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

Chapter 192, Section 191: Obtaining the Return-to-City Permit; Director Huo's Return Gift; Discharge and Return Trip
After seeing Sun Degui and Wang Yuanjun off, Yang Guangming stood at the entrance of the guesthouse until their figures completely disappeared around the street corner before slowly turning his back.

Things have progressed to the most crucial step as he had anticipated. All that remains is to wait.

He turned and went back to the small but temporarily his room in the guesthouse, closed the door, and shut out the cold and noise outside.

He walked to the window, gazing at the gray sky and the low rooftops in the distance, his mind already on the next steps.

Time is precious. Although he came to Northeast China on a business trip and was not bound by leave time restrictions, it was still inappropriate to waste too much time.

Entrusting the handling of his medical retirement procedures entirely to Sun and Wang is currently the safest and most efficient option.

They were familiar with the procedures, knew the key figures, and possessed the "local wisdom" of dealing with the departments of the commune and even the county. Having them handle things was far better than him, an outsider, running around aimlessly like a headless fly.

Moreover, this "delegation" itself is a gesture, a delivery of trust, which can bind both parties more closely to the common goal of "resolving this matter as soon as possible and smoothly".

The next few days seemed to stretch out in the ward.

After learning that there was hope of returning to the city, Yang Guangyao's mindset underwent a subtle change. The initial elation and excitement gradually subsided, replaced by an anxious anticipation and a fear of unforeseen changes.

He would ask Yang Guangming every now and then, "Little brother, do you think Secretary Sun and his team can get things done? Will they run into some kind of obstacle?"

"Will the county's educated youth office deliberately make things difficult? I heard that some people who were seriously ill in the past couldn't get their applications approved..."

"It's been two days, why haven't we heard anything? Could it be..."

Yang Guangming would always patiently reassure his second brother, calmly analyzing the favorable conditions and putting his mind at ease: "Second brother, don't worry. The procedures take time; there are layers of reporting and approval processes. It can't be done so quickly."

Director Huo's diagnosis certificate is very well-written and meets the requirements. In the village and commune, Secretary Sun and his associates have influence, so there shouldn't be any major problems.

Your most important task right now is to recover, maintain good health, and avoid giving anyone any indication of weakness. Especially at times like these, you need to remain calm and collected.

Even so, Yang Guangming's own heart was not entirely unmoved. He simply suppressed all his emotions, maintaining a reassuring calm on his face.

Yang Guangming still takes meticulous care of her second brother every day, taking turns with her second sister to accompany him. Occasionally, they go out to buy some food or return to the guesthouse for a short rest.

Most of the time, he stayed in the ward, seemingly casually flipping through books or magazines, but in reality, he was constantly deducing various possibilities and coping strategies in his mind.

Yang Xiangmei was immersed in the joy and anticipation of becoming a private school teacher. Although she was also worried about her second brother's situation, she was much calmer than Yang Guangyao.

She carefully washed the clothes that her second brother and younger brother had changed out of. Although the hospital conditions were simple and they could only wash them with cold water, she did it meticulously.

She often discussed with her younger brother what they needed to pay attention to when becoming teachers, and what books they should read in advance to prepare. Her eyes were filled with anticipation for the future and a hint of barely perceptible nervousness.

Seeing this, Yang Guangming felt gratified and shared some of his knowledge about how to get along with children and how to prepare lessons with her, encouraging her that she could definitely do it.

The days passed by in this complex mix of anticipation, anxiety, and longing.

On the morning of the fourth day, around ten o'clock, the familiar voices and slightly hurried footsteps of Sun Degui and Wang Yuanjun could be heard in the corridor.

This time, their footsteps seemed lighter than usual.

The ward door was pushed open, and Sun Degui and Wang Yuanjun walked in one after the other.

Unlike their somber and oppressive expressions a few days ago, both of them now wore a relieved ease, and even a hint of triumph and smiles, as if they had accomplished something great.

Wang Yuanjun's voice was loud and clear. As soon as he entered the room, he announced loudly, "Comrade Guangming! Guangyao! Xiangmei! Good news! Huge good news!"

Although Sun Degui was more composed, there was a smile in his eyes and brows. He took out a brown paper document bag from his pocket, and the bag looked bulging.

