Chapter 59 On the Eve of Departure
After parting ways with Xiao Yan, Zhao Lei, and the others, Song Lubai went to the street office because Xiao Yan and the others told her there was a bonus to collect.
The people from the neighborhood committee hadn't had a chance to go to her house to inform her yet, but they happened to run into her here, so she could go and collect her bonus on the way.
The office was still the same as before. Stepping into it again after these few days, she felt a sense of familiarity mixed with strangeness.
Song Lubai greeted acquaintances from the past, and during their laughter and conversation, it was clear that everyone was very enthusiastic towards her.
As we approached Secretary Chen's office, Director Wang opened the door and came out.
Director Wang's eyes were slightly red, as if he had been crying.
When she saw Song Lubai's face, her eyes bulged involuntarily, the skin around her mouth rippled, and she seemed about to utter a vicious word. After a moment, she calmed down, but her eyes remained bulging and round, filled with hatred.
Song Lubai smiled at Director Wang as she always did when she went to work.
"Hello, Director. I haven't seen you for days and I've missed you quite a bit. You look well, so I guess you're doing well."
Her piercing smile was a provocation to Director Wang.
Oh no, she's no longer the director of the subdistrict office; she's now just an ordinary household registration officer.
Although the salary of a household registration clerk is the same as that of a director, their status is vastly different.
Director Wang had been "powerful" in the office for so long, and the sudden demotion to a household registration clerk must have been incredibly disheartening for him.
She almost lost her job, as the "black sheep" who was singled out for criticism at the meeting.
Director Wang forced a smile, trying to force it but failing. He then pulled his face back and said stiffly, "The Party Secretary is inside. You can go in."
Song Lubai smiled and stepped aside.
Secretary Chen smiled when he saw Song Lubai.
"I didn't expect you to not only have such good handwriting, but also write such good articles. A young comrade like you can do well anywhere. Xiao Song, I have high hopes for you. When you go to XJ, you must perform well and not disgrace our Qiyi Subdistrict Office."
Secretary Chen looked radiant.
Of all the regional office staff who attended yesterday's meeting, he was the only one specifically praised, simply because Song Lubai's article set a good example.
As a young person with a job, Song Lubai was still able to make up her mind to sign up to support the border areas and wanted to contribute to the development of the border regions. How can such a spirit not be highly praised and publicized?
Young people should take Song Lubai as an example and go to the places where the country needs them most.
Although Director Wang, who was criticized by name at the meeting, was also from their office, it didn't ruin Secretary Chen's good mood overall.
After the two talked for a while, Secretary Chen opened the drawer and took out the reward.
"The three yuan is a reward from above for taking the lead. In addition to the money, there are also a few receipts. Our office is short of funds, so we're also giving you a one yuan reward, along with three national grain coupons and two industrial coupons. Keep these safe; you'll need them when you get there."
Song Lubai packed up the money and tickets, then thanked Secretary Chen.
Stepping out of the office and looking at the clear blue sky, she felt very happy, both for the money and tickets in her pocket and for the fact that she was about to leave this place for a completely unfamiliar place.
She was excited.
The excitement outweighed the sadness of parting.
In the days leading up to their departure, Zhang Cui and Zhang Lan quickly made a sweater, a pair of long trousers, and two pairs of cloth shoes for Song Lubai.
Zhang Cui was very good at knitting. She took apart an old sweater belonging to Lin Dahai and used navy blue yarn to knit a pair of gloves and a hat for Song Lubai.
The color is a bit ugly and not suitable for girls, but it's warm, so it doesn't matter what color it is.
Song Lubai's cloth bag was stuffed full, containing not only clothes, but also enamel mugs, toothbrushes, soap, Friendship face cream, and other daily necessities.
My aunt said that the weather in XJ is dry, and the faces of people who came back from there to visit relatives were chapped by the wind, making them look particularly old, so she specially bought two extra boxes of face cream for her to take with her.
Song Lubai was packing things inside the house, while Zhang Lan was cooking on the stove by the door. The aroma attracted a bunch of drooling children.
In the past few days, Song Lubai has visited all her relatives and friends, telling them that she is leaving soon.
Her uncles said she was mentally unstable, deliberately seeking out hardship when there was none, and that she would suffer later.
Teacher Zhao Fang sighed and said that her future days were going to be difficult.
Teacher Wu, however, praised her highly this time, commending her for her high level of awareness.
We only eat chicken two or three times a year, and one of those times is always during the Chinese New Year.
Although city dwellers are willing to spend money, it is still difficult to buy chicken and meat when supplies are scarce and ration coupons are not readily available.
Zhang Cui queued for two days to buy this chicken, getting up before dawn each day, but she still couldn't get it. She ended up paying extra money and tickets to exchange for it from someone who had already bought a chicken.
The aroma of the chicken wafting from the pot was irresistible, whetting the appetites of the residents in the tenement building.
Once the food was ready and served, Zhang Cui closed the door, shutting out the aroma inside.
The twins were both happy and sad today. They were happy because they got to eat meat, but sad because their older sister was leaving.
There were only four people in the house; Lin Dahai hadn't come back even once in the past few days.
The food on the table today is comparable to what we had during the Chinese New Year.
The bowl contained white rice without any mixed grains, the plate held golden-yellow and green eggs and wild vegetables, a generously portioned, oily braised pork bought from a state-run restaurant, and a pot of soy sauce chicken without any side dishes.
Upon hearing Zhang Cui announce that dinner was served, Lin Jianshe began stuffing large mouthfuls of meat into his mouth, his face still wet with tears.
Lin Jianshe, his own mouth full, still managed to put a piece of food on Song Lubai's plate, urging her indistinctly, "Sister, eat quickly, sister, eat more, you won't be able to eat this again."
Zhang Cui tapped his head with her chopsticks and said disdainfully, "What are you saying! Even food can't shut you up."
Lin Jianshe burst into tears, his round eyes glistening with tears under the light.
Even as he cried, he didn't forget to shovel a mouthful of rice into his mouth, crying, "Sister, don't go."
Song Lubai's shoulders trembled as she laughed.
This little brother is so funny; all the pampering I've given him has paid off.
Zhang Cui was also smiling, but there were tears glistening in her eyes.
She tried to speak naturally, saying, "You need to perform well at work over there, and you need to change your personality in life. Otherwise, you might offend someone and get bullied. Your family is far away, and no one will be there to support you."
Song Lubai nodded: "I understand."
She didn't agree with her mother's words.
She always follows the rules in her conduct and actions, but if she encounters someone who doesn't follow the rules and lacks morality, she has no choice but to stand up for herself.
Being too weak and taking advantage of others' honesty, if you try to settle things peacefully, you will only be bullied more and more.
Zhang Cui added, "You're not young anymore, and it won't be easy for you to come back in the future. You'll probably have to settle down there. Once you find a suitable person, be sure to write to me, and I'll give you some advice."
Song Lubai nodded: "That's for sure, don't worry, Mom."
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