Chapter 38: Is this movie really that important…

Chapter 38: Is this movie really that important...

Early in the morning, Shen Moer got up, washed her face, and went into the kitchen to cook porridge and fry pancakes. By the time breakfast was almost ready, Shen Shaoyuan also got up. The father and daughter hurriedly ate breakfast and then went to the courtyard of the neighboring brigade office to take a donkey cart.

Today was not a market day for the commune, but because Shen Moer needed to go to the county town, the brigade leader specially approved Uncle Liu to take her to the commune. Uncle Liu would wait at the commune until the afternoon and then bring her back. In the brigade, this was considered a special privilege.

Shen Shaoyuan also got lucky, as he no longer had to walk to the commune for work.

Since it wasn't a market day, there weren't many people taking the cart to the commune. As soon as Shen Moer arrived, she saw Zheng Jiamin leaning against the donkey cart, yawning non-stop, and Fu Mingze next to him, with his hands on his knees and his face buried in his elbows, only the top of his head visible.

Zheng Jiamin greeted Shen Moer while yawning: "Comrade Shen Moer, come quickly!"

The dark-haired head next to him immediately lifted, revealing a slightly tired face. His eyes gradually cleared as he saw the approaching figure, but for some reason, his expression suddenly turned sour.

Fu Mingze greeted Shen Shaoyuan: "Uncle Shen."

Then, without expression, he nodded slightly at Shen Moer and quickly buried his head back into his elbows.

Shen Moer was a bit confused, thinking that this person seemed to be in a bad mood this year. However, seeing Zheng Jiamin next to him yawning non-stop, looking like the opium users often mentioned by the village elders, she guessed it might be due to lack of sleep.

She sat next to Zheng Jiamin. As the donkey cart started moving, she noticed Fu Mingze on the other side, motionless as if he had fallen asleep. She couldn't help but ask Zheng Jiamin: "Did something happen at your educated youth group last night?"

Zheng Jiamin shook his head, then nodded, saying: "We found a nest of rats. They kept everyone awake in the middle of the night, so we had to get up and get rid of them."

So that was it.

But why are you going to the commune so early? Couldn't you go another day?

Shen Moer found it strange but guessed they might have something urgent that required them to go today, so she didn't say more.

After a rocky ride, they arrived at the commune. Everyone got off the donkey cart. Several commune members heading to the procurement station and the supply and marketing co-op quickly left with bamboo baskets and bags. Shen Shaoyuan hurried off to work, giving his daughter some instructions before leaving. Only Shen Moer, Fu Mingze, and Zheng Jiamin remained.

Shen Moer greeted the two and then headed toward the bus pickup point.

There was only one bus from Liuqiao Commune to the county town. It left the commune in the morning and returned from the county town in the afternoon, running only three times a week: on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.

It was said that the bus was a decommissioned vehicle from the county's passenger station. Even though it was decommissioned, it was still in high demand, with several communes vying for it. Eventually, the county decided to allocate it to Liuqiao Commune and two nearby communes. Liuqiao Commune, due to its better economic development, got the better deal of having the bus for three days, while the other two communes only got two days.

The commune didn't build a proper station for this bus that only ran three times a week. Instead, they simply put up a sign at a small open space near the textile factory as the stop.

The original owner of Shen Moer's body had never been to the county town, but she had attended middle school in the commune and was somewhat familiar with the area. Following her memories, Shen Moer walked toward the bus pickup point. After walking for a while, she felt something was off. She turned around and saw Fu Mingze and Zheng Jiamin slowly walking behind her, one still yawning incessantly, the other expressionless and gloomy.

Shen Moer: "?"

She stopped and waited for them to catch up, then asked: "Are you going to the textile factory?"

In this direction, the procurement station and the supply and marketing co-op were already behind them. The small market was in another direction, and since it wasn't a market day, they must be heading to the textile factory.

Oh, Sister Qiao's house is in the textile factory dormitory area.

