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

Chapter 193, Section 192: A Gift for Second Sister, Farewell from Friends, Return to Shanghai, Reunion with Family
The next morning, as dawn broke, there was already movement in the guesthouse room.

Yang Guangming woke up, looked at his watch, and saw it was just past six o'clock.

On a winter morning in Northeast China, the view outside the window is still a deep gray-blue, with only a faint glimmer of dawn breaking through the horizon.

The second brother, who was sleeping on another bed, was breathing evenly and deeply, seemingly still immersed in his dreams, occasionally uttering a few indistinct murmurs.

He didn't get up immediately, but instead went through today's schedule in his mind again.

The train was at 10 a.m., so they had plenty of time to have breakfast, pack their things, and head to the train station. But there were some things they needed to arrange before leaving, while their second sister was still with them.

Around 6:30, Yang Guangyao also woke up.

He first subconsciously reached out and touched the bulging brown paper document bag beside his pillow. Only after feeling its solid thickness and sharp edges with his fingertips did he open his eyes with a sense of relief, as if confirming something.

"Awake? How are you feeling? Does your leg hurt?" Yang Guangming sat up, putting on his cold coat as he asked softly.

"It's okay, it's just a little numb... and a little... like a dream."

Yang Guangyao's voice was hoarse from just waking up, with a hint of uncertainty and dazedness.

He propped himself up on his arms and carefully sat up, every movement extremely cautious, as if afraid of damaging the leg, which was in a heavy cast and felt as if it didn't belong to him. The cold air jolted him awake, bringing him fully back to his senses.

Yang Xiangmei from the next room also got up, gently picked up the thermos and enamel basin from the corner, and went out to the boiler room to fetch hot water.

Around seven o'clock, the three of them finished getting ready, and Yang Xiangmei went out to buy breakfast.

The simple corn porridge, white flour steamed buns, and a small dish of pickled vegetables were eaten with exceptional relish by Yang Guangyao, as if they were not a simple northern breakfast, but a farewell feast for a new life.

After breakfast, there was still some time before departure. Yang Guangming said to Yang Xiangmei, "Second Sister, I have something for you."

As he spoke, Yang Guangming pulled out a large travel bag that he had secretly packed the night before from under the bed.

"Second sister, you take this." Yang Guangming patted the travel bag, his tone calm but leaving no room for refusal.

“This is…” Yang Xiangmei stared blankly at the heavy travel bag that was stuffed so tightly it looked like it was about to burst, and didn’t react for a moment.

"Open it and take a look." Yang Guangming squatted down and skillfully unzipped the zipper.

Yang Xiangmei bent down and opened it as instructed, and immediately gasped in shock.

It was crammed full of rare and desirable items: several large bags of square chocolates; several bags of White Rabbit milk candy, weighing at least three or four pounds; and generous portions of brown and white sugar wrapped in kraft paper.

Several bundles of sausages, tightly bound with thin hemp rope, exuded a faint smoky aroma; there were even several tin boxes filled with biscuits; at the very bottom, there seemed to be a whole long, thin object tightly wrapped in thick oil paper and straw rope, faintly revealing the unique salty aroma of ham.

Everything was neatly arranged, filling the travel bag completely without any gaps.

"Brother, this...this much!"

Yang Xiangmei's voice trembled slightly, and she instinctively covered her mouth with her hand, her eyes wide open. "How much money and tickets did this cost! Where...where did you get this? This...this is too valuable!"

She recoiled as if burned, pulling her hand back abruptly, as if the travel bag might bite her.

"Don't worry about where I got them, they're all good stuff that can be stored properly, and they came from legitimate sources."

Yang Guangming's tone was calm and unquestionable: "You're left here alone, in an unfamiliar place. Even though you have a job, it certainly won't be easy at first."

The work points and subsidies that private school teachers receive are barely enough to make ends meet.

You can keep these food and supplies for yourself, or use them as an emergency or to do favors when you encounter difficulties.

At least it will make your finances a little better, your life a bit easier, and you'll suffer less.

He paused, his expression becoming even more solemn, and then took out a small cloth bag from the inside pocket of his shirt, the opening of which was tightly tied with a thin rope.

He untied the knot, opened it, and inside was a neat stack of "Big Unity" coupons, about twenty or thirty in total, with a small stack of national grain coupons next to it.

