Chapter 10, Each has its own affinity and finds its own place

"Third Brother, if we don't go to the countryside, our living expenses will be cut off. My father hasn't come out yet, and I'm the only one at home. They can't do anything to me if I refuse to leave, but I will end up starving." This time, it was Zhu Shijun who spoke. His father is an official in the Publicity Department, and he has also been sent away; his mother has already passed away.

Indeed, Third Brother, tell me what your plans are. Anyway, I will follow you wherever you go. Lei Xiaotian did not have time to retort Zhu Shijun. His parents were originally both officials in the Beijing Municipal Committee. After the review, there was no organizational conclusion, and both were left idle at home. He also had an older sister who went to the northern frontier to serve in the countryside.

"Yes, tonight, Old Mo will meet." Lei Xiaotian said with a smile

Xue's statement at this moment is not without reason; he knows that next year will be the last batch of educated youth sent to the countryside, and the year after that, which is 1979, will see the majority of educated youth returning to their hometowns. In fact, in previous years, many educated youth had already found connections and used various means to return to the city. If they were to go to the countryside again now, it would only waste three years of time without any practical significance

Sun Qianjin said: "My father arranged a job for me at the Chaoyang Iron Factory, driving a truck for the factory." Sun Qianjin's father is also a retired military officer. Although he was impacted during this catastrophe, he was released early after the issues were clarified and is now serving as the director of the Second Bureau of Light Industry in Beijing City

"They say I'm foolish, but she isn't any better. It's obvious, isn't it? With Third Brother gone, what will Xiao Wan and the others do? Besides, if Third Brother doesn't cut in line, do those guys from the Revolutionary Committee dare to make a fuss?" Zhu Shijun scored a point, feeling quite pleased with himself

If you can spit a mouthful of saliva to top it off, who should we go to for reasoning about the contribution money we pooled in the past? Everyone sighed in unison. However, upon further reflection, according to this fellow's wordplay, he mentioned treating guests but did not mention paying the bill, which makes sense. It seems we need to be cautious of this guy's words in the future and not let him take advantage while pretending to be virtuous.

Sun Qianjin stated: "Yes, we will act according to the regulations. Our organizational principles remain unchanged; we still adhere to the principle of punishing the past to prevent future mistakes and treating illnesses to save lives. For such matters, we will address them collectively and handle them one by one, without any leniency. In my opinion, this matter should be dealt with promptly, preferably tonight."

Upon hearing Xue Xiang's words, the six individuals' expressions changed simultaneously. Although at that time the propaganda consistently stated that the educated youth going to the countryside was a conscious, voluntary, and proactive choice, it is true that there were no administrative orders mandating enforcement. However, a call from the leader outweighed all commands and propaganda. Obedient children went willingly, while those who were reluctant were also easily dealt with. The organization would first come to your home to persuade you; if you did not appreciate the opportunity, they would not assign you work, leaving you in limbo. Obedient children went willingly, while those who were reluctant were also easily dealt with. The organization would first come to your home to persuade you; if you did not appreciate the opportunity, they would not assign you work, leaving you in limbo. In the end, the leaders of your parents' workplaces would have a talk with them, putting them under pressure, and before long, you would be taken away.

I never said I would go to university this year; first, I need to prepare for my review. Perhaps there will be a turning point. Xue Xiang did not dare to speak too definitively; he certainly could not say that the college entrance examination would resume next year and that he would be able to enter university the year after that, otherwise, he would be relentlessly questioned by a few people until he was at a loss for words. Fortunately, he had a good reputation in this small circle and was known for his accurate words, so although everyone was puzzled, they did not press for further details.

After Sun Qianjin finished speaking, Lei Xiaotian, Kang Tong, and Zhu Shijun remained silent. Xue Xiang guessed that the three of them certainly had no good place to go, and it was likely they would have to go to the mountains or the countryside. The atmosphere became somewhat heavy, and Xue Xiang downed his drink in one gulp and said: "If you plan to go down to join the production team, then don't go."

