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

When Yang Guangming woke up on Sunday morning, it was already bright outside the window.

He didn't get up immediately as usual. Today was a rare day off, as he didn't have to train or go into the mountains.

More importantly, he's moving today.

He moved from the two-person dormitory to his own 15-square-meter single room. Although it was just a small room in the tenement building, it was a space that belonged entirely to him. Once the door was closed, it was his own little world.

As Yang Guangming lay in bed, listening to the faint chirping of birds outside the window, a sense of indescribable peace welled up inside him.

For the past two months, he has been like a transplanted tree, striving to take root in new soil. Now, he finally has his own little space of his own.

He sat up and began to wash up.

There were already a few people in the communal water room, all single young workers living on the fourth floor. They nodded to each other and went about their own business. Yang Guangming filled a basin with cold water, soaked a towel, and vigorously wiped his face and neck.

The cold water stimulated his skin, completely waking him up.

Back in his room, Yang Guangming got dressed and started packing his luggage.

In the two months he's lived in the dormitory, he hasn't bought much. Apart from personal belongings, only bedding and clothes take up some space.

He pulled a worn canvas travel bag from under the bed, which was just right for storing bedding.

First, roll up the quilt and tie it with rope. The quilt was made by my mother, Feng Guifang, using new cotton; it was thick and warm, and was considered the most important piece of luggage.

Next came the clothes, mainly the uniforms issued by the factory. There were also a few pieces of underwear, all hand-sewn by my mother, with fine stitches. Although the fabric was ordinary, they were very durable.

He folded the clothes neatly and put them into his travel bag.

Then came the personal necessities: an enamel basin, towels, toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, a comb, and an enamel mug for drinking water. These were things he acquired gradually after starting the job; they weren't expensive, but each one was a necessity.

He wrapped the small items in an old cloth and put them in his travel bag.

Finally, there were some miscellaneous items. Several books he borrowed from the factory library, including "Militia Training Manual," "Principles of Shooting," and "How the Steel Was Tempered." A notebook containing records of the hunting team's catches and individual scores from each expedition into the mountains. A fountain pen, a Hero brand reward from Section Chief Tian, ​​which he cherished.

After packing everything up, his travel bag was already bulging. He then took out a mesh bag and put in items that were inconvenient to put in a bag, such as a washbasin and an enamel mug.

After finishing packing, Yang Guangming looked around the dormitory where he had lived for two months. He had only been living there for two months, and now he had to move again. Fortunately, things were getting better and better.

time flies.

He officially started working in early March, and it's now early May—a full two months. Sixty-odd days, not a long time, not a short time, but it has already changed the trajectory of his life.

He turned around, picked up his travel bag and net, took one last look at the room, gently closed the door, and went downstairs.

The keys to my new home are in my pocket, heavy and reassuring.

Stepping out of Building 4, the morning sun was shining brightly, warming me comfortably. The poplar leaves on both sides of the road rustled in the morning breeze, exuding vitality.

The newly assigned apartment was in Building 3, just steps away from Building 4. Yang Guangming carried a travel bag in one hand and a net bag in the other, crossed the path between the two buildings, and arrived at Building 3 in the blink of an eye.

This is a four-story red brick tenement building, similar in appearance to Building No. 4. Several children were playing at the entrance, and they all looked around curiously when they saw Yang Guangming carrying his luggage.

Yang Guangming smiled at them and stepped into the building.

The stairs were made of cement and were fairly clean. The hallway was somewhat dimly lit, with rows of closed doors on either side, from which one could occasionally hear voices or radios.

Upon reaching the second floor, head east. At the end of the corridor, to the south, lies his new home.

Yang Guangming took out his key, inserted it into the lock, and turned it gently.

The door opened.

He stepped inside.

The room was brightly lit; the south-facing window was wide open, letting in unobstructed sunlight that illuminated the entire room. The walls were pristine white, without a single stain or graffiti. The ceiling was also white, with a small light bulb hanging from it.

Yang Guangming placed his travel bag and net on the ground, stood in the center of the room, and took a deep breath.

From today onwards, this will be his home.

Although it's only fifteen square meters, and just a single room in a tenement building, it's a space that belongs entirely to him. Once the door is closed, it's his own little world, where he doesn't have to worry about disturbing others or being disturbed by others.

He can read here, think here, and eat a meal here in peace. In the future, he won't have to sneak around or be afraid to take things out of his space.

Yang Guangming walked to the window and looked outside.

