on the back rack of his bicycle.

“Mingming, what are you doing…” Zhang Xiuying’s smile faded, and she walked over quickly, her face full of doubt. “Why did you bring your travel bag? What’s inside? Are you going on a long trip?” she asked in rapid succession, her gaze shifting between her son and the travel bag.

Yang Guangming pushed his bicycle and walked home side by side with his mother, trying to keep his tone calm: "Mom, there's something I need to do. The factory has temporarily assigned me to go on a business trip to Harbin in Northeast China to catch up on an account. I'll be leaving first thing tomorrow morning."

"Going to Harbin on a business trip?" Zhang Xiuying was surprised at first, then her face lit up with joy, and her voice rose eight octaves, "Oh! That's great news! It means the boss trusts you!"

But soon, another thought took hold of her mind, and she grabbed her son's arm abruptly, "If we go to Harbin, we won't be far from Kaoshantun... or from where your second brother and sister live, right?"

Could you... perhaps stop by and check on Yaoyao and Xiangmei? See how they're doing? Xiangmei always says they're doing well in her letters, but I... I just can't shake this feeling. I keep having these nightmares..."

Her eyes were filled with expectation and pleading.

Seeing the light in his mother's eyes and the deep maternal love she showed, Yang Guangming felt a pang of sadness. He nodded and followed her words:
"I should be able to make it in time, and I plan to go see them. Luckily, my supervisor has given me some flexibility in terms of time."

"That's great! That's great! Thank God!"

Zhang Xiuying immediately beamed with joy, clasped her hands together in prayer, and put her business trip out of her mind, immersing herself in the busyness and joy of preparing things for her children far away.

"I need to bring them something! What else do we have at home... Oh right, and the White Rabbit milk candy you brought back last time, I saved some for Zhuangzhuang, there's still more than half a pound left... And those two jars of fruit, I haven't been able to eat them yet..."

Oh dear, I need to hurry back and pack! I wonder what they're lacking there; it's so cold in Northeast China..."

Seeing the sudden burst of energy she exuded, Yang Guangming swallowed back the words he was about to say.

Let this joy born from misunderstanding last a little longer.

Once they got home, the whole family was there, and in a relatively private setting, they could tell her the truth about her second brother's injury. That would be better than making her break down on the roadside like this.

Back in the Shikumen alley, Sister-in-law Li Guihua was preparing dinner in the kitchen. Something was simmering on the coal stove, emitting a faint aroma of food.

Seeing her brother-in-law return carrying a large travel bag, she was taken aback. She wiped her hands on her apron and came out, asking, "Little brother, what's this?"

Yang Guangming repeated the explanation, still using the phrase "business trip to Harbin".

Upon hearing this, Li Guihua smiled and said, "My little brother is really promising. He can even represent the factory on a business trip to the Northeast. It's clear that the leaders value him." However, her eyes unconsciously glanced at her mother-in-law, and she quickly muttered to herself that she would have to bring out some nice things again, such as milk candy, canned goods, and maybe even money.

(End of this chapter)