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

With the Lunar New Year approaching, the festive atmosphere in the alleyways is growing stronger every day.

New red paper-cut window decorations gradually appeared on the doors and windows of every household, with the character "福" (fortune) pasted upside down, symbolizing the arrival of good fortune.

Occasionally, sporadic firecracker sounds could be heard from afar, as if eagerly announcing the arrival of the Spring Festival.

The air was filled with a unique aroma that blended the scents of fried food, the crisp winter air, and the smoke from coal stoves. This was the distinctive flavor of the Spring Festival in the early 1970s—simple yet full of anticipation.

The apartment building where Yang Guangming lives is busier than usual before the holiday.

The aroma of stewed meat wafted through the stairwell, and when neighbors greeted each other, it was mostly with pleasantries like, "How's your New Year shopping going?" or "Do you have enough meat coupons?"

On Monday evening, Yang Guangming ate a simple dinner in his clean and tidy dorm room—a bowl of rice, half a plate of vegetarian chicken, half a plate of braised beef, and a small dish of pickles that Zhou Dayong had brought. All were cold dishes; he was too lazy to cook anything.

Inside, the coal stove was burning brightly, and the orange-red flames could be faintly seen through the gaps in the stove lid, dispelling the chill of the winter night and making the small room as warm as spring.

He brewed a pot of tea, using top-grade oolong tea from the refrigerator. The leaves unfurled in the enamel mug, releasing a rich and mellow aroma.

Under the dim light of the desk lamp, he casually picked up a copy of the Liberation Daily and leisurely flipped through it, enjoying this rare moment of tranquility.

Newspapers were filled with editorials and good news about "grasping revolution and promoting production" on all fronts across the country, and the words were brimming with the vigorous spirit of the times.

Yang Guangming's gaze swept over the printed words, but his thoughts drifted away, thinking about the various summary reports from the factory's finance department at the end of the year, the budget preparation for the coming year, and the steady progress of his relationship with Lin Jianyue—both families had tacitly approved, and they were just waiting for the right time.

Everything proceeded smoothly, fulfilling and full of hope, just like this night outside the window, cold yet brimming with the promise of spring.

Just as he took a sip of hot tea, a familiar, slightly hoarse voice came from outside the door: "Guangming, are you inside?"

The voice sounds like Zhou Dayong.

Yang Guangming responded and got up to open the door.

Zhou Dayong was wrapped in a slightly worn military green cotton coat, with a bit of night chill still clinging to the brim of his hat, but his face wore his usual hearty smile.

He carried a bulging cloth bag in his hand, and as soon as he entered the door, he brought a gust of fresh, cold air from outside. He then turned around and closed the door tightly, shutting out the cold from outside.

"Freshly brewed tea? Perfect for warming up!"

Zhou Dayong didn't stand on ceremony. He took off his heavy coat and hung it on the hook behind the door. He pulled over a chair and sat down by the stove. He took a white porcelain cup with the red double happiness character printed on it, poured some hot water from the thermos to rinse it, and then poured himself a full cup of hot tea.

"Ha—that feels good! I'm in luck today, I got some good stuff, let me give you some to try." He rubbed his slightly frozen hands, his face beaming with the joy of his harvest.

As he spoke, he pushed the cloth bag in front of the sunlight.

When Yang Guangming opened the bag, he found it contained half a bag of bright red dates, plump and uniform in size. They gleamed enticingly under the light and emitted a sweet, sun-dried fruit aroma, making them especially precious in this era of scarcity.

"Hey, these dates are great, each one is plump. Where did they come from?" Yang Guangming picked one up and weighed it in his hand. It was heavy, definitely a good one.

“A comrade-in-arms, from the same company, we were very close. He asked someone to bring it to me, saying it was a local specialty, and it was very sweet.”

Zhou Dayong took a big gulp of hot tea, exhaled a satisfied breath, and the white steam dispersed under the light. "I left some at home for the elderly and children. I thought you were all alone here, so I brought some over for you. You can add a few to your porridge; it'll be sweet and good for your health. It's almost Chinese New Year, so consider it a little treat. Don't mind it."

"Then I won't stand on ceremony. Red dates are a rare delicacy." Yang Guangming felt warm inside and didn't refuse any further. Between friends, refusing each other would only create distance.

He carefully poured the dates into a clean enamel basin; the bright red dates piled up into a small mountain, looking festive. Then he refilled Zhou Dayong's tea.

The two sat around the warm stove, drinking hot tea and chatting.

Most of the stories were about interesting things happening in the factory, the recent patrol situation of the security department, which workshop had a minor mishap, or the everyday gossip of whose family in the alley had a new baby or whose child was getting married.

Zhou Dayong was a talkative man with a loud voice. He described things vividly and would occasionally burst into hearty laughter, which seemed to make the windowpanes vibrate and fill the small dormitory with life and warmth.

Yang Guangming mostly listened with a smile, occasionally interjecting a few words, creating a relaxed and harmonious atmosphere.

Before I could finish my cup of tea, there was another knock at the door. This time, the knock was more urgent and forceful, carrying the unique energy of a young person.

"Light, that is me, Tiger Head!"

