In the fiery red era of the heavens, refrigerators are refreshed daily.

Two days passed quietly, and Sunday arrived in the blink of an eye.

Summer mornings in Northeast China always arrive exceptionally early.

As dawn broke and the east began to lighten, a thin, cool mist had not yet completely dissipated. The air was filled with the fresh scent of earth and grass. Taking a deep breath, the coolness penetrated to the very core of one's being, leaving one feeling refreshed and invigorated.

Outside the window, several unidentified birds had already perched on the branches, chirping and singing. Their clear calls broke the tranquility of the village, but also made the morning even more peaceful.

Yang Guangming opened his eyes and, as usual, listened intently.

Through the thin door panel, you could hear deliberately muffled sounds coming from the kitchen: the soft clatter of a spatula against an iron pot, and occasionally the crackling of firewood burning in the stove.

He sat up and looked out the window. Sure enough, he saw wisps of smoke rising from the chimney not far away, disappearing into the pale blue morning mist.

He quietly got up, pushed open the door, and immediately saw his second sister, Yang Xiangmei, with her back to him, busy at the stove.

The millet porridge simmering in the pot was already bubbling away, emitting a rich and mellow aroma of rice, with golden and viscous rice oil gathering on the surface.

In the earthenware pot beside her, she had kneaded a large lump of golden cornmeal and was skillfully shaping it into small cakes, ready to stick them to the edge of the pot.

The firelight from the stove illuminated her profile; fine beads of sweat glistened on her forehead, and her cheeks glowed with a healthy rosy hue from her busy work and the heat.

"Second sister, why are you up so early?" Yang Guangming walked over, his voice still hoarse from just waking up.

Yang Xiangmei turned around at the sound of her voice. Seeing that it was her younger brother, she smiled gently and said, "I'm used to it. I get up at this time every day in the village. I've cooked some millet porridge for you and made you some flatbread. It'll be ready in a bit. Go wash your face first."

Yang Guangming felt a warmth in his heart. Without saying anything more, he picked up the broom made of thin bamboo sticks that was leaning against the corner of the wall, went out into the yard, and began to sweep, stroke by stroke.

The courtyard wasn't large, but the earthen ground was trodden firm and level. He swept it meticulously, not even missing a few fallen leaves in the corner.

A cool morning breeze brushed against his cheeks, carrying the faint scent of crops from the distant fields, instantly dispelling the last trace of fatigue from his long journey.

The siblings sat quietly at a small wooden table, eating a simple breakfast. The porridge was cooked to perfection, and the cornbread was golden brown and crispy on one side near the iron pan, while the other side retained the sweet and soft texture of cornmeal. A small dish of crunchy pickled radish strips made the meal especially delicious.

Yang Guangming could clearly sense that his second sister, who was sitting opposite him, seemed somewhat distracted.

She sipped her porridge slowly, but her gaze kept drifting to the window, looking out along the winding dirt road that stretched out of the village. Her eyes were filled with anticipation, trepidation, and a hint of barely perceptible anxiety.

She held a pancake in her hand, sometimes forgetting to take a bite, until Yang Guangming gently reminded her, and then she would suddenly come to her senses.

He knew that his second sister was waiting for Luo Xingbang.

The conversation the day before yesterday afternoon was undoubtedly like a stone thrown into the lake of her heart, which was originally full of beautiful hopes, stirring up ripples and bringing with it a heavy sense of pressure and uncertainty. This waiting has become more anxious.

Yang Guangming looked out onto the dirt road in the distance; the long, empty road was deserted.

Things can't be done that quickly; clearly, my second sister will have to wait a long time.

After finishing breakfast, Yang Xiangmei neatly cleaned up the dishes and took them to the kitchen to wash and dry them carefully.

She hesitated for a moment, wiped her hands with her apron, and walked back, her voice tentative: "Little brother, school's closed today... I don't have anything planned. What... what are your plans for today?"

She tried to make her tone sound casual, but her shifty eyes betrayed her inner turmoil. She actually wanted to take advantage of her day off to see Luo Xingbang and ask about the progress of the matter.

Yang Guangming put down his enamel mug and pondered for a moment. He already had a plan, and now was the perfect opportunity to bring it up: "Second Sister, I was just about to discuss something with you. Today I'd like to go to the county hospital and visit Director Huo."

"Visit Director Huo?" Yang Xiangmei was taken aback, clearly surprised by the suggestion, her eyes widening slightly.

"Correct."

Yang Guangming spoke with certainty and sincerity in his eyes, "Last time, Director Huo played a huge role and helped me a lot in enabling my second brother to return to the city so smoothly."

