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

The experienced craftsman carefully removed the sewing machine head from the workbench, wiped it clean with a soft cloth, and then placed it back into the original wooden box, fastening the buckles.

The old craftsman found a lot of clean old newspapers and cardboard, wrapped the radio and clock in layers, stuffing the corners tightly, for fear of them being bumped or damaged on the way.

"Comrade, how do you plan to take it back? There's quite a lot of stuff."

The experienced craftsman looked at the several large pieces on the ground, his tone filled with genuine concern.

"Thank you, sir. I'll just go out and find a cart," Yang Guangming replied.

He walked to the entrance of the store, and the blazing sun suddenly bathed his entire body.

He shaded his eyes with his hand, about to look around the street for the figure pulling the cart, but his gaze inadvertently settled on the dense shade of the old locust tree at the street corner.

A middle-aged man, around forty years old, sat on the handlebars of a cart, his body slightly hunched. His skin was a bronze color from years of exposure to the wind and sun, and the muscle lines on his arms were clearly visible even when he was relaxed.

Yang Guangming felt that the person looked familiar, and after a moment of concentration, he remembered him.

Isn't this my neighbor who lives in the same courtyard? I think his surname is Han, and he lives in the two rooms at the north end of the east wing of the central courtyard, right next to the home of Mrs. Zhang, a martyr's family.

He vaguely remembered hearing from others that this Master Han didn't have a stable job and made a living by pulling a cart and doing odd jobs. He was a very honest and hardworking person.

Since he had run into someone he knew, he felt much more at ease than dealing with a stranger, so Yang Guangming strode over.

"Master Han, are you busy?" Yang Guangming stopped a few steps away and greeted him politely.

Master Han, who was intently rolling a cigarette with his head down, looked up at the sound, squinted against the light, and when he realized it was Sunlight, a clear look of surprise flashed across his dark face.

He seemed startled and quickly stood up from the handlebars. Because of his hasty movement, the leaning cart swayed.

He put on a slightly reserved and humble smile: "It's...it's Comrade Yang Guangming. No rush, no rush, I'm waiting for work. What brings you here..."

His gaze naturally drifted towards the entrance of the store he had commissioned.

"I bought a few things and was just looking for a cart to take them back when I saw you. Would you take this job?" Yang Guangming asked with a smile.

"Answer! Answer! Of course we'll answer!"

Master Han agreed almost immediately, a simple smile spreading across his face, revealing his teeth that were slightly yellowed from smoking.

The fact that he was working for this new young man in the compound, who was clearly from a high-ranking official's family, made him feel that this was not only a business deal but also a good opportunity to network. If he could leave a good impression, he might be able to benefit from it in the future.

Moreover, the young man spoke kindly and had clear eyes, without any of the haughty airs that he had imagined children of cadres might have, which made him feel very comfortable.

"Thank you for your help. The items are in the store." Yang Guangming led Master Han into the store where he had entrusted the items to him.

Upon entering the shop, Master Han's gaze swept over the sewing machine, the clock, and the radio, and he secretly marveled.

My goodness, the Yang family is truly extraordinary. They've only been here a few days, and they've already acquired so many expensive items! Sewing machine, grandfather clock, radio... These are all things that ordinary families would save up for years to even consider.

However, he was an honest man who knew what he should and shouldn't ask. No matter what he was thinking, he kept it to himself and would never say a word more than necessary, much less gossip about it in the yard.

Without saying another word, he quickly began loading things onto the cart.

Yang Guangming also lent a hand, and the two worked together quite well.

Since they were acquaintances, Yang Guangming felt there was no need to haggle like he would with a stranger. After settling his things, he asked directly, "Master Han, how much would you like for this trip?"

Upon hearing this, Master Han quickly waved his rough hands and said, "Hey, we're all neighbors, just helping each other out. Don't mention money. I'll just take it back on my way."

His words carried a mixture of sincerity and politeness.

