After returning to the city, Ji Xiaosong resumed her job as a sales clerk at the supply and marketing cooperative.
However, she was no longer the timid country girl from the countryside that everyone used to push around.
She wore the standard-issue blue work uniform from the cooperative, but she had pinned a small, red velvet flower to her collar and tied a thin red string around her wrist. Xu Weidong had brought it back from G City, saying it would "keep her safe."
She walked with her head held high and a constant smile on her face. She was much more articulate than before and would even occasionally banter with the customers.
"Comrade Xiaosong, you're looking so full of energy!" Sister Zhang from the neighboring fabric counter said with a wide smile.
Ji Xiaosong laughed as she deftly weighed out some sugar. "You know it! Life just keeps getting better!"
But someone couldn't stand the sight of her.
