Chapter 107: Singing on the Snowfield
[The Will to Fly]
Just as they left the Commune, Zhao Wendong heard the Golden Roc’s thoughts. The eagle now held him in high regard. Zhao Wendong took its cage, opened it, and let the bird out, tossing it smoothly into the air. The Golden Roc let out a clear cry and, spreading its massive wings, soared toward the heavens.
The big brown horse pulled the sleigh, its hooves going CLIP-CLOP-CLIP-CLOP as it trotted toward the county seat. The north wind swirled around them, relentlessly whipping up flurries of snow that stung their bodies.
Lin Zhiyin was huddled beneath the cotton quilt with only her eyes showing, gazing steadily at Zhao Wendong beside her. She had always prided herself on being worldly and understanding the ways of men, but she never imagined that one day, she would be so moved by a young farmer from the countryside.
’It’s a kind of soul-deep shock. He has no grand pronouncements, no power or status, but he’s willing to shelter me from the storm. He’s willing to walk into the darkness for my sake and pull me out of this endless abyss.’
Noticing the ties on Zhao Wendong’s hat had come undone, Lin Zhiyin reached out from under the quilt and slowly tied them for him. Her warm fingers inadvertently brushed against his cold chin. A blush rose on her cheeks, but her movements remained gentle and firm. Zhao Wendong felt a ticklish sensation on his chin that seemed to seep right into his heart.
"Zhao Wendong!"
"Hm?"
"Should I sing you a song?"
"Sure!"
"In the garden late at night, all around is quiet and still. The leaves no longer rustle~ How lovely is the night, it fills my heart with wonder, on this enchanting evening..."
A Golden Roc soared through the sky. Far below on the vast, white plain of snow, a big brown horse pulled a young man and woman toward the county seat. Her beautiful song and the joyful atmosphere echoed down the road. In that moment, the world was as picturesque as a painting.
A journey that would take a truck an hour took the big brown horse from morning until the afternoon sun was about to set. Zhao Wendong and Lin Zhiyin finally caught sight of the county seat’s silhouette. ’If it took this long even with a horse-drawn sleigh, how long would it take to walk?’
Lin Zhiyin had never once managed to visit her parents. Being unable to get a travel permit was one reason; having no means of transportation was another. If Zhao Wendong hadn’t provided the manpower, supplies, and connections, the prospect of seeing her parents would have remained a distant dream. She couldn’t have just walked there on her own two feet—she would have frozen to death in the wilderness overnight.
Zhao Wendong drove the sleigh straight to the purchasing station.
"Well, I’ll be! Comrade Wendong, what brings you here?"
Seeing Zhao Wendong, Wang Defa strode over excitedly, shaking his hand and clapping him warmly on the arm.
"Heh heh, I was out on business and passed through the county, so I thought I’d stop in and see you, Brother Wang."
"Come on, come on! You haven’t eaten, have you? It’s just about time for the afternoon meal. Let’s go eat in our public cafeteria."
"I came on the sleigh, and there’s someone else outside!"
Wang Defa clapped his hands heartily.
"Bah, don’t be a stranger! I survived all six of you last time, so what’s one more person? Who is it? Your brother? Tell him to come in! Hey, you! Wei Shufen, get over here!"
"Coming!"
Sister Wei appeared at his call.
Wang Defa led Zhao Wendong outside the purchasing station. He froze for a moment when he saw a girl on the sleigh, then shot Zhao Wendong a knowing look before giving his orders to Wei Shufen.
"You’re responsible for taking Comrade Wendong’s sleigh to the warehouse. Have Old Liu take good care of his horse along with ours. And watch over the things on that sleigh. If a single item goes missing, neither you nor he will get any grain rations for the New Year."
"Right away, Director!"
Without another word, Sister Wei took the big brown horse’s reins and obediently led it away. Wang Defa had been finding fault with her lately and was always ordering her around, but she endured it for the few pounds of meat her children would get for the New Year. A mother’s love is as steadfast as a mountain.
Zhao Wendong had been to the purchasing station’s warehouse before, so he knew that the Old Liu whom Wang Defa mentioned was in charge of the warehouse and the station’s livestock. He seemed like an honest and reliable man. Besides, the station was surrounded by high walls with only a single main gate and a dedicated guard. The sleigh would certainly be safe here, which put Zhao Wendong completely at ease.
"The two of you make for a unique sight. Is that the same bird from last time? You actually managed to keep it alive?"
