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

Instead of heading straight home, Yang Guangming turned towards the county guesthouse.

He had to say goodbye to his old classmate He Jianjun and also share this good news.

When he arrived at the guesthouse, He Jianjun was on duty at the front desk, writing something in the registration book with his head down. Hearing footsteps, he looked up, saw Yang Guangming, and smiled.

"Guangming, you're back? Did you get everything sorted out?" He Jianjun asked.

Yang Guangming walked to the counter with a relaxed smile on his face: "Jianjun, everything's done. I won't be staying here tonight."

"Not staying here?" He Jianjun was taken aback. "You're going home? That makes sense. Now that things are done, you should hurry back and tell your uncle and aunt the good news. Wait a minute, I'm about to get off work. I'll go to the cafeteria and get two steamed buns for you to eat on the way..."

“Jianjun, don’t rush.” Yang Guangming interrupted him. “I’m not just going home because I’ve finished my business. I… have a job now.”

The reason Yang Guangming told He Jianjun this news was not because he wanted to show off, but because the news could not be kept secret and there was no need to keep it secret, so it was better to tell He Jianjun sooner rather than later.

"You have a job?" He Jianjun's eyes widened, and his voice involuntarily rose a little. "What kind of job? Where?"

“Dongfang Pharmaceutical Factory,” Yang Guangming said slowly. “Level 10 clerk, assigned to the Security Department, position is deputy captain of the hunting team.”

He Jianjun was completely stunned. His mouth was slightly open and his eyes were wide open, as if he had heard something unbelievable.

The pen in his hand fell onto the register with a "thud," leaving a small smudge of ink.

“Dong…Dongfang Pharmaceutical Factory? Level 10 clerk? Deputy captain?” He Jianjun stammered, each word like a hammer blow to his heart. “Guangming, you…you’re not kidding, are you? This…how is this possible?”

He simply couldn't understand how his old classmate, who still had a rural household registration, could suddenly become a formal cadre in one of the best units in the county, and even a deputy team leader.
Yang Guangming knew that this news was a huge blow to He Jianjun, and he had already prepared his explanation.

"Jianjun, don't rush, let me explain slowly." Yang Guangming lowered his voice and moved closer. "This matter has an element of luck, and it is also related to something I did this morning."

Yang Guangming certainly couldn't tell He Jianjun the whole truth, mainly because the fact that he killed four wild boars all by himself was too bizarre.

It's one thing for strangers, but close friends and family know him too well. They'll find it unbelievable and worry about his safety, and it'll be too much trouble to explain.

Therefore, he needs to change his wording in some details.

He carefully chose his words: "I know a few old hunters in villages near the county town, and we get along quite well. This morning, I happened to run into them. I heard that they went into the mountains a few days ago and had a stroke of incredible luck, killing four wild boars! They're just wondering how to sell them for a good price."

He Jianjun listened blankly.

"At that time, I remembered that Dongfang Pharmaceutical Factory seemed to have a policy of purchasing agricultural and sideline products, and there were also rewards."

I became suspicious and went to the agricultural and sideline products office to inquire.

Yang Guangming's expression changed accordingly, "And guess what? It really happened!"

Moreover, the price is high and the rewards are generous. As long as you can provide enough large game, such as wild boar, you can be rewarded with a full-time position!
I quickly went back to find those hunters and told them. They were happy to sell to the factory for a much higher price than the supply and marketing cooperative, and they didn't have to bear any risks. Of course, they were happy to sell.

So I acted as the matchmaker, leading the leaders from the Agricultural and Sideline Products Office and the Security Department to the mountains to bring the wild boar back.

Yang Guangming shrugged, a perfect balance of relief and smugness on his face: "Four wild boars, weighing over 700 jin, just enough to meet the highest reward standard."

According to the factory's policy, they gave me the position of a level 10 clerk and assigned me to the hunting team of the security department.

