Epilogue of Chapter 162
Three days after that night at the city wall, Shu Ran was working overtime in her office writing materials when Secretary Zhou's secretary, Xiao Liu, knocked on the door.
"Comrade Shu Ran, Secretary Zhou requests your presence here now."
Shu Ran put down her pen, a little puzzled. What could Secretary Zhou possibly want with her at this hour? She tidied the documents on her desk and followed Xiao Liu to the secretary's office.
Secretary Zhou was reading a document when he saw her come in. He took off his glasses and said, "Xiao Shu is here? Have a seat."
Shu Ran sat down opposite him. Secretary Zhou didn't rush to speak, but first poured her a cup of tea—this was a rare treat.
"Xiao Shu, there's something I need to formally discuss with you." Secretary Zhou pushed a document over, "It's about my opinion on your accommodation adjustment."
Shu Ran took it. It was a joint document from the Division's Security Department and Comprehensive Management Office, titled "Explanation on the Optimization of the Security Guarantee and Work Coordination Mechanism for Personnel Contributing to Key Areas".
The notice stated: Due to the special nature of Comrade Shu Ran's work, her frequent trips to the border, and her outstanding contributions, in order to ensure her safety and the efficient advancement of the pilot project, after organizational research, her accommodation has been moved to the Comprehensive Governance Office's family area, which has more comprehensive security conditions, and the office will be responsible for coordinating her related security arrangements when she goes out.
"You and Xiao Chen have been together for several years, haven't you?" Secretary Zhou asked.
"Um."
“In the past few years, you have gone to the grassroots level seventeen times, eleven of which were to border regiments. The comprehensive service stations have expanded from three pilot sites to twelve, and more than three hundred teachers have been trained.” The secretary tapped the document. “The achievements are real. But the organization has also been concerned about another matter—your safety, and the social impact of this arrangement.”
Shu Ran sat up straight.
“Logically, you should be getting married,” Secretary Zhou said directly. “But the organization has discussed this and consulted Xiao Chen, and finally decided to maintain the status quo.”
This was beyond Shu Ran's expectations.
“There are three reasons,” the secretary said, holding up a finger. “First, your job is special. You often travel to the border and need to be flexible. After getting married, it’s customary for women to reduce fieldwork, but your work cannot be separated from the front lines. Second, Xiao Chen’s position is also special. You are both busy, and if you live a conventional family life, you will only be a burden to each other.”
He paused, then lowered his voice: "Third, and most importantly—a message was sent from the capital."
Shu Ran was startled, but she didn't show it.
"The message was brief: 'We should be more understanding and less restrictive towards young people who make contributions. As long as they don't violate principles, let them manage their own personal lives.' Secretary Zhou looked at her. 'This isn't an order, it's an attitude. But we all understand it.'"
He closed the file: "So your current situation is an exception. The organization's reason is 'the need for security and work coordination,' which is a valid reason because you really do go to dangerous areas frequently, and your work really does require constant coordination. But the deeper reason is that the organization is willing to give special consideration to comrades who have made contributions."
Secretary Zhou handed the relocation notice to Shu Ran: "Your new accommodation has been arranged. It's in the Comprehensive Management Office's staff quarters, courtyard B. Comrade Chen Yuanjiang lives in the neighboring courtyard A."
Seeing Shu Ran's stunned expression, the Party Secretary smiled and explained, "Don't overthink it. Based on your rank and contributions, you should all have independent accommodations. It just so happens that two adjacent courtyards became available, so we arranged for you to live together. Being close by makes it easier to coordinate work and also provides support in your daily lives—of course, it's support between comrades."
Shu Ran took the documents. The paperwork was complete, and the reason was legitimate.
"Secretary, thank you, organization..."
"No need to thank me." Secretary Zhou waved his hand. "This is something you earned yourself. You do a good job, are upright, and know your place when you get along with Xiao Chen. That's why the organization is willing to give you the green light." His tone became serious. "But Xiao Shu, you have to understand that how long this green light lasts depends on yourselves. You can't slack off in your work, you can't have any problems with your conduct, and you have to make this special case stand out."
"I see."
"Good, I understand." The secretary smiled. "Go back now."
After leaving the secretary's office, Shu Ran did not return to her own office, but went directly to the courtyard of the Comprehensive Governance Office.