"Comrade Guangming, Comrade Guangyao, you have successfully completed the tasks you entrusted to us!" Sun Degui walked to the bedside and handed the thick file bag to Yang Guangming.

Yang Guangming immediately stood up, took it with both hands, and his heartbeat quickened involuntarily.

Yang Guangyao suddenly sat up, his eyes fixed on the file folder, his breathing becoming rapid, his voice trembling: "It's...it's all done? It's all...approved?"

Yang Xiangmei quickly came over, her hands nervously clasped in front of her chest, her eyes fixed on the file folder in her brother's hand.

"It's approved! All the way through!" Wang Yuanjun slapped his thigh, his face beaming with pride and satisfaction. "Old Sun and I went to Director Zhang's office at the commune's youth office ourselves. As soon as the documents were laid out on his desk, and Director Huo's diagnosis certificate was presented, Director Zhang made the decision on the spot!"

He vividly recounted the scene: "Director Zhang said that the situation was special, the facts were clear, the evidence was conclusive, and it complied with policy regulations, so it should be handled as a special case and reported to the county as soon as possible! He stamped the document and gave his opinion that very afternoon!"

Sun Degui picked up the conversation, his tone calm but gratified: "The county's educated youth office probably already informed us beforehand. The materials were submitted without delay, and I heard that the leaders held a special meeting to discuss it yesterday morning."

This morning, Yuanjun and I went to wait, and we just received the final approval and all the relocation procedures.

Knowing you were in a hurry, I didn't dare delay and delivered it to you as soon as possible.

The household registration transfer certificate and grain ration transfer certificate are both here.

Sun Degui pointed to the file bag in Yang Guangming's hand: "Everywhere that needed a stamp, it's all stamped. From now on, Comrade Guangyao, your household registration and grain ration can be transferred back to Shanghai. Your sick leave to return to the city is officially approved!"

"It's approved...it's really approved..." Yang Guangyao murmured to himself, as if he couldn't believe his ears.

With trembling hands, he reached out and took the heavy file bag from Yang Guangming. As if holding a priceless treasure, he carefully opened the seal and pulled out a stack of papers stamped with various red seals.

His gaze swept greedily over the forms and text. Although he couldn't quite understand them, the bright red seals representing the organization's approval were like flames, instantly igniting all the emotions that had been building up in his chest.

An immense, indescribable ecstasy erupted like a volcanic eruption, instantly shattering the dam of his reason.

His eyes suddenly reddened, and tears welled up without warning, rolling down his cheeks and dripping onto the snow-white blanket, spreading out a dark, damp stain.

He first wept silently, his shoulders trembling violently, then let out suppressed sobs like a wounded beast, and finally broke into a wail.

That cry contained so much grievance, so much hardship, so much lingering fear, and the ultimate catharsis of finally getting what one wanted.

He cried his heart out, unable to control himself, as if he wanted to wash away all the bitterness, resentment, and despair he had endured over the past few years on the black soil of Northeast China with his tears.

“It’s approved… I can go home… I really can go home… Waaaaah…” he cried out incoherently, clutching the file folder tightly as if it were a lifeline, a ticket to a new life.

Yang Xiangmei, wiping away tears as well, felt both heartbroken and overjoyed. She gently patted her second brother's back, choking back sobs as she comforted him, "Second brother, it's alright, it's alright. It's good news that it's been approved, it's a joyous occasion, you should be happy, stop crying..."

Sun Degui and Wang Yuanjun stood aside, watching Yang Guangyao lose control of his emotions, their faces showing understanding and sympathy.

They had witnessed far too many educated youth struggling to return to the city, even at great cost. Yang Guangyao's reaction at this moment, though intense, was entirely understandable.

Looking at his second brother, Yang Guangming was filled with mixed emotions and let out a long sigh of relief.

This step has finally been taken steadily. All the planning, all the hard work, all the effort, has paid off at this moment.

He didn't try to stop his second brother, letting him vent his emotions to the fullest. This emotional release was good for him.

After a while, Yang Guangyao's crying gradually subsided, turning into intermittent sobs, but he still clung tightly to the file bag, his eyes red and swollen, but his face radiated an unprecedented glow.