Yang Guangming was somewhat surprised. Why was Chu Dahu coming over so late?
He got up and opened the door, only to see Chu Dahu's tall figure almost blocking the doorway. He was wearing a thick navy blue cotton work uniform, his face flushed from exercise, and there were fine beads of sweat on his forehead, indicating that he had rushed over.

He was carrying a bamboo basket covered with an old blue cloth, which looked quite heavy, and the muscles in his arm holding the basket were taut.

"Tiger Head? Come in quickly, it's cold outside." Yang Guangming stepped aside to let him into the house, and a blast of cold air rushed in.

"Just got off work, took a detour to come here." Chu Dahu entered the door and saw Zhou Dayong there. He was stunned for a moment, then showed a simple and honest smile and greeted him, "Brother Zhou is here too, what a coincidence." He casually put the basket on the ground against the wall, making a dull sound.

"Da Hu is here, perfect timing! Let's have some tea, it's freshly brewed," Zhou Dayong greeted with a smile, shifting his position to make room for Chu Da Hu.

Chu Dahu did not sit down immediately. Instead, he bent down, lifted the bamboo basket to the small square table in the middle of the room, and lifted the cover.

Inside were two pieces of perfectly marbled pork belly, each with a layer of fat about three fingers thick, in excellent condition. The thick layer of fat was snow-white, while the lean meat was a bright red and glossy color, making it look very appealing.

Next to the meat were about thirty red-skinned eggs, each one round and plump, glistening with a healthy sheen under the light.

This basket full of "hard goods" stands out particularly as the year draws to a close.

"Guangming, this is for you." Chu Dahu pushed the basket towards Yang Guangming, his tone imperative and straightforward.

Yang Guangming looked at the basket of things and was really surprised: "Hu Tou, where did you get so many good things? It's almost the New Year, and your family isn't well-off. Your aunt and uncle need nutrition, and your younger siblings are growing. Keep them for yourself, or prepare more New Year's goods for your family."

In those days, pork and eggs were scarce commodities that were rationed and supplied with coupons. Each person only had a limited quota per month, so taking out so many at once was no small matter.

Yang Guangming knew Chu Dahu's family situation better than anyone else. Although Dahu had returned to the city and found a stable job, his family was poor, his parents were in poor health, and they struggled to make ends meet.

Chu Dahu chuckled, rubbed his hands, which were red from the cold, glanced at Zhou Dayong, and said in a relaxed tone:
"It's nothing, it was a gift from distant relatives in the countryside. Their village had a good harvest this year and just slaughtered a pig for the New Year. They gave my family some New Year's gifts to thank my parents for their help in the past."

There's too much food, my parents can't finish it all, so I'll bring you half of this.

You can take this to your uncle and aunt another day. Consider it an early New Year's greeting from me; it's just a small token of my appreciation. Don't think it's too little.

He spoke naturally and fluently, as if it were just a normal interaction between relatives, with a hint of pride on his face that said, "My family also has wealthy relatives."

Yang Guangming looked into Chu Dahu's eyes, then glanced at Zhou Dayong beside him, a hint of doubt crossing his mind.

He knew about Chu Dahu's family situation. Even if so-called "distant relatives" sent New Year's gifts, they usually wouldn't be this generous, especially in times when everyone was struggling.

Moreover, although Chu Dahu's glance at Zhou Dayong was quick, Yang Guangming still caught a subtle flicker of emotion, which didn't seem like he was simply sharing joy.

However, he didn't show it on his face.

Since Chu Dahu said it was a New Year's gift for their parents, and it was done in front of Zhou Dayong, he couldn't ask too many questions, nor could he refuse his brother's request for face and filial piety.

So, Yang Guangming smiled, readily took the basket, and weighed it in his hand; it was indeed quite heavy. "Alright, Tiger Head, you're so thoughtful. Your aunt and uncle always think of my parents. Then I won't stand on ceremony with you. Please thank your relatives for me, and also thank your uncle and aunt. I'll accept this New Year's gift and send it to my parents tomorrow. They'll definitely be happy."

Seeing that Yang Guangming had accepted the gift, Chu Dahu visibly breathed a sigh of relief, his smile widening to reveal a set of white teeth:
“Why are you being so polite with me! We’re like family! My parents always say that you’ve been a huge help to me during the years I was sent to the countryside, so this little thing is nothing!” He then turned to Zhou Dayong, “Brother Zhou, I’ll prepare some for you later too. This meat is really good, with the perfect balance of lean and fat.”

Zhou Dayong chuckled and said, "Good, good, Da Hu is very thoughtful."

Chu Dahu chatted with Zhou Dayong and Yang Guangming about factory matters for a while, asking Yang Guangming if he was busy at the end of the year, but he seemed a little absent-minded, his eyes glancing towards the door from time to time.

He hadn't sat for more than ten minutes, and hadn't even had a few sips of tea, when he stood up, picked up his empty basket, and said, "Well, you guys keep chatting, I have some things to take care of at home, so I have to go back first. My parents are waiting for me to eat."

"So eager? Sit a little longer, the tea's still warm," Yang Guangming said, trying to persuade him to stay.