This kindness is something my whole family, especially me, will always remember.

Last time, he insisted on exchanging four old ginseng roots for the dried sea cucumbers I gave him. For him, the debts were even, but for our family, we clearly owed Director Huo a great favor.

"Since we're here in Northeast China, it's only right and proper to pay them another visit. It's purely out of gratitude, without any ulterior motives; it's simply to express our heartfelt thanks."

He paused, then looked at his second sister with gentle eyes and extended an invitation: "Come with me. Director Huo knows you too. It would seem more formal and sincere if we went together."

Yang Xiangmei immediately nodded, a look of deep agreement on her face: "Of course, of course! Director Huo is a rare and wonderful person, principled and kind-hearted."

If it weren't for his willingness to help and take responsibility... my second brother's matter wouldn't have gone so smoothly. Wait a moment, I'll go change my clothes."

She spoke quickly, clearly indicating her strong agreement with visiting her benefactor.

She hurried back to the inner room, opened the old wooden box, rummaged around for a while, and changed into a light-colored plaid shirt that was almost new. Although it was a little faded from washing, the collar and cuffs were clean.

She looked in the small mirror on the wall again, re-braided her two black braids, tied them tightly with rubber bands, and smoothed the stray hairs on her forehead with her fingers. She immediately looked more refreshed and neat, exuding a simple and energetic vibe.

Yang Guangming walked to the edge of the kang (a heated brick bed), bent down, and took out a rectangular package from the bottom of the bulging travel bag. The package was tightly wrapped in thick oil paper and carefully tied with several sturdy hemp ropes, making it clear that the contents were well protected.

"What is this?" Yang Xiangmei looked at the package curiously.

"Four catties of dried sea cucumbers." Yang Guangming patted the package. "I specially asked a friend to get these special supplies; they are of excellent quality. Director Huo's elderly father is frail and needs these kinds of nourishing foods to help him recover. I brought them here to help him recover; it's a small token of our appreciation."

Upon hearing this, Yang Xiangmei gasped in astonishment, her face showing a look of amazement: "Dried sea cucumber! Four catties? This... this must be worth a lot of money, right? And this isn't something you can easily buy just by having money."

She knew how rare this special supply was; ordinary people would rarely even see it, let alone eat it, and it was simply not sold on the market.

“Friendship cannot be measured by money alone.” Yang Guangming smiled, his tone calm yet firm. “Director Huo’s character and the help he has given us deserve this appreciation. Let’s go, it’s cool in the morning.”

The siblings greeted Teacher Zhou next door, then left the school through its low wooden gate and walked along the dirt road, compacted by tire tracks and footsteps, towards the county town.

The village began to fill with voices. Several early-rising children were playing by the roadside, and when they saw Yang Xiangmei, they greeted her politely, "Good morning, Teacher Yang!"

Yang Xiangmei responded with a smile, her face displaying the gentle demeanor befitting a teacher.

"Second sister, are you getting used to living here?" Yang Guangming asked casually as they walked.

Yang Xiangmei nodded: "It's much better than when I first arrived. The children are very well-behaved, and the people in the village respect me a lot. It's just that... I sometimes miss home."

Her voice lowered, carrying a hint of barely perceptible longing.

Yang Guangming paused for a moment, then comforted her, "Once I've finished dealing with your wedding arrangements, I'll go back and tell Mom and Dad about your situation in detail. Although they're reluctant for you to marry so far away, they'll eventually understand as long as you're doing well, and they definitely hope you can be happy."

Yang Xiangmei's eyes reddened slightly, and she nodded: "Yes, I know."

The siblings stopped talking and walked silently along the country dirt road.

On a summer morning, before the temperature rises, it's quite pleasant to walk on the street.

On both sides of the road are endless cornfields, the lush green plants growing taller than a person, with glistening dewdrops hanging on their broad leaves, shimmering in the rising sun, a delightful scene full of vitality.

In the distance, rolling mountains are covered with dense forests, displaying varying shades of emerald green in the morning mist. The sky is a clear, deep blue, with a few wisps of thin clouds drifting lazily by.

After walking for about an hour, the low-lying outline of the county town gradually came into clear view at the edge of the horizon.

The low brick houses, the occasional two- or three-story buildings, and that iconic brick chimney were getting closer and closer.

The county hospital is still the same as I remember it, a few two-story buildings in the Soviet style. The red brick walls look a bit mottled after being washed by wind and rain, but the overall place is still clean.

