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

In May 1952, the city of Beiping, in the late spring and early summer, had completely shed the gloomy tone of the old era.

The trees lining both sides of the street were lush and green, and the windows of state-run stores displayed goods that, while not fancy, were neatly arranged.

Pedestrians dressed in Lenin suits or Zhongshan suits walked leisurely, and the crisp sound of bicycle bells cut through the morning air.

At the newly set-up newspaper reading board on the street corner, two or three people always stop and read the latest news from the People's Daily about the victory in the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea and the recovery of the national economy.

The gray three-story building of the Beiping Radio Station, after several years of renovation and maintenance, still has a simple exterior, but its interior is full of vitality.

At 7:40 a.m., Yang Guangming pushed open the door to the deputy director's office.

This office is located on the second floor on the east side. It is slightly smaller than Gao Tianlin's office, but it is well-lit.

A pot of lush green asparagus fern sat on the windowsill, a special gift from the staff of the General Affairs Department. The desk was a repurposed old item, repainted, and neatly arranged on it were a file basket, a pen holder, a desk calendar, and a black hand-cranked telephone.

The calendar on the wall had turned to May 12th, Monday.

Yang Guangming sat down in the chair, but instead of starting work immediately, he quietly looked out the window.

In the courtyard, members of the security team were doing their morning exercises.

Jiao Er stood at the front of the formation, shouting commands in a loud voice. The team members moved in perfect unison, full of energy.

In three years, this team has undergone a complete transformation, growing from the initial twelve people with one gun to more than twenty people now, fully equipped and well-trained, becoming a solid force for the security of the radio station.

So much has changed in the past three years.

In March 1949, after the radio station’s Party Committee was established, Yang Guangming, as a member of the Party Committee and director of the General Affairs Department, plunged into the complex and demanding logistical support work.

At that time, everything was in ruins and resources were extremely scarce. To restore the radio station to normal operation, we needed to expand the staff, purchase equipment, and ensure the basic needs of more than a hundred people were met. Money and supplies were needed everywhere, and careful budgeting was required.

Gao Tianlin entrusted him with the tough task of managing the General Affairs Department, which was both a sign of trust and a test.

Yang Guangming did not disappoint this trust.

With his management experience accumulated in his previous life and the composure and meticulousness he had honed in this life amidst adversity, he quickly untangled the mess in the general affairs department.

By establishing a standardized procurement system, clearing out warehouse materials, formulating reasonable allocation standards, and coordinating needs with various departments, the General Affairs Department gradually got its work on track.

The most difficult things are funding and supplies.

In the early days of the People's Republic of China, the national finances were in dire straits, and the funds allocated to radio stations were limited.

Yang Guangming had to be extremely frugal with every penny. He personally visited the Materials Bureau and the Commerce Bureau, trying every means to secure extra quotas; he established connections with surrounding rural areas, exchanging idle materials from the radio station for agricultural products to improve the staff's meals; he even organized the radio station staff to cultivate a piece of wasteland behind the building, plant vegetables, and subsidize the canteen.

These seemingly trivial and insignificant tasks have genuinely ensured the normal operation of the radio station. With employees well-fed, their work enthusiasm has increased; equipment has been maintained, and broadcast quality has steadily improved.

Gao Tianlin observed this and repeatedly praised the General Affairs Department for its solid and innovative work at meetings. The radio station's staff, initially observing and doubting this young Party Committee member and head of the General Affairs Department, gradually developed genuine respect for him.

In June 1950, the Korean War broke out.

The radio station's focus shifted accordingly, strengthening current affairs propaganda and organizing special programs on the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea. Yang Guangming's responsibilities became even heavier—he had to ensure daily operations, cooperate with the propaganda department in stockpiling war preparedness materials, and organize air defense drills for the staff.

