The father-in-law had already made his stance clear, so Hu Biao had to speak up as well. Besides, he was the office director of the textile factory. Although the factory’s positions were all filled, like a carrot for each hole, the performance of the factory had been good in the recent two years, and there was a shortage of workers on the production line. It just so happened that he needed to recruit workers.
"Mr. Shen, with my father-in-law arranging a job for you, I won’t interfere. However, our textile factory will have a recruitment soon, and there might be a few spots available. The front-line workers have a hard job. If there are willing candidates, you can recommend a couple to come over. As for an additional spot, I think Mr. Zhou should be able to take it when the time comes, so let’s give it to her!"
The reason Hu Biao mentioned this was because his mother had already found out about the situation and insisted on reserving a spot for Zhou Jiaojiao. Unfortunately, his big mouth let this information slip to Li Qianqian, and his beloved wife now wanted to secure two spots for Shen Meng. That’s right, if his mother wanted one, his wife needed two — there had to be a distinction, as if having one more was like winning.
These spots were already prearranged. Even if her father-in-law had arranged a job for Shen Meng, those spots still had to be reserved. He knew Li Qianqian well—Shen Meng might not want it, but he couldn’t fail to offer it. How to deal with those spots would be up to her; anyway, after giving them away, his beloved wife would surely not be angry.
"Two? That’s too many, I can’t accept that. I’ve already made arrangements, haven’t I? What do I need these spots for? You should give these two spots to those who are in need of help, who meet the factory’s criteria," Shen Meng blinked her eyes while refusing. When Hu Biao mentioned the two spots, she already had candidates in mind, but a polite refusal was still necessary.
Perhaps Shen Meng’s acting was too clumsy, Lu Zhenping coughed twice, drawing Li Chuan and Hu Biao’s attention to himself.
"I’m afraid we can’t accept this offer regarding the spots. My Xiao Meng isn’t a centipede; she can’t grow that many arms and legs to do the work. Besides, if word of this gets out, it’s going to cause trouble for you, isn’t it?"
Hu Biao hastily waved his hands, "Not at all troublesome, not troublesome. It would only be a problem if you don’t agree. The front-line workers really have it tough. Anyone who can read a few words, and is willing to endure hardship, can do the job. The temporary work period is two months, with eighteen yuan per month. If they do well, they can become regular employees, with a salary of thirty-five thereafter, and it can even increase over time with seniority. There are also dormitory allotments in the factory, welfare benefits during holidays, and one day off per week. Mr. Shen, I have reserved two spots here for you. Have a look, and if you find suitable candidates, just let me know. Please make a decision on these spots soon, as they will join the factory next March."
When Hu Biao spoke, Lu Zhenping glanced at Li Chuan. The fact that he didn’t say anything about such a significant matter indicated that Li Chuan had known about the textile factory’s recruitment long ago. These days, securing a job in a factory, like holding an iron rice bowl, required connections. Since Li Chuan made no comment, Lu Zhenping clapped Shen Meng’s hands directly.
"Alright, Xiao Meng will see if there are any suitable people in need of help."
"Okay."
Inside, Shen Meng was jumping for joy. One spot for Zhou Jiaojiao, two for her, and in the future, the County Party Secretary Mr. Li would arrange a job for her. Although it had not been made explicit, she had an idea—it would definitely be the kind of job where one works late, leaves early, and the salary is decent, just like passing the civil service exam in the future.
Before long, Zhou Jiaojiao and Lu Jiaxuan came over, and Lin Rong was holding Zhou Jiaojiao’s hand, looking like a mother and daughter from a distance. This made Li Chuan feel very uncomfortable. His Qianqian had been married into the Hu family for more than two years. Before they got married, Lin Rong would dote on his Qianqian, calling her dear and precious, but after the marriage, it was as if she changed entirely, her words even laced with spikes.
He had never seen Lin Rong speak so softly and gently to anyone. However, he quickly dismissed this thought because Mr. Zhou was the lifesaver of his daughter and grandson, and no matter what, he couldn’t harbor any ill will towards them.
"Relative, this is Zhou Jiaojiao, and this is her husband Lu Jiaxuan, who is currently working at the commune. These two children are really promising. Hahaha, Biao Biao, quickly take out what your mother asked you to prepare!"
His enthusiasm was as if he was a completely different person than the one who was confronting Shen Meng earlier. Hu Biao, with a stiff expression, took out a notification letter from his chest.
"Mr. Zhou, this is the worker notice from our textile factory. I am very grateful that you saved my spouse and child. Our textile factory is currently hiring, fortunately there are a few extra spots, and this one is for you. You’ll start working in March next year, but you need to keep this a secret for now, don’t let it out, okay?"
Zhou Jiaojiao and Lu Jiaxuan were incredibly excited. Lin Rong and Hu Jinbu had just brought over lots of gifts and red envelopes. They thought that was more than enough and didn’t expect to receive anything else, let alone a position at the textile factory. Once they got this, it meant they were part of the working class, no longer "mud-legged," and they would have a secure "iron rice bowl."
Zhou Jiaojiao trembled and didn’t take it at first, until Lu Jiaxuan quickly snapped back to reality and nudged her, prompting her to come around.
"How can I accept this? I really shouldn’t. I know nothing, and I might just cause trouble for you."
Lin Rong stuffed the notice directly into her hands.
"Just take it easy, I’m here for you. Who would dare to complain about trouble? Besides, I genuinely like you. When you start working in the county, we can chat more often, wouldn’t that be nice?"
Zhou Jiaojiao frowned in a quandary.
"I also enjoy talking with Aunt Lin, but I really can’t..."
"If you listen to me, just keep it and stop talking," Lin Rong pretended to be angry and pushed Zhou Jiaojiao’s hand again. Having no other choice, she finally accepted it.
At this point, Hu Jinbu introduced them to Li Qianqian’s father, Li Chuan, explaining that they didn’t come to their house immediately because they were acquainted with Lu Zhenping and talked for a while longer.
It was only then that Lu Jiaxuan and Zhou Jiaojiao realized why they hadn’t been their first stop; it turned out Li Qianqian’s brother was also in the military.
Thinking it through, having the chance to become relatives with the Textile Factory Director’s family, having a son in the military knowing Lu Zhenping, and seeing such cordial treatment from the Hu family towards Li Chuan, they realized his identity was extraordinary.
Lu Jiaxuan felt that Li Chuan looked familiar. Working at the commune, he often went to the county to deliver documents, and he felt he had seen Li Chuan somewhere before unintentionally but just couldn’t remember where.
When the conversation wound down, Hu Jinbu brought up again the invitation to dine in the county, but since Lu Zhenping had already refused earlier, Hu Jinbu didn’t insist, mentioning it only out of politeness due to Lu Jiaxuan and Zhou Jiaojiao’s presence.
Though Lu Jiaxuan and Zhou Jiaojiao were curious about Li Chuan’s identity, they didn’t dare to ask with so many people around.
Watching the two cars drive off into the distance, Lu Jiaxuan had a sudden moment of realization and excitedly clutched Zhou Jiaojiao, exclaiming, "I remember now, I finally remember! This Mr. Li, he’s our county’s County Party Secretary Li Chuan!"
Zhou Jiaojiao was so shocked she was speechless, and the notice she held in her hand dropped to the ground. The highest official in the county, she had just met the highest official in the county!!!