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

Fifteen minutes before three o'clock in the afternoon, in the rather empty lobby of the county guesthouse, Yang Guangming leaned against the edge of the service desk, talking quietly with He Jianjun.

He Jianjun's eyes still held gratitude for the two plump rabbits, as well as a hint of worry about what had happened that afternoon.

Although he believed that Yang Guangming could handle it well, the words "withdrawal of the case" and "public security bureau" made him, an ordinary employee who was used to a stable life, feel somewhat uncertain.

"Guangming, when you meet Qin Shengli's father later, if he tries anything funny or says anything unpleasant, you must bear with him. Now that things have come to this point, it's best to let things end smoothly and without any complications."

He Jianjun couldn't help but give another word of advice, unconsciously wiping the already gleaming tabletop with his hands.

Yang Guangming smiled gently, his smile carrying a reassuring calmness: "Don't worry, Jianjun, I know what I'm doing. The money will be collected and the case will be dropped, which is the best outcome for both sides. He won't, and there's no need for, to create any more trouble."

As they were talking, the guesthouse’s rather heavy door was pushed open, bringing in a cool breeze from outside.

Qin Dewang walked in.

He changed his clothes, no longer wearing his faded work clothes, but a nearly new navy blue Zhongshan suit. However, it still looked a bit tight and not comfortable on his sturdy frame.

His face still bore that deep sorrow and weariness, but compared to yesterday, it seemed to have gained an added layer of resigned gloom.

His gaze swept around the hall, quickly locking onto Yang Guangming. He paused for a moment, then walked straight over.

He Jianjun immediately stood up straight, his expression becoming serious, adopting a polite yet distant, observing attitude. He didn't speak, but simply nodded to Qin Dewang.

Qin Dewang forced a smile at He Jianjun as a greeting, then looked at Yang Guangming, his voice somewhat hoarse: "Guangming... is here. Have you been waiting long?"

"No, I just arrived too." Yang Guangming said calmly, "Uncle Qin's arrival is just in time."

An unspoken silence and awkwardness hung between the two. With He Jianjun present, some things were better left unsaid.

Qin Dewang rubbed his hands together, glanced at He Jianjun, then looked back at Yang Guangming, and lowered his voice: "Then... shall we leave now? I've prepared everything."

He emphasized the word "things," his eyes filled with inquiry and confirmation.

Yang Guangming nodded: "Okay."

Yang Guangming turned to He Jianjun: "Jianjun, I'm going out with Uncle Qin to take care of some paperwork. We might be back late tonight, can you still hold my room for me?"

"Keep it, keep it, don't worry," He Jianjun said quickly, his gaze sweeping over the two men's faces before he finally didn't ask any more questions. "Then you... go about your business."

Yang Guangming smiled at He Jianjun, said nothing more, and turned to follow Qin Dewang out of the guesthouse.

The afternoon sun slanted across the street, less warm than at midday, but with a touch more languidness. The street was quiet with few pedestrians, giving it a somewhat deserted feel.

The two walked silently, one after the other, half a step apart. Neither spoke first; only the sound of their footsteps echoed in the empty street.

After walking for about five or six minutes, we turned into a narrower alley with low walls on both sides. It was even more secluded here, with hardly anyone in sight, only a few bare locust trees casting sparse shadows.

Qin Dewang stopped, looked around to make sure no one was there, and then turned around to face the bright sunlight.

The forced politeness on his face vanished completely, leaving only deep weariness and an almost numb heaviness. He took out a cloth bag carefully wrapped in a handkerchief from his pocket, slightly thicker than the one from yesterday, and handed it over.

"Three hundred yuan, count it." His voice was flat, revealing no emotion.

Yang Guangming took the cloth bag; it felt heavy in his hand. He didn't open it immediately, but instead looked up at Qin Dewang.

The old worker's eyes were somewhat sunken, and the whites of his eyes were bloodshot, clearly indicating that he hadn't slept all night, or had slept very restlessly.

An extra 500 yuan in compensation would be a huge sum for any working-class family in that era, enough to cripple them or even bankrupt them.

Qin Dewang was able to gather the necessary funds in such a short time, thanks to countless favors he had to ask of others and the debts he owed them.

Yang Guangming felt little pity; this was the price the Qin family had to pay. But he wouldn't show any extra emotion at this moment.

A transaction is a transaction, and both parties act voluntarily.

