Chapter 2191: Chapter 2192: The Capitalist’s Cousin (11)
Taking a train journey in the height of summer is truly taxing work. Although there is some breeze entering when the train is moving, during the day the sun beating down on the train’s metal plating makes it unbearably hot.
Zhang Yu could only secretly feel fortunate that they were heading north, with the temperature slowly dropping, especially after passing Shanhaiguan; once the sun set, it became much cooler, and even during the day, it wasn’t as hot, allowing everyone to breathe a sigh of relief.
However, after just a few days on the train, even though Zhang Yu washed her face and wiped her arms daily, she still felt like she smelled like pickles, and her hair was already greasy.
Zhang Yu initially thought that the lack of sleep and poor meals on the northbound journey would deter anyone, but she soon realized that these were not the real issues—the biggest problem was not being able to bathe.
Fortunately for her, she wasn’t the only one who smelled; everyone else had a distinct odor as well.
Zhang Hui wasn’t doing any better and frequently grumbled in Zhang Yu’s ear, wondering why they hadn’t arrived yet.
Initially, Zhang Yu tried to comfort her, but after a while, she grew tired of it, as she was on the brink of collapse herself and had no energy left to console anyone.
The others weren’t better off either; at first, everyone was enthusiastic about reciting slogans and singing revolutionary songs, and Zhang Yu joined in to avoid attracting attention.
As time went on, everyone’s enthusiasm waned, and they all just hoped to arrive at their destination. Reciting slogans and singing had long been abandoned by everyone.
Amidst everyone’s anticipation, the train finally arrived at its destination, and passengers began to disembark in small groups, carrying their belongings.
Zhang Hui staggered off the train, feeling weak, and Zhang Yu had no choice but to support her, worrying she might collapse. Luckily, some villagers helped with the luggage.
Zhang Hui, feeling faint, exclaimed, "Why do I feel so weak?"
"You haven’t been off the train in days." Zhang Yu had previously suggested Zhang Hui get out and walk around during station stops since it was tiring to just sway on the train, but she refused because it was hot outside.
She didn’t want to get off the train, and Zhang Yu couldn’t force her. Once Zhang Hui slightly recovered, Zhang Yu suggested, "Let’s go and see if the county’s vehicle has arrived outside."
Indeed, the train had arrived in the urban area, but they still needed transportation to reach the county.
They also had to travel from the county to the commune and then to the village. Zhang Yu was unaware of the journey or transportation, hoping that even riding a tractor to the village would suffice.
As for ox carts, they wouldn’t mind either, but she worried that with so many people and luggage, the team leaders might spare the village’s ox and let them put their luggage on the ox cart, making them walk the rest of the way.
In such a scenario, it would be the worst situation, and there would be no way to protest.
When they reached the square outside the train station, the staff from the Youth Corps Office had already become impatient, seeing them and expressing displeasure, "The train arrived a while ago. Why are you only coming out now?"
"You still have to take a car to the county; it will take at least three hours."
What? Zhang Yu was stunned—this was the city station, and then they had to take another three-hour ride to the county. It’s a big truck! Oh my goodness, where had they ended up?
Zhang Yu suddenly felt she had quoted too low a price; given the time spent on the road, making a single trip home wouldn’t be easy.
"I’m sorry; we’ve been on the train for days without getting off, and we’re unwell," Zhang Yu kept apologizing, stating health reasons.
The Youth Corps Office staff eyed Zhang Hui, who looked pale, and waved them away, "Let’s go, don’t delay further."
After repeatedly thanking the staff, Zhang Yu and Zhang Hui headed toward a truck parked not far away.
In the truck bed, the impatient crowd began to complain upon seeing Zhang Hui’s pale face, but despite their dissatisfaction, they kept it to themselves.
Especially after hearing that Zhang Yu and her friends had been on the train for around four days to get here, they exclaimed, "That’s a long time!"
Zhang Yu murmured in agreement, "Luckily, we didn’t have to change trains." After all, that was a small blessing. Changing trains with so much luggage would have been exhausting, especially fighting for seats—sigh.
Everyone began talking about the time they spent traveling, particularly those who had switched transport midway, sharing their experiences.
With the vehicle in motion, the unbearably hot cabin finally got some breeze, making everyone feel refreshed.
Unfortunately, as the vehicle left the city and entered the village roads, Zhang Yu immediately sensed the poor road conditions—it was incredibly bumpy, unusually so.
Sitting on the cabin floor, Zhang Yu was already sleepy due to the breeze, but the potholes jolted her awake, preventing any sleep.
Everyone found it impossible to rest properly. At this point, a girl stood up and suggested, "Let’s sing."
What? Zhang Yu was startled but dared not show it. In these times, stepping on others to rise was commonplace.
In such heat, having just gotten off the train and been through a day’s journey, everyone was already exhausted.
If there were a bed available, many would immediately lie down. Sitting on the truck, without potholes, Zhang Yu reckoned many would have fallen asleep.
But this girl suggested singing? With the sun overhead, it was intense torture.
On the train, singing was still hot, but at least there was water to drink, replenishing fluids. On the truck, what to do if thirsty? Where to get water?
The group lacked enthusiasm; after the girl’s suggestion, a minute passed without a word, only the sound of the wind and the engine—it was absolutely silent.
The girl didn’t anticipate that no one would follow her lead and immediately caused a stir, "I’ll start, and you all join in."
As she spoke so decisively, starting to sing outright, what choice was there? Not singing implied a lack of ideological commitment.
Zhang Yu touched her water bottle and was relieved that she’d filled both bottles with water, anticipating a long ride after getting off the train.
Everyone reluctantly joined in the singing; otherwise, what was there to do? Despite inwardly cursing the girl, refusing to sing wasn’t an option—they had to comply.
Zhang Yu joined in, although she wanted to mouth the words silently. But surrounded by people, silence would surely be noticed; vocalizing was necessary.
The sound was no longer vibrant; as long as there was a sound, it was sufficient. Zhang Yu also listened to the surrounding voices—everyone made some sound, of course. On such a hot day, with several hours left to travel, conservation of energy was wise; who knew how long the girl would keep going.
Zhang Yu glanced at the girl leading the song, silently praying not to be in the same village as her; otherwise, it would be truly unfortunate.
But then again, it seemed less problematic. After all, everyone earned their own work points, and cooked separately, easing her mind quite a bit.
