Chapter 121 - 121

Chapter 121 Leaving Xiangyang BrigadeYun Ting bought train tickets in advance, without letting Yun Xu come with her. Before leaving, she wanted to make one last deal and tell Zhou Yulan and Wang Guilan that she might not come back again.The two were particularly reluctant to part ways. In fact, it wasn't just about the money they were going to make; they had also developed feelingsfor Yun Ting after spending so much time together.All good things must come to an end.Yun Ting treated them well, because she had always only ever seen them as her distributors.On their side, Yun Ting simply said goodbye.As for Uncle Chen, she had to explain things properly. After all, although they had a business relationship, she had been able to sell so many goods and make so much money over the years thanks to Uncle Chen. It could be said that they were mutually beneficial.Uncle Chen is a nice person, and we might have the chance to work together again in the future." Uncle Chen, I'm giving you this batch of goods today, and then I'm leaving. I hope we'll meet again someday.""Girl, you got into university, right?"Yun Ting was startled, but her expression remained unchanged, showing surprise and doubt."Haha... Don't be nervous. Uncle Chen means no harm and won't do anything to you. Although he doesn't know everything about your true identity, I can guess that you are probably an educated youth sent to the countryside."" Uncle Chen, I trust you. Otherwise, I wouldn't have made this deal with you in the first place.""Now, would it be convenient for you to tell me your real name, Uncle?"" Yun Ting …""Haha... Great name.""Uncle, besides the transaction, I just wanted to say goodbye and there are a few things I'd like to tell you..."Chen Jing suppressed her smile, raised an eyebrow at her, and said, "Girl, what do you say?"She paused, thinking of those who seized opportunities in later generations, "Keep an eye on policies, especially economic ones. One day the label of'speculation and profiteering' will be removed, and then..."Chen Jing's expression remained unchanged, his eyes lowered. Just when Yun Ting thought he wouldn't say anything, he raised his head and asked, "Girl, do you think the world is about to change?"He actually noticed it too."Change is definitely going to happen." Yun Tingnodded. "Don't waste your connections and resources in the dark. When the sun rises, there will be a bigger stage for you to shine.""Okay, I'll listen to you. I'll treat you to a big meal sometime in the future.""Haha... Uncle, I remember."Chen Jing took out a sandalwood box and handed it to Yun Ting, saying, "This is a gift from your uncle."When Yun Ting opened it, a piece of jade the size of a pigeon egg suddenly shone with a warm light, as if the crushed moonlight had been condensed inside—it was a piece of mutton fat jade, the texture of which was as delicate as freshly melted ghee. When held up to the light, one could almost see the faint flowing cloud patterns inside."Knowing you like to tinker with these old things, this is a way to give you something to remember me by."Knowing the value of the jade, Yun Tinghurriedly tried to push it back, saying, "Uncle, it's too precious, I can't accept it."Although she liked it, she couldn't just accept such an expensive item from someone."Take it." Chen Jing's tone left no room for argument as he stuffed the jade into her palm. "The path you showed me is more valuable than this jade. Besides, you've helped your uncle earn a lot over the years, and I can now feed my brothers."Yun Ting clutched the jade, her palm burning from its weight. The patterns within the jade were faintly visible in the twilight, like a silent promise hidden within."Uncle, then I'll accept it. Remember what I said."Chen Jing nodded, then thought, "Girl, if it's convenient, give your uncle an address."Capital City Peking University."Great! Girl, a top-tier university, now I've met a cultured person, haha...""hey-hey…"After finishing the last batch of goods transactions and collecting the money, I went back to the village; it was really cold outside."Sis, did you get the train tickets?""With your sister involved, how could we not get them?" Yun Ting waved the two train tickets in her hand."Then let's hurry up and pack our things!"Yun Xu was incredibly anxious at the thought of going home."Give the things you don't need to Aunt Meihuaand the others!"Yun Ting planned to give all the cabinets, tables, and stools to Aunt Meihua.While Yun Ting was tidying up inside, someone she didn't expect came in from outside."Little Teacher Yun..."Hearing the sound, Yun Ting went to the door and looked out. The familiar boy was wearing a cotton-padded jacket that was too short, his exposed wrists were red from the cold, and the cuffs were worn shiny, obviously old clothes that had been worn for several years." Zhao Hongsheng, what brings you here? Come in quickly."Zhao Hongsheng extended his hand from behind his back, his voice timid: "Little Teacher Yun, this is for you." He held a paper package in his hand, unfolding it layer by layer, revealing two still-warm roasted sweet potatoes.He then pulled out something wrapped in cloth from his pocket. When he opened it, he found a smooth pebble, warm from his touch. "I found it. They said it could calm my nerves. I don't have anything valuable to give you, so I hope you won't find it offensive."His voice trailed off.Looking at his nose, which was purple from the cold, and his eyes, which were shining like starsas he looked at her, Yun Ting suddenly felt a lump in her throat. Tomorrow she would be leaving this village where she had lived for four years.She never expected to see this stubborn boy again before she left."Take it back quickly, eat it on the way." She pushed the roasted sweet potato back, but Zhao Hongsheng stubbornly insisted on giving it to her, so she accepted it."Wait a minute." Yun Ting turned around and went back into the room, took out two steamed buns, and stuffed them into his hands. "Here, take these. They're from the teacher. I've accepted yours, and you have to accept yours too.""Little Teacher Yun …" Zhao Hongsheng looked at her with red eyes." Zhao Hongsheng, study hard and persevere. You'll get into a better world and see the wider horizons. With your earnest and persistent spirit, you're sure to have a bright future. Your teacher is looking forward to hearing good news from you. Your future is definitely bright!"Zhao Hongsheng nodded vigorously, stuffed the steamed bun into his coat, causing a small bulge to appear. He took two steps back, suddenly bowed, turned and ran, his trousers, now too short, swaying in the cold wind like a weed struggling to take root.Yun Ting stood at the doorway, watching his figure disappear into the distance. The pebble in her hand was still warm. She murmured softly, "May your future be bright..."The next day, Yun Ting got up early to prepare breakfast and provisions for the journey.She cooked dumplings for herself and her brother, and ate noodles for them."Sister, your skills are getting better and better. If you had opened a shop back when we could still open shops, your business would have been a huge success."Yun Xu said this while eating heartily."Alright, do you want to work your sister to death? I don't want to be a cook.""Oh my, you've all started eating?" Aunt Meihuawalked in carrying a basket." Auntie, have you eaten yet?""I've already eaten. I've made some pancakes for you to eat on the way."" Auntie, you're too kind. We've prepared everything. Please take these home and eat them!""Hey, Auntie made this especially for you, so stop passing it around."Seeing her determination, Yun Ting had no choice but to accept it." Auntie, we're not taking many of these things back with us. Take what you can use.""Okay, take the money. Consider it Auntie'spayment."" Auntie, these have been used for so long, it's already good enough that you don't mind, how could I take your money? If you keep this up, then I won't keep any for you," Yun Ting said earnestly.In the end, Aunt Meihua stopped giving her money.