Chen Yuanjiang was in a meeting. After about half an hour, the meeting ended, and he was the first to come out. He saw her standing in the corridor and was stunned for a moment.
"Why are you here?" He walked over quickly. "What happened?"
Seeing the concern in his eyes, Shu Ran waved the document in her hand and said, "Secretary Zhou talked to me."
Chen Yuanjiang's expression instantly tensed. He opened his mouth, as if to say something, but swallowed it back, finally only whispering, "Let's talk in my office."
She entered the office and closed the door. Chen Yuanjiang didn't sit down; he stood awkwardly in front of her.
"That housing allocation," Shu Ran looked at him, "was it your idea?"
"Yes," Chen Yuanjiang answered quickly. "But I only reported the problem with your dormitory conditions to the organization. The specific arrangements will be discussed by the bureau and the office together."
He spoke urgently, as if afraid she would misunderstand: "Shu Ran, don't be angry. If you don't want to, I'll go and talk to Secretary Zhou right now, and we'll pretend this never happened. I just saw that you were cold in the house in winter..."
"I'm not angry," Shu Ran interrupted him.
Chen Yuanjiang was taken aback, not expecting her to say that.
Shu Ran then asked, "What should I say if someone asks?"
"Just say it's for work purposes." Chen Yuanjiang had clearly thought about this issue.
Shu Ran looked at him earnestly answering each question and suddenly smiled.
“Chen Yuanjiang,” she said, “you’ve thought of everything quite thoroughly.”
Chen Yuanjiang honestly replied, "I just want you to have a better life."
Shu Ran walked up to him, looked up at him, and said, "If I move in, you have to promise me something."
“Go ahead,” Chen Yuanjiang nodded immediately.
"Externally, we're just doing what's necessary for our work. Internally, I can't control what you think, but don't make things difficult for me."
Chen Yuanjiang paused for a moment, then smiled and said, "Okay."
"That's settled then." Shu Ran shoved the document back into his hand.
Chen Yuanjiang took the document. "Are you really willing?"
"Why wouldn't I want to?" Shu Ran raised an eyebrow. "I can stay in nice accommodations and even mooch meals from you. Only a fool wouldn't do that."
She spoke casually, as if discussing a transaction. But Chen Yuanjiang understood; she accepted his care in a way that conformed to the norms of this era.
"Okay." He carefully folded the documents and put them in the drawer. "I'll go through the formalities tomorrow. Moving this weekend, is that alright?"
"OK."
When moving over the weekend, Chen Yuanjiang called two assistants to help. Shu Ran didn't have much stuff, so it was all hauled away in one truck.
Stepping into the courtyard, she saw her new home: a neat little yard, three rooms facing north, and a complete kitchen and storage room. In the neighboring yard, Chen Yuanjiang was standing at the door.
“Welcome,” he said, pointing to the waist-high wall between the two courtyards. “This wall is a bit low.”
Not long after settling in, one weekend morning, Shu Ran heard knocking coming from next door. Pushing open the courtyard gate, she saw Chen Yuanjiang leading two workers from the logistics department, taking measurements on the low wall.
"This is?"
"I've already asked for permission." Chen Yuanjiang handed over an approval slip. "The space between the two courtyards is too empty. I plan to build a moon gate and a grape trellis. It will provide shade in the summer and grapes in the fall, which will also beautify the environment."
The approval slip reads: "It is approved to build a green corridor between courtyards A and B to improve the living environment."
The workers worked quickly and efficiently, and in half a day, an arched doorway was opened in the wall, followed by the erection of a wooden frame.
“That way,” he said as the corridor was basically completed, “we can keep our doors closed and maintain our independence. It’ll also be convenient if we need to discuss work or borrow something.” He paused, “but the grapevines have grown so thick that we can’t see inside from the outside.”
Shu Ran looked at the flower corridor that was beginning to take shape, which connected the two spaces while maintaining sufficient shelter and privacy.
"What else is needed?" Chen Yuanjiang asked, standing at the door. He didn't come in; he just stood outside the threshold.
"We're all set." Shu Ran looked around. "It's fine."
"That's good." Chen Yuanjiang nodded. "You go ahead and tidy up, I'll go cook. I'll call you when it's ready."
The sound of stir-frying came from Chen Yuanjiang's courtyard, and the aroma of sizzling oil filled the air.
