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

Chapter 208, Section 207: Honored. Administrative Level 17. Big Tiger's Choice. A Visit.
Yang Guangming stood at the entrance of the alley, his deep gaze fixed on the direction where the jeep had disappeared, until the two red taillights completely merged and vanished into the thick darkness of the night.

The winter night wind, carrying a biting chill, swept across his face and neck, yet it could not dispel the surging warmth in his heart or the dreamlike sense of unreality.

The events of that day were full of ups and downs, twists and turns, so dramatic and dramatic that even now, standing still in the wind, he still feels somewhat dazed and needs to slowly chew on and digest them.

Two years ago, a simple act of kindness on a sweltering summer day, a spontaneous act of compassion, has, with the passage of time, yielded such a tremendous and unexpected result.

This fruit not only brought sweetness to their own family—providing the strongest guarantee for their brother Yang Guangyao's marriage—but it may also act as a key, completely unlocking the seemingly unsolvable shackles of fate on their friend Chu Dahu, illuminating an unprecedentedly smooth path for him.

He stood quietly at the entrance of the alley for a moment, letting the cool air help him calm down completely, before turning around and walking deeper into the alley along the familiar stone path.

The house was still brightly lit. Although the guests had left, the air was still filled with the lively atmosphere of lingering excitement, as well as a sense of relief and joy.

"Mingming, you're back? Leader He and the others have left?" Mother Zhang Xiuying was the first to greet him, her face still flushed, her eyes filled with eager curiosity and a kind of excitement that had not yet been fully calmed. She even forgot to put down the rag she was tidying up.

Father Yang Yongkang also put down the pipe that had been with him for many years, turned his gaze from the window to his youngest son, and although he did not speak immediately, the questioning in his calm eyes was very obvious.

His older brother, Yang Guanghui, his sister-in-law, Li Guihua, and even Zhuangzhuang, who had been coaxed to sleep and was rubbing his sleepy eyes, all stared at him with wide eyes, waiting to hear the next update.

"Yes, I'm off. I went to see Uncle Chu and Aunt Chu first, and then they brought me back." Yang Guangming nodded, skillfully taking off his coat and hanging it on the coat hook by the door.

"Tell me quickly, what did Leader He and the others say when they went to the Chu family? What's the situation?" Zhang Xiuying pulled her son's arm and made him sit down at the square table, bombarding him with questions.

She was genuinely happy for the Chu family, but also felt a slight worry, fearing that the large class difference between the two families would leave the honest and unassuming Chu couple feeling awkward and helpless.

Yang Guangming understood his mother's feelings, smiled, took a cup of warm tea from his elder brother, took a sip to moisten his dry throat, and then told him in detail about the Chu family's situation.

He spoke at a steady pace and described in detail how He Zhenzhong unhesitatingly and proactively held Chu's father's hands, which were covered in engine oil and grease.
How Liu Yajuan kindly stuffed the extremely generous gift, which the Chu family considered to be, into the hands of Chu's mother, who was at a loss and repeatedly refused;

And the elderly couple's simple fear, immense excitement, and clumsy yet sincere gratitude.

Zhang Xiuying was still so emotional; she couldn't help but turn to the side and gently wipe the wet corners of her eyes with her sleeve.

"What kind people... The He family are truly kind and considerate! Such high-ranking officials, yet they have no airs at all; it's truly rare!"

Zhang Xiuying's voice choked with emotion as she sighed, "Your Uncle Chu is a truly honest man. Now, things are finally looking up for Da Hu. Their family's hard times are finally coming to an end. It's truly a blessing from the heavens..."

Yang Yongkang listened silently, nodding slightly as he picked up his pipe and tapped it lightly on the sole of his shoe, producing a crisp sound.
"Accumulating good deeds will always bring blessings. Mingming and Dahu are both excellent."

His words were as brief as ever, yet they carried the weight and absolute certainty of a head of household.

"Oh, right, Mingming." Zhang Xiuying suddenly remembered the most crucial matter, her emotions shifting from gratitude to urgency again, "What exactly are those two paths that Leader He mentioned? Have you told the Chu family about them?"

"I haven't gone into details yet."

Yang Guangming shook his head and explained, "Uncle He means that it is most appropriate for me to convey this matter directly to Da Hu himself."

If we tell Uncle Chu and Aunt Chu too much detail, the two elderly people might start to overthink, feel uneasy and anxious, and add to their stress and mental burden.

Uncle He visited their home, mainly expressing his gratitude repeatedly, inquiring carefully about their actual difficulties and living conditions, and repeatedly urging them to take care of their health. He didn't discuss much else.

"That's a thoughtful consideration." Yang Yongkang agreed, a look of deep conviction on his face. "This kind of thing concerns the child's future, so it's definitely better to communicate directly with Da Hu. He's not young anymore, he's opinionated, and he can make his own decisions. Talking to his parents would only make them worry, and it wouldn't really be of much use."

