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

After Yang Guangming and Lin Jianyue met each other's parents, their relationship was officially made public.

Although they haven't reached the point of discussing marriage yet, they've been seeing each other much more often than before, no longer just occasionally meeting at Feng Xianghong's home in Ruikangli.

When he gets off work early, Yang Guangming will carefully calculate the time, ride his bike across half of the city, and go directly to the entrance of Dongfang Machinery Factory to wait for Lin Jianyue.

Oriental Machinery Factory is a well-known large state-owned enterprise in Shanghai. Every day at the end of the workday, crowds surge at the factory gate, and workers pour out of the gate like a tide, chatting and laughing as they disperse.

Yang Guangming was tall and upright, always dressed in a clean and tidy white shirt and blue trousers, with a watch on his wrist. He would push a Forever brand bicycle and stand quietly near the bicycle shed waiting.

His outfit stood out among the crowd of people dressed in dark work clothes.

Lin Jianyue usually came out with a few girlfriends, all of whom were colleagues in the Labor and Personnel Department. Whenever she saw Yang Guangming waiting there, two red clouds would immediately appear on Lin Jianyue's face, and a sweet smile would appear in her eyes.

"Jianyue, your boyfriend is here to pick you up again!" A round-faced girl next to her nudged her gently with her elbow, her tone full of envy.

"How thoughtful of you to come all the way to pick you up from get off work," another girl with two braids joked with a smile.

Lin Jianyue smiled shyly and walked quickly towards Yang Guangming. "Have you been waiting long?" she asked softly, a hint of barely perceptible joy in her voice.

"I just arrived a little while ago." Yang Guangming naturally took the canvas bag from her hand. "Let's go, I'll take you home."

The two walked side by side on a street full of workers leaving get off work, attracting many glances from those around them—some curious, some scrutinizing, and most offering kind smiles.

After several such encounters, almost everyone in the Labor and Wages Department of Dongfang Machinery Factory knew that Lin Jianyue, the quietest and prettiest comrade in the department, had found a boyfriend who was a cadre at Hongxing State-owned Cotton Mill. The young man was handsome and considerate in his dealings with others.

Sometimes, when the sun shines brightly early, he would casually buy a few candied hawthorns or a bag of spiced beans from the small shop at the factory gate and share them with the older women and younger women in Lin Jianyue's department.

The gifts weren't expensive, but they were exceptionally charming. Everyone praised Lin Jianyue for being lucky to have found such a considerate partner. Lin Jianyue remained modest, but inside she felt as sweet as if she were soaked in honey.

Their relationship was developing steadily and openly, and according to current customs, they were not far from getting married. Both families were also tacitly making preparations.

Zhang Xiuying began to take stock of the family's cloth and cotton coupons more frequently, and even secretly asked around to find out where she could buy good quality and affordable cotton, calculating in her mind how many kilograms she would need to make new quilts for the young couple in the future.

She also took Li Guihua to the department store several times, lingering in front of the counters selling thermos flasks, washbasins, and spittoons, secretly comparing the colors and prices. The two women talked in hushed tones, their faces beaming with joy and anticipation.

Although Yang Yongkang still didn't talk much, his eyes often looked thoughtful when he smoked, and he would occasionally ask Yang Guangming questions about Lin's parents' preferences and what other relatives they had.

On one occasion, he even dug out a woodworking manual that had been stored away for many years, put on his reading glasses, and began to study it, seemingly considering what kind of furniture he would make for the newlyweds in the future.

On the Lin family's side, Gao Jingyi also began preparations.

She dug out her best fabrics from the bottom of her trunk: a piece of dark green polyester and a piece of navy blue wool serge, thinking of making a decent suit for her future son-in-law.

Every evening after dinner, she would sit in front of the sewing machine, measuring the dimensions and pondering the designs.

Time slipped quietly into December 1972 in this calm yet expectant rhythm.

The weather turned completely cold, and the sycamore leaves had all fallen, leaving only bare branches pointing towards the gray sky.

