After finishing our meal, we went to the bus stop to wait for the bus.
While He Ping and Shen Qiaoying were waiting for the car, He Ping took out a candy from his pocket and handed it to Shen Qiaoying, saying, "Have a candy."
Shen Qiaoying looked down at the candy and reached out to take it.
"Thank you, Brother He." She didn't stand on ceremony, opened the packaging, and put the candy in her mouth. It was sweet.
He Ping added, "I bought you half a pound of brown sugar. If you're feeling unwell or have low blood sugar, drink some brown sugar water."
"When did you buy it?" Shen Qiaoying asked in surprise. "The village didn't issue sugar coupons, where did you get it?"
Shen Qiaoying asked with some curiosity.
He Ping replied with a smile, "All I brought was a ticket for half a jin (250 grams)."
Recently, Shen Qiaoying had been working long hours and was not getting enough nutrition, so he took out the sugar coupon and bought half a pound of brown sugar for her.
Shen Qiaoying felt a warm feeling in her heart as she recalled how Lu Chen had taken care of her these past few days.
Lately, she has been feeling dizzy and lightheaded. She often works without getting any oil or fat in her body, which makes her feel exhausted and very tired.
"Brother He, thank you." Shen Qiaoying also had brown sugar; Qiaoyue and her brother had sent her some sugar coupons.
“Brother He, I actually have some brown sugar. You can keep it for yourself,” Shen Qiaoying said.
He Ping replied, "I know, I'm in good health and don't need brown sugar. Just mix it with water and drink it. Don't worry about me."
Shen Qiaoying opened her mouth to refuse, but He Ping stared intently at her, not saying a word.
“Alright then, I’ll drink it.” Shen Qiaoying didn’t want to refuse He Ping’s kindness.
Soon the bus arrived, and we took our bags and groceries to go home.
Some were things they needed themselves, and some were bought with the help of villagers.
On the way back this time, Shen Qiaoying was exceptionally happy. As she stared at the scenery outside the window, she would wonder what He Ping's mood was, and then turn to look at him.
He Ping stared at Shen Qiaoying, and their eyes met.
Shy, nervous, they exchanged a smile.
When they arrived, the two sat together, still quite reserved. When they left, they still sat together, but their status was different now.
Back in the village, the entire group of educated youth began preparing dinner.
Several educated youths went to the city, bought some food, and planned to get together for a nice meal when they returned in the evening.
The educated youth settlement had a male and female protagonist living together and taking care of each other.
He Ping and the boy bought some peanuts, fried them in oil, bought some braised beef, cooked a few dishes, and sat down to eat together.
Slightly drunk, he began to complain.
They were all assigned here from the city. Faced with such life pressures that seemed endless, they felt repressed and needed to vent.
He Ping drank a lot, but he wasn't drunk.
Lin Songbai, standing beside He Ping, patted him on the shoulder and complained, "You brat, it's been half a year and you still haven't... um!"
Before he could finish speaking, He Ping covered his mouth, saying, "You're drunk. You should rest properly so you don't miss work tomorrow."
"Hmm..." Before Lin Songbai could finish speaking, He Ping dragged him into the room.
Shen Qiaoying found He Ping's actions rather barbaric and crude, yet strangely amusing.
After getting drunk, they all went home to rest. Shen Qiaoying and a few other girls cleaned up the remaining dishes.
The summer starry sky is beautiful; you can see it from right here in the courtyard.
However, in their hearts, the starry sky was no longer something they could dream of; getting a good rest and continuing to work the next day was the only thing they needed to do.
Shen Qiaoying lay in bed, but couldn't fall asleep, just like He Ping, who felt the same way.
Monday, another new day.
Shen Qiaoyue rushed off to work. Lu Chen finished his training early and then took Shen Qiaoyue to the factory.
Upon arriving at the entrance, Shen Qiaoyue saw many people waiting there.
Today is the day the factory is recruiting female workers; we need to take an exam.
"Honey, here's chili sauce and some other food. Remember to eat if you get hungry. The doctor said you don't need to consciously control your appetite now, you can eat as much as you want." Lu Chen took out a lunchbox and a small bottle containing eggs, steamed buns, and chili sauce.
Shen Qiaoyue took it, nodded and said, "Okay, I understand. You should go back now."
Lu Chen nodded and rode his bicycle back.
As I was about to go inside, I saw a familiar girl in the crowd.
I saw her in the family compound yesterday. She seemed to be Xiang Shulan's cousin, and Huang Yingzi was talking to her.
Out of politeness, Shen Qiaoyue decided to go over and say hello.
"Sister-in-law Huang, the exam is still over an hour away, why are you here so early?" Shen Qiaoyue asked.
Huang Yingzi was chatting with Xia Xiaoli when she saw Shen Qiaoyue come over to chat with her. She replied with a smile, "I heard there would be a lot of people today, so I thought I'd come early. I came with Hua Lan earlier."
Xia Xiaoli stared at Shen Qiaoyue. Her cousin-in-law had told her that it was this woman who recommended her to take the art assistant exam.
“That’s true. It’s good to come early and experience the atmosphere here. Your sister-in-law, you can wait here for a while.” After saying that, Shen Qiaoyue looked at Xia Xiaoli and added, “Xiaoli, don’t be nervous during the exam. I’m going in first.”
Xia Xiaoli nodded.
"Qiaoyue, you're here." Jiang Jinyao arrived at the door on her bicycle.
When she looked at Shen Qiaoyue, her smile was sweet.
Shen Qiaoyue asked, "What happy thing happened?"
"Of course it's a good thing!" Jiang Jinyao got off her bicycle and said with a smile, "I went to check out the family compound the day before yesterday and bought everything I needed. An Lude told me yesterday that their unit leaders came the day before yesterday, and it seems they came with their families. I estimate that it will be approved today. If it is approved, they can pick me up this afternoon to go to the city to register our marriage."
"Congratulations!" No wonder Jiang Jinyao is so happy today.
It turns out that Anlude's marriage application with her has been approved.
Jiang Jinyao looked at Shen Qiaoyue and said, "When I get married, I'll buy you delicious food. I remember you always liked that limited-edition cake from the mall. I borrowed several tickets, which is enough to buy three pounds. I'll give it all to you."
Shen Qiaoyue asked in disbelief, "Really?"
"Of course it's true!" Jiang Jinyao pushed her bicycle inside and then patted her chest to confirm.
"Thank you." Shen Qiaoyue perked up as soon as she heard there was food. She had been craving that chicken cake from the city lately, but hadn't had time to buy it.
Xia Xiaoli looked at the two of them; they were young and beautiful, chatting and laughing, which was really nice.
Looking down at my feet, I realize that my life might just pass by like this.
The sadness in his eyes immediately turned into deep thought.
At that moment, a girl with two small braids came along.
She gently nudged Xia Xiaoli's shoulder and asked tactfully, "Hello comrade, I'd like to ask, is this the place to register for the exam?"
"Yes," Xia Xiaoli nodded in response.
Looking at this vibrant and energetic girl, Xia Xiaoli felt even more inferior.
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