Director Yu saw that I knew a bit about hunting, so he made me the deputy captain. And that's how it was done.

His story is basically true, with only slight modifications.

The wild boar was hunted by a hunter he "knew," who acted as an intermediary, facilitated the transaction, and received a policy reward for it.

This is much more reasonable than saying "I killed four wild boars by myself," and it's also easier for someone like He Jianjun, who knows the person, to accept it.

After all, it's too astonishing for one person to take down four wild boars.

His role as a "middleman" or "introducer" makes him appear clever, adept at seizing opportunities, and skilled at utilizing resources. While this is equally enviable, it is at least within the realm of common sense and understanding.

As He Jianjun listened to Yang Guangming's narration, the shock on his face slowly transformed into extreme disbelief and envy.

He had vaguely heard about the incentive policies of Dongfang Pharmaceutical Factory. But he never imagined that such a good thing would happen to someone close to him, especially in this way!
“Four wild boars…over 700 jin…the highest reward…” He Jianjun muttered to himself, then suddenly grabbed Yang Guangming’s hand and shook it violently. “Guangming! Your luck…you’ve had incredible good fortune! My God! Dongfang Pharmaceutical Factory! Level 10 clerk! Deputy captain! This…this is like a carp leaping over the dragon gate!”

He was so excited his face turned red, even happier than if he had gotten the job himself. He was genuinely overjoyed and proud of his old friend.

"Quick! Tell me the details! Are the factory leaders easy to talk to? Has the salary been finalized? What about the household registration?" He Jianjun asked in rapid succession.

With a smile, Yang Guangming recounted everything he could say in detail, including meeting Director Mo and Section Chief Yu, completing the formalities, and checking out the dormitory, etc.

He Jianjun listened with great interest, sometimes marveling, sometimes sighing, and finally letting out a long sigh before patting Yang Guangming's shoulder forcefully:

"Great! That's wonderful! Guangming, I'm so happy for you! Now you've not only gotten your money back, but you've also turned misfortune into a blessing and gotten such a great job! Your uncle and aunt will be overjoyed when they find out! Look at those people in the village, who will dare to gossip behind your back now!"

His joy was palpable, and Yang Guangming could clearly feel the sincerity of their friendship.

"Yes, we've finally made it through." Yang Guangming said with emotion, "Jianjun, I'm so grateful for your kindness in taking me in and worrying about me during this time. I'll remember that kindness."

"Why say all this!" He Jianjun waved his hand. "We're family. I'm happier than anything if you're doing well! From now on, we'll live closer to each other in the county town, so let's visit each other often!"

"Definitely!" Yang Guangming nodded. "By the way, I might have to start the household registration transfer process tomorrow. I need to go back to the commune to get a certificate and then come to the county to complete the procedures. I might have to trouble you again then."

Although Yang Guangming already has his own dormitory, it only has a bare bed and he needs to buy more things before he can move in.

"Come on over! I'll always save room for you!" He Jianjun patted his chest. "If you need me to run errands or ask around, just let me know!"

The two chatted for a while longer, then, seeing that it was getting late, Yang Guangming said goodbye.

"I need to hurry back and get home before dark."

"Yes, yes, hurry back! Be careful on the road!" He Jianjun saw him off at the entrance of the guesthouse, watching him carry his basket on his back and walk briskly into the crowd of pedestrians on the street, his face still showing excitement and smiles that had not yet completely subsided.

Yang Guangming left the guesthouse without further delay, determined his direction, and strode quickly toward the road leading out of the city.

Inside the basket, the four rabbits occasionally stirred, bringing a heavy sense of security. The job application letter envelope in my arms added to the reassurance.

The setting sun painted the western sky a magnificent orange-red, and the evening breeze, no longer as cold as in the morning, carried a gentle warmth unique to spring.

His steps were light and steady, and the twenty-mile mountain road did not seem so long. Every step he took was incredibly solid.

