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

Director Huo hesitated for a moment, then turned his gaze to Yang Xiangmei, his eyes filled with the concern typical of an elder:
"Teacher Xiangmei, what are your plans with Luo Xingbang? What is his family's attitude towards your relationship? Do they explicitly support it?"

He asked a very direct question, hitting the nail on the head.

Yang Xiangmei's face turned even redder, like a ripe apple.

She spoke softly, almost inaudibly, "I haven't met his parents yet. Xingbang said... his parents' idea is... let's see how things go for now, and then... they'll figure out a way to get me a job in the county from the village... and then we'll talk about the future..."

Her voice trailed off, as if she herself felt that the other family's statement was somewhat vague and lacked conviction.

Director Huo was an extremely shrewd and experienced person. He immediately understood the hidden meaning and passive implications in those words.

He frowned slightly, tapped his fingers rhythmically on the table, and fell into a brief moment of thought.

"Wait for their family to figure something out?"

After a moment, Director Huo spoke, his tone calm but carrying an undeniable caution and realistic consideration, "This matter... sounds a bit passive, Teacher Xiangmei."

Leaving aside whether they can genuinely help you or how capable they are of getting it done, there are too many variables involved.

Even if we take a step back and it turns out that the job was arranged by your future in-laws, you might not be able to stand up straight in your daily interactions with them. You'll inevitably feel inferior and have to be humble in your words and actions.

This is not a long-term solution.

These words were incisive, calm, and insightful, directly pointing out Yang Guangming's biggest worries and concerns, and also revealing the hidden anxieties that Yang Xiangmei dared not think about in detail.

Yang Xiangmu pursed her lips, her fingers unconsciously digging into the edge of the chair, and lowered her head without saying a word.

She wasn't completely oblivious to these harsh realities, but she was too immersed in her emotions to think about them deeply, or rather, she subconsciously avoided confronting them, always hoping that things would naturally get better.

Yang Guangming picked up the conversation at the opportune moment, sighed, and said in a heavy tone, "Director Huo, you're absolutely right. You've hit the nail on the head. That's exactly what I'm worried about!"

That's why I wanted to find out about the Luo family as soon as possible, especially the background of his parents, to see how sincere they were about this marriage and how much they actually had the means. We can't just listen to sweet words; we have to look at the facts.”

Director Huo remained silent for a moment, his fingers still lightly tapping the table, as if he were weighing and considering something important.

After a while, he raised his head, his gaze becoming sharp and pragmatic, clearly having made up his mind: "Guangming, Xiangmei, I have an idea. Listen to it and see if you think it's suitable."

The siblings immediately looked up, focusing their attention on him, waiting for him to continue.

“I’m not familiar with the specific terms and requirements of the policy that educated youth can return to the city through recruitment, but I’ve heard that it’s very strict and the requirements are very high. If you’re hoping that the Luo family can help your second sister with this, there are too many variables, and it’s hard to say how high the success rate will be.”

Director Huo first calmly analyzed the current situation, and then changed the subject, "However, if we temporarily set aside the most difficult part of changing the status of educated youth, and just solve the problem of getting a job in the county so that your second sister can have a formal and decent job and gain a foothold—in this regard, I might be able to help a little."

Yang Guangming and Yang Xiangmei were both stunned, their faces filled with surprise and disbelief. They stared at Director Huo, almost wondering if they had misheard.

"You...you can help me with the job?" Yang Guangming's voice rose slightly in surprise.

He knew that Director Huo was a very important department head in the county hospital, a technical authority, and a very high-ranking person, but he never expected that he would have the power to directly solve such a difficult problem as work arrangements!

This completely exceeded his previous expectations.

Director Huo smiled, a smile that carried the confidence and composure that came with years of experience in this position.

"I've spent most of my life at this county hospital, starting as a junior doctor. Over the decades, I've accumulated quite a few connections."

I wouldn't dare boast about other places, but within our county hospital, securing a few positions and assigning them to jobs shouldn't be a problem.

He curled up his fingers and said as if listing a treasure: "For example, the pharmacy department needs a dispensing clerk to help fill prescriptions; the outpatient window needs a cashier; the logistics department needs manpower; or a department wants to add a nursing assistant or caregiver... These can all be arranged, and there are opportunities for all of them."

His gaze fell again on Yang Xiangmei, whose mouth was slightly agape in shock, and his tone became more specific and certain:
"It's quite a coincidence, but our orthopedics department is currently short of someone specifically responsible for managing medical records, that is, a medical record administrator."

My job is to file, organize, number, locate, and store the medical records of all discharged patients.

