Chapter 18: The Arrangement at Home (1)

  Summer has arrived, and with the change of seasons, Xu Shaojie's freshman year has come to an end. Looking back on his life over the past year, Xu Shaojie is extremely satisfied, basically getting everything he wanted. Because his father passed away, he came out to work and met Zhang Shaocai, a person who will be related to him for the rest of his life. A name was engraved on his father's tombstone - an older brother. Then, in school, he joined the party, which is Xu Shaojie's greatest gain. Xu Shaojie's views on power are very different from those of his classmates. In college, Xu Shaojie wants to pave the way for everything, preparing for a future career in officialdom. His father's experiences have left an indelible mark on Xu Shaojie's heart. He will never be content with just studying and doing things by the book. Those who say that one should be honest and do things in a down-to-earth way, Xu Shaojie does not agree with, unless there is no other choice. In this world, being an honest person has no future. His father was honest and kind his whole life, but in the end, it still ended like this. The harsh realities of life make people more and more selfish. Even among relatives, it's all about personal gain. What's more, in society... Later on, his older brother got out of prison. Although he suffered unfair treatment, his current situation is not bad. Finally, Xu Shaojie seems to have a girlfriend now. From past experiences, excellent men always have beautiful women by their side. "A sword that kills people with precision" and "a beauty who intoxicates people with her charm" are the highest praises for successful heroes. Times may change, but getting married and starting a career are still on everyone's lips. Because of these experiences, Xu Shaojie wants to take control of his own destiny. He has too many things he needs to do - his mother's peaceful old age, his brother's unjust treatment, his sister's job, etc. Xu Shaojie not only needs to carry the entire family on his back but also ensure a bright future for his true friends.

  At night, Xu Shaojie went to the construction site. This time when he returns home, Xu Yijie won't follow him back. There are many things to do at the construction site, and according to this trend, Xu Yijie will only be able to return home during the Spring Festival. Zhang Shaocai originally suggested that Xu Shaojie not return home, but Xu Shaojie was worried about his mother and sister. Moreover, he planned to tutor Xu Lan well during the summer vacation, as Xu Lan wrote in her letter saying she had some difficulties, especially with math.

  Zhang Shaocai was still outside having dinner with guests, while Xu Yijie was on the construction site.

  "Shao Jie, this time I won't be able to go home with you, go back and tell mom about it."

  "I know, brother, you still need to take care of your body. I heard from mom that you send 300 yuan back home every month, so you won't have enough money for yourself. Don't worry about the family's money, I'll think of a way. You need to use money now."

  "Xiao Jie, don't say that, I won't use much money. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have such a good job now. Mom's monthly salary is only over 100 yuan, and Lanlan is in high school, which is when she needs nutrition the most. I often tell mom to live a better life and not be too tired."

  "Brother, you should save some money, in a few years, you'll be getting married and will need a lot of money."

  "Getting married is something I haven't thought about yet, let's talk about it later."

  "How can this be? This isn't just your personal matter, Mom is most worried about your personal problems. If you don't mention friends for a day, Mom won't feel at ease for a day, and Lanlan and I will also get anxious,"

  Xu Yijie lowered his head and didn't speak, with an identity like his, where could he find a girlfriend?

  "Brother, I know what you're thinking, don't think too much, lift your head up, I know you're being wronged. One day, I'll make those people pay the price. Hmph, don't think that there's no retribution in this world, it's not that there won't be any, just that the time hasn't come yet. I'll make them pay the price."

  Xu Yijie raised his head and saw Xu Shaojie's firm and cold eyes.

  "Shao Jie, don't think too much about it, I've come to terms with it. I was also wrong in my actions. You should focus on your own life and not be dragged down by my affairs."

  "Brother, don't worry, I know how to handle it, there won't be any problems."

  "Shao Jie, I remember you mentioned last time that you had some thoughts about family matters. I didn't pay attention at the time, but later I recalled it. What were your thoughts?"

  "Mom is getting older, it's not good for her to be alone in the county town. In two years, Lanlan will go to college and leave the county town too. So I think, mom should come to Xilin City to live. Those relatives are unreliable, so you need to work hard. After I graduate, it's unlikely that I'll stay in Xilin City. Big brother won't leave Xilin City either. This matter still depends on big brother. When the time comes, mom can just retire after handling the retirement procedures. From now on, you should follow big brother and work hard, don't hold back."

  Xu Shaojie hadn't finished speaking when Zhang Shaocai and Yan Yuhuan came in.