Downstairs stood several poplar trees, their lush branches swaying gently in the breeze. Further away were the factory roads, where the occasional bicycle rattled by. The expansive view was soothing and uplifting.

He glanced at the corridor near the entrance. Being at the far east end, the corridor led to a relatively spacious common area. On the south side, several items were displayed: a cabinet, a simple cutting board table, a honeycomb briquette stove, a pickling jar, and a small water vat.

These were all left behind by the previous resident. After paying two hundred yuan, they all belonged to him.

He turned and went back to his room to start packing his luggage.

First, he spread the bedding on the bed. The bed frame was made of solid wood and was very sturdy. He smoothed out the mattress and folded the blankets, placing them at the head of the bed.

Then he put the clothes into the wardrobe. The wardrobe was large, with two layers and hanging rods. He didn't have many clothes, which only took up a small corner, making it look empty.

Everyday items are arranged on the dressing table. The washbasin is on the washstand, the towel is draped over the bar, and the toothbrush, toothpaste, and soap are neatly arranged in a row. The enamel mug is on the corner of the table, and the notebook and pen are in the drawer.

After tidying up, the room felt more alive and no longer as empty and desolate as when we first entered.

Yang Guangming checked the time; it wasn't even eight o'clock yet. He planned to clean the room first, and only after he had cleaned it himself could he truly feel settled.

He picked up the broom that was leaning against the wall and began to sweep the floor.

The cement floor was smooth and easy to sweep. However, some dust had accumulated in the corners and under the bed. He swept very carefully, leaving no corner untouched.

After sweeping the floor, he took out a rag from his net bag, soaked it, and began wiping the furniture.

He started by wiping the wardrobe. The deep red lacquer was smooth and even; after wiping it with a cloth, it quickly became shiny and new. He wiped it very carefully, not even missing the inside of the wardrobe doors and the drawers.

Next was the dressing table, which he wiped very carefully to make sure there was no dust.

He was working hard when there was a knock on the door.

"Guangming, are you home?" It was Wang Tiezhu's voice.

Yang Guangming walked over and opened the door. Wang Tiezhu and his wife were standing outside, both holding cleaning tools—Wang Tiezhu was holding a mop, and his wife was holding a bucket and a rag.

"Brother Tiezhu, sister-in-law, what brings you here?" Yang Guangming asked, somewhat surprised.

Wang Tiezhu smiled憨厚ly: "We knew you were moving today, so we came to help. How's the packing going?"

His wife smiled and said, "Guangming, moving is a big deal, and it's good to have more people to help. We don't have anything else to do anyway, so we came to lend a hand."

Yang Guangming felt a warmth in his heart. He only learned after moving in that Wang Tiezhu's dormitory was also on the second floor of Building 3, though his assigned room was on the west side. The two lived in the same building, on the same floor, making them neighbors.

"Come in, come in quickly." Yang Guangming hurriedly ushered the two into the house. "I'm cleaning right now. I just finished sweeping the floor and I'm wiping the furniture."

Wang Tiezhu and his wife entered the room, looked around, and both showed expressions of admiration.

"This house is really nice!" Wang Tiezhu's wife said. "It faces the sun, is spacious, and is fully furnished. Guangming, you've really gotten a good deal."

Wang Tiezhu nodded in agreement: "It's much better than my room. Mine faces north, and it gets very cold in winter. Yours faces south, so you can enjoy the sun in winter, which is very comfortable."

Yang Guangming laughed and said, "We were lucky to find this room was available."

Wang Tiezhu's wife was a woman in her early thirties who worked as a textile worker in a textile factory; she was a very simple and honest person.

She rolled up her sleeves and said, "Guangming, see if there's anything else we need to do, let's get it done together."

Yang Guangming quickly said, "No need, no need, I've almost finished cleaning up. It's just sweeping the floor and wiping away the dust, not much work."

“We still have to help,” Wang Tiezhu’s wife said enthusiastically. “The three of us should work together, quick!”

As she spoke, she began to work, picking up a rag to wipe the hard-to-reach corners. Wang Tiezhu also picked up a broom and swept the corners that Yang Guangming had missed.

Yang Guangming stopped refusing and joined in.

The room wasn't big to begin with, and the three of them working together made things much more efficient. Wang Tiezhu's wife was very meticulous; she even carefully wiped the door and window frames. Wang Tiezhu mopped the floor again, making the cement shine.

In less than an hour, the entire room was cleaned spotlessly. The furniture gleamed, the floor was tidy, the windows were bright, and even the light bulb on the ceiling was wiped clean by Wang Tiezhu, who stood on a chair to do so.