"Here's two hundred yuan and fifty jin of national grain coupons. Keep them safe." Yang Guangming handed the cloth bag to Yang Xiangmei.

Yang Xiangmei recoiled as if burned, taking a step back and shaking her head repeatedly. Her face turned pale, and her voice became urgent:

"No! Absolutely not!"

Little brother, there are so many good things in my bag, it's more than enough for me! You still have to take care of your second brother when you go back, so these things really can't be taken with you, and I can only leave them here.

But I can't take this money and food coupons! You can take them all back!

"Our family isn't well-off, my parents are getting old, my older brother and sister-in-law have Zhuangzhuang to support, and you'll be getting married someday... How can I take this money? I can't be a burden on my family!"

Her reaction was exactly what Yang Ming had expected. He knew that his second sister was strong-willed and extremely considerate of her family. She would rather suffer herself than add to the family's burden, and she would not easily accept such a large sum of money, which was a huge amount for an ordinary family.

"Second sister, listen to me."

Yang Guangming softened his tone and explained with extreme patience, looking at her with a firm gaze, "You must accept these things and the money."

This isn't just being polite; it's a necessity. Think about it carefully. In the future, you'll be all alone in Kaoshantun, thousands of miles from home. Even if we wanted to take care of you, we wouldn't be able to reach you from such a distance.

Your family is definitely worried and will have to find ways to send you money and tickets, or ask people to bring you things. That will be even more troublesome, time-consuming, laborious, and expensive, and it will also attract attention and cause you unnecessary trouble.

I'm handing it over to you in person now, so you don't have to worry about others finding out. It saves you trouble later and is the safest option.

He pushed the cloth bag forward again, almost stuffing it into Yang Xiangmei's hands.

"A poor family should travel with extra money, especially since you're going to live here alone for a long time."

Having money and food in hand gives you peace of mind. If something happens, such as illness, social obligations, or wanting to buy something, you can handle it without having to worry about others or feel awkward.

Just think of it as putting your parents and me at ease, okay?

"If you don't accept it, I won't be able to rest easy the whole way here, worrying about how you're suffering in Northeast China."

Yang Guangyao, watching from the side, spoke with a mix of emotion and guilt:

"Xiangmei, what your brother said is right. You're all alone here, without any relatives or friends. It must be tough for you. Take this; it's a small token of our family's affection."

After I left, you had no one to take care of you.

With these things, we can have one less thing to worry about at home.

The two brothers tried to persuade her together, their words filled with profound reason and affection. Yang Xiangmei's eyes gradually reddened, and her nose tingled with emotion.

Looking into her younger brother's firm and sincere eyes, and then at her second brother's leg wrapped in a heavy cast and unable to move easily, she felt as if a bottle of mixed emotions had been spilled in her heart, with sour, sweet, bitter, spicy and salty all rushing up at once.

She knew that this was not just about money and material things; it was her family's deepest care, reluctance to part, and compensation for not being able to be with her all the time.

She remained silent for a long time, her fingers unconsciously twisting the hem of her cotton-padded jacket.

Finally, as if she had made up her mind, she accepted the heavy little cloth bag.

The moment she held the cloth bag in her hand, her tears finally fell like beads from a broken string, splashing onto the cold ground and spreading into dark spots.

"Young man... thank you... thank you all..."

She choked up, her voice broken and her shoulders trembling slightly, "From now on, I'll be a primary school teacher. I won't be exposed to the wind or rain, and the work won't be tiring. Don't worry about me, I'll definitely live a good life."

Go back and tell your parents not to worry about me. Compared to the other educated youth, I don't know how many people envy me!

I've accepted the money and food coupons. As you said, it's just in case, so you don't need to worry at all."

"That's right." Seeing this, Yang Guangming finally breathed a sigh of relief and a gentle smile appeared on his face. "Keep your things safe and don't let outsiders see them. Hide the money and food coupons separately in the safest and most secret place, and don't tell anyone."

He helped his second sister zip up her travel bag again; it took her a bit of effort to zip it up because there were so many things in it.

He added, "Eat these foods slowly, don't be stingy. Health is the foundation of everything, so you need to keep up with your nutrition. Especially in winter, it's cold in Northeast China, and you burn a lot of calories."