The family chatted for a while, reminiscing about the day's events and the Chu family's turnaround. The conversation ranged from the He family's approachable nature to the Chu family's hardships, and then back to their own happy occasion. It wasn't until the night deepened outside the window, and the lights in each household in the alley went out one by one, and everything became completely quiet, that they reluctantly went to wash up and go to bed.

But that night, the people in the Yang family's small attic were destined to have difficulty falling asleep peacefully. Their minds were still filled with the wonders, joys, and boundless hopes for the future that had filled the day.

The next morning, Yang Ming, whose biological clock was always on time, woke up at the same fixed time as usual.

Despite experiencing significant emotional ups and downs and a busy social engagement the previous day, he did not slacken his high level of self-discipline cultivated over many years.

He got up, did his morning exercise, washed up, and ate breakfast—a series of actions performed in an orderly fashion. Then, he picked up his worn-out military green satchel again and went out to work, looking energetic.

Walking through the alleyways in the early morning, the neighbors I met seemed to have a slightly different look in their eyes than usual, with a hint of probing, scrutiny, and undisguised envy, but no one dared to ask for details.

They were exchanging unspoken messages with their eyes.

Yang Guangming was fully aware of this, but he maintained his gentle attitude as always, smiling and nodding to his familiar neighbors.

His expression was calm and natural, and his pace was neither fast nor slow, as if everything was as usual. The incident yesterday, in which a high-ranking official visited him by car and caused a sensation throughout the alley, had not brought about any external changes to him.

Upon arriving at the factory, after a busy but well-organized morning of work, the lunch break bell rang.

Instead of going to the cafeteria for lunch as usual, Yang Guangming took out a lunchbox from his bag and asked a colleague to get some food for him, while he stayed alone in the quiet office.

He took out letter paper and a fountain pen from his desk drawer, unscrewed the pen cap, pondered for a moment, sorted out his thoughts, and began to write a letter to his dear friend Chu Dahu, who was working in the countryside in northern Jiangsu.

The importance of this matter to Chu Dahu is self-evident; it can be described as a crucial juncture that determines the course of his fate.

We must let him know the whole situation as soon as possible. The sooner he receives the letter, the sooner he can start thinking, weighing the options, and making a choice that suits him. He can also draw strength from this great hope sooner.

The pen nib scratched across the letter paper, the sound particularly clear in the quiet office.

Yang Guangming tried his best to use clear, accurate, and objective language to tell Chu Dahu everything that had happened yesterday, including He Zhenzhong's true identity, the specific content of his promises, and the detailed prospects and possible different impacts of the two options of "joining the army" and "returning to the city to work."

He wrote in great detail, afraid of missing any information that might affect his friend's judgment.

In the final part of the letter, Yang Guangming emphasized in great detail that both options have their advantages and disadvantages, and there is no absolute good or bad. Ultimately, the choice must be made independently by Chu Dahu based on his own personality, ideals, and the actual situation and needs of his family.

He strictly restrained himself and did not offer any advice with personal bias in the letter. He simply reminded Chu Dahu, as a close friend, that he must calm down and carefully consider important matters concerning his future, and figure out what he truly desired in his heart.

He instructed Da Hu not to rush into a decision, but to think it through thoroughly before writing to him with his final thoughts.

After finishing the long letter, he read it carefully from beginning to end to make sure there were no omissions, ambiguities, or unclear expressions. Only then did he carefully fold the letter, put it in the prepared envelope, write his address and name neatly, and affix enough stamps.

The next morning, on his way to work, he solemnly dropped the thin letter into the dark green mailbox slot as he passed by the post office.

After sending the letter, one must wait patiently.

Yang Guangming knew very well that correspondence in this era took time, especially between Shanghai and rural northern Jiangsu. The distance was long and the postal routes were winding, so a round trip would probably take at least half a month or even longer.

He suppressed his expectations and slight anxiety, and threw himself back into the hectic work at the end of the year.

The head of the finance department has a lot of work to do, and the end of the year is a critical period for compiling various reports, year-end summaries, and budgets for the coming year. The tasks are heavy and the time is tight.

He had only recently taken over all the work at the department, and many things required his personal attention, familiarization with the processes, and grasp of the key points; he dared not slack off in the slightest. Being busy became the best way to ease the wait.

The days passed peacefully and fulfillingly, spent working at my desk, attending meetings, and reviewing reports.

Just when Yang Guangming was almost forgetting the passage of time, about ten days after he sent the letter, the "Outstanding Young Cadre" selection activity that He Zhenzhong had mentioned before, just as he had predicted, quietly underwent some changes.

The selection process, originally limited to major municipal agencies and bureaus, showed signs of loosening and adjustment in subsequent supplementary notices. Factory cadres, who were not originally included in the selection, were also brought into the scope.

The factory's Party Committee Office received a new notice from higher authorities, requiring all grassroots units to widely recommend outstanding young cadres who meet the criteria, and emphasizing the representativeness and progressiveness of this selection.