"That's great." Wang Tiezhu jumped off the chair and looked around the room with satisfaction.

Wang Tiezhu's wife wiped the sweat from her brow and suddenly asked, "Guangming, did you buy honeycomb briquettes? Is the stove lit?"

Yang Guangming then remembered and quickly said, "I bought it, I bought a hundred catties, and I put it under the chopping board table in the corridor. The stove... hasn't been lit yet."

"Then we need to get it started quickly," Wang Tiezhu's wife said. "Then we can cook lunch for ourselves. Come on, I'll help you start the stove."

The three of them left the room and came to the common area at the end of the corridor.

Yang Guangming moved several honeycomb briquettes from under the chopping board. Wang Tiezhu's wife went home and brought back a piece of red-hot kindling coal, skillfully placing it into the stove and adding two new coals on top.

She gently fanned the flames in the stove, and the new coal was ignited, making a soft crackling sound.

"Alright, we can use it once the coal is red-hot." Wang Tiezhu's wife stood up and gave him a few more tips on how to light a honeycomb briquette stove.

"Thank you, sister-in-law." Yang Guangming said sincerely, "You've really thought of everything."

"It's nothing, that's how it is when you live in a tenement building," Wang Tiezhu's wife laughed. "By the way, is there no water in the water tank? We need to go to the water room to get some."

Yang Guangming then noticed that the small water vat was empty. He picked up the bucket next to the vat and said, "I'll go fetch some water."

"I'll help you." Wang Tiezhu took the bucket of water.

The two went to the water room to fetch water. Each floor of the tenement building had a communal water room, located at the corner of the stairs. The water room had multiple taps; people usually got water and washed clothes there.

The water tank wasn't big, but the two of them worked together and filled it up quickly.

Everything was packed and ready, and it wasn't even 10 o'clock yet.

"Alright, that's almost done packing," Wang Tiezhu said. "Guangming, we'll head back now. Take your time tidying up, and call us anytime if you need any help."

Yang Guangming quickly said, "Brother Tiezhu, sister-in-law, thank you so much for your help today. Please stay for lunch, I'll make something simple."

Wang Tiezhu's wife waved her hand: "No need, no need, we'll go back to eat. You just moved today, you don't have everything, don't bother."

Wang Tiezhu also said, "That's right, you go ahead with your work, we're going back."

Yang Guang knew perfectly well that they didn't want to cause him any trouble, but he kept their kindness in his heart.

He thought for a moment and said, "Brother Tiezhu, how about tonight? My eldest brother and third brother are coming over tonight, let's have a meal together and have some fun."

He made it clear that there were guests at home that evening, and that he hadn't invited Wang Tiezhu alone, so that the other party would be more likely to accept it.

Sure enough, Wang Tiezhu hesitated for a moment and asked, "Are your eldest brother and third brother coming?"

“Yes, my eldest brother works at the railway police station and is off today. He said he would come over this afternoon to familiarize himself with the place,” Yang Guangming said. “My third brother is coming from the village and will stay here tonight.”

Since there were other guests, Wang Tiezhu agreed: "Okay, I'll come over tonight. Is there anything I can bring?"

"No need, no need, I'm all ready," Yang Guangming said with a smile. "It's just about having a meal and chatting."

"Okay, see you tonight."

After seeing Wang Tiezhu and his wife off, Yang Guangming finally relaxed completely.

The coal in the stove was burning bright red, radiating warmth, and the house felt cozy and inviting.

Yang Guangming sat down on the edge of the bed, looking at this space that belonged to him, and felt an unprecedented sense of peace welling up in his heart.

From today onwards, he has a real place to stay in this city.

It wasn't a temporary dormitory, nor a place to stay; it was his own home.

More importantly, with this private space, he can take some things out of the refrigerator to improve his life without having to do it secretly and in fear as before.

Yang Guangming stood up and walked to the window.

The sun shines brightly outside the window, and the poplar leaves sway gently in the wind. Several children are playing downstairs, their clear laughter drifting up.

Everything is full of hope.

He took a deep breath and turned to prepare lunch.

Today is the first meal in our new home, so it's quite special. While we can't be too extravagant, we still need to eat something decent.

He first rinsed the rice and cooked a pot of rice.

Then he washed the vegetables. He took out a bunch of garlic sprouts from his spatial storage; they were lush and green, very fresh.

After thinking for a moment, he decided to stir-fry the garlic sprouts. Although he couldn't add meat, adding more oil would still make it taste just as good.

