Chapter 107: A New Educated Youth, Another Bodyguard

Comrade Tang Banxia, the other comrade Geng Zhengfei mentioned, had yet to be seen.

But the pressing issue in the village now was the arrival of the new educated youth.

This was causing the newly appointed Captain Song quite a headache. The youth station had only four rooms, already crammed with thirteen young recruits—not including those who had already moved out. Where would the newcomers stay?

He made a round of the youth station, peering into each room; every kang bed was occupied by three or four people. There was simply no more space.

Building a new youth station was unrealistic. The village’s funds were barely touched, let alone enough to spend on outsiders.

As the new captain, he didn’t want to stir up resentment just yet.

With no other option, he repaired some old, unused houses in the village—just barely livable—and left it at that.

He then called Secretary Geng and Hu Jiaguo to hitch a ride on the donkey cart to pick up the youth.

On the way, Hu Jiaguo wondered aloud, “Don’t the educated youth usually arrive in May or July? Why are they coming in September this year?”

And it was usually a batch every two years assigned to their village. They had a group just last year—why another one now?

Being a native of Guyue Village, Hu Jiaguo harbored no welcoming feelings toward the educated youth.

At first, people were intrigued by these city youngsters, but over time, irritation was all that remained.

No other reason—these city kids were delicate and troublesome, full of empty talk, utterly useless at farming, and looked down upon the villagers with their eyes seemingly perched atop their heads. How could anyone like them?

Hence, every year when the educated youth arrived, the village captains inevitably clashed.

Last year, because his father was at a disadvantage, their village had to accept five youth. Why come again this year?

Not only Hu Jiaguo felt resistant; no one in Guyue Village welcomed them, including the youth themselves.

The land was limited. More people meant less land for each, directly affecting everyone’s interests.

Song Weimin forced a bitter smile. “I heard that among the new educated youth, there’s someone with a background. Not sure how they ended up in Guyue Village.”

Secretary Geng sat silently nearby, his posture straight, his eyes flickering briefly.

“Secretary Geng, what do you think?” Song Weimin suddenly prompted him.

Geng Zhengfei shook his head. “I don’t know either.”

Song Weimin nodded and turned away.

He had long wanted to understand Secretary Geng’s background and temperament, since they would be working together for a long time.

But so far, the secretary was a closed book—he never spoke unless matters directly involved him, and even then, he preferred to stay uninvolved. When asked, he always deferred to the captain.

This left Song Weimin frustrated, like punching cotton.

At the commune’s youth office, four educated youth were already waiting. Even Hu Jiaguo’s face darkened. Four again?

Song Weimin took a deep breath, stamped the paperwork, and called out names: “Xu Sheng, Sheng Qianqian, Wang Jiayu, Cai Mingyang.”

Three girls and one boy—truly no cause for laughter.

After confirming, Song Weimin had them load their luggage onto the donkey cart and started walking back.

“Wait, isn’t the donkey cart for us to ride?” Sheng Qianqian stared dumbfounded.

She had just complained about the cart being grimy, and now they weren’t even allowed to sit?

Song Weimin’s face hardened. “The donkey can’t pull you all. The commune isn’t far; just walk back.”

“Then why can he ride?” Sheng Qianqian’s voice sharpened.

“He’s driving the cart. Want to take over?” Song Weimin’s tone grew harsher.

Indeed, Uncle Dashan was right—newcomers needed to be put in their place; otherwise, they’d get arrogant.

After saying this, Song Weimin didn’t waste more breath and gestured to Hu Jiaguo to drive. “If you don’t go, stay here.”

He’d rather they get angry and leave—it’d be easier for him.

Seeing the other three follow, Sheng Qianqian stomped her foot but had no choice but to walk as well.

After a short while, she began to complain, refusing to move.

No one indulged her. As everyone distanced themselves, she panicked, hurriedly getting up and chasing after them.

Upon arriving at the village, seeing the dilapidated mud houses, Sheng Qianqian exploded again. “What is this? You expect me to live here?”

“We came to support rural construction,” she added indignantly. “Is this how you treat us?”

Song Weimin and Hu Jiaguo dumped the luggage by the door. “Rest tomorrow. Work the day after.”

He left without a word, ignoring Sheng Qianqian entirely.

She fumed on the spot for a moment, then reluctantly carried her luggage inside.

Wang Jiayu and Cai Mingyang also looked displeased at the living conditions, except for Xu Sheng.

She efficiently unpacked and said, “Going to explore the village,” then left the youth station.

After walking a short distance, she saw Secretary Geng. They exchanged a glance. Xu Sheng walked ahead casually until she met an elderly woman.

“Grandma, do you know where the carpenter’s house is?”

The elderly woman, Huang Xiaocui’s grandmother, was sunning herself. Seeing the polite young girl, she pointed the way.

Xu Sheng thanked her and, like the other youth, bought a trunk and stool from the carpenter before returning.

Back at the messy youth station, she ignored the chaos, unpacked her things, took out some rations to eat, then lay down and closed her eyes.

“Hey, help me carry my luggage,” Sheng Qianqian stood haughtily beside Xu Sheng.

Xu Sheng ignored her, turning over.

Frustrated, Sheng Qianqian tried to grab her, but Xu Sheng caught her arm. “Don’t provoke me.”

Her expression was fierce.

Sheng Qianqian’s face flushed red, but the hand gripping her wrist was like a branding iron—no matter how she struggled, she couldn’t move.

Tears welled up in her eyes.

Seeing she was scared, Xu Sheng released her and went back to sleep.

Sheng Qianqian felt as if the whole world was against her and burst into tears.

Wang Jiayu saw this, came over softly coaxing her, then helped carry her things inside. Sheng Qianqian finally quieted down.

After they finished settling, Song Weimin sent his eldest son to summon them for food ration collection. Xu Sheng went along.

After a busy day, once everyone was asleep, Xu Sheng opened her eyes and quietly left the youth station.

Secretary Geng had been waiting outside for a while.

Seeing her emerge, he said nothing and led her to Tang Banxia’s home, where they introduced themselves.

They say one sees a beauty by lamplight.

By the oil lamp’s glow, Tang Banxia appraised Xu Sheng—undeniably a striking beauty, with an oval face and tender eyes.

“You’re my bodyguard?”

Xu Sheng smiled slightly, like a blooming wildflower. “Since you’re a woman, they specially assigned me.”

Tang Banxia nodded. “I’m Tang Banxia. Just treat me normally, no need for formalities—that feels creepy.”

“I’m Xu Sheng.”

After introductions, Xu Sheng left. Living collectively, disappearing too long would raise suspicion.

Today was just a brief meeting.

After Xu Sheng and Geng Zhengfei left, Tang Banxia stroked her chin, lost in thought.

Wen Mubai asked curiously, “What are you thinking?”

“Why doesn’t Secretary Geng pretend to be an educated youth and blend in?”

Being secretary meant handling all the village’s affairs.

Thinking of Secretary Geng’s upright face, Tang Banxia mused, “Maybe because no one would believe him.”

“True enough!”

Secretary Geng, not far off, suddenly felt an invisible sharp kick!