Although the wording of the notice remained principled and vague, those with a keen sense of smell, especially the factory leaders, could still sense that the scope, importance, and potential impact of this selection process seemed to have increased significantly, and its prestige had clearly risen.

The Party Committee of Hongxing Factory attached great importance to this matter. Secretary Tian convened a meeting with the heads of relevant departments such as the Organization Department, the Publicity Department, and the Factory Office to specifically study and deploy the work of recommending candidates.

As the youngest section-level cadre in the factory, Yang Guangming has outstanding work performance, which is obvious to all. In particular, in the recent process of cooperating with Factory Director Zhao Guodong to promote the technical transformation plan, he has demonstrated strong professional and coordination abilities. In addition, his age and seniority perfectly meet the hard standards of "young cadres", and his political background is clean. Naturally, he has become one of the key candidates and recommended by the factory.

After several rounds of serious and earnest discussions and studies by the factory's Party Committee, the final list of recommended candidates was determined, and Yang Guangming's name was prominently featured.

All of this was proceeding smoothly within the organizational procedures, but Yang Guangming himself did not pay much attention to it, simply waiting for the results.

Time slipped quietly into January 1972. The north wind was biting, and the end of the year was approaching.

On the 10th, the factory's noon news broadcast started on time as usual. However, one piece of news in today's broadcast made many workers who were eating in the canteen stop eating and listen intently.

The results of the city-wide "Outstanding Young Cadre" selection were officially announced. On the radio, the announcer read out the names of ten young cadres from different fronts and units in a clear and enthusiastic tone. They had won this honor.

When the name "Yang Guangming, head of the finance department of Hongxing State-owned Cotton Mill" was read out, a low, barely suppressed gasp and murmur of surprise immediately rose in the canteen.

"Oh! It's that newly appointed head of the finance department!"

"Yang Guangming? Isn't that Zhang Xiuying's third son? He's really something!"

"Only ten in the whole city? This isn't just a factory award, it's a city-wide honor! This is truly an incredible and joyous occasion!"

The murmurs spread rapidly among the tables like ripples on water.

The area where the female workers in the weaving workshop were located instantly became lively, with almost everyone turning their attention to Zhang Xiuying, who was engrossed in eating.

Zhang Xiuying was holding a lunchbox and picking up a piece of green vegetable with her chopsticks when she heard the broadcast. She was visibly stunned, her chopsticks stopped in mid-air, and then an unbelievable look of great surprise spread across her face. She even forgot to chew the food in her mouth.

She felt her heart suddenly race, blood rush to her head, and her ears ring. The congratulations and exclamations from her coworkers around her seemed to be through a thick membrane, both clear and somewhat blurry and unreal.

"Xiuying! Xiuying! Did you hear that! Your family member Guangming! Outstanding young cadre in the city! That's amazing!" Sister Wang next to her pushed her arm hard, her voice filled with pride and excitement, even happier than if she had received the award herself.

"Oh! I hear... I hear it... It's truly light! This child! It's truly... truly..."

Zhang Xiuying was so excited that she didn't know what to say for a moment. She was incoherent, and her eyes quickly welled up with tears because of her immense joy and pride.

She tried to lower her head and appear humble, but she couldn't suppress the bright smile on her lips or control the radiance on her face. She could only pretend to frantically rummage through the food in her lunchbox, while her heart was boiling like water, overflowing with joy.

Back in the workshop in the afternoon, we were greeted by a new and even more enthusiastic wave of congratulations.

Zhang Xiuying kept in mind her son's repeated admonitions and her own warning to "be aware of her surroundings." Faced with the envy and congratulations of her coworkers, she behaved with exceptional humility and modesty.

"It's all thanks to the organization's good training and the leaders' high regard for him that they gave him this opportunity."

“He was lucky to be selected; he wasn’t the only young person in the factory who met the requirements.”

"This kid is nothing special, except that he is reliable and hardworking. He knows to put in the effort to complete the tasks assigned by his superiors."

She repeatedly said things like this, attributing all the credit to the organization's cultivation and the leader's trust, and to her son's hard work and diligence, never mentioning any other factors, and never showing the slightest hint of pride.

Her sincere and humble demeanor won her more favor and respect from everyone in the workshop. People privately discussed that the Zhang family's family tradition was truly impeccable; the son was successful yet humble, and the mother was modest and unassuming—truly excellent family upbringing.

Compared to the bustling atmosphere in the weaving workshop, the finance department was much calmer and more restrained.

Corey's colleagues naturally heard the broadcast as well. Their gazes toward Yang Guangming held a touch of genuine admiration and envy, but nothing more.

After all, Yang Guangming is now the department head, and his status is different. Even if everyone is excited and wants to congratulate him, they can only whisper a few words in private, or sincerely say "Congratulations, Department Head" during work breaks, under the pretext of asking for instructions or reporting on work.