He lowered his head, untied his handkerchief, and inside were three neat stacks of banknotes, mainly ten-yuan notes, with a few five-yuan notes interspersed among them. He counted them one by one, his movements slow but steady.

The alley was quiet, with only the faint sound of the wind blowing through the withered grass on the wall and the unique "rustling" sound of Yang Guangming counting banknotes.

Qin Dewang stood to one side, staring blankly at the corner of the wall, his hands unconsciously tucked into his pockets. He was waiting, waiting for the final "verdict," waiting for this distressing matter that had so severely damaged his family to finally come to an end.

"...Two hundred and ninety-five...three hundred." After counting the last bill, Yang Guangming gathered the banknotes back together, wrapped them in a handkerchief, and put them carefully into his inner pocket.

“The number is correct,” he said.

Qin Dewang seemed to breathe a sigh of relief, his shoulders slumped almost imperceptibly, but then straightened up again, as if he had finally been able to concentrate on the next steps after unloading some of the burden.

“Then… let’s go to the police station.” Qin Dewang’s voice was clearer than before. “I… I’ve asked around and made some arrangements. As long as both of us are present, and you clearly state that you are willing to accept mediation and will not pursue the matter further, and sign to confirm, this case can be treated as closed. Shengli… he can get out sooner.”

He paused, his gaze towards Yang Guangming carrying a hint of pleading and a barely perceptible tension: "Guangming, what we agreed on before..."

“I know,” Yang Guangming interrupted him, his tone still calm. “Since I’ve taken the money, I’ll do what I agreed on. Let’s go.”

Qin Dewang said no more and turned to lead the way. The two walked out of the alley and back onto the slightly busier street, heading towards the police station.

This time, Qin Dewang's pace was noticeably faster, revealing an eagerness to finish the matter as soon as possible.

Stepping back into the courtyard of the Pingyang County Public Security Bureau, Yang Guangming's mindset was completely different from when he arrived yesterday and this morning. Gone was the somber mood and expectation of a victim; replaced by the detached indifference of an observer and someone fulfilling an agreement.

Qin Dewang was clearly more familiar with the place than Yang Guangming. Instead of taking Yang Guangming to the police station's duty room, he led him around to a row of bungalows at the back and stopped in front of a room with a sign that read "Mediation Room".

He took a deep breath and knocked on the door.

"Come in." A voice came from inside, sounding rather young.

Qin Dewang pushed open the door and went in, with Yang Guangming following behind.

The room was slightly larger than the duty room and simply furnished, with two desks placed together and two policemen sitting behind them.

One of them was the middle-aged policeman who had received Yang Guangming yesterday. He was sitting in the back seat, holding a teacup, talking to a young policeman in his early twenties next to him.

Upon seeing Qin Dewang and Yang Guangming enter, the middle-aged policeman stopped talking and looked over. The younger policeman also looked up and sized up the two.

"Captain Lin." Qin Dewang quickly stepped forward, a respectful and reserved smile on his face, bowing and scraping to the middle-aged policeman. "I'm sorry to have kept you waiting."

He then turned to Yang Guangming and introduced him, "Guangming, this is Lin Guodong, the captain of the Public Security Brigade. Captain Lin took on this case and is in charge of it."

Yang Guangming understood immediately. It turned out that the fair and impartial middle-aged policeman was surnamed Lin and was also a captain.

He stepped forward, a smile on his face, and said sincerely, "Captain Lin, hello. I'm sorry to trouble you again."

Lin Guodong put down his teacup, his face expressionless, and nodded businesslike: "Yes, have a seat." He pointed to two wooden stools opposite his desk.

Qin Dewang and Yang Guangming sat down as instructed.

Lin Guodong looked at Yang Guangming and got straight to the point: "Comrade Yang Guangming, Comrade Qin Dewang has reported new developments to us and submitted a written application. He says that after communication between the two parties, a settlement agreement has been reached, and you are willing to no longer pursue Qin Shengli's legal responsibility and apply to withdraw the case, is that right?"

His tone was calm, his gaze sharp, as if trying to see through Yang Guangming's expression to discern his true thoughts.

Yang Guangming met his gaze and answered clearly and affirmatively: "Yes, Captain Lin. After negotiation, Qin Shengli's family has returned the 300 yuan I was cheated out of, and has also provided additional financial compensation for the trouble and losses caused to me and my family by this matter."

