Chapter 114: Hidden Agendas

Regarding Sun Yong’s incessant worrying, Han Li could only offer verbal encouragement. After all, who in this era wasn't in the same boat? If Han Li hadn't failed to secure a spot at the Worker-Peasant-Soldier University, Sun Yong might not have even spoken to him so candidly.

As the two neared the "educated youth" dormitory, Yun Yingying called out from behind. "Han Li, wait up."

Han Li patted Sun Yong’s shoulder, signaling him to head on ahead, and waited in place. Once Yun Yingying caught up, he said, "I have something I need to tell you and your sister."

"What is it?"

Han Li: "Most of the educated youth are here today, so I’d like to announce that we are officially dating."

Yun Jingjing frowned. "We should tell everyone, otherwise it might look bad, but you know we must get our parents' permission before we can actually marry."

Han Li curled his lip. "I know that, of course. But once it’s out in the open, can you stop watching me like I’m a thief?"

"You..."

Yun Yingying: "Sister, Han Li is right. We barely get to talk as it is now."

Her sister’s retort left Yun Jingjing speechless. She shot them a glare and headed toward the dormitory first. Han Li and Yingying shared a smile and followed her inside. By now, Hao Hongmin and Yang Xiuying had already arrived, while Jiang Xiaoli had gone to fetch He Mi and the others.

Only then did Han Li have the chance to observe the new arrivals. There were seven of them in total—four men and three women. It was interesting to note their positioning; they seemed to have split into four distinct groups. Had they already fractured before even starting?

They were all around the same age, though Han Li couldn't tell which two were the ones Sun Yong had specifically mentioned, Mai Weiguo and Xiong Xianjin. As he scrutinized them, they were doing the same to him. Because Han Li was quite tall, they recognized him immediately as the person who had been covered in soot and dressed in rags earlier. They were surprised to see how presentable he looked after washing up and changing his clothes.

By then, Yang Xiuying had already mingled with the veterans to get the scoop. She learned why they had been arguing, and Han Li and the others listened in. It turned out that because the number of veteran youths in the dormitory was low and they were still reeling from past conflicts, they had split into two camps for meals, neither of which wanted to take in newcomers. They were tired of trouble and, more importantly, food was scarce. Each new arrival only had about 20 catties of grain, which wasn't enough to last until the autumn harvest. If they took them in, what would happen when the newcomers ran out of food? Would the veterans be expected to supplement them?

Consequently, the veterans refused to share their pots. Though the two team leaders hadn't spoken up, they shared the sentiment. They did, however, agree to let the newcomers use their pots after they finished cooking. One group of veterans offered a pot, the other offered some pickles.

The veterans’ stance was reasonable, but a man named Mai Weiguo wouldn't have it. He accused them of suppressing newcomers and damaging "comradely friendship," sparking a heated argument. However, since no other newcomers backed him up, the dispute quickly fizzled out. Han Li hated such drama, and he felt a growing sense of caution regarding the two men Sun Yong had warned him about.

Just then, Jiang Xiaoli and He Mi arrived, and all the educated youth were finally present.

Under the guidance of the two team leaders, everyone began to introduce themselves.

"My name is Zhang Xiangjun, from..."

"Hello everyone, my name is Zhou Guoan, from..."

Then, a man with a rather arrogant air stood up, pulled his companion to his feet, and declared, "Hello everyone, I’m Mai Weiguo, and this is Xiong Xianjin. Let’s all pull together so we don’t get bullied by the villagers here."

Unfortunately, his words were met with silence. He let out a cold huff and sat back down in a huff. After Wu Lili, Qi Ruying, and Yuan Hongying finished their introductions, it was the turn of the veterans. When it reached Han Li, he stood up and said plainly, "Hello everyone, I’m Han Li from Beijing. Beside me are Yun Jingjing and Yun Yingying, who are also from Beijing. I’ve just started seeing Yun Yingying. Please look after us."

The announcement surprised everyone. While it wasn't uncommon for educated youth to date or even marry, those cases usually stemmed from having lost all hope of returning to the city, leading them to form families for mutual survival. Some even married locals just to avoid heavy farm labor. But Han Li and the others didn't look like people who had given up on returning to the city. Perhaps it was just because they were from the same hometown? Or had their families abandoned them, prompting them to seek comfort in a relationship?

