Rebirth in a Courtyard: I Am a Little Hunter

On the way to the long-distance bus station, Wei Feng pedaled with extra vigor, as if he had inexhaustible energy.

The cold wind stung his face, but his heart felt warm, as if it were burning with fire. This wasn't just because of the new life he was about to begin, but also because he had witnessed firsthand how his cousin had bestowed another precious opportunity upon his eldest sister's family in a more fulfilling way.

He didn't quite understand the specifics of those "replacements" and "operations," but he could feel the overflowing gratitude and hope in Grandpa Wei's eyes, and see the radiant glow on Sister Zhenzhen's face, a mixture of tears and smiles. This made him feel that his cousin was not only capable, but also loyal and responsible.

"Chenzi," Wei Feng gasped for breath as he pedaled hard, and couldn't help but ask, "What Uncle Wei was talking about... the exchange, is it possible? A spot at the steel mill, can it really be exchanged for two jobs in the commune?" In his simple understanding, things in the capital were always the best. Wouldn't it be a loss to exchange one of the best for two "second-best" ones?

Wei Chen, sitting in the back seat with his hands in his cotton coat pockets, smiled upon hearing this: "Brother Feng, you can't look at it that way. For Uncle Wei's family, a golden rice bowl in Beijing is not as reliable as two secure rice bowls by their side. Although Beijing is nice, they are unfamiliar with the place, and it would be very difficult for my sister to go alone, and the family would be separated. If it were two locals, although their positions might not be as prestigious as those in the steel mill, the family could stay together, and it would be stable and secure, which is the biggest advantage."

He paused, then continued, "As for whether it will work out, that depends on Uncle Wei's skills and luck. A formal position at a major factory in Beijing might mean, in the eyes of some people in the communes or even counties, a shortcut to the big city, or an excellent opportunity to place their own people there. If handled properly, the chances of a successful exchange are not small. To put it another way, even if it doesn't work out, it's still a good path for Sister Zhenzhen to go to Beijing." Wei Chen saw things clearly; this was essentially a mutually beneficial exchange, the key being finding a suitable exchange partner and leverage.

Wei Feng nodded as if he understood, and sighed, "Chenzi, you've thought this through very well. If Zhenzhen's family can really get together, that would be an incredible blessing."

"We're all family, so I'll help if I can," Wei Chen said calmly, gazing at the hazy horizon in the distance. All he could do was provide opportunities and platforms; whether each person could seize them and how they chose to proceed was their own choice.

Upon arriving at the commune bus station, the last dilapidated bus bound for the county town was already chugging along, billowing black smoke, urging on the few remaining passengers. Wei Chen jumped off the bus and patted Wei Feng on the shoulder: "Brother Feng, that's enough for now. Drive carefully on the way back. Don't forget to come find me at the steel mill the day after tomorrow."

"Don't worry, Chenzi! I'll definitely be there!" Wei Feng nodded vigorously, his dark face full of seriousness and anticipation. "Be careful on the way!"

Wei Chen waved and turned to board the rattling bus. The doors closed, the engine roared even louder, and the bus swayed and lurched away from the small commune that held the hopes and choices of many families.

After a bumpy ride and several transfers, Wei Chen finally arrived back in Beijing, covered in dust, by which time it was completely dark. The city lights seemed particularly distant in the cold winter night. He tightened his collar, picked up his half-empty (to avoid drawing attention) satchel, and walked towards Nanluoguxiang, his steps slid across the slippery, frozen snow.

From a distance, you could see a figure huddled under the dim yellow light of the electric lamp at the gate. In this freezing weather, where breath turns to ice, who would be standing at the gate for no reason?

As Wei Chen approached, he recognized the man—Uncle Yan Bugui, the Third Uncle. He was wrapped in a faded old cotton-padded jacket, his neck hunched, his hands tucked into his sleeves, and his feet stamping on the ground incessantly, trying to ward off the chill. Yet, his eyes scanned the alleyway like searchlights, as if he were waiting for someone.