The doors and windows of every household in the alley were tightly closed, and only when the coal stoves were lit in the morning could one smell the pungent smoke.

That morning, Yang Guangming was reviewing an annual report in the finance department office.

The office was quiet, with only the scratching of pens on paper and the occasional turning of ledger pages. A thin layer of frost had formed on the windowpane, making the outside world appear somewhat blurry.

The telephone on the table suddenly rang, breaking the silence of the room. Yang Guangming picked up the receiver casually: "Hello, Finance Department."

"Guangming, it's me, He Zhenzhong." He Zhenzhong's calm and slightly amused voice came from the other end of the phone.

Yang Guangming immediately sat up straight and said respectfully, "Uncle He, hello. Is there anything I can help you with?"

"I have some good news for you," He Zhenzhong said cheerfully. "It's about your good friend, Chu Dahu."

Yang Guangming's heart pounded faster instinctively as he gripped the receiver tightly: "Tiger Head is back in the city...any news?"

“Yes,” He Zhenzhong said affirmatively. “The policy regarding the return of educated youth with special circumstances to the city has recently been slightly relaxed. Although no official document has been released yet, the higher authorities have given their approval and have begun to pilot the policy on a small scale.”

He paused for a moment, then continued, "I have carefully investigated Da Hu's family situation. His parents are old, his mother is in poor health, and he has younger siblings to support. They fully meet the criteria for 'family in dire straits.' As long as there is a factory to receive him, that is, a formal job, he can be given priority in the recruitment and return-to-city procedures."

This is fantastic news! Yang Guangming was overjoyed for his friend.

During those years of being sent to the countryside, Chu Dahu must have suffered a lot; he knew it in his heart.

Although Chu Dahu only wrote good things in his letters, such as how many work points he had earned and what farm work he had learned, Yang Guangming could still feel his homesickness and worry about the family's difficulties between the lines.

"That's wonderful! Uncle He, thank you so much!"

"Don't thank me yet," He Zhenzhong smiled. "The policy is in place, but its implementation depends on the job position. If it's convenient for you after get off work, come to my house. We can discuss Da Hu's job position in detail and see what arrangement is most suitable."

"Convenient! Convenient! I'll head over right after get off work!" Yang Guangming readily agreed.

"Okay, see you at home tonight." He Zhenzhong said and then hung up the phone.

After hanging up the receiver, Yang Guangming's mood remained unsettled for a long time.

He took a few deep breaths before he could barely focus on the report in front of him, but he couldn't suppress the smile on his lips.

Tiger Head is heading back to the city!

The thought kept echoing in his mind, keeping him in a state of excitement all day.

After finally enduring until the end of the workday, Yang Guangming quickly tidied his desk, said goodbye to his colleagues, and hurried out of the office building.

A cold wind blew in his face, but he felt warm all over.

I couldn't go to the He family empty-handed.

He remembered that He Zhenzhong wasn't too particular about food, but Aunt Liu and Xiao Hai both liked the drunken chicken he had brought before.

With a slight thought, he checked the refrigerator space in his mind. He found a quiet corner, took out the drunken chicken, wrapped it in the oil paper he had prepared beforehand, and carried it in his hand before heading towards the city cadres' family compound.

Registered familiarly and entered.

"The light is here!" Liu Yajuan's face immediately lit up with a kind smile when she saw the sunlight. "Come in quickly, Old He is in the study. It's cold outside, but warm inside."

"Okay." Yang Guangming handed over the oil paper package in his hand. "Aunt Liu, I just happened to be passing by and brought a drunken chicken. I'll add it to your and Uncle He's meal."

"Oh dear, you child, you're doing this again!" Liu Yajuan scolded playfully, but still took it. It felt heavy in her hand, and a faint fragrance wafted out. "Don't bring anything next time. If you're so polite again, Auntie will really get angry." As she said this, the smile in her eyes deepened.

Sunshine smiled and agreed.

He Zhenzhong was reading documents in his study when he heard the noise and came out.

He was wearing a gray wool cardigan at home, looking less dignified and more casual than usual.

