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

Chapter 56. Zhou Bingsheng's Sorrowful Clouds
Monday afternoon was a rare quiet day for the factory affairs office secretariat.

Zhou Bingsheng sat by the window, holding the copy of "Reference News" in his hand, but his gaze lingered on the gray factory rooftops outside the window, his brow furrowed in a knot he couldn't untie.

He picked up the large enamel mug, brought it to his lips, and then slowly put it down, as if even the thick layer of tea foam couldn't suppress the worries in his heart.

A barely audible sigh, as light as a speck of dust falling from a windowpane.

Zhang Yuqin was knitting a navy blue sweater with her head down. The bamboo needles flew quickly in her hands, making a fine, rhythmic clicking sound.

Out of the corner of her eye, she keenly caught Zhou Bingsheng's unusual silence and the sorrow between his brows.

This usually composed "old master," who seemed to live only in the world of words and newspapers, was clearly preoccupied today.

"Master Zhou." Zhang Yuqin stopped what she was doing, her voice as warm as ever, but a little softer, "What's wrong with you today? You seem restless. Is something wrong at home?"

She leaned forward slightly, her eyes filled with genuine concern.

Zhou Bingsheng was startled by the sudden greeting and tightened his grip on the newspaper.

He subconsciously wanted to deny it, to maintain that intellectual's aloofness and distance—for decades, he had long been accustomed to bearing things alone, not easily revealing his difficulties to others, especially in front of his colleagues.

However, the cries of his grandson, who was crying for food, seemed to echo in his ears again, and the pale face of his daughter-in-law and the doctor's serious instructions lingered in his mind.

This heavy reality weighed him down, making it hard to breathe. His stubborn sense of "face" seemed so fragile and vulnerable for the first time in the face of familial affection.

He opened his mouth, his throat bobbed a few times, but he only managed a muffled "Um...no, nothing..." His voice was dry.

He picked up the teacup and took a big gulp. The scalding tea made him wince, but it also seemed to give him a bit of courage.

"Sigh..." He let out another heavy sigh and finally put down the newspaper that he had been using as a screen. Behind his thick glasses, his eyes held a rare sense of embarrassment and helplessness.

He looked at Zhang Yuqin, and also glanced at the other two young people in the office—Yang Guangming, who was engrossed in organizing documents, and Li Weidong, who seemed to be writing materials but was actually listening intently.

"Yes...yes, there's something I need to say," Zhou Bingsheng began, his voice low and trembling slightly. "It's...really embarrassing to say. We've run into some trouble..."

Under Zhang Yuqin's encouraging gaze, Zhou Bingsheng finally let down his guard and haltingly recounted his family's predicament:
The eldest daughter-in-law, Liu Sufeng, slipped and fell on the dark and slippery road after getting off work one evening, injuring her back and requiring long-term medication and rest.

The doctor strictly ordered that breastfeeding must be stopped immediately!
This is a real hardship for his four-month-old grandson, Zhou Xiaobao.

Without breast milk, the child's only hope is formula and cow's milk. However, cow's milk is rationed and simply not enough.

What about formula? Consuming seven or eight kilograms a month feels like a mountain pressing down on us. Even if we gradually add complementary foods like rice cereal or wheat porridge, the demand for formula is still substantial, and it will continue for at least six months!
“In our household, money isn’t our biggest worry.”

Zhou Bingsheng pushed up his slipped glasses, his face filled with deep sorrow, "It's just that these milk powder coupons... are really... hard to get!"

The whole family was extremely worried, and my wife was so anxious that she couldn't sleep at night.

Little Bao was crying from hunger, and I felt so sorry for him…

He shook his head, unable to continue. The anxiety and helplessness characteristic of a grandfather were clearly written on his face. The air in the office instantly became heavy. Even the faint hum of machinery outside the window seemed to subside.

As soon as Zhou Bingsheng finished speaking, Zhang Yuqin was the first to stand up, her face full of sympathy and urgency:

"Oh my! Master Zhou! How could you keep something like this to yourself!"

I happen to have about half a pound of baby formula at home, which my family brought when they visited my baby last time. My mother said that since my baby is older now, she should eat more solid food, so we should save the formula for later.

I'll bring it to you tomorrow! It's an urgent matter!

She paused, then her "chief steward" enthusiasm returned, and she patted her chest, saying:
"Don't worry! I'll put in a good word for you within our women's circle!"
Many of my old friends have young children or babies at home, so maybe one of them has some milk powder coupons saved up, or they can get some.

Many hands make light work; if everyone pitches in, we'll always find a way!

Her eyes were bright, as if she had already seen hope.

Li Weidong, who had been silent all along, raised his head at this moment.

Since the data tampering incident, he has clearly felt the alienation in the office, especially Han Mingqian's all-knowing yet cold gaze, which makes him feel like he is sitting on pins and needles.

He desperately needs to change the status quo and reintegrate into the group.

Right now is a golden opportunity!

"Master Zhou."

Li Weidong's voice carried a deliberate sincerity, even a hint of urgency, "I...I'll try to think of a way for you too!"
I have a few close classmates who work in other factories or neighborhoods. I'll go ask them if I can find out if anyone has any spare milk powder coupons.

He seemed to feel that simply talking wasn't enough, so he gritted his teeth and made up his mind:
"Okay, Master Zhou! Our ration is still enough. I can save three catties of grain coupons every month. You can take it!"
Food coupons are a hard currency; use them to exchange for milk powder, and people will definitely be more willing to do so!

Upon hearing this, Zhou Bingsheng quickly waved his hand, his face showing a mixture of gratitude and apprehension.

"Weidong, no, no! How can I accept this! Grain coupons are precious items, they're for your own use! I can't take your grain coupons!"

His inherent pride and aversion to owing favors prevailed, especially the feeling that taking advantage of a young colleague was inappropriate.

Li Weidong was anxious; he desperately needed this "favor" to improve the relationship.

"Master Zhou, please don't be so polite! I really want to help you out sincerely! I know you're not short of money, and I'm not just giving it away for nothing..."

His mind raced, and he settled for second best, "Don't treat these three jin of grain coupons as a gift. Just consider them as something I'm giving you to help you with... to help you with things you don't need or have in your room."

Anything is fine—soap, towels, even old newspapers! I'll take anything you have in your house!
That way, people are more willing to exchange food coupons for milk powder, right?

You didn't take my things for nothing; it was a mutually agreeable arrangement!

(End of this chapter)