The work is a bit tedious, requiring great care and patience. You deal with paper all day long, but it's not technically difficult, nor is it physically demanding. You're sheltered from the wind and rain, making it perfect for women.

Director Huo looked at Yang Guangming, his tone resolute, carrying the authority of a department head:
"This position is a management position within our department. I can make the decision on personnel appointments myself. I only need to inform the personnel department of the hospital and file a record. There is no need to go through the approval process of other leaders in the hospital."

If Ms. Xiangmei thinks this job is suitable and is willing to take it, I can reserve this position for her right now.

Medical record administrator!
Yang Guangming's heart skipped a beat, and a huge surge of surprise and excitement rushed into his heart! It was like someone handing him a pillow just when he was about to fall asleep!
This is the best way to offer help in times of need!
This position is perfect for my second sister!
Working indoors is clean, respectable, and stable, protected from the sun and rain, and under Director Huo's direct management and protection, absolutely no one dares to mistreat her, and the work environment is simple.

More importantly, this job was obtained entirely through her own family connections and had absolutely nothing to do with the Luo family!
Even if she marries Luo Xingbang in the future, this will be her source of confidence and support in front of her husband's family, allowing her to stand tall and proud!

He suppressed his excitement and joy, trying to keep his voice steady, and turned to look at his still-dazed second sister, asking softly:

"Second sister, what do you think of the job Director Huo mentioned? Medical records administrator, can you handle it?" He needed to confirm his second sister's wishes.

Yang Xiangmei was completely stunned. A huge, unexpected surprise overwhelmed her like a tidal wave, leaving her mind blank and her heart pounding.

She simply opened her eyes wide, looking at Director Huo, who was smiling and speaking with certainty, and then at her younger brother, whose eyes were encouraging. Her face was filled with bewilderment and disbelief, as if she were in a dream.

Happiness came too suddenly and too intensely!
Her biggest hope and aspiration was that she might be able to get into a large state-owned enterprise through the Luo family's connections and efforts. That would have been a great blessing, and she would have been extremely grateful.

She never expected things to take such a turn!

Director Huo, this respectable elder, actually gave her a formal, seemingly very respectable management position at the county hospital!
This is like a windfall!
"I...I..." She opened her mouth, her voice trembling slightly with excitement and nervousness, her palms sweating. "Director Huo, can I...can I do it? I've never done this before...I have no experience at all...I'm afraid...afraid of not doing well and letting you down..." She was both eager and apprehensive, afraid that she would not be able to do it.

Upon hearing this, Director Huo smiled gently, his tone full of encouragement and reassurance:
"Hey, what's wrong with that? It's not difficult at all, and it doesn't require any profound knowledge."

The key is to be meticulous, responsible, and organized. There are already established rules for filing medical records; if you come and learn from an experienced person for a couple of days, you'll definitely get it.

"I see you are calm and steady, reliable in your work, and a proper high school graduate with sufficient education. This job will definitely be no problem for you, more than enough." His words greatly dispelled Yang Xiangmei's concerns.

Yang Guangming made a decisive decision without any further pretense or politeness.

He knew this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, crucial to his second sister's future, and he had to seize it.

He stood up abruptly, bowed deeply to Director Huo with utmost solemnity, his voice filled with sincere gratitude:

"Director Huo! What can we say? We are deeply grateful! This kindness and immense help will be remembered by the entire Yang family!"
This position is perfect, it's just right for my second sister! It's clean, respectable, and she works under you, so we can't feel more at ease!
"Director Huo, on behalf of my second sister, my parents, and our whole family, thank you so much! Thank you so much!"

Director Huo quickly got up, walked around the table, and held his arm: "Oh, don't do that, Guangming! You child, really... Speaking of which, it's just that I feel a connection with you siblings. I feel an instant affinity with you two."

Teacher Xiangmei is a good girl, kind and honest. She deserves a good future and a good life.

"I'm happy to be able to help, really happy." He patted Yang Guangming's arm, his tone sincere.

Yang Guangming stood up, still unable to contain his excitement: "Director Huo, I came here purely to visit you and thank you for your help last time."

I had no other thoughts in my mind. I really didn't expect... I didn't expect to cause you such a big trouble. How can I... how can I feel at ease..."

He did feel a little embarrassed, as he had come to repay a debt of gratitude but ended up owing an even greater favor.

Director Huo waved his hand vigorously, a relieved and pleased smile on his face, clearly genuinely happy to have been able to help.
"What trouble is this? It's nothing at all! It's just a small favor."

