Jiang Xinyu rolled up Wei Kaiyun’s coat and placed it at the head of the bed so he could lean against it later. Then, she took off her jacket and helped him lie down. She mixed a cup of milk powder for him and watched him drink it, feeling reassured.
Wei Kaiyun motioned to her, urging her to have a cup as well.
Jiang Xinyu did not refuse. After drinking her cup, she also asked the two of them if they wanted one and prepared a cup of malted milk for each of them.
At noon, Jiang Xinyu went to the dining car to buy so porridge, and the four of them had at buns.
"Comrade, your life at ho must be really good."
"All this was prepared to repay the two of you and to take care of Director Wei.
Just saying thank you to the two of you seems too perfunctory, but I truly am grateful to you."
The two, having spent so many days with Jiang Xinyu, had co to see her as a magnanimous woman and one who understands gratitude.
Despite not having private conversations, these days in the train allowed them to see each other, which was reassuring.
During the ten-plus days on the train, Wei Kaiyun had recovered a lot; though his leg was still not well, his ntal state had improved greatly.
The two comrades guarding him were also growing more familiar with Jiang Xinyu, but they never discussed work—just gossip and local customs.
The two were going to escort Wei Kaiyun directly to the rural area for his transfer.
Upon hearing the address, Jiang Xinyu was overjoyed because it was where the children were staying.
"Mr. Yang, how shall we get there once we disembark? If necessary, I can find a vehicle, even an ox cart would do."
"Xiao Jiang, you can arrange that. Having a vehicle would be ideal."
Jiang Xinyu nodded with a smile, "I’m not sure if I can find one, but I have to try, otherwise who knows how long it’ll take to get there?"
"It’s not directly to the village; we go to the township first. Once we complete the handover there, we can return. Will you return with us?"
Jiang Xinyu shook her head, "I don’t have a job right now; I need to stay here to take care of Director Wei for a while. He can’t manage on his own.
He’s here for reformation, so should he be served by the villagers?"
In truth, it’s better if the two don’t go to the village; she was worried they might discover her family. As things stand, it makes sense for her to take care of him. But the kids aren’t aware of the situation—if they see the family arriving together, it might expose everything.
"Xiao Jiang, you’re really kind-hearted."
"Brother Wu, first, I have nothing else to do right now, so it doesn’t matter where I am. Secondly, if it weren’t for Director Wei, I’d still be in the countryside."
The two were very satisfied with Jiang Xinyu. Throughout the journey, she cared for their food and drink and provided them with a bunk; they had not suffered at all during the trip.
Wei Kaiyun was sitting on the side reading the newspaper, saying nothing. This ti, with his wife, he truly did not suffer. Last ti, everything from food to drink was problematic.
After disembarking, Jiang Xinyu saw Old Yang but did not greet him.
"Brother Wu, Brother Yang, let’s stay in the city tonight. I plan to see if I can find a vehicle and prepare so things for you to take back.
I’m really grateful for everything along the way. Also, give your letters of introduction, and I’ll buy sleeping tickets for you.
Let’s agree upfront: no refusals, otherwise it won’t be easy to talk when we et again in the future."
Jiang Xinyu blocked their polite refusals. She had decided she must give them so things to feel comfortable about it.
The two smiled politely, "Thank you, Xiao Jiang."
"No need to be polite, if it weren’t for the two of you being accommodating, who knows what condition our Director Wei would be in!"
The two smiled knowingly; it’s best to have soone who understands.
The three went together to the supervisory departnt, where they registered Wei Kaiyun’s docunts.
After parting ways, Jiang Xinyu went to the ticket office, took their letters of introduction, and bought two sleeping tickets, then went outside to find Old Yang.
"Why did you co along?"
"How could I not? He has a broken leg, and I also need to prepare so things for them to take back.
We’re staying at a hostel tonight and going directly to the township tomorrow; help arrange for a vehicle."
"Then how about a carriage? I’ll take you over."
Jiang Xinyu followed behind Old Yang, unaware that Old Yang was deeply envious of Wei Kaiyun. What kind of luck does Xiao Wei have to et such a good woman?
Not only did he have two enviable children, but also, at his lowest point when he had nothing, she remained steadfast by his side.
They found a store and arranged for tomorrow’s transport to the township. They would be picked up at the hostel entrance at seven in the morning.
"Let help you prepare. What do you need?"
"No need; I’ll just prepare twenty yuan for each of them, so food, and food tickets. Nothing else is appropriate."
"I’ll prepare the food. I’ll deliver it to the hostel entrance at eight tonight, and you can pick it up."
Jiang Xinyu nodded, "Alright, then I’ll head back. There won’t be any danger in the township, right?"
"None, I’ll go there tomorrow too. Rest assured, people from the village will co to et you. Since Xiao Wei is injured, any struggle eting will just be symbolic.
However, you’d better not show up."
"I won’t go to the township; I’ll go directly to the village with you."
"Mm, don’t worry, the person picking up Xiao Wei is our own; he won’t suffer."
Jiang Xinyu nodded, and they parted ways. She used the introduction letters to get two rooms.
Entering the room, she took out twenty pounds of sausage made from wild boar by Master Shang—ten pounds for each. This gift would surely be appreciated.
She placed them in two cloth bags before packing her own things, thinking she couldn’t be with Wei Kaiyun the next day. She decided to let him wear more clothes, pulling out a set of cashre clothing to wear under his cotton garnts. Nothing too eye-catching—there was indeed a coat he had brought back with him in the storage, but that wouldn’t be worn outside.
She kept an eye on the outside, and when she heard movent, she quickly went out.
The four of them entered the room. Jiang Xinyu helped Wei Kaiyun sit down, noticing his hands were cold. She quickly prepared a warm towel and handed it to him.
Then she took out two tickets along with the letters of introduction and placed forty yuan and twenty pounds of food tickets in front of them.
"Brother Wu, Brother Yang, this is what I’ve prepared for you. Here are sausages I bought from the locals—take them ho and let your family try the local specialty. Also, tonight when the als are ready, they’ll be delivered together."
"Xiao Jiang, thank you very much."
"Let’s not exchange thanks; as long as we understand each other’s situations, that’s enough. I’ll always rember the kindness of the two brothers."
The two nodded, "If there’s anything when you return, co to us—this friendship, we’ve accepted it."
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