Dinner was simple: one meat dish, one vegetable dish, and soup. Chen Yuanjiang ate quickly and then cleaned up the dishes. Shu Ran offered to help, but he wouldn't let her.
“You rest,” he said. “I’ll do these chores.”
Shu Ran didn't insist and sat in the main room, looking around at her surroundings.
After washing the dishes and drying his hands, Chen Yuanjiang came out and said, "I'm going to take a walk in the yard. You rest for a bit."
"good."
He walked to the door, then stopped and turned back: "The door is locked. If you need anything at night, knock on the wall, I can hear you."
"knew."
Only then did he push the door open and go out.
After washing up, Shu Ran returned to her room and listened to the sounds coming from the neighboring courtyard.
Chen Yuanjiang stood in the courtyard for a while, then went back inside.
At night, Shu Ran lay in bed, recalling what Secretary Zhou had said and how Chen Yuanjiang nervously answered every question.
She turned over and closed her eyes.
That's good too. It allows us to live more comfortably in a way that's acceptable in this era.
As the days went by, the flower corridor connecting the two courtyards became a part of their lives.
In the evening, Shu Ran was cooking in her own kitchen. She was missing a scallion, so she pushed open the moon gate, walked through the flower corridor that was more than ten steps long, and knocked on Chen Yuanjiang's window: "Borrow a scallion."
Chen Yuanjiang put down the documents in his hand and looked at her with a smile: "Go pick the vegetables yourself from the garden."
Sometimes when Shu Ran stayed up late writing reports, Chen Yuanjiang would carry a bowl of late-night snack through the flower corridor, place it on the table in her living room, knock on the open door, and say, "Eat it while it's hot." Then he would turn and leave without lingering.
More often than not, the two were busy in their own yards. Through the gaps in the flower-covered corridor, they could see each other's figures. Occasionally, their eyes would meet when they looked up, and they would smile and then go back to their work.
There was indeed some discussion at first. "Teacher Shu and Director Chen live next door." "They even opened a moon gate, this..."
But soon, the public explanation spread:
"Those were houses allocated by the organization, and they just happened to be next to each other."
"The flower corridors were built by the logistics department to beautify the environment, and there are several between the courtyards."
"They did it for the convenience of their work. Comprehensive governance and education pilot projects require frequent coordination, and living close by increases efficiency."
"Besides, there are two courtyards, two locks, and each has its own independent entrance. The moon gate is usually open during the day for easy access, but at night each door is locked."
More importantly, their words and actions in public never crossed the line. They cooperated well at work but maintained a distance, and looked after each other in life but never overstepped boundaries. Over time, the gossip gradually faded away.
Occasionally, a neighbor auntie would jokingly ask from across the fence, "Teacher Shu, are you going to discuss work with Director Chen again?"
Shu Ran waved the documents in her hand and smiled frankly, "Yes, there's an urgent matter to discuss."
His frank attitude made the person who made the joke feel embarrassed.
The beauty of the flower corridor lies in the feeling it evokes in summer.
During the day, it's an open passageway, perfectly aboveboard. After nightfall, the vine-covered corridor transforms into a semi-private space. After dinner, the two would sometimes stand here for a while, watching the grapes beginning to bear fruit, smelling the fragrance of the vine blossoms, and exchanging a few casual words.
On a summer night, Shu Ran sat on a small stool under the eaves of her house to cool off, while Chen Yuanjiang repaired something on the other side.
In winter, snowflakes fall through the withered vines. After sweeping the snow in his own yard, Chen Yuanjiang would naturally pass through the moon gate and sweep out the main path in Shu Ran's yard as well. Shu Ran would then bring out hot tea from the house, and the two of them would stand on the veranda, holding their cups and watching the snow.
As time went by, Shu Ran got used to living there. She got used to the courtyard and the presence of this person.
As for those worldly forms, they seem to be unimportant.
*
Another spring has arrived.
The pilot program of integrated service stations has yielded remarkable results, prompting higher authorities to expand its scope and promote it in more border regiments. The teaching materials compiled under Shu Ran's leadership have been officially printed and distributed, and the trained teachers have returned to their posts, ensuring the steady development of basic education in the border regions.
Chen Yuanjiang was also busy. The comprehensive governance work was on track, and the security and protection sector he was in charge of was working better and better with the education, health, and production departments. Occasionally, he also had to cooperate with the border troops on missions, which would last for ten days to half a month at a time.
