Since the notification had not yet been issued and it was unknown where he would go, Jiang Ruyu could only prepare basic necessities for him first.

Jiang Hui used all the fabric the family had saved up over the years – clothes, shoes, underwear, socks, towels, sheets, duvet covers, pillowcases – and Jiang Ruyu even bought him two pots, one big and one small.

"When you get there, try eating with some people first. If you don't think it's worth it, you can eat alone, or you can partner with someone you get along with. Over the years, you've learned to do laundry and cook quite well," Jiang Ruyu said, pulling him aside as she packed her things.

"I know, sis, don't make so many new clothes. I might even grow taller." Jiang Hui didn't want to use all the fabric the family had painstakingly saved up on himself.

"Don't worry about it, I'll be more lenient with you," the grandmother instructed her granddaughter.

Two days later, Jiang Ruyu had almost finished preparing everything when the notice to go to the countryside came down: Xia City, Fujian Province.

"My goodness, I've sent you all the way to the far south. It might take five or six days by train to get there. Now it'll be so difficult for you to come back." The old lady started to feel reluctant to let you go.

"It's good too. It's warm in the south, much better than going to the Northwest, the Great Northern Wilderness, or the frontier." Jiang Ruyu hadn't expected to go so far, so this was the only way she could comfort her grandmother.

Three days later, at 10 a.m., the train carrying all the educated youth was heading south. Jiang Ruyu began to hurry up and prepare various tickets for her younger brother, and also asked Zheng Yang to help her gather some.

Jiang Hui was going to a place that was too far away, so Jiang Ruyu didn't dare to prepare too many bottles and jars, for fear that they might break on the way. She only prepared a few bottles of meat sauce, and more food coupons, meat coupons, and oil coupons. Her family no longer relied on the oil supply, and she was already self-sufficient.

Jiang Jianguo was so angry when he learned that his nephew was going to the countryside that he scolded him: "You're the only man left in the family now. If you leave, what will happen to your sister and your grandma? Have you thought about that? Your grandma is old and in poor health. If something happens to her, you won't be able to come back in time. You'll regret it and have nowhere to cry."

To be honest, what his uncle said was something Jiang Hui didn't want to predict. If that day ever came, he thought he would regret it for the rest of his life.

In the end, the old lady came to her grandson's rescue: "Alright, stop talking. I'm fine. Living another ten years is no problem. I still have to watch them get married and have children."

The day before Jiang left, the three of them, grandmother, and granddaughter, went to take a photo and agreed to send it to him later. Jiang Ruyu reminded herself that she should take her grandmother to take a photo every year to commemorate the occasion.

On the day Jiang Hui was to leave, Grandma Jiang also wanted to go with him. Zheng Yang happened to be free, so he took half a day off to accompany Jiang Hui. The two men carried the luggage, while Jiang Ruyu rode her bicycle with her grandmother, riding slowly.

They left an hour early and arrived at the train station twenty minutes before departure. They waited in the waiting room, which was not crowded, but not empty either. Most of the people in the waiting room were children going to the countryside and parents who came to see them off.

"Hui'er, when you go to the countryside, you can't just work yourself to death. You're not an adult yet, and you'll ruin your health. Also, you need to get along well with the older educated youth. You're still outsiders when you go to the countryside. Only if you get along well with the older educated youth will they help you if you need anything." The old lady carefully taught her grandson how to conduct himself.

Jiang Hui listened quietly, nodding the whole time. Jiang Ruyu also said, "We don't cause trouble, but we shouldn't be afraid of trouble either. If someone really bullies us, don't be afraid, you know? If you tolerate it once, there will be a second time."

"Okay, I understand, sis."

Seeing that the atmosphere was a bit tense, Zheng Yang smiled and said, "Work hard. Once you've established yourself, your sister and I will make time to visit you next year, and we can also visit Jiang Lin on the way."

Jiang Hui looked up in surprise: "Really? That's too far. Let's forget about it. What will Grandma do alone?"

Jiang Ruyu's mind started working again after Zheng Yang said that: "Don't worry about so much. Even if you want to go, it's next year. Let me tell you, you're still young. Don't rush into dating. It's best not to find a local girl. If your family finds you a job, they can transfer you back. But if you find a local girl, it will be troublesome to come back. The village won't let you go, and there's nothing we can do, you know?"

Jiang Hui smiled a little embarrassedly: "Sis, I know. I'm still young. I'm not in a hurry. I'm going there to train myself, not to find a partner."

The old lady clicked her tongue and said, "If there's a suitable girl in the family, and the family is reasonable, it's not impossible. Don't be so stubborn."

The atmosphere gradually improved as the conversation progressed, and it was almost time. The train was on time, and the group saw Jiang Hui off at the platform. There weren't many people, and since it was the starting station, it was easy for them to get on.

After putting away his luggage, Jiang Hui sat by the window with tears in his eyes: "Grandma, I'm sorry. You're so old, and I'm still making you worry. Please take good care of yourself. You still want to see me get married and hold my great-grandson."

Although the old lady's eyes were also red, she still smiled and said to her grandson, "Don't worry, Grandma is in good health. You must write back often."

Jiang Hui nodded, then said to Zheng Yang and his sister, "Sister, Brother Yang, I will definitely be able to come back for your wedding. Jiang Lin should be able to come back by then too. Sister, don't worry about me, I can definitely take good care of myself. Brother Yang, while I'm away, please take care of my sister and grandma for me."

Zheng Yang nodded solemnly: "Don't worry, kid. I'll definitely take good care of my wife. And you can rest assured, Grandma. It's okay. Just take care of yourself."

Looking at his sister and grandmother, Jiang Hui felt increasingly guilty. He had been selfish and willful this time.

Jiang Ruyu held her younger brother's hand and said, "Don't think about those messy things. Remember, you chose this path yourself. Making something of yourself is what matters. If you end up crying and begging to come back, then I'll look down on you."

Jiang Hui nodded heavily: "Sister, I will definitely not bring shame to our family."

The train sounded its horn as a warning, but Jiang Ruyu seemed to have so much to say yet didn't know what else to say. Jiang Hui going to the countryside was completely different from Jiang Lin going to join the army, especially since he was going to such a far place. She was extremely worried about him.

"Jiang Hui, take good care of yourself. Send a telegram if anything happens, and write back often."

Jiang Hui waved his hand, tears silently falling.

Growing up means facing choices and parting ways.

A year, no, to be precise, half a year, and I saw my two younger brothers go. They are no longer the little kids who would call me "sister" all the time. They have grown up, have their own ideas, and must take responsibility for their choices.

Jiang Ruyu and Grandma Jiang felt sad for a long time as their home became increasingly quiet. It was only when their neighbor's sister-in-law brought her newborn daughter, Guoguo, to keep Grandma company every day that the house had a bit more liveliness.

Half a month later, Jiang Ruyu received a letter from her younger brother. The letter said that they had been assigned to an island. The island was very large, and the villagers there were very hospitable. He told them not to worry.

Jiang Ruyu knew he only reported good news and not bad news, so she could only try to write him more letters and send him things to make sure he ate well. As for the physical hardship, that was his choice, and he would finish it even if he had to crawl on his knees.