“No way. You’ve put in the hard work and are earning your money for nothing. You can’t work for free.” Yang Guangming’s attitude was firm, his tone gentle but not brooking any refusal. “You get whatever you’re owed. Please don’t be shy.”

Master Han declined a couple more times, but seeing that Yang Guangming genuinely wanted to give it to him and wasn't just making empty promises, he rubbed his hands together sheepishly and gave a simple, honest smile.
"Well... well, you see, this trip isn't far, and the stuff isn't heavy... you can just give me three cents, is that alright?"

This price is indeed fair, even slightly lower than the market price, reflecting the neighbor's honesty.

Yang Guangming felt that since the other party had worked hard and was a neighbor in the same courtyard, and might need help with coal or grain purchases in the future, he thought he should give them more.

He said, "Here's what we'll do, Master Han. Here's a dollar for you, keep the change. We might need your help with something at home in the future, like buying a coal briquette or moving a heavy object. Consider this an advance payment."

As he spoke, he took out a one-yuan bill from his pocket and handed it over.

When Master Han saw the bill, his eyes widened, and he waved his hands repeatedly, even shrinking back slightly.

"No, no! That's too much! This won't do! It's only three cents! A dollar is too much, I can't take it!"

His attitude was unusually firm, and his dark face even flushed slightly with excitement. He felt that accepting a dollar was a huge bargain, and he would feel very uneasy about it.

The two argued back and forth for a few moments on the street. Seeing that he really wouldn't take more, Yang Guangming had no choice but to change his strategy and said:
"Alright, Mr. Han, it'll be three cents then. I didn't bring any change today, so I'll have to ask you for it. Or you can just keep the change, and we can deduct it from the change later if we have any more jobs."

Master Han took the money, quickly set up the cart, and freed his hands to take out a handful of rolled-up bills and coins from the pocket of his old, patched trousers. Standing by the roadside, head down, he carefully counted out seven mao (0.7 yuan) with his calloused fingers, and then, without saying a word, stuffed it back into Yang Guangming's hand.

“One thing at a time. If it’s three cents, it’s three cents. We earn our living through hard work, and we can’t take more money from you.”

Master Han's tone was stubborn, carrying the dignity and sense of duty unique to working-class people. He looked at Yang Guangming with a serious expression, "If you keep being so polite, I'll feel embarrassed to take this job."

Seeing the unwavering determination in his eyes, Yang Guangming knew it was the principle and integrity of an honest man, and felt a surge of respect for him. He didn't press the matter further, put away the seven cents, and nodded: "Okay, Master Han, I'll listen to you. Thank you."

"You're too kind. It's nothing, it's all my duty."

When Master Han saw that Yang Guangming finally stopped insisting, he breathed a sigh of relief and his simple smile returned to his face.

After checking again to make sure the bindings were secure, Master Han rode the cart in front, while Yang Guangming followed beside it, occasionally giving it a push from behind.

The journey wasn't far, so Master Han didn't rush ahead and rode slowly.

The two chatted casually along the way, mainly with Master Han introducing the neighborhood: which grocery store sold fresh and cheap vegetables, which coal shop had well-pressed and durable coal briquettes, and which barber at the alley entrance had good skills and reasonable prices...

Yang Guangming listened attentively, nodding occasionally and interjecting with a question or two, which gave him a more concrete understanding of his surroundings.

And so, the journey, though not long, took about twenty minutes.

When we arrived at the courtyard house, it was already four o'clock in the afternoon. The gate was open, and we could see people moving around inside.

Once inside, the sounds became clearer: there were women washing clothes or vegetables by the sink, gathered together, chatting about everyday matters as they worked;

There were old men setting up chessboards under the old locust tree in the courtyard, fiercely battling it out on the Chu River and Han Border, or watching and chatting idly on the sidelines;
Several boys and girls were chasing and playing in the yard, their clear laughter and shouts echoing throughout the courtyard.

As Master Han pulled his cart, creaking and groaning, into the courtyard, followed by Yang Guangming, whose forehead was slightly damp with sweat, almost everyone in the courtyard was drawn to his cart.