"No, no, I really have to go now, my family will be worried if it gets any later." Chu Dahu waved his hand, his movements crisp and decisive. "Guangming, Brother Zhou, I'm leaving now! You two can continue your chat!"

After saying that, he hurriedly pushed open the door and went out. His tall figure quickly disappeared into the darkness around the corner of the corridor, and his footsteps thumped away into the distance.

Sunlight streamed to the door. Looking in the direction Chu Dahu had left, a cold wind slipped in through the crack in the door, making him shiver.

He closed the door, returned to the room, his brows furrowed slightly, the doubts in his heart still lingering.

Back inside, Zhou Dayong held a teacup but didn't drink it immediately. His expression was hesitant, and his previous cheerful smile faded somewhat.

He glanced at the basket of pork and eggs on the table, which was quite substantial and glistening with oil under the light, then at Yang Guangming. His lips moved as if he wanted to say something, but he hesitated. His fingers unconsciously rubbed the warm teacup.

Yang Guangming noticed Zhou Dayong's unusual behavior and, after sitting down, asked, "Brother Zhou, is there something you want to say? I thought you had something left unsaid earlier. Is it about Da Hu?"

He pointed it out directly because Zhou Dayong's unusual behavior occurred precisely after Chu Dahu left.

Zhou Dayong sighed, put down his teacup, leaned forward, and lowered his voice, instantly making the atmosphere in the room somewhat heavy.

"Guangming, we're not strangers, and Dahu is my good brother, even more so than you. There are some things I don't know whether I should say or not..."

If I tell you, you might think I'm meddling or trying to sow discord between you brothers; if I don't tell you, I'll feel uneasy and worried that Da Hu, being young, might go astray..."

“Brother Zhou, is there anything you can’t tell me?” Yang Guangming’s expression turned serious, and he lowered his voice. “Dahu is my brother, and he’s also one of your men. If he does anything wrong or does anything inappropriate, you should tell me. We’re all doing this for his own good. We can’t let him go astray because of ignorance or impulsiveness. It will be too late to regret it then. Don’t you think so?”

Hearing Yang Guangming say this, Zhou Dayong nodded, the hesitation on his face fading, replaced by a solemn expression, his eyes filled with the concern and worry of an older brother and colleague:
“You’re right, Guangming. I just feel that… Dahu has been making too many friends lately, and… he seems to be spending too much money.”

He paused, organized his thoughts, and continued, "Da Hu is a straightforward, generous, and loyal person. He likes to make friends and has good interpersonal relationships, which is a good thing."

In the month or so since I started working, I've gotten along well with the experienced workers and younger colleagues at the factory, and I've also met a diverse group of people outside the factory… From all walks of life. Having many friends, wide connections, and good access to information is generally a good thing.

“However,” Zhou Dayong’s tone changed, becoming more serious, with a hint of barely perceptible worry, “After entering the twelfth lunar month, our security department cooperated with the higher-ups to conduct several nighttime surprise inspections, mainly targeting the security around the factory area and cracking down on black market transactions. Da Hu was also transferred to help and participated in two of them.”

"Right after that, I vaguely sensed that Da Hu had changed a bit."

Zhou Dayong's voice lowered even further, "He started to frequently ask people for things from time to time, using various excuses, such as gifts from relatives in the countryside, gifts from friends, or thanks from people he had helped."

It mainly sells eggs, chicken, and duck, with the occasional pork or vermicelli. These things are in high demand right now, and he only offers the best quality, so he's very popular, and quite a few people come to him.

As the leader of the security team, Zhou Dayong was in the same group as Chu Dahu, so he naturally had a clear understanding of the team members' situations and also had some informants.

He continued, "Da Hu thought he was being discreet and told us it was because of family ties and friendship, but I've been a security guard for so many years, I still have that much sense."

He's adjusting the quantities of food a bit too frequently, and each time the amount is larger than the last.

Although the excuses used varied, after a while, anyone with a discerning eye could guess that these things probably didn't come from such a simple source and were unlikely to all be gifts from legitimate relatives.

Zhou Dayong's tone softened slightly, with a hint of relief, "Fortunately, Da Hu is quick-witted, knows his limits, and understands the rules."

He only deals with people he trusts, his neighbors, and his coworkers with whom he has good relationships. He never associates with people of dubious origin, let alone dabbles in the black market.

Even if someone harbors suspicions, without concrete evidence, they'll only murmur amongst themselves. After all, these days, it's not considered a heinous crime for coworkers and neighbors to share things to improve their lives; everyone tacitly agrees, and the authorities won't investigate unless the people report it.

"only……"

Zhou Dayong looked at Yang Guangming, his eyes filled with deep worry, and tapped the table lightly with his fingers. "When I saw what he brought you today, I started to overthink things. This meat, these eggs, this portion..."

Guangming, I'm not saying Dahu is unreliable. It's precisely because I consider him my own brother that I don't want anything to happen to him.

He's doing this on a small scale now, and it seems harmless, just passing money around among acquaintances. But the fear is that he'll get a taste of the easy money and become bolder and more greedy.

