Siheyuan: I just came across and wanted to chase me away

Gu Nan listened to the growing commotion outside the courtyard, a mix of sharp curses and children's cries, and his brow furrowed almost imperceptibly. He didn't linger, but pushed open his own courtyard gate. The hinges creaked as they turned, acting as an invisible barrier, temporarily shutting out the noise. He had always been too lazy to get involved in the messy affairs and petty squabbles within the courtyard—as long as it didn't interfere with his and Ran Qiuye's peaceful life, he let them make a scene.

In the open space by the courtyard gate, Jia Zhangshi was standing on tiptoe, pointing at Qin Huairu's nose and cursing, spittle flying everywhere with her harsh words: "You're a good-for-nothing! You can't even handle this little thing! Back then, I asked you to beg Uncle Yi, but you dragged your feet and couldn't bring yourself to do it; I asked you to go find He Yuzhu, but you said he didn't like us! Now look what's happened, Banggeng is going to be sent to the countryside to work as a sent-down youth, are you satisfied now? I think you're just deliberately trying to cut off the Jia family line!"

Qin Huairu lowered her head, her back trembling slightly, her eyes red as if soaked in blood, her voice trembling with suppressed sobs: "Sigh, there's really nothing we can do about this... The factory's documents have all been posted, saying that in response to the call, all eligible young people have to go. Banggeng, when you get to the countryside, behave well, talk less and work more, don't get into conflicts with anyone, and don't think about anything else. Mom will send you money and food coupons every month."

Upon hearing this, Banggeng's face flushed bright red, and he stomped his feet, shouting, "Mom! Grandma! I don't want to go to the countryside! That place is dirty and tiring. I've heard that mosquitoes can eat people alive, and there's no heating in winter. How can I survive if I go there? You must save me!" He grew up in the city and was spoiled by Jia Zhangshi and Qin Huairu. He even found chopping wood too rough on his hands. The thought of going to the countryside to dig the ground, feed pigs, and do farm work made the hairs on his body stand on end, as if he could already smell the earth and manure.

Before Qin Huairu could comfort her son, Jia Zhangshi turned her ire on her again, her voice shrill like fingernails scraping glass, so harsh it sent chills down one's spine: "Listen to this! Listen to this! Banggeng has never done any heavy work since he was little, he can't even wash his own socks, what kind of self-care ability does he have? If he really goes to the countryside, won't he be tortured to death by those rough people? You, as his mother, are just going to stand by and watch? How could I have given birth to such a useless thing like you!"

Qin Huairu felt a pang of sadness at what she was being told, and tears streamed down her face like broken beads, falling onto her clothes and leaving a small damp patch. "I didn't want to either... but it's the factory's rule, a strict order from above. I'm just a widow, powerless and helpless, what can I do?" She desperately wanted her son to suffer, but given their situation, who would speak up for them? All avenues for pleading had long been blocked.

Jia Zhangshi's eyes darted around, and she suddenly grabbed Qin Huairu's arm, her nails almost digging into her flesh. She lowered her voice and said, "Go find Ran Qiuye! Isn't her husband, Gu Nan, the deputy director of the factory? His words carry weight! Ran Qiuye is also a teacher; she's soft-hearted and can't stand seeing children suffer. Go and talk to her nicely, cry a little, beg her, and lay out all the difficulties at home. Maybe she can put in a good word for him and get Gu Nan to help find Banggeng an easier job, even if it's just as an apprentice at the factory. It'll be better than going to that godforsaken place in the countryside!"

Qin Huairu hesitated—she knew that Gu Nan and Ran Qiuye had never liked the Jia family. Last time, because of the grain coupon issue, Gu Nan had coldly reprimanded her, implying that everyone should look after their own family. But the thought of Banggeng going to the countryside to suffer hardship made her heart harden. Gritting her teeth, she wiped away her tears: "That's the only way... I'll go and try." Whether it worked or not, she had to give it her all for her son.

Before Jia Zhangshi could give a few more instructions on "how to cry in a way that will make people feel sorry for you," Banggeng suddenly burst into tears, crying so hard it was heartbreaking. This prompted several neighboring houses to quietly open their doors a crack: "I don't want to go to the countryside... I want to stay in the city... I want to eat meat buns..."

Seeing her son sobbing uncontrollably and barely able to breathe, Qin Huairu's heart clenched. She nodded firmly, "Okay! Mom will go right now! I'll definitely beg Gu Nan to help you so you don't have to go to the countryside!"

Upon hearing this, Banggeng's crying subsided slightly. He looked at her through his sobs, a glimmer of hope flashing in his eyes—as long as he could stay in the city and not have to go to that poor and miserable countryside, he would be willing to sweep the floor and take out the trash for Gu Nan's family every day. Just hearing about life in the countryside was terrifying enough; it was simply unbearable for a human being!

Qin Huairu gathered her wind-blown hair, wiped away her tears, took a deep breath, and as if she had made up her mind, walked towards Gu Nan's house. Her steps were heavy, each one feeling like walking on cotton, but she had only one thought in her mind: she must make sure her son stayed.

Qin Huairu, her mind racing with calculations, hurried towards Gu Nan's house. Her shoes clattered on the cobblestones of the alley, as if urging her to hurry—she couldn't sleep or eat in peace until the matter of sending the rice seedlings to the countryside was settled. Some things couldn't be delayed; she had to act quickly while there was still a chance, otherwise, once the official notification arrived, it would be too late.

Just as she reached the gate of Gu Nan's courtyard, before she could even raise her hand to knock, the big yellow dog named Heizi leaped out from the woodpile behind the door. Its glossy fur gleamed in the sunlight, and it abruptly blocked her way. It growled softly, its tail held straight up like a taut stick, and its bright black eyes were fixed on Qin Huairu, clearly not intending to let her in easily.

Qin Huairu was startled by the commotion and instinctively shrank back, almost dropping the cloth bag in her hand. She really didn't know how to talk to a dog; she couldn't very well start crying and whining at it, could she? She could only patiently call out through the mottled wooden door into the yard, "Is Teacher Ran Qiuye home? I'm Qin Huairu from the front yard. I need to talk to you about something. Please open the door." Her voice was neither too loud nor too soft, just enough to penetrate the door, carrying a deliberately gentle tone.

Inside the house, Gu Nan was squatting on the ground repairing the wooden latch on the cradle when he heard Qin Huairu's voice outside the gate. His brows furrowed instantly, and his hammer paused. He really disliked this woman; he always felt she exuded a shrewd calculation, always trying to get close to others, and her eyes betrayed her true intentions. He put down his hammer, intending to get up and go out to send her away, so she wouldn't linger at the door and disturb the peace of the house.