Yang Guangming always responded with a humble and calm smile, expressing his gratitude to everyone, and quickly steered the conversation back to the urgent work matters, maintaining his usual calm and focused attitude.

It seems that this dazzling honor, which should have been the envy of many, did not bring any visible changes to his work and life.

The real, more substantial changes occurred a few days later.

On January 16th, the factory's labor and personnel department, as usual, issued a brief notice regarding the adjustment of wage levels for this month.

Against the backdrop of widespread freezing of unpaid wages and benefits, such adjustments are extremely rare. The list is usually very short, and those who are eligible for the adjustment are extremely few and far between. Each adjustment touches the hearts of countless people.

However, this time, Yang Guangming's name once again appeared prominently on that short list.

Moreover, the magnitude of the adjustment was astonishing: his administrative rank was raised two levels from the original administrative level nineteen to administrative level seventeen!
This means his monthly salary has increased dramatically from 78 yuan to 99 yuan! He's just one step away from breaking the 100 yuan mark!
This news was like a huge boulder thrown into a calm lake, causing ripples and shocks far more intense and widespread than when the results of the previous "Outstanding Young Cadre" selection were announced.

The reason was simple: at the time, salary adjustments were seen as a more tangible and enviable thing than job promotions.

A promotion brings increased political honor and responsibility, but if the administrative rank remains unchanged, there will be no substantial change in salary and benefits.

Promotion in administrative rank, especially a two-level promotion at once, means a real increase in income, a tangible benefit that can be seen, touched, and immediately improve one's life!

Yang Guangming is only twenty years old. He has just been promoted to the position of section chief and has also won a rare municipal honor. This is enough to make people marvel at his youth, talent and promising future.

Now, even his administrative rank has been promoted so dramatically, jumping to the top level of deputy section chief at level seventeen, which is only one level away from the level sixteen standard corresponding to the position of section chief!
This speed of promotion is extremely rare in the history of the Red Star Factory.

The shockwaves that followed the news throughout the factory were considerable.

In the labor and personnel department, Yang Guangyao held the newly printed adjustment list, still smelling of ink, and looked at his younger brother's name and the prominent "Administrative Level 17" next to it. An undisguised smile of immense pride and satisfaction appeared on his face.

Colleagues gathered around, offering their congratulations in a flurry of voices.

"Guangyao, your brother has really... what can I say! This speed is like a rocket!"

"A twenty-year-old at administrative level 17! A monthly salary of ninety-nine yuan! This must be breaking the record since our factory was founded, right?"

"Tsk tsk, is the 'Outstanding Young Cadre' honor really that effective? It seems that the young people in our factory will have to work hard to strive for it in the future!"

Hearing these comments, Yang Guangyao was secretly overjoyed, but on the surface he tried his best to remain calm and humble.

He attributed the main reason to his younger brother's recent prestigious honor and the preferential policies from higher authorities.

"The main reason is that the honors awarded by the city this time are very prestigious and I heard that they are highly valuable. The higher-level leaders want to set an example."

"The organization is also using this to show a certain direction, encouraging our young cadres to take root in their posts, work hard, and achieve results."

"His promotion brought him a raise and greater responsibilities, which serves as both an encouragement and a test for him. He will have to work even harder in the future."

His words were thorough and appropriate, leaving no room for criticism. He fully affirmed the importance of the honor and expressed his determination to work harder to repay the organization, leaving no room for fault-finding. At the same time, he minimized any potential jealousy from others.

In the workshop, Zhang Xiuying once again became the absolute focus and center of attention.

This time, she was even more excited than when her son was appointed section chief last time.

My salary suddenly increased by more than 20 yuan!

Ninety-nine yuan a month!

This is almost equivalent to the income level of an eighth-grade master craftsman! And he's at the seventeenth administrative level!
What a huge honor and affirmation this is!
She felt radiant, walked with a spring in her step, and was full of energy.

But she still firmly remembers the principles of being low-key and humble.

Faced with her coworkers' envy and the flood of congratulations, she repeatedly emphasized:
"The child was lucky to receive this honor by chance, and he was fortunate to be in the right place at the right time, thanks to the care and support of the leaders."

"We must urge him to work hard in the future. He must not be arrogant and must not let down the trust and training of the organization."

She even took the initiative to say, "It's a good thing that wages have increased, but life still has to go on as usual. We can't be extravagant and wasteful. We have to think about the comrades who are facing more difficulties."

Her performance once again won everyone's heartfelt praise. Everyone felt that Zhang Xiuying was becoming more and more magnanimous, and had the awareness and demeanor expected of a cadre's family member.

Yang Guangming himself was genuinely happy about the promotion and the increase in salary.

This is not just a personal honor, but also means that he can better support his family. His salary will increase further, and even if he brings home more good things, it won't arouse suspicion.

The financial burden on parents can be significantly reduced, and the family's living conditions can be further improved, allowing them to eat better and dress warmly.