Once outside the city and onto the dirt road back to the village, the view opened up, and the outline of the village in the distance appeared and disappeared in the twilight, with wisps of smoke rising from the chimneys.

Unlike yesterday, he didn't stop to eat along the way. Now, he was eager to get home and wanted to bring this wonderful news to his family as soon as possible. The family that had been overshadowed by him could now finally hold their heads high.

The sun finally sank completely below the horizon, leaving only a last wisp of crimson glow on the horizon.

Ahead, the familiar outline of Xiangyang Village became clearer and clearer, and the bare branches of the old locust tree at the village entrance stretched out in the darkening sky.

Dim yellow kerosene lamps shone from the windows of every house, and the sounds of dogs barking and children playing could be faintly heard. The air was filled with the aroma of firewood and dinner.

Without pausing, Yang Guangming, carrying a basket on his back, walked straight into the village.

At this time, most villagers were at home eating or preparing to rest, and there was hardly anyone on the road. He quickly walked to the outside of his own low mud-brick courtyard wall.

The gate to the courtyard was still open, and the lights were on inside.

I could already hear my father and eldest brother talking in hushed tones, as well as my mother and sister-in-law bustling about in the kitchen, the pots and pans gently clattering against each other.

The third brother, Yang Yuming, was speaking loudly, which drew a rebuttal from his younger sister, Yang Qiuhong. Miaomiao occasionally let out a soft babbling sound, and her sister-in-law, Cheng Shulan, gently coaxed her.

The voices of family members drifted out faintly, intertwining together, simple, warm, and full of the most authentic essence of life.

Yang Guangming stood at the doorway, took a deep breath, and a smile involuntarily appeared on his face. Then, he stepped over the high threshold and into the courtyard.

"Dad, Mom, eldest brother, sister-in-law, I'm back." His voice wasn't loud, but it carried clearly into the main room and the kitchen.

The sounds in the courtyard fell silent for a moment.

Immediately afterwards, the curtain to the main room was suddenly thrown open, and Yang Yuming was the first to rush out. When he saw Yang Guangming, his eyes lit up: "Second Brother! Why are you back so soon? Didn't you say you might stay a couple more days?"

Yang Ximing also came out, his face filled with doubt and concern: "Guangming, were things all taken care of so quickly?"

Feng Guifang and Cheng Shulan also peeked out from the kitchen and were somewhat surprised to see Yang Guangming.

Yang Guangming unloaded the heavy basket from his shoulder and placed it on the ground. He patted the dust off his clothes and looked at his father, who had also come out of the house after hearing the noise, and his younger sister, who looked on with curiosity.

All eyes in the family were on him.

Instead of immediately lifting the lid of the basket, Yang Guangming carefully took out the kraft paper envelope from his pocket and then took out the two letters of introduction stamped with bright red official seals from the envelope.

He handed the letter of introduction to his eldest brother, Yang Ximing, who was closest to him.

"Big brother, take a look at this."

Yang Ximing took it with a puzzled look and squinted at it in the dim light coming from the main room.

When the words "Pingyang County Dongfang Pharmaceutical Factory", "Letter of Introduction for Cadre Administrative Relationship", "Level 10 Clerk" and "Yang Guangming" came into view, his hand suddenly trembled, and the paper made a slight rustling sound.

He suddenly raised his head and looked at Yang Guangming. The expression on his face changed from confusion to extreme shock in an instant. His lips trembled, but he couldn't utter a complete sentence for a moment.

"This...this...light...is this real?"

Seeing his eldest son's outburst, Yang Xiuyuan frowned, stepped forward, and took the letter of introduction from Yang Ximing's hand.

He never went to school, but he was quite intelligent and learned some simple characters when he attended literacy classes.

Although he doesn't know many characters, he can still recognize the key words "Dongfang Pharmaceutical Factory", "letter of introduction" and "Yang Guangming".