Yang Xiangmei nodded vigorously, wiping away her tears with the back of her hand, while trying to force a smile. Her expression looked somewhat comical, yet heartbreaking.

She clutched the small blue cloth bag tightly, as if she were holding the hearts of her whole family and their future security in her hands.

After calming themselves down, the three began packing the last of their belongings.

Actually, there weren't many things. The main thing was the old travel bag that Yang Guangming had brought with him, which contained the two brothers' changes of clothes and toiletries; and the crucial document bag containing the return-to-city paperwork, which Yang Guangyao insisted on carrying himself.

Yang Guangyao had almost no personal luggage; he only packed a few clothes from his dormitory and left everything else behind, which Xiangmei could also use.

Just after eight o'clock, there was a light knocking on the door.

When Yang Guangming opened the door, he was surprised to see Luo Xingbang standing outside, his tall and sturdy figure almost blocking half of the door frame.

He wore an old dog-skin hat, his eyebrows and eyelashes were covered in frost, and he had a simple and awkward smile on his face. He carried two bulging net bags in his hands.

"Xingbang? What brings you here?" Yang Guangming was somewhat surprised and quickly stepped aside to let him in.

Luo Xingbang peeked into the room and chuckled, "Guangming, Brother Guangyao, Xiangmei. I went to the hospital yesterday evening after work to see how Brother Guangyao was doing, but the nurse said he's already been discharged."

I figured you'd probably be leaving in the next day or two, so... I asked the production team for half a day off to come and see you off.

He spoke with a heavy Northeastern accent, and although he didn't speak quickly, his words were sincere.

He waved the net in his hand, a little embarrassed: "It's just some mountain produce, all from our remote forest. It's not worth much, but it can be stored after drying. Take it back for your families to try, and it'll be something to remember them by."

Yang Guangming felt a warmth in his heart and quickly invited him into the house: "Look at you, you even made a special trip, you're too kind. Come in and sit down, warm yourself up."

The small room felt even more crowded with the addition of another person, but it also became warmer.

Luo Xingbang entered the room, put his things in the corner, and saw that Yang Guangyao was already dressed and sitting on the edge of the bed with a thin blanket covering his legs. He asked with concern, "Brother Guangyao, how are your legs feeling? Will you be able to make it on the road? I heard it will be a train journey of several days."

"I'm alright, thank you for thinking of me." Yang Guangyao replied with a smile. After a night of digestion, his emotions had stabilized a lot. Although he still looked sick, his face showed more anticipation for going home. "It doesn't hurt much when I'm lying down or sitting, but I can't move. My younger brother is taking care of me on the way, so I'm fine."

As the group was talking, a slightly noisy series of footsteps and voices came from the corridor. Then, Sun Degui's slightly hoarse voice and Wang Yuanjun's loud voice rang out from outside the door: "Comrade Guangming? Is he inside?"

When Yang Guangming opened the door again, he saw Sun Degui and Wang Yuanjun standing at the door, both wearing cotton-padded clothes, their faces reddened by the wind.

Sun Degui was carrying two dried pheasants strung on straw ropes, while Wang Yuanjun was carrying a small cloth bag that looked heavy.

“Secretary Sun, Captain Wang? What are you doing here…” Yang Guangming was even more surprised. He didn’t expect that these two people would come to see him off so early in the morning.

Sun Degui explained with a smile, "Xingbang mentioned to us yesterday that Comrade Guangyao had been discharged from the hospital."

We figured you'd be back in Harbin soon. We didn't have much to do today, so we thought we'd come and see you off. Please don't mind the little things we brought.”

Sun Degui pointed to the pheasant and the cloth bag, "The dried pheasant is great for making soup. There are also some homemade sticky rice cakes, which can help you eat something if you get hungry on the road. It's just a small token of my appreciation, please accept it."

Wang Yuanjun handed over the things, his voice still loud and clear, with the characteristic straightforwardness of a Northeasterner: "That's right! Have a safe trip! Guangyao, go back and take good care of your injury! Get back in top shape! Come back to Kaoshantun for a visit when you have the chance! Things will definitely be different then!"

As Yang Guangming looked at the three men from Northeast China who had come to see him off without prior arrangement, a complex and indescribable warm feeling welled up in his heart.

