Actually, Xu Xinghe's outfit today is a bit out of line.
After all, she wasn't a soldier and didn't have a military rank.
But the political commissar said that she had helped the military complete an important task this time, and since she was also a military dependent, she was considered a member of the military, so he gave her special permission to wear this outfit to the stage to receive the award today.
However, there was no need to say this to the educated youth. If they spread it around and someone used it to criticize the political commissar, then it would be their fault.
Xu Xinghe's gaze swept across everyone's faces, and she suddenly smiled brightly, "I've already talked to Captain Li, so you're all getting a day off today. You guys wait for me outside the auditorium, I'm going to change my clothes, and then we'll go shopping in the city together, find a restaurant to have a meal, and have a good chat."
"Really? We can go shopping and have a meal?" Zhang Guoming stood up excitedly, almost knocking over the chair behind him. "We thought we could only stay in the military compound!"
“Of course it’s true,” Xu Xinghe said, happy to see their excitement. “You’ve come all this way to the city, so you should definitely explore. But remember, don’t wander off while you’re out shopping. Stay close to me and don’t get separated.”
"Don't worry, Comrade Xu! We definitely won't run around!" the educated youth answered in unison, their faces full of joy. They all stood up and followed the cadre sent by Li Wei out of the auditorium.
Before leaving, Zhao Xiaoyan turned back to Xu Xinghe and said, "We'll wait for you outside, hurry up!"
Xu Xinghe watched their figures disappear through the door before turning and walking towards the changing room.
She quickly changed into a light blue cotton shirt and black trousers, carefully put away the medal on her chest, and walked briskly out of the dressing room.
Outside the auditorium, the educated youth were gathered together talking quietly. When they saw her come out, they immediately surrounded her.
"Comrade Xu!" Zhao Xiaoyan affectionately hugged her arm, her eyes sparkling. "Shall we go shopping now?"
"Let's go eat first." Xu Xinghe calculated the time. "You guys set off early this morning and came straight here. You probably haven't eaten yet. You must be hungry. It's no fun shopping on an empty stomach. You need to eat to have the energy to play. I know a state-run restaurant nearby that's pretty good. Let's go there to eat."
Jiang Linchuan stepped forward and handed Xu Xinghe a cloth bag. "There's some money and food coupons inside. Take it and use it. I won't be going. I still need to report to the political commissar. I'll wait for you at the guesthouse tonight."
"Okay, you go ahead with your work." Xu Xinghe took the cloth bag, said goodbye to Jiang Linchuan, and led the educated youth toward the restaurant.
The state-run restaurant was located near the military compound. Its red signboard read "Dongfeng Restaurant," and two red lanterns hung at the entrance, giving it a festive look.
Upon entering the restaurant, one finds it already occupied by many guests, mostly soldiers, and the air is filled with the aroma of food.
The waiter approached with a smile and asked, "Comrade, how many of you? Where would you like to sit?"
"There are ten of us, so we just need a big table," Xu Xinghe said, leading the educated youth to a round table at the back of the room and sitting down.
The waiter handed over the menu, and Xu Xinghe took it, immediately ordering several hearty dishes characteristic of Eastern Mongolia: "A plate of hand-pulled mutton, a plate of roasted lamb leg, a pot of milk tea, stir-fried ferns, stewed beef, and..."
"Comrade Xu, please stop ordering!" Zhao Xiaoyan quickly grabbed her hand, looking flustered. "So many dishes are too expensive. We can just eat whatever we want. There's no need to spend so much!"
The other educated youth nodded in agreement, their faces showing embarrassment.
Zhang Guoming scratched his head and said softly, "Comrade Xu, we haven't helped you at all, how could we let you treat us to such an expensive meal..."
Xu Xinghe put down the menu, looked at their serious expressions, and couldn't help but laugh. "It's okay, it's just a meal. Eat as much as you want, don't be shy. I'm going back to Heilongjiang Province in a couple of days, and I won't have the chance to eat with everyone again. So this farewell dinner should be good."
"You're leaving?" Zhao Xiaoyan's eyes instantly reddened, her voice choked with sobs, "Once you leave, it'll just be me and Lili left in the dorm..."
The atmosphere suddenly turned somber.
Although they only spent a little over a month with Xu Xinghe and didn't have many truly heart-to-heart moments, everyone genuinely liked this gentle yet strong girl and was reluctant to see her leave.
Wang Lili lowered her head and wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. The other educated youth also fell silent, their earlier excitement gone.
Looking at them, Xu Xinghe felt a pang of sadness. "All good things must come to an end, Xiaoyan. You're a hard worker and quick-witted. After you finish your rural assignment, if you have the opportunity, go back to your studies or find something you enjoy doing."
Recalling her past life, she gave a special reminder: "Don't worry, the school will definitely reopen in the future. If you can get into a good university, you will definitely have a bright future."
Although these words were spoken casually, they carried a convincing power when spoken by Xu Xinghe.
The educated youth all raised their heads and silently kept those words in mind.
They didn't know what the future held, but Comrade Xu's words were certainly true.
The waiter quickly brought the dishes over.
Xu Xinghe picked up her chopsticks, placed a piece of mutton into Zhao Xiaoyan's bowl, and said, "Eat quickly, it won't taste good if it gets cold. Don't think too much, let's just eat and chat properly today."
Zhao Xiaoyan nodded, picked up her chopsticks, took a bite of mutton, but tears still welled up in her eyes.
This meat smells so good, and she longs to eat more meals like this with Comrade Xu...
The educated youth also picked up their chopsticks and ate the delicious food while chatting with Xu Xinghe about interesting things in the forest farm. Occasionally, someone would mention parting, but the conversation would quickly be diverted to other topics.
The atmosphere at the dinner table gradually returned to liveliness, but everyone knew in their hearts that after this meal, they and Xu Xinghe might really never see each other again.
Some people, even after parting ways, may meet again.
But some people, you may never see again in your lifetime.
The journey is too long, and the train is too slow; they are destined to be bound by life, unable to freely choose what they want to do...
The food on the table was gradually emptied, and the educated youth patted their round bellies, their faces full of satisfaction.
They hadn't eaten meat in a long time, so they ate their fill.
Xu Xinghe picked up the milk tea on the table, took a small sip, and felt the warm liquid slide down her throat, carrying a faint milky aroma that dispelled the greasiness after the meal.
She put down her teacup and smiled at everyone, "Have you eaten your fill? Let's discuss where to go next. It's a rare trip to the city, we can't just go back right after eating."
The educated youth looked at each other, each with their own dilemma.
Zhao Xiaoyan scratched her head, "This is the first time we've been to the city. Apart from the few buildings we saw when we passed by, we have no idea where there are any fun places to go, or even what's around here..."
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