He has fresh pork belly in his refrigerator, but he doesn't plan to use it.

Since the Spring Festival, the county has not had fresh meat for half a year. Even if he only puts a few slices of fresh meat in his stir-fries, the aroma will fill the entire corridor, which is very eye-catching.

If he wants to eat meat, he can eat the cooked food in the refrigerator, which satisfies his craving and is relatively discreet so that no one will find out.

He took out a small bottle of peanut oil and poured it into the pan. Once the oil was hot, he added the chopped garlic sprouts and stir-fried them quickly. The aroma of the garlic sprouts soon filled the air, carrying their unique spiciness and fresh fragrance.

Although it was just a simple stir-fry, it was a rare delicacy in those days when oil and meat were scarce.

The vegetables were stir-fried, and the rice was cooked.

Yang Guangming brought the food to the table, set out the bowls and chopsticks, and then closed the door.

He was alone in the room now.

He took out the braised beef and pig's head meat that he had prepared in advance from his spatial storage.

He sliced ​​the braised beef into thin slices and arranged them on a plate. He also sliced ​​the pig's head meat and arranged it on another plate.

Two plates of meat, one plate of garlic sprouts, and a pot of rice filled the small dining table.

Yang Guangming doesn't usually drink, but today's meal was special. He took out a bottle of Fenjiu liquor and poured himself two ounces.

He sat at the table, looking at the food, his heart filled with mixed emotions.

Two months ago, he was still on a heated brick bed in Xiangyang Village, eating wild vegetable porridge and pickled vegetables. Two months later, he was sitting in his own home in a tenement building in the county town, eating white rice, stir-fried dishes, and braised meat.

The changes are too great, too fast, but it's all real.

He picked up the wine glass and took a sip.

The fiery liquor slid down my throat, and a warm sensation spread from my stomach to every part of my body.

He picked up a slice of braised beef and put it in his mouth. The beef was stewed until tender, with a rich, savory sauce and a perfect balance of saltiness; it was fragrant and delicious with every chew. He then picked up a piece of garlic sprouts, which were crisp and refreshing, with the unique spiciness of garlic sprouts—perfect for eating with rice.

Eating alone is quiet, but also very comfortable.

He can eat slowly, savoring every bite, without rushing or worrying. He can eat meat when he wants, drink alcohol when he wants, and daydream when he wants.

This kind of freedom is something you can't experience when living in a dormitory.

After eating and drinking to their hearts' content and cleaning up, Yang Guangming sealed the stove, leaving only a small opening to maintain the temperature.

He checked the time; it was just past noon.

His eldest brother and third brother were coming over in the afternoon, around four or five o'clock. He had a few hours to spare, so he planned to go out for a walk and "get" some ingredients for dinner.

Yang Guangming carried the worn-out bamboo basket on his back, locked the door, and went downstairs.

Sunday afternoon, the factory area was quiet. Most employees were resting at home, with only a few people sunbathing and chatting in the yard.

Yang Guangming walked out of the residential area and headed towards Xishan.

He didn't go far, just wandered around the foot of West Mountain. It was close to the factory area, and employees often came here to dig for wild vegetables and gather firewood, so it wouldn't arouse suspicion.

He found a secluded spot and took out two rabbits from his spatial storage.

These were the ones he had stored in the refrigerator when he went hunting before. He had specially kept two large ones, each weighing five or six pounds.

The rabbit was put into the bamboo basket, and the basket immediately became heavy.

Yang Guangming carried his bamboo basket back home and met several other employees who were also out digging for wild vegetables. They nodded to each other.

"Guangming, went hunting again?" A middle-aged female worker asked enviously, seeing the rabbit in his bamboo basket.

"I just wander around during my break, and if I'm lucky, I'll run into two," Yang Guangming said with a smile.

"You're so lucky!" the female worker exclaimed. "We've been digging for wild vegetables all day and haven't found much. You just turned around and found two rabbits, enough for several meals." "It was all by chance," Yang Guangming said modestly.

When I got back to Building 3, it was already past 3 p.m.

Yang Guangming placed the bamboo basket in the corridor and began planning dinner.

Two rabbits, the meat alone should weigh about seven or eight pounds, enough for five or six people.

In these times, being able to enjoy a hearty meal of rabbit meat is already an extremely lavish meal.

At five o'clock in the afternoon, there was a knock on the door and voices outside.

"Guangming, are you home?"

It was the voice of my eldest brother, Yang Ximing.