Besides, arranging this job for your second sister is also a practical solution for our department—that position has been vacant for a while, the medical records are piled up in a mess, and we need someone meticulous to organize them.

This is a matter of both public and private convenience for me, and it's not troublesome at all, so please stop talking about owing me anything.

He looked at Guangming with admiration and affirmation in his eyes: "Guangming, you are a loyal and righteous person, you are reliable and thoughtful in handling matters, and you always have your family in your heart. You are a responsible and good young man."

"I'm happy to help you and Teacher Xiangmei!" Director Huo's words were exceptionally sincere.

Yang Guangming was immediately filled with emotion, a warm feeling welling up inside him.

This interaction was completely different from the last one, which was filled with caution, calculation, and exchanges of interests because of my second brother's matter.

Last time, both sides knew perfectly well that it was a collaboration where each got what they wanted.

This time, however, it was a pure flow of affection and mutual support, a kind of care and guidance from elders to younger generations, which made people feel particularly comfortable and warm.

He thanked him again solemnly.

Director Huo glanced at the ticking round clock on the wall; the hour hand had already pointed to eleven o'clock.

He said warmly, "It's almost noon, you two siblings absolutely cannot leave. You must have a simple meal at my house today! And also get to know the place!"

My wife should already be preparing lunch; it's probably almost done." His tone left no room for refusal.

Yang Guangming instinctively wanted to decline, saying "It's no trouble at all," but seeing Director Huo's firm attitude and the genuine desire in his eyes to keep her, and considering that this was a perfect opportunity for his second sister to get acquainted with Director Huo's family, which would also benefit her future work, he no longer stood on ceremony and readily agreed with a smile: "Okay! Then I'll gladly accept your offer and trouble you and Auntie."

"That's right! Why be so polite with your own uncle! Come on, my home is just in the family compound behind, only a few steps away." Director Huo was pleased to see them agree, picked up the key, locked the office door, and led the two downstairs.

The county hospital's staff quarters are located behind the hospital. They consist of rows of single-story houses with ridges built of red bricks, each with a small courtyard. They look quite old, but they are all kept clean and tidy, and many families grow vegetables or flowers in their yards.

Director Huo's family lives in the innermost row, which is relatively quieter. Pushing open the wooden fence gate, a small but vibrant vegetable garden comes into view. Eggplants, peppers, scallions, and tomatoes are all growing lush and green, laden with fruit, showing how carefully the owner tends to them.

A middle-aged woman wearing a blue apron and with a kind and gentle face was busy in the kitchen. Hearing the sound of the gate, she peeked out and saw the stranger behind Director Huo. Her face showed a little surprise.

"You're back? Oh, Old Huo, we have guests?" She greeted him with a smile as she wiped her hands on her apron.

“My wife’s surname is Zhao, you can just call her Aunt Zhao,” Director Huo introduced to Yang Guangming and his sister. Then he said to his wife, “These two are Comrade Yang Guangming from Shanghai, and his second sister, Teacher Yang Xiangmei, who teaches at Kaoshantun Elementary School.”

Do you remember the name Yang Guangming? I mentioned him to you last time; he's the one who helped our family a lot.

"Hello, Aunt Zhao." Yang Guangming and Yang Xiangmei quickly stepped forward and greeted her respectfully.

"Oh, alright, alright! Please come in, please come in!" Aunt Zhao immediately greeted them warmly, her smile becoming even more friendly. "Old Huo, you really are something, not even letting me know you had guests so I could have prepared more dishes. This is so rushed..." She glanced at her husband with a hint of reproach.

"It was a last-minute decision, I didn't have time to tell you," Director Huo said with a smile. "We're all family, don't be shy, just get us something to eat, whatever you have."

"Aunt Zhao, I'm so sorry to have troubled you," Yang Guangming said apologetically.

"No trouble at all! We're so happy you could come! Please don't stand in the yard, come inside, have a drink of water and rest your feet."

"Old Huo, you keep the guests company. I'll fry some eggs and smash some cucumbers. It'll be ready soon!" Aunt Zhao turned around and went into the kitchen again, bustling about.

Director Huo led the two into the house.

The house wasn't large, and the furnishings were simple and unpretentious, but it was spotless. The tables and chairs were polished to a shine, and several landscape paintings and certificates of merit hung on the walls, exuding the cleanliness, tranquility, and scholarly atmosphere unique to an intellectual family.

An elderly man with completely white hair, a thin face, and dressed in a clean Zhongshan suit was sitting in a wicker chair by the window, squinting in the sun, with an open copy of "Reference News" in his hand. Hearing the voice, he slowly raised his head and pushed up his reading glasses.