During that period, he often worked until late at night. Gao Tianlin repeatedly advised him to take a rest, but he always smiled and said, "It's okay." He was in excellent physical condition. The health preservation methods he had accumulated over three lifetimes, as well as the enhancement of his physique from being reborn, made him more able to withstand high-intensity work than ordinary people.

In 1951, the radio station underwent its first expansion.

Two new special program teams have been added, and the number of technical personnel has nearly doubled.

With limited office space and equipment needing to be updated, the pressure on logistical support has increased dramatically. Yang Guangming, along with his colleagues in the General Affairs Department, managed to complete all the support work for the expansion under limited conditions through reasonable allocation and repair and reuse of old equipment.

Over three years, he became familiar with almost every corner of the radio station, from the equipment models in the broadcasting studio to the monthly food consumption in the canteen, from the spare parts inventory in the technical department to the bed availability in the staff dormitory.

This thorough and meticulous work style earned him the respect of everyone.

At the end of last year, the former executive deputy director, Lao Li, was transferred to the newly established preparatory office of the Central Broadcasting Station. This position became vacant.

Almost everyone at the radio station believed that Yang Guangming was the most suitable successor.

He was young, capable, familiar with all aspects of radio station operations, highly respected among the masses, and a member of the Party Committee. His only shortcoming—his youth—became less significant in the face of his actual work achievements.

As expected, after organizational review and democratic evaluation, the higher authorities officially appointed Yang Guangming as the executive deputy director of Beiping Radio Station, in charge of daily operations, administration, general affairs, and personnel, and to assist Gao Tianlin in overall work.

The appointment was announced last Friday.

That afternoon, the radio station held a general meeting for all staff.

Gao Tianlin read out the appointment document, and the meeting room erupted in enthusiastic applause.

Yang Guangming stood up and bowed to the audience. He saw many familiar faces—Jiao Da and Jiao Er clapped enthusiastically, the senior engineer from the technical department nodded with satisfaction, and the young people from the broadcasting department looked on with admiration.

After the meeting, Gao Tianlin called him to his office, and the two talked for a full hour.

“Guangming, this is a heavy responsibility.” Gao Tianlin said earnestly, “The executive deputy director has to manage too many things, including administration, logistics, and personnel. They are all thankless tasks. But they are also the positions that can best train people. I believe you can do a good job.”

Yang Guangming solemnly stated, "Director Gao, I will do my utmost to live up to the organization's trust."

Gao Tianlin nodded and took out a document from the drawer: "There's something else I need to tell you. The supply system is going to be reformed."

Yang Guangming took the document, which was a "Notice on the Reform of the Supply System for State Organ Staff to a Salary System" issued by the North China Bureau.

"Starting in July of this year, we fully implemented a wage distribution system," Gao Tianlin explained. "Previously, we had a supply system, which covered all our needs for food, clothing, housing, and transportation, and we received a small allowance each month. After the change to wage distribution, wage distribution is determined according to position and rank, and each wage distribution is converted into a certain amount of goods—mainly five necessities: grain, cloth, oil, salt, and coal. These goods are then distributed monthly in RMB based on the converted wage distribution."

He paused for a moment: "You are the deputy director, administrative level 13. I checked, and level 13 pays 227 points. Based on current prices, each point is equivalent to about 2200 old dollars. So, your monthly salary is about 500,000."

Yang Guangming carefully examined the document. He was familiar with this period of history; the transition from a supply-based system to a wage-based system was an inevitable trend.

Compared to a purely supply-based system, the wage distribution system gives employees more autonomy and is more in line with the principle of distribution according to work.

“I understand,” Yang Guangming said. “This is a good thing, it’s fairer and more reasonable.”

"Yes," Gao Tianlin said with emotion. "The national economy is recovering, and we have the means to improve the lives of our cadres and staff. But you should be prepared that under the new salary system, you will receive more money than before, but correspondingly, the organization will no longer take care of everything, and you will have to bear many expenses yourself."

