Chapter 954: Chapter 827: The Educated Youth Have Arrived

Contrary to the wishes of the Zhang Family, the five educated youths in the Zhang Family Village production team’s courtyard did not feel they had come to the wrong place. Unlike those who believed rural areas were open spaces full of potential accomplishment, amidst their passionate peers.

After receiving the notice to go to Northeast, their elders began to piece together thick cotton jackets and quilts while asking around about the local customs and practices of the northern countryside.

Compared to those biased families, they were undoubtedly lucky.

Scattered throughout Hai City, these five young people were gathered together by fate when the Old Captain picked them out of more than twenty people.

Of course, besides the private bias of the Old Captain that kids from the same place get along well, there were only a few quiet ones among the chattering crowd.

That thin girl who could compete with Zhou Jiao, Tan Xiaoru, had heard from her distant cousin before coming here about this county town. This cousin had served in the provincial military zone and had just returned home after retiring the year before.

According to him, after asking around fellow soldiers for several days, this county town was the best among several settlements because no one ever starved here back in the day.

Upon hearing this, Tan Xiaoru’s parents worked hard to find connections to get their daughter out of Beidahuang. Before she left, the cousin found some more info, but unfortunately, it was too late.

A few days and nights on the train, listening to the neighbor being arranged to Zhang Family Village’s Bright Team, Tan Xiaoru kept reminding herself that Zhang Family Village wasn’t too far from her settlement; they should have similar social customs.

Yet... she couldn’t have imagined being picked by the goddess of luck. Ever since she heard this was the Old Captain from Bright Team, she had been paying attention to him, and when he cheated and picked her, she happily ran behind the old man. At that moment, she thought even if it couldn’t work, she would cry until successful.

As expected, this village was not only the best in terms of conditions, but also exceptionally united, just as the kind cousin had said. As for the suggestion of running here in case of emergency, she got it during her stay. Not only she understood, but she believed the other four also understood. Because this village holds ample confidence.

Apart from the overwhelmingly surname Zhang in the big family, the renowned fairness of the Old Captain, there was also backstage support. The original ancestral hall had a portrait of the chairman above.

In this village, as long as these five complied obediently and didn’t stir trouble, it wasn’t likely that people from outside villages would come oppress them.

As a girl, without the threats to personal safety, even when Tan Xiaoru was worn out and collapsed onto the kang, a smile still spread across her face.

"Xiao Ru, the Old Captain just sent someone to inform us to collect the meat."

"Hahaha... I never expected the hunt team in the village to share their wild game with us."

"We had fish just a few days ago, now there’s meat again, although the work is tiring, I feel life is getting better and better."

Listening to her friends babbly, the smile on Tan Xiaoru’s face grew brighter.

Throughout the country, many high school graduates like Tan Xiaoru voluntarily or semi-voluntarily rushed to the countryside, but after sowing youthful sweat, the feelings are universally the same?

As the wave of fervor in sixty-four captured nationwide attention through waves of newspaper articles, Zhou Jiaoyuan initially thought it had nothing to do with herself.

Yet seeing Cheng Ruzhu in front quivering in anger, she realized it was impossible to escape unscathed as long as one lived in this world.

In Wen Family’s bedroom, Zhou Jiao handed her a cup of tea, "Auntie, don’t worry, did Cousin Xiao Xian enroll yet?" She referred to her cousin Xiao Rong, Cheng Ruzhu’s eldest son Wen Zhixian.

"Not yet, but this troublesome kid is at home on a hunger strike. Had it not been for his grandpa feigning illness, he would’ve run off already. I didn’t want to discuss this over the phone with your Auntie."

"Did you think about the reason? Maybe he’s sick of you and Uncle talking about college all the time?"

Cheng Ruzhu paused, "Really?"

Zhou Jiao thought it was quite possible. How old is Yu? He’s already been hearing Ping’an say his parents are great but learn, learn all the time.

Plus, coming from a scholarly family, if Mr. Wen hadn’t been forced at that time, he wouldn’t have condescended to become a soldier. With such a grandfather, the pressures on the kids were imaginable.

"What do you suggest?"

Looking at Cheng Ruzhu, who treated her like a daughter, with a face worn out like a ghost, Zhou Jiao, not liking meddling, couldn’t remain indifferent. After hesitating a bit, "How about I talk to my cousin?"

"Your uncle just wants you to come over and brainwash him," Cheng Ruzhu waved her hand, "Go ahead; if he doesn’t listen, hit him hard for me."

Zhou Jiao didn’t have the skills to persuade a rebellious teenager, she needed to offer some temptation. Moreover, even if he did get into college, then what? She couldn’t say these things.

"Auntie, if Cousin indeed doesn’t want to study, have you and Uncle thought of the following arrangements? You can’t let him idle at home."

"His grandpa wants him to read for another year."

Zhou Jiao sighed inwardly. She knew it would be like this!

"Though the circumstances have changed now, if he doesn’t go to Beidahuang, let him work first."

Zhou Jiao nodded, fell silent for a moment, then whispered: "What about Second Cousin? He’s also nearing high school; you should plan ahead."

There were many words she couldn’t speak directly.

Cheng Ruzhu held her hand, "What fate do I have, Auntie? Giving birth to three sons back then, everyone said it was great, but I kept saying daughters are better."

"See, after the hard work of raising them, now they’re not obedient. When they marry in the future, will I still have good days?"

Jiao chuckled, "Auntie, I also have three sons."

"Sigh..."

Seeing Cheng Ruzhu about to speak again after sighing, Zhou Jiao hastily retreated.

When she arrived in Wen Zhixian’s room, this rascal was still pretending to be dead. Zhou Jiao thought it was all spoiled! If Ping’an did this, she’d personally drive him to dig coal, see if he’d behave after two months?

Zhou Jiao moved a chair and sat down, "Enough, speak, where do you want to go? Beidahuang, right? It’s nice there; you’re quite forward-thinking."

Wen Zhixian sneaked a peek at the door, seeing no one else, he quickly sat up, "Sis, I told you you’d understand me. Let me tell you, our whole class signed up, even the girls are going."

Understand what nonsense! Zhou Jiao secretly rolled her eyes, "So, you’re volunteering as a bodyguard for beauty across the miles?"

Wen Zhixian flushed with embarrassment, "I don’t have such nasty thoughts."

"How’s that nasty? Youth filled with admiration; is it because someone you like also signed up?"

"No, no..."

Zhou Jiao eyed the boy who quickly shook his head with satisfaction. Easy to handle when not led by emotions.

"Since you are keen to go, let me tell you how it is over there."

Wen Zhixian glanced at the door and nodded quickly.