Xia Liang almost arrived late at the factory. After inspecting the workshop and finding nothing amiss, she returned to her office to drink tea, read the newspaper, and chat with some colleagues. As usual, there was a morning meeting. Xia Liang and Liu Hongli went to the factory's large playground. After reciting some quotations, the factory leader announced the results of their competition a couple of days ago: "Comrades, Xia Liang and Liu Hongli have truly brought glory to our factory this time! Before going, we all thought that getting a top-three finish would be enough to avoid embarrassing the factory. Who knew Xia Liang would be so amazing, bringing back first place and Liu Hongli second place! We promised a reward for any achievement, and today we're fulfilling that promise. Let's give a warm round of applause to Xia Liang and Liu Hongli!" A thunderous applause erupted from the audience. It was indeed impressive; after all, so many factories had participated, and so many people had competed. Although their factory was a large factory in the county, it wasn't much compared to other factories. Therefore, Xia Liang and Liu Hongli's first and second place finishes were truly remarkable. Later, they could proudly say that their factory had beaten the provincial garment factory. Although it was an individual competition, they still won, didn't they? Xia Liang and Liu Lihong went on stage to shake hands with the leaders. Xia Liang, who came in first place, not only received a sewing machine ticket but also an extra fifty jin of national grain coupons. Liu Lihong, on the other hand, only received a sewing machine ticket. The two happily thanked the leaders, expressed their gratitude, and then went down.
Xia Liang went straight to the state-run store after get off work. At the sewing machine counter, she chose a Butterfly brand sewing machine that matched her plane ticket. She paid a few extra cents to have it delivered home, since she couldn't carry it herself. When she got to her door, Xia Liang pushed it open. Her mother heard the sound and turned to see her daughter, followed by a middle-aged man carrying a sewing machine. Xia Liang quickly ran to the room next to the warehouse, which had been specially prepared as a work area. She opened the door and asked the man to help her carry the sewing machine inside. After placing it in the designated spot, he left. Zhao Danxiang was overjoyed to see the sewing machine; after all, only the village chief's family in the village owned one, something she had never dared to dream of. Xia Liang pulled her stunned mother to the sewing machine, pulled up a chair for her to sit down, and prepared to teach her how to use it. Zhao Danxiang only came to her senses when she touched the sewing machine: "Ah Liang, is this really the sewing machine you bought? We have a sewing machine at home now?" She was so happy that she couldn't stop smiling. Xia Liang also nodded with a smile: "Yes, this is a prize I won in a competition. From now on, you'll be able to make clothes quickly and easily with this." After teaching Xia's mother how to use it, Zhao Danxiang took out the orders that Xia Liang had received earlier and continued to work on them.
Xia Liang went to the kitchen and finished the chores her mother hadn't completed. A little while later, her older brother came home. After dinner, Xia's mother, without even washing the dishes, went to the sewing machine in the kitchen—a first for her! Xia Liang tidied up and went back to her room, while Xia Rong went out to meet Zhou Xiaohui. He waited for her near her house at the agreed time. Two minutes later, Zhou Xiaohui came out. Seeing her beloved looking around suspiciously like a thief, she quietly closed the door and ran towards him. Xia Rong felt his heart overflowing; he had never been so happy. The two rode their bikes to the county park for a while and then went to see a movie.
Xia Rong was happy, but Gu Yanxiao's friends were unhappy. They didn't know what was wrong with this guy, showing off a belt in front of them. The people sitting opposite Gu Yanxiao all thought the same thing. Gu Yanxiao opened his military coat and occasionally touched his belt, saying, "Wow! It really fits perfectly. Do any of you have a belt given to you by your partner? Oh! Right, you don't have partners, how pitiful!" He sighed as if expressing regret. The people sitting opposite him were speechless. His friend Zheng Yuan couldn't take it anymore and said, "You've really gone too far! You called us out just to show off? Everyone's seen a belt before! I'll find a gentle, beautiful, and virtuous partner and have her make me a set of clothes. Let's see how smug you are then!" The others quickly chimed in, "Yes, yes, look at you! It's just a belt!" Gu Yanxiao, his tail practically wagging, arrogantly said, "Everyone has a belt, but this is a belt given to me by my partner. You guys don't understand the feeling." Zheng Yuan and the others were furious and wanted to beat him up, but they were no match for him.
Xia Liang was unaware of the silly thing her boyfriend was doing. Seeing that the dried meat in the yard was almost dry, she found some glass jars and packed it up, intending to take it to Gu Yanxiao. But then she suddenly realized she didn't even know where he lived. Although they'd gone on a few dates, she didn't think she'd ever asked him. She wondered if she wasn't paying enough attention. Lost in her own reflection, Xia Liang was unaware that her boyfriend was already standing at her door, hesitating whether to knock. If Xia Liang was home, that would be fine; if not, what if her mother-in-law answered the door? It would be too impolite to show up empty-handed, so one of them was in the yard regretting not showing enough care for her boyfriend, while the other was outside, regretting not bringing a gift. Gu Yanxiao was hesitating when he heard Xia Liang's voice inside. He finally felt relieved and went to knock on the door. "Knock, knock, knock." Xia Liang opened the door after a while. Seeing that it was his girlfriend, Xia Liang was overjoyed and took his hand. "Why did you come here?" Although it wasn't the first time they had held hands, Gu Yanxiao's heart was still racing. He replied, "I came to say goodbye. I have to go home tomorrow." "Team," Xia Liang hurriedly asked, "What time are you leaving tomorrow? When will you be back?" Gu Yanxiao reached out and stroked Xia Liang's hair, "The train leaves at four tomorrow morning. You might not be back until next year." He was so reluctant to let her go, wanting to shrink Xia Liang down and put her in his pocket to take with him. Even Gu Yanxiao's aggrieved expression revealed his reluctance. Xia Liang was also a little reluctant. It was her first relationship, and it had only been a few days. She hadn't even gotten to know him properly, and he was leaving again. Thinking of the dried meat she had made, Xia Liang let go of his hand and said, "Wait a minute!" Then she turned and ran back to the courtyard. Inside, Gu Yanxiao stood there, completely bewildered. A couple of minutes later, Xia Liang came out with a large package. Glass jars in a burlap sack clinked together. Xia Liang handed him the package, saying, "This is the jerky I made. Take it to the army base and eat it. Write back to me when you're done, and I'll send you more." Then, as if remembering something, Xia Liang took him to a photo studio. They took a solo photo together, which wouldn't be ready for three days. Gu Yanxiao was filled with regret; why hadn't he thought of taking a photo with Xia Liang sooner? After seeing Xia Liang off at her doorstep, they said their reluctant goodbyes. Gu Yanxiao, clutching the jerky Xia Liang had made, went home, feeling both happy and reluctant. Xia Liang went straight to the warehouse, selected a bolt of white fabric, and plunged into the work area.
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