Chapter 15: The Heroine Becomes a Ten-Thousand-Yuan Earner, Dividends Shared Across the Village

On the last day of the month, the kerosene lamp in the brigade headquarters burned late into the night. Old Li, wearing his reading glasses, swiftly moved his fingers over the abacus, the crisp clicks of the beads striking each other resonating clearly in the quiet darkness. Su Yao sat opposite him, clutching a handkerchief, her palms damp with sweat soaking the cloth.

“It’s done!” Old Li suddenly looked up, his voice trembling as he pushed the ledger forward. “See for yourself!”

Su Yao lowered her eyes. On the final page, in the total column, a striking red figure was written: 10,286.

She paused, gently tapping the numbers, counting them three times. Ten thousand two hundred eighty-six—it had truly surpassed ten thousand.

“This means I’m now a ten-thousand-yuan household?” Su Yao’s voice floated, amazed. She had spent ten years struggling in a big city in her past life without saving this much. She never imagined achieving this in a small village in the 1970s.

“Exactly!” Old Li set the abacus down on the table, rubbing his hands excitedly. “Just your monthly bonus and dividends alone are over eight thousand. Add what you saved before, and you’re solidly a ten-thousand-yuan household! The very first urban educated youth in our county to reach this—it's you, Su Yao!”

The news spread throughout the village the next day. Villagers gathered at the entrance of the brigade headquarters, laughing as they read the newly posted red notice board. In golden powder, Su Yao’s name and dividend amount sparkled brightly under the sunlight.

“Over ten thousand! That can buy so much grain!”

“Comrade Su is truly our village’s god of wealth!”

“My share this month is over fifty yuan—it’s enough to buy a new schoolbag for the kids!”

As Su Yao approached the gate, she was immediately surrounded. Widow Wang held her hand, her eyes red. “Comrade Su, you’re such a good person! Without you, we wouldn’t have any money to treat my husband.”

“Auntie, don’t say that,” Su Yao smiled and gently pulled her hand away. “This money was earned by everyone; it should be shared.”

Just then, the commune’s correspondent arrived on a bicycle, carrying a plaque wrapped in red silk. He jumped off and called out, “Is Comrade Su Yao here? Secretary Li from the commune asked me to deliver this good news!”

The plaque bore four golden characters: “Model Urban Educated Youth,” edged in gold. The correspondent personally hung it in the most prominent spot at the brigade headquarters, then pulled Su Yao beneath it for a photo to be published in the county newspaper.

“Comrade Su, you’ve brought honor to our commune!” The correspondent reminded her before leaving, “Secretary Li will present you with the award personally the day after tomorrow, so be prepared.”

Looking at the glittering plaque, Su Yao’s mind was already calculating other matters. She turned to Old Li and said, “Uncle, help me figure out how many households are in the village?”

“Counting the welfare households, forty-six,” Old Li replied, puzzled. “What’s on your mind?”

“Two hundred yuan per household,” Su Yao said decisively. “Use the rest of the money to buy a television and get the children some new things.”

“What?” Old Li’s eyes nearly popped out in surprise. “Two hundred yuan each? Forty-six households—that’s nine thousand two hundred! You finally saved that money; how can you just decide to divide it like that?”

“Money kept idle doesn’t grow,” Su Yao gazed out at the bustling crowd. “Everyone has worked hard alongside me this period. Besides, the cooperative’s success isn’t just because of me.”

Old Li wanted to argue but was stopped by Su Yao’s resolute gaze. He sighed and shook his head, “You really have a sincere heart.”

News of the fund distribution spread like wildfire, stirring mixed feelings. Some were joyous, others uneasy. Er Zhuzi’s wife kept nagging her husband, “Who gives away this much money for nothing? There must be some catch.”

Er Zhuzi tapped his pipe against his shoe and said, “You don’t know Su Yao. If she wanted to keep it all, would she show the ledger to everyone?”

On the day of the payout, a long line formed in the courtyard of the brigade headquarters. Su Yao and Old Li sat behind a table, handing out money by household. Lu Xingchen called out the names, Lu Yuxuan counted the bills, and Lu Shihan carried a jar of candy, giving a piece of fruit candy to each person.