“Of course,” Yang Guangming smiled. “The difficult times for the country are over, and we can’t rely on the organization for support forever.”

After leaving Gao Tianlin's office, Yang Guangming returned to his new office.

He sat down at the table and let out a soft sigh of relief.

The executive deputy director, at administrative level 13, earns a monthly salary of approximately 500,000 yuan, calculated based on salary points.

These numbers flashed through his mind, yet he remained calm. Having lived three lifetimes, he had long since become indifferent to fame and fortune. This position meant more responsibility. The radio station had over a hundred people who needed to eat and work; the programs had to be broadcast with high quality and quantity; and the Party's voice had to be accurately conveyed—nothing could be wrong.

A crisp whistle blew from outside the window, signaling the end of morning exercises.

Yang Guangming snapped out of his thoughts and opened the documents on the table.

The first document is this week's work schedule; the second is the summer heatstroke prevention and cooling supplies procurement plan submitted by the General Affairs Department; and the third is the personnel department's assessment report on the newly recruited announcers.
A new day has begun.

At 6:30 in the evening, Yang Guangming pushed open the door of the east courtyard.

The pomegranate tree in the yard is in full bloom, with clusters of fiery red blossoms dotting the lush green leaves.

Chu Yuanjun was busy in the kitchen, the clatter of spatulas and the aroma of food wafting out. The sound of a radio came from the main room; it was a children's program from Beiping Radio, Jingyi's favorite.

"Brother's back!" Jingwan poked her head out from the west wing, holding a textbook in her hand.

Seventeen-year-old Jingwan had blossomed into a beautiful young woman. She was almost up to Yang Guangming's shoulder, with two jet-black braids and wearing a blue school uniform.

After liberation, she was directly enrolled in the sixth grade and is now a junior high school student in Beiping. She will take the high school entrance examination this summer.

"Hmm, do you have a lot of homework today?" Yang Guangming asked.

"Not bad, I did a math test and I'm reviewing politics now." Jingwan walked over and took the briefcase from her brother. "Brother, are you particularly busy today? Now that you're the deputy director, there must be even more work to do."

Yang Guangming smiled and said, "It's alright, I'll get used to it gradually."

The brother and sister walked into the main room while talking.

Yang Huai-ren was sitting at the octagonal table reading the newspaper when he heard the noise and looked up: "Guangming is back. How does it feel to be the deputy director for the first time?"

"Dad, there's just a lot more work to do, but take it slow." Yang Guangming sat down at the table.

Grandpa Yang Hanzhang strolled out from the inner room, carrying a purple clay teapot. The man, in his sixties, still had a straight back and a ruddy complexion. The three years of peaceful and comfortable life had made him look much younger than his actual age.

The old man sat down in the armchair and slowly took a sip of tea. "Deputy director, and deputy director of such an important unit as Beiping Radio Station, the responsibility is heavy. But our Guangming will definitely do a good job."

Chu Yuanjun came out of the kitchen carrying a plate of scrambled eggs, his face beaming: "The food will be ready soon. I made two extra dishes today to celebrate Guangming's promotion!"

“Mother, there’s no need to go to so much trouble,” Yang Guangming said.

"What trouble! This is a joyous occasion!" Chu Yuanjun turned and went back into the kitchen.

Jingyi ran out from the inner room. The thirteen-year-old girl, with two pigtails, skipped and hopped to her brother's side: "Brother, our teacher said today that the songs on the radio are really nice, and they're all played by your station!"

"Really?" Yang Guangming patted his younger sister's head. "Then what kind of programs do you like to listen to?"

“I love ‘Little Trumpet’! And the storytelling programs!” Jingyi’s eyes sparkled.

The family chatted and laughed as Chu Yuanjun brought the dishes to the table one after another.