Yang Guangming then solemnly said to Sun Degui and Wang Yuanjun, "Secretary Sun, Captain Wang, we are deeply grateful! Our Yang family will remember this immense kindness! We are truly grateful to you both! You must have gone to great lengths and put in a lot of effort these past few days for my second brother's sake!"

His gratitude was heartfelt. Regardless of the amount of exchange of benefits and tacit understanding involved, the other party had indeed handled this thorny matter so beautifully and efficiently in just four days, which must have required considerable effort and favors.

Sun Degui waved his hand, his tone sincere: "Comrade Guangming, you flatter me. This is what we should do. Comrade Guangyao has encountered such a serious incident in our Kaoshan Village, and our village has a responsibility to help him resolve the follow-up issues."

Wang Yuanjun laughed and said, "That's right! Now that's great, Guangyao can go back to the big city to get his leg treated properly. With the medical conditions in Shanghai, it's definitely a hundred times better than in our small county town. Maybe his leg will even recover better in the future!"

These words were, of course, well-intentioned wishes, and both of them understood them. But hearing them now, they felt especially heartwarming.

Yang Guangyao finally recovered, wiped his face haphazardly with his sleeve, and said repeatedly with a heavy nasal tone, "Thank you... thank you Secretary Sun, thank you Captain Wang... I... I really don't know how to thank you... I've caused you so much trouble..."

"Alright, alright, a satisfactory resolution is better than anything else." Sun Degui smiled gently. "Comrade Guangyao, rest assured and take care of yourself. When you return home, live a good life."

Looking at the time, it was almost noon again. Yang Guangming once again took the initiative to invite the two to a restaurant for lunch.

This time, Sun Degui and Wang Yuanjun exchanged a smile and readily agreed.

The matter was handled so smoothly and the result was satisfactory that everyone breathed a sigh of relief, and the celebratory banquet was exceptionally enjoyable.

It was still at that state-run restaurant, and when Master Wang saw them, he still had that familiar smile on his face.

Yang Guangming ordered several main dishes: braised pork, chicken stew with mushrooms, pork stew with vermicelli, and cold bean sprouts, as well as a bottle of good wine.

The atmosphere at the dinner was warm and harmonious. Sun Degui and Wang Yuanjun talked about many details of the procedures they went through at the commune and county levels, omitting, of course, the crucial points that required "greasing palms".

Yang Guangming once again expressed his heartfelt gratitude and repeatedly offered a toast.

Halfway through the drinks, Guangming went to the counter to pay the bill and specifically said to Chef Wang, "Chef Wang, could you please make two more servings of braised pork? I'll pack them up to take away later, and make sure they're stewed until very tender."

He pointed to the two empty lunchboxes that Sun Degui and Wang Yuanjun had brought—as expected, they had brought their lunchboxes again this time.

This time, Sun Degui and Wang Yuanjun simply smiled and politely said, "Comrade Guangming, you're doing this again," and then didn't refuse. A tacit understanding seemed to have formed between them.

After a hearty meal, two heavy, steaming, and fragrant aluminum lunchboxes were handed to Sun Degui and Wang Yuanjun.

The two carried their lunchboxes, their smiles becoming even more genuine.

Stepping out of the restaurant and standing on the cold street, Yang Guangming grasped Sun Degui's hand, his tone unusually solemn: "Secretary Sun, Captain Wang, I don't know when we'll meet again after this parting. My second brother's matter is truly thanks to you two."

He paused, looked at Wang Yuanjun beside him, then at Sun Degui, and said sincerely, "My second sister, Xiangmei, will be staying in Kaoshantun from now on. She doesn't have much social experience and is quite gentle... I'll have to ask you two leaders to take good care of her and look after her in the future. I, Yang Guangming, thank you both in advance!"

As he spoke, he extended his hand and shook hands firmly with each of them.

Sun Degui solemnly assured her, "Don't worry! Comrade Xiangmei is now a teacher at our Kaoshantun Primary School, she's one of us. As long as Yuanjun and I are here, no one will dare to bully her. If she has any difficulties in the future, she can come to the brigade headquarters to find us."