Although their previous interactions were based on calculations and exchanges of interests, and both sides were well aware of this, the heartfelt farewell at this moment seemed particularly genuine and sincere.

The people on this black soil may be shrewd and worldly-wise, but deep down they retain a rare kindness and affection.

He quickly ushered the three into the room. The already cramped room suddenly felt even more crowded, but it was filled with a warm and somewhat noisy atmosphere. Yang Xiangmei quickly took out cups and poured hot water for the three to warm their hands.

Sun Degui glanced at the simple luggage that had already been packed and said to Yang Guangyao, "Comrade Guangyao, go back and take good care of yourself. Don't rush. It takes a hundred days to recover from a broken bone. You need to fully recover. Shanghai is a big city with good hospital facilities. You'll definitely recover better." His words were filled with sincere wishes.

He then looked at Yang Xiangmei, who was standing to the side looking somewhat lost, and said in a gentle but firm tone, "Teacher Xiangmei, from now on, just focus on your work in the village. I've already taken care of things at the school. If you have any difficulties, come to the brigade headquarters anytime. From now on, we're all family, so don't be strangers."

Yang Xiangmei nodded hurriedly, feeling both touched and somewhat at a loss for words, repeatedly saying, "Thank you, Secretary Sun, thank you, Captain Wang, I'm so sorry to have troubled you..."

Wang Yuanjun patted Yang Guangming's shoulder hard, so hard that Yang Guangming swayed slightly: "Brother Guangming! You're reliable! You're a real man! I didn't misjudge you! If you ever come to the Northeast again, whether you're doing business or just strolling around, you must come to Kaoshantun! We have to have a good drink together!"

Yang Guangming smiled and agreed, "Definitely, definitely. This time, we really owe a lot to the two leaders and Brother Xingbang for their great help. I will remember this kindness. If you two ever go to the South in the future, please come to Shanghai to see me so that I can show you some hospitality."

Luo Xingbang stood to the side, grinning sheepishly and rubbing his hands together. He looked at Yang Guangming and Yang Xiangmei, seemingly unaccustomed to this scene.

Unable to refuse their hospitality, Yang Guangming had no choice but to accept the local specialties they brought. Although they weren't anything particularly valuable, the sentiment behind them felt incredibly meaningful in an era of scarcity.

They sat in the room for a while longer, chatting about the travel arrangements and Yang Xiangmei's future work. Sun Degui reiterated that he would take good care of Yang Xiangmei, who was working as a teacher in the village, so Yang Guangming could rest assured.

Looking at the wall clock, it was almost nine o'clock. Sun Degui stood up and said, "It's getting late. You still have to catch your train, so we won't linger any longer. Let me take you to the station. Xingbang is here too; he has a bicycle that can carry some things."

Yang Guangming initially wanted to decline, but seeing their resolute attitude, and considering that the luggage plus the gifts from everyone was indeed difficult for him and Yang Guangyao to carry, he nodded in agreement: "Then I'll have to trouble you all."

So, the group, carrying their luggage, left the guesthouse in a grand procession.

Yang Guangyao leaned on the cane that Yang Guangming had just bought yesterday. Although his movements were still a bit clumsy and awkward, he was able to walk steadily with the help of others.

Yang Xiangmei carried the huge travel bag filled with her family's heartfelt wishes and food, while Luo Xingbang, Sun Degui, and Wang Yuanjun helped carry other odds and ends and local specialties as a farewell gift.

On a crisp early winter morning, the sunlight cast a soft glow on the somewhat desolate streets of the county town, the air crisp and dry. A group of people walked or pushed their bicycles, chatting as they went, which eased the sadness of parting and created a lively and bustling atmosphere.

Upon arriving at the small, dusty train station, Sun Degui and Wang Yuanjun, taking advantage of their familiarity with the terrain, quickly helped Yang Guangming complete the simple luggage check-in procedures.

Actually, he mainly carried that big travel bag and some local specialties. Other important items, such as document bags, and a few things for the journey, were all carried with him.

On the platform, the time for farewell finally arrived. The green train, like a silent behemoth, lay prone on the tracks, occasionally letting out a heavy sigh.

Sun Degui and Wang Yuanjun shook hands with Yang Guangming again, their rough palms conveying strength and reluctance.