  "Shao Jie, your arrangement is great, I completely agree. Let's bring mom to the provincial city. As for money, don't worry about it, I'll take care of it. Once we arrive, we'll rent a place to live first. If there's an opportunity, I'll think of a way to get us a house. You focus on your studies. Yi Jie, you need to start thinking about personal issues now. It's been half a year since you came to the provincial city and I've never seen you interact with girls. This won't do! I've talked to your sister-in-law several times already, she's preparing to introduce some friends to you."

  Xu Shaojie had always been worried about the relationship between Zhang Shaocai and Yan Yuhuan. Zhang Shaocai had a wife and children back home, and this current situation was definitely not a long-term solution. Now that Zhang Shaocai's relationship with him was no longer ordinary, it wasn't something that could be ignored by outsiders. Xu Shaojie had been planning to find time to talk to Zhang Shaocai about it. If his mother were to come to the provincial city and found out about this relationship, she would definitely say something, given her temperament. She was that kind of person. Rather than waiting until later and feeling awkward, it was better to resolve this issue early on.

  Zhang Shaocai drank some wine, and it seemed like there was nothing wrong with him. Xujiaojie thought that since they were going to be home for a while, he might as well have a good talk with Zhang Shaocai now. At least he wanted to know the reason. After such a long time of contact, Xujiaojie found out that Zhang Shaocai was not that kind of promiscuous person after all.

  "Shao Jie, I know what you want to say. During this time, the way you look at me and the way you look at Yu Huan, I know what you're thinking. This matter, I'm very conflicted."

  Zhang Shaocai lit a cigarette, his face very serious.

  "My wife from my hometown, a rural woman, is three years older than me. In the countryside, it's said that if a girl is three years older, she'll bring gold bricks to the marriage. This match was arranged by my late father. Growing up in the countryside was tough, and I experienced poverty firsthand. My mother passed away when I was very young, and my father became despondent. We often didn't have enough food to eat at home. As a result, I didn't get much education and instead learned a trade from a local craftsman. Both of my older brothers got married before me - my oldest brother's wife is a widow, and my second brother's wife grew up with our uncle in the neighboring village after being rejected by her own family. Despite their difficult circumstances, both of my sisters-in-law treated me well and took care of me. I'll always remember that about them."

  Always thinking about making money, finding a wife and living a good life, it's not that easy, the policy doesn't allow it. Later, my father arranged a marriage for me, I didn't want to, but I couldn't disobey him, so I got married. Your aunt is a simple person, not very educated, before I left, I also resigned myself to fate. My father missed my mother and his health wasn't good, after I got married, the second year, he probably thought his task was complete and went underground to find my mother. Later, the policy relaxed, I felt resentful, why did I have to live a hard life? I'm not very good at farming, it's all your aunt who takes care of the fields, we only have one daughter, now in elementary school in the village. Not long after our daughter was born, I left my hometown and struggled outside, finally achieving my current situation. Your aunt and I don't have any feelings for each other, before we got married, we hadn't even seen each other's face, I originally opposed this whole thing, your aunt couldn't possibly follow me to do these things, but after all, we have a daughter together.

  Xu Shaojie didn't say a word, this was the first time Zhang Shaocai mentioned family matters, every household has its own unspeakable scripture, people at the bottom, no one's day is that comfortable.

  "After I arrived in Xilin City, I met Yu Huan and really fell in love. Until now, I don't want to go back. Every month, I send money home and occasionally take time off to visit my daughter. I also know that doing so is unfair to both of them. Yu Huan knows what I'm thinking about, but she doesn't urge me. However, I know Yu Huan wants a formal status, which woman doesn't want that? Until now, Yu Huan is still too ashamed to return to her hometown and dares not get pregnant. I know Yu Huan's heart is also bitter. Shao Jie, what should I do?"

  Xu Shaojie couldn't say anything about his emotional experiences. He didn't know how to deal with such things, and it's always been a difficult problem for honest officials to handle family affairs.

  "Shaojie, I'm being honest with you, I think highly of you. My mother passed away early, and I've suffered a lot since childhood. I'm afraid of living a poor life again. In this world, having money and connections is the only way to avoid suffering. Every day, I put on a smiling face and work hard, my goal is simple - to avoid suffering. But I'm not at peace either. As someone from a rural area, I have nothing and lack support. When it comes to power struggles, I don't even dare think about it. But you can, I feel like you're born to be an official, a high-ranking one at that. Brother, I have ulterior motives, you know that too. After all, the Communist Party is in charge. If I continue down this path, I'll probably get into trouble later on. When that happens, brother, I'll rely on you to save me. Don't look at my current situation and think everything is fine. As they say, 'you can't stay by the river and not get wet'. Someone like me without any background will be the scapegoat if something goes wrong. Shaojie, although you're young, I don't see you as a student. I've always thought that you have talent and a good reputation. Your words are trustworthy, and I'll follow your advice. If you say so, I'll immediately cut ties with Yuhuan and advise her to get married quickly, so she won't be held back by me."