Tonight's meal was indeed plentiful: a plate of stir-fried green peppers and pork slices, glistening with oil; a plate of scrambled eggs with tomatoes, a vibrant red and yellow; a plate of stir-fried spinach, bright green and refreshing; a bowl of winter melon and pork rib soup, steaming hot; and the staple foods were white rice and freshly steamed buns. There was also a small dish of pickled garlic made by Chu Yuanjun himself, sweet and sour, appetizing.

Such meals were unthinkable three years ago. Now, however, they have become a daily occurrence for this family.

"Come, everyone, sit down and eat." Chu Yuanjun took off his apron and wiped his hands on it. The family sat around the table. Yang Huai Ren took out half a bottle of chrysanthemum wine, poured a small cup for his father and himself, and then looked at his son: "Guangming, would you like some too?"

Yang Guangming shook his head: "I might have to look at documents tonight, so I won't drink."

"Alright, let's drink, father and son." Yang Huai-ren raised his glass. "Dad, this first toast is to congratulate Guangming on his promotion!"

Yang Hanzhang also raised his glass, "Guangming is promising and is the pride of our Yang family. This glass of wine should be drunk."

The father and son gently clinked glasses and drank it all in one gulp.

Chu Yuanjun placed a piece of pork rib on Yang Guangming's plate: "Eat more. You'll be even busier with work in the future, so you need to keep up with your nutrition."

"Thank you, Mother," Yang Guangming said with a smile. "You should eat too."

Jingwan carefully placed a scrambled egg on her grandfather's plate and a slice of meat on her younger sister's plate. In three years, this once thin and timid little girl has become calm, sensible, and has the demeanor of an elder sister.

"By the way, Guangming," Yang Huai-ren put down his wine glass, "has your salary been adjusted as well? I heard from my colleagues that the salaries of cadres are being changed to some kind of salary distribution."

"Yes, the changes will start in July." Yang Guangming explained the salary point system. "I'm probably at level 13, with over 200 salary points per month, which is equivalent to about 500,000 RMB."

"Five hundred thousand?" Chu Yuanjun thought for a moment, "That's quite a big increase. In our whole family, your salary is the highest now."

Yang Huai-ren is now an accountant at the Third Branch of the Beiping Grain Company. After the grain company was nationalized, he also became a state cadre. He is now at the 22nd level of administration and earns a monthly salary of 460,000 yuan.

Yang Huai-ren was a state cadre after liberation, not subject to the supply system, and the upcoming wage distribution system would not apply to him. Cadres with low seniority like him, with low expectations, actually received much higher salaries than their more senior counterparts.

Although Yang Guangming is young, he is a veteran cadre who joined the Party before liberation, so the requirements are relatively high, and he needs to have a greater spirit of dedication.

Chu Yuanjun works as a staff member at the district women's federation, at administrative level 23, with a monthly salary of 430,000 yuan. The couple's combined monthly income is close to 900,000 yuan, which is definitely considered a high-income family in this era.

In addition, Yang Ming would occasionally bring home fish, meat, eggs, fruit, and other goods under the guise of "fishing catches" or "gifts from friends," making the Yang family's standard of living one of the best in the courtyard.

So while Yang Guangming's family was happy about his monthly salary of 500,000 yuan, they weren't overly surprised. What truly made them proud and happy was Yang Guangming's promotion to executive vice president—a real achievement.

“It doesn’t matter how much money you have,” Yang Hanzhang said slowly. “What matters is that you are bright and promising, take on important responsibilities and make contributions in the new society. That’s more honorable than how much money you earn.”

“Grandpa is right,” Jingwan interjected, her tone earnest. “Our teachers often say that young people in the new era should have ideals and aspirations, and not just focus on money.”

Yang Guangming looked at his younger sister with a sense of relief. Three years of study had helped Jingwan shed her former timidity, becoming confident, poised, and developing her own thoughts.

"How are Jingwan's studies going lately? Are you confident about the high school entrance exam?" he asked.