I am satisfied with this outcome, willing to forgive Qin Shengli's actions, and will not pursue his legal responsibility further. I hereby request that the case be withdrawn.

His words were clear and logical, and his reasons were sound. He explained the basis for reconciliation and clearly expressed his own willingness. It sounded like a completely voluntary and rational decision.

After listening, Lin Guodong's expression remained unchanged. He then turned to Qin Dewang and said, "Qin Dewang, your son Qin Shengli has defrauded others of their property. The facts are clear, and the nature of the crime is heinous."

Although the victim is now unwilling to pursue the matter and you have actively made restitution, you must deeply reflect on this incident itself!

Family education is essential. This time, he learned his lesson the hard way, but if he repeats the mistake, no one can save him!

His tone became stern, carrying a lecturing tone.

Qin Dewang nodded repeatedly, bowing even lower: "Yes, yes, Captain Lin's criticism is correct! It's all my fault for not disciplining my son properly. When we get back, I will definitely discipline him severely, make him write a self-criticism, and promise that he will never dare to do it again! This time, we are very grateful for the government's leniency and for Guangming's magnanimity... We will definitely learn from this lesson and never do it again!"

Lin Guodong grunted in agreement, seemingly satisfied with Qin Dewang's attitude. He said nothing more, took a document from his drawer, and pushed it in front of Yang Guangming.

"This is the application for withdrawal of the case and the mediation agreement. Take a look at the contents; it's mainly what you just mentioned. If there are no problems, sign your name and put your fingerprint here and here."

Yang Guangming took the document and carefully reviewed it. The document format was simple, the wording was standard, and it clearly stated the basic facts of the case, the matters reached in the mediation between the two parties, and the applicant's intention to withdraw the case. There were no traps or ambiguities.

He picked up the pen prepared on the table and carefully signed the three characters "Yang Guangming" in the designated spot. The handwriting was neat and strong, slightly different from his youthful appearance.

Then, he pressed his red handprint on the name. The cool ink and bright red fingerprints fell on the black words on the white paper, as if drawing a formal end to this dispute that had lasted for half a year.

Qin Dewang, as a family representative, also signed and pressed his fingerprint on the documents beside him.

Lin Guodong retrieved the documents, checked them, and nodded: "Alright, the formalities are complete. We'll treat this case as a withdrawn case. As for Qin Shengli, once the procedures are finished, he can go back. However..."

He looked at Qin Dewang sternly again, "Go back and discipline him properly! If a similar situation occurs again, settle all old scores together!"

"Definitely! Thank you, Captain Lin! Thank you, government!" Qin Dewang breathed a sigh of relief and thanked them repeatedly, finally showing a genuine sense of relaxation after being relieved of a heavy burden.

The matter is now closed.

Qin Dewang was eager to see his son or leave this oppressive place as soon as possible. He exchanged a few more polite words with Lin Guodong and Yang Guangming before hurriedly taking his leave of the mediation room.

Only Yang Guangming and two policemen remained in the room.

Yang Guangming did not leave immediately. He stood up, but instead of heading for the door, he faced Lin Guodong, his expression becoming exceptionally solemn.

"Captain Lin," he said, his voice low but full of sincerity, "thanks to your impartial and efficient handling of my matter, my family's losses were mitigated. I am very grateful."

Lin Guodong was somewhat surprised and waved his hand: "This is our duty, our responsibility. It's good that you thought of resolving the issue through legitimate channels. In the future, when you encounter problems, you should still trust the government and the law."

“You’re right.” Yang Guangming nodded. “It’s precisely because I’ve experienced your and our public security organs’ fairness and efficiency that I feel I should express my gratitude. Words alone aren’t enough. I plan to present you and our public security brigade with a banner in a few days on behalf of our Xiangyang Village production team.”

"A banner?" Lin Guodong was stunned, and the young policeman next to him also looked up in surprise.

These days, it's not uncommon for people to send thank-you letters and banners to the public security organs, but it's rare, especially after such an ordinary fraud mediation case.

Moreover, Yang Guangming said it was in the name of the "production brigade collective," which is different from sending it in an individual's name.

Lin Guodong's businesslike demeanor slowly melted away, revealing a genuine smile, and his tone became much more friendly: "Oh, Comrade Yang Guangming, you're too kind! Really, there's no need. We just did what we were supposed to do."

