After the commune members' meeting, Ye Jianguo said to Uncle Bai:
"Uncle Bai, there's still an exam to take. I don't think the two young men from the village who only graduated from junior high school have much of a chance. We can talk about it another time."
This time, let's choose one from among the educated youth.
Uncle Bai: "Jianguo, what's wrong? Afraid of being reported? We're upright and have nothing to fear."
Ye Jianguo: "I think there are only a few spots in the whole commune. Even if we recommend someone, they may not be approved. Why bother making trouble for ourselves?"
Uncle Bai asked, "Do you have someone in mind?"
Ye Jianguo: "If we're talking about being proactive in work, then Luo Xiaowei is the educated youth; if we're talking about having good political ideology, then it's Li Damin."
Last time it rained heavily, he came to help everyone, and he even injured his foot while carrying Grandma He.
He usually likes to help the elderly and children in the village, and many people like him.
He's a hard worker and a capable person.
Uncle Bai made the decision: "Then this year we'll recommend this educated youth, Li Damin. Whether he passes the review depends on his luck."
"Take good care of the two young men in the village, and let them go when they have the chance."
When Li Damin heard Ye Jianguo say that he had been recommended, he was completely stunned.
He always thought that the village officials would definitely give the quota to people from his own village, and even if Li Xinru made a fuss, it would be a waste of time.
Now, a windfall has fallen into my lap, and I'm completely dizzy with envy.
Although there are still many hurdles to overcome and success is not guaranteed, this opportunity is hard-won and must be seized immediately.
Li Damin grasped Ye Jianguo's hand, tears welling in his eyes, and said:
"Thank you to the production brigade for giving me this opportunity. Thank you to the brigade leader. I will definitely do my best and live up to your expectations."
Li Xinru, standing to the side, almost gritted her teeth. All her hard work had been for nothing, and she had only ended up doing all the work for someone else.
She is not in a position to criticize the village officials for being unfair; Li Damin was an educated youth sent to the countryside, and he did perform better than her.
She always felt that Li Damin must have used connections to steal her spot, and she harbored resentment towards Li Damin.
Ye Jianguo concluded by saying, "Your household registrations as educated youth are also in the production brigade. We will treat you and the other members equally."
If you perform well, everyone will see it, and we'll treat you fairly and justly in the future when opportunities arise.
Apart from Li Xinru, the other four educated youths were genuinely happy for Li Damin.
The actions of the village officials gave them hope for the future.
Seeing Li Damin now is like seeing myself in the future.
Bai Xiaoyue was somewhat surprised to learn that her uncle had given the spot to Li Damin.
Li Mingyue said, "This Li Damin is quite good; the children really like him."
Wen Tong said, "Anyone can go as long as it's not Li Xinru."
Li Damin graduated from high school in 1966. He had a strong academic background and excellent exam results.
Uncle Bai wrote a wonderful account of his performance in the production brigade, especially praising his helpful behavior during the last rainstorm.
Li Damin finally passed the review and was able to go to university in Beijing.
Xiao Bai asked Bai Xiaoyue, "Mom, Brother Li is going to university, and I want to give him a gift. What should I give him?"
Bai Xiaoyue: "You can give me whatever you want, the thought is the most important thing."
Xiao Bai was troubled: "I don't know what to give you, Mom. Can you come with me to buy a gift?"
Bai Xiaoyue said to Yan Ci, "Ci, why don't you take him to the supply and marketing cooperative?"
Yan Ci nodded, borrowed his uncle's bicycle, and carried his son back in half a day.
Xiao Bai used his New Year's money to buy Li Damin a fountain pen, which cost three yuan—all of his New Year's money.
It was already quite late when the father and son returned home.
Yan Ci stopped going to work and took his son up the mountain to catch a pheasant.
While Bai Xiaoyue was stewing chicken, Xiaobai said from the side:
"Mom, save me a big chicken leg. I want to give it to Brother Li."
Bai Xiaoyue asked in confusion, "Xiaobai, didn't you buy a gift? Why did you give me a chicken leg as well?"
Xiao Bai said, "I once told Brother Li that the chicken and mushroom stew that Mom makes is especially delicious."
Brother Li said he was so envious that I could eat the chicken my mom cooked; it must be delicious.
He's leaving now, and I wanted to give him some to eat.
Chang Le rolled her eyes: "Is that what he meant?"
Xiao Bai nodded, and Ruyi laughed out loud beside her.
Bai Xiaoyue smiled and said to Yan Ci:
"Aci, how about we invite our son's good friend over for a farewell dinner?"
Yan Ci took his son to the educated youth's courtyard.
Xiaobai ran to find Li Damin:
"Brother Li, come to my house for dinner. My mom made your favorite chicken stew with mushrooms."
Li Damin did not want to be disturbed and did not agree.
Xiao Bai said, "Come on, my dad is waiting outside."
Upon hearing that Yan Ci was outside, Li Damin hurried out.
He said to Yan Ci, "Brother Yan, I won't bother you any longer."
Yan Ci said, "It's just a simple meal, don't say it's a bother. Xiao Bai likes you a lot, consider it keeping him company!"
Xiao Bai held onto Li Damin's hand tightly, saying, "Come on, come on."
Bai Xiaoyue felt that one dish was not enough to entertain guests, so she quickly made stir-fried eggs with chives and hot and sour shredded potatoes.
At the dinner table, Bai Xiaoyue greeted Li Damin: "Li Zhiqing, the food is simple, please don't be shy."
Li Damin said, "Sister-in-law, please call me Damin. Calling me 'educated youth' sounds too formal."
Bai Xiaoyue said, "Okay, Damin, don't be shy, try your sister-in-law's home-cooked dishes."
Chang Le said from the side, "Xiao Bai is calling him 'brother,' isn't this causing chaos?"
Bai Xiaoyue waved her hand: "It's alright, let's each do our own thing."
Xiao Bai put a piece of chicken in Li Damin's bowl:
"Brother Li, please eat! My mom's cooking is delicious."
After tasting it, Li Damin said, "Xiaobai is right, it's really delicious."
After the meal, Xiaobai asked Li Damin to go inside and give him the fountain pen.
Li Damin felt a warmth in his heart, ran back and brought Xiaobai a copy of "How the Steel Was Tempered," and Xiaobai was overjoyed.
Li Damin slowly returned to the educated youth courtyard. As soon as he entered the courtyard, he saw Luo Xiaowei standing at the door.
He asked, puzzled, "Luo Xiaowei, it's already dark, are you still going out?"
Luo Xiaowei shook her head: "I won't go out, I'll wait for you."
Li Damin asked, "Tell me, what's the matter?"
Luo Xiaowei hesitated for a long time, clutching the hem of her clothes, before finally mustering her courage and saying:
"Li Damin, I like you."
Li Damin felt flustered and scratched his head, unsure of what to say.
Luo Xiaowei quickly spoke up:
"Don't feel guilty. I'm just afraid I won't be able to see you again. I wanted to tell you how I feel."
Li Damin calmed down and said:
"Luo Xiaowei, I haven't thought about this yet. Right now, I'm focused on my studies and serving my country."
Two years will pass quickly, and I'll most likely come back here by then. Let's talk about it then, okay?
Luo Xiaowei asked in surprise, "Will you come back here?"
Li Damin nodded and said, "That's how it should be arranged."
Luo Xiaowei asked, "Can I write you a letter?"
Li Damin nodded: "Okay."
This scene, witnessed by Li Xinru, pierced her heart.
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