But he was not overwhelmed by the joy that followed.

He knew perfectly well that the root of all this, besides his own consistent hard work and recent solid achievements being recognized by his superiors, was the crucial, even decisive, influence of He Zhenzhong, his benefactor. Without He Zhenzhong's special attention and possible behind-the-scenes support, that municipal honor would not have fallen so smoothly and quickly upon him, a young cadre from a grassroots factory.

Without that prestigious municipal honor as a starting point and a source of prestige, a two-level promotion in administrative rank within a system where seniority still prevails is extremely difficult, almost impossible.

He felt deeply grateful to He Zhenzhong, but at the same time, he became more vigilant and self-aware, reminding himself to be more cautious in his words and deeds, and to be humble and prudent.

Time flies, and before we knew it, it was December, and the festive atmosphere of the New Year was gradually growing stronger in the air.

Families are busy preparing for the New Year. Although supplies are still scarce and the variety is limited, people are trying their best to make the upcoming Spring Festival as abundant and festive as possible.

About a week before the Spring Festival, Yang Guangming finally received a reply from Chu Dahu, who had come from a rural area in northern Jiangsu.

The envelope was a very ordinary kraft paper envelope, with slight wear on the edges and faint traces of dried soil.

Yang Guangming excitedly tore open the envelope and unfolded the thick letter inside. Chu Dahu's handwriting was slightly messy and seemed a bit hasty, but each stroke was written carefully and forcefully, conveying a sense of solemnity.

In his letter, he first expressed his deep gratitude to Yang Guangming, thanking his good friend for always keeping him in mind and for working so hard for his future.

He said that on the day he received the letter, he was working in the fields in the cold wind when he heard the village broadcasting station calling his name to pick up the letter. He was very puzzled and couldn't imagine who would write to him at this time.

When he saw the familiar handwriting of Yang Guangming on the envelope, his heart began to pound. Especially when he eagerly read the earth-shattering contents of the letter, he could hardly believe his eyes. He read it repeatedly, word by word, several times. He was so excited that his hands were shaking and his whole body was hot. He could not calm down for a long time.

He said that night, he lay on the cold, hard earthen bed at the educated youth settlement, tossing and turning all night without closing his eyes. His mind was in turmoil as he repeatedly weighed, compared, and pondered these two sudden, dreamlike choices.

Joining the army was a dream he had cherished for a long time. Wearing the green uniform he had longed for and protecting his country would be such an honor and a source of pride!

Moreover, Leader He personally said that there was a chance for promotion and a bright future ahead.

This held an irresistible attraction for him, igniting his passion almost instantly.

However, the weight of reality soon overwhelmed the burning passion of ideals.

Thinking about the specific difficulties his family faced: he was the eldest son, with younger siblings to support; his mother had always been in poor health and needed medication year-round, which was quite expensive; and his father worked overtime at the factory, supporting the whole family single-handedly, his back almost bent under the weight of the burden.

If he joins the army, although the military provides stipends that he can send home, it will be far from home. If there is any emergency or major event at home, he will not be able to take care of it. It will be like water from afar cannot quench a thirst in the present, and he will feel guilty.

If I choose to return to the city, even if it takes another year or two for the policy to be implemented, the ultimate goal is clear—to return to my parents whom I miss day and night, to get a stable and reliable formal job, so that I can truly help my father share the burden of the family, better take care of my frail mother and young siblings, and fulfill the responsibilities of the eldest son.

After several days and nights of deep thought, and after much internal struggle and deliberation, he finally made a difficult but resolute decision.

In his letter, he wrote: "Guangming, my good brother, I've made up my mind. If I really had to choose between these two options, I would choose to go back to the city to work."

I know that the opportunity to join the army is extremely rare, especially with the care and attention from Leader He. I may never have another chance like this in my life if I miss it.

To be honest, I really want to go. But I'm the eldest child in my family, and I have a heavy responsibility on my shoulders.

Having a formal job back in the city will provide more direct and tangible help to my family. It will lighten the burden on my parents' shoulders, and they can finally rest easy and stop working so hard day and night.

As a son and as the eldest brother, I feel this is what I should prioritize.

Please make sure to convey my idea and decision to Leader He.

I am extremely grateful that he took the time out of his busy schedule to care for me, a junior, and gave me such a tremendous opportunity.

Regardless of whether this matter ultimately succeeds or not, I will remember this kindness for the rest of my life and be grateful to him for the rest of my life!

At the end of the letter, Chu Dahu once again expressed his deep gratitude to his brother Yang Guangming and wished him a happy new year and good health to his family.

After reading this long letter, filled with genuine feelings and inner struggle, Yang Guangming had mixed feelings. He was happy for his friend, but also felt a little regretful.

He was happy for Chu Dahu. With a clear promise from someone like He Zhenzhong, returning to the city to work shouldn't be a problem. The difficult situation of Chu Dahu's family finally saw a glimmer of hope for a complete solution, and there was something to look forward to in the future.