  Xu Shaojie broke out in a cold sweat. It's not that easy to say, besides, Xu Shaojie thought Yan Yuhuan was quite good, among women, she belonged to the upper class, and between her and Zhang Shaocai, there were true feelings, it wasn't something you could just cut off at will. Xu Shaojie had never seen Zhang Shaocai's wife, based on what Zhang Shaocai said, Xu Shaojie could sketch out an image of his sister-in-law: a woman in her late 30s who had been laboring in the countryside for years, he didn't know how old and worn out she looked. Xu Shaojie read a lot and knew that women needed to receive love from men to maintain their beauty and youth, it was a natural law.

  "Big brother, don't ask me about this matter, I have no right to speak. I think Yan Jie is very good, but I haven't met your wife. My niece is still in elementary school in the village, and it's okay to delay for a few years. In the future, she should go to a better place to study, don't let her miss out on opportunities. The conditions in rural areas are still much worse than in the city. What I'm mainly worried about is mom moving to Xilin City. More than two years have passed quickly, and mom is not someone who can tolerate any nonsense. She's straightforward and has a soft heart. If she finds out about your situation, she'll definitely say something, and it will be very embarrassing. That's why I brought up this matter."

  "Hehe, Shaojie, don't worry about Mom coming to the provincial city. This time when you go back, make it clear to her and get ready. After Lanlan graduates from high school, she'll come to the provincial city too. I've never felt motherly love since I was a child, nor have I been able to show filial piety. Let me do my best to be a good daughter this time."

  "Thanks, big brother."

  "Shao Jie, don't say thank you, I'll still be relying on you in the future. As for Yi Jie's matter, I've already spoken to Yu Huan about it. Yu Huan has a distant cousin who is very pretty and kind-hearted, but she's from a rural area, so it depends on whether Yi Jie finds her acceptable or not. I can see that Yi Jie has some emotional baggage that needs to be slowly resolved."

  "I think this is no problem, they can meet."

  "Hehe, it's already been arranged, will be coming in a few days, just in time to work under Yijie and learn from him. My cousin is also a high school graduate who didn't get into college, almost 20 years old now."

  Xu Shaojie nodded, this arrangement is the best.

  "By the way, Shaojie, I heard your friend is exceptionally beautiful, like a fairy. When will you introduce her to me, so I can broaden my horizons?"

  "Cough, nothing has happened yet, it's just that the relationship is okay, but the eight characters (of our names) don't match, I'm only a freshman, and it's not time to talk about these things."

  "What's there to be afraid of? You're a 20-year-old young man, you've grown up, if you were in the countryside, people would have already thought you were ready for marriage, it's only natural that boys should get married and girls should get married when they grow up."

  Xu Shaojie was speechless, this kind of thing, and Zhang Shaocai couldn't be said to be bad, the two people's experiences were completely different, their views on emotions were also different. Through these few words, Xu Shaojie also understood that he himself going to worry about Zhang Shaocai's emotional affairs was also muddled worrying, fundamentally not understanding each other. Zhang Shaocai's social experience was much stronger than his, having suffered since childhood, and dealing with these things, was unknowingly many times stronger than him.

  Xu Shaojie can barely drive now, Xu Yijie has learned to drive, both of them use the cars on the construction site, they have time to follow their masters to learn, not using small cars, the two are not from rich families, they know how hard it is to make money, if Zhang Shaocai's small car comes to learn, the two would rather not learn. Zhang Shaocai suggested that Xu Shaojie drive back, so he can get familiar with it, Xu Shaojie firmly refused, no driver's license, cannot drive, principle is principle, Zhang Shaocai did not insist.

  Xu Shaojie still went to the bus station, but his luggage was much less, just a package. His mother had written in her letter again and again, telling him not to bring anything back, that the things he brought for New Year's were still not finished, and many had been given away, as there wasn't much they could eat at home, and the money was enough too. Xu Shaojie knew that the money his brother sent back would not be used by their mother, but all saved up for when he got married in the future, and his salary was enough to use.