Chapter 13: Changing from Rural to Urban Residency

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After Li’s mother saw that her eldest and second sons had each taken a bowl of noodles, the large basin was nearly empty. She lifted the basin and said, “Let’s not talk now; wait until I finish cooking the noodles.” She was very curious, too eager to hear the details herself, feeling a restless itch in her heart.

When Li’s mother returned to the room with a basin of noodles, Li’s father had already finished his bowl. He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand and pulled out a letter of introduction from his pocket. Li Xiangdong took the letter, and seeing his wife leaning in, he opened it and slid it toward her.

Zhou Yuqin asked, “What kind of job is a water supply worker?” Li Xiangdong was also puzzled. He felt a slight disappointment; he had hoped to be assigned as a train attendant. He wanted to work in the railway system because he dreamed of being on the train.

Li’s father scooped some noodles and replied, “It seems to be the job of adding water to the trains. Deputy Director Zhang didn’t explain clearly, but it’s definitely a good position. Zhang specifically called his classmate who works in the railway system to arrange it.”

“Before leaving, Deputy Director Zhang also told me to remind Dongzi to be careful when following the train to other places.”

Li Xiangdong caught only the last part of his father’s words. “Dad, you mean Deputy Director Zhang specifically told you to remind me to be safe when I go out of town with the train?”

Li’s father looked at his startled son and nodded, “Yes, that’s exactly what he said. Why?”

Li Xiangdong’s mood was like a roller coaster, soaring up and down, almost dizzying.

He exclaimed excitedly, “I’m fine! It’s just that mom’s noodles today are so delicious, I want to have another bowl!”

“Good grief, when do you ever eat less?” Li’s mother rolled her eyes at her third son, but the smile on her face was unstoppable.

This was great news: their youngest son finally had a proper job, and a very good one at that—much better than working at the coal shop. As a mother, how could she not be happy?

“No wonder that man can be a leader; he really knows how to get things done! Your dad went just to inquire, and they arranged Dongzi’s job right away!” Li’s father nodded in agreement.

“You’re right, daughter-in-law. That favor I had back then turned out to get Dongzi such a great job. When you think about it, we actually owe him one.”

Li’s mother suggested, “Dad, why don’t we buy some good cigarettes and wine, let Dongzi bring them over to thank him?”

Li’s father shook his head, “No, we just finished handling this matter. Bringing gifts now would probably make them uncomfortable.”

“How about this: once Dongzi gets paid, we pick a good day—not with expensive gifts, just some eggs and fruit. That way, we show our gratitude without putting them in an awkward position. No matter what, let’s treat them like relatives and visit during holidays.”

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“Sounds good to me.” Li’s father thought this was a sensible plan.

Whether or not they became close relatives, it was rare to have a leader in the family, so they should maintain good relations.

The whole family finished lunch amid lively chatter, cleaned up, and then returned to their rooms to rest.

Li’s father and his brothers needed a nap before work in the afternoon. The children also knew better than to make noise at this time, or they would truly get scolded.

Li Xiangdong paced in his room, unable to settle down, still brimming with excitement.

He wanted to live well with his wife and children, and to properly care for his parents and grandparents, but all of this depended on him earning money.

If it were someone else’s second chance at life, they might boldly carve out a thriving future and earn a fortune.

But he dared not. The reform and opening-up policy had only been in effect a year, swinging left and right unpredictably. If he acted recklessly, he might be struck down like lightning at any moment.

Besides, combining both his lifetimes, he had barely overcome his illiteracy. He didn’t know how to run a business!

In his previous life, he stubbornly ignored good advice and ended up ruining the family’s finances. This time, he refused to be anyone’s stepping stone.

Besides, once he had money, wouldn’t buying a house suffice? Why start a business?

After the nap and before going to work, Li’s father washed his face and then knocked on the door of the west wing.

“Dongzi, third son’s wife, come out.”

“What is it, Dad?”

Li Xiangdong and Zhou Yuqin immediately came out. They hadn’t rested at all; their daughter had slept enough in the morning and was now full of energy, clamoring for their attention. With the eldest son also making noise, the couple hadn’t had a moment to rest.

Li’s father rubbed his sleepy face upon seeing them.

“When you were eating, you were so focused on your job that I forgot to mention something. Deputy Director Zhang knows your wife and child’s household registration is still rural. He wants you to take some time to go back with your wife to get a household certificate. When you return, he’ll help with the transfer from rural to urban residency.”

Zhou Yuqin was so moved she was speechless.

Changing household registration to become city residents and receive commercial supply grain was the dream not only of her but of all rural people at the time.

The household registration policy was a formidable barrier, and quotas for rural-to-urban transfers were not easily obtained—especially coveted was the city’s commercial grain registration.

She had never imagined such a blessing would fall on her. When she followed her husband back to the city before, the registration couldn’t be transferred, so she and the children had to rely on discounted family grain for food.

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“Dad, isn’t this something that can wait?” Li Xiangdong wanted to postpone it. The land was about to be divided, and after that, they could transfer the household registration. That way, the land under his wife and child’s names could be managed and transferred to his father-in-law.

But he couldn’t bring himself to say this future plan out loud.

Li’s father looked at him suspiciously. “What do you mean by that?”

Li Xiangdong quickly thought of an excuse.

“I’m supposed to report for duty the day after tomorrow. I’m not sure when I’ll have time. How about we wait a while?”

Zhou Yuqin suddenly spoke up, “I can go back by myself.”

“Ah?”

Li Xiangdong was stunned. Looking at his wife, still excited and joyful, he suddenly realized her happiness mattered more than how much land they divided.

Li’s father noticed the unusual expression on his son’s face and shouted, “What are you thinking, you little brat?!”

His shout brought everyone resting inside out into the room.

When the family learned that such a good opportunity was making the youngest son hesitate, Li’s mother didn’t even give Li Xiangdong a chance to speak. She immediately pointed at his nose and scolded him.

“Li third son, are you out of your mind?! Why delay when a pie falls from the sky like this!”

Li’s second older brother came over, patted his shoulder, and asked, “Dongzi, did you cause trouble in the countryside? That’s why you’re afraid to see your father-in-law?”