Wang Xiaorong originally planned to come here to fetch water for Zhang Cuicao and do some chores.

As a result, they filled the water tank to the brim and cleaned the house spotlessly.

The surrounding neighbors are all families of three, or couples who don't have children yet.

There are also single people.

They all seemed quite easy to talk to.

There's really nothing to organize.

After Zhang Cuicao finished tidying up, Liu Xin took her to the pigsty to explain the work.

Shen Guoqing led them around the area; there was a village ahead.

To the right is a town, and beyond that is a forest farm.

It's not far, just a few kilometers away.

“After the autumn harvest, some people from our area go to work as laborers in the forest farm, but that has already stopped by now. However, they do hunt in the winter. I went with them once before, but the snow was too heavy, and it was still very dangerous for those without experience.”

Li Chunsheng said excitedly, "I wish I were one of the educated youth here, so I could go and participate in the hunting in the forest farm."

Shen Guoqing smiled and said, "If you want to hunt, you might as well work at the forest farm. The last time the forest farm recruited people was two years ago, and there were very few openings."

Li Chunsheng was just saying it and didn't take it seriously. The forest farm doesn't hire just anyone; they are very strict.

Within a radius of several miles, no other unit offers better benefits than the forest farm; even some units in the county town can't compare.

Of course, working in the forest is still very hard.

After Liu Xin finished explaining the work to Zhang Cuicao, she introduced her to a few other members of the commune, and then left around noon.

Shen Guoqing told them to stay for dinner and that he would drive them back in his tractor.

He Wan refused; a tractor isn't something you can just do whatever you want.

If Shen Guoqing were to drive them, he would probably have to pay for the gas himself.

Moreover, the four of them were adults and would eat quite a lot in one meal. They made excuses, saying that they had nothing to do at the educated youth settlement and just wanted to get some fresh air. They said it wasn't far to go back, only a two-hour walk, and they might even meet a passing oxcart on the way.

Zhang Cuicao was unwilling, but she couldn't stop several people from leaving.

So they hurriedly gave them the few steamed buns they had left.

He Wan and the others quickly ran away, saying, "Zhang Zhiqing, we're leaving. We brought our own food."

"Yes, remember to come back to the village if anything happens."

Zhang Cuicao watched their retreating figures, and her eyes inexplicably reddened.

These young people, far from home, feel closer to them than to their own families.

Shen Guoqing was about to light a fire to give chase, but Zhang Cuicao stopped him.

Gas is so expensive, she's unwilling to spend his money.

She plans to prepare a feast after returning home after the New Year to properly thank them.

He Wan and her friends started walking back around 9 a.m., chatting and laughing all the way, which made for a pleasant trip.

As they passed the river, Wang Xiaorong said, "It's winter fishing season again."

"This year, the team bought fish fry, mostly snakehead. We don't usually eat snakehead according to our local custom."

"I think it's great. Our pond has a variety of fish, and most importantly, we have fish to eat."

“The village ponds were originally abandoned, and we didn’t use much capital to generate income for the village, so it’s already quite good.”

He Wan, a female comrade, followed them and listened to them talk happily.

She chuckled to herself, looking down: How could there be no cost? She's been putting a lot of feed into the pond these past two years, otherwise, how could it have grown so fast?

When we arrived at the educated youth settlement, it was exactly noon.

Zhang Deping and Duan Xiaoxi, who were busy in the yard, smiled and said when they saw them return, "We knew you wouldn't eat over there. I boiled some water and cooked some potatoes for you."

He Wan smiled and said, "Thank you, Comrade Duan."

Wang Xiaorong laughed and said, "I was just saying I didn't want to cook. I'm really tired from walking all this way. Zhang Zhiqing, we'll give the potatoes back to you in a bit."

Zhang Deping laughed and said, "Alright. I won't stand on ceremony with you."

After Duan Xiaoxi and Zhang Deping got married, everyone knew that the young couple had debts and no one wanted to take advantage of them.

Moreover, Duan Xiaoxi has visibly gained weight and looks much prettier than before; she's also good at managing her life.

The room was very clean, and Zhang Deping was very well organized.

Married men are definitely different.