1951, Autumn.
This year, natural disasters struck many parts of the country, leading to widespread famine. People and animals alike fled their homes in a desperate search for survival.
Lu De Min, a time traveler, was also among those fleeing the famine.
He had landed in this impoverished, strictly controlled, and utterly unentertaining 1950s, a complete nightmare!
Lu De Min raised his head and cursed the heavens.
…
A crossroads on a major road.
“De Min Ge, are you really not going to Sichuan Province with us?” A gaunt, raggedy teenager looked at Lu De Min with hope in his eyes.
This boy’s name was Gou Dan, Lu De Min’s fellow villager and close friend.
They had escaped the famine together, relying on each other along the way, forging a deep bond.
Now, they were about to part ways.
Gou Dan’s plan was to escape to his mother’s hometown in Sichuan Province, where he had maternal relatives who could help him find a wife.
However, Lu De Min had a different perspective.
In his view, escaping the famine was a skill, and choosing the right path was more important than effort.
During times of war and chaos, one should flee to remote, desolate places. In times of stable governance, the ideal destination is a large city.
Lu De Min believed Beijing was the best choice. It was the seat of power, the heart of the nation. Even if the country faced hardship, the people of the capital couldn't be left to starve.
After all, even in turmoil, the main base of operations shouldn't be in disarray.
Therefore, Lu De Min wasn’t going to Sichuan Province just to find a wife.
“I've decided to go to Beijing. Gou Dan, there's no need to persuade me. I actually hope you’ll come to Beijing with me. We’ll be brothers in arms, working together and supporting each other. We’ll surely carve out our own path. And then, will finding a wife still be a problem?”
Lu De Min didn’t want to travel alone, so he looked at Gou Dan.
Gou Dan hesitated before finally saying, “I promised my mother, and I can't break my word!”
“Then we’ll part ways here, each going our separate directions. Gou Dan, if things don't work out for you there, be sure to come find me in Beijing. As long as I have food, I won't let you go hungry!” Lu De Min looked at Gou Dan, patting his friend's shoulder with genuine affection.
“De Min Ge, I'll say the same thing. If you can't make it in Beijing, or you can’t find a wife, come to Sichuan Province, Bazhong City, An Hua County, Zhu Family Village to find me. My home is your home. You'll have food and a wife!” Gou Dan emotionally grasped Lu De Min’s arm.
Lu De Min chuckled, “Don’t be ridiculous! I'm tall and handsome. Why would I fear finding a wife?”
Gou Dan scratched his head and grinned sheepishly, “You're right!”
“Alright! It’s getting late. The train will be arriving soon. I need to prepare. Let's part ways now!” Lu De Min looked at the sky, his expression slightly anxious.
He knew that there were many refugees fleeing the famine, and a good number of them were heading to Beijing. Providing for these refugees wouldn’t be easy. Not only were there massive needs for food supplies, but they also needed to arrange shelter and accommodation. The pressure was immense.
This meant Beijing couldn't absorb all the refugees indefinitely. They would inevitably set up checkpoints along the way to intercept and turn back refugees. It would be much harder to enter Beijing once those checkpoints were established. Therefore, Lu De Min knew he had to reach Beijing before these policies were put in place. The key was speed, swift action. That’s what mattered.
As they parted ways, Gou Dan cried his eyes out.
Lu De Min almost relented.
But reason prevailed, and after saying goodbye to Gou Dan, he raced towards the railway line where the Beijing train was expected to pass.
Nightfall arrived.
Lu De Min reached a section of the railway near the station entrance. He bent over, placing his ear against the rail, listening intently.
This was his fifth attempt.
“It’s coming! It's finally here!” Lu De Min wasn't sure if a train would pass today. Now, hearing the sound, he was relieved and overjoyed.
Not long after.
The train pulled into the station. Under the moonlight, Lu De Min nimbly climbed aboard, hiding in a freight car.
Alright! Finally on the train!
Lu De Min felt a surge of joy and relief.
Now, he finally had time to process the memories that had flooded his mind.
His name was also Lu De Min, and he had been raised by his grandfather.
His grandfather was the only person in the city who knew how to fix cars. He had served in the army in the past, and after being injured and discharged, he worked at the local repair factory. Lu De Min was bright and hard-working, and he spent his free time learning car repair skills, becoming quite proficient.
His father had died on the battlefield, and his mother had passed away from grief.
In other words, he was the descendant of a soldier, a family member of a martyr!
However, during this era, families of martyrs were numerous, and with the newly established nation struggling to recover from devastation, the economy was dire. Everyone needed to pull together to overcome the difficulties. So, aside from their honorable status, most families of martyrs remained low-key and didn't use their status to seek favors from the government.
One of the reasons Lu De Min was going to Beijing was because of his grandfather’s last wish. He had instructed Lu De Min to go to Beijing and seek help from his old comrades if he was truly desperate.
His grandfather was a stubborn man who never asked for favors from anyone. But for his grandson, he wrote a letter seeking assistance, all for his grandson’s survival.
“Grandpa!” After absorbing the memories, Lu De Min touched the envelope, his eyes welling up.
…
Unconsciously, Lu De Min fell asleep.
When he woke up.
He didn't know how long it had been.
Suddenly, there was an unusual commotion outside. Lu De Min, ignoring his hunger, peeked through a small hole.
A group of heavily armed soldiers were inspecting the train!
Lu De Min’s heart skipped a beat.
They hadn't checked much along the way. Why were they suddenly so strict?
When Lu De Min’s eyes fell on the station sign, he immediately understood.
They were nearing Beijing.
Of course, they would be stricter.
Oh no, they were starting to turn people back!
He was too late.
If he was caught, he wouldn't be able to enter Beijing. He would have to turn back and continue to starve.
He could only eat the relief rations provided by Beijing’s relief station after entering the city.
Lu De Min resolutely jumped off the train.
“Kid, don't run!”
A roar echoed from behind.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
Holy crap! They actually fired shots!
Only a fool wouldn't run!
Lu De Min ran even faster, disappearing in a flash.
He truly experienced the difference of this era.
They actually fired live rounds.
Right, this was still under military control!
Extremely strict!
…
After a day of arduous travel.
Lu De Min finally entered the Beijing area.
You might ask, how did he know?
The system informed him.
【Ding! The system detected that the host has achieved the initial goal, reaching Beijing, and the system is activating…】
Haha! Awesome!
The system was finally here.