"Dad, this is Comrade Yang Guangming from Shanghai, whom I mentioned to you last time, and his sister, Teacher Yang Xiangmei from Kaoshantun Elementary School. The sea cucumbers they brought last time were given to them by Guangming." Director Huo stepped forward, raising his voice slightly, and introduced them to the old man.

"Hello, Grandpa Huo." Yang Guangming and Yang Xiangmei quickly stepped forward and respectfully greeted the old man.

"Okay, okay, sit down, sit down." Old Master Huo's voice was a little slow and his voice wasn't very strong, but a gentle smile appeared on his face and his eyes were clear. "I often hear Zhenxing mention you two siblings. The sea cucumbers you brought last time were of very good quality. Thank you for your trouble, children." He spoke with the politeness of an older generation.

"You're too kind, Grandpa Huo. It's what we should do. How have you been feeling lately?" Yang Guangming asked with concern.

"Much better. After eating the sea cucumber, my cough has definitely lessened, and I feel more energetic than before. I can sleep soundly at night now." Old Master Huo nodded, his tone filled with obvious gratitude. "You've been very kind."

The group sat down inside, and Director Huo poured water for the two of them.

Director Huo and Yang Guangming were mainly chatting, from the climate in Northeast China to life in Shanghai, while Yang Xiangmei sat quietly, listening with a smile on her face.

Grandpa Huo would occasionally ask Yang Xiangmei a question or two about the children in the village going to school, and she would answer them carefully and softly.

Not long after, Aunt Zhao called everyone to eat.

The food has been set on the table.

Just as Director Huo said, it was indeed a typical home-cooked meal. There was a plate of golden-brown scrambled eggs with scallions, a plate of vibrant green slices of meat stir-fried with green peppers, a bowl of richly flavored stewed green beans, and a small dish of pickled cucumber strips drizzled with sesame oil. The staple foods were soft steamed buns made from a mixture of wheat and water and thick millet porridge.

Although simple, the portions were generous, and it was clear that Aunt Zhao had used all the ingredients she had at home to prepare this meal for her guests with care.

"It was a bit rushed, all just a last-minute makeshift setup. I'm so sorry for the inconvenience, please don't take offense," Aunt Zhao said somewhat apologetically as she set out the bowls and chopsticks.

"Auntie, you're too kind. This is already a very generous spread! It looks delicious and must be very tasty!" Yang Guangming said quickly. This wasn't just a polite remark; the simple home-style dishes exuded an enticing aroma that made one's mouth water.

The four of them sat around the kang table eating, the atmosphere harmonious and natural.

Director Huo and Aunt Zhao were very hospitable, constantly using serving chopsticks to put food on Yang Guangming and Yang Xiangmei's plates, especially putting most of the scrambled eggs into their bowls.

"Eat more, young man, you're still growing."

"The road to enlightenment is arduous; we need to replenish our strength."

Aunt Zhao enthusiastically urged the vegetables to be cooked.

At the dinner table, Director Huo inquired in more detail about Yang Xiangmei's teaching situation at the village primary school, including which grade she taught, whether the children were obedient, and what difficulties she faced in life. His words were full of the care and concern of an elder.

He also specifically said to Aunt Zhao, "If Teacher Xiangmei comes to work at the hospital in the future, please take good care of her in her daily life. It's not easy for a young woman to be alone in a strange place."

Aunt Zhao readily agreed, "No problem! Teacher Xiangmei, if you ever need anything, just come to me. Don't be shy! Make yourself at home here!"

Hearing these words, Yang Xiangmei felt a warm glow in her heart.

Yang Guangming once again thanked Director Huo for providing his second sister with a job opportunity and said he would inquire about and process the relevant transfer procedures as soon as possible.

Director Huo took a sip of porridge, pondered for a moment, and said to Yang Guangming:

"Guangming, although I can confirm that the position of medical record administrator can be reserved for your second sister."

However, for Teacher Xiangmei to transfer her household registration and grain ration from Kaoshantun to the county seat, she still needed to go through the formal procedures for the transfer of educated youth.

I'm not entirely clear on the specific procedures, procedures, and policies involved. You'll probably need to go to the county's educated youth office in person to find out what materials are required. That way, we can prepare in advance and avoid unnecessary trips and delays.

He was very thoughtful and continued to make arrangements: "Once you have clarified the policies on your end and prepared the procedures, just have Teacher Xiangmei come to me with the materials."

I will coordinate and resolve all matters related to the hospital receiving and issuing relevant certificates.