"Uncle He," Yang Guangming greeted respectfully.

"You're here, have a seat." He Zhenzhong gestured to the sofa and sat down opposite him. "Is it cold outside? Have some hot tea to warm yourself up."

Liu Yajuan busied herself making tea and then took the drunken chicken to the kitchen to put it away.

"It's alright, I don't feel cold after walking around." Yang Guangming sat down on the sofa, his posture casual.

"I briefly discussed Da Hu's situation over the phone," He Zhenzhong said, getting to the point in a calm tone. "You don't need to worry about the policy details; I've already had someone inquire about it. His family meets the requirements; the key is the receiving unit. Do you have any thoughts?"

Yang Guangming pondered for a moment and said, "Uncle He, what do you think is the best arrangement? I am not as familiar with these policies and procedures as you are, so I will follow your arrangements."

He Zhenzhong nodded, clearly having already considered this issue: "I prefer to assign him to your Red Star Factory."

Firstly, your factory is a large factory with stable profits and relatively better benefits.

Secondly, you and he are childhood friends, and working in the same factory means you can look out for each other. What do you think?

“It would be best if he could work at the Hongxing Factory!” Yang Guangming immediately agreed. “Our factory is indeed quite good in all aspects. And if Hutou comes, I can take care of him nearby.”

"Hmm." He Zhenzhong offered him a cigarette, but Yang Guangming waved his hand in refusal.

He Zhenzhong didn't even light it himself, just held it in his hand and played with it. "As for the job, I have two options. One is to work as a warehouse keeper. The job is relatively easy, with no physical labor, but it requires meticulousness and a sense of responsibility."

The other option is to join the security department and become a security guard.

The work in the security department is tough, involving shifts and patrols, but it involves interacting with a lot of people, which is good for personal development. Plus, it's a crucial department, so there might be more opportunities for future advancement.

He looked at Yang Guangming, his gaze questioning: "You know Da Hu best, which position do you think is more suitable for him?"

Yang Guangming did not hesitate at all.

He knew Chu Dahu too well. Sending Hu Tou to the warehouse, where he would spend all day meticulously keeping accounts and taking inventory of various documents and items, would probably drive Chu Dahu crazy with his rough and boisterous nature in less than three days.

Although the work in the security department is hard and requires shifts, it offers relatively more freedom of movement, which suits his personality better.

“Uncle He, I think the security department is more suitable for Hutou.” Yang Guangming said with certainty, “He’s a restless person, he’s very strong, and he’s also very straightforward. He can’t stand any nonsense. Security work is just right for his temperament. The job of a storekeeper is good, but I’m afraid he can’t sit still.”

Upon hearing this, He Zhenzhong smiled with satisfaction: "Good, you have a good eye for people. That's what I was thinking too. Then let's settle on it, he'll join the security department. I'll arrange the paperwork. If all goes well, it should be done before the end of the year, so we can try to get him back for a family reunion."

The matter was settled.

Yang Guangming felt a huge weight lifted off his shoulders and said sincerely, "Uncle He, thank you so much! You've gone to so much trouble for Hu Tou's matter."

"It was just a small favor. Compared to the kindness you showed in saving Xiao Hai, it's nothing." He Zhenzhong waved his hand, his tone indifferent. "Besides, Da Hu's qualifications are in line with the policy. We were just following the rules and giving him a chance."

Just then, Liu Yajuan brought over some freshly brewed tea. Hearing their conversation, she smiled and said, "That's right, Guangming, don't be shy. Let's have dinner at home tonight. I'll cook a couple of dishes, and you two can have some drinks."

“Yes, stay for dinner,” He Zhenzhong added. “We’re in a good mood today.”

Unable to refuse, Yang Guangming stayed.

Dinner was simple: Liu Yajuan stir-fried chives and eggs, made a cabbage, tofu and vermicelli dish, sliced ​​up the drunken chicken that Yang Guangming had brought, and opened a bottle of Moutai liquor.

He Zhenzhong was in a good mood and had a few drinks with Yang Guangming.

