The small courtyard wasn't spacious. Apart from a modest living room and kitchen, there were only two bedrooms available inside, with even the adjacent storage room packed full. There wasn't a single spare room left for anyone to stay in.
Yet even so, the family was thrilled beyond measure. Especially Little Brother Yang, who was so excited about moving to the city that he ran circles around the yard in joy. The eight-year-old boy even enthusiastically took on all the weeding and cleaning tasks in the courtyard with remarkable diligence.
After all, in this household now, both his sisters and even his mother were wage-earners. That left him as the only "useless mouth to feed." Terrified of being abandoned in the countryside like his worthless father, Little Brother Yang had been exceptionally obedient these days. He'd even managed to befriend all the local kids and gather valuable intel:
"Hehe, sis! I found out all about it! The families around here are super important—lots of them wear police hats!"
"Sis, you're amazing!" Little Brother Yang gave an enthusiastic thumbs-up while Third Sister clapped nearby.
An Ning merely raised an eyebrow without comment. Of course there were many police—the county public security bureau was just around the corner from their new home. Police officers were a common sight here.
This rental, secured through her classmate's connections, came at a higher price but offered unparalleled safety. As the family of four excitedly settled into their new home, they spent half a day cleaning. Even the notoriously thrifty Li Xiaocao splurged, using her meager savings to buy new bedding for her daughters.
Lying on the fresh wooden bed that night, breathing in the clean scent of soap pods, listening to Third Sister's cheerful chatter through the curtain divider, An Ning finally relaxed completely.
History showed how terrifying famines could be—amplifying human cruelty tenfold, even a hundredfold. That's why An Ning had never planned to stay in the village. Countless examples proved safety lay among one's own kind.
Even without considering the communal canteen, the village had already handed over more than half its grain harvest this year. This was only because Captain Zhang Aiguo had kept his head, unlike other leaders who exaggerated yields without regard for villagers' survival.
But as the saying goes, when everyone's celebrating, silence becomes conspicuous. Despite Captain Zhang's prudence, the village still lost significant grain stores. Under such circumstances, village life would become unimaginably difficult.
When that time came, the slightest difference—even just looking slightly healthier than starving skeletons—would draw attention. With the entire Old Yang Family still there, An Ning dared not underestimate how far desperate people might go...
By mid-March, with the move completed, life improved steadily. Their hardworking mother Li Xiaocao, now regularly supplied with goods from her daughters' cooperative store connections, cooked proper meals—not lavish, but no longer completely oil-free.
Knowing their better life came from her daughters, Li Xiaocao never criticized their spending, despite her usual frugality.
When officially transferring their household registration, An Ning and Third Sister returned to Zhang Family Village. Along the way, they attracted countless envious stares.
Captain Zhang was even friendlier this time. Seeing them approach, he hastily set down his steaming teacup and ordered his wife to serve tea, even bringing out their precious reserve tea leaves reserved for honored guests.
Learning that the Yang sisters had secured not temporary but permanent positions, Captain Zhang's eyes nearly disappeared into smile lines: "What wonderful news! Sister Yang, you're truly blessed!"
Seeing Li Xiaocao—now standing straighter with healthy color in her cheeks, her former timidity gone—Captain Zhang couldn't help but click his tongue in admiration. What fortunate daughters!
But remembering Yang Second Brother still dutifully caring for his mother in the village, Captain Zhang grew more solemn. After handing over the stamped documents and exchanging pleasantries, he broached his request:
"Niece A-Ning, knowing you've connections in town... My son Youcai graduates junior high soon. Any chance you know of factory openings?"
An Ning instantly understood. Unlike the academically gifted sisters, Captain Zhang's son had barely scraped into junior high. Without technical school or regular high school prospects, it made sense to seek alternatives early. Who would choose farming if other options existed?
Considering the Old Yang Family situation, An Ning didn't refuse outright. After pretending to ponder, she smiled: "Uncle Captain flatters us! We're newcomers ourselves. But I have a classmate whose parent heads the machinery factory. I'll inquire..."
"Rest assured, Uncle. We'll notify Youcai immediately if we hear anything." In this era, rural residents rarely moved to cities without special circumstances or education. Only labor-intensive factories like machinery or coal plants would consider hiring villagers—a reality Captain Zhang well knew.
Pleased by her genuine consideration rather than empty promises, Captain Zhang's smile deepened: "A-Ning will go far! Such a blessing, Sister Yang!"
Then, as if remembering something: "Speaking of which, Jianye's filial piety—giving up city life to care for his mother—sets a fine example for our village men!" After savoring his tea, he added:
"Such virtue deserves recognition. Don't worry, Ning—I'll call a village meeting tomorrow to commend Brother Jianye properly."