[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-that-year-the-flowers-bloomed-in-1981":3,"chapter-that-year-the-flowers-bloomed-in-1981-that-year-the-flowers-bloomed-in-1981-chapter-110":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","That Year, the Flowers Bloomed in 1981",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2294528,4489,"Chapter 110: As Long as You","that-year-the-flowers-bloomed-in-1981-chapter-110",110,"\u003Cp>The day after Li Ye received his acceptance letter, he drove the Dongfeng 140 to the Qingshui County Traffic Supervision Station with Master Huo.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this time, vehicle registration and driver’s license issuance were still not under the Public Security Department; it wasn’t until around 1985 that the staff at the Traffic Supervision Station changed their uniforms and transitioned roles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Old Gao, give me a student permit.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Master Huo, familiar with the place, found the right person and handed Li Ye’s photo inside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man inside saw Li Ye and smiled: “I just got the notice—I was wondering! Will the top scholar be driving himself now?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Ye replied modestly: “We’re all public servants; the more skills you have, the better. Who knows when I might need to drive to serve the people?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hahaha, that’s a good answer—unlike that guy who just came to the county.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Cough cough cough~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Master Huo quickly coughed, signaling Old Gao to watch his tongue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Back then, the Traffic Supervision Station wasn’t the powerful department it would become later; when soldiers returned home and heard they’d be assigned as “road pegs,” they’d cry and refuse to go.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Standing on the highway all day, baked black as coal, it was hard to find a wife.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So, walls have ears; in this small temple, don’t provoke the big gods—better safe than sorry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Old Gao smirked: “I’ll get it done right away—do you want a formal license now, or...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Ye smiled: “Just give me the study booklet first. I’ll come back for the exam in a few days.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Old Gao waved it off: “What exam? Just come back in a few days and pick up your license.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moments later, Li Ye received a red booklet for learner drivers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With this booklet, as long as you’re accompanied by a licensed driver, you can drive anywhere in the country.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After getting in the car, Li Ye couldn’t help but smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He’d heard stories like this in the future, never imagining it would happen to him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Xiao Ye, what are you smiling at?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I just think going through back channels is kind of fun.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What do you mean, ‘going through back channels’?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Master Huo frowned: “Your grandfather’s been careful enough—every procedure is in order, your driving skills are solid—who dares complain? If it were me, I’d get the real license today.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Ye nodded: “True, my grandfather is indeed cautious.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Going through back channels has its own way: all procedures are legal, documents complete—even if everyone knows you’re cutting corners, they can’t find any legitimate fault.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Let’s go, Master Huo. While we’ve got time, let’s practice some more. I’ll treat you to braised pork later.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Alright, go wild! Drive all the way to the horizon.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Master Huo was pleased—this student was easy to teach: skilled, and generous with food and drink. If possible, he’d love to train him for a year or two.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Actually, Li Ye wasn’t in a hurry to get his license, but Principal Chang said that starting tomorrow, they’d begin a several-day “touring lecture circuit.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They’d visit nearly every middle school in the county and townships to inspire hardworking students.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Principal Chang also insisted Li Ye must drive, to show people that cadres and workers were one family.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Ye couldn’t understand Principal Chang’s logic—a driver was a skilled worker, a college student was a state cadre—how were those connected?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Li Zhongfa had sternly demanded Li Ye take it seriously, so Li Ye had gotten the legal paperwork first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After driving all day, his waist, legs, and arms ached; he didn’t get back to the Li household until nearly nightfall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But when he walked in, the courtyard was full of people.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hu Man, Han Xia, Yan Jinbu, and Jiang Xiaoyan’s families were all bustling about.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fried fish, fried meat—even a whole pig’s head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Nai, are you throwing a banquet? Why so many dishes?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Ye’s stomach was growling—he reached for a pork knuckle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Juying slapped his hand away: “That’s for Old Huai. Eat later.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only then did Li Ye notice Han Xia’s mother, grandmother, and even his aunt Li Mingxiang all busy preparing offerings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He sighed: “Nai, this isn’t right—it’s collective feudal superstition.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Get lost~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah, alright.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Ye slunk to a corner of the courtyard and joined Li Dayong and the others, who were giggling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since getting the acceptance letter, everyone had changed—mothers at home were bustling, no need for their help.