“Grandpa Zhang, two hundred yuan for your family of two,” Su Yao handed over the money, slipping an extra ten yuan in. “I heard your grandson needs to pay school fees—take this.”

Grandpa Zhang took the money with trembling hands, tears streaming down his face. “Comrade Su, you’re a living Bodhisattva…”

When it was Widow Wang’s turn, she stubbornly refused to accept more. “My share is enough for vegetables. Let those who need it more have the money.”

“Take it,” Su Yao pressed the money into her hand. “Your son Xiaozhuzi still needs treatment. Don’t be frugal.”

Unbeknownst to them, Lu Zhanye had silently taken his place at the back of the crowd. Watching Su Yao distribute the money in an orderly fashion, his gaze was approving. When Su Yao looked up and smiled at him, he nodded slightly.

After the payouts, Su Yao pocketed the remaining money and took her three children to the county town. In the department store, a fourteen-inch black-and-white television sat in the most prominent spot under a red velvet cover, surrounded by a crowd.

“Mom, is that the television?” Lu Shihan looked up, eyes wide with wonder.

“Yes,” Su Yao stroked her head. “We’ll buy one and bring it back so the whole village can watch.”

The salesperson, a young woman, brightened when she heard they wanted to buy a TV. “Comrade, are you sure? These are in short supply; there aren’t many in the entire county.”

“We want this one,” Su Yao said decisively, pulling out her money. “Can you deliver it? We’re from Red Star Brigade.”

“Of course!” The girl quickly called someone to pack it up. “I’ll have my boyfriend drive it over to you. It’ll be safe and sound.”

On the way back, the tractor carrying the TV attracted a crowd wherever it went. Lu Shihan sat beside the television, clutching the red velvet tightly, afraid someone might snatch it.

The television was set up in the main hall of the brigade headquarters, a high antenna erected. During the trial run, the entire village came to watch, filling the room to capacity. As fuzzy images and voices appeared on the screen, thunderous applause erupted in the courtyard.

“It’s moving! It really works!”

“Look, someone’s talking!”

“Wow, this thing is amazing!”

Seeing everyone’s excitement warmed Su Yao’s heart. Lu Xingchen leaned on the table, studying the manual carefully, and soon learned to change channels. Lu Yuxuan took a small notebook and jotted down the channel programs like a little steward.

Time flew, and soon it was New Year’s Eve. The brigade had slaughtered two pigs early, distributing meat to every household. Su Yao’s home was bustling with activity. Lu Xingchen helped paste spring couplets, Lu Yuxuan tended the fire, and Lu Shihan learned to make dumplings from Widow Wang, her face smudged like a little tabby cat.

As evening fell, the aroma of the family reunion dinner spread throughout the village. Su Yao carried a bowl of dumplings and was about to deliver them to Grandpa Zhang when she saw Lu Zhanye standing at the door, carrying a cloth bundle.

“Happy New Year,” he said, handing her the bundle. “For the children.”

Inside were three newly made cotton-padded jackets and several yards of floral fabric. Su Yao felt a warmth in her heart. “Come in and have some food with us?”

Lu Zhanye hesitated briefly, then nodded.

At the dinner table, Lu Shihan insisted on offering Lu Zhanye dumplings, speaking in her sweet childlike voice, “Uncle, eat more. After eating, you’ll have the strength to catch bad guys.”

Lu Zhanye laughed and ate half a bowl more. Lu Xingchen looked at him and suddenly said, “Uncle, you should come eat at our house more often. Mom’s cooking is really delicious.”

Su Yao blushed slightly and quickly looked down at her soup. Lu Zhanye glanced at her and softly replied, “I will.”

After dinner, the entire village flocked to the brigade headquarters to watch the Spring Festival Gala. Su Yao followed with her three children at the back; Lu Shihan carried a small lantern, fluttering like a happy little bird.

The hall was already packed. The men arranged benches, the women brought sunflower seeds and candies, and children weaved through the crowd, playing and laughing. Lu Xingchen stood in front of the television, skillfully tuning it to the central station just as the Spring Festival Prelude began.

