Submit your work in the city

“Yes, that’s a great merit. Who wouldn’t want their work to be appreciated by more people?” (Believe it or not, I believe it!!!)

As soon as the thought struck him, he acted on it. These past two days, whenever he had time, he would read the books he brought from the city. On one hand, he was recalling and noting down suitable works for submission, and on the other, he was strengthening his persona.

He wanted to establish an image among the villagers of someone who studies even after labor, paving the way for his future publications.

Moreover, 72 hours were almost up. Looking at the progress bar displayed by the system in his mind, Zhao Dongchuan was incredibly excited. The system he had been longing for these past two days was finally about to reach 100%. It was like a young maiden half-hiding her face with a pipa, truly making one’s heart itch with anticipation.

That afternoon, Zhao Dongchuan asked Sun Shaoan for leave, explaining that he needed to go to the county town tomorrow to send a letter home (the original owner hadn't written home since arriving in Shuangshui Village). This was also for submitting his works and to find an opportunity to see this strange yet familiar world.

Since arriving a few days ago, he had either been working or tidying up his room.

The cave dwelling was a mess before, an eyesore. It could be old, but it couldn't be dirty and disorganized. As a new youth of the 21st-century socialist society, Zhao Dongchuan still had basic aesthetic requirements. He couldn't stand the original environment. No matter where one is, maintaining a good living environment can make one feel physically and mentally happy.

The next morning, Zhao Dongchuan woke up at 5 AM. After washing up, he headed straight to Secretary Tian Futang’s house.

Tian Futang was the Village Secretary, and his family was well-off, owning a Forever brand bicycle. He usually rode it when going to Mijia Town or the county town for errands.

Shuangshui Village was about 35 kilometers from the county town. Walking would take 6-7 hours. In this era, all roads were dirt roads, bumpy and uneven. Walking took half a day, while cycling saved effort and time. Bicycles were also a symbol of wealthy families back then.

When Zhao Dongchuan was assigned here, Director Ma of the County’s Educated Youth Resettlement Office brought over a dozen educated youths in a truck to the Communes under the county’s jurisdiction. Zhao Dongchuan was assigned to Shigejie Commune, and the Commune then arranged for Tian Futang to receive and settle him (at this time, educated youth resettlement was mostly complete in other provinces).

On his first day in Shuangshui Village, Secretary Tian had hosted him, treating him to a meal of white flour steamed buns, which he thought was ordinary at the time, but now, looking back, was definitely a feast.

Secretary Tian was a shrewd man, very adept at speaking and handling affairs. He also worked very hard to secure benefits for the village collective. Although some in the village were not pleased with him, overall, he was the most suitable person to be the Village Secretary.

When Zhao Dongchuan arrived at Secretary Tian’s house, Tian Futang had already woken up early and was tending to his private plot.

Tian Futang was a little surprised to see Zhao Dongchuan. He had settled this educated youth when he arrived, and at the time, his impression was that he was just a pretty face, so he didn’t pay much attention, treating it as a formality. Afterwards, it was as he expected; this kid had been lazy and gluttonous for several months. However, he recently heard from Shaoan that he had become much more active. Now, he wondered why he had come to his house. Tian Futang pondered to himself.

“Secretary Tian, busy as always,” Zhao Dongchuan greeted Tian Futang with a smile.

“Indeed. One must tend to one’s own land carefully to get a good harvest,” Tian Futang said, somewhat ambiguously.

“What do you want from me, kid?”

“Well, I’ve been in our village for several months now, and I haven’t had a chance to send a letter home. I was thinking of going to the county post office to mail a letter home to let them know I’m safe. So, I came to ask if I could borrow your bicycle, Secretary Tian.”

“Oh, it’s for that. Alright, take it. It’s on the east side of the courtyard. Ride carefully. Oh, and since you’re going to the county, could you also help me take some pickled food that Runye and Runsheng’s mother prepared for them? I’ve been busy with village affairs these past two days and haven’t had time to go.” Saying this, Tian Futang went back inside and retrieved a package containing several sealed jars of vegetables.

“Alright, Secretary Tian, you can rest assured,” Zhao Dongchuan said, taking the package and slinging it over his shoulder.

“Let me tell you, my Runsheng and Shaoan’s younger brother, Shaoping, are both studying at the County High School. Runye teaches at the County Elementary School. When you go to find them, if you’re unsure, ask around, okay? Don’t get yourself lost,” Tian Futang said, regretting a little that he had entrusted this to Zhao Dongchuan. But since the items had been handed over, it was hard to take them back. He thought, after all, he was educated, so it shouldn't be an issue.

“Secretary Tian, I know, no problem. You can rest assured,” Zhao Dongchuan said, pushing the bicycle and leaving with the package on his back.

Zhao Dongchuan, with the package on his back, sped along the bumpy dirt road on his bicycle, and for the first time, he actually felt like he was driving a “Ferrari” (I don’t know what it feels like to drive a Ferrari; if anyone knows, please tell me).

At this moment, Zhao Dongchuan felt the cool wind blowing against his face, the morning sun shining on him, and smelled the fresh air of the countryside. He suddenly felt how beautiful the world was—an atmosphere not found in modern society. Uh, it would be better if the bike wasn’t so bumpy; his butt was starting to hurt a little, and there was a lot of dust on the road, covering his face.

On the road, there were also horse-drawn carts carrying bundles of firewood, or people from other villages going to the county for errands, also riding bicycles, rushing past him.

Zhao Dongchuan’s unhurried manner seemed out of place, but only he knew how free he felt at that moment.

Zhao Dongchuan followed the group heading to the county, observing everything around him with an appreciative attitude, as if watching a 6D movie. At this moment, he felt that this world was incredibly real.

Zhao Dongchuan arrived in the county town and found a state-run small eatery where he spent 3 mao and food stamps to buy several large meat buns and a bowl of porridge. Large meat buns were one of Zhao Dongchuan’s favorite foods.

The large meat buns at this time were much tastier than the buns in Modu in later generations. The meat was fragrant, the flour was fragrant; in short, it was just fragrant.

The best cooking often only requires the taste of the ingredients themselves. After devouring five buns and drinking a bowl of porridge, Zhao Dongchuan felt his stomach full and contentedly wiped his mouth.

Since coming to this world, he had never been so satisfied. Truly, people regard food as their primary need; the ancients did not deceive me!!!

After asking for directions, Zhao Dongchuan arrived at the County High School. At this time, there were no textbooks for classes, only mimeographed teaching materials issued by the region. Teachers would read editorials from newspapers in class. Schools at this time didn’t really teach much, and students also had to participate in labor arranged by the school, running around everywhere.