If one day he can't resist the urge and tries to make quick money on the black market, or if he's targeted and exploited by someone with malicious intent, then the trouble would be much bigger! The situation would completely change!

Zhou Dayong concluded earnestly, "So I thought I should still let you know."

You two are the closest, you grew up together, and he listens to what you say.

If you have the chance, find a reason to privately remind him to stop while he's ahead and know when to stop.

This is the limit for helping acquaintances with small tasks; please don't expand beyond that. Don't let easy money cloud your judgment!

If he really gets involved with those shady black markets, it's no joke. If he's caught, being dismissed from his job is the least of his worries; he might even go to jail! Nobody can protect him then!

Yang Guangming listened attentively, his expression gradually becoming serious, his fingers unconsciously tracing circles on the rim of his teacup.

He really had no idea that Chu Dahu was doing these things behind the scenes.

As a time traveler, he fully understood the helplessness and universality of people trying to improve their lives through various channels in this era of extreme material scarcity, and he also understood Chu Dahu's urgent desire to enable his parents to live a better life as soon as possible.

However, Zhou Dayong's concerns are not without merit, and are extremely necessary.

In this era, the boundaries between public and private are clearly defined. Once certain things cross the line and the red line is crossed, the consequences are indeed unimaginable.

Chu Dahu has just secured a stable job and has a bright future ahead of him; he absolutely cannot let it be ruined by something like this.

"Brother Zhou, thank you!"

Yang Guangming said sincerely, "Thank you so much! Thank you for caring about Da Hu so much, and thank you for trusting me and telling me all this."

If you hadn't told me, I would have been completely kept in the dark by his excuse of being a "relative from the countryside." I know about this, and I take it very seriously.

Don't worry, I'll find an opportunity to have a good talk with him and make sure I explain the pros and cons clearly.

"Hey, no need to thank me, we're brothers." Zhou Dayong waved his hand, a relieved expression on his face, as if a heavy burden had been lifted. "I just wanted to remind him that Da Hu is a good person at heart, he's just young and straightforward. Sometimes he might only think about making things easier for his family and not think things through. Talk to him, just be careful not to scare him. After all, he's doing this for his family."

“I understand, Brother Zhou, don’t worry, I know what I’m doing.” Yang Guangming nodded.

After sitting for a while and chatting about the factory's year-end duty arrangements, Zhou Dayong got up to say goodbye.

After seeing Zhou Dayong off, Yang Guangming closed the door and returned to the room. Looking at the basket of pork and eggs on the table, which looked particularly conspicuous under the dim light, he felt a bit complicated.

He was genuinely happy that his brother was doing well and able to help the family; but he couldn't help but worry that his brother might be walking on a seemingly smooth but actually dangerous path.

He knew Chu Dahu's personality well; he valued loyalty, was willing to endure hardship, but was also a bit stubborn, and once he made up his mind, he wouldn't easily turn back. He needed to think carefully about how to talk to him about this.

That night, Yang Guangming didn't sleep well. The fire in the stove gradually died down, and the temperature in the room dropped, but he felt uneasy, tossing and turning, unable to sleep.

The next day at work, after finishing the urgent report review work, Yang Guangming took a break, strolled through the factory area, and headed towards the security guard's duty room at the main gate.

From afar, he saw Chu Dahu standing at the entrance of the duty room, chatting and laughing with several veteran security guards who had just finished their shift and were preparing to go home.

Chu Dahu was wearing a brand-new dark blue security uniform and a cotton military cap. He stood tall and was full of energy, his face radiating the vigor and vitality unique to young people.

Yang Guangming didn't go over immediately. Instead, he stood under a bare sycamore tree and waited for the old security guards to leave before slowly walking forward.

"Tiger Head," Yang Guangming called out.

Chu Dahu straightened his hat, turned around at the sound, and was somewhat surprised to see Yang Guangming. He then broke into a bright smile: "Guangming? What brings you here? Aren't you busy today?"

"Nothing serious, just came out for some fresh air." Yang Guangming smiled, trying to sound casual. "Are you free after work this afternoon? Come straight to my dorm, I'll make a couple of dishes, and we can have a drink and chat tonight." He emphasized "the two of us."

Chu Dahu's eyes lit up, and he agreed almost without hesitation: "I'm free! Of course I'm free! I'll come over as soon as I finish my shift!" His reaction was quick, showing his positive response to his brother's invitation.

"Then I'll wait for you at home. I'll go back and get ready after get off work," Yang Guangming said.

"Alright! Don't worry, I'll be there on time!" Chu Dahu nodded readily, patting his chest vigorously, his cotton-padded jacket making a thumping sound.

After agreeing on a time, Yang Guangming chatted casually for a few more minutes before turning around and heading back to the office building.

Chu Dahu watched Yang Guangming's figure disappear around the corner of the factory road, scratched his head, and wondered to himself: Why did Guangming suddenly ask me to drink alone? And why did he even come all the way to the security office to find me? Could it be because of the things he delivered yesterday?
He shook his head, not thinking about it anymore. Anyway, his brother invited him for drinks, so he went. It had been a while since they had a proper chat.

