After a satisfying meal, everyone felt energetic and had plenty of time. So, they decided to stroll around the bustling streets of Anyang County to get a preliminary and comprehensive understanding of the town.
Although this area is called a bustling street, only one or two places can truly be described as bustling. On this main street, the county government building stands like a dazzling pearl in the center; and not far from it are important places such as the post office, Xinhua Bookstore, state-run restaurant, bank, and supply and marketing cooperative. These buildings are arranged in a row, forming the most core area of the county town.
The entire Anyang County town is not large; radiating outwards from the county government as its center, its area is only a few kilometers. Standing on the street and looking out, you can almost see the whole town as far as the eye can see. As people walk along the wide road, they can clearly feel that the condition of the houses gradually becomes dilapidated. Most of them are built with blue bricks and red tiles, but in the outer areas, there are many simple houses built with adobe and thatch.
Beyond the city gates, an endless expanse of farmland stretched before you. It was early autumn, and on this land in Heilongjiang Province, the busy agricultural season was about to begin. Large swathes of crops were nearing maturity, especially the tall, straight corn stalks, which stood upright like loyal guards. In such an environment, it would be difficult to conduct anything private without being noticed. After all, the dense crops provided ample cover and concealment.
It was already past the end of the workday, and the number of pedestrians on the street was gradually increasing. However, most of them were walking, and occasionally one or two people were riding bicycles. They looked very proud and smug, and their bicycle bells kept ringing, as if they were afraid that others would not know that they were riding bicycles, which made everyone look on with envy.
The bustling streets were teeming with people. Among them were not only pedestrians hurrying along and cyclists, but also one or two oxcarts carrying goods from the countryside. These oxcarts moved slowly, their wheels creaking, and were loaded with various agricultural products and goods.
Most of the pedestrians were dressed in very old, faded clothes. Their faces were sallow, as if eroded by the years and the hardships of life, and their bodies were emaciated, evoking pity. This scene was deeply imprinted in Jiang Suisui's eyes. For the first time, she truly and clearly felt that she was living in 1967. Here, people lived in poverty, and resources were extremely scarce.
In contrast, the situation in Kyoto, the capital of the country, is somewhat better. While it cannot be said that the people are extremely wealthy, they are at least relatively well-off, and the supply of goods is relatively abundant. However, even in such a city, traces of poverty and hardship can still be seen.
Jiang Suisui and the others strolled along, stopping frequently to observe their surroundings with curiosity. Before they knew it, they had completed their tour. Afterwards, the group returned to the station's lounge for a short rest. When they checked their watches, they realized it was already 1 p.m. According to their prior agreement, they were supposed to meet at the station promptly at 1 p.m. and then depart together for their destination.
However, no matter when or where, there are always some people who disregard the stipulated time and discipline. At 1:20 PM, three people still hadn't arrived at the meeting point on time. The initially quiet crowd gradually became impatient, and some began to grumble quietly. Although they tried to keep their voices down, everyone in the small space could hear their complaints clearly.
Just then, a station staff member walked in. He looked around and asked, "We're leaving 20 minutes early today. Is everyone here? If so, let's get ready to board in a bit." Faced with the staff member's question, Officer Tian could only reply with a helpless yet patient tone, "Almost there, almost there. Please wait a little longer."
Jiang Suisui looked up at Cadre Tian, only to see that his face was ashen, like ice in the dead of winter, clearly indicating he was in a very bad mood. She thought to herself that Cadre Tian must be carrying a heavy responsibility—to safely bring all the educated youth to the commune. However, at this moment, the plan seemed to have encountered some setbacks.
Officer Tian patiently and earnestly persuaded the anxious educated youth to calm down. Although somewhat reluctant, they could only obey and continue to be patient. Time passed second by second, ten minutes flew by, but the person they were waiting for still hadn't appeared.
Seeing the situation, Tian, the cadre at the educated youth settlement, made a decisive decision not to wait any longer. He shouted, "Alright! No more waiting! Everyone pick up your luggage and get ready to catch the bus! As for the three people who haven't arrived yet, let them bear the consequences of their actions! If they miss this bus, they'll have to find their own way to the commune!" After saying that, he took the lead, picked up a large bag, and walked towards the vehicle parked not far away.
Hearing this, Jiang Suisui, Lin Qingxue, and Lin Congcong exchanged glances, quickly picked up their luggage, and hurriedly caught up with the group. Jiang Suisui, always clever and quick-witted, walked briskly while tightly holding onto Lin Qingxue and Lin Congcong beside her, constantly increasing her pace to squeeze forward. Gradually, they overtook many people and got closer and closer to the vehicle.
Finally, after some effort, the three of them managed to snag three seats at the back of the bus. After all, they were going to sit for a full two hours, and standing the whole way would be exhausting! Just as they were secretly congratulating themselves, they suddenly heard someone exclaim, "They're here! They're here!"
Jiang Suisui looked in the direction of the sound and saw three educated youths running towards them, panting. Among them, one female educated youth caught Lin Qingxue's attention. Her eyes widened, and she pointed at the female educated youth, saying to Jiang Suisui, "Suisui, look! Isn't this the female educated youth who tried to forcibly take your seat last time? I can't believe I've run into her here again. What a small world!"
The cadre at the educated youth settlement, surnamed Tian, looked to be in his early twenties, with a refined and scholarly appearance. He had been sternly handling matters concerning the newly arrived educated youth. However, everything changed when the female educated youth appeared. She was sobbing softly, her words filled with grievance and sorrow, tears streaming down her face like a burst dam. Faced with this scene, Cadre Tian's heart softened instantly. He couldn't bring himself to say a harsh word, instead gently comforting her.
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