“I understand, Director Huo. You’ve thought of everything so thoroughly. The first thing I’ll do is go to the county’s educated youth office to find out more.” Yang Guangming nodded and carefully took notes.

He knew that even if he found an ideal receiving unit, the transfer of his household registration and grain rations was a major event that had to be handled strictly in accordance with the current policies and regulations, without any carelessness.

"Okay, sure. Anyway, if there's anything you need me to coordinate or put in a good word for, just let me know, don't be shy," Director Huo added, his tone sounding very reliable and reassuring.

The meal was a great success, with both hosts and guests thoroughly enjoying themselves. The air was filled with the aroma of home-cooked food and a warm, harmonious atmosphere.

Yang Guangming and Yang Xiangmei both deeply felt the sincerity, enthusiasm and kindness of Director Huo's family.

After finishing our meal, we sat down and drank a cup of jasmine tea brewed by Aunt Zhao. We chatted for a while, and when Yang Guangming noticed that the hands of the wall clock were pointing to a little past one in the afternoon, he got up to say goodbye, not wanting to disturb them any longer.

Director Huo and Aunt Zhao escorted the two to the entrance of the family compound and repeatedly tried to persuade them to stay.

"Director Huo, Aunt Zhao, please wait a moment. We've really troubled you today. We enjoyed such a sumptuous meal and received tremendous help from you. I really... don't know how to thank you enough." Yang Guangming held Director Huo's hand and thanked him sincerely again.

"Take care on the road. I'll take care of everything, including finding out about the Luo family and Xiangmei's job. Don't worry." Director Huo escorted them all the way to the gate of the courtyard.

"Okay! Thank you so much! You can go back now!"

After saying goodbye to Director Huo's family, Yang Guangming and Yang Xiangmei walked on the dirt road back to Kaoshantun.

The afternoon sun became quite scorching, and the corn leaves on both sides of the road were somewhat wilted.

But their hearts felt as if they had been drenched by a cool, refreshing spring, filled with joy, brightness, and boundless hope and energy, making their steps exceptionally light.

"Little brother..."

After walking for quite some time, Yang Xiangmei seemed to slowly awaken from a beautiful dream. She turned her head, her eyes still filled with a hint of disbelief and disorientation, and asked softly, tentatively:

"What Director Huo just said... is it all true? I... I can really go to work at the county hospital? As a medical records administrator?"

She needed confirmation from her brother again before she could believe that this immense good fortune had truly befallen her.

"of course it's true!"

Yang Guangming said with absolute certainty, his face beaming with a genuine smile, "Director Huo is a man of his word, how could he joke about something like this?"

Medical records administrator, what a great job!

In the hospital, you're protected from the wind and rain, it's clean and respectable, and you'll feel proud to talk about it.

Most importantly, you're working under Director Huo. With his protection, absolutely no one will dare to mistreat you, and no one will dare to make things difficult for you at work.

He looked at his second sister, his tone becoming extremely solemn: "Second sister, remember this, the most important thing is that we got this job through our own connections, because Director Huo approved it! It has absolutely nothing to do with the Luo family!"

Even if you marry Luo Xingbang in the future, you won't feel inferior to them in the Luo family, and you won't have to be subservient to anyone.

We have our own jobs, we have confidence! This is crucial!

Yang Xiangmei nodded vigorously, her eyes involuntarily reddening slightly, her nose tingling, and her voice choked with emotion: "I know... little brother, I understand the weight of this... thank you... if it weren't for you always thinking about it, if it weren't for your insistence on visiting Director Huo... I..." She was so excited that she became somewhat incoherent.

"We're family, let's not be so formal."

Yang Guangming gently interrupted her, patting her shoulder understandingly, "Right now, as happy as we are, there are two very real things to do."

First, we need to meet with Luo Xingbang as soon as possible and have him make another trip to the hospital to clearly tell him that his job problem has been basically solved and that he has a formal position at the county hospital, so that his family won't have to go through the trouble of asking for favors.

Secondly, I will go to the county's educated youth office as soon as possible tomorrow to ask in detail what procedures and supporting documents are needed for the transfer of educated youth's work, household registration, and grain ration in your case. We need to prepare these as soon as possible so as not to delay important matters.

It's a pity it's Sunday, no work today, otherwise I could have gone over to ask this afternoon.

Fortunately, I have plenty of time. Having solved the major problem of finding a job, everything else should be manageable.

"Yes! I'll listen to you, little brother!" Yang Xiangmei nodded vigorously again; at this moment, her younger brother was her pillar of support.

The glimmer of hope shone so vividly into reality, instantly making her previously uncertain future clear and bright. (End of Chapter)