Many thoughts crossed their minds. Even the house they lived in—which many had envied—was now seen by some as a sign that Han Li had given up on returning home. Somehow, this made them feel more balanced.

He Mi had suspected as much, but she still felt a pang of sadness. Hao Hongmin gripped her trousers tightly before letting go. Only Yang Xiuying was vocal. "Han Li, when did you start dating Yun Yingying? Why didn't you tell us?"

"Yesterday."

"Yesterday? Alright, I’ll forgive you. When do you plan to get married?"

"We’re still young, and we’ve just arrived at Shanghe Village. We’ll wait until the time is right."

With Han Li’s introduction, the meeting concluded. As people began to disperse, Yang Xiuying hurried over to Han Li and whispered, "Han Li, it looks like our neighborhood might be getting two more residents."

"Did you hear something new?"

"Of course! I heard that Zhang Xiangjun and Wu Lili want to build a house just like yours."

Han Li: "Isn't that a good thing? Only by putting down roots can we focus on building a new countryside."

His remark earned him a few eye-rolls, though no one said anything.

Yang Xiuying: "That Wu Lili talks a bit strangely. I don't really like her."

He Mi chimed in, "Compared to Wu Lili, we should be more wary of Mai Weiguo and Xiong Xianjin. I heard from Jiang Xiaoli that they’re quite radical. Their behavior earlier certainly confirmed it. I, for one, don't like dealing with people like that."

Han Li nodded. "Sun Yong said the same thing. He mentioned they were spouting all sorts of annoying rhetoric at the branch office."

Yun Jingjing: "People like that usually bring trouble. Let’s all be careful."

Hao Hongmin patted Yang Xiuying’s shoulder. "Since everyone says so, you should stop hanging around the dormitory so much. If they start shouting slogans, you won't even have a choice in the matter."

The group shared their thoughts in hushed tones, while Qi Zhaodi remained silent, looking completely bewildered. After a brief chat, everyone headed home. Han Li still had to take his dogs out for their daily walk.

The night passed without incident, and Han Li even forgot to try out his shower room.

The next day, the sun rose as usual. The new arrivals spent the day purchasing supplies, while the veterans and villagers went to work. Life continued as it always had. News of Han Li and Yun Yingying dating spread quickly among the villagers, and he was cornered by many of the local aunts and grandmothers. To his surprise, many of them seemed regretful when he confirmed it. Han Li found this strange; they hadn't bothered to set him up before, so why were they disappointed now that he had found someone to cook and wash for him?

Han Li didn't dwell on it. Starting today, Yun Yingying could openly visit his home. Whether she was cooking or washing clothes, no one would say a word. Even the three of them eating together was now perfectly acceptable.

True to form, after finishing work at noon, Yun Yingying brought her sister over to cook. Yun Jingjing even brought a bag of grain—a smart move to silence any gossip.

After work that afternoon, Han Li hauled back another load of charcoal. He was once again covered in soot. Just as he finished unloading and Yun Yingying brought him water to wash his face, Wu Lili and Zhang Xiangjun arrived together, which caught Han Li off guard.

"Comrade Han, another load of charcoal? No wonder Captain Jiang Xiaoli says you're the most diligent one here."

"Haha, I’m just a slow bird trying to fly early. So, you two are back from the county seat? I hope the trip went well. Please, have a seat. Yingying, go pour them some water. I’m a bit of a mess right now—not very polite for a host. Let me wash up first, then we can talk."

Wu Lili: "No rush. I just came to ask for some advice."

Zhang Xiangjun: "Same here. That’s my intention as well."

Yun Jingjing was steaming cornmeal buns in the outer room. Yun Yingying didn't invite them inside, instead placing two cups of water in the yard. "It’s a bit dark inside. Let’s talk out here; it’s brighter in the courtyard."

Wu Lili: "I just wanted to ask how much it cost you to build this house and if there’s anything we should watch out for. I suppose Sister Yun can tell me just the same."

Yun Yingying knew everything, but the way Wu Lili had addressed her as "Sister" made her lose interest in sharing. "I’m not really sure. My sister handles all the household affairs, but she’s busy cooking right now and her hands are covered in cornmeal. It’s not convenient for her to host. Perhaps you should wait for Han Li to finish washing up; he can tell you all about it."

Wu Lili: ...