People came and went in the courtyard, including medical staff in white coats, as well as patients and their families with worried or expectant expressions.

Yang Guangming led his second sister through the somewhat noisy outpatient hall with ease, and up the terrazzo stairs to the second floor.

The hallway was much quieter. They stopped in front of the door with a wooden sign that read "Office of the Head of Orthopedics".

Yang Guangming stopped in his tracks, subconsciously straightening his already neat collar, before raising his hand and knocking on the door with a light but firm tap of his knuckles, the sound clear and steady.

"Please come in." Director Huo's familiar, steady voice, with a slight Northeastern accent, immediately came from inside.

Sunshine Ming pushed open the door and entered.

Director Huo was hunched over his large desk, intently writing something with a pen—it could be a medical record or a work report.

He looked up when he heard the door open. When he saw who it was, a look of surprise flashed across his face, and he put down his pen.

"Director Huo, I'm sorry to disturb your work." Yang Guangming immediately broke into a sincere smile, stepped forward, and bowed slightly to show his respect.

"Comrade Guangming? And... Yang Xiangmei?" Director Huo stood up, his gaze sweeping over the two of them before he smiled in surprise. "What brings you here? What rare guests! Please come in, have a seat!"

He walked around the desk and enthusiastically pointed to two wooden chairs with backs opposite him.

His attitude was noticeably more gentle than when they last met, with less of the businesslike aloofness and more of the warmth of seeing an old friend.

Yang Guangming and Yang Xiangmei sat down on the chairs as instructed.

"Director Huo, I'm here on a business trip to Harbin, and I took the opportunity to visit my second sister. It's been a while since we last saw each other, and I've been thinking of you, so I came to pay you a special visit. I apologize for not informing you beforehand." Yang Guang clearly stated his purpose, his attitude neither humble nor arrogant.

"Don't mention it, I'm overjoyed that you could come! There's no need for such formalities." Director Huo waved his hand with a smile, walked back to his seat, and his gaze naturally fell on the oil paper package that Yang Guangming had been carefully placing on his lap. "Was the journey smooth? Is Xiangmei doing well in the village?"

"Everything is going smoothly, and my second sister is doing well too. Thank you for your concern."

As Yang Guangming responded, he stood up and said, "Director Huo, I know your grandfather needs some nourishing food, and I've been keeping that in mind. I didn't have anything else to offer this time, so I specially brought some high-quality dried sea cucumbers. I hope that after taking them, the old man's health will gradually improve and he will recover soon."

This is purely a small token of my personal gratitude for your generous help last time; please accept it.

He gently pushed the package in his hand onto the desk in front of Director Huo, his attitude extremely sincere, his eyes clear and without any ulterior motives, as if it were just a junior showing respect to his elder.

Director Huo stared at the large package on the table, momentarily stunned. His lips parted slightly, and he was speechless. Such a large package contained dried sea cucumbers that must weigh four or five pounds!
He was all too aware of the value and rarity of those few kilograms of dried sea cucumbers at the moment; they were far from being something that could be found on the general market and required special channels.

More importantly, the dried sea cucumbers that Yang Guangming gave him last time had indeed made his father feel much better and his cough had lessened considerably after eating them intermittently. Now that the stock was almost gone, he was privately worrying about how to get some more. Unexpectedly, Yang Guangming seemed to know what he was thinking and quietly sent such a generous gift, saying that it was "a small token of appreciation" and "pure gratitude".

His insistence on returning the four valuable old ginseng roots last time was intended to settle the score and avoid incurring too much favor, which is consistent with his principle of conduct.

Unexpectedly, nearly a year later, this young man still remembered his father's health and sent this precious gift, which was even more thoughtful than the last time.

Especially at this moment, when there is no business dealing or favor between the two, this sentiment seems particularly pure and precious!
This stirred a complex and warm feeling within him, a mixture of surprise, emotion, and a touch of embarrassment.

He looked up again and carefully examined Yang Guangming.

This young man from the south still had the same clear and open eyes as before, and his smile was sincere and simple, without the slightest hint of calculation or flattery, only heartfelt respect and gratitude for the elders who had helped him.

This kind of purity is especially rare in the present day.

"Comrade Guangming, this...this is far too precious!"

Director Huo finally found his voice, waving his hands repeatedly, his tone somewhat hurried with excitement, "You already gave such a generous gift last time, and I returned the favor. Strictly speaking, we're even now."

How could I possibly accept such an expensive gift from you again? Absolutely not! Take it back right now! I appreciate your kind intentions, but I absolutely cannot accept the gift!