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Bro, you’re always out of sight—how come you’re busier than my master?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“When you have to care for a whole group someday, you’ll be just as busy as me—don’t you dare complain.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hehehe, you’re right, Bro. Sorry for making you worry—sit down, sit down.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Dayong brought Li Ye a seat and set out watermelon and peanuts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hu Man, Han Xue, and Fu Yingjie also gathered around Li Ye. Though they didn’t speak heartfelt words, their eyes brimmed with sincere gratitude.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Today, their families came to thank Li Kaibian and Li Zhongfa, showering Li Kaibian with praise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the adults’ gratitude was one thing; their children’s thanks were another.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Han Xia handed Li Ye a large bag of lotus seeds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then she said: “Li Ye, these are from my dad—he insisted on coming today to thank you personally. Should I call him over?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Ye immediately replied: “I should go to him—how can you make your father thank me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No, no need.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Han Xia stood and waved—immediately, a man talking with Li Kaibian in the main room rushed over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This had to be Han Xia’s father—same mold, same face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He came over, gripped Li Ye’s hand tightly, and after struggling for a long time, said only one sentence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m Han Dawang—I’ve only got three daughters. Everyone laughed at me. But since the day before yesterday, I’ve laughed back at every household—they all smiled, offered me cigarettes, poured me tea!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Ye quickly said: “Uncle, this is just the beginning. In a few years, you’ll see—Han Xia alone is worth more than three sons.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Han Dawang’s eyes welled up, nodding repeatedly—a forty-year-old man nearly lost control.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Over the past half-year, Li Ye had learned much about Han Dawang’s family.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Han Dawang wasn’t a coward—he was capable, the team’s mechanic in Hanjia Village, responsible for water pumps, electric grinders, and maintaining the team’s tractor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In this era, that was solid skilled labor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though he never worked the fields, at year-end work-point evaluations, he always tied for first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If you don’t assign me properly, when spring irrigation comes, I’ll make over a hundred villagers wait three days.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If you shortchange me on festival rations, when it’s time to plow, I’ll make sure the tractor breaks down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Technology is productivity—why shouldn’t skilled workers be respected?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whether or not he was “proper,” Han Xia’s family lived well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the one problem: Han Xia’s mother had given birth to three daughters, no sons.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By 1982, having more children was banned—Han Dawang’s only weakness was this, and he was mocked constantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Han Xia held in her anger, vowing to prove: “Why should a good girl be inferior to a boy?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She failed the exams two years in a row; neighbors’ gossip made her father even more ashamed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Han Dawang was a man—he never let his daughter suffer. Like a great tree, he gave Han Xia her own sky.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Han Xia had once told Li Ye: if she wanted to keep taking the exam, her father would support her until the end of time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That attitude had made Jiang Xiaoyan envious—and bitter—countless times.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Today, Li Ye fulfilled Han Xia’s lifelong wish—how could Han Dawang not come, not thank him?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Li Ye, do you know?” Han Xia wiped her nose. “My dad has been repairing the village tractor for years—but he’s never been allowed to drive it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The previous drivers got jobs at the agricultural machinery station or the transport team—all of them were hired. But my dad just wants to drive a tractor—and he can’t.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The day before yesterday, when my acceptance letter arrived, the team notified my dad that same night—he could be the tractor driver. He spat back:”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Before, I wanted to drive and you wouldn’t let me. Now? I won’t drive it anymore. My daughter will buy me a car!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Pfft~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hahaha~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The young people burst out laughing—this inspiring story had turned into a joke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Ye laughed too, but then he turned and saw his sister Li Juan squatting in a corner, head down, silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Ye knew: Han Xia’s words had struck a raw nerve in the girl.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Han Chunmei had also given birth to two daughters, but she didn’t have a husband like Han Dawang—over the years, she and her two daughters had endured countless sneers and humiliations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Han Xia finally shine, the little girl couldn’t help but feel pain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Ye sighed: “Sometimes you need to change your perspective—every hardship you’ve endured is your wealth. Take me, for example—I’ve come to see it too.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hu Man and the others stayed silent, but their minds churned, wondering what Li Ye meant by “hardship.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Ye continued: “When you enter university, or later start working, you’ll face more challenges, more trials.