The sky collapsed, and in the blink of an eye, I found myself transported to Nanluoguxiang.

The sky was just beginning to lighten.

Li Kaixin got up early.

The Li family's kitchen was already lit with a dim yellow light, and unusually, two eggs were boiling in a pot.

"Happy, quick, eat it while it's hot!"

She placed the peeled egg into her son's bowl, and then served Li Kaixin a full bowl of thick rice porridge. The mother's gaze remained fixed on Li Kaixin, as if she wanted to etch his current appearance into her heart.

Knowing his mother was worried, Li Kaixin quickly stuffed the egg into his mouth and drank most of a bowl of porridge before wiping his mouth.

He forced a relaxed smile and said, "Father, Mother, don't worry, I'm doing very well with my master! When I come back from the Northeast, I'll definitely bring you some local specialties from there!"

The father sat on the doorstep, silently smoking. Through the swirling smoke, he looked at his son, who was now almost as tall as him.

He reminded him again, "Be careful on the road and listen to your master."

Outside the courtyard gate, Li Kaixin carried the bulging luggage that his mother had prepared for him overnight, waved to his parents, and strode towards the alley entrance.

Watching her son's figure disappear into the alley, the mother's body, which had been holding on, collapsed instantly. She leaned on her husband's not-so-broad shoulder, her voice choked with sobs.

"Mingde, this child has never been this far before, and I'm always feeling very anxious."

The father reached out and gently patted his wife's back, his gaze still fixed on the direction his son had left, his voice low yet steady.

"Young eagles must fly on their own. When children grow up, they have their own paths to walk. Following Master Chen is a good thing; it's about learning skills and broadening their horizons."

When Li Kaixin arrived at the transportation station with his luggage, the station was already bustling with activity.

A dozen or so Jiefang brand trucks were lined up in two rows, with similar bundles of luggage piled up in front of each truck. The drivers and apprentices greeted each other, inspected the vehicles, and secured the supplies.

"master!"

Li Kaixin spotted Master Chen checking the water tank at the front of the truck and quickly ran over.

Master Chen turned around, saw him coming, and nodded: "Did you bring everything? Make sure you have a thick cotton-padded coat. In the Northeast, your ears can freeze off at this time of year."

"I brought everything!"

Li Kaixin patted the heavy luggage on his back.

Then they saw Wu Tian and Qian Dazhuang not far away, both carrying large bags and looking both nervous and expectant.

"Happy! Over here!" Qian Dazhuang called out in a loud voice.

Li Kaixin leaned over, and the three of them huddled together, whispering among themselves.

"Wow, I've only been here a week and there's already such a big entourage. This is the first time I've ever seen anything like it!" Wu Tian exclaimed, looking at the impressive convoy.

Qian Dazhuang scratched his head: "Who says it isn't? It's even more lively than the pig slaughtering ceremony in our hometown village during the Spring Festival. I heard we're going to go really far this time."

Li Kaixin then realized that the two of them had only arrived a few days earlier than him and had also never driven long distances.

Just then, Director Xie walked over with several staff members, and the scene immediately quieted down.

"Attention everyone!"

Director Xie's voice was loud and clear, drowning out the engine noise.

"Go to the security office in order to sign and collect your service weapons! Hurry up!"

Get your guns!

Li Kaixin felt a surge of warmth in his heart and followed the group forward. At the security room window, he signed his name and received a well-maintained Type 56 semi-automatic rifle and dozens of bullets.

After everyone had received their guns, Director Xie stood on the running board of a truck and began his pre-departure pep talk.

"Comrades! This mission is to help the grain depot haul grain from the Northeast! It concerns the livelihoods of countless people in our city! I won't elaborate on its importance; you all understand!"

My gaze swept over the faces below, some weathered, some young.

"On the road, you may encounter all sorts of situations, and there might even be some unruly bandits! That's why we've issued you guns! Remember, these guns are for self-defense, not for causing trouble! Follow orders in all actions! Go safely and return safely!"

"And when you arrive at your destination, make sure your hands and feet are clean. Don't embarrass our Beijing Transportation Station! Complete the mission, and the station will commend you!"

This passage is primarily addressed to apprentices, and secondarily serves as a reminder to experienced drivers.

After the mobilization was completed, Director Xie instructed the staff to distribute travel allowances to everyone. Based on the estimated ten-day trip, half of the allowance would be paid first, with any excess refunded and any shortfall collected upon return.

"Li Kaixin, apprentice, five yuan for ten days, two yuan and fifty cents to start!" An officer called out the name and handed over two one-yuan bills and a few small bills.

Li Kaixin took the money, somewhat puzzled, and whispered to the driver next to him, "Sir, why didn't I receive this subsidy yesterday?"

Mr. Chen stuffed the money into his pocket and explained, "Yesterday was a short trip, so what? I made it back and forth in one day, no problem at all."

Seeing that Li Kaixin was listening attentively, he paused and then continued to explain, "This long journey is different. We'll be exposed to the elements and live in constant fear. This is called risk compensation, and that's why we're armed. In the old days, the roads weren't very safe. Although things are much better now, there's still always that one fool who'd rather risk their life than save money."

Li Kaixin then realized what was happening.

At this time.

Director Xie casually strolled over to Li Kaixin, then pulled her to a secluded spot, looked around, and spoke in a very low voice, so low that only the two of them could hear her.

"I'm so happy. When we get to the Northeast, we sometimes come across some good mountain products like wild ginseng or furs in the forests or from the locals. Keep an eye out for them. Money is no problem."

As he spoke, he discreetly slipped a thick envelope into Li Kaixin's handbag.

"Here's two hundred yuan, take it for now. If you find something suitable, then take it."

Li Kaixin instantly understood that this was Director Xie's personal job.

He nodded calmly, "Understood, Uncle Xie. I'll keep an eye on it."

Later, when I returned to Mr. Chen's side, I noticed that Director Xie also whispered a few words to Driver Zhang, who had transported the black bear with him last time, in a similar manner.

It seems that this deputy director is cultivating his own relationships and financial resources, and I, because of my previous performance, have entered his limited circle of trust.

In fact, Director Xie also wanted to have more drivers help him train, but some of the veteran drivers at the transportation station belonged to other factions, and some disdained to take sides, while Director Xie didn't quite trust the apprentices.

There was no other way; there were too few capable people, so we had to call on Li Kaixin as well. At least he seemed clever and reliable.

Waiting for everything to be ready.

Station Master Zhao, who had been standing calmly at the office door, suddenly waved his hand forcefully, his voice echoing throughout the entire parking lot.

"Set off!"

At the command, everyone sprang into action.

The drivers quickly climbed into the driver's seat, and the apprentices nimbly climbed into the passenger seat as well.

Master Chen opened the car door and said to Li Kaixin, "Get in! This mission will take a long time, so I'll let you practice when the road conditions improve."

"Okay, thank you, Master." Li Kaixin nimbly climbed into the passenger seat and carefully placed the rifle at his feet.

The roar of engines suddenly intensified, and more than a dozen green trucks slowly drove out of the transport station gate one after another.