As soon as the afternoon bell rang, Yang Guangming returned to his dormitory. He closed the door, and with a thought, took out two items from his "refrigerator space": a box of braised duck gizzards with a rich, dark red color and a strong aroma; and a large piece of braised beef weighing at least two pounds.

With these two ready-made main dishes to set the scene, a simple stir-fried cabbage with vinegar and a pot of hot wine are enough to dispel the chill of a winter night as the two of them drink and chat.

He deftly sliced ​​the braised beef into thin, even pieces and arranged them neatly on a plate; he also cut open the braised duck gizzards and plated them; then he washed a large cabbage and chopped scallions, ginger, and garlic for later use.

Two more coal briquettes were added to the stove, and the flames quickly grew stronger, blue tongues licking the bottom of the pot. By the time Chu Dahu arrived, the stir-fried cabbage with vinegar would be sizzling and releasing its aroma, ready to be served.

Around 6:30, familiar, slightly heavy footsteps came from outside the door, followed by a loud knocking, with Chu Dahu's characteristic force.

"Light, I'm coming!"

As Yang Guangming opened the door, Chu Dahu walked in, bringing with him a chill. He had changed out of his security guard uniform and was wearing a worn-out dark blue cotton-padded jacket. His hair was still damp, indicating that he had just washed his face. His cheeks were rosy, and his eyes were bright, filled with the excitement of keeping his appointment.

"Wow! It smells so good! I could smell it from far away!" As soon as he entered the room, Chu Dahu exaggeratedly sniffed the air, his eyes immediately drawn to the two plates of hearty dishes on the table. His eyes widened. "Braised duck gizzards? Braised beef? Guangming, you're something else, where did you get so much good stuff?" He rubbed his hands together, looking very hungry.

"A friend gave it to me. I'm just taking it out today to treat you to something nice and to help you gain some weight," Yang Guangming explained vaguely, urging, "Go wash your hands and get ready to eat. The wine is all warmed up."

"Alright! I've been craving this!" Chu Dahu walked familiarly to the washbasin stand in the corner, mixed hot water from the thermos with cold water, washed his hands with a splash, wiped them haphazardly with a towel hanging on the shelf, and then couldn't wait to sit down at the table, staring longingly at the food and wine on the table.

Yang Guangming took out two white porcelain wine glasses, opened the bottle of Fenjiu that Wang Weidong had brought last time, and poured a glass for each of them.

The warmed liquor released a rich aroma, mixed with the fragrance of braised meat and marinated dishes, filling the cozy little house and creating a warm and pleasant atmosphere.

Chu Dahu picked up his wine glass, took a deep breath of the alcohol, and sighed contentedly, "Good wine! Good food! This is what life should be like! It's so much better than when I was working in the countryside!"

He glanced at the empty seat across the hall, then peered into the closed door, and asked in confusion, "Hey, Guangming, why don't you call Brother Zhou from across the hall over for a drink? It'd be more fun with more people."

Yang Guangming picked up his glass, clinked it with his, took a sip himself, and calmly said, "I won't call you Brother Zhou today. Just the two of us. I have something I'd like to talk to you about alone."

Chu Dahu was taken aback. Looking at Yang Guangming's slightly serious expression, which didn't seem like he was just drinking and chatting casually, his heart skipped a beat. The smile on his face faded a bit, and he became more serious.

He put down his wine glass and straightened his posture: "Guangming, what's wrong? What happened? Tell me, I'm listening."

The brothers' long-standing friendship meant they didn't need to beat around the bush; a single glance was enough for them to understand that the other had something important to say.

The two have known each other for many years, so there's no need for beating around the bush.

Yang Guangming cut straight to the point, his gaze calm yet powerful: "Tiger Head, tell me the truth, have you been dealing with people lately? Eggs, chickens, ducks, and pork like yesterday?"

Chu Dahu was surprised that Yang Guangming asked this question. A clear look of panic flashed across his face, and his hand holding the chopsticks paused for a moment, but he quickly calmed down.

He hadn't intended to keep it a secret from Yang Guangming forever; he just felt that since he was new to the business and hadn't made much of a name for himself yet, and wasn't earning much money, he wanted to wait until things were more stable and he was earning more before sharing the good news with his brother. He never expected Yang Guangming to already know.

"You...you knew all about it?" Chu Dahu scratched his head somewhat embarrassedly, his eyes darting around. "Was it...was it Brother Zhou who told you?" He immediately thought of the scene when he met Zhou Dayong last night.

“Who said it is not important.” Yang Guangming looked at him, his tone calm but not evasive. “What is important is whether this happened or not? What exactly happened? Tell me in detail, don’t hide anything.”

He needs to understand the whole situation to determine the extent of the risk and how to guide the team.

Seeing that he couldn't hide it any longer, and that he was facing his most trusted brother, Chu Dahu put down his chopsticks and told him the whole story. His tone gradually changed from initial embarrassment to excitement, with a hint of excitement at sharing his "business".

It turned out that when Chu Dahu was seconded to assist in a major security inspection and crackdown on black market transactions, he ran into a primary school classmate named Wei Xiaomao.