Just as she was thinking this, Zheng Jiamin said: "We're going to the county town."

Shen Moer was a bit surprised but quickly understood. So they were going to the county town. No wonder they were so tired but still got up early. After all, if they missed today, they would have to wait until next Wednesday for the next bus.

She smiled: "I'm also going to the county town. We can go together then."

Zheng Jiamin: "I heard you're going to the county town to buy crayons and drawing paper for the kids?"

Shen Moer nodded: "They've been practicing with charcoal sticks or pencils and haven't tried coloring yet. I heard that the kids at Dongfanghong Elementary School use crayons, and the competition also allows crayons. I want them to try it out before the competition."

Zheng Jiamin gave a thumbs up: "Go for it!"

Fu Mingze, who had been quiet, suddenly chimed in: "Just going to buy crayons and drawing paper?"

Shen Moer looked at him, thinking his expression seemed a bit gloomy today, but she figured it was just lack of sleep and didn’t pay much attention. She said, "Yeah, mostly to get those two things. They’re not available in the commune. I heard only the co-op near Dongfanghong Elementary School has them. Of course, I’ve never been to the county, so I thought I’d take the chance to look around. What about you, Fu Zhiqing and Zheng Zhiqing?"

Fu Mingze’s face seemed to light up a little.

Zheng Jiamin looked totally bummed out: "We’re going to watch a movie."

Shen Moer: "?"

She couldn’t help but ask, "Is there a really good movie showing lately?"

Good enough to get up early after a sleepless night and spend half a day traveling to the county to see it.

At this, Zheng Jiamin looked even more annoyed: "There’s a new movie called *Shajiabang* that came out in August. My family mentioned it in a letter, but it probably hasn’t reached us yet. We’re going to watch an old film, to reconnect with revolutionary culture."

Oh, Fu Mingze’s exact words were: "The countryside is indeed vast, but it’s also culturally lacking. As educated youth, we need to learn from the poor and lower-middle peasants, work hard to toughen ourselves up, but at the same time, we can’t forget to regularly reconnect with revolutionary culture. Otherwise, we can’t keep up our revolutionary spirit and truly give our all to socialist construction."

As for why they had to go to the county on such a tired and sleepy day, Fu Mingze said: "If such a small difficulty can defeat you, how can you build socialism?"

Zheng Jiamin had known Fu Mingze for a while, but only now realized how ideologically aware he was. He felt really bad and thought about it for ten minutes, then resolutely, with the belief of giving his all to socialist construction, followed Fu Mingze onto the brigade’s donkey cart.

Now, facing Shen Moer’s puzzled look, Zheng Jiamin couldn’t help but feel a bit of hesitation and doubt. His political awareness was pretty high now... right?

Shen Moer didn’t quite get it yet, but she quickly accepted Zheng Jiamin’s explanation.

She knew people here had really high morals and a strong sense of belief and honor. For the ideals and beliefs they talked about, they were willing to make big sacrifices and contributions.

This was different from Great Liang, where people were more in awe of the court. Here, they genuinely loved their country.

She didn’t quite get it yet, but she thought it was nice.

Of course, if it were a little less over the top, it’d be even better.

The bus was already at the stop. It was Shen Moer’s first time seeing a car up close, so she took her time getting on. She stood outside, checking it out for a bit.

Zheng Jiamin yawned and got on the bus as soon as he saw it. Fu Mingze glanced at Shen Moer and got on the bus too. Once they were seated, Fu Mingze used Zheng Jiamin’s bag to save Shen Moer a window seat in front of them. Then he leaned back and closed his eyes.

Shen Moer walked around the bus, amazed by it.

Honestly, as a princess, she’d seen all kinds of fancy, gold-covered carriages.

This bus, when you got down to it, was just a shell of iron and some glass. Even if glass was rare, it could be replaced with colored glaze, and the iron shell wasn’t worth much... But the people in this world had a way of turning the ordinary into the extraordinary. A worthless iron shell could become a vehicle that moved without oxen or horses. In Great Liang, this would be a priceless treasure.