Especially that bright red official seal, in this era, represents unquestionable authority and authenticity.

His hands trembled slightly, and his gaze shifted from the paper to Yang Guangming's face. His eyes were filled with disbelief, shock, and a barely perceptible tension, as if he feared his hopes had been dashed. "Guangming... what... what is this?" Feng Guifang also sensed something was wrong, wiping her hands as she approached, her voice strained.

Yang Yuming and Yang Qiuhong also crowded around their father, craning their necks to look.

Yang Qiuhong read it aloud in a low voice, as if in disbelief: "Pingyang County Dongfang Pharmaceutical Factory... Letter of introduction for cadre and administrative relations... This is to introduce Comrade Yang Guangming... to your office... Level 10 clerk..."

She froze upon reading this, suddenly covering her mouth and staring wide-eyed at her second brother.

Seeing the identical shock and bewilderment on his family members' faces, Yang Guangming felt a surge of warmth and accomplishment. A bright, genuine smile spread across his face, and he said in a clear and steady voice:

"Dad, Mom, eldest brother and sister-in-law, Yuming, Qiuhong, I've found a job."

At Dongfang Pharmaceutical Factory, I was a level 10 clerk, which was equivalent to a cadre position, with a monthly salary of 27.5 yuan. The factory put me in the security department's hunting team and even gave me the position of deputy captain.

He paused, then continued, word by word:

"From now on, I am a city dweller, a government official!"

The courtyard was deathly silent.

The only sounds were the faint crackling of the burning kerosene lamp wick and a few barks from a distant house.

Everyone seemed frozen in place, staring blankly at Yang Guangming, at the calm yet incredibly firm smile on his face, at the bulging basket at his feet, and then at the two letters of introduction in Yang Xiuyuan's hand that seemed to weigh a ton.

The surprise was so great, so sudden, so unreal, that they couldn't understand or accept it for a while.

Yesterday, Yang Guangming was a rural youth who had just recovered the money he had been swindled out of and restored his family's reputation.

Although this incident resulted in a compensation of 500 yuan, they brought back a basket full of good stuff, allowing the whole family to have a full meal after half a year, relieving them of the burden of debt, and finally bringing them a sense of pride.

But in everyone's mind, he was still a member of Xiangyang Village, his future was still bleak, and working in the city was still a distant dream.

How could this dream, which has only been a day, have transformed into a reality that is within reach, even already in my hands, in such a dizzying way?

Dongfang Pharmaceutical Factory!
That's a place that all the young people in the county desperately want to get into!

Level 10 clerk! A cadre position! Only 27.5 yuan a month! Such a high monthly income is simply dizzying!
He's still the vice-captain! Even if he's just the vice-captain of a hunting team, he still has the title of "captain" in his name!
Yang Guangming understood his family's shock. He didn't urge them, but simply bent down and lifted the lid of the basket.

Four plump, tied-up, grayish-brown wild rabbits appeared before everyone's eyes.

"We got these rabbits today, just in time to take them home and improve our meals," Yang Guangming said. "Once I officially start working and get my household registration, I'll have food coupons and a salary. Such a happy occasion definitely deserves a celebration. These four rabbits are just right for our family to eat."

The sight of the rabbit, alive and the allure of meat, finally pulled the family back from their extreme shock and disorientation.

Feng Guifang was the first to react. She grabbed Yang Guangming's arm, her fingers tightening, her voice trembling:

"Guangming...you...you pinch Mom...I'm not dreaming, am I? This...this letter of introduction...is it real? You really...got into the pharmaceutical factory? Became a manager?"

Yang Guangming grasped his mother's rough, cold hand and nodded vigorously: "Mom, it's true. It's in black and white, with a red seal, absolutely true."

I'll go to the commune and county offices tomorrow to complete the household registration transfer procedures. Once that's done, I'll officially start work.

"My God..." Feng Guifang's legs went weak and she almost couldn't stand up, but Cheng Shulan next to her quickly supported her.