"Safe journey!"

"See you later!"

The words were simple, yet they contained complex emotions. Yang Guangyao and Yang Xiangmei stood to one side, about to part ways, and Yang Guangyao had many words of advice for Xiangmei.

Yang Xiangmei listened attentively, nodding occasionally, her eyes welling up with tears again.

The train whistle let out a long, sharp, and lingering blast, piercing the cold air above the platform. The train conductor began loudly urging those seeing them off to disembark as soon as possible.

"Let's go, get in the car, take care on the road," Sun Degui waved and said loudly.

There weren't many passengers at the small station. Yang Guangming helped Yang Guangyao slowly walk step by step towards the carriage door. Yang Xiangmei and Luo Xingbang followed behind them, helping to carry the last few small pieces of luggage.

They found a hard seat by the window, settled Yang Guangyao in, put away his cane, and Yang Guangming leaned out of the window.

Below the platform, Yang Xiangmei tilted her head back, the cold wind ruffling her hair. Her eyes were red and swollen, but she held back her tears, her voice trembling with sobs as she shouted:
"Little brother, second brother, be careful on the road! Keep an eye on your belongings! When you get home, remember to send a message..." she repeatedly instructed, as if she had endless things to say.

"Okay, Second Sister! Go back now! It's cold outside! Take care of yourself! Write if you need anything!" Yang Guangming replied loudly.

Yang Guangyao clung to the cold car window, leaning half his body out, and waved vigorously at his sister, shouting, "Xiangmei! Brother's leaving! Take care!"

Luo Xingbang stood beside Yang Xiangmei and shouted loudly through the car window, "Guangming, Brother Guangyao, don't worry! I'm here! I'll help take care of Xiangmei!"

Sun Degui and Wang Yuanjun stood not far away, smiling and waving goodbye.

Another, more urgent whistle blew, the train lurched violently, and then with a loud crash, it slowly and heavily began to move forward, the platform starting to move backward.

"Let's go!" Yang Guangming called out one last time.

Yang Guangming and Yang Guangyao pressed their faces against the cold car window, waving vigorously outwards, their eyes fixed on the increasingly smaller figures on the platform.

Yang Xiangmei subconsciously jogged a few steps after the starting train, shouting something, but her voice was drowned out by the sound of the wheels hitting the rails.

She slowly stopped, stood still, and vigorously and continuously waved her arms. The cold wind blew up the corners of her clothes and scarf, and she stood alone.

The other people seeing her off on the platform gradually dispersed. Only Yang Xiangmei remained, standing there blankly, like a statue, gazing in the direction the train had disappeared, motionless for a long time. Luo Xingbang patiently stayed by her side, without saying a word.

As the train accelerated, the low-rise buildings and bare trees of the county town outside the window rushed past, eventually merging into a blurry gray-yellow hue.

Yang Guangyao finally withdrew his gaze, his body feeling as if all his strength had been drained, and he leaned heavily against the hard chair back, letting out a long sigh, his chest heaving violently.

It was as if all the pent-up frustration, hardship, resentment, and fear that had been building up in his chest for the past few months, or even years, were completely exhaled with that breath of white, cold air.

His face showed extreme exhaustion after a heavy burden had been lifted, but deep in his eyes, a faint but real light shone—an almost devout expectation.

As Yang Ming relaxed, the fatigue from the journey and the sense of relaxation after several days of mental tension began to wash over him.

This is just the first leg of a long journey home. There's still "business" to do in Harbin, requiring a transfer and several more days of bumpy travel.

The train rattled along the vast northeastern land, its monotonous and rhythmic sound like a lullaby.

The carriage was crowded and filled with a mixture of smells. Passengers talked loudly, and children cried, but all this noise seemed far away from them. The two brothers were each lost in their own thoughts.

After more than an hour of bumpy travel, the train slowly pulled into Harbin Station before noon.

Harbin is the provincial capital, and its train station is far more impressive than that of the small county town. The Soviet-style station building is tall and magnificent, and the platform is bustling with people, noisy and lively, with various accents mixed together, making it seem both vibrant and chaotic.

Yang Guangming helped Yang Guangyao, who was using a cane, as they slowly and laboriously got off the train and exited the station with the massive flow of people.