"It must be presented," Yang Guangming insisted, his tone sincere. "This isn't just my personal sentiment. This matter has had a significant impact on our village. The fact that it was resolved this way, with the money recovered and compensation provided, is like a lesson for the entire village—when faced with illegal infringement, we should turn to the government, and the government can stand up for the people. This banner represents the trust and gratitude of all the members of Xiangyang Village towards the public security organs. I think it's very meaningful."

His words were reasonable and justified, both elevating the significance and saving face for Lin Guodong and the collective.

In particular, the phrases "taught the whole village a lesson" and "represented the trust of all commune members" transformed the matter from merely a resolution of a personal dispute into a positive example of how the public security organs can connect with and educate the masses.

Lin Guodong's smile widened, and the wrinkles around his eyes smoothed out.

He took another look at the young man in front of him, who was dressed simply but whose speech and behavior were very different from those of ordinary rural youths, and his opinion of him rose a lot again.

The fact that he thought of sending a banner, especially in the name of the group, shows that this young man truly felt that the public security organs had done a good job and was grateful. He also understands human relationships.

This is something to be happy about for him personally, for the public security brigade, and even for the entire public security bureau. Honor, no matter how small, is something extremely important in this era.

"Haha, good, good!" Lin Guodong stood up with a smile, walked around the desk, went to Yang Guangming, and patted him on the shoulder. "Comrade Yang Guangming, I'm very touched that you have this thought! This shows that our work has been recognized by the masses, which is the greatest encouragement for us!"

He patted the shoulder firmly, clearly in a good mood. "But don't spend any money. The banner is just a token; the sentiment is enough."

"Don't worry, I know what's going on."

Yang Guangming smiled, a smile tinged with the humility and slight embarrassment typical of young people. "It might be a few days later. I need to go back to the village and report this to the brigade cadres. Sending the banner in the name of the collective requires the brigade's approval and goes through the proper procedures. But I promise, I will definitely send it!"

"No rush, no rush!" Lin Guodong said repeatedly, finding Yang Guangming more and more pleasing to the eye.

Sensible, reasonable, grateful, and capable.

He couldn't help but become more talkative: "Speaking of which, you've got some good luck. I happened to be on duty the day before yesterday, and there haven't been any urgent cases in the brigade lately, so I personally oversaw your case. If a younger comrade had been on duty, or if it had been a busy time, the process might not have been so quick."

Yang Guangming's heart skipped a beat, and he said, "I just found out that you are actually the leader of the Public Security Brigade. You are so approachable and have no airs at all. I really didn't know that. This is really a coincidence, and it's my good luck."

"My surname is Lin, Lin Guodong, and I am the deputy captain of the Public Security Brigade." Lin Guodong formally introduced himself, which helped to build rapport. "If you encounter any trouble in the county town in the future, as long as it's related to public security, you can come directly to me."

As he spoke, he picked up a pen and a notepad from the table, wrote down a phone number, and handed it to Yang Guangming. "This is the phone number for the brigade's duty room. You can usually reach me here."

Yang Guangming took it with both hands, examined it carefully, then folded it neatly and put it in his inner pocket: "Thank you, Captain Lin! I'll remember this."

This is not just a way to contact someone, but also an implicit form of recognition and a small but potentially useful "family bond".

Yang Guangming was well aware of the weight behind this casual act of kindness. "You should also leave a detailed address, so it will be convenient to contact me if there are any policy announcements or follow-up visits in the future," Lin Guodong said, his reason sounding perfectly legitimate.

Yang Guangming naturally understood what he meant, and he left the address of Xiangyang Village.

The two chatted for a few more minutes. Lin Guodong asked about the situation in Xiangyang Village, and Yang Guangming also briefly talked about the village's production. His words were measured, neither excessively complaining about the difficulties nor deliberately embellishing them, giving people an impression of being down-to-earth and honest.

The young policeman occasionally chimed in, creating a rather harmonious atmosphere.

Seeing that it was almost time, Yang Guangming took his leave: "Captain Lin, I've taken up so much of your time, I won't bother you any longer. I'll take care of the banner when I get back."

"Okay, I won't see you off." Lin Guodong personally escorted Yang Guangming to the door of the mediation room, his attitude much warmer than before. "Please give my regards to your brigade cadres when you get back. If you have any difficulties, you can let them know."

"Thank you, Captain Lin!" Yang Guangming thanked him again before turning to leave.