The conversation at the dinner table didn't focus on Chu Dahu's work anymore. Instead, they chatted about the factory's situation, the current circumstances, and everyday family matters. The atmosphere was relaxed and harmonious, just like a family gathering.

After finishing his meal, he sat for a while longer, drank a cup of tea, and then Yang Guangming got up to say goodbye.

He Zhenzhong and Liu Yajuan escorted him to the door and told him to be careful on the way.

Stepping out of the cadre family compound, a cold night wind blew, but the bright sunshine made me feel hot all over.

He was happy for Chu Dahu, as if he could already see his friend standing smartly at the entrance of the Hongxing Factory, wearing brand-new work clothes. In the days that followed, Yang Guangming kept a close eye on the progress of Chu Dahu's procedures for returning to the city while busy with his own work.

He didn't immediately tell Chu Dahu's parents the news, wanting to wait until everything settled down before giving the two elderly people a surprise.

He only mentioned it to Lin Jianyue quietly after get off work, sharing his joy with her. Lin Jianyue was also happy for Yang Guangming; she knew Chu Dahu was his best friend.

That morning, Yang Guangming received a call from He Zhenzhong's secretary, who told him that all the procedures for Chu Dahu's return to the city had been completed, and the receiving unit was the security department of Hongxing Factory. The letter of introduction and personnel file had been transferred.

Chu Dahu will be able to return to the city soon!

On December 22nd, Chu Dahu's train arrived at Shanghai Station at around 11:00 AM.

We've finally been waiting for this day!
After finishing his work in the morning, Yang Guangming, as the head of the finance department, didn't need to ask anyone for leave. He put on his coat and scarf, hurriedly left the factory, took a bus, and headed to Shanghai Railway Station.

Train stations remain the most crowded places.

Travelers from all directions carried large and small bags of luggage, their faces showing hurriedness, fatigue, or anticipation.

The announcement of the train's arrival echoed through the empty station building.

Yang Guangming squeezed into the crowd of people waiting to pick up passengers, standing on tiptoe, his eyes fixed on the exit passage.

Finally, the announcement came that the train had arrived at the station.

Passengers poured out of the exit like a tide. Yang Guangming opened his eyes wide, carefully searching for that familiar tall figure.

Suddenly, his gaze froze!

In the crowded throng, a tall young man wearing a bulky green cotton military overcoat, carrying a huge roll of luggage on his back and a heavy canvas bag in his hand, looked around somewhat bewilderedly. It was Chu Dahu!

After several years, he looked darker and stronger, his face roughened by the wind and his lips chapped, but his eyes were still bright, revealing honesty and resilience.

"Tiger Head! Over here!" Yang Guangming waved his arm vigorously and shouted loudly.

Hearing the sound, Chu Dahu looked over, his gaze passing through the crowd to see Yang Guangming.

The blank look on his face was instantly replaced by immense joy, and he grinned, revealing a set of white teeth.

He pushed his way through the people around him and strode toward the bright sunlight, his luggage bouncing on his back.

"Guangming!" Chu Dahu's voice boomed, filled with barely suppressed excitement, "You little rascal! You actually came to pick me up!"

The two embraced tightly at the noisy station entrance, pounding each other's shoulders; a thousand words seemed to be contained in that gesture.

"Goodness! You've gotten even stronger!" Yang Guangming felt the firm muscles under his palm and looked him up and down with a smile. "You must have eaten a lot in the countryside, right?"

"What are you eating? You've been working all day!" Chu Dahu chuckled, looking Yang Guangming up and down. "You haven't changed much, you've just gotten taller and more energetic. You look quite the part in that cadre uniform!"

"Come on, let's get out of here, it's too crowded." Yang Guangming helped him lift the heavy canvas bag. "Was the journey smooth? Are you hungry?"

"It's alright, but the car is a bit slow, and it's quite bumpy."

Chu Dahu followed him outside, curiously looking around at everything, his eyes filled with a mixture of unfamiliarity and excitement at returning to the big city. "I'm not hungry, I brought a lot of dry food. It's just... I really miss the food in Shanghai."