The biting wind blew, but the bustling atmosphere and sheer size of the station somewhat dispelled the chill.

Yang Guangming found a guesthouse that was not far from the station and looked relatively clean. With his letter of introduction and work ID, he booked a room with heating so that his second brother, who was having difficulty walking and was exhausted, could rest well and warm up.

After settling in, he told Yang Guangyao to lie down and rest, while he immediately went out to find the cooperating unit that owed him money, according to the address provided by Liu Jinsheng.

Things went surprisingly smoothly. The company did seem to have some cash flow problems, but it wasn't intentionally delaying payment.

Holding the factory's letter of introduction and payment reminder, Yang Guangming maintained a respectful yet assertive attitude, expressing both his determination to collect payment and his understanding of the other party's difficulties.

The section chief in charge of receiving the client was very polite. After verifying the situation, he expressed his understanding on the spot and promised to process the payment as soon as possible, within three days to a week, and would definitely settle the payment.

It was just an excuse for a business trip, a so-called official business. Now that he had an explanation, he felt much more at ease.

After leaving his work unit, he wandered around the streets of Harbin.

The streets of Harbin are much wider than those of the county town, and Russian-style buildings can be seen everywhere. The pedestrians on the street are dressed more fashionably, but they are also shrouded in the severe winter cold.

He queued for a while at a grocery store, asked someone to exchange some local coupons, and bought some local specialties, such as red sausage and rye bread, to take home for his family to try.

Back at the guesthouse, Yang Guangyao was already asleep, his face showing signs of fatigue from the journey. Yang Guangming didn't wake him and also leaned back in his chair for a nap.

In the evening, the two brothers had dinner at a state-run restaurant near the guesthouse.

Yang Guangming specially ordered two meat dishes to supplement his second brother's nutrition.

During the meal, he said to Yang Guangyao, "Second Brother, we're going to Shenyang tomorrow, and we need to buy sleeper tickets. Your legs definitely can't take sitting in a hard seat for a long time. We have a doctor's certificate, so we should be able to buy them."

Yang Guangyao nodded, offering no objection. Although it would cost more money, at this moment, his health and a safe return home were more important than anything else.

The next day, with the hospital certificate in hand, Yang Guangming successfully bought two sleeper tickets to Shenyang for that afternoon at the Harbin Railway Station ticket window.

Boarding the train to Shenyang and lying in the relatively comfortable and spacious sleeper berth, Yang Guangyao felt as if he were in another world, completely surreal.

Looking back, when he came to the Northeast to work in the countryside, he was crammed into a special train for educated youth, which was like a stuffy freight car. The air was polluted, the train was overcrowded, and he was filled with fear of the unknown.

Now, even though his leg is injured and his status has changed, he can go back relatively comfortably lying down, with reliable underlings by his side and the long-awaited home ahead.

All of this is thanks to his seemingly omnipotent, meticulous, bold, and careful younger brother.

Looking at Yang Guangming, who was reading a book in the dim light on the middle bunk opposite him, he felt an indescribable sense of gratitude and relief, as well as a touch of guilt as the older brother for causing his younger brother so much trouble.

The train roared forward through the night. The sleeper carriages were much quieter than the hard-seat carriages; most passengers were resting, and only the rhythmic clatter of the wheels could be heard.

Under the influence of the medication and the swaying of the train carriage, Yang Guangyao fell into a deep sleep. It was the most restful sleep he had had in many days.

In Shenyang, they needed to transfer and wait for the express train to Shanghai the following evening.

Taking advantage of the nearly one-day break, Yang Guangming found a post office near Shenyang Railway Station and made a long-distance call to the factory. The call was connected to the finance department, and Liu Jinsheng answered the phone.

"Section Chief, it's me, Guangming."

"Guangming! How are you? Have you arrived in Harbin? Is everything going smoothly? How is your second brother?" Liu Jinsheng bombarded him with a series of questions, his tone revealing just the right amount of concern.

"Section Chief, I've arrived in Shenyang. The business went smoothly; the other party was very helpful and agreed to process the payment immediately, and even provided a written explanation."

Yang Guangming first reported on official business, then lowered his voice slightly and continued, "It's about my second brother... his injuries are more complicated than expected. The county hospital has limited resources, and although the treatment was timely, the doctor suggested that it would be best to go back to a large hospital in Shanghai for a comprehensive examination, proper treatment, and rest, in case of any long-term effects."