“It’s starting! It’s starting!” someone shouted, and the room fell silent.

The first program began, and everyone was captivated. Though the screen was a bit blurry and the sound crackled, they watched with great interest. Some hummed along, others clapped, the atmosphere as lively as a real New Year celebration.

Lu Yuxuan diligently recorded the program list, occasionally discussing with neighbors, “This dance is so beautiful. It’ll definitely win first prize.”

Inspired, Lu Shihan ran to the center of the room and imitated the dancers on the screen, causing everyone to laugh heartily. She was unafraid and even sang a newly learned song: “The East is Red, the sun is rising…”

Her innocent voice echoed through the room, and everyone applauded along. Su Yao watched her daughter’s earnest performance, then glanced at Lu Xingchen and Lu Yuxuan, who were intently watching the television, feeling a surge of warmth.

Lu Zhanye sat beside her and handed over a handful of sunflower seeds. “The children are really adorable.”

“Yes,” Su Yao accepted the seeds. When her fingertips accidentally brushed his hand, she recoiled as if shocked, her cheeks flushing.

Midway through the program, firecrackers exploded outside. No one knew who had set them off, but the village children rushed out excitedly. Lu Shihan tugged her brothers to follow, with Su Yao and Lu Zhanye trailing behind.

The night sky lit up with fireworks, colorful sparks blooming like flowers in the air, breathtakingly beautiful. Children’s cheers, adults’ laughter, and the crackling of firecrackers blended into the most enchanting New Year symphony.

“Mom, look! That one looks like a flower!” Lu Shihan pointed excitedly at the sky, jumping.

“So beautiful,” Su Yao held her three children close, her heart filled with unprecedented peace. She recalled the initial fear of her time slip, the tenderness she felt upon first meeting her three children, and the days spent working alongside the villagers in the fields—each scene flashing past like a movie.

Unconsciously, this place had become her home, and these people her family.

“What are you thinking about?” Lu Zhanye’s voice sounded beside her.

Su Yao turned to him. The glow of the fireworks flickered across his face, his eyes gentle like spring water. She smiled suddenly. “I’m thinking this is the life I want.”

Lu Zhanye smiled back. “It will only get better from here.”

The gala ended well past midnight. The villagers reluctantly went home, chatting about the shows. Su Yao led her three children back while Lu Zhanye carried the lantern, escorting them.

“Mom, the TV was so fun to watch,” Lu Shihan yawned, leaning against Su Yao.

“From now on, we can watch it every day,” Su Yao stroked her head.

“Comrade Su, thank you,” Lu Zhanye suddenly stopped and sincerely said, “You’ve changed this village.”

“It’s not just me,” Su Yao shook her head. “It’s the result of everyone’s hard work.”

Almost home, Lu Xingchen suddenly said, “Mom, I want to wish Uncle a happy New Year.” He bowed to Lu Zhanye. “Happy New Year, Uncle. May you be happy every day.”

Lu Yuxuan and Lu Shihan followed suit, their voices sweet and clear: “Happy New Year!”

Lu Zhanye was taken aback for a moment, quickly helped the children up, and pulled three red envelopes from his pocket. “Here’s your lucky money—take it.”

Back at home, Su Yao tucked the children into bed but found no sleep. She sat by the kang, gazing at the moonlight outside, her heart brimming with hope.

On the table lay the award certificate sent by the commune, beside three new schoolbags for the children. Su Yao picked up a schoolbag, gently stroked it, a smile tugging at her lips.

She knew this was only the beginning. Next year, the canning factory would start operations, the seeding machines would be introduced, the children would attend a new school… so much remained to be done.

But she was not afraid, no longer alone. She had three sensible children, a group of honest villagers, and… glancing out the window, she seemed to see that tall, steadfast figure.

Su Yao lay down and pulled the covers over her. Moonlight streamed through the window lattice, falling softly on her children’s peaceful faces. She closed her eyes, smiling as she drifted into sleep.

In her dream, she and her children sat before the television watching programs, with Lu Zhanye beside them telling stories of the outside world. In the courtyard, villagers sang and danced, their joyous laughter filling the village.

This was the home she wanted—warm and secure.