Sun Qianjin said: "Just do as San Ge suggested. I happen to know someone who is an expert in appraising this kind of thing. My uncle's factory has a lame old man, and his family has been doing this for generations. Their ancestors opened an antique shop in Liulichang, which has been passed down for over a hundred years. By the time it got to his father, it was merged into a cooperative, and after more than ten years of turmoil, his father couldn't hold on and died from the stress. He himself also had a leg broken and now stands guard at my uncle's factory."

Indeed, from a psychological perspective, a person's behavioral habits exhibit significant inertia. Comrade Liu Yuanchao's actions, when examined from a philosophical standpoint, reflect a metaphysical error, as he tends to view matters in a one-sided and static manner. For instance, every time Liu Yuanchao calls for the bill, he just sits there pretending to be dead, failing to exercise his subjective initiative to discuss the unreasonable pricing structure of the meal with the owner from a business perspective, as well as from a public health standpoint... Zhu Shijun is typically eloquent and engages in a spirited discourse... Zhu Shijun is typically eloquent and engages in a spirited discourse

Xue Xiang said to Sun Qianjin: "Alright, I will leave this matter to you. Remember to keep it confidential"

Xue Xiang asked Liu Yuanchao and Li Hongjun about their destination, and then inquired, "What about the four of you? Are you going to work at the factory or join the production team?"

Liu Yuanchao was unaware that several individuals had already raised their alert level regarding him to red

"He is just a fool. When has Brother San ever let us go hungry? Since Brother San has said this, he must have a way. " Lei Xiaotian interjected, "By the way, Brother San, you have been talking for a long time but still haven't mentioned where you plan to go."

"Old Zhu, stop talking nonsense. Old Mo is just a waiter from a Western restaurant; he said he would treat us to a meal but never mentioned who would pay. It’s certain he’ll eat his fill and then call the waiter to settle the bill, while he just sits there playing dead. Anyway, he has no money and only one life to lose. In the end, it will be us brothers chipping in again. This isn’t the first time he’s done this; he’s quite familiar with the routine. And you still took him seriously." Sun Qianjin responded accordingly.

Zhu Shijun responded: "Comrades like Liu Yuanchao, who are disorganized and undisciplined, and who impose information blockades on the organization, have not been dealt with for the first time by the organization. There are precedents to refer to, and I believe we should just act according to the regulations."

In an instant, everyone rose up against him, and Liu Yuanchao found himself somewhat cornered. He slammed his wine cup down on the table and said, "This time I am serious. It was agreed that I would treat you all to a meal as an apology. How could it possibly be like before? You guys can rest assured, after the meal, you can just leave, and I will take care of the rest. That should work, right?" What he had initially planned was indeed the same as what Sun Qianjin had suggested, but now that it had been exposed, that tactic was no longer effective. Cornered by them, he had no choice but to grit his teeth and hold on. It seemed that he would have to come up with new tricks in the future; the fox was becoming increasingly cunning, making life difficult for the hunter, Liu Yuanchao lamented inwardly. When the time comes, he could always just dine and dash; he could still manage to feed his friends, and at most, he would just have to wash a few dishes for them. As long as he didn't let Third Brother and the others find out, it wouldn't be considered a loss of face.

Xue Xiang continued from what he had just said: "As for the issue of meals mentioned by Qianjin, I have thought of a way to make money. Let's discuss it together."

Xue Xiang's words left everyone momentarily stunned. What is wrong with Third Brother today? Why is he always making such astonishing remarks?

Liu Yuanchao saw that everyone was still jokingly teasing him, and no one accused him of "betrayal." He felt relieved for the moment and generously said: "Old Mo is just Old Mo; this meal is on me, as an apology to you all."