His refusal was very firm, which is consistent with his character and principles.

This refusal was entirely within Yang Guangming's expectations.

He didn't insist on declining, but softened his tone and said sincerely, "Director Huo, please don't say that, and please don't think that way."

If it weren't for your impartiality, compassion, and extra care during my second brother's incident, his leg injury would not have recovered to its current state, and it would have been very difficult for him to even return to the city for treatment smoothly and in time.

You feel you've settled this debt of gratitude, but we can't deny it!

He turned his head slightly and glanced at his second sister, whose hands were clasped tightly beside him. His expression became even more earnest: "I know that you are an upright and noble person who dislikes these worldly interactions."

But this really isn't just my personal opinion; it's a heartfelt expression of gratitude and respect from my whole family, especially my parents, my siblings, and me.

Sea cucumbers, however precious, are ultimately just things—inanimate objects. They have a price, but the kindness and generosity you showed in helping us out of justice and goodwill are priceless!

His words were sincere and powerful, and his eyes were fixed intently on Director Huo: "I really didn't come here for anything else, I just wanted to see you, Uncle Huo, to check on your health, to see if your work is going well, and to ask if your father's health has improved."

If you don't accept this, it means you look down on me, Yang Guangming, and think I'm dishonest and unworthy of associating with someone like me.

He spoke so earnestly and humbly.

As Director Huo listened to his words and looked at the bag of sea cucumbers, and then thought about his father's recent mental state and the nearly depleted "stock," he was truly torn and could no longer bring himself to refuse.

He knew the young man was speaking from the heart; the gift carried profound sentiment and was truly free of any ulterior motives.

Seeing this, Yang Guangming knew that the time was almost right, so he added fuel to the fire in a relaxed tone, giving the other party a way out: "Uncle Huo, please don't overthink it."

Please consider this a small token of respect from a younger generation to an elder. We will feel at ease if you accept it readily.

Let's keep in touch often from now on. We have a long life ahead of us, and who knows, maybe one day I, a mere lad, will need your help again. You can repay this favor then.

If we insist on calculating everything so precisely and being so calculating, it will only make us seem distant. Don't you think that makes sense?

These words not only fully expressed respect and gratitude, but also saved face for the other party, and cleverly left room for continued natural interaction in the future. They were spoken very beautifully and appropriately, making the listener feel comfortable.

After listening, Director Huo pondered for a long time, his fingers unconsciously tapping lightly on the table.

Finally, he let out a long sigh, a helpless yet warm smile appearing on his face. Pointing at Yang Guangming, he shook his head and chuckled:

"You...you have such a mouth, you can talk a dead person out of it! You have a whole set of reasons, and every word makes sense, leaving no room for rebuttal."

"Alright! Since you've put it this way, and your feelings are so sincere, it would seem pretentious and ungrateful of me to refuse."

He reached out and gently stroked the oil paper package with affection, nodded, and solemnly said, "I accept the gift. I accept this heartfelt sentiment even more!"
Please thank your family, especially your parents, for raising such a kind and loyal child like you.

On behalf of my father, I thank you all for always thinking of his health. He'll be so happy to know! His words were filled with emotion.

"You're too kind, Director Huo. We should be happy that you accepted it." Yang Guangming breathed a sigh of relief when he saw that the other party had finally accepted it, and his smile became even brighter and more relaxed.

Yang Xiangmei quickly nodded in agreement, "Yes, Director Huo, please don't be so polite. This is what we should do. We're glad you accepted it."

The generous gift was accepted, and the atmosphere in the office immediately became more harmonious, natural, and intimate, as if an invisible barrier had been completely broken down, and the relationship between them had instantly become much closer.

Director Huo's mood improved noticeably. He got up, picked up the thermos, and refilled the empty teacups in front of the two of them with hot water. The tea leaves slowly unfurled in the cups.

Then he sat back down and asked with concern, "Guangming, I haven't had a chance to ask you in detail since we last parted. How is your second brother's leg injury recovering after he went back? Did he undergo rehabilitation treatment in Shanghai? He hasn't developed any serious problems, has he?"

Yang Guangming nodded and replied in detail, "Thank you for keeping this in mind. I'm recovering quite well."

The medical conditions and rehabilitation methods in Shanghai are more advanced, so he underwent systematic treatment and rehabilitation for a period of time after returning home. Now, there is basically no noticeable difference when he walks, although he may still be a little weak in running and jumping. On rainy days or when he is tired, the injured area will occasionally feel a little sore and swollen, and he cannot do heavy physical labor.