Shen Moer looked at it with fascination for a while, then was about to board when she heard someone call her from behind: "Comrade Shen Moer."

She turned around and saw someone she didn’t expect: "Comrade Zhang Junliang."

Zhang Junliang’s expression was complicated as he asked, "Are you going to the county?"

Shen Moer nodded, "Yes, to buy some things."

To her, Zhang Junliang was just someone she’d met once for a blind date and had already clarified they wouldn’t continue. A simple greeting would do, so she prepared to leave. But Zhang Junliang called her again: "Comrade Shen Moer, can I talk to you for a moment?"

Just then, other people were boarding the bus, so Shen Moer had to step aside: "What is it, Comrade Zhang?"

Zhang Junliang asked directly, "Is there something about me that you're not satisfied with?"

About this matchmaking meeting, Zhang Junliang was originally very confident. Shen Moer was good-looking and her background was acceptable, but it was also a fact that she had a rural hukou status, and her family also required not living with the in-laws but living with her own father. From any angle, Zhang Junliang felt that he should be one of the better candidates in terms of conditions.

Especially after that meeting, Shen Moer had even agreed to consider watching a movie with him. Zhang Junliang had thought that after watching a movie or two and having a meal or two together, this marriage should be settled.

Who knew that the next day, feedback came from Section Chief Xu, saying that the woman felt it was not suitable and had rejected him.

Zhang Junliang was utterly puzzled. He had originally wanted to go and ask Section Chief Xu himself, but after his mother found out about this, she was quite emotional and absolutely forbade him from contacting Shen Moer again. He had been trying to persuade his mother these past few days.

Today, suddenly seeing her, Zhang Junliang couldn't help but ask directly.

It was unexpected, but made sense.

After all, apart from this meeting, she had no other dealings with this Comrade Zhang. Shen Moer just didn't expect that something that everyone tacitly understood and generally no one would delve into, Zhang Junliang would be so persistent in seeking an answer.

After a moment's thought, she vaguely replied, "It's not that I'm dissatisfied with you, but our family backgrounds and personal temperaments are not quite suitable."

Zhang Junliang frowned, "We were aware of each other's family situations beforehand."

He hesitated and asked, "Is it because of my mother? Are you afraid of not getting along with your mother-in-law?"

It was only a first meeting, and Shen Moer didn't want to comment on his mother, so she responded vaguely, "Anyway, it's just not suitable."

Zhang Junliang nodded in disappointment, "I see."

Shen Moer breathed a sigh of relief and turned to walk towards the car door. As she was about to reach it, she looked up and met Fu Mingze's gaze through the glass. Shen Moer instinctively smiled, but Fu Mingze acted as if he didn't see her, expressionlessly withdrawing his gaze.

Guess people who didn't sleep well last night are pretty cranky, huh?

Shen Moer got on the bus, and Comrade Zheng Jiamin, who also didn't sleep well, kindly offered her the front seat he had saved and gave her a few fruit candies, saying that if she felt nauseous later, sucking on one might help.

Passengers started boarding the bus one by one, and soon it was time to depart. Just as the car door was about to close, someone hurriedly ran up.

Shen Moer leaned back, closing her eyes to rest, when she heard someone next to her talking to the aunt sitting beside her. She opened her eyes and saw Zhang Junliang persuade the aunt to switch to the back row with two green oranges.

She watched without expression as Zhang Junliang sat down in the seat next to her. Zhang Junliang, slightly embarrassed, offered a weak explanation, "My aunt lives in the county; I need to visit her."

As he spoke, the driver suddenly honked the horn loudly, and the person standing in the middle of the road quickly ran away.

Shen Moer heard Zhang Junliang's explanation amidst the honking, but she didn't say anything, turning her head to look out the window.

She couldn't very well stop him from visiting family, could she?