Wang Yuanjun thumped his chest loudly, "That's right! Leave it to us! We definitely won't let Teacher Xiangmei suffer any injustice! Brother Guangming, you can rest assured!"

Having received their firm assurances, Yang Guangming finally felt relieved.

He knew that in the countryside, with the Party Secretary and the team leader's words, his second sister's life would be much better in the future.

After exchanging a few more polite words in the cold wind, Sun Degui and Wang Yuanjun rode off on their bicycles, the two heavy, fragrant portions of braised pork hanging from the handlebars, completely satisfied.

Yang Guangming stood by the roadside, watching them disappear into the distance. He knew this was likely the last time he would see these two grassroots cadres from a rural area in Northeast China. Their brief but intense interaction was filled with calculation, weighing of options, and exchanges of interests, but it also contained a flow of grassroots human warmth and a degree of mutual support.

A speck of dust in the era can feel like a mountain on an individual's head. And they are all striving in these dusty years, for themselves and their families, to find a chance to breathe and a crack to move forward.

Back in the ward, Yang Guangyao immediately looked over anxiously, his face still flushed with excitement: "Little brother, are all the paperwork... are you sure you've got everything? Nothing's been forgotten, right?"

Yang Guangming smiled and handed him the file folder: "It's all here. I've looked it over carefully, and it's complete. Take another look at it yourself, and keep it safe. This is your proof of returning to the city, so please keep it safe."

Yang Guangyao quickly took it, as if holding a rare treasure, stroking the document bag again and again, flipping through the papers inside. He felt that every word seemed to be shining.

"I got it... I really got it..." he murmured to himself, a dreamy smile spreading across his face. "Am I dreaming, Xiangmei? Pinch me right now!"

Yang Xiangmei was amused by him and gently patted him: "It's not a dream! Second Brother, you can really go home!"

A joyful atmosphere filled the ward.

After the initial excitement, the practical problems became apparent.

Yang Guangming hesitated for a moment before saying, "Second brother, second sister, now that the procedures for returning to the city have been completed, there's no need for us to stay in the hospital any longer. Staying an extra day means spending more money and increasing the risk of exposure."

Yang Guangyao nodded repeatedly: "Yes, yes, yes! Discharge! Discharge today! I don't want to stay in this awful place for another minute! Let's get back to Shanghai right away!"

He was eager to return home, wishing he could sprout wings and fly back to the south immediately.

Yang Xiangmei looked at his legs with some concern: "But Second Brother's legs... will he be alright on the road? He has to sit in the car for such a long time..."

Yang Guangming said, "I'll take good care of you on the way. I'll handle the discharge procedures and ask Director Huo if there's anything else to be aware of. We'll get discharged this afternoon and then stay at the guesthouse for another night. Tomorrow morning, I'll take my second brother to Harbin."

He looked at Yang Guangyao and said, "I'm here on the pretext of a business trip. I haven't finished the official business at the factory yet. I need to go to Harbin to take care of the important matters before I can go back. I estimate I'll be delayed in Harbin for a day or two."

Although Yang Guangyao couldn't wait to get home, he knew that his younger brother's business couldn't be delayed. Being able to leave the county town first was a huge step forward, so he quickly said, "No problem, Harbin is great, a big city! It's perfect to go and have a look. I'll leave everything to you."

With the plan settled, Yang Guangming asked his second sister to help him pack up the scattered belongings, while he got up and headed to Director Huo's office.

He arrived at the office door and gently knocked.

"Please come in," came Director Huo's calm voice from inside.

Yang Guangming pushed open the door and entered. Director Huo was reading a thick medical book.

Upon seeing him, Director Huo put down the journal, took off his glasses, and revealed a faint, knowing expression: "Comrade Xiao Yang, you're here. Is it about handling the discharge procedures?"

Yang Guangming nodded, his face filled with gratitude and respect: "Yes, Director Huo. You are truly insightful. My second brother's return-to-city procedures have been approved, and we plan to be discharged this afternoon. I came here specifically to tell you and to thank you for your meticulous treatment and care these past few days."

Director Huo waved his hand and said calmly, "It's my duty, no need to be polite. It's good that the paperwork has been approved. You should go back and rest well."