Yang Guangming walked over and opened the door. Yang Ximing and Yang Yuming stood outside, each holding a large bundle of scallions they had grown themselves.

"Big brother, Yuming, you're here? Come in quickly." Yang Guangming hurriedly ushered the two into the house.

Yang Ximing looked very smart in his railway police uniform. Yang Yuming, on the other hand, wore ordinary coarse cloth clothes, but they were very clean, and his face showed excitement and curiosity.

The two entered the room, both showing expressions of surprise.

"Second Brother, your house is really nice!" Yang Yuming opened his eyes wide and looked at the furniture in the room. "This bed, this cabinet, this table... are they all new?"

Yang Guangming laughed and said, "It's not new. It was left by the previous resident, and I bought it. But it's well-maintained, so it's almost like new."

Yang Ximing walked to the wardrobe, touched the lacquer finish, and looked at the dressing table and dining table. He nodded and said, "They are indeed very nice. These pieces of furniture are made of solid materials and are well-crafted. They are practically indistinguishable from brand new ones."

He looked around at the room's layout and said with satisfaction, "Sunny, spacious, and fully furnished. Guangming, your conditions are top-notch among the single young workers in the factory."

Yang Guangming poured water for the two of them: "We were lucky to find this room was available."

Yang Ximing sat down in the chair, took the water glass, and said happily, "Guangming, you've changed so much in the past two months. Not only are you doing a great job, but you've even been allocated a house. I never would have dared to dream of this before."

Yang Guangming sat down opposite him: "Brother, you're not bad either. A job at the railway police station is something many people would envy."

The two brothers smiled at each other, both seeing relief and pride in each other's eyes.

Yang Yuming wandered around the room, touching this and looking at that, his eyes full of envy.

"Second brother, this bed is really big." He sat on the bed and tried it out. "It's really sturdy. This wardrobe is also nice, and this dressing table with a mirror is so stylish."

Yang Guangming smiled and said, "When you go to work in the city in the future, you should be able to get a house."

"Me?" Yang Yuming's eyes lit up, then dimmed again. "I don't have that ability. My older brother was able to get into the railway system because he has many friends and is well-informed, and he just happened to buy two pigs. You were able to get into the pharmaceutical factory because you hunted four wild boars. I can neither buy domestic pigs nor hunt wild boars, so I'm afraid I have no hope."

Yang Guangming looked at his third brother and said earnestly, "Yuming, don't be discouraged. There's always a way. You're still young, so first, follow your father and earn work points to learn a skill. When the opportunity comes, you'll naturally be able to seize it."

Yang Yuming nodded, but there was still some confusion in his eyes.

Yang Ximing changed the subject: "Guangming, what are your plans for tonight? Do you need any help?"

"Everything is ready," Yang Guangming said. "I went out for a walk this afternoon and caught two rabbits. We'll stew a pot of rabbit meat tonight. There are also the scallions you brought, which we can eat with dipping sauce. I've also invited our neighbor Wang Tiezhu over, so we can all get together and have some fun."

"Rabbits?" Yang Yuming's eyes lit up again. "Two? That's a lot of meat!"

"Seven or eight pounds of meat is enough for us," Yang Guangming said. "Yuming, go and skin the rabbit, chop it into pieces, and we'll stew it in a bit."

"Alright!" Yang Yuming stood up excitedly and followed Yang Guangming into the corridor.

Yang Yuming worked quickly and soon skinned the rabbit, chopped the rabbit meat into large pieces, and rinsed it clean with water.

Yang Guangming placed the large iron pot on the stove, poured in oil, heated it, added scallions, ginger, and garlic to sauté until fragrant, then added rabbit meat pieces and stir-fried until they changed color. He then added water, Sichuan peppercorns, star anise, cinnamon, and other seasonings, covered the pot, and simmered it slowly.

Soon, a rich aroma of meat wafted from the pot and filled the corridor.

The door across the hall opened, and a man in his late twenties, wearing glasses and looking quite refined, came out. He smelled the aroma and smiled at Yang Guangming, saying, "Guangming, stewed meat? It smells delicious."

Yang Guangming turned around and said with a smile, "Officer Zhang, let's have dinner together tonight. My eldest brother and third brother are here, as are Wang Tiezhu. Let's have a good time together."

My neighbor across the hall is surnamed Zhang. He's an officer in the factory's Party Committee office, a very shrewd and worldly person who knows how to get along with others.