In the back row, as soon as Zhang Junliang got on the bus, Zheng Jiamin elbowed Fu Mingze and whispered, "Comrade Shen's match, did they plan to meet up? Ah, right, they had planned to go to the county to watch a movie before."

Fu Mingze watched without expression as the rumored textile factory technician argued with the aunt sitting next to Shen Moer for a long time, finally exchanging two oranges for a seat, and sat down next to Shen Moer, so half a head appeared above the car seat. He seemed to be saying something to Shen Moer... the loud honk drowned out his words.

Fu Mingze's expression darkened.

Zheng Jiamin was still whispering, "Should we not go watch the movie? Comrade Shen might feel embarrassed later."

Fu Mingze glanced at him lightly, "Is this your determination to be influenced and baptized by revolutionary culture? A little difficulty and accident can make you retreat?"

Zheng Jiamin: "..."

Guess we're definitely watching this movie, huh!

Fu Mingze turned his head and ignored him, his gaze unconsciously falling on the gap between the front seat and the car window. In the narrow gap, he could vaguely see the figure of the person in the front seat. She seemed to be looking out the window all the time, as if there was something particularly attractive on the road.

The restlessness in his heart inexplicably eased a little.

As the air filled with the sweet, tangy, and refreshing scent of citrus, Fu Mingze heard the man's voice: "Have a few orange segments; it’ll make the ride more comfortable."

Fu Mingze frowned deeply.

After a moment of silence, Shen Moer's voice came again: "No need, thank you."

Her voice carried a hint of cold detachment, whether real or imagined.

Fu Mingze's frown softened slightly.

Zheng Jiamin nudged him again, whispering almost inaudibly: "The technician's being pretty forward."

Fu Mingze just closed his eyes.

Up front, Shen Moer turned back to the window. She could have just closed her eyes and pretended to sleep, and Zhang Junliang would likely stop bothering her. But this was her first chance to see the world beyond her own, and Shen Moer was unwilling to waste this rare opportunity because of Zhang Junliang.

The car raced down the road, kicking up clouds of dust, flanked by green and yellow fields, with villages dotting the horizon.

Gradually, the buildings grew denser outside the window, with more and more blue-brick tile-roofed houses, growing more imposing. Soon, the fields gave way to bustling streets.

Suddenly, the car screeched to a halt, and the conductor's voice rang out: "We've arrived, get off—"

Zheng Jiamin, dozing off, jolted awake at the conductor's shout and leapt to his feet. After a moment, he finally came to his senses: "Ah, we're here!"

Then, without a second thought, he blurted out, "Comrade Shen Moer, we're here!"

Zhang Junliang, mid-rise, froze and turned to glare at Zheng Jiamin. Recognizing him as the educated youth from before, his face darkened.

Zheng Jiamin, oblivious as ever, greeted Zhang Junliang like an old friend and asked Shen Moer, "Should we buy movie tickets first or crayons first?"

He figured since they were all going to the movie anyway, they might as well act generously.

Zheng Jiamin missed the way Fu Mingze and Zhang Junliang both scowled at his words.

Shen Moer stood too, glancing at Zheng Jiamin and realizing his mistake. When she did, she couldn't help but look at Fu Mingze.

Hmm, Comrade Fu Zhiqing's face was as blank as ever.

So she said, "Let's get off first."

Once off the bus, Shen Moer coolly bid Zhang Junliang farewell: "Goodbye, Comrade Zhang."

Zhang Junliang hesitated, his expression turning awkward as Zheng Jiamin stepped off the bus. Finally, he said, "Comrade Shen, I didn't expect you to be like this."

After saying that, he turned around and left without looking back.

Shen Moer: "..."

Zheng Jiamin asked curiously, "Why did Comrade Zhang leave?"

Shen Moer replied, "He's going to visit relatives."

Zheng Jiamin exclaimed in surprise, "Ah, weren't you going to watch a movie?"

Shen Moer shot him a "what are you even saying?" look and fired back, "Isn't it you who are going to watch the movie, to receive the edification and baptism of revolutionary culture?"