At the same time, he also felt deeply sorry for Chu Dahu.

He knew that Chu Dahu truly yearned for military life and longed to wear a uniform; it was where his dreams and passion resided. Moreover, with He Zhenzhong's promise, this choice was destined for a bright future.

Now, for the sake of family responsibilities and practical needs, Chu Dahu resolutely gave up his personal dreams and chose a more pragmatic path that would better take care of his family.

This sense of responsibility and choice to sacrifice personal interests for the sake of the family made Yang Guangming feel even more sincere respect for his childhood friend.

Yang Guangming folded the letter neatly, put it back in the envelope, and kept it safe.

Chu Dahu has made his choice, so the next step is to relay this decision to He Zhenzhong as soon as possible.

Moreover, thanks to He Zhenzhong's great help, I have received municipal honors and an exceptional promotion in administrative rank. Therefore, it is only right and proper to choose an appropriate time to formally visit him and express my gratitude in person.

As he had carefully considered beforehand, this life-saving grace was the strongest bond connecting the two sides, but it also needed to be addressed and maintained in a timely and appropriate manner, and carefully cultivated, so that the relationship could remain warm and lasting.

He decided to take advantage of the next few days, perhaps a weekend, to formally visit the He family.

The next day at work, after finishing his urgent tasks, Yang Guangming took the opportunity to use the office phone to dial the home number that He Zhenzhong had given him last time.

After the phone rang a few times, it was answered, and Liu Yajuan's gentle voice came from the other end.

Upon hearing that it was Yang Guangming calling, Liu Yajuan's tone was very warm and welcoming.

Yang Guangming first politely greeted Uncle He and Aunt Liu, inquiring about their health and Xiao Hai's situation. Then, he subtly suggested that he would like to visit the two elders at a suitable time to report to Uncle He on Chu Dahu's reply and to express his gratitude to Uncle He for his guidance and help.

Liu Yajuan was delighted to hear this and repeatedly said that he was welcome and that he shouldn't be too polite and could come to her home anytime, just like at home.

After some discussion, both sides agreed that Yang Guangming would visit the He family on Sunday morning.

After confirming the visit time, Yang Guangming began to think about what gift would be appropriate to bring.

He didn't want to give anything too expensive or flashy, as that would not only seem tacky but also make the recipient feel awkward. But arriving empty-handed was definitely inappropriate and against etiquette.

He recalled that when they dined at "Chunfeng Songyuelou" last time, He Zhenzhong seemed to appreciate the tea that had been brewed, and he was quite knowledgeable about it, which showed that he was a connoisseur of tea.

And ironically, what he has no shortage of are all kinds of top-quality teas that are hard to find on the market.

In addition, you can bring Xiao Hai some rare and unusual food. The child will be happy, and the adults will naturally be happy too.

On Sunday morning, Yang Guangming specially changed into a clean, neatly ironed Zhongshan suit. Although the clothes were not new, he looked particularly energetic and composed.

He picked up the prepared gifts—a pound of imported chocolate, and two carefully prepared packets of premium pre-Qingming Longjing tea and premium Tieguanyin tea—and went out, took a bus, and headed to the municipal party committee cadres' family compound.

The He family lived in a cadre family compound, where soldiers stood guard at the entrance, creating a solemn atmosphere.

Yang Guangming gave his name and the building and apartment number he was looking for. The guard made a strict phone call to confirm before saluting and letting him pass.

He had only taken a few steps into the courtyard when he saw Liu Yajuan leading Xiao Hai, who was dressed neatly and looked like a little adult, waiting in front of the doorway of a red brick building.

"Aunt Liu, Xiao Hai, why did you come down here?" Yang Guangming quickly walked a few steps to greet them.

"Guangming is here!" Liu Yajuan greeted warmly with a smile. "I was afraid you wouldn't be able to find your building if it was your first time here, so I came down to meet you. It's cold outside, come upstairs, it's warm inside."

"Brother Guangming!" Xiao Hai called out loudly and playfully, his eyes sparkling as he curiously examined the things Yang Guangming was carrying.

Yang Guangming smiled and patted Xiao Hai's head before following Liu Yajuan up to the third floor.

The He family's house was very large, probably with four bedrooms and a living room. The living room was spacious and bright, furnished with sofas, coffee tables, and a desktop radio, which were considered high-end furniture at the time. Several landscape paintings with profound artistic conception hung on the walls, making the whole environment both grand and elegant and culturally rich.

Such housing conditions were absolutely top-notch in Shanghai in the early 1970s, reflecting the owner's status.

"Zhenzhong, the light has come!" Liu Yajuan called out to the inside.

As soon as he finished speaking, the study door opened, and He Zhenzhong walked out.

He was resting at home today, wearing a dark blue wool cardigan and ordinary dark trousers. He looked less dignified than when we last met, and more casual and gentle.