When it comes to studying, Jingwan's face shows a serious expression: "I think I'm doing okay in math and Chinese, but there's a lot to memorize in politics, and I need to spend more time on history. My homeroom teacher said that with my current grades, I should have no problem getting into high school, but if I want to go to a vocational school, I'll have to work harder."

"Don't put too much pressure on yourself," Yang Guangming said gently. "Just do your best. Whether it's high school or vocational school, as long as you study hard, you'll have a future."

Chu Yuanjun, however, had a different opinion: "If you ask me, it's better to go to high school. After graduating from high school, you can go to university and become an engineer, doctor, or scientist—that's true success. Although vocational school guarantees job placement, ultimately..."

"Mother," Yang Guangming gently interrupted, "Let Jingwan choose for herself. This is a new society now, and girls can achieve just as much. Whether it's high school or vocational school, as long as she likes it and is willing to work hard, I will support her."

Chu Yuanjun opened his mouth, but finally nodded: "That's right, the most important thing is that the child likes it himself."

Jingwan glanced at her brother gratefully and whispered, "I want to take the high school entrance exam. I have a few close friends in my class who all say they want to take the high school entrance exam together and then go to university."

"Then take the test," Yang Guangming encouraged. "If you need any study materials or want to hire a tutor, just tell me."

"Yes!" Jingwan nodded vigorously.

Jingyi, who was listening nearby, suddenly interjected, "Sis, if you're going to take the high school entrance exam, then I'm going to take it too!"

Everyone laughed. Chu Yuanjun pinched his youngest daughter's cheek: "You should focus on finishing elementary school first and getting into a good junior high school."

Amidst laughter and conversation, the meal was warm and satisfying.

After the meal, Jingwan took the initiative to clear the dishes, and Jingyi helped wipe the table. Chu Yuanjun wanted to take over, but her daughter stopped her: "Mother, you should rest. Brother got promoted today, and you cooked a whole table of dishes. You must be tired."

Yang Guangming, his father, and grandfather moved to the rattan chairs in the main room to continue drinking tea and chatting.

When Yang Huai-ren asked about his work at the radio station, Yang Guangming gave a brief explanation.

Hearing that the radio station now has over a hundred people, broadcasts for more than ten hours a day, and the program content is becoming increasingly diverse, Yang Huai-ren nodded repeatedly: "Good, good. Radio is becoming more and more important. Many of our grain store customers say they listen to the news every day without fail."

“Yes,” Yang Hanzhang stroked his beard. “In the old society, only wealthy families owned radios. Now, neighbors pool their money to buy an old one, and everyone takes turns listening to it. Times have really changed.”

After chatting for a while, Yang Huai-ren remembered something and asked in a low voice, "Guangming, should we tell Huaiyi and Huaili about your appointment as deputy director?"

Yang Guangming pondered for a moment, then shook his head: "There's no need to mention it for now. If they write to ask, just mention it briefly. I won't write a separate letter to inform them, so as not to seem like I'm showing off."

Yang Hanzhang nodded: "Guangming has considered things carefully. They already regret it, and hearing this news will only make them regret it more. It's better not to tell them."

Three years ago, the Yang Huaiyi and Yang Huaili families moved south to Shanghai, and initially they kept in touch through letters. Later, after the war ended completely and communication between the north and south resumed, they contacted each other more frequently. But after all, they were separated by thousands of miles and lived in two different worlds, so they had less and less to say to each other.

When the old lady fell ill last year, Yang Huaiyi wrote to her, his tone quite somber.

Yang Huai-ren replied and sent 200,000 yuan as a token of his appreciation.

Every month thereafter, Yang Guangming would send 100,000 yuan to Shanghai in his father's name as a subsidy. The money wasn't much, but it was enough for the old lady to buy medicine and supplement her nutrition.

Although the old lady was not Yang Huai-ren's biological mother, the three brothers had a relatively close relationship, and out of consideration for their brotherly bond, they had to show some filial piety.