The two had a good relationship when they were young, and they climbed trees and raided bird nests together.

Chu Dahu knew that Wei Xiaomao's family was in dire straits. His parents both had chronic illnesses and couldn't do heavy work, and he had two younger brothers and a younger sister to support. Wei Xiaomao dropped out of school before graduating from elementary school and worked odd jobs and collected coal scraps to supplement the family income, barely making ends meet.

That time, Wei Xiaomao was anxiously trying to get rid of the few pounds of pork that had gone bad when Chu Dahu happened to see him.

If you get caught, you'll be in a lot of trouble.

Out of consideration for his old classmate and knowing about his family's difficulties, Chu Dahu softened his heart, pretended not to see him, waved for him to leave quickly, and let him go.

Afterwards, Wei Xiaomao somehow found out that Chu Dahu worked in the security department of Hongxing Factory, so he went to the factory gate to wait for him after get off work, thanked him profusely, and insisted on treating him to a meal.

At a roadside stall, Wei Xiaomao told Chu Dahu about his situation and his experiences over the years.

In order to make more money, he would often sneak off to the nearby commune before dawn to find familiar villagers and exchange or buy at high prices agricultural products such as eggs, chickens, ducks, and occasionally pork and vermicelli with soap, matches, old clothes, etc. that he brought from the city.

Then they would take them back to the city and secretly distribute them to trusted neighbors and factory workers who needed them.

He generally doesn't go to the black market; he mainly relies on introductions from acquaintances and door-to-door transactions, which reduces the risk considerably.

The last time he went to the outskirts of the factory was because the meat was starting to smell bad, and it wasn't convenient to share it with acquaintances, so he had no choice but to risk going to the black market to try his luck.

Wei Xiaomao was grateful to Chu Dahu for "not arresting him," and also knew that Chu Dahu's family's situation had just improved, but their foundation was still weak, so he offered to help Chu Dahu.

He had several regular "connections" in the suburbs, a few bold and shrewd fellow villagers who helped him collect things privately.

He offered a slightly higher price than the supply and marketing cooperative's purchase price, and the villagers were more willing to sell to him; the price he brought back to the city for adjustment was also much higher than the market price for purchasing with coupons, so the profit in between was quite considerable. Although the amount was not large each time, it was a steady stream of income.

Wei Xiaomao told Chu Dahu that he could regularly provide him with some in-demand agricultural products, such as eggs, chickens, ducks, and even occasionally some pork.

Chu Dahu only needed to make arrangements within his circle of acquaintances, saying that the gifts were from relatives in the countryside or as a thank you for helping someone, so the risk was minimal.

Even if the amount isn't large, it's easy to earn 20 or 30 yuan a month in extra income, which is more than a month's salary for him.

Chu Dahu carefully considered Wei Xiaomao's words.

He only earns 17.8 yuan a month now. After paying for his own food, he has to give most of it to his family, leaving him with very little.

If I could earn an extra twenty or thirty yuan, it would be a huge help to my family. I could buy some good medicine for my parents, new clothes for my younger siblings, and some good food.

He asked Wei Xiaomao about his operating model in detail and felt that the risks were indeed controllable: he did not directly participate in purchasing goods in rural areas, nor did he show his face on the black market. He only traded with people he knew, trusted coworkers, and neighbors. If any problems arose, he could push the blame onto his "relatives in the countryside," and there would be no way to verify the facts.

While it can't be said that there are no risks at all, it's much safer than Wei Xiaomao personally going to the countryside and occasionally venturing into dangerous areas.

"Guangming, I didn't act on impulse."

Chu Dahu looked at Yang Guangming with a sincere expression, even a hint of pride in having come up with this idea. "I've thought about it carefully. If I want my parents to have a better life, and if I want my younger siblings to eat more nutritious food, how long would it take to save up my meager salary?"
There is some risk involved, but I think it's worth taking.

Wei Xiaomao has been doing this for so many years without any trouble; his path is solid. As long as I'm careful enough, don't ask questions I shouldn't ask, and don't go to places I shouldn't go, there shouldn't be any major problems.

In the past two weeks, I did earn over twenty yuan. I bought my mom a new scarf and my dad a pound of liquor. They were overjoyed.

Chu Dahu's tone carried a sense of determination born from realistic consideration, as well as a hint of excitement and a sense of accomplishment from his first taste of success.

Yang Guangming listened quietly without interrupting, his fingers tapping lightly on the table.

As someone who traveled from the future, he completely understood Chu Dahu's choice.

In the era of planned economy and material scarcity, taking advantage of urban-rural price differences, information gaps, and boldness to earn extra income was a desperate measure for many people at the bottom of society to improve their lives, and it was also a common gray area.

If he didn't have the incredible "refrigerator space" ability, he might very well have gone down a similar path, or even been more daring.

He did not despise or oppose Chu Dahu's actions emotionally; in fact, he even recognized their legitimacy in this particular era to some extent.

However, as a brother, he couldn't just watch Chu Dahu walk down a path that, while relatively safe, still harbored hidden dangers and had a low ceiling.

He has the ability to provide Chu Dahu with a safer, more efficient path that is more beneficial to his long-term development.

