Chapter 9: Contributing to the Construction of the Great Northwest
Ning Xiyue walked briskly toward the “Up to the Mountains and Down to the Countryside” office of the Revolutionary Committee for Educated Youth.
Not seeing any familiar faces, she decided to wait. Just as she was about to turn around, she spotted the same female comrade who had registered the original Ning Xiyue for the program earlier, coming in with a cup of water. Ning Xiyue’s eyes lit up, and she hurried over.
“Comrade, do you remember me? I came a few days ago to collect my notification for going to the countryside.”
The registration officer set her cup down and glanced at Ning Xiyue. Seeing the bandage on Ning Xiyue’s forehead, she assumed Ning Xiyue was there to cause trouble. Her expression grew slightly wary and annoyed.
She had seen plenty of people sign up and then regret it, causing scenes. Did they think this was a game?
“Comrade, once you’ve received the notification, you must go. There’s no backing out, and no room for negotiation.”
“You’re misunderstanding, comrade — I haven’t changed my mind.” Ning Xiyue immediately understood the woman’s suspicion and waved her hands in denial. “Besides, it’s an honor for us to accept re-education from the poor and lower-middle-class peasants. The vast countryside is full of opportunities. I am willing to go there, participate in labor, and contribute my strength to the socialist revolution and socialist construction.”
She went on to quote a few familiar slogans often used by neighborhood committees to promote the “educated youth to the countryside” policy. Only then did the officer lower her guard, a smile appearing on her face as she gave Ning Xiyue a thumbs up.
“Good — well said! You’re a comrade with great consciousness.”
If everyone had the same awareness as this young woman, her work would be so much easier. She wouldn’t have to go door-to-door convincing people, nor worry about missing quotas and getting scolded by higher-ups. Sigh, they were still far from meeting the quota this month. A few more comrades like this would be a blessing.
Ning Xiyue seized the chance to chat more, showering the woman with praise — especially about her dedication to her work — until the officer was grinning from ear to ear.
“We are here to serve the people — it’s what we should do. As long as we can help our fellow citizens, we’re happy.”
Seeing the mood was right, Ning Xiyue finally got to the point. “Comrade, I actually have a favor to ask today. My friend asked me to come and register on his behalf — the male comrade who came with me that day. After thinking about it, he’s decided to heed the country’s call, go to the countryside, and contribute his strength. He doesn’t want to let down the country’s nurturing.
He couldn’t come today because of other matters, but he asked me to register for him. He said his consciousness wasn’t high before, but he’s since awakened and is determined to go to the Great Northwest and help build the nation. He hopes the organization will forgive his earlier hesitation.”
“Of course the organization forgives him — absolutely!” The woman’s smile grew even more genuine, relieved to finally meet her quota. She quickly handed over a registration form. “You know his family information, right? Just fill this out and give it back to me.”
“I know, I know — he told me everything.” Ning Xiyue took the form, smiling confidently.
The registration form was much like a job application in the modern era. Ning Xiyue silently thanked the original Ning Xiyue’s memories — and the fact that she had read this novel before. She knew all of Zhang Yuan’s personal and family information inside and out, and easily filled in the details.
As for his assignment location — of course, she chose the far west. The farther, the better.
“Here, I’ve finished. Please check if there’s anything else I need to do,” she said, handing over the form.
“Yueyue?”
Hearing her name, Ning Xiyue turned and saw a familiar figure. Tentatively, she asked, “Aunt Lin?”
“Ah, Yueyue, it is you! You’ve grown into a fine young lady — you look so much like your mother when she was young.” Lin Yun smiled and took her hand. “I just spoke with your mother on the phone, and now here you are. What a coincidence.”
“Aunt Lin, when did you come back? I haven’t seen you in so long — I missed you.” Ning Xiyue said sweetly, playing the role of a doting niece with ease.
Lin Yun was Yun Xiulan’s best friend from school — and the most successful one too. She’d gotten into university, stayed in the city after graduation, and built a career and family there. Because of her busy schedule, Lin hadn’t returned home in two or three years, so Ning Xiyue didn’t recognize her right away.
“Wait just a moment, Aunt Lin — I still have some business to finish here. Once I’m done, we can talk.” Ning Xiyue turned back to the registration officer.
“Go ahead, comrades, I won’t interrupt. The form looks fine. Once it’s stamped, it’ll be processed in a few days — very fast.”
After speaking, the woman shot Ning Xiyue a slightly flattering smile before turning to Lin Yun. “Hello, Director. I didn’t realize this comrade was your family’s younger generation. She’s highly conscious — truly an outstanding comrade.”
So this young woman is related to the new director? She’d better handle this case carefully and make a good impression.
“Mm, keep working. Don’t mind us.” Lin Yun nodded, then gently pulled the slightly confused Ning Xiyue into her office.
Once the door was closed, Lin asked, “Are you here to take care of Zhang Yuan’s matter?”
