Chapter 124: A Letter from Home

Chapter 124: A Letter from Home

Ye Xiaoxiao had no reason to refuse this time, and she had already planned to return early, as she couldn’t leave all the factory matters to Song Xiaoguang.

After returning to school, Ye Xiaoxiao received a letter from Jinhai.

It was from Ye Changyuan, who was still in the army but had already adjusted to military life.

He might not be able to come home this year and asked everyone not to worry.

Ye Xiaoxiao wrote a reply, briefly updating him on her life in Beijing, and included a remittance slip for one hundred yuan with the letter.

She knew Ye Changyuan earned a military salary, but he would likely save it for his family, even sending some home.

As a new recruit, he didn’t earn much each month.

Ye Xiaoxiao sent the money so he could focus on his training without worrying about finances.

Her roommate Li Meiru’s situation was entirely different.

The Ye family didn’t pressure the children; they voluntarily helped the family thrive.

After writing to Ye Changyuan, Ye Xiaoxiao wrote a letter to her family.

She prepared some medicated plasters for Grandpa Miao and mailed them along with the items she had previously bought for her family.

...

Back in Baishi Village.

Ye Changqing and Ye Changjun worked at a gravel pit in the county town.

The work was tougher and more exhausting than at the lumberyard, but with the lumberyard closed and Ye Changqing unable to return to the mine, they had to take whatever work they could find.

The gravel was used for building river embankments, a short-term project, so they were temporary workers at risk of losing their jobs anytime.

After finishing work that day, Ye Changqing and Ye Changjun visited Miao Fengshan’s house.

They checked if the old man needed any help.

"Changqing and Changjun, come see what Xiaoxiao and Changning sent home," Miao Fengshan called out to them from inside.

The west room was packed with packages of all sizes.

Ye Changqing was stunned when he entered. "What’s all this?"

Miao Fengshan sighed, "The third child sent a large bag of clothes and shoes. It seems like everyone in the family has something. Several thick clothes feel soft, but they’re not cotton.

Xiaoxiao bought some food and three small radios."

Ye Xiaoxiao bought one for each household.

Since there was no electricity, they couldn’t watch TV, but these battery-powered radios could be used.

With few entertainment options, the family would surely appreciate this gift.

Miao Fengshan handed two remittance slips to Ye Changqing, "The money Changning and Xiao Xiao sent home."

Ye Changqing frowned and finally asked when he saw the amount, "Changning is understandable, but Xiao Xiao is still studying, how did she get the money?"

Ye Changqing couldn’t help but feel ashamed, being the eldest in the family but not taking up the responsibility to support the family.

Miao Fengshan took out the letter written by Ye Xiaoxiao, "It’s probably explained in the letter, open it and see."

Although Miao Fengshan also wanted to know the recent situation of the two children, he did not open the letter himself.

Now that Ye Changqing was here, he suggested they open it.

Ye Changqing opened the letter, starting with Ye Xiaoxiao's.

She reassured the family that she was doing well in the capital and would return home during the winter vacation.

The five hundred yuan sent to the family was money she earned by selling plasters with her friends, telling them not to worry.

Now that the weather is cold and there are many things to buy for the home, they shouldn’t hold back.

"Xiao Xiao sent me plasters last time, and they really helped."

Thanks to those plasters, Miao Fengshan's legs felt much better this winter.

Ye Changqing then opened Ye Changning's letter, which was brief and to the point, saying he was earning money in the south and would return during the New Year.

The clothes he sent back were all purchased at wholesale prices, and the postage was more expensive than the clothes.

These are trendy down-filled cotton from the south, lighter than cotton but warmer, and also cheaper than down jackets.

Additionally, he bought several pairs of cotton shoes back, which the whole family can wear.

In the winter of Baishi Village, you can’t go out without a pair of thick cotton shoes.

For more demanding situations, like when Ye Changqing and Ye Jianguo go into the mountains in winter, they wear sheepskin boots with thick animal fur inside for warmth, so they don’t get numb in the snow.

The cotton shoes sent back by Ye Changning are perfect for everyday use.

"How will we get these things back?"

Miao Fengshan was worried that others might get jealous if they see these.

"There's a militia training in the village recently, and they come to buy supplies from time to time. My father is helping with the militia training, so we can use their truck to transport them back."

Miao Fengshan nodded, "Alright, then go home and talk it over."

"There's also a letter from Changyuan, Changjun, take it back to read." Miao Fengshan handed the letter to Ye Changjun.

Ye Changqing happily said, "Changyuan also has news."

Miao Fengshan: "Yes, as long as the kids are safe and well, that's what matters most."

Ye Changqing decided to make time to go back to the village and discuss this matter with the family, the important thing is to let the family know that Xiao Xiao and the others are safe outside.

...

Jinghua University.

Ye Xiaoxiao had just returned to the dormitory when Wang Jiao hugged her.

"Xiao Xiao, this moisturizer is amazing, and I noticed some of the ladies in my neighborhood are using it too. How come I never heard about it before?"

Ye Xiaoxiao: "It’s a new release from Rende Pharmacy."

Wang Jiao: "But it’s sold out now."

Ye Xiaoxiao shrugged: "It's too popular now, the production can’t keep up. You’ll be able to get it in a few months."

Wang Jiao sighed dejectedly, "I’ll have to wait a few more months."

Ye Xiaoxiao: "If I can snag some, I’ll bring you a jar."

She’s been running between the construction site and school recently, hardly ever going to Rende Pharmacy, so she can’t get her hands on it either.

Wang Jiao nodded. "Okay."

"Xiao Xiao, what have you been up to lately? I’ve noticed you’re always off campus."

Wang Jiao asked curiously.

She’s pretty curious about Ye Xiaoxiao, an out-of-towner who seems to be doing well.

"Helping an older relative with some stuff." Ye Xiaoxiao stayed vague about what she’s been doing.

Wang Jiao gave her a skeptical look but didn’t press.

The others started trickling back into the dorm.

He Jing came back looking thrilled, humming a tune.

Wang Jiao: "You’re glowing—are you in love?"

He Jing: "...No."

But she was obviously blushing.

Wang Jiao clicked her tongue, "You must be getting there."

He Jing: "Stop guessing—I’ll let you know when there’s news."

Ye Xiaoxiao asked: "Is it that guy from the Literature Club?"

She saw the two of them standing together last time.

He Jing nodded in admission.

Wang Jiao immediately looked over, "Who is it exactly?"

He Jing: "A really great senior."

Wang Jiao: "Then you’ve gotta let me check him out for you. How do you know he’s really a good guy?"

Ye Xiaoxiao joked: "You didn’t let us vet you when you were in love."

Wang Jiao widened her eyes, "You too."

Also...

Neither of them has room to talk.

He Jing smiled and said: "Don’t worry about me, I’ll observe slowly."