After Chu Dahu finished speaking and looked at him with a mixture of expectation and trepidation, Yang Guangming pondered for a moment before saying, "Tiger Head, I completely understand your thoughts and your feelings for your family. Wanting to earn more money so that your family can live a better life is not wrong; it's the responsibility a man should have."

Hearing Yang Guangming say this, Chu Dahu visibly relaxed, a smile spreading across his face. "I knew you'd understand! Guangming, don't worry, I'll be careful, I definitely won't..."

Before he could finish speaking, Yang Guangming raised his hand to interrupt him.

Yang Guangming's expression remained calm, but his eyes were more focused: "However, Tiger Head, I suggest you stop this line with Wei Xiaomao for now."

"Stop it?" Chu Dahu was stunned, his smile froze, and he looked at Yang Guangming with confusion and even a little anxiety. "Why? Guangming, this... this is a pretty reliable way to make money, right? I can control the risks! Did Brother Zhou say something? Does he think this is not good?" He subconsciously thought of Zhou Dayong's complaint.

“It doesn’t matter what Brother Zhou says, he’s just trying to help you.” Yang Guangming looked him in the eyes, his tone calm but firm. “I’m not saying you shouldn’t try to improve your life. It’s just that I have a better way, less risky, more discreet, and the profits are much higher than what you’re doing dealing in chicken, duck, fish and meat. It’s not even in the same league. Do you want to hear about it?”

Chu Dahu's eyes widened in disbelief and immense curiosity: "A better way? Almost zero risk? Much higher profits? Guangming, you...you have such connections?"

He felt his heart racing.

In his mind, Yang Guangming had always been a steady, reliable, and capable person. Since he said he had a better way, it must be true.

Yang Guangming nodded, picked up the wine pot and refilled the wine for the two of them. He lowered his voice to create an atmosphere of confidential conversation: "Because of my work, I know some... the children of high-ranking leaders, such as the family of Leader He."

Chu Dahu immediately thought of He Zhenzhong, the leader who had changed his fate, and nodded hurriedly, his tone filled with awe: "A family like Leader He's is a truly... prestigious family." In his simple understanding, Leader He was an extremely high-ranking official.

"Yes, people of similar social standing, or people who have dealings with them."

Yang Guangming continued to fabricate plausible reasons, "Some people have approached me privately before, saying that they have some... rather special things at home, which are legitimately obtained, but it's not convenient to dispose of them in large quantities through formal channels. They need to find an absolutely reliable person to sell them on a small scale and discreetly."

The item is in high demand and is a true hard currency with an extremely high price. However, it is small in size, has great value, and is traded very infrequently, perhaps only once every one or two months, making it very safe.

I didn't need the money at the time, and I also thought it would be troublesome and time-consuming, so I turned it down.

He paused, observing Chu Dahu's reaction, and seeing that he was listening intently, he continued:
"Now that I see how hard you're working for your family and doing this, I think you're quite suitable."

You are a loyal and trustworthy person, keep your mouth shut, and act with discretion. Plus, you're currently in the security department, which makes your position convenient.

Since there's such a chance to make money for free, why not take it?

It's much better than you following Wei Xiaomao, dealing in chicken, duck, fish, and meat; it's also much safer and more respectable. What do you think?

"What is this amazing thing? It's even more in demand than pork and eggs?" Chu Dahu's curiosity was completely piqued. He leaned forward unconsciously and lowered his voice as if afraid of being overheard.

"There are mainly two types."

Yang Guangming held up two fingers and said with certainty, "One is rhinoceros horn slices, which are slices of rhinoceros horn. It is a precious Chinese medicine with excellent effects in clearing heat and detoxifying, cooling blood and calming the nerves. It is especially effective in treating acute conditions such as persistent high fever and convulsions. It can save lives in critical moments and is faster than most Western medicines."

Another type is dried sea cucumber, a top-grade tonic with extremely high nutritional value. It's the best supplement for the elderly, patients, or women recovering from childbirth who are weak and in need of nourishment. This is a special supply; it's difficult to buy even if you have money.

Next, Yang Guangming explained to Chu Dahu in the simplest and most understandable language the preciousness, main uses, and approximate market value of these two items.

He talked about the status of rhinoceros horn slices in traditional Chinese medicine and the nourishing effects of sea cucumber, leaving Chu Dahu stunned.

Although he didn't understand medicinal herbs, he still understood the significance of terms like "precious Chinese medicine," "top-grade tonic," "life-saving in critical moments," and "hard to buy with money." This was completely beyond the scope of eggs and pork that he usually dealt with, and entered a "high-end" field that he had never imagined.

"How much does this thing cost?" Chu Dahu clicked his tongue, feeling that his imagination was running out.

He makes a few cents on a chicken and a dollar or two on a pound of meat. What price would this rhinoceros horn and sea cucumber cost?

"The price is very high, and it varies greatly depending on the condition and market conditions."

The price of top-grade rhinoceros horn slices is over 100 yuan per gram, while the price of dried sea cucumber is around 100 yuan per kilogram.

The exact price will only be known after receiving the item and checking its quality.