Stepping out of the police station, the afternoon sun was already setting, casting long shadows on the buildings. The streets seemed a bit more crowded than before; it was almost time to leave work.

With the last three hundred yuan in compensation in his pocket, and an unexpected initial connection established with Deputy Captain Lin Guodong, Yang Guangming felt quite calm.

The matter was resolved satisfactorily, even exceeding initial expectations.

Not only did he recover his losses and receive excessive compensation, resolving his family crisis, but he also left a good impression on the public security system and forged some positive connections. This might provide him with some unseen advantages for his future activities in the county.

Of course, he was well aware that this "good relationship" was shallow, built on a fair enforcement of the law and a "sensible" expression of gratitude, and not very solid. But having a beginning was better than having none at all.

As he slowly walked back, he pondered his next steps.

Qin Shengli's matter was completely resolved, and the family's debts had been paid off.

The current predicament is finally over.

He personally faced a real problem: food coupons.

Yesterday and today, he was able to solve his food problem with the food in his space, but in this era of ration coupons, without food coupons, many things are inconvenient.

For example, he couldn't eat at state-run restaurants, and even if he needed to treat someone to a meal, such as to thank Lin Guodong, or for other social occasions that might be necessary in the future, it wouldn't be possible without food coupons.

The space is full of grain, even refined grain, but it can only be used by individuals or their own families. It is not useful when going out to restaurants or for social occasions.

There are indeed many ways to obtain a small amount of grain coupons. The black market is risky, and exchanging them directly with grain at the grain station is a bit troublesome, requiring a letter of introduction.

The easiest and lowest-risk way is to ask He Jianjun for help.

He Jianjun worked at the guesthouse and came into contact with many people. It was common for colleagues to exchange grain coupons or directly exchange grain for grain coupons. It was a gray area that everyone tacitly understood.

Moreover, He Jianjun is a reliable person and won't ask too many questions.

The excuse was easy to find: a fellow villager needed help, so they asked for his assistance. Rural people occasionally went to the city for business or to visit relatives, and if they needed some food coupons temporarily, they could exchange them for grain with city dwellers, which was perfectly reasonable.

Having made up his mind, Yang Guangming quickened his pace and headed towards the county guesthouse.

When he returned to the guesthouse, it wasn't yet closing time. In the lobby, He Jianjun was talking to a middle-aged man who looked like a cadre, who was checking in. He was very respectful and attentive.

Seeing Yang Guangming return, He Jianjun quickly completed the formalities, led the official towards the guest room, and then hurried back to the front desk. He lowered his voice and asked anxiously, "Guangming, how did it go? Did it go smoothly? Did you get the money? Was the case dropped?"

His face was full of concern and curiosity.

Yang Guangming nodded, a relaxed smile on his face: "Everything's taken care of. We got the three hundred yuan, and the case was dropped. The signatures and fingerprints are all done, the formalities are complete, and this matter is finally over."

"That's great!" He Jianjun slapped his thigh, genuinely happy for his friend, then lowered his voice, "Qin Shengli's dad... didn't say anything more, right? Did his cousin who drives a Jeep show up this time?"

"No, it's just Qin Dewang alone. Things have come to this point, and they want it to end as quickly as possible, even more than I do," Yang Guangming said calmly. "By the way, at the police station, I chatted a bit more with Captain Lin, who was handling the case."

"Captain Lin? The one from yesterday?" He Jianjun asked.

“Yes, Deputy Captain Lin Guodong. He’s a very upright man. We’re really grateful to him this time,” Yang Guangming said, then changed the subject, “I mentioned to him that we’ll send them a banner in a few days on behalf of our village collective.”

"A banner?" He Jianjun's eyes lit up, then he showed an admiring expression. "Guangming, you handled this matter so well! This is truly the icing on the cake! Captain Lin must be very happy, right?"

"It was alright, we just exchanged a few polite words." Yang Guangming smiled, seemingly not wanting to talk about this anymore, and instead said, "Jianjun, there's something I'd like to ask you for a favor."

"What is it? Tell me!" He Jianjun immediately straightened his back. "Why are you being so polite with me? I'll definitely help if I can!"

“That’s right.” Yang Guangming carefully chose his words. “There’s a fellow villager in our village who might be going to visit relatives in another city in a while. He’ll need some grain coupons for the trip. His family has a little extra grain, so he wants to exchange his grain for some grain coupons with city people. It’s not much, just ten jin of rice and ten jin of mixed grains. He wants to exchange them for national grain coupons or our local fine grain coupons and coarse grain coupons.”