“Yes. Since he agreed to go to the countryside, he has to follow through.” Ning Xiyue nodded. “Aunt Lin, did my mom tell you?”
“She called earlier, and we were discussing how to handle it within the system. I didn’t expect you to manage it yourself.” Lin sighed with a smile.
“It seems our Yueyue has truly grown up — she even knows how to spare the adults some trouble.”
“This is the only way to vent my anger. Let’s not talk about him anymore — he just makes me mad.” Ning Xiyue waved it off and curiously asked, “Aunt Lin, that comrade just now called you ‘Director.’ When did you transfer to the Revolutionary Committee’s Youth Office?”
“I’ve been back for several days now. I’ve been busy with the work handover and haven’t had time to visit. Once things settle down, I’ll come to your house for a meal. It’s been so long since I had your mom’s cooking.”
Ning Xiyue laughed. “Then you must come soon! I really want to share a meal with you. In a few days, I’ll be going to the countryside. If we miss this chance, we’ll have to wait until I return home for the New Year.”
“I’ll definitely come before you leave.” Aunt Lin patted Ning Xiyue’s head and handed her a letter. “Don’t worry too much about going to the countryside. I have a friend at the Youth Office over there. I’ve already spoken to her — if you need anything, bring this letter and ask for help.”
“Thank you, Aunt Lin.”
Ning Xiyue accepted the letter solemnly and tucked it away. After chatting a bit longer, she said her goodbyes and left.
Just as she stepped out of Lin’s office, the registration officer called out, “Wait, comrade! There’s also a small subsidy for signing up. You should collect it too.”
A subsidy?
How could she say no to that — and let that scumbag benefit? Delighted, Ning Xiyue followed the staff and collected Zhang Yuan’s countryside subsidy for herself.
With the money in her pocket, Ning Xiyue walked out of the Revolutionary Committee grinning from ear to ear. She only hoped Zhang Yuan wouldn’t thank her too much — contributing to the construction of the Great Northwest was the greatest honor of his life.
And in a way, she had also done her part for the construction of the Great Northwest.
Unfortunately, Ning Xiaoxiao had registered early and already left for the countryside today. Otherwise, Ning Xiyue would’ve arranged something for her too.
Luckily, they were both assigned to the same place, so there would be plenty of time — and it would add some spice to her otherwise peaceful new life.
After finishing this business, Ning Xiyue happily headed into town — she had “money to collect.”
She wanted to sign in and collect good items today to prepare for her time in the countryside — and to test the limits of her sign-in system.
When she reached the county Supply Station, the system chimed for the first time that day.
Ding! [Sign-in location detected: Yue County Supply Station. The host must stand at the entrance, hands on hips and smiling, to complete the sign-in. Proceed?]
Nice. This is a good place — of course I’ll sign in.
Hearing the simple requirement, Ning Xiyue happily put her hands on her hips and smiled in front of the building.
“Sign in.”
Ding! [Sign-in at Yue County Supply Station successful. Reward: One Daily Necessities Gift Pack.]
The package was large — there must be a lot of good stuff inside. She was delighted, but sign-ins were more important than checking now. She turned away from the cooperative and kept walking.
After about ten minutes, she passed the county grain station, and the system chimed again.
Ding! [Sign-in location detected: Yue County Grain Station. Proceed?]
This time, there was no special requirement. Interesting.
Since grain storage facilities were always valuable — of course she would sign in.
“Sign in.”
Ding! [Sign-in at Yue County Grain Station successful. Reward: 10 jin of premium white rice.]
Hmm… a tiny bit disappointing, but hey — free is free!
Ning Xiyue continued onward, excited for the next sign-in.
As she walked, the system kept chiming. Whenever she passed a notable building, it would notify her. Sometimes, it even pinged multiple times in the same location. Her mood was just like in those dreams where she picked up piles of money everywhere she went — absolutely thrilled.
The continuous ding ding ding in her ears sounded like the sweet chime of money flowing into her account.
When she reached the county people’s hospital, the system chimed again.
Ding! [Sign-in location detected: Yue County People’s Hospital…]
At first, Ning Xiyue eagerly signed in twice. But as the number of sign-in notifications increased, she felt like a queen sitting atop countless treasures, not knowing which to favor first.
Ahhh, what a headache — too many sign-in points! Hahaha!
She decided to restrain herself and be a “qualified queen” — she’d finish exploring first, then pick the best locations to sign in.
Opening the system, she checked the first two rewards she’d received.
The premium white rice was self-explanatory, but she focused on the Daily Necessities Gift Pack.
Inside were: two bars of laundry soap, one bar of scented soap, twenty packs of modern sanitary pads, two old-fashioned menstrual belts, one pound of brown sugar, two towels, an enamel mug, and a large red insulated thermos.
Nice — this daily necessities pack is very complete. They even included menstrual products!