"Uncle He, I should have paid a visit much earlier. It's really impolite of me to wait until today," Yang Guangming said apologetically.

"Don't mention it, please have a seat. There's no need to be so polite at home." He Zhenzhong smiled and pointed to the sofa, his attitude very easygoing. "Yajuan, make Guangming a cup of tea."

Yang Guangming placed the gift he was carrying in an inconspicuous spot next to the coffee table: "Uncle He, Aunt Liu, this is my first time visiting, and I didn't know what to bring. This is just a small token of my appreciation, please accept it."

Upon seeing this, Liu Yajuan quickly came over and said, "Oh, Guangming, you're here, why did you bring anything? It's too formal. Don't do this again next time." Her tone was a mix of an elder's scolding and affection for a younger person.

Yang Guangming smiled and explained, "Aunt Liu, there's really nothing valuable here. This pound of chocolate is an imported product that I 'robbed' from a friend. I'm just letting Xiao Hai try it."

These two packets of tea were also something a friend of mine bragged about. He insisted they were top-grade pre-Qingming Longjing and top-grade Anxi Tieguanyin, and he forced them on me to try them.

I don't know much about tea either, but I'll take this opportunity to present it to Uncle He, the expert, for his evaluation. That way, I can see if my friend is exaggerating, and I'll have a better understanding of the situation.

His words were delivered very naturally, giving a thoughtful gift without seeming deliberate or solemn. He casually attributed the gift to his "friend," defusing the other party's pressure to refuse, and also subtly praising He Zhenzhong's discerning taste.

Upon hearing this, He Zhenzhong indeed became interested, and a smile appeared on his face: "Oh? Top-grade Longjing and top-grade Tieguanyin? Your friend is quite boastful. Then I'll have to try them and see if they're really made with the real stuff."

As he spoke, he walked straight over, picked up the packet of Tieguanyin tea, opened the seal, pinched off a small amount of tea leaves, spread them in his palm, carefully examined the leaves and color, then held them under his nose to deeply inhale the aroma, and nodded in satisfaction.
"Yes, the color is dark and sandy green, the strips are tightly rolled and heavy, and the aroma is high and rich with orchid fragrance. It is indeed a rare good oolong. Your friend was not bragging."

Seeing that her husband had said so, and that he genuinely liked it, Liu Yajuan couldn't refuse any longer and accepted it with a smile. However, she still said, "You're so thoughtful. If you bring anything next time you come, Auntie will really be angry."

Xiao Hai couldn't wait any longer and picked up the bar of chocolates, his eyes shining with delight. "Thank you, Brother Guangming! These chocolates are imported! None of my classmates have ever seen them before!"

"Go have fun, but don't eat too much at once, or you'll get cavities," Liu Yajuan said kindly.

Xiao Hai cheered and ran back to his room, clutching the chocolate toy like a precious treasure.

Liu Yajuan went to make tea, and Yang Guangming and He Zhenzhong sat down on the sofa. After chatting for a few minutes about the weather and preparations for the New Year, Yang Guangming became serious and relayed Chu Dahu's reply and his final choice after careful consideration to He Zhenzhong in detail and clearly.

He Zhenzhong listened attentively, leaning slightly forward, his fingers unconsciously tapping the sofa armrest.

After listening to Yang Guangming's account, he pondered for a moment, then slowly nodded, his eyes revealing admiration.

"Choosing to return to the city to work... Hmm, Da Hu is a good kid. He's responsible, considerate, and knows how to think about his family. He's truly the eldest son and the pillar of the family. It's rare that he prioritizes the family's practical difficulties and is willing to make personal sacrifices for them."

His tone was clearly affirmative.

"Since this is a decision he made after careful consideration, then we should respect his wishes and do it his way."

He Zhenzhong stated clearly: "The city is currently working on and formulating a policy regarding the return of educated youth to the city. It is estimated that a clearer statement will be released by next year at the latest."

He looked at Yang Guangming, his tone firm and steady, carrying a reassuring strength:

"Don't worry, Da Hu's family is a typical impoverished family and meets the conditions for preferential policies."

I will keep a close eye on the progress of this matter and try my best to help him secure a spot in the first batch of people to return to the city.

His employer will also make appropriate arrangements based on his situation, trying to place him in a company with good career prospects so that he can truly share the burden of supporting his family.

"Thank you, Uncle He! Thank you so much! On behalf of Da Hu and his whole family, thank you!" Yang Guangming quickly expressed his gratitude, feeling a huge weight lifted from his heart, and genuinely happy for Chu Da Hu.

"No need to thank me, this is within the scope of policy, it's what we should do." He Zhenzhong waved his hand, his tone calm, "This little arrangement within our capabilities is really nothing. You are the ones who truly do good deeds without expecting anything in return."

At this moment, Liu Yajuan brought over the brewed tea, which was the premium Tieguanyin tea that Yang Guangming had brought. In the white porcelain teacup, the tea soup was bright orange-yellow, with a rich and lasting aroma that was refreshing and delightful.