Yang Guangming emphasized, "The other party said that for each transaction, 20% of the actual selling price could be kept as a service fee and commission for the person in charge."

What I mean is, how about we split the commission 50/50, each taking 10%. What do you think?

Yang Guangming deliberately said that the two of them would split the commission equally.

If he told Chu Dahu that he wouldn't take a single penny and would give it all to Chu Dahu, given Chu Dahu's righteous nature, he would definitely feel like he was getting a great deal and would absolutely refuse.

Only in this way, making Chu Dahu feel that it's a partnership between brothers with shared benefits, will he accept it with a clear conscience and be more motivated.

Sure enough, after hearing this, Chu Dahu's breathing became rapid and his face turned bright red.

Although he didn't know how many he could sell, the price was so high that even a 10% commission would be far more than he could earn from his hard work trading agricultural products!
The key point is that this product is high-end, and the trading partners are definitely not ordinary people. They are either rich or noble or have special needs, so the risk is extremely small and can be almost ignored!
This is simply a godsend!
"Guangming... this... will this work? Will they trust me? I... I'm just a roughneck, how can I deal with those kinds of people?" Chu Dahu was both excited and nervous, rubbing his hands together until his palms were sweating.

"With my guarantee, there won't be any problem."

Yang Guangming reassured him, his tone full of trust, "What the other party values ​​is reliability and tight-lippedness."

You are honest, loyal, and always keep your promises. You also know how to act appropriately. I think you can definitely do a good job.

As for dealing with it, it's very simple: you get the goods, find a suitable trading partner, and get paid—it's that easy. The key is that the goods are rare, and people who need them will be eager to beg you!

"It's a hundred times better than what you did with Wei Xiaomao, exposed to the wind and sun, living in constant fear."

Chu Dahu slapped his thigh excitedly, almost knocking over his wine glass. His face lit up, and all his hesitation was swept away by the enormous opportunity.

"Let's do it! Of course we'll do it! Only a fool wouldn't! Guangming, you're really resourceful! You even think of your brother when it comes to such a good thing! I... I'll definitely do a great job for you!"

He could almost see the endless stream of income far exceeding his wages, the long-lasting smiles on his parents' faces, and the scene of his younger siblings wearing brand-new clothes and eating white flour buns every day.

A surge of ambition instantly ignited in his heart, and he felt that his world had suddenly broadened considerably.

"Don't get too excited yet." Yang Guangming smiled, pouring some cold water on him to calm him down. "This needs to be done slowly, not hastily. The products are valuable, and the clients are picky. Every step must be taken carefully, safety first. First, you need to completely cut off Wei Xiaomao's connection. Don't get involved in those trivial things anymore, focus on this. All the money you earned before, that's it, don't touch it again."

"No problem! I'll make things clear with Wei Xiaomao tomorrow! We'll never contact each other again!" Chu Dahu agreed without hesitation, his tone resolute.

Compared to the "golden road" provided by Yang Guangming, Wei Xiaomao's line was simply a minor undertaking and not worth mentioning.

"Okay." Yang Guangming nodded, satisfied with his attitude. "Come over again tomorrow night at the same time. I'll prepare the first batch of goods for you. You can familiarize yourself with the items first, and I'll also explain in detail the things you need to pay attention to, such as how to identify the quality, how to communicate with people, and how to deal with special situations, etc."

"Okay! I'll definitely be there tomorrow night! I'll be there on time!" Chu Dahu nodded heavily, his eyes full of anticipation and enthusiasm, as if he couldn't wait to start a new business.

The two brothers chatted about some details over drinks, and Yang Guangming told him to stay calm and not to tell anyone, not even his family.

Chu Dahu memorized everything and nodded repeatedly.

Only when the wine bottles were empty and the food was almost finished did Chu Dahu leave Yang Guangming's dormitory, slightly tipsy and full of excitement and gratitude. His steps were much lighter than when he arrived, filled with anticipation for the future.

After seeing Chu Dahu off, Yang Guangming cleaned up the dishes, and the room returned to quiet.

The fire needed more coal, so he added two new briquettes, and the blue flames flared up again.

He took out supplies from that magical "refrigerator space": thirty grams of high-quality rhinoceros horn slices with clear texture and warm color, carefully wrapped in clean kraft paper; and two pounds of lightly dried sea cucumbers with uniform black color, upright and hard spines, and excellent dryness, also wrapped tightly in thick kraft paper.

Looking at the two packages on the table, which would be considered expensive in this day and age, Yang Guangming remained calm.

He wasn't worried about handing the goods over to Chu Dahu. He knew Chu Dahu well; although he was sometimes impulsive and straightforward, he was loyal and devoted, treating those he trusted with utmost sincerity, and always doing his best to fulfill his promises.

Moreover, this path is indeed much safer and more profitable than Chu Dahu's original one, and it can truly solve his family's financial difficulties.

As a brother, this is all he can do to help.

The rest of the journey is something Chu Dahu needs to take steadily and step by step on his own.

The night outside the window grew darker, with the occasional bark of a dog, but Yang Guangming felt much more at ease.

He believed that Chu Dahu would not let him down. (End of Chapter)