She looked at Fu Mingze, who was walking over behind Zheng Jiamin, her eyes indicating who exactly were the two people who looked like they hadn't slept all night but were still determined to go into the city to watch a movie.

Zheng Jiamin: "..."

Although Comrade Shen Moer's words were normal, they somehow felt like a subtle dig.

Fortunately, he wasn't the only one being subtly mocked.

He playfully rose on his tiptoes and slung an arm over Fu Mingze's shoulder: "Exactly, we have firm ideals and beliefs, always working to strengthen our resolve."

Fu Mingze, who had been gloomy and drowsy the entire journey, seemed to suddenly wake up upon arriving in the small county town. The autumn morning sunlight lit up his fair and handsome face, making his eyes appear brighter.

He smirked slightly and said, "We can buy the movie tickets later. Let's help Comrade Shen Moer buy crayons first."

Zheng Jiamin turned his head, puzzled: "Crayons?"

Fu Mingze said matter-of-factly: "As educated youths from the Yangliu Brigade, we should also contribute to the work of the brigade's elementary school."

Zheng Jiamin: "..."

Something felt off, but it also seemed to make sense.

None of the three had been to the county town before and didn't know their way around. Fortunately, Dongfanghong Elementary School was well-known in Jiangbei County. They casually asked a middle-aged woman on the street, who enthusiastically gave them directions.

They successfully found the local supply store near Dongfanghong Elementary School, where crayons and drawing paper were indeed sold. The twelve-color Hongying brand crayons came in a box featuring an energetic boy holding a red-tasseled spear.

The brigade had allocated three yuan for the purchase. The crayons cost one mao per box, and Shen Moer bought fifteen boxes, setting aside two boxes per person, with three extra boxes as reserves. The remaining money was spent on drawing paper, pencils, and erasers.

With the day's main task done, Zheng Jiamin suggested visiting the department store, and neither Shen Moer nor Fu Mingze objected.

The department store stood prominently along the main street of the county town, four stories tall, a "landmark building" of Jiangbei County.

Unlike the commune's supply store, which often had empty shelves due to insufficient supplies, every floor of the department store was packed with goods, a wide variety of items.

Zheng Jiamin had just received a pile of packages from home and was well-supplied, so he didn't need to buy anything. Shen Moer and Fu Mingze, on the other hand, even if they had money, didn't dare to spend it freely. So, when they said they were just browsing, they truly meant it.

Soon, they reached the bicycle section.

A row of seven or eight shiny black 28-inch bicycles stood there, attracting many onlookers. Some whispered that these were the newly arrived Forever brand bicycles at the department store, a well-known brand and top-quality. Others remarked that despite the number of bicycles, they would likely be sold out within days, as bicycles, especially those from well-known brands, were always in high demand.

Shen Moer was captivated but, lacking both the precious bicycle ticket and enough money, could only look longingly.

Fu Mingze noticed her lingering by the bicycle counter. He started to say something but then stayed silent.

The department store was close to the cinema. With Zheng Jiamin's enthusiastic invitation and Fu Mingze's subtle encouragement, Shen Moer agreed to watch a movie with them.

The main reason was that the bus back to the commune didn't leave until 4 p.m., so watching a movie was a great way to kill time.

The three first ate bowls of noodles at a nearby state-owned restaurant before walking over to the cinema. The afternoon showing was starting in just over ten minutes, so they quickly bought tickets and entered.

The movie was an old one, but Shen Moer found it fascinating. The original owner of her body had seen it before, but watching it in person felt entirely different. Moreover, this was Shen Moer's first time watching a movie, much more interesting than the shadow plays she'd seen in Great Liang.

Zheng Jiamin had seen the movie several times before, but seeing Shen Moer so engrossed made him feel that his own level of enlightenment was lacking, so he gradually became more absorbed as well.

Only Fu Mingze, in the flickering light and shadow of the cinema, kept glancing sideways at the person next to him.