He readily agreed to the invitation: "Sure, my wife is on duty today, and it's no fun eating alone. I won't stand on ceremony then."

"Don't mention it, we're neighbors," Yang Guangming said.

Zhang, the clerk, added, "I had to work overtime at the factory committee office today and couldn't help you move, I'm so sorry. I prepared a small gift, I'll give it to you later."

"Officer Zhang, you're too kind. No need, no need," Yang Guangming quickly declined.

"Of course, it's a housewarming celebration," Officer Zhang said with a smile, turning and going back inside.

After a while, the door next door opened as well.

A young man in his mid-twenties, who looked somewhat shy, stepped forward. His surname was Li, and he was a college graduate technician who had just been assigned here last year. He was introverted and didn't talk much, but he was sincere.

"Technician Li, I stewed a pot of rabbit meat today. Come and eat with us," Yang Guangming invited.

Technician Li paused for a moment, then nodded: "Okay, thank you. I also prepared a gift, I'll give it to you later."

"You're too kind."

Technician Li smiled, said nothing, and turned to go back inside.

The rabbit meat had been stewed for over an hour, and was now tender and flavorful. Yang Guangming sprinkled some salt on it, tasted it, and found it to be perfectly salty, savory, and moderately spicy.

He ladled the stewed rabbit meat into a large basin, carried it into the room, and placed it on the dining table.

Two large bundles of scallions were brought from home. Some were washed and placed on the table as a dipping sauce, enough for a group of people.

The food was laid out, and Wang Tiezhu arrived.

He was carrying a bottle of wine and said with a smile, "Guangming, it's a housewarming celebration, I brought a bottle of wine to add to the festivities."

"Brother Tiezhu, you've come all this way, why did you bring wine?" Yang Guangming took the wine and ushered Wang Tiezhu into the house.

Then, Mr. Zhang from across the hall and Mr. Li, the technician from next door, arrived, both carrying gifts.

The gift from Officer Zhang was an exquisite tea set, made of white porcelain with delicate orchid patterns, which looked very elegant. Yang Guangming had seen it at the county supply and marketing cooperative; this set cost about six or seven yuan.

Technician Li gave me an alarm clock; it was round, with a black casing, a white dial, and red hands—very practical.

This alarm clock costs eight yuan at the supply and marketing cooperative. Guangming had planned to buy it, but he didn't have the voucher yet.

Neither of these gifts was cheap; one wouldn't give such expensive things to someone they weren't close to. Yang Guangming clearly understood that the two were expressing goodwill and a willingness to get along well with their neighbor.

These past few days he's been going in and out, interacting with his neighbors on the same floor. Apart from Wang Tiezhu, he does get along quite well with these two neighbors.

The reason wasn't just because one was a factory committee member and the other a college graduate technician; the main reason was that all three were young and got along well. Among the residents on the same floor, these three were the youngest, all in their early twenties, the same age as everyone else, while the other neighbors were in their thirties or forties.

"Director Zhang, Technician Li, you've really gone to great lengths," Yang Guangming said sincerely as he accepted the gift.

Officer Zhang waved his hand: "It's just a small token of my appreciation for your housewarming. It's only right."

Technician Li also said, "We're neighbors, so we should keep in touch often. Don't be shy."

Yang Guangming carefully placed the gifts and invited everyone to take their seats.

The dining table wasn't big, but it was packed full for six people: Yang Guangming, Yang Ximing, Yang Yuming, Wang Tiezhu, Cadre Zhang, and Technician Li, all sitting in a circle.

On the table sat a large bowl of braised rabbit, glistening with oil and emitting a fragrant aroma. Also on the table was a large bowl of cleanly washed scallions and a dish of yellow soybean paste. The staple food was white rice.

In this day and age, this meal is definitely a feast. Especially the huge pot of rabbit meat, seven or eight pounds of clean meat, enough for six people to eat to their heart's content.

Yang Guangming opened a bottle of baijiu (Chinese liquor) and poured it for everyone.

"Today is my first day in my new home, thank you all for coming." Yang Guangming raised his glass. "This first drink is for everyone. Thank you, Brother Tiezhu and his wife, for helping me move today. Thank you, Officer Zhang and Technician Li, for the gifts. And thank you, Big Brother and Third Brother, for coming all this way. I'll drink this, everyone else can drink as you please."

After saying that, he drank it all in one gulp.

Everyone raised their glasses and drank them down.

The fiery liquor slid down my throat, and a warm sensation spread from my stomach, instantly enlivening the atmosphere.