Xue Xiang raised his hand to stop the few people who were laughing heartily, pointed to the small figure sleeping in his arms, and said: "Everyone, let's not get too excited just yet; this matter requires careful planning. First of all, does anyone among us have knowledge of antique appraisal? None, right? Therefore, finding an experienced artisan who understands appreciation is our most urgent task. Secondly, when acquiring items, we must pay attention to dispersal; we shouldn't all rush to one place, as that would attract unwanted attention. It is inevitable that some will follow suit, and in the end, it will become common knowledge. We should try to go to secluded places, choosing locations that the younger generation has not frequented, preferably large households with tall buildings. Of course, we should also keep an eye on small residences that have a history of having officials in the family. Lastly, there is the issue of start-up capital and scattered goods. Let's see how much we can gather; I can only contribute fifty. When it comes to scattered goods, everyone should look for a few household registration books, preferably find a few people at the Beihai Ice Rink to help with the dispersal. The candidates must be reliable; we must avoid the situation where we fail to catch the fox and instead attract trouble. He would certainly not claim to be an expert in antiques; thus, while the others might not imagine him as a time traveler, he himself could not explain it differently, and it would be better not to say anything at all.

Subsequently, Xue spoke about rummaging through the old house and dealing in antiques. Upon hearing this, the others applauded in approval, as they had no concept of speculation or profiteering. The prospect of making money made everyone smile broadly, as the saying goes, where there is money to be made, there is food to be had. For this group of young men, eating well was their primary pursuit, even the prospect of joining the army, a seemingly favorable opportunity, had to take a back seat to the prospect of a good meal.

Xue Xiangdao: "I definitely cannot leave home, and of course, I cannot enter the factory. I plan to go to university! Old Zhu, don't neglect your studies, prepare well. Malai and Xiaokang are not going to make it; their minds are not on this. You are different." Zhu Shijun performed well in his studies and usually dressed like a typical scholar.

Sun Qianjin nodded in agreement. The matter of the appraisal was basically settled, and everyone began to pool their money. Excluding Xue Xiang's fifty, the six of them managed to gather less than ten yuan. What they collected was less than one-fifth of what Xue Xiang contributed, which left a few of them feeling somewhat embarrassed. When feeling embarrassed, they had to shift the focus of their struggle, which was a common method they used to divert conflicts. Zhu Shijun was the first to take the initiative: "Comrade Liu Yuanchao, you still said you would treat us to Lao Mo tonight, but with the 1.43 yuan in your pocket, we won't even have enough to buy porridge when we go in." The combination of 'comrade' and 'you' was quite creative.

Xue Xiang spoke clearly and thoughtfully during the conversation, prompting several people to nod in agreement

Xue Xiang saw Liu Yuanchao being marginalized and became furious, quickly trying to smooth things over by saying: "Let's put aside the matter of Old Mo for now. Once we get this current issue sorted out, we can visit Old Mo every day. If Old Mo gets tired of us, we can go to the restaurants in the capital, which are known for hosting state guests. We brothers can also enjoy a state guest-level treatment."

"No, Third Brother, we agreed to go to Old Mo, so we will go to Old Mo. I, Liu Yuanchao, have always been a man of my word. Just wait and see what I can do tonight." Liu Yuanchao was determined to stand firm; if he lost face this time, they would talk about it for years. He knew this group of people all too well.

"Third Brother, you aren't talking nonsense, are you? Our courtyard only has two spots for university, and I remember that the District Revolutionary Committee recommended the two silly girls from Commander Wang and Political Commissar Li's families. Are you thinking of some trick to deal with the crooked Zhang from the Revolutionary Committee and get him to give you the quota?" This time, it was Li Hongjun who responded, as he and Kang Tong had been silent until now. Kang Tong was a reserved person, and everyone knew he was definitely loyal to Xue Xiang, so no one asked him. Li Hongjun was the only one among those present whose family had not been affected, and whose father held a high position. Originally, Xue Xiang and the others had nowhere to go, but he himself had to enlist, which made him feel quite uncomfortable. Therefore, whenever the topic of future prospects came up, he generally kept quiet, fearing to provoke his friends. Hearing what Xue Xiang said was truly astonishing, and he couldn't help but interject with a question. Originally, Xue Xiang and the others had nowhere to go, but he himself had to enlist, which made him feel quite uncomfortable. Therefore, whenever the topic of future prospects came up, he generally kept quiet, fearing to provoke his friends. Hearing what Xue Xiang said was truly astonishing, and he couldn't help but interject with a question.