Wei Chen chuckled inwardly. This guy really wasn't afraid of the cold, all for a bite to eat. He was probably calculating that Wei Chen should be back soon, hoping to "trade" some better stuff for him. Wei Chen kept a straight face and stepped forward to greet him: "Third Uncle, it's so late, still loitering around the door? It's freezing cold."

Yan Bugui was shivering from the cold when he heard this. He looked up and saw Wei Chen. Under the dim light, his eyes behind his glasses lit up, and a familiar smile, tinged with flattery and calculation, appeared on his face: "Oh, it's Wei Chen back! Of course, it's freezing cold here! I was just... taking a walk after dinner."

He chuckled, but his gaze involuntarily drifted to Wei Chen's hands and body, especially the seemingly inconspicuous shoulder bag. "How's it going? Everything's alright back home in the countryside? Didn't your mother and sister come back with you?"

"Everything's fine, thank you for your concern." Wei Chen replied casually, "My mom and Ranran took an earlier bus and came back first. I went to see my cousin on the way, so I'm a little late."

"Oh, you're back. I didn't pay much attention! Go see your cousin, it's only right, it's only right." Yan Bugui nodded, his eyes darting around as if trying to find out more about his "countryside" relatives, but Wei Chen clearly didn't intend to discuss it further.

He smacked his lips, finally unable to resist, rubbing his hands together, leaning closer, and lowering his voice, "Um... Wei Chen, you know how it is this year, everything's in short supply at the market. With the New Year just around the corner, the kids are craving meat... Look, the little bit of meat you shared with me last year really satisfied their cravings. This year... if there's any left over, could you... share some more with Uncle San? We can discuss the price, or you could see what you're lacking at home, and Uncle San will trade with you!"

So that's what it was all about. Wei Chen knew perfectly well what was going on, but his face showed a troubled expression: "Third Uncle, things aren't going well in the countryside this year. When I went back this time, I only brought back some of the food I had kept for myself, and I didn't get anything special. How about this, I'll see in a couple of days, and if I really have a little extra, I'll let you know. I really can't guarantee anything right now."

He didn't make a definitive statement, leaving some room for maneuver. Although Yan Bugui was stingy and calculating, he was also a long-time resident of this compound and was sometimes well-informed. Maintaining a superficially acceptable relationship wouldn't hurt.

Moreover, Wei Chen's space is well-stocked with resources, and occasionally "sharing" a little out can help improve neighborly relations and shut up those who always want to pry. In fact, Wei Chen doesn't mind helping his neighbors occasionally by exchanging some things with them, but only if they don't take him for a fool!

Upon hearing that there was a chance, Yan Bugui, though he hadn't received the item immediately, didn't give up outright. His smile widened: "Alright, alright! Just hearing that is enough! No rush, no rush! Just let me know when you have it! I have a few industrial coupons I just got, or if you see any flower in my house that you like, just say so!"

He knew that although Wei Chen was young, he seemed to have some wild ways of getting his hands on good stuff. Last year, the meat he got made his family quite proud during the New Year.

"Alright, then I'll go in first, Third Uncle. It's too cold out there, you should go back inside as well." Wei Chen said, walking towards the courtyard.

"Alright! Go back inside and warm up!" Yan Bugui stomped his foot in satisfaction, but didn't go back immediately. He stood at the door, unsure whether to continue "digesting" or wait to see if any other "fat sheep" would return.

Passing through the front yard, the middle courtyard was nearly deserted; everyone was huddled indoors in this cold weather. Only light shone from the Jia family's windows, and the faint sounds of Banggeng and Xiaodang crying, along with Jia Zhangshi's sharp reprimands, could be heard. Wei Chen shook his head and headed straight for the east wing.

Pushing open the wooden gate to their small courtyard, warm orange light shone from the windows of the main house, indicating that his mother, Wang Xiulan, had already returned. Hearing the noise, the curtain was lifted, and Wang Xiulan poked her head out: "Chen'er's back? Come in quickly, the food's warming up in the pot."