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In your workplace, not everyone will flatter you or cater to you—you must remember one thing: only when you’re strong enough will every difficulty dissolve on its own.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing everyone silent and downcast, Li Ye had to break the mood with his sister.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He ruffled Li Juan’s hair: “Did you hear me? After I leave, be strong. Don’t be scared of everything. You’re not missing a nose or an eye—you’re no less than anyone else.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Due to her upbringing, Li Juan’s personality was like Jiang Xiaoyan’s—even worse in some ways.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since the little girl called him “Bro,” Li Ye felt responsible for raising her into a girl who walks with her head high.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Juan lowered her head, sniffling, “I remember, Brother. As long as I’m strong enough, no one will dare to bully me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At midnight, Grandma Li led Li Ye, Jiang Xiao Yan, Li Juan, Zhao Meiwen, and a group of women and children, moving silently like guerrillas, toward the old locust tree in the northern part of town.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Ye had originally thought walking was tiring and saw no reason not to use a vehicle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Wu Juying scolded him sharply: “Your Wenquxing’s literary aura is limited—if others see it, they’ll steal it away, and won’t your sisters suffer?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Juan, Li Ying, and Zhao Meiwen all gazed at Li Ye with wounded looks, as if they’d burst into tears if he dared to be “selflessly generous.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Ye had no choice but to comply. When they reached the old locust tree, he even cooperated fully, bowing and praying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then a clap of thunder rang out, and fine rain began to fall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Grandma Li and the others rejoiced, muttering that Old Locust Lord had manifested his spirit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only Li Ye sighed wryly, unsure what karmic debt he’d incurred or how much merit he’d gained.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>August 19, 1982, Thursday.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thanks to last night’s light rain, today’s weather was pleasant—not nearly as scorching.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the playground of Qingshui County No. 1 High School, students and teachers sat densely, waiting for this year’s college-bound students to give their reports.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Zixue, now a sophomore, stared at the red banner on the stage and found it painfully glaring.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A college student report session is one thing—but why add “Number One in the Province”?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why hold the report at County No. 1 High School, yet let County No. 2 steal the spotlight?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Doesn’t County No. 1 have any students who got into college?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this thought, Lu Zixue felt a pang of guilt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, County No. 1 had students admitted to college; in total, they still outpaced County No. 2 year after year.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But one provincial number one, eight students going to the capital—these were simply too dazzling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just last year, when his sister got into the capital, he’d been so proud—how had things turned so fast in just a year?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Now please welcome the students from County No. 2 High School to the stage.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Clap, clap, clap~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Zixue clapped listlessly, cursing himself for not being able to take a day off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Ye, as the first in line, stepped onto the stage, shook hands with each official, then sat down to be “admired.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When he shook hands with Yao Renhua, the vice principal of County No. 1 High School, their eyes met with complex expressions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just over half a year ago, Li Ye had crossed paths with this Yao principal at the gate of County No. 1 High School.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the time, Li Ye had said: “County No. 1 rejecting me is your loss.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Principal Yao had sneered, calling Li Ye a “bad apple” and saying County No. 1 didn’t want such a poor student.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The backlash came faster than expected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The so-called “bad apple” had ranked first in the entire province.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, last year’s old incident was dug up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The principal learned then that Yao Renhua had dared to turn Li Ye away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Ye had even used connections to try to enroll at County No. 1!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And you just threw him out?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Are your eyes so clouded you can’t tell talent? Shouldn’t you be moved to a quieter post?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In short, Yao Renhua had suffered through these past half-months.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Principal Yao, we meet again.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Ye’s sudden words nearly made Yao Renhua clamp a hand over his mouth on the spot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What are you trying to do?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In front of everyone, what are you trying to accomplish?!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Today I’m late returning from errands, so I’m posting first—I’ll fix typos later. Also, I didn’t have time to copy today’s tip list; Old Feng will thank everyone tomorrow!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",2303,"2026-06-20T05:04:59.129Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","992a73d376d1ebba3d20a914dba840c16afe4297f064810f2ba7481e82fedb1b","that-year-the-flowers-bloomed-in-1981-chapter-111","that-year-the-flowers-bloomed-in-1981-chapter-109",884,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthat-year-the-flowers-bloomed-in-1981-cover.jpg"]