Her tears welled up instantly, tears that were even more turbulent and complex than when she heard yesterday that the money had been returned. They were filled with unbelievable elation, exhaustion after shedding all the burdens, and bewilderment and pride at her son's tremendous change.

Yang Xiuyuan looked at the letter of introduction in his hand repeatedly, his fingers tracing the bright red seal, confirming its authenticity once again.

The taciturn man's chest heaved violently as he looked up at his son with an extremely complex expression—shock, doubt, pride, and a deep scrutiny as if he were getting to know his son all over again.

"Guangming... this job... how did you...?" He asked the question that his whole family wanted to ask the most.

This is so unreasonable.

How could a high school graduate with a rural household registration and no connections suddenly obtain a cadre position at Dongfang Pharmaceutical Factory in just one day?

Yang Guang knew he had to give his family a reasonable explanation that they could accept and feel at ease.

He had prepared his explanation long ago.

"Dad, Mom, let me tell you slowly." Yang Guangming gestured for everyone to come inside. "This is a long story, and it also involved a bit of luck."

The family, huddled around Yang Guangming, entered the main room in a daze. Even Miaomiao seemed to sense the unusual atmosphere, staring at the adults with her big, bright eyes.

The kerosene lamp was turned up a little brighter. Everyone sat down around the eight-immortal table, their eyes fixed on the bright sunlight.

Yang Guangming began his narration in a calm and clear tone.

“Didn’t I tell you yesterday that the Qin family paid compensation and gave us some things from the city?” He started with what he already knew to build credibility. “Actually, I encountered something else in the city yesterday.”

After a pause, Yang Guangming continued, "I know a few old hunters from villages near the county town. I've dealt with them before. I ran into them yesterday, and they told me that they went deep into the Western Mountains a few days ago and had exceptionally good luck, killing four large wild boars!"

"Four wild boars?" Yang Yuming exclaimed in surprise. "My goodness! They're that powerful?"

"Yes, they are all experienced hunters. What a coincidence."

Yang Guangming continued, "But even though they managed to kill the wild boar, they're still worried."

Selling to the supply and marketing cooperative yields a low price. Selling on the black market, while potentially earning much more money, is considered speculation and could lead to imprisonment. They are too timid to do that.

As it happens, I've heard that large factories like Dongfang Pharmaceutical Factory have departments that specialize in purchasing agricultural products to improve the meals for their employees. Moreover, they offer much higher prices than supply and marketing cooperatives. Sometimes, there are even special incentive policies to encourage people to send game over.

I immediately thought, this is an opportunity.

I went to the agricultural products office of Dongfang Pharmaceutical Factory and inquired about it carefully.

Yang Guangming's face showed a hint of "a sudden inspiration." "After asking around, it turned out there really was such a policy! The price was indeed very high. If it was a wild boar, it could be purchased at 90 cents per pound based on its live weight."

This price is almost double that of the supply and marketing cooperative. If they can sell at this price, those old hunters will definitely be very satisfied.

Most importantly, there are indeed special rewards!

If we can provide enough large game, such as wild boar, and meet certain standards, the factory can award us a full-time employee position!

A collective gasp filled the main room. Could such a thing really be true?
"I quickly went back to find those old hunters and told them, and they were happy to help!"

Selling it to the factory, they could get it for 90 cents a pound based on gross weight. That price was too high; it was almost double the price they could get by selling it directly to the supply and marketing cooperative's purchasing station.

So, I acted as the introducer. Of course, I didn't mention the special reward policy to those veteran hunters; they were already satisfied as long as they got the money.

Yang Guangming continued, "This morning, I took the people from Dongfang Pharmaceutical Factory into the mountains to see the wild boars. After weighing them, they totaled 760 jin! That just meets the highest reward standard in the policy."

His narrative was clear, logical, and reasonable. Luck, information, and courage combined to make this "deal" possible.