His tone carried a subtle hint of emotion and bitterness.

Once outside the train station, the noise subsided slightly.

The cold air filled his lungs, and Chu Dahu took a deep breath, exclaiming, "The air in Shanghai is so much better! It smells like a thriving industrial and commercial city!"

Yang Guangming looked at his nose, which was red from the cold, and the exhaustion on his face that he couldn't hide, and said, "Come on, let's find a place to eat first, to welcome you back! You can go home after you eat."

"Go home..." Chu Dahu repeated these two words, his eyes suddenly becoming somewhat unfocused, before he nodded heavily. "Okay! Let's eat first! I'm starving!"

Yang Guangming took him to a relatively clean small restaurant near the train station, and the two found a table against the wall to sit down.

Yang Guangming picked up the menu and, without asking Chu Dahu, ordered several main dishes: braised pork, stir-fried shrimp, steamed fish, a stew of pickled bamboo shoots and pork, and two large bowls of rice.

"That's enough! That's too much! It'll be a waste if we can't finish it!" Chu Dahu quickly stopped him, habitually calculating the price and food coupons.

"Don't worry, I can finish it," Yang Guangming laughed. "I know how much you eat. Eat as much as you want today, it's on me!"

Chu Dahu swallowed hard, watching Yang Guangming calmly order food and pay with a complicated expression.

He sensed that after several years apart, there seemed to be some unseen changes between him and his best friend. Guangming had become more composed and confident, exuding a composure that felt unfamiliar to him, a composure befitting a "city cadre."

The dishes arrived quickly, steaming hot and fragrant.

Chu Dahu stared wide-eyed at the glistening, tempting braised pork in front of him, his Adam's apple bobbing violently.

"Eat up, don't just stand there." Yang Guangming handed him the chopsticks.

Chu Dahu stopped being polite, picked up his rice bowl, and began to eat heartily. He ate quickly and with relish, almost devouring the food as if he were making up for all the oil and fat he had missed over the past few years.

As Yang Guangming ate slowly, he kept putting food on Hu Tou's plate, feeling a pang of sadness in his heart. He knew that Hu Tou must have suffered a lot in the countryside.

Once Chu Dahu had slowed down his eating, Yang Guangming finally asked, "How's it going? Have you gotten all the paperwork? Letters of introduction, personnel files..."

"Yes, I got them all."

Chu Dahu took out a kraft paper envelope from his pocket and carefully handed it to Yang Guangming. "The team's Party Secretary gave it to me personally. It has several red stamps on it. He told me to go back to the city and report to the Red Star Factory."

Guangming, what... what's going on? How did we suddenly get back to the city?
Even with Leader He's help, wasn't it said that the earliest we could wait would be next year? His tone was filled with disbelief.

Yang Guangming took the envelope, opened it and looked inside. The paperwork was complete, and the letter of introduction clearly stated that he was "assigned to work in the Security Department of Hongxing State-owned Cotton Mill".

He felt relieved, carefully put the envelope away, and handed it back to Chu Dahu.

“You’re lucky that the policy has loosened.” Yang Guangming carefully chose his words. “In your family’s situation, with your mother’s poor health and financial difficulties, you should be given priority to return to the city. Of course, the most important thing is that you have Leader He helping you out; otherwise, you would never have been chosen.”

Chu Dahu scratched his head. He never expected that his unintentional act of saving someone back then would be rewarded, and with such a huge reward at that.

He has never met Leader He, yet he has already been given such a good job because of his return to the city.

Yang Guangming paused, looked into Chu Dahu's eyes, and said earnestly, "Tiger Head, this is a rare opportunity. Once you're in the factory, work hard in the security department. It's a crucial department with heavy responsibilities, but it's also a good training ground."

Chu Dahu nodded vigorously, his eyes burning with anticipation and enthusiasm for the future: "Don't worry! Guangming! I'll definitely do my job well! I'll never let my brothers down! Security department, right? No problem! Catching a bad guy or something, I'm strong enough!"

His eager and ready-to-try look made Yang Guangming laugh.