So, this time I have to bring my second brother back to Shanghai. It'll take a while, and it'll disrupt my work a bit.

"Oh, people are the most important thing! People are the most important thing! Work matters are minor!" Liu Jinsheng immediately reassured him, his tone very understanding. "As long as the official matters are progressing, that's fine. You can focus on taking care of your second brother. Come back whenever things are settled. Don't worry about the department; I'll take care of it."

"Thank you for your understanding and support, Section Chief."

Yang Guangming continued, "Also, could you please do me a favor? Could you please send a message home for me? Tell my mom that we're taking the train back to Shanghai tomorrow, and we'll arrive around 5 pm the day after tomorrow."

Tell them not to worry, and that they don't need to come pick us up; we can get back ourselves.

"No problem! Leave it to me! I'll personally deliver the message!" Liu Jinsheng readily agreed, appearing very enthusiastic.

After hanging up the phone and hearing the busy tone, Yang Guangming felt a little more at ease. It was good that his family knew in advance, so they could prepare.

The following evening, they boarded an express train bound for Shanghai from Shenyang.

The environment in the sleeper carriages is much better, and the journey is no longer so unbearable.

Yang Guangyao spends most of his time lying down, watching the scenery rushing past the window, from the vast expanse of the north to the withered yellow fields of the North China Plain, and then to the faint green and winding rivers in the south.

His mood, like the scenery outside the window, grew increasingly vibrant and exciting. The distance to home was shrinking at a rate of tens of kilometers per hour.

The train rumbled southward relentlessly, passing through the night, welcoming dawn, and passing through another day. It was getting closer and closer to home.

On the afternoon of the third day, the train's public address system finally announced the station: "Passengers, the next stop is the final destination of this train—Shanghai Station. Please gather your belongings and prepare to disembark..."

A huge commotion suddenly broke out in the carriage. People got up and rushed to take their luggage from the overhead racks. The noise was filled with the joy of arriving home and the exhaustion of the journey.

Yang Guangming and Yang Guangyao, on the other hand, were not in such a hurry.

Yang Guangming carefully inspected all the items, especially the document bag. Yang Guangyao, on the other hand, tried to sit up straight, took a few deep breaths, and attempted to calm his heart, which was pounding in his throat.

After everyone in front of them got off the train, Yang Guangming helped his second brother, who was using crutches, and carried their luggage, slowly and step by step, towards the carriage door.

Yang Guangyao's heart was pounding. He breathed in the air greedily, the air filled with the damp and familiar scent of the Huangpu River.

He tried to appear calm, but the blush on his face betrayed his inner excitement.

The platform was bustling with people and extremely noisy.

Yang Yongkang and Yang Guanghui had been waiting there for a long time, craning their necks and anxiously searching through the crowd of people getting off the bus. Their eyes swept over each person getting off, their faces filled with anticipation and a hint of worry.

When Yang Yongkang saw Yang Guangming helping Yang Guangyao, whose leg was in a heavy cast and who was leaning on a brand-new wooden crutch, as they walked with difficulty down from the carriage, Yang Yongkang felt a sudden pang of sadness in his heart, as if he had been hit hard by something, and his eyes instantly became hot and burning.

This usually silent and resolute old worker, as steadfast as a stone, suddenly pushed through the crowd and rushed over in a few steps.

He grabbed his second son's arm, his lips trembling, and looked his son up and down at his conspicuous cast-covered leg. After a long while, he managed to squeeze out a sentence that was thick with nasal congestion and trembling uncontrollably: "Yaoyao...your leg...how...how did you fall and get it like this..."

Before she could finish speaking, the tears she had been holding back finally broke free and rolled down her cheeks, quickly dripping onto the cold, dirty cement platform.

“Dad…” When Yang Guangyao saw his father and older brother and heard his father’s tearful voice, his nose tingled, his throat felt like it was blocked by something, and tears welled up instantly. “Dad… older brother… I… I’m back…” All his words were reduced to this choked declaration.

Yang Guanghui quickly stepped forward, took the cane from Yang Guangyao and the small bag handed to him by Yang Guangming, and patted his younger brother's thin shoulder hard with his other hand.

