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

Chapter 58. Warmth in My Heart
The action was even faster on the sunny side.

When he got home that evening, he changed the packaging of the two cans of milk powder in the refrigerator to a more suitable one.

The next day at work, when only Zhou Bingsheng was there, he secretly handed it over, saying only, "I got this through someone, give it to the child to eat first."

Zhou Bingsheng touched the heavy glass jar, looked into Yang Guangming's calm eyes, and a thousand words stuck in his throat, finally turning into a heavy, choked "Thank you!"

Han Mingqian kept his word.

He personally went to the factory's labor union. The union chairman took the situation very seriously and specially approved a hardship allowance of five yuan, which was a considerable amount at the time. He also temporarily allocated a pound of milk powder coupons from the labor union's mutual aid fund.

Han Mingqian also mobilized other departments in the factory office.

Xiao Liu, an officer from the publicity department, contributed several soft cotton clothes that her own child had outgrown, saying they would be perfect for altering into diapers or baby clothes for Zhou's little one.

In just three days!

As Zhou Bingsheng looked at the pile of things on the table—the milk powder and scattered coupons brought by Zhang Yuqin, the two kilograms of milk powder coupons that Li Weidong had exchanged, the two heavy cans of "unlabeled" milk powder that Yang Guangming had brought, the subsidies and milk powder coupons that Director Han had obtained from the trade union, and the few old cotton clothes that Xiao Liu from the publicity department had delivered—he felt a mix of emotions.

These supplies, along with the existing milk ration at home, are enough to feed Zhou Xiaobao for more than a month!

Although the gap still exists, with Yang Guangming's promise and everyone's continued efforts, hope lies ahead.

Zhou Bingsheng took off his glasses and vigorously rubbed his sore eyes with his rough fingers.

He picked up the enamel mug that had been used for many years and was dented and battered. For the first time, he found that the bland tea inside actually had a hint of sweetness.

"Thank you... thank you everyone!" His voice was hoarse as he bowed deeply to everyone in the office.

This old intellectual, who had lived a life of aloofness, now bent over, his back bearing a heavy weight of gratitude and warmth.

Seeing Zhou Bingsheng like this, Zhang Yuqin's eyes also reddened. She smiled and waved her hand, saying, "Master Zhou, what are you talking about! We're colleagues in the same office, we're family! It's only right that we help each other out when there's trouble!"

Looking at Zhou Bingsheng's sincere gratitude and the less distant glances from his colleagues, Li Weidong felt a weight lift from his heart, and a long-lost, relieved smile appeared on his face.

As Yang Guangming watched this scene unfold, a warm feeling welled up in his heart.

He helped Master Zhou, and more importantly, he successfully took the first step—establishing a seemingly reasonable material allocation channel "endorsed" by his colleagues.

The resources in the refrigerator can finally be converted into a small amount of what is needed in reality, with a seemingly reasonable excuse.

Whether it was the upcoming distribution of food coupons to the brothers and sisters in Northeast China or improving their own lives, there was now a legitimate cover and room for maneuver.

Outside the window, the afterglow of the setting sun cast a warm golden hue over the factory's outline.

Zhou Bingsheng carefully put away the milk powder, milk powder coupons, subsidies, and old clothes, handling them with the gentleness of treasures. His face, etched with deep lines by time and writing, finally revealed its first genuine smile in days.

That smile revealed the relief of temporarily setting aside her worries about her grandson, and even more so, a heartfelt gratitude and sense of belonging to her colleagues.

He picked up the copy of "Reference News," and this time, his gaze seemed to truly penetrate the printed words, feeling the warmth of the setting sun outside the window.

In this rare moment of warmth, the daily work of the secretariat quietly returned to its inherent rhythm.

……

When we got home in the evening, the newly arrived formula came in handy, and the crying of Zhou's grandson, Zhou Xiaobao, was finally soothed by the milky aroma.

The heavy weight on Zhou Bingsheng's heart seemed to have been pried open, and his nerves, which had been taut like a bowstring for days, finally relaxed a little.

For once, a hint of relief appeared on his usually stern and serious face. The heavy gratitude in his heart, like a burning ember, needed to be placed somewhere and expressed in order to find peace.

On Friday, as it was almost time to leave work, Director Han walked into the main office. The room was quiet, and even the rustling of papers stopped.

After Director Han finished arranging the work for the next day, Zhou Bingsheng stood up solemnly, cleared his throat, and spoke in a voice that, though not loud, clearly pierced the silence:

"Director Han, Yuqin, Weidong, Xiaoyang..."

He called out names one by one, his gaze earnestly sweeping over each person, finally settling on Han Mingqian with a questioning tone:
"We are all very grateful for everyone's help in Xiao Bao's case."

This Saturday evening, I've prepared some light refreshments and drinks at home. Please do come and join us for a simple meal to express my appreciation.

He spoke in a refined, literary style, with the pedantry characteristic of intellectuals, but his enthusiasm was undeniable, as if refusing would be a huge disservice to him.

Han Mingqian smiled gently and knowingly: "Old Zhou, you're too kind. It's only right for colleagues to help each other out. But since you're so kind, we'll definitely go. It'll be good for everyone to have a good time together."

His words, neither too loud nor too soft, set the tone for the whole matter in a steady and appropriate manner.

Zhang Yuqin immediately chimed in with a smile, her voice as crisp as popping beans: "Master Zhou is treating, how could I refuse? It'll be a good opportunity to see Xiaobao; he must be all chubby and healthy by now!"

Her face was warm and welcoming, like that of an older sister, as if the invitation was a rare and joyous occasion.

Li Weidong quickly echoed his sentiments, deliberately raising his voice to reveal his eagerness to make a statement:
"Don't worry, Master Zhou, I'll definitely be there! I'm also thinking of seeing if there's anything else I can do to help."

He had been trying to mend the relationship during this time, his eyes darting quickly between Han Mingqian and Zhou Bingsheng, afraid of missing even a hint of affirmation.

(End of this chapter)