"The work of security guards is not just about catching bad guys, but more about patrolling, preventing crime, and maintaining order. You need to be mindful of the methods and abide by the rules," Yang Guangming reminded him.

"I understand! I understand! I will definitely follow the rules!" Chu Dahu assured him repeatedly. "As long as I can go back to the city and have a formal job, I'll do anything! Now that's great, I can earn a salary, and things will be easier at home... at home."

As he finished speaking, his voice lowered, and his eyes revealed his concern and responsibility for his family.

Yang Guangming patted him on the shoulder understandingly: "Everything will be alright. Just focus on doing your job well."

The two chatted about their respective situations since they parted ways.

Chu Dahu mainly talked about the hardships and difficulties of life in the countryside, but also mentioned the simplicity and kindness of the farmers there.

Yang Guangming briefly talked about his work at the factory and the progress of his relationship with Lin Jianyue.

Hearing that his good friend had found a girlfriend from such a well-off family, Chu Dahu was genuinely happy and insisted that Yang Guangming quickly introduce his girlfriend to him.

The meal lasted a long time, until the waiter started clearing the next table, and the two realized it was getting late.

"Let's go, I'll take you home." Yang Guangming stood up. "Uncle Chu and Aunt Chu must be getting impatient."

Mentioning his parents, Chu Dahu's face immediately lit up with an eagerness and a mix of nervous anticipation and excitement. He slung his huge suitcase over his shoulder, picked up his canvas bag, and hurried along.

Yang Guangming saw him off at the bus stop and watched him get on the bus home.

"See you at the factory tomorrow morning!" Yang Guangming shouted from outside the car. "Just go directly to the factory security department and report to Section Chief Wang Weidong! I've already spoken to him! Make sure you have your letter of introduction!"

"Okay! See you tomorrow!" Chu Dahu leaned out of the car window, waved vigorously, his face beaming with a bright smile, his heart filled with hope.

The train slowly started moving and drove away from the platform.

Yang Guangming stood there, watching the bus disappear around the corner, before turning around and walking towards the factory.

His heart was filled with relief and joy, happy that his friend had finally escaped his predicament and embarked on a new path in life.

Over the next two days, Chu Dahu was busy with a series of procedures, including registering his household registration and transferring his grain ration.

Although Yang Guangming was busy with work, he still helped him by giving directions or making arrangements at crucial moments.

Everything is going smooth.

When Chu Dahu's parents learned that their son had not only returned to the city but also gotten a job in the security department of the Hongxing Factory, they were overjoyed and wept tears of joy.

When Yang Guangming visited their home, they held his hands, unsure of what to say, and insisted that he stay for dinner.

Yang Guangming declined, saying only that it was Hu Tou's good luck and that it was in accordance with the policy.

On the third day, Chu Dahu completed all the formalities and officially joined the security department of Hongxing State-owned Cotton Mill, receiving two sets of dark blue security uniforms and a military cap.

When he put on his brand-new uniform and hat and stood at the entrance of the security office, he looked energetic and spirited.

At noon, Yang Guangming went to find him.

The two walked through the factory area, occasionally attracting curious glances from workers. Chu Dahu was clearly still somewhat unaccustomed to his new clothes and environment, but he stood ramrod straight, trying his best to appear serious and attentive.

"How are you? Are you getting used to it?" Yang Guangming asked with a smile.

"I'm used to it!" Chu Dahu nodded emphatically, lowering his voice, unable to hide his excitement. "Section Chief Wang Weidong is a really good guy. He helped me get to know everyone and explained the rules. I'll be able to patrol with the veterans this afternoon. Guangming, I never thought I, Chu Dahu, could have a day like this!" His eyes were slightly red.

Yang Guangming looked at him and smiled sincerely: "Keep up the good work, Tiger Head. The best is yet to come."

Sunlight streamed onto the wide roads of the factory area, and also onto the two young people.

One is calm and capable, the other is energetic and vibrant.

Their life paths intersected once more in this vibrant era, and they walked side by side once more! (End of Chapter)