Wang Defa said, surprised to see Zhao Wendong carrying an eagle while Lin Zhiyin held a jar.
"What do you think? Impressive, right?"
Zhao Wendong held up the Golden Roc for Wang Defa to inspect. Wang Defa’s eyes lit up, and he clicked his tongue in wonder.
"Impressive! From mountains to seas, training eagles to taming dogs, you’re the master of it all!"
With that, Wang Defa gave Zhao Wendong a big thumbs-up.
Lin Zhiyin watched Zhao Wendong chat and laugh so freely with the station director, not the least bit intimidated. She was surprised to realize how stereotypical and narrow her impression of him had been. ’He’s really not an ordinary farmer. No ordinary farmer would have this kind of nerve. This man is becoming more and more mysterious and fascinating.’
When they got to the cafeteria, Zhao Wendong smiled at Lin Zhiyin.
"Don’t be polite with Brother Wang. Order whatever you want and eat your fill. If you don’t, you’ll be disrespecting his hospitality."
"Hahaha! Get out of here! You all nearly ate me into bankruptcy last time!"
After he and Zhao Wendong bantered for a moment, Wang Defa added with a grin.
"So, you’re planning to eat me out of house and home before you even introduce me?"
Just as Zhao Wendong hesitated, wondering how to introduce her, Lin Zhiyin spoke first.
"Hello, Brother Wang. I’m Zhao Wendong’s partner, Lin Zhiyin."
Her voice was clear and her demeanor was poised and graceful. She even extended her hand, giving Wang Defa’s a brief, firm shake.
Wang Defa thought to himself, ’This young woman is no simple character. Aside from whatever is on her face—I can’t tell if it’s a birthmark or just dirt, but it’s a bit unsightly—her personality and presence are a perfect match for Zhao Wendong. For such a young couple, they both speak and act with a veteran’s savvy.’
Despite all the talk of eating him out of house and home, Zhao Wendong and Lin Zhiyin only got thin porridge and dry cornbread. Wang Defa wouldn’t stand for it. He went and got them several steamed buns made from white flour—the kind that had a subtle sweetness with every bite.
"You’re spending too much on us, Brother Wang!"
"Hahaha! You call me Brother Wang, and that makes you my little brother. How could I be cheap? Besides, the fact that you came to me means you hold me in high regard. So, out with it. What do you need from me?"
Wang Defa was a sharp operator and had already guessed that Zhao Wendong was there to ask for a favor. Zhao Wendong didn’t beat around the bush. He explained Lin Zhiyin’s identity and the whole situation, as well as his hope of finding some connections at the labor farm. After listening, Wang Defa glanced at Lin Zhiyin a few more times, then fixed Zhao Wendong with a probing stare. His look clearly asked, ’Little brother, are you sure about this?’
Zhao Wendong knew that both Yang Wenxue and Wang Defa had his best interests at heart. In this era, marrying the daughter of a capitalist would ruin his own status—a member of the Pure Red Banner, descended from three generations of poor peasants. ’But,’ he thought, ’can that glorious status actually put food on the table?’ So, Zhao Wendong simply met Wang Defa’s gaze and gave a firm nod, showing that his decision was final.
Lin Zhiyin noticed their silent exchange. Without a word, she picked up half of a steamed bun from her bowl and placed it in Zhao Wendong’s before lowering her head to continue sipping her porridge.
"You know the location of the labor farm, right? It’s at the foot of the mountains near Yin County. Oh, and you remember that Hunter you traded for this Big Eagle? It’s very close to his village."
"Yeah, I know! I didn’t mention it last time, but I’ve actually been to that village before. My second aunt married a man from there!"
"So you have family there? Good. At least you won’t be without a place to stay. The only problem is, I’m not very familiar with the director of that re-education farm. All I know is his name is Liu Haisheng, and he’s from Sanchuan."
"Sanchuan? There’s no sea there, is there? Why would it have a name like that?"
"Heh heh, who knows? Anyway, that man, Liu Haisheng, is not easy to deal with. You can ask around, but no one can get a word in with him. He doesn’t know anyone in the county. It’s supposed to be a dual-management system, but he basically only takes orders from his own superiors."
An anxious expression appeared on Lin Zhiyin’s previously placid face for the first time. She looked at Zhao Wendong helplessly. Zhao Wendong felt his own heart tighten. ’How are we going to get through this?’