"Eat vegetables, eat vegetables!" Yang Guangming called out.

No one stood on ceremony and started eating.

The rabbit meat was stewed until tender and savory, with a spicy and fragrant flavor that melted in your mouth. The scallions dipped in sauce were even more appetizing. Everyone ate until they were sweating profusely and their mouths were greasy.

Yang Yuming ate with the most gusto. He picked up a large piece of rabbit meat, stuffed it into his mouth, and chewed it with relish. He mumbled, "Second Brother, your cooking is really good. It's even more delicious than the meat our mother stews!"

Yang Ximing laughed and scolded, "Eat slowly, no one's going to take it from you."

Wang Tiezhu also picked up a piece of meat and said while eating, "Guangming's cooking skills are really good. This rabbit meat is stewed so tender and flavorful, it's much better than my wife's."

Officer Zhang was rather refined, but he ate with relish. He picked up a piece of meat, savored it carefully, and nodded, saying, "It really tastes good. Guangming, I didn't expect you to be such a skilled hunter and cook so well too."

Technician Li didn't say much, just kept his head down and ate, but he had a smile on his face, clearly satisfied.

Yang Guangming poured wine and offered food to everyone, taking great care of them as the host.

After three rounds of drinks, the conversation started.

Officer Zhang asked Yang Ximing, "Brother Yang, do you work at a police station? Which station?"

Yang Ximing replied, "Pingyang Railway Police Station. I just started and am still getting familiar with the job."

"The railway system is great," Officer Zhang exclaimed. "The pay and benefits are excellent; so many people want to get in but can't."

Yang Ximing humbly replied, "It was also good luck; we just happened to catch the policy."

Seeing the curious looks from the others, Yang Ximing briefly explained how he joined the company.

"Policies are for those who are prepared," said Officer Zhang. "If you don't have those two pigs, no matter how good the policy is, it won't be your turn."

Wang Tiezhu asked curiously, "Ximing, how did you get those two pigs? I heard that pig farming in rural areas is strictly regulated now."

Yang Ximing glanced at Yang Guangming, and seeing his younger brother nod slightly, he simply said, "I bought it through a friend from a family in the mountains. That family secretly kept two of them, not daring to make a fuss, and since I needed them, I bought them."

He didn't go into specific details, but everyone understood that it must have been difficult for Yang Ximing to buy those two pigs.

Technician Li rarely spoke, but he asked, "Brother Yang, what is the main job of the railway police station?"

Yang Ximing said, "The main tasks are maintaining security at the station and conducting safety patrols along the railway line. I am temporarily in charge of patrolling a section of the line, which involves walking more than ten kilometers every day to check for problems with the rails, signal lights, and other facilities, as well as preventing the theft of rail parts."

“That must be tough,” Technician Li said.

"It's hard work, but it's very meaningful." Yang Ximing said with satisfaction, "Every time I see a train pass by safely, I feel at ease."

Officer Zhang then asked Yang Guangming, "Guangming, how's your hunting team doing lately? I heard you always have a good haul when you go into the mountains, and now the whole factory is counting on you to improve our meals."

Yang Guangming smiled and said, "It's not bad. The recent harvests have been quite good. Section Chief Tian is quite satisfied, and there's also progress on the matter of turning the hunting team into a permanent staff."

Officer Zhang raised his glass: "Come on, let's toast to the relocation of Guangming and to the upcoming permanent establishment of the hunting team!"

Everyone raised their glasses and drank another cup.

The atmosphere grew increasingly lively as everyone ate and chatted, discussing everything from work to life, from the factory to the county, with the topics becoming more and more numerous.

Yang Yuming listened quietly most of the time, his eyes filled with envy and longing. Watching his second brother chat and laugh with these city people, watching them discuss work, future prospects, and life, his desire to go to the city grew stronger and stronger.

But he also knew that he was uneducated and had no skills, so it would be too difficult for him to move to the city.

Yang Guangming saw through his third brother's thoughts and secretly planned to help him find a solution when the opportunity arose.

The meal lasted a long time, not ending until after 8 p.m.

The three bottles of baijiu were finished, and the large bowl of rabbit meat was almost gone. Everyone was very satisfied, their faces glowing with happiness.

Wang Tiezhu was the first to stand up: "Guangming, it's getting late, I'll head back now. Thank you for your hospitality today, come to my house for dinner another day."

"Brother Tiezhu, you're too kind. Thank you for your help today." Yang Guangming saw Wang Tiezhu to the door.

Then, Officer Zhang and Technician Li also got up to say goodbye.