His throat tightened, and his eyes reddened. He wanted to say something comforting or comforting, but found his throat choked with emotion, and in the end, he could only let out a heavy sigh.

"It's good that you're back... It's good that you're back... It's better than anything else that you're back..."

His voice was hoarse, filled with undisguised heartache.

The platform was bustling with people and noise; it wasn't a place to talk.

Yang Guangming was the calmest among them. He said to his father and eldest brother, "Dad, eldest brother, let's go home first. Second brother's leg can't stand for long, and it's too noisy and chaotic here. Let's talk about the details behind closed doors when we get home."

"Yes, yes, let's go home first! Go home!" Yang Yongkang realized what was happening and hurriedly wiped his eyes with his rough hands, trying to calm himself down. He and Yang Guangming took turns supporting Yang Guangyao on either side.

Yang Guanghui carried all the luggage and followed closely behind them.

The family slowly and laboriously made their way out with the massive crowd.

Yang Guanghui couldn't help but lower his voice and ask Yang Guangming, "Little brother, what exactly happened? The letter and the phone call were both vague, only saying that he fell. How could the fall be so serious?"

Yang Guangming glanced at the crowded people around him and said in a low voice, "Brother, this is a long story, and there are some twists and turns in it."

In short, everything is now completely resolved, and my second brother has returned safely, which is great news.

I'll go into the specific details when we get home and behind closed doors.

To the outside world, we'll say that my second brother accidentally injured his leg while working on the mountain. The injury was quite serious, and medical conditions in Northeast China are limited, so he applied to return to Shanghai to recuperate and receive treatment.

Say nothing more.

Yang Yongkang and Yang Guanghui were both experienced and sensible people. They immediately understood the key points and importance of the matter, and no longer asked any questions, but simply nodded solemnly.

On the way home, Yang Guangyao looked at the familiar Western-style buildings on both sides, the bare sycamore trees, the dazzling shop windows, and the pedestrians coming and going, and listened to the familiar and friendly Wu dialect and the dinging of trams.

Yang Guangyao greedily looked at and listened to everything, as if he could never get enough of looking at it or listening to it.

The gray sky, the damp air, and even the smell of car exhaust all felt incredibly welcoming.

He really came back. It wasn't a dream, not a fantasy. The familiar street scenes washed over him like warm waves, cleansing his long-wandering, tormented heart.

Tears welled up uncontrollably again, blurring his vision. He quickly lowered his head, pretending that the cold wind had gotten into his eyes, and wiped them away roughly with the back of his hand.

Yang Yongkang sat beside him, taking in his second son's barely suppressed excitement, feeling both heartache and sorrow.

He reached out and silently grasped his second son's cold, slightly trembling hand, which was resting on his knee. He squeezed it tightly, the rough palm and thick calluses conveying unspoken comfort and support.

As Yang Guangyao felt the roughness, warmth, and strength in his father's hands, the last bit of uncertainty and sense of drifting in his heart vanished instantly, replaced by a tremendous sense of security and stability.

He's finally home!

Once inside the alley, Yang Guangyao got out of the car. Yang Guangming and his older brother carefully helped Yang Guangyao walk slowly home.

At this time of day, the alleyway is still relatively quiet. People who are going to work haven't all returned yet, and most of the students are still playing outside.

As soon as they entered the courtyard, Mrs. Feng, who was washing vegetables at the public tap, and Granny Chen, who was sitting on a small stool in front of her house, squinting at the street scene, both looked up at the same time.

"Oh dear, Yongkang, Guanghui, you've brought Guangyao back?"

Mrs. Feng straightened up, wiped her hands on her apron, and her gaze immediately fell on Yang Guangyao's leg, which was conspicuously covered in a heavy cast. She raised her voice in surprise:
"Yaoyao's leg... oh my! Why is it wrapped up so badly? Is it really broken? Is it serious?"

She put down the vegetables she was holding and walked over to check on them with concern.

Grandma Chen looked Yang Guangyao up and down carefully, then clicked her tongue and said, "What a tragedy! Look, look, you've fallen pretty badly. It takes a hundred days to recover from a broken bone, so you'll have to take good care of yourself and make sure you don't develop any lasting health problems. Go home and lie down properly!" She rambled on, her eyes full of sympathy.

(End of this chapter)