He Zhenzhong picked up the teacup, first observing its color, then smelling its aroma, before taking a small sip. He closed his eyes, savoring the taste for a moment, and a look of enjoyment appeared on his face as he praised it:

"Great tea! It's smooth and mellow on the palate, with a noticeable aftertaste and a long-lasting flavor. It's definitely top-quality oolong tea. Your friend is very reliable; he wasn't exaggerating."

Yang Guangming smiled and said, "That's good. I'm relieved. It seems I wasn't fooled by him."

The three of them drank tea and chatted in a relaxed and harmonious atmosphere.

He Zhenzhong casually inquired about Yang Guangming's recent work situation, praising and affirming his ability to maintain a calm mindset and work diligently even after receiving honors and being promoted. He also encouraged him to avoid arrogance and impetuosity, to have a long-term vision, and to continue to improve himself through learning and practice.

Yang Guangming listened attentively, nodding occasionally, and briefly reported his recent learning experiences and work ideas.

As the conversation got more animated, He Zhenzhong even discussed the current domestic economic situation and certain policy trends with Yang Guangming. Although it was only a macro-level discussion and only touched on the surface, it still made Yang Guangming feel the breadth of He Zhenzhong's vision and the unique and profound insights as a senior leader.

Although Yang Guangming is young, he is quick-witted and pays attention to learning and thinking. He has his own unique perspective and understanding of problems. Occasionally, his opinions based on the actual situation in the factory can also make He Zhenzhong's eyes light up. He feels that this young man is willing to use his brain and is not someone who just follows the crowd.

The two hit it off and ended up talking for over an hour.

Liu Yajuan listened quietly from the side, occasionally interjecting a word or two, always with a gentle smile on her face.

She could tell that her husband admired this steady and reliable young man. Chatting with him was relaxing and enjoyable, a rare moment of leisure.

Around noon, Liu Yajuan got up to go to the kitchen to prepare lunch, insisting that Yang Guangming stay at home for lunch.

Yang Guangming couldn't refuse, and seeing He Zhenzhong nod and smile in agreement, he had no choice but to respectfully accept.

Lunch was a feast, consisting of four dishes and a soup: braised fish, steamed pork with rice flour, home-style tofu, stir-fried spinach, and a mushroom and chicken soup. The meal included fish and meat, a balanced mix of meat and vegetables, as well as delicious pickled side dishes made by Liu Yajuan herself, showing that it was a carefully prepared meal.

He Zhenzhong was in a good mood and opened a bottle of Moutai liquor, having a few drinks with Yang Guangming.

The atmosphere at the dinner table became more relaxed and harmonious.

Xiao Hai chattered on about the funny things that happened at school with his friends, making everyone laugh.

Yang Guangming felt less like a guest visiting to express gratitude and more like a meal at the home of a close, kind, and gentle elder. It was natural and warm, without the slightest sense of restraint.

After dinner, we sat in the living room, drank some tea, and chatted for a while. When Yang Guangming realized it was getting late, he got up to say goodbye.

He Zhenzhong and Liu Yajuan escorted him to the door.

Liu Yajuan also brought over a net bag beforehand, which contained two bottles of Moutai liquor and a carton of Zhonghua cigarettes.

"Guangming, take this back with you and let your father try it. It's nothing special, just a small token of my appreciation," Liu Yajuan said with a smile.

Upon seeing this, Yang Guangming quickly waved his hand and stepped back, saying, "Aunt Liu, you really can't accept this! I came to see you and Uncle He, how can I take anything with me? This is absolutely unacceptable!"

He Zhenzhong spoke, his tone gentle yet carrying an undeniable air of authority: "Take it. It's for your father, just a small token of my appreciation, nothing much. Don't refuse, or I won't let you in next time." He spoke in a joking tone, but his eyes were serious.

Looking at He Zhenzhong's earnest expression and then at Liu Yajuan's sincere smile, Yang Guangming knew that refusing again would seem awkward and pretentious, so he had no choice but to accept it with both hands. "Then...then I will accept it without hesitation and thank Uncle He and Aunt Liu on behalf of my father!"

"That's right. Come visit often when you have time, chat with me, or play chess." He Zhenzhong smiled with satisfaction and patted his shoulder affectionately.

"Okay, sure! Uncle He, Aunt Liu, please stay here, it's cold outside, don't come out." Yang Guangming, carrying a heavy net bag, said goodbye again and turned to go downstairs.

Stepping out of the warm, spring-like corridor and the solemn gate of the cadre family compound, the afternoon sun shone brightly, warmly caressing my body and warming my heart.

He took a deep breath of the crisp, cool air and felt incredibly at ease and warm inside.

This visit not only successfully fulfilled the task of conveying a friend's wishes, but also further deepened the precious friendship with the He family.

(End of this chapter)