Inside the car sat an eye-catching sewing machine, a radio, and a large grandfather clock, its outline clearly defined despite being covered by a cloth… The combination of these items undoubtedly created a powerful visual impact. Li Dama, the wife of Deputy Director Li, who was washing vegetables by the sink, straightened up, wiped her wet hands on her apron, and greeted him with a smile of surprise and envy: “Guangming, you’re back? This… you’ve bought some new stuff? Wow, quite a lot!”

Yang Guangming also smiled politely and replied, "Yes, Aunt Li, I went to the consignment store. It's very convenient to use at home." His gaze swept over the others in the yard, who all nodded in goodwill.

Everyone looked at the sewing machine with undisguised envy in their eyes, but no one asked how much it cost or where it was bought.

In the eyes and minds of ordinary residents, the Yang family arrived in a jeep, and were a high-ranking official's family with bodyguards. It was perfectly normal, even taken for granted, for them to have a few decent large items in their home.

Some people even felt that this was in line with their imagination and perception of the life of a "leader's family," and that it would be strange if it were too shabby.

Therefore, while people may feel envious, no one experiences any other negative emotions; they simply take it for granted.

Master Han kept his head down, his hands firmly on the handlebars, carefully adjusting the direction, avoiding potholes and playing children, and finally brought the cart to a steady stop in front of the moon gate in the east courtyard.

After Mr. Han got off the cart, the two of them worked together to carefully unload the sewing machine, clock, and radio from the cart one by one, and then transported them into the main room of the east courtyard.

During this process, Master Han was extremely careful, afraid of bumping or damaging any of the valuable items.

The old lady and Yang Shanshan had already come out of the house to greet them when they heard the sound of the cart wheels and things being moved.

The old lady couldn't contain her joy and excitement as she watched so many eye-catching things being moved in—after all, these were things she had never dared to dream of before. But then, a deep-rooted sense of thrift made her start to feel the pinch of the money.

After Yang Guangming politely saw Mr. Han off, the old lady stepped forward and began to carefully examine each of the newly acquired "big items".

She first walked to the sewing machine, reached out, and gently stroked the metal wheel with its beautiful patterns, then touched the smooth, flat table. Her eyes were full of affection, but she couldn't help but start to complain:

"You silly child, you said you were going to buy a sewing machine when you left home, but how come you came back with all this stuff? This...this must have cost a fortune!"

She pointed to the grandfather clock and radio on the table, "This radio, and this clock, what use are these things to an old lady like me at home? It's just a waste of money!"

The old lady's tone was filled with heartache and worry about her grandson's inability to manage a household.

Yang Guangming took the radio out from layers of old newspapers. The small, exquisite, and simply designed "Panda" brand transistor radio, although not brand new, was still very eye-catching.

As he examined the knobs on the side and the battery compartment on the back, he patiently explained to his grandmother:

"Grandma, you're not right. This radio isn't just for you to listen to and have fun."

He adjusted a knob, and a crackling sound came from the radio. "I also need to listen to the news regularly to understand national events and policy trends. This is important for my work and for our family. With this, we can know what's happening in the world from the comfort of our homes. How convenient!"

He put down the radio and pointed to the clock: "And this clock is indispensable."

When Shanshan goes to school, she'll need to keep track of the time. How can that be okay if it's not punctual? My mother goes to work, and you cook at home at set times. Without a set schedule, are you going to run out every day to watch the sunrise or listen to the loudspeakers on the street announcing the time? That would be too inconvenient.

With this, we can manage our time better, and our family's life can become more structured.

His explanation was reasonable, taking into account everyone's needs and his grandmother's feelings.

Just then, Yang Guangming finally tuned to a channel, and a clear and melodious opera singing voice suddenly came from the radio. It was an excerpt from the Pingju opera "Hua Wei Mei," which was Grandma's favorite to listen to.

The familiar melody and singing style rang out gently in the quiet main room, carrying a wonderful magic that instantly captured the old lady's full attention.