Both of them were used to this busy schedule. When they met, they would talk about work and their experiences, and occasionally eat together, mostly with Chen Yuanjiang cooking. His cooking skills were becoming more and more refined, and Shu Ran jokingly called him a "cook who was delayed by work." He didn't argue, but just bent down and put food on her plate.
After several spring rains, the vegetables in the yard grew lush and green, and the flower seeds that Shu Ran had sown also blossomed into a large patch of flowers. Chen Yuanjiang built a grape trellis in the corner of the wall, saying it would provide shade in the summer.
In late April, Shu Ran received a letter from the capital. Upon opening it, she found it was from Liao Cheng. The letter mainly inquired about the progress of the integrated service station's promotion, and casually mentioned that he was now in charge of research on border policies. An address was attached at the end, saying that she could contact him if needed.
Shu Ran put the letter away, deciding to communicate again only when work required it.
In May, a man named Shi Tou arrived at the livestock company. He had grown very tall, with broad shoulders, and his face still looked youthful.
"Teacher Shu!" He was so excited when he saw Shu Ran at the entrance of the Education Bureau that he almost saluted. "I got into a teacher's college! A frontier teacher's college!"
Shu Ran paused for a few seconds, then laughed: "Great! Really great!"
She took Shitou to the cafeteria for lunch and listened to him talk about the changes over the years. Qiming Elementary School was no longer the same school it used to be; it had become a nine-year compulsory education school, and the original students were divided into grades according to their age. The older children went to junior high or high school, while the younger children were assigned to different grades in elementary school based on their learning progress.
The company built brick classrooms, and the number of students increased to over a hundred, with some full-time teachers. Adil went to a vocational school to study veterinary medicine; Shuanzhu became an apprentice at the regiment's agricultural machinery station; and Chuncao was admitted to a vocational high school.
"Where is Ayiman?" Shu Ran asked.
“Ayman is in her final year of junior high at the regiment headquarters, and her grades are excellent.” Shi Tou’s eyes lit up. “She said she wants to be a teacher when she grows up, just like you.”
Shu Ran thought of the little girl who used to hide behind her brother; now she also has dreams.
"When are you going to report for duty?" she asked.
"Next month," Shi Tou said, "I wanted to come see you first. Company Commander Ma and Secretary Liu both asked me to bring you their regards, and Sister Wang also asked me to bring you a jar of her homemade pickled vegetables."
He took out a glass jar from the cloth bag he carried with him. Inside were dark green pickled mustard greens, glistening with oil.
Shu Ran took the jar and said, "Thank you. Please take this to them when you get back."
Shi Tou nodded vigorously. He ate quickly, finishing his rice in no time. He hesitated for a moment, then said softly, "Teacher Shu, there's something else."
"you say."
"I..." Shi Tou scratched his head, "I heard that you and Special Envoy Chen...are together?"
Shu Ran laughed: "Who told you that?"
"It's all over the company." Shi Tou smiled sheepishly. "Everyone says that Special Envoy Chen is a good person and deserves you."
Shu Ran didn't respond to that question, but instead asked, "Did you come alone?"
“Yes, I came in the group’s truck,” Stone said. “I’ll go back tomorrow.”
Where are you staying tonight?
"The guesthouse gave us a letter of introduction."
Shu Ran thought for a moment and said, "Come over for dinner tonight. Uncle Chen is coming back today, I'll have him cook you something nice."
Stone's eyes lit up: "Great!"
As expected, Chen Yuanjiang returned in the evening. When he saw Shi Tou, he was stunned for a moment, then recognized him: "Shi Tou! You've grown so tall."
"Special Envoy Chen!" Shi Tou stood ramrod straight.
Chen Yuanjiang waved his hand: "Just call me Uncle Chen. Sit down."
He went to the kitchen to busy himself, while Shu Ran kept Shi Tou company in the main room. Soon, the aroma of food wafted out. Chen Yuanjiang had prepared four dishes: braised pork, scrambled eggs, stir-fried cabbage with vinegar, and a bowl of tomato and egg soup. The rice was steamed and smelled delicious.
"Eat." Chen Yuanjiang put a piece of braised pork with alternating layers of fat and lean meat on Shi Tou's plate. "You're growing, eat more."