The family knew the truth about this matter but didn't say it aloud. They had mixed feelings about the biased and mean-spirited old lady. But for the sake of their grandfather and two uncles, they still had to outwardly fulfill their filial duties.

"A recent letter from Shanghai mentioned that your grandmother's health is deteriorating," Yang Hanzhang sighed. "Huaiyi said she's been bedridden since spring and needs to be fed. She's over sixty years old, and she suffered a lot in her youth; I'm afraid..."

The old man didn't finish speaking, but everyone understood what he meant.

There was a moment of silence in the main room.

“As people get older, it’s inevitable that they’ll have minor illnesses and pains,” Yang Huai-ren gently comforted his father. “Don’t worry too much. Huai-yi and Huai-li are here with us and will take good care of things.”

Yang Hanzhang nodded, said nothing more, but his gaze drifted into the distance.

Yang Guangming looked at his grandfather, understanding dawning on his face. The elderly couple had been married for decades; even with their many disagreements, at this point, all that remained was concern and a touch of guilt—guilt for not being able to be by his wife's side in her final days.

This is probably life: gatherings and separations, love and hate intertwined, all ultimately turning into a sigh.

"By the way, Dad," Yang Guangming changed the subject, "how's work going? Is the grain company busy lately?"

Yang Huai-ren's attention was drawn back, and a smile appeared on his face: "It's going quite smoothly. Now we're a state-owned unit, and our store is very busy every day, but we're busy in a fulfilling way. A few days ago, I was even named an 'Advanced Worker' and received an enamel mug as a prize."

He pointed to the white enamel mug with red lettering on it on the cabinet, his tone revealing undisguised pride.

In three years, Yang Huai-ren thrived at the grain company.

He was educated, good at accounting, and honest and down-to-earth. He was quickly promoted from a regular bookkeeper to an accountant.

More importantly, this job allowed him to rediscover his own value. He was no longer a burden on his family, no longer a father who needed his son to support him, but a pillar of the family who worked proudly for the country and earned money for his family.

The same applies to Lord Chu Yuanjun.

After working at the district women's federation for three years, she completely changed.

She transformed from a housewife who was always busy around the stove and didn't dare to speak loudly into a female cadre who could independently organize literacy classes for women, mediate family disputes, and promote the new marriage law.

Although she was just an ordinary staff member, she was highly enthusiastic about her work and full of energy every day.

Last month, she also submitted her application to join the Party. Although it hasn't been approved yet, she has made up her mind to follow her son's example and move closer to the Party organization.

In this family, everyone has found their place in the new era and is striving to live their lives to the fullest.

As night deepened, the faint sounds of bicycle bells and neighbors' laughter drifted through the alley.

Soothing music was playing on the radio; it was the station's evening entertainment program.

Yang Guangming stood up: "Dad, Grandpa, you should get some rest. I'll look at the documents for a while longer."

"Don't stay up too late either." Chu Yuanjun came out of the kitchen, carrying a bowl of freshly warmed milk. "Drink this; it will help you sleep."

"Thank you, mother."

Carrying the warm milk, Yang Guangming walked back to his east wing.

A desk lamp cast a soft glow on the desk. Several documents were neatly arranged on the left, while an open notebook on the right listed tasks for tomorrow.

He sat down in the chair, but instead of starting work immediately, he quietly watched the night outside the window.

In the courtyard, the shadows of pomegranate blossoms swayed in the moonlight, while the long, drawn-out whistle of a train drifted from afar.

four years ago.

From that hungry and cold winter of 1948 to this warm and peaceful spring night.

From a family of five crammed onto a broken kang (a traditional heated brick bed) waiting to die, to now each having a job and pursuing their studies, living a prosperous and thriving life.

From secretly protecting his family alone to now becoming the deputy director of a radio station, contributing to the construction of the new China on a larger stage.

The changes are too great.

But some things haven't changed.

The mutual support among family members remains unchanged, as does the warmth among neighbors. (End of Chapter)