Reborn in 1977

Chapter 12: The Reason

Don't think that a jar of pickled vegetables is anything special; any rural family can make a large jar of it, and it's not worth much money.

But the gift is small, but the sentiment is deep. First, they saved me from the riverbank, then they let me settle here, lent me rice, and now they're even giving me pickled vegetables.

Really, I could cry!

Seeing Chen Fan's genuine emotion, Captain Yang couldn't help but sigh secretly. This child had suffered hardship, lost his memory, and was penniless. He must have felt very wronged. If it were an ordinary person, they probably wouldn't be able to bear it and would have been crying their eyes out long ago. But he was still holding on, which was really not easy.

The little dissatisfaction he had felt earlier vanished, and he said in a gentle voice, "Little Chen, come and sit down."

Chen Fan quickly came over and sat down.

Captain Yang took a puff of his cigarette and said earnestly, "The reason I told you to keep your distance from Jiang Lili is also for your own good. You don't know, her parents were originally leaders of the prefectural cotton mill. One was the deputy director, and the other was the director. But a few years ago, they made a mistake and were sent down as 'Rightist' elements. Not only were their positions gone, but one went to work as a boiler worker, and the other went to sweep the streets. At that time, Jiang Lili had just graduated from junior high school. Originally, her grades were quite good, but because of this incident, not only did she not go to high school, but she was sent down to our production team as soon as she got her graduation certificate, before the New Year was even over."

Chen Fan was nodding as he listened, thinking that Jiang Lili, who looked like a quail, actually had such a family background. If her parents were to have their positions restored, she would take off.

But when he heard the end, he couldn't help but be stunned, looking at Captain Yang in confusion, "Just graduated? Before the New Year was over? Winter graduation?"

Captain Yang stared at him blankly. After a long while, he finally reacted, "How can you even forget this? According to the highest instructions, since March 1969, all schools in the country have spring enrollment and winter graduation. Elementary school is 5 years, and junior high school and high school are both 2 years, until 1974 when it was changed back to September enrollment. But the change only applies to new students; old students still follow the old method.

The school system also allows local areas to revert to the previous system based on the actual situation, so there are elementary schools with four, five, and six years, and junior high schools and high schools with two and three years. Have you forgotten all this?"

Chen Fan suddenly understood. So there was such a thing? He had no idea.

But his face was righteous, "I've even forgotten where I came from, it's normal not to remember this."

Captain Yang was choked and couldn't speak. He simply knocked on the table, "Let's talk seriously."

Captain Yang glared at him, "Don't you be ignorant and take it lightly. If something really happens, even I can't protect you."

Chen Fan quickly nodded, "Understood, understood, I will definitely pay attention, definitely pay attention!"

Pay attention my ass. At the end of this year, the college entrance examination will be restored, and at the end of next year, the direction will be determined. Who has time to pay attention to these messy things?

Captain Yang was afraid that he was young and vigorous, and repeatedly urged, "You haven't figured out your own problem yet. If your family is found and you have a good background, but you get too close to Jiang Lili, even your family will be affected. If not, then you need to pay even more attention to the impact. Do you understand the principle that public opinion is a force to be reckoned with?!"

That's what he said, but in his heart, he didn't think this possibility was great. Which 'Rightist' family could raise such a delicate boy? Even when Jiang Lili first came down, she was covered in dirt, so it's simply impossible.

Chen Fan knew his own situation, but he put on a sincere face, "I will definitely keep Captain's teachings in mind, constantly examine myself, and resolutely draw a clear line with mistakes."

Captain Yang nodded in satisfaction, then said, "Before your family is found, you can stay here in peace. Don't worry about bedding and luggage."

He pointed to the cotton quilt drying outside, "This quilt was newly made not long ago. Although it's old cloth, it has been boiled in hot water and starched with rice water. It's almost like new cloth. You can use it first. If it gets cold in a few days and the quilt isn't warm enough, I'll get you a smaller one."

He looked at Chen Fan's clothes and grinned, "This padded jacket is still my eldest nephew's. It can reach his knees when he wears it, but it's a lot shorter when you wear it."

Chen Fan grinned foolishly, not knowing how to respond.

Captain Yang coughed dryly and smiled, "Later, I'll think of a way with Accountant Liu and Custodian Huang to get you two sets of clothes and make another padded jacket. That should be enough to last for a while, and everything will be fine when your family is found."

Chen Fan quickly thanked him again.

Captain Yang looked at the towel and toothbrush on the table, "I really didn't think of these things. Since Jiang Lili lent them to you, you can use them first and return them to her later. I'll get you two new wooden basins later for washing up."

Then he looked at him, "Think for yourself, what else are you missing?"

Chen Fan was not polite and frowned, carefully calculating.

He had food, clothing, shelter, and supplies.

Then he shook his head, "It should be complete."

Captain Yang laughed, "It's okay, if it's complete, just stay here first. If you're missing anything in the future, you can go to me in the front."

He pointed to the village in front, "My house is the one on the top of the slope. Just ask anyone when you get there. Our team headquarters is also in my house. You can come to me for official or private matters."

Chen Fan nodded repeatedly, "I'll remember."

"Okay, then you rest."

Captain Yang tapped the ash off his cigarette, stood up, put his hands behind his back, and walked out.

Chen Fan quickly followed behind him, escorting him to the door and watching him walk away before entering the yard to close the door.

This door must be closed!

Good heavens, he hadn't closed the door just now, and Captain Yang had seen it and lectured him like he was interrogating a prisoner.

He now understood why the courtyard walls of the educated youth center were so high. Being scrutinized all day long must be very uncomfortable?!

But just as he put the bolt on the door and returned to the room, he heard a knock on the door.

Custodian Huang was still shouting at the door, "Open the door, open the door. Why are you closing the door in broad daylight?"

Chen Fan quickly ran outside. Turning his head, he saw Jiang Lili also running out. He quickly made a gesture, signaling her to return to her room.

Jiang Lili nodded in a panic, turned and entered the room, but didn't dare to close the door.

Chen Fan strode to the door and opened it, "Coming, coming. Oh, it's Custodian Huang. I was drying the quilt just now, and a gust of wind came from the door and almost knocked over the rack, so I closed the door."

Only then did Custodian Huang's expression improve a little, "Then you can just latch it. Closing the door in broad daylight, people who don't know any better would think there's something shady going on inside."

Chen Fan's face stiffened. That's just because he was under someone else's roof now. If it were before, he might have had a fight.