"Thank you, Uncle Chen." Shi Tou buried his head in his food.
At the dinner table, Chen Yuanjiang inquired about the situation in the company. Shi Tou told him everything: Zhao Weidong was transferred away last year to the newly reclaimed area; Xu Junjun became the deputy captain of the regimental medical team; Li Xiulan got married to Zhang Jianjun, whom Shu Ran knew, and he treated her very well; Sister Wang was still the women's representative and was organizing a sewing group for the company.
"Where is Old Aken?" Shu Ran asked.
“He’s in good health,” Shi Tou said. “He’s very supportive of running schools now. He’s done a lot of work in mobilizing students for schools in the pastoral areas.”
As Chen Yuanjiang listened, he served Shu Ran a bowl of soup, his movements very natural.
After dinner, Shi Tou insisted on washing the dishes. Chen Yuanjiang didn't stop him, but went to the study to get a professional book and handed it to him: "Take this to school. Write down anything you don't understand and write to me."
Shi Tou accepted the gift with both hands, his eyes lighting up again: "Thank you, Uncle Chen!"
After seeing Shi Tou off, it was already late. The two stood in the courtyard, looking at the stars.
"Time flies," Shu Ran said softly. "Shi Tou is already in teachers' college."
"Yes," Chen Yuanjiang replied, "you've mentored quite a few students too."
"It's not enough," Shu Ran said. "It's still a bit far from the goal of having students all over the world that I had imagined."
Chen Yuanjiang turned to look at her, "Take it slow. There's still a long way to go."
In June, the promotion of the comprehensive service stations was fully launched. Shu Ran became even busier, often having to go to the production and construction corps for guidance, sometimes for several days at a time. Chen Yuanjiang was also busy, and the two sometimes wouldn't see each other for half a month.
But there was always a way to stay in touch. Chen Yuanjiang would send messages through intermediaries, and Shu Ran would reply immediately upon receiving them. Sometimes, by the time the message arrived, the person had already returned. But no one felt it was superfluous.
In early July, Shu Ran went on a business trip to the westernmost border regiment. Conditions there were harsh; the service station had just been built and everything was lacking. She stayed for ten days, helping to train teachers, revise teaching materials, and coordinate supplies. On the way back, she fell asleep from exhaustion. When she woke up, the car had already entered V City's territory.
It was already evening when I got home. I pushed open the gate and saw Chen Yuanjiang watering the vegetables in the yard. Hearing the noise, he turned around, put down the water ladle, and said, "You're back."
"Hmm." Shu Ran put down her luggage. "How did you know I was coming back today?"
"I asked your department." Chen Yuanjiang walked over and took her luggage. "Have you eaten?"
"I ate some dry food on the way."
"I'll go cook some noodles." He turned and walked towards the kitchen, but stopped after a few steps, looked back at her, and said, "You've lost weight."
Shu Ran laughed: "No way."
Chen Yuanjiang didn't say anything and went into the kitchen. Soon, the aroma of noodles wafted out. It was tomato and egg noodles, sprinkled with chopped green onions. Shu Ran sat in the main room eating noodles, while Chen Yuanjiang sat opposite her watching her eat.
"How's it going over there?" he asked.
"It's alright," Shu Ran said while eating. "It's just that we're short of teachers. I plan to go back and submit a report to apply for a group of willing teacher-training graduates to go there."
"Okay." Chen Yuanjiang nodded. "If you need any coordination, just let me know."
"Know."
After finishing her noodles, Shu Ran went to take a shower. Chen Yuanjiang had boiled the hot water beforehand, poured it into a large tin bucket, and mixed it with cold water to make the temperature just right. When she came out, her hair was still wet and draped over her shoulders.
Chen Yuanjiang was reading in the living room when he saw her come out. He put down his book and said, "Come here, let me dry your hair."
Shu Ran walked over and sat down in the wicker chair. Chen Yuanjiang took a dry towel, stood behind her, and gently dried her hair. His movements were slow and careful.
"Chen Yuanjiang." Shu Ran said with her eyes closed.
"Um?"
"Sometimes I wonder what kind of life I really want."
The towel paused for a moment, then continued: "Have you figured it out?"
"Probably," Shu Ran said. "It's like this now. I have things to do, people to keep me company, and I'm not in a rush."
Chen Yuanjiang didn't speak. He dried her hair and then gently combed it with a comb.