"The factory leaders inspected the wild boar, and since its total weight met the reward requirements, they gave me the reward according to the policy."

Yang Guangming pointed to the letter of introduction in his father's hand, "This is it, a level 10 clerk. Because I know a little about things in the mountains, Director Yu thought I was suitable, so he arranged for me to join the hunting team of the security department and gave me the position of deputy captain, so that I could help get more mountain products in the future."

He paused, then concluded, "So, this job was essentially obtained in exchange for those four wild boars. Of course, the wild boars belonged to the hunters; I was just the middleman. They got the money, and I got the job. The factory was just following the policy."

While this explanation still marvels at his good luck, it is far more credible than the "one man killed four wild boars" explanation, and it aligns with people's contemporary understanding of "connections," "introductions," and "policy rewards."

The whole family was stunned.

Yang Ximing was the first to process this astonishing information. He slapped his thigh, his face flushed with excitement:

"Guangming! You...you're incredibly lucky! No, it's not just luck! You're smart and know how to seize opportunities!"

My God, four wild boars for a cadre position at Dongfang Pharmaceutical Factory… This… this is like a pie falling from the sky and landing right on your head!

His gaze towards Yang Guangming was filled with incredible admiration. This younger brother was truly completely different from before!

Yang Yuming jumped up excitedly: "Second Brother! You're awesome! Vice Captain! Haha, now when I go to the city, can I visit you at the pharmaceutical factory? I heard the food in the factory canteen is really good!"

Yang Qiuhong's eyes sparkled with admiration: "Second Brother, you're amazing! Now let's see who in the village dares to call you a fool! In my opinion, you're the smartest and most capable one in our village!"

Feng Guifang was still wiping away tears, but these were tears of joy. She held onto Yang Guangming's hand tightly, saying, "Good, good, my son has made something of himself... he's made something of himself... May our ancestors bless him, may our ancestors bless him..."

Cheng Shulan's eyes were also red, but her face showed a genuine smile of happiness for her brother-in-law. As her husband's family was doing better and better, she, as the eldest daughter-in-law, was naturally happy too.

Yang Xiuyuan remained silent, listening to his son's account and observing his son's composed expression and clear eyes. His doubts weren't completely dispelled; he felt things couldn't be that simple, perhaps even more complicated than his son described, and that his son might be hiding something.

But he could also tell that the basic framework his son described was true, and the letter of introduction was definitely genuine.

In any case, the outcome was good.

He slowly folded the letter of introduction and handed it to Yang Guangming. His voice was a little hoarse, but it carried an unprecedented solemnity and a sense of relief: "Keep it safe. This is your future, more precious than anything else."

Then, looking at Yang Guangming, he slowly said, "Tomorrow, I'll go with you to the commune to get the certificate."

This statement signifies the head of the family's complete approval and full support for this major life change in his son.

Yang Guangming felt a warmth in his heart and nodded: "Okay."

"Today...our family has to celebrate again!"

Yang Ximing was overjoyed and didn't know what to do. Looking at the four fat rabbits on the ground, he said, "These rabbits are just in time! Mom, let's add another dish tonight. We must celebrate properly!"
Guangming not only moved to the city, but he also became a cadre! This is an incredibly auspicious event, like a blessing from our ancestors' graves!

Feng Guifang nodded repeatedly: "Yes, yes, let's celebrate! We must celebrate! Yuming, quick, get those two biggest rabbits ready, we'll stew them tonight, a big pot of them! Ximing, go get the wine! Get the best wine!"

The house was instantly filled with joy and busy activity. The celebration of yesterday had not yet completely faded, and today brought even greater joy, enough to change the fate of the whole family.

Looking at the genuine, radiant smiles on his family's faces, at their upright posture and the sparkle in their eyes because of his "success," Yang Guangming felt a deep sense of peaceful satisfaction. (End of Chapter)