Officer Zhang shook Yang Guangming's hand and said, "Guangming, we're neighbors now, so let's keep in touch. Don't hesitate to ask if you need any help."

"Definitely, thank you, Officer Zhang," Yang Guangming said.

Technician Li also said, "Guangming, thank you for your hospitality today. Let's keep in touch often in the future."

"Okay, let's keep in touch." Yang Guangming patted Technician Li on the shoulder.

After seeing off the neighbors, only the three brothers remained in the room.

Yang Ximing helped clear the dishes, while Yang Yuming wiped the table and swept the floor. The three brothers worked together and quickly cleaned the room.

Yang Ximing checked the time; it was almost nine o'clock.

"Guangming, I have to go back," he said. "I have to go to work tomorrow, so you should all get some rest too."

Yang Guangming didn't linger: "Okay, brother, be careful on the road. We'll have a break next week, and then we'll go back to the village together to see our parents."

“Okay.” Yang Ximing nodded, then said to Yang Yuming, “Yuming, you stay here tonight and go back to the village tomorrow. Don’t cause trouble for your second brother, and be diligent.”

"Understood, elder brother," Yang Yuming replied.

After seeing Yang Ximing off, Yang Guangming and Yang Yuming finished washing up and prepared for bed.

The bed was a double bed, more than enough for two people. The two brothers lay on the bed, turned off the lights, and the only light in the room came from the faint light coming in from the window.

After a moment of silence, Yang Yuming suddenly spoke up: "Second Brother."

"Ok?"

“The city is so nice.” Yang Yuming’s voice rang out in the darkness. “There are electric lights, running water, apartment buildings, jobs, and a future. Unlike the village, where all year round we just farm and earn work points, with no end in sight.”

Yang Yuming rolled over. "Second brother, I'm especially happy today. Seeing you get such a nice house and seeing eldest brother become a policeman, I feel... our family's life is really going to get better."

Yang Guangming smiled in the darkness: "Yes, things will get better and better."

"Second brother, I..." Yang Yuming hesitated for a moment, "I also want to work in the city like you and eldest brother."

Yang Guangming remained silent for a moment.

Yang Yuming is nineteen years old this year, the age when he is most full of ideas and least willing to accept the status quo. Seeing that his two older brothers have both moved to the city, how could he not be tempted?

Yang Guangming slowly spoke, "Yuming, it's a good thing that you want to go to the city. Your second brother supports you."

Yang Yuming's voice suddenly became excited: "Really? Second Brother, you really support me?"

"Of course," Yang Guangming said. "We're brothers. I'm overjoyed that you and Big Brother are doing well."

He paused, then continued, "But Yuming, getting a job in the city isn't easy. My brother and I were able to get into the city thanks to a certain amount of luck."

“I know. You managed to hunt four wild boars, that shows your skill. My older brother was able to buy two fat pigs because he has many friends and good connections. I don’t have your skills…”

His voice lowered, tinged with disappointment.

Yang Guangming sat up in bed and looked in the direction of his third brother in the darkness: "Yuming, don't think like that. Everyone has their own path. You don't necessarily have to follow the path that my eldest brother and I have taken."

"Then... then which way should I go?" Yang Yuming also sat up.

Yang Guangming thought for a moment and said, "There are only a few main ways to get a job in the city now. One is like my older brother and I, exchanging agricultural products for job opportunities; the second is to take over our parents' jobs; the third is to take the recruitment exam; and the fourth is... to buy a job."

"Buy a job?" Yang Yuming had never heard this term before.

“Yes,” Yang Guangming explained, “In the county town, occasionally someone needs to transfer their job for various reasons. For example, someone in the family is sick and urgently needs money, or the whole family needs to move to another place. In this case, you can buy the job by spending money.”

Yang Yuming's eyes lit up: "This...can this work? Is it allowed?"

"It's not allowed on the surface, but it happens in private. However, this is very rare and hard to come by. Moreover, it's very expensive, and most families simply can't afford it."

Yang Guangming continued, "Yuming, you're still young, don't rush. Work hard in the village first, earn work points, and learn skills. I'll keep an eye out for you in the city, and I'll let you know as soon as an opportunity arises."

Yang Yuming nodded emphatically: "I understand, Second Brother. I will do my best, and I'll wait for your news."

"Mm." Yang Guangming patted his younger brother's shoulder. "Go to sleep. We have to get up early tomorrow."

The two brothers fell silent, and the room became quiet. (End of Chapter)