“Oh, right,” Shu Ran remembered something, “I received a letter from Adil. He’s doing very well at the pastoral school, and the teacher said he could recommend him to study in the interior.”
“This is a good thing,” Chen Yuanjiang said. “This child is promising.”
“Yes.” Shu Ran laughed. “Back then, he barged into the classroom, pointed at me and said, ‘You! Bad! Teacher!’ Who would have thought things would turn out this way?”
Chen Yuanjiang smiled too. He draped the towel over the back of the chair.
Night had fallen, and insects were chirping in the courtyard.
"Shu Ran," he suddenly said.
"Um?"
“If…” he paused, “if one day you want to go to farther places and do bigger things, I will support you.”
Shu Ran opened her eyes and looked at him. "And what about you?"
“Me?” Chen Yuanjiang looked at her. “I’m right here. I’ll be here whenever you come back.”
Moonlight streamed into the courtyard, and the vegetable leaves swayed gently in the breeze, making a rustling sound.
"Chen Yuanjiang."
"Um?"
"Thank you," she said, "for staying with me all this time."
Chen Yuanjiang reached out and put his arm around her shoulder. The movement was very gentle, as if he dared not use any force.
Shu Ran leaned closer and rested her head on his shoulder.
The two leaned against each other without saying a word.
*
At the height of summer heat, the Comprehensive Governance Office held a summary meeting. The pilot program had yielded remarkable results, and the higher authorities decided to allocate additional funding and expand its scope. Chen Yuanjiang, who was in charge of the public security sector, was commended. He went on stage to receive an award, and as he came down, Shu Ran gave him a thumbs-up from below the stage.
After the meeting, Secretary Zhou spoke with Shu Ran: "Shu Ran, there's something I'd like to ask for your opinion on."
"Please speak."
"The higher-ups want to transfer you to the capital to oversee literacy and basic education across the country," Secretary Zhou said, looking at her. "A higher rank, a bigger platform. What do you think?"
Shu Ran remained silent for a while.
"Secretary," she began, "can I not go?"
Secretary Zhou was somewhat surprised: "Why? This is a good opportunity."
“I know it’s a good opportunity,” Shu Ran said, “but I’d rather stay at the grassroots level and do concrete work. The promotion of integrated service stations has only just begun, and there are still many practical difficulties to overcome. Moreover, compared to the atmosphere I experienced in the capital, I feel that this place suits me better.”
It suits my carefree and easygoing lifestyle better.
Secretary Zhou understood her meaning and smiled: "Okay. Then I'll explain the reasons to the higher-ups for you."
"Thank you, Secretary."
As Shu Ran left the secretary's office, she ran into Chen Yuanjiang in the corridor. He had just returned from outside, and there was some sweat on his forehead.
"Are you done talking?" he asked.
"Yes." Shu Ran nodded. "I didn't go."
Chen Yuanjiang was taken aback for a moment, then understood: "Have you thought it through?"
"I've thought it through," Shu Ran said. "I'm fine the way I am now."
Chen Yuanjiang looked at her, his eyes softening: "I'm afraid you'll regret it."
Shu Ran's eyes sparkled. "What's there to regret? I'm so capable, if I really wanted to go, it wouldn't be difficult for me."
Autumn has arrived. The grapes in the yard are ripe, hanging in bunches on the trellis. Chen Yuanjiang picked some, washed them, and put them on a plate. The two of them sat in the yard and ate them. The grapes were very sweet, with few seeds.
"We'll plant two more trees next year," Chen Yuanjiang said.
"Okay." Shu Ran spat out the seed. "Let's plant another jujube tree and harvest jujubes in the fall."
"OK."
At the end of October, Shu Ran received a stack of letters. One was from Shi Tou, who said the courses were difficult but very interesting; another was from Adil, who was from the Animal Husbandry School, and included a photo of him in the lab, wearing a white lab coat and smiling shyly; a third was from Shuan Zhu, who was from the Agricultural Machinery Station; and a fourth was from Chun Cao, who was from the County Middle School, and had a golden leaf tucked inside.
She read each letter one by one and put them in the drawer. The drawer already contained a thick stack of letters, all sent by her students over the years.
Chen Yuanjiang nailed a new bookshelf to his study and organized her books and materials meticulously. The top shelf was specifically reserved for these letters.