He paused, looking at He Jianjun: "You know, I don't know many people in the village, so I thought of you. You know a lot of people at the guesthouse, so could you help me ask if any of your colleagues or acquaintances are willing to exchange? Just exchange at the market price, whatever the calculation method is."

Upon hearing this, He Jianjun readily agreed, saying, "This matter... I thought it was something serious. No problem, leave it to me!"

He agreed readily, which suggests that this kind of thing is not uncommon among those around him.

"The quality of the grain supplied now is getting worse and worse. Even cornmeal has become refined grain. The coarse grains supplied every month are mixed with bran, and the proportion of dried sweet potatoes is also increasing."

Ten pounds of rice and ten pounds of mixed grains—all real, high-quality grains. It's not a large quantity, so everyone will definitely be willing to exchange it; it's easy to resolve.

But then he looked a little embarrassed and lowered his voice even further: "But Guangming, we have a good relationship, so I have to explain the actual situation to you and your fellow villager as well. The exchange rate is different now than before, so let's not leave each other with any complaints."

"Oh? How is it different?" Yang Guangming asked with a puzzled expression.

"The main problem is that the quality of the grain supplied by the grain stores... is getting worse and worse."

He Jianjun clicked his tongue, "Take fine grain coupons for example. Last autumn, ten jin of fine grain coupons could buy seven or eight jin of wheat flour at the grain store, and the rest would be some cornmeal or something."

Now? We'd be lucky to get five pounds of wheat flour; the rest is all cornmeal.

Not to mention coarse grain coupons. Dried sweet potatoes, soybean cake residue, and the like all count as coarse grains. They're filling, but the taste and nutrition... are nothing like the real rice and good mixed grains your fellow villager is planning to exchange for.

He glanced at Yang Guangming's face and continued, "So now, if we're exchanging grains privately, we have to consider the quality of the grain."

If your fellow villagers have good grains, such as glossy japonica rice or precious grains like red beans and mung beans, then you can exchange them for more grain coupons.

If the grain is of average quality, then you'll get fewer grain coupons, or they'll be converted to roughly the same 'actual value'.

Yang Guangming understood.

This is a spontaneous market adjustment under the circumstances of material shortages and declining supply quality.

He nodded: "I understand what you mean. Jianjun, I'm entrusting this matter entirely to you."

You can rest assured about the quality of the grain. My fellow villager is an honest man; he will definitely provide good quality grain and will not pass off inferior goods as superior ones.

As for how many grain coupons you can exchange for, and how to exchange them, you can decide. I trust you.

After the exchange, just give me the grain coupons. The amount of money, or the exchange rate, is entirely up to you; I have no objection.

This unreserved trust warmed He Jianjun's heart.

He nodded vigorously: "Okay! Guangming, I'm relieved to hear you say that. Here's what you do: have your fellow villagers prepare the grain, and when is it convenient for them to bring it over? That way, I can finalize things with the other party."

"Tonight then," Yang Guangming thought for a moment. "I'll stay here tonight. I'll have my fellow villager bring the food over and leave it in my room. You can come and get it tomorrow after you start work, or I can bring it to you."

"to make!"

He Jianjun readily agreed, "No need to wait until tomorrow. I'm on night shift tonight and will be over at ten o'clock. Once the items arrive, just call me anytime and I'll replace them for you as soon as possible."

I reckon that ten pounds of good rice can now be exchanged for at least twelve or thirteen pounds of fine grain coupons, maybe even more.

The exchange rate for grains depends on the type. If it's red beans or mung beans, the ratio is easier to negotiate. Anyway, I'll try my best to get you... and your fellow villager the best possible conditions.

"Thank you so much!" Yang Guangming said sincerely.

"No need to thank me, it was nothing." He Jianjun waved his hand.

The two exchanged a few more casual words before the faint sound of the end-of-shift bell drifted from afar. Some subtle movements began to stir within the guesthouse, as people prepared to hand over their shifts.

He Jianjun glanced at the wall clock and said, "Guangming, it's almost time for me to hand over my shift. You go back to your room and rest. For dinner tonight... or, let me see if there are any leftover cornbreads in the canteen..."

“Really, Jianjun.” Yang Guangming stopped him. “I still have some dry food on me, I won’t go hungry. You go ahead and get busy, don’t delay your time off work.”