However, he has now gotten a job at a textile factory as a payroll clerk in the labor and personnel department. He's sheltered from the wind and rain, the work isn't tiring, everything is fine, and his family is finally relieved.

"That's good, that's good!" Director Huo smiled with relief and nodded repeatedly. "It's such a relief! Such a relief! His injury back then... the situation was actually quite complicated. To have recovered to this extent today without leaving any obvious disability is already a very, very ideal result."

His words were loaded with meaning; they both understood each other implicitly, knowing the risks and pressures involved in their initial actions.

Director Huo then turned his gentle gaze to Yang Xiangmei, his tone like that of an elder concerned for their own child: "Xiangmei? I vaguely remember you went to teach at the village primary school. Are you adapting well to teaching? Are the children naughty? Rural conditions are tough, are you having any difficulties in life?"

Yang Xiangmei was a little embarrassed by the question, lowered her head slightly and smiled, her voice soft yet clear:

"Everything is fine, Director Huo. The people in the village are very honest and kind, and they take special care of us teachers."

Most of the children are quite sensible; they know that going to school is not easy, and they study very hard.

"I'm a beginner teacher, so I lack experience and am still learning and figuring things out. I'm afraid I might not teach well and hinder the children's progress."

"Take your time, there's no rush. Teaching and nurturing students is a long-term endeavor, and it's also a great deed that accumulates virtue and good deeds. What's needed most is patience and love."

Director Huo encouraged him gently, "With this dedication, you're sure to teach well. If you have any teaching problems in the future, you can come to the county to consult experienced teachers."

"Thank you, Director Huo." Yang Xiangmei nodded gratefully.

After chatting for a while about everyday matters and inquiring about Yang Guangming's work situation in Shanghai, Director Huo picked up his teacup, took a sip, and asked casually:
"Guangming, besides business and visiting your second sister, is there anything else you need to do in Northeast China? I've noticed that Xiangmei seems distracted; is something wrong?"

He asked the question rather subtly and tactfully, but his eyes revealed his understanding.

Yang Guangming glanced at his second sister and saw that upon hearing the question, she immediately lowered her head slightly, twisting the hem of her clothes with her fingers, and her cheeks flushed. He then stopped hiding his feelings and spoke frankly:
"To be honest, Director Huo, there is indeed such a thing. My second sister... she and Comrade Luo Xingbang are dating."

You should have met Luo Xingbang before. He often came to visit my second brother when he was hospitalized. I just don't know if you remember him.

I came here today also to learn more about the man and his family, so I can have a better understanding of their situation.

Director Huo said "Oh," and nodded, showing no surprise. "Luo Xingbang... Hmm, I do remember him somewhat. He seemed like an honest and reliable young man, not very talkative. He seemed to be a local educated youth; his parents should both be working in this county, right?"

"Yes, his father works in the county's industrial bureau, and his mother works in the subdistrict office; they are both cadres."

Yang Guangming took over the conversation, his tone becoming slightly more serious, "Director Huo, you are a local, highly respected, knowledgeable, and you see people and things more clearly than we do."

To be honest, my initial impression of Comrade Luo Xingbang was quite good; he seemed very genuine.

However, he knew absolutely nothing about his family's specific circumstances, especially his parents' actual character, way of doing things, and family traditions.

I still feel uneasy, a bit empty inside.

He earnestly requested, "You have worked and lived in this county for so many years, you have a wide network of connections and know many people."

If it's convenient for you, could you... privately inquire about, or rather, find out more about, the specific character of Luo Xingbang's parents?
For example, what is their reputation like at work and among their neighbors? Are they the kind of reasonable, kind, and upright family?

"So I can have a clear understanding of the situation and be able to give my parents an explanation when I go back." He made his concerns and requests very clear.

After listening, Director Huo nodded readily without hesitation, agreeing without further ado.
"No problem. The Luo family is a well-known family in the county, so it won't be difficult to find out about them."

I'll try to find some old acquaintances and regular patients in the Industry Bureau and the neighborhood to ask them indirectly; I think I can get some honest information out of them.

Don't worry, I've got this in mind, and I'll definitely find out for you.

"Thank you so much, Director Huo! This really solved a big problem for me! With you inquiring, the information is definitely much more reliable, and I feel much more at ease now!" Yang Guangming quickly expressed his gratitude, feeling a huge weight lifted off his shoulders.

With someone of Director Huo's status and position making inquiries, the information obtained would be far superior to hearsay and would undoubtedly be the most truthful and reliable assessment.

Director Huo waved his hand, indicating that there was no need to be so polite. (End of Chapter)