"There will be more and more of them in the future, so I'll have to get a bigger bookshelf," he said.
"Then let's change it," Shu Ran smiled. "Anyway, these things aren't difficult for you."
The first snow of early winter fell. The weather turned noticeably colder, and the stove was lit again.
Shu Ran was writing her year-end summary in her study. Snow was falling outside the window, but the room was warm and cozy. Chen Yuanjiang was repairing an old chair in the main room.
Shu Ran got tired of writing, so she put down her pen and went to the window. The snow was falling heavier and heavier, and the ground was gradually turning white. The vegetables in the yard had long been harvested, and the land was empty, waiting to be planted again next spring.
She watched for a while, then turned and went to the kitchen to brew a pot of tea. Chen Yuanjiang finished repairing the chair, washed his hands, and came over. The two sat by the stove and drank tea.
The tea was jasmine tea that Chen Yuanjiang had somehow gotten his hands on, and its aroma wafted through the steam.
Shu Ran recently realized that it had been a long time since she had been able to relax outside of work hours without her mind being preoccupied with specific work problems. With the promotion of the integrated service stations on track and each regiment having a mature team, she was now more focused on guiding the direction and resolving unexpected issues, no longer needing to be personally involved in every single detail.
The revision of the teaching materials has come to an end, and the newly trained teachers are already capable of working independently. Even the reports on my desk seem thinner than in previous years.
Of course, it's not that there are fewer things to do, but rather that she handles them more skillfully, knowing what to grasp and what to let go of.
"What are you laughing at?" Chen Yuanjiang's voice rang out from the side.
Shu Ran came to her senses and realized that the corners of her mouth had turned up without her noticing.
“It’s nothing,” she said, taking a sip of tea. “It just feels like…this winter doesn’t seem so rushed.”
Chen Yuanjiang looked at her, his eyes gentle. "You worked too hard in the past few years. You're fine as you are now."
“It’s not that we’re not going to give it our all,” Shu Ran quickly added, then smiled, “it’s just that things have been sorted out. I’ll take on what I’m supposed to, but I don’t have to put all the burden on my own shoulders. There are capable people below, and the higher-ups are willing to delegate authority.”
Chen Yuanjiang nodded, indicating that he understood what she meant.
“I have some time now,” Shu Ran leaned back in her chair, letting the backrest support her weight. “I flipped through the books I’d accumulated before. Some were sent by Professor Wu, and some were brought back by you. I haven’t had time to read them yet. I also borrowed two books on soil improvement from the library. I was thinking that with spring approaching, maybe we could try planting something else on that plot of land in the courtyard.”
"What do you want to plant?" Chen Yuanjiang asked, his tone tinged with interest.
"I haven't decided yet. Maybe I'll start by planting some strawberries? I heard there's a cold-resistant variety." Shu Ran said, her thoughts drifting again. "Actually, it doesn't necessarily have to be something extraordinary. It's just that I feel it's nice to have the leisure to think about it."
As soon as she said it, she realized it herself. Yes, she had the leisure now. Not just in her spare time, but genuinely had the capacity to focus on things outside of work and enjoy life freely.
A piece of coal in the stove collapsed with a "poof" sound.
Chen Yuanjiang picked up the fire tongs and poked at the fire, making it burn brighter. "Whatever makes you happy. Before, there was no other way; you had to fight, grab, and stand firm. Now it's different."
Shu Ran turned her head to look at him. He understood her; he understood that she was enjoying this moment of relaxation.
"Chen Yuanjiang," she called out.
"Um?"
“I am like this now,” Shu Ran said slowly, as if sorting out her thoughts, “I have some time to read books, think about things I like, and I haven’t neglected my work… It’s the kind of life I’ve always wanted. It may not be as dramatic, but I feel at peace.”
"If you think it's good, then it's the best."
Shu Ran said nothing more, picked up her teacup again, and began to drink. The snow was still falling outside the window, but it was warm inside, and the people around her made her feel at ease. The career she had been striving for was still progressing steadily, and she herself had finally found a rhythm of peaceful living on this land.
*
The 23rd day of the twelfth lunar month is the Little New Year.
Shu Ran left work early and went to the supply and marketing cooperative to buy some red paper, intending to write Spring Festival couplets. She didn't buy any New Year's goods, because Chen Yuanjiang had already prepared them all.