Seeing his resolute attitude, He Jianjun did not press him further.

Yang Guangming returned to that familiar, simple room, closed the door, and bolted it shut.

The room quieted down, and the evening light outside the window gradually dimmed.

He didn't turn on the light, but walked to the bedside and sat down in the dim light. His consciousness sank into his mind, and he once again "inspected" the space in his refrigerator, his only refuge. It was full of supplies, neatly organized and categorized.

He needed to prepare the grain sent by his fellow villagers.

Ten pounds of rice and ten pounds of mixed grains.

Rice is easy to handle; two bags of rice weigh exactly ten pounds.

Grains should be included in the selection. They shouldn't be too flashy, but they should still reflect "good quality".

He selected red beans, mung beans, soybeans, millet, etc., which weighed exactly ten catties. He packed them separately into small cloth bags and then put them together into a slightly larger cloth bag.

After doing all that, he finally felt a little hungry.

Although I ate lunch at home, it was mainly for emotional satisfaction. A bowl of porridge wasn't enough to fill me up. After traveling more than 20 miles and going through the negotiations and procedures in the afternoon, I was completely exhausted.

He took out a scallion pancake, a box of fermented bean curd, and a carton of milk from his storage space and began to eat slowly. The food was simple, but it was enough to soothe his stomach.

After finishing our meal, it was completely dark. The guesthouse was even quieter, with only the occasional sound of footsteps and indistinct voices in the distance.

Around 9:30, He Jianjun's deliberately soft footsteps and knocking could be heard in the corridor.

"The light is me."

Yang Guangming opened the door, and He Jianjun slipped in, carrying an empty, half-worn canvas bag.

"I finished my shift. I talked to Master Liu and Xiao Wang, and they were all eager to take the grain when they heard that some villagers were exchanging grain for grain coupons." He Jianjun smiled, clearly indicating that things had gone smoothly. "Has the grain... been delivered?"

"It's here, it just left a while ago." Yang Guangming pointed to the corner of the wall, where there were two bulging cloth bags.

He Jianjun walked over, opened the bag of rice, and grabbed a handful.

Even under dim light, the rice grains are plump and uniform, with a bright white color and a moist sheen. When you get close, you can smell a faint, pure rice aroma.

"Wow! This rice is really good!" He Jianjun couldn't help but exclaim in a low voice, "It's even better than the first-grade rice supplied by the grain store!"

He then opened the bag of grains and looked at the red beans, mung beans, and millet inside. Each one was clean, with very few impurities, and of excellent quality.

"These grains are top-notch! The red beans and mung beans are all plump, and the millet and soybeans look great." He Jianjun praised, "Guangming, with this quality, I dare say we'll get more grain coupons than we expected! Master Liu and the others will definitely be happy."

Yang Guangming laughed and said, "As long as the quality is good, it's worth it for my fellow villager to trust me. Jianjun, you can discuss the specifics of the exchange with Master Liu and the others. I have no objection. Once the exchange is complete, just give me the grain coupons. If there's too much or too little money, you can handle that as well. You don't need to ask me again."

"Understood!" He Jianjun nodded vigorously, feeling even more confident. Yang Guangming's attitude of entrusting him with full authority made him feel less hesitant and more able to negotiate freely.

He carefully placed the two cloth bags into his canvas tote bag, weighed them in his hand, and found they were quite heavy.

“Then I’ll take it over and discuss it with them. It should be settled tonight, or at the latest tomorrow. I’ll bring you the exchanged food coupons,” He Jianjun said.

"No rush, take your time, and be cautious first," Yang Guangming advised.

He Jianjun, carrying his bag, confirmed a few more details with Yang Guangming before quietly leaving the room.

The room fell silent again. Yang Guangming walked to the window and looked out at the pitch-black night with only a few scattered lights.

The issue of food coupons has been resolved.

With food coupons, his activities in the county town became much more convenient. Whether he was eating out or treating others to a meal, he had a plan.

Next step……

With the family's debt crisis resolved, his reputation restored, and the short-term pressure to survive gone, he could now calmly plan for the future.

Moving to the city for work remains the primary goal, but we cannot be impatient. We need to wait for opportunities, or create them.

We can maintain some contact with Deputy Squad Leader Lin Guodong, but we can't rely on him for much.

He Jianjun needs to maintain good relationships here, as this is his reliable foothold and source of information in the county town. (End of Chapter)