The complaint that was on the tip of her tongue was swallowed back. She subconsciously took two steps forward, tilted her ear, and a look of surprise and rapture appeared on her face as she murmured to herself, "This little box...the sound is really bright...like something out of a theater..."

Yang Shanshan was also captivated by the magical radio. Excitedly, she gathered around, tiptoed, and looked curiously at the little box that could produce beautiful sounds. She wanted to reach out and touch it, but dared not. Her big eyes were full of curiosity: "Brother, there are no little people inside, so why can we hear people singing opera?"

Yang Guangming was amused by his younger sister's innocent question and patted her head: "It's radio waves. I'll teach you slowly later."

As evening approached and darkness fell, Tian Yufen returned home from get off work.

She walked briskly into the main room, and before she could even put down the cloth bag in her hand, her eyes were immediately drawn to the several large items that had appeared in the room.

The Butterfly brand sewing machine stood quietly in the corner, while a newly polished clock and a small Panda radio sat on the table.

She paused for a moment, a look of surprise flashing across her face.

"Mom, Guangming, where...where did all of these come from?" she asked doubtfully, her tone uncertain.

Hearing the noise, Yang Guangming came out from the inner room and explained with a smile, "Mom, you're back. I bought all of these at the consignment shop this afternoon. They're secondhand, and the best part is, no receipts were needed."

The prices are cheaper than new ones, and they're all in excellent condition. Look at this sewing machine, it's practically brand new.

He pointed to those items, a hint of smugness in his voice.

Tian Yufen put down the cloth bag, walked closer, and examined it carefully.

She first touched the sewing machine's table, then looked at the machine head. Just as her son had said, it was well-maintained, with almost no scratches, and the metal parts were shiny and new.

She opened the glass case of the clock, looked at the pendulum swinging steadily inside, and listened to the regular "tick-tock" sound.

Finally, her gaze fell on the radio, and she reached out to adjust the knob. A news editorial was playing, the sound clear and loud.

These are all truly good products!

She knew in her heart that her son had good judgment and was reliable in handling matters. But as a housewife who managed the household finances, she still felt a little heartache about the considerable expense of buying so many "big-ticket items."

She opened her mouth, as if to say something, but then she saw her mother-in-law sitting happily by the radio, squinting as she listened to the opera playing inside, her fingers tapping lightly on her knees; her daughter Shanshan was lying on the table, her little head swaying back and forth with the swinging of the clock, her face full of novelty and excitement.

Then I realized that these things were indeed needed at home—a sewing machine could be used for mending and making new clothes, saving money; a grandfather clock could help maintain a regular schedule for the family; a radio could keep us informed about the outside world and also entertain my mother-in-law…

Ultimately, my son did this for the better of the family. Besides, he's sensible and not the kind of kid who wastes money recklessly.

Thinking of this, Tian Yufen's heartache turned into understanding and a faint sense of relief.

She finally just sighed softly and said gently, "Just buy it then, they're all things we'll need anyway."

There will be many more expenses in the future, so we still need to be careful to save money.

Surprisingly, his mother didn't nag. Guoming quickly took the opportunity to pull out the watch he had bought for his mother. "Mom, I also bought you a watch. It didn't cost any receipt, just fifty-five yuan. Do you think it looks brand new?"

Tian Yufen took the watch, quite pleased with it, but still said, "We already have a clock at home, why buy me a watch?"

Yang Guangming readily offered his reason: "You're a government official now, how can you work without a watch? With this watch, you won't miss anything your superiors assign you."

"You always have a point, but you can't waste money like this in the future!" After all, it was her son's filial piety, so Tian Yufen didn't say much and happily put the watch on her wrist.

After muttering a few more words, she turned around, tied on her apron, and went to the kitchen to prepare dinner.

But as she bent down to rinse the rice, glancing at her watch and listening to the faint sounds of opera and children's laughter drifting from the main room, a satisfied smile unconsciously curved her lips. (End of Chapter)