When I got home, Chen Yuanjiang was already busy in the kitchen. He was frying dough twists, the oil sizzling and the aroma filling the house.
"You're back?" He turned to look at her. "Wash your hands and eat right away."
"good."
Dinner was plentiful: fried dough twists, stewed mutton, and several side dishes. The two sat facing each other, eating and chatting about trivial matters at work, while the snow outside the window started falling again.
After finishing their meal, Shu Ran spread out red paper to write Spring Festival couplets. Chen Yuanjiang watched from the side, handing her ink and a brush.
"Write what?" she asked.
"You decide."
Shu Ran thought for a moment and wrote: "Peaceful years, farming and reading are enjoyable; the border is tranquil, and the country is in spring."
Horizontal scroll: Peace and Joy.
Chen Yuanjiang looked at it and nodded: "Okay."
He pasted the Spring Festival couplets on the front door; the red paper and black characters stood out vividly against the snow. After pasting them, the two stood at the door for a while and looked at them.
“Another year has passed,” Shu Ran said.
"Mm," Chen Yuanjiang responded, reaching out to brush the snow off her shoulder. "Let's go back inside, it's cold."
The fire in the stove was burning brightly. Shu Ran sat at her desk, flipping through her work notes from the past year. The densely packed handwriting recorded where she had been, who she had met, and what problems she had solved.
Chen Yuanjiang was tidying up the bookshelf, putting the newly received letters into the special mailbox. The mailbox was almost full.
"It's time to get a bigger one," he said.
"We'll talk about it next year," Shu Ran said without looking up.
Outside the window, the snow was still falling. The study was quiet, with only the rustling of turning pages.
After Shu Ran finished writing the last page, she looked up and saw Chen Yuanjiang standing in front of the bookshelf, carefully smoothing out the folds in a letter.
It was a letter from one of her students, with a specimen of leaves tucked inside. He had pressed it with cellophane and pasted it on the wall in front of his desk. There were already many such mementos on the wall. They were all inconspicuous little things. But pieced together, they represented the path he had walked over the years.
"Chen Yuanjiang," Shu Ran said softly.
"Hmm?" He turned around.
"It's nothing," she smiled. "I just wanted to call you."
Chen Yuanjiang smiled too. He walked over, stood beside her, and looked out at the heavy snow.
"Next year, we'll build a greenhouse in the yard so we can grow vegetables even in winter."
"good."
"Let's get another cat, it can help you relax."
"OK."
"The grape trellis needs repairing; it will yield even more grapes next year."
"Um."
Shu Ran leaned back in her chair and closed her eyes.
This is the life she wanted. Calm, comfortable, with things to do, companions, news of her students' success coming from afar, and unfinished work to continue.
She is still herself. She will argue for textbook revisions, coordinate efforts to address teacher shortages, stay up late writing reports, and conduct field research. But she no longer needs to be on edge to prove anything, no longer needs to dedicate herself entirely to her work. She now has the leisure to read leisurely books, to ponder gardening, and to savor tea on a snowy night.
This sense of ease and comfort is something she has earned bit by bit over the years through hard work and dedication. She has earned the right to choose, the confidence to say no, and the pace of life she desires.
As for the rest—those titles, those formalities, those worldly constraints—none of that matters anymore.
Shu Ran opened her eyes and reached out to grasp Chen Yuanjiang's hand, which was resting on the back of the chair.
He paused slightly, then grasped her hand in return.
Silence reigns, snow falls silently, and life is peaceful and serene.
(End of text)
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Author's Note: My darlings, the main part of this story will come to a temporary end here.
Shu Ran has been searching for a satisfactory path for a long time. Thank you for accompanying her and the author.
Writing is always a journey filled with regrets. Looking back, I always find that some plots could have been richer, and some details could have been more refined. Stories inevitably have bugs and flaws that don't stand up to scrutiny. Due to my limited writing skills, I cannot present a perfect work to everyone. Thank you for your understanding and tolerance of these imperfections. It is your companionship and comments that make Shu Ran's world feel real.
The story of Shu Ran and Chen Yuanjiang ends in a tranquil moment in the main text, but their lives continue, and the supporting characters also have their own lives.
More side stories will be updated. Feel free to leave a comment and tell me what kind of side stories you'd like to see.
Thanks again, see you in the next story!
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