Drama Couple in the 80s

Chapter 35

After resting at home for a week, He Cheng's eagerness to earn money couldn't be contained any longer.

This time, they devised a plausible excuse: using Captain Old Zhang, whom he had met during his stint with the herb-gathering team, as a cover. He explained that he reconnected with Old Zhang in Yong City, and previously, Old Zhang had helped them catch frogs, earning him a few meals. With their current herb-gathering mission under tight deadlines and insufficient manpower, Old Zhang asked He Cheng for assistance, offering wages as a temporary worker.

When Old Man Jiang heard this, earning 80 cents per day with provided food and lodging sounded too good to be true. He wholeheartedly supported it, urging He Cheng to go and work diligently, even suggesting he take Jiang Fengchan along.

The idea of heading south concerned everyone. Jiang Ya, feeling uneasy, wanted to accompany him, but He Cheng argued that bringing along a beautiful young woman like her would draw unnecessary attention, making things more complicated.

Moreover, traveling by slow green train for several days in the hot late spring weather was far from easy.

With He Cheng's advantages, he had no concerns whatsoever. The broader situation was clear; they were merely seizing an early opportunity, not breaking any laws or rules. Familiar with Yangcheng and Shencheng, He Cheng spoke fluent Cantonese as well as English. Drawing from his knowledge of several decades ahead, he even knew about obscure corners that locals at present might be unaware of.

This southern trip lasted over twenty days for He Cheng. Upon his return, he sent a telegram, and following their agreement, Jiang Ya traveled to Yongca City ahead of time to meet him.

Jiang Ya simply mentioned that He Cheng wanted her to visit the city for a few days. As a young married couple, neither Old Man Jiang nor Song Shixia objected. Before heading out to Yongcha City, the first step, as usual, was obtaining an introduction letter from the team leader otherwise, she wouldn't be able to stay at a hotel. With the letter secured, Jiang Fengchan cycled with Jiang Ya to catch the scheduled bus from the town to the county seat.

Upon reaching the county, where people often waited long hours due to infrequent buses, Jiang Ya promptly bought a ticket to Yongcha City. She then grabbed a simple lunch near the station before boarding her bus at 2:30 PM. After another bumpy ride lasting one to two hours, she arrived in Yongcha City.

At a nearby station hotel by the train depot, Jiang Ya booked a room to settle in first. Around 6 p.m., she went back to the station to meet He Cheng.

In those days, train delays were commonplace; it was entirely normal for long-distance trains to be one or two hours late. Jiang Ya waited from just past 6 p.m. for over an hour before hearing the announcement of He Cheng's arrival through the loudspeakers.

Standing amidst the crowd at the exit, she patiently watched and quickly spotted He Cheng. Dressed in typical rural attire—a dark blue patched jacket, khaki pants, and canvas shoes—his hair was messy as usual, and he still carried that worn gray fertilizer bag on his back. His tall figure emerged with the flow of passengers.

Jiang Ya waved, and upon seeing her, He Cheng broke into a wide grin.

During this era, public safety wasn't particularly good, with large numbers of unemployed youths and returning educated urbanites idling away their time. Various incidents of mischief, petty theft, and minor crimes occurred frequently. Consequently, both Jiang Ya and He Cheng tried to remain cautious, heading straight back to the lodging together.

Jiang Ya walked ahead while He Cheng followed closely behind. As they passed the narrow front desk of the hotel, the attendant noticed He Cheng and frowned immediately, demanding brusquely, "What's your business here?"