He stood up, picked up Yang Guangyao's medical record folder from the side, and while flipping through it, routinely gave instructions on discharge precautions: "After discharge, the cast will need to remain in place for at least two more months. During this time, you must absolutely not bear any weight and have regular check-ups... Pay attention to nutrition and keep the wound dry and clean... If you experience increased swelling of the affected limb, abnormal pain, numbness or purplish discoloration of the toes, seek medical attention immediately at the nearest medical facility..."

Yang Guangming listened attentively and took notes.

After giving his instructions, Director Huo signed the discharge notice and handed it to Yang Guangming: "Just take it to the nurses' station and the cashier to complete the formalities."

"Thank you, Director Huo." Yang Guangming took the notification, thanked him again, and prepared to take his leave.

"Wait a minute, Comrade Xiao Yang," Director Huo called out to him.

Director Huo bent down and took out a long, rectangular wooden box from the bottom drawer of his desk. The box was made of ordinary pine wood, unpainted, revealing the original wood grain, and looked simple and unadorned.

Director Huo placed the wooden box on the table and pushed it in front of the bright sunlight.

"Director Huo, what's this?" Yang Guangming asked, somewhat puzzled.

"Open it and take a look," Director Huo said calmly.

Yang Guangming opened the box as instructed. Inside, lined with red velvet, lay four ginseng roots neatly arranged. The ginseng roots were thick and robust, with clearly defined fibrous roots. Although they didn't appear to be very old, they were in excellent condition, clearly carefully selected wild ginseng.

"Director Huo, what is this...?" Yang Guangming vaguely guessed what was going on and quickly tried to decline.

Director Huo raised his hand to stop him, his tone frank and firm: "Comrade Xiao Yang, the things you brought last time, especially those two catties of dried sea cucumbers, really helped my father's cough and shortness of breath, and he also felt better after taking them. I will remember this favor."

He pointed to the ginseng in the wooden box: "These four ginseng roots are what I got by asking several people for favors."

Although the ginseng is not very old, the wild ginseng has sufficient medicinal properties.

Based on current market prices, these four ginseng roots are worth approximately 300 yuan, roughly equivalent to the value of your other items.

Let's just treat this as a friendly exchange, something to lighten the mood. You absolutely must accept this.

A warm feeling and respect welled up in Yang Guangming's heart.

He gave the gift with a specific request and a clear purpose. But Director Huo's actions were in line with his principles and bottom line as a doctor—not to take a single penny from a patient's family without their consent.

Even though he knew perfectly well that there might be something fishy about Yang Guangyao's injuries, and even though he eventually issued that crucial diagnosis, he still chose to use this equivalent exchange to maintain his inner peace and integrity.

In this era of scarcity, people like Director Huo are exceptionally precious.

"Director Huo, this is absolutely unacceptable!" Yang Guangming firmly refused. "Those things were brought to you voluntarily; they were a token of my appreciation. You've helped us so much; we're already grateful enough. How could we accept such valuable gifts from you? You should keep the ginseng; it's better for your elderly relatives to improve their health."

Director Huo shook his head, his expression serious: "Comrade Xiao Yang, I appreciate your kindness. But I, Huo, have practiced medicine for decades and have my own rules. I cannot accept gifts from patients' families for nothing."

Those two pounds of sea cucumbers were a lifesaver for my elderly father, and I appreciate your kindness. But you must take these sea cucumbers. Otherwise…”

He paused, his tone calm yet firm: "Otherwise, take all those sea cucumbers, chocolates, and other items back now, and I won't keep a single one."

Yang Guangming was stunned. Looking into Director Huo's clear and firm eyes, he knew that the old doctor was serious. He wasn't just being polite; he was upholding an almost stubborn principle.

"Director Huo, this...this is really..." Yang Guangming was at a loss for words.

Director Huo softened his tone and explained, “If the medicine is not right for the condition, it is poison. My father is too weak to take tonics. Sea cucumber is warm in nature and is suitable for slow and gentle supplementation. But ginseng has a strong medicinal effect, and his body cannot handle it at the moment. Using it would be more harmful than beneficial, and it would be a waste for me to keep it here. If you take it back to the South, it might be more useful.”

Having said all that, Yang Guang knew that if he refused again, he would be letting down the other party's sincerity, and even showing disrespect.

