Several hours later, accompanied by a long whistle, the train slowly pulled into Chengdu Railway Station.
Su Tang got off the bus with the crowd, and Li Xiumei followed behind her, carrying Xiao Hu.
“Su Tang, let’s go this way. I remember your uncle mentioned that the guesthouse is near the station,” Li Xiumei said enthusiastically, pointing the way.
Uncle Lin Wenbo was indeed very resourceful; he even arranged accommodation in Chengdu in advance through his connections. It was a state-owned "Red Star Hotel".
The hostel was small, a three-story building with whitewashed walls, some of which were already mottled.
The receptionist was a middle-aged woman wearing a red armband. She wasn't particularly enthusiastic, but when she saw the official seal on Lin Wenbo's letter of introduction, she quickly checked them in.
The room was on the second floor, with two creaky wooden beds, an old table with a chipped corner, and on the table an enamel basin and a thermos with the words "Serve the People" printed on it.
The windows were quite large, covered with semi-transparent window paper.
"The conditions are a bit simple, Su Tang, please don't mind," Li Xiumei said somewhat embarrassedly.
Little Tiger was very excited and ran around the room.
Su Tang smiled and said, "Sister Li, it's fine, as long as it's clean. I'll go to the post office first to let my family know I'm safe."
"Oh, it's my pleasure!" Li Xiumei nodded repeatedly. "Su Tang, you're such a filial daughter. And your medical skills are so superb. If you live in the family compound in the future, my husband will be so happy to know that I have such a capable sister like you taking care of me!"
As Su Tang listened to Li Xiumei's praise, she began to plan what to do next.
There weren't many people at the Chengdu Post Office.
Su Tang walked to the counter and asked for a telegram.
She first sent a telegram to her grandmother and uncle, saying, "I have arrived in Chengdu and am doing well. Don't worry. I encountered a minor problem on the train, but I have handled it properly and received a commendation. Tang."
She specifically mentioned the reward to reassure her family, which was also a small surprise.
After sending the telegram, Su Tang remembered that she hadn't yet informed Qin Ye about her trip to Tibet, so she sent a telegram as well.
I also wrote a letter to Qin Ye, who was far away in Sun City.
What should I write?
She and Qin Ye were engaged in name only, but in reality, they were barely better off than strangers.
After a moment's thought, Su Tang finally wrote only a few words: "Su Tang. Arriving in Chengdu soon, heading to Tibet. Looking forward to meeting you."
The message was concise and to the point, informing her of her schedule and expressing her willingness to meet, which was appropriate for her current status and their relationship.
The next day, the hotel staff delivered a call back from my grandmother and uncle.
The densely packed words on the telegram were clearly dictated by the grandmother and written down by the uncle.
"Tangtang has arrived safely in Chengdu, and Grandma is relieved. The train incident was dangerous, but fortunately, she received a national award. My son is promising! Be careful in everything you do. The organization has arranged transportation, and we will depart for Tibet in a few days. If you lack food or clothing, please write to me. Do not deprive yourself..."
A sheet of paper filled with densely packed instructions.
In those days, telegrams were not cheap; each word cost three cents, and the average worker's monthly salary was only twenty or thirty yuan.
In an era when ordinary people would only send a few words to save money, this telegram from my grandmother was quite an expense.
Su Tang looked at the telegram, her heart warmed by the concern of her family.
It seems the organization has really good connections; they even arranged transportation to Tibet.
She put the telegram away, feeling reassured.
After staying at the hotel for two days, Su Tang used the excuse of going out to familiarize herself with the surroundings, but in reality, she wanted to find out about the black market in Rongcheng.
She slipped a few pieces of fruit candy and half a pound of flour to a familiar hotel employee as a "gift".
The waiter immediately beamed and quietly told her that the largest black market in Chengdu was near Jiuyan Bridge, which only opened after dark and was known as the "Ghost Market".
"Young lady, that place is full of all sorts of people. You're a young woman, so you have to be careful," the waiter kindly reminded her.
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