Cheng Yufen glared at her, this Shen Meng, usually whatever she does is steady and proper, so why is she getting anxious now?
"Don’t rush, listen to what I have to say. After hearing about Comrade Yu Xueli’s situation from you last time, I felt that it wasn’t suitable for a female comrade to do such heavy manual labor. So I suggested it to the dean, and it turns out the cafeteria is short-staffed for a food server. She just needs to help with chopping and washing vegetables; it’s a job she can handle."
"Ah, I knew it could be done. Thank you, big sister. This is such good news; I’ll have to get Shirley to bring her children along to properly thank you. Although she has spent years in the countryside, I can vouch for her character. She’s not the deceitful or thieving type. Over the years, she’s suffered a lot for her children, continuously worn down by domestic violence, but she never looks timid or skittish. Her two children are her support, and all she wants now is to raise them well. If something happens to her in the future, I’ll still need to trouble you, Sister Cheng."
Cheng Yufen’s greatest virtue is her tender heart, but of course, it is also her flaw. She hasn’t hesitated to cause trouble for her in-laws due to her own family matters in the past. This time Shen Meng came over to connect with another line of hers.
"What’s the big deal? Since I recommended her to the dean, I clearly trust your judgment. If there’s any trouble in the future, feel free to come to me, and I will definitely help her."
"Thank you so much, Sister Cheng. Oh, by the way, I heard that the younger son from your sister-in-law’s family is still unemployed, right?"
Cheng Yufen sighed. Speaking of this, she was really helpless. In the past, blinded by family loyalty, she neglected her own children for the sake of her parents’ household. Her daughter now works at a subsidiary food factory; back then, there was only one job opening at the factory, and if it weren’t for her sister-in-law, her daughter wouldn’t even have a formal job now!
But by favoring her niece, she wronged her son. Even after several opportunities arose, Shihao couldn’t compete with those with connections and is still jobless at home!
Now that Shen Meng brought it up, Cheng Yufen’s eyes widened as she looked at her.
"Xiao Meng, are you...?"
"The last time I saved Li Qianqian, she’s the daughter-in-law of the Textile Factory Director. To thank me, she gave me a job spot. The textile factory is doing well and even expanded this year. I was thinking of giving this job option to Sister Cheng, which could solve a big problem for your family."
Cheng Yufen opened her mouth, flabbergasted. She always prided herself on integrity, but when it came to her children’s future, she hesitated.
Seeing Cheng Yufen in this state, Shen Meng couldn’t help but shake her head internally. She was the head of the obstetrics department at the county hospital, her husband the director of a brick and tile factory, and her sister-in-law the director of sales at a minor food factory. Each of them held a measure of power, but they were too honest and feared idle gossip, which is why they never used their positions to gain any advantage for themselves over the years.
"But, how about you? You’re a woman with four kids, and this job not only provides another source of income for your family but also allows your children to attend school in the county in the future. Are you really willing to give it up?"
"Sister Cheng, don’t mention my current status as a new worker; it’s hard to tell how many years it will take for the unit to allocate housing. Moreover, you haven’t seen my yard; it’s spacious and comfortable. Why would I want to cram into a small house in the county? And hey, listen to this, the county, in consideration of my status as a military family, has arranged a job for me at the public transport company. I’m officially going to be a ticket seller, with an iron rice bowl job that offers better benefits than what the textile factory does!"
Upon hearing this, Cheng Yufen realized she could indeed take the job at the textile factory! Of course, she couldn’t let Shen Meng suffer a loss!
"Xiao Meng, how can someone be as kindhearted as you? Not only did you think about helping maintain my family, but now you’ve also solved our biggest problem. When the kitchen work first came up, the first person I thought of was Shihao, but the boy, having lived in the family compound for so many years, is too proud and flatly refused. It gave my sister-in-law such a headache, but in the end, I was the one who wronged them. So, Xiao Meng, let’s do this: I’ll buy the job for 3,500 yuan; I’ll write you a proof of payment right now."
Shen Meng abruptly stood up with a feigned anger on her face: "Sister Cheng, what are you talking about? I consider you my own sister, that’s why I’m willing to give up the job. I could sell this job to anyone; I’m offering it to you because I see you as family, not for the money. Bringing up money out of the blue, aren’t you hurting my feelings?"
After she finished speaking, she put on an immensely heartbroken expression and pretended she was leaving. Cheng Yufen quickly grabbed her.
"Oh dear sister of mine, where is this coming from? Even true brothers settle accounts clearly. It’s the going rate in the county, and I don’t want you to suffer any losses. Now you’re even blaming me. Alright, alright, you name your price, okay?"
"I don’t want money!"
Cheng Yufen’s face turned cold. This silly girl, it’s not okay to refuse the money. No matter how close they are, she can’t let Shen Meng suffer such a silent loss. If she didn’t speak up, that would be truly treating Shen Meng not as a sister!
"Alright then, if you don’t want the money, I won’t take the job. And don’t come to me in the future; I’ll act as if I don’t have a sister like you."
Shen Meng was stunned for a moment and hesitated briefly before walking back to Cheng Yufen and tugging at her sleeve. Cheng Yufen shook her off and even "hmphed," her lips pouting haughtily.
She looked around slyly and spoke softly, "Sister Cheng, why are you getting mad? All these years, the Cheng Family has been asking you for money. I was worried that you might... Let’s do this, okay? Umm, I’ll take the money, a thousand okay? No? Then one thousand five? Still not okay? Two thousand, two thousand five, no more than that, seriously, I’ll get angry."
Shen Meng was swaying Cheng Yufen’s arm, and when she looked up, she met her tearful eyes.
"Xiao Meng, thank you so much. Two thousand five is definitely not enough. Alright, let’s not fight about this anymore. Two thousand eight, listen to me. Did you bring the job notification letter? If you have it, I’ll write the proof for you today, give you the money, and you can save it for later, as your own personal money."
"Okay then, sister. But you have to accept this; otherwise, I really won’t recognize you anymore."
Cheng Yufen smiled and playfully tapped Shen Meng’s forehead, "As you wish."
The two immediately went to Shen Meng’s home once to complete the procedures. Afterward, Cheng Yufen wanted to celebrate with a meal, but Shen Meng immediately suggested informing Chang Shihao’s family about the job and, if possible, to join her for a visit to the Textile Factory Director’s family in the afternoon to seek some guidance and care.
Cheng Yufen was deeply touched, holding onto Shen Meng’s hand warmly.
When Kong Wenhui heard that her sister-in-law not only got her son a good job but was also taking him to visit the Textile Factory Director’s home, she immediately took time off, brought her son over, and hurriedly came.