He looked at the four ginseng roots lying quietly in the wooden box, and then at Director Huo's tired but clear-eyed face, his heart filled with complex emotions.

Finally, he took a deep breath, accepted the heavy wooden box with both hands, and said in an extremely solemn tone, "Director Huo, I understand what you mean. I accept this token of my appreciation. Thank you! You are the most admirable doctor I have ever met!"

Director Huo smiled faintly, a hint of relief in his expression, and waved his hand, saying, "You flatter me. Take good care of your second brother on your way back. Go now, and have a safe journey!"

Yang Guangming held the wooden box, bowed deeply to Director Huo, and then left the office.

He gently closed the door and stood in the quiet corridor, looking at the wooden box in his hand, his heart filled with emotion.

This trip to Northeast China allowed him to witness the complexity and scheming of human nature, and also allowed him to meet people like Director Huo who steadfastly maintained their own light amidst the chaos.

These four ginseng roots held a special place in his heart at this moment.

He carefully carried the wooden box and discharge notice, went to complete the discharge procedures and settle the fees before returning to the ward.

In the ward, Yang Xiangmei had almost finished packing. Actually, there wasn't much stuff, mainly some daily necessities and a small amount of nutritional supplements.

Yang Guangyao was waiting eagerly. When he saw his younger brother return, he immediately asked, "Are all the formalities completed? Director Huo didn't say anything, did he?"

"Everything's taken care of." Yang Guangming nodded and carefully placed the wooden box into the inner lining of his travel bag. "Director Huo gave some instructions. We can go now."

Upon hearing the words "You can go now," Yang Guangyao let out a long sigh of relief, as if expelling all the pent-up frustration from his chest.

His gaze swept over the ward where he had stayed for more than ten days. His eyes held a complex mix of emotions: pain, torment, the relief of having succeeded in his scheme, and the relief of finally leaving.

"It's good that you're gone...it's good that you're gone..." he murmured, and with the help of Yang Xiangmei and Yang Guangming, he carefully moved off the hospital bed and sat in the wheelchair that Yang Guangming had borrowed.

Yang Guangming pushed the wheelchair, and Yang Xiangmei carried the luggage bag. The three of them took one last look at the ward, which was filled with the smell of disinfectant and countless complicated memories, and slowly walked out.

In the corridor, nurses and patients' families occasionally cast glances their way, some with concern, some with curiosity, and some with a hint of sympathy.

Unbeknownst to them, this seemingly unfortunate fracture patient was about to leave this land with a "serious" diagnosis and all the necessary paperwork to return to the city, embarking on a completely different future.

Back at the guesthouse, after settling Yang Guangyao in, it was already getting late.

Yang Guangming asked his second sister to accompany his second brother while he went out to buy a train ticket to Harbin for tomorrow and also bought a pair of crutches.

For short distances, only hard-seat trains are available. The journey from this small county to Harbin is not far, taking just over an hour.

After buying his train ticket, he went to the post office and made a long-distance call to the factory, giving a brief report on the progress of the "payment collection" work and explaining that he might be back a day or two later than planned to handle some "follow-up matters".

Liu Jinsheng sounded very kind on the phone, telling him not to rush and to handle things thoroughly before coming back.

Finally, he asked Liu Jinsheng to tell his mother, Zhang Xiuying, that everything was fine and she shouldn't worry.

Only after he had done all this did he return to the guesthouse.

After dinner, Yang Guangyao, filled with excitement and anticipation, couldn't sleep. He kept stroking the file folder that held the turning point in his life, repeatedly asking his younger brother about the details of going home.

Yang Xiangmei stood to the side, carefully helping her younger brother pack his luggage for tomorrow, folding his clothes neatly.

The dim lighting illuminated three young faces that already seemed to have seen much of the world.

Tomorrow, they will embark on their journey again: one will head towards the long-awaited return home; one will stay behind to face a new life; and the other will continue to fulfill his mission, and then, with his second brother, cross mountains and rivers to return to their hometown.

Outside the window, the early winter wind in Northeast China was still biting, but in this small guesthouse room, a warm current of hope was flowing.

The road ahead may still be long, but at least for now, they have grasped a crucial ray of light.

(End of this chapter)