"Director Jiang, you really don’t need to be modest. Even if you wanted me to go, I wouldn’t have the courage."
"Secretary Song, you’ll be able to handle it after you go a few more times."
The three of them arrived at the restaurant door. This time, they were dining with County Magistrate Tao. The main focus of the meal was donations.
Jiang Xinyu was observing quietly, keeping her thoughts to herself. She sat on the side sipping tea. Next to her was Qian Jun. This was not something she could get involved in, just eating honestly was enough.
"County Magistrate Tao, the donation from when Director Wei was here was just distributed last year."
"I know you have difficulties, but you’re still better off than the common people."
"County Magistrate Tao, the nature of this donation is for public welfare. Our textile factory definitely won’t delay, but I can’t guarantee how much we can give."
"I understand, it’s not easy for the workers either, their families are struggling too. Right now, resources are scarce, we can’t just watch the common people really starve, can we?"
"County Magistrate Tao loves the people like his children, we will certainly support the work."
"Thank you, Mr. Qian, but you’ll still have to make a trip."
Qian Jun paused, "County Magistrate Tao, honestly, I’m really scared. Better to arrange someone else to go, I’ll give you the contact info over there."
Tao Juncheng sighed, "I know it’s definitely not peaceful, but there’s really no suitable candidate."
At this, there was even more silence. Qian Jun really didn’t want to go, so he decided not to agree to whatever County Magistrate Tao said.
"Let’s put this matter aside for now, I’ll think about the candidate. Tomorrow I’ll go to the city, and talk more when the approval from above comes down."
The meal was really hard to digest.
"Mr. Qian, I’m heading back to the factory to ride my bike."
"Forget it, you should just go home directly, it’s too late and I’m worried about you riding alone."
Jiang Xinyu stopped talking, it’s fine either way, worst case she’ll walk to work tomorrow.
"Jiang Xinyu, I think one of us might have to go."
"Mr. Qian, I’m not a man, I’m just an ordinary girl. I have no ambition, I want a normal life." Jiang Xinyu firmly stated her stance.
"Hmm, but you went wrong from the beginning." Qian Jun sighed.
"I won’t go, Mr. Qian, just make your own arrangements."
Qian Jun noticed Jiang Xinyu was a bit emotional, and he suddenly laughed, that’s more like it.
Song Qingqing didn’t say anything either. She just cooped up aside, these were leadership issues.
When Jiang Xinyu returned home, she put the matter aside, telling herself to just live comfortably.
Next day at work, the morning began with a meeting for all group leaders and above.
Qian Jun mentioned what County Magistrate Tao said yesterday, "There’s no rush for the donations yet. Let’s first discuss whether we still want raw materials if we really go this time."
The people below were of course willing. Other units in the county, like the steel factory, were better off. Since last year, the workers’ bonuses almost matched their salaries every month. As long there was money to be made, everyone was willing.
So in the end, it passed unanimously, to bring in raw materials.
"Accountant Gao, our funds aren’t an issue, right?"
"Taxes haven’t been paid yet, now there’s four hundred thousand."
"If so, hurry and pay the taxes. Gather the funds, I estimate prices for cotton and grain over there will rise."
Jiang Xinyu just sat aside listening, without expressing an opinion. She saw Kong Mengjie’s rosy cheeks and thought the protagonist’s life must be very happy, you can tell just by the look.
After the meeting, Jiang Xinyu processed some tasks at hand, waiting for lunch. This is her life, attending meetings every day, waiting to get off work—how great.
Lunchtime with Wang Ailing. "Xinyu, do you want to go with me to meet someone this Saturday?"
"Me? Not sure if it’s appropriate?"
"What’s inappropriate, you’re my sister, give me some feedback."
"Tiangong Temple Tower next to the county train station."
"Alright, are you coming to get me? We can go together."
"Fine, you have to give me a good look."
"What if I don’t like them?"
"If you don’t like them, then forget it! Why ask?"
"Thanks for trusting me, but I’m not good at judging people."
The two were happily chatting when Kong Mengjie came over.
"What are you two so happy about?"
"It’s nothing, just joking. Kong Mengjie, you look quite well."
Kong Mengjie sat down, put down her lunchbox, touched her face, "Really? Maybe it’s because I’m settled down. You two aren’t young anymore, have plans?"
Both smiled, Wang Ailing simply lowered her head to eat, Kong Mengjie had lectured her on this point several times already.
"Haha, I haven’t thought about it, I’m only just seventeen, no rush."
"Xinyu, you could start dating someone, after a while when you reach the age, you can get married."
"Haha, Kong Mengjie, you’re doing my mom’s job."
Kong Mengjie was emotionally intelligent, realizing Jiang Xinyu wasn’t pleased to hear this.
Wang Ailing giggled, but still didn’t lift her head, continuing her meal.
In the afternoon Jiang Xinyu was reading in the office. She initially planned to visit the school on Saturday to inquire but assisting Wang Ailing took precedence, besides, she was curious about Wang Ailing’s partner.
As soon as the end-of-work bell rang, she promptly packed up to go and push her bike.
Better not delay her time. The bedding at home needed washing, there’s no time to waste.
Qian Jun was on the phone, once he hung up and went looking for Jiang Xinyu, he saw the office door locked, her timing was impeccable.
Sometimes Qian Jun wondered, Jiang Xinyu absolutely defended the textile factory’s interests, but once at work, he couldn’t see any enthusiasm from her.
Run away as a monk, you can’t run away from the temple, go to her house and grab some meals.
Jiang Xinyu was home lighting a fire, sitting on the kang edge dismantling bedding, thankfully they were duvet covers, otherwise, she’d have to remake them.
Heat the water to soak, then prepare to tidy up the house.
Opening the door to see Qian Jun outside, she almost wanted to shut it immediately, refusing to see him.
"Mr. Qian, why are you here?"
"Come to grab a meal."
"Haha, I wasn’t planning on cooking today, I’m doing laundry."
"Jiang Xinyu, is this really how you treat guests?"
Qian Jun saw she was lighting a fire, he wasn’t embarrassed and directly went to the west room, sitting at the dining table.
"Jiang Xinyu, there’s a county meeting tomorrow."
"Did the city agree?"
"Yes, and the ones going out this time are coming too."
"As long as we’re not going, then it’s fine. Otherwise, I don’t even want to hear this news."
"Jiang Xinyu, we have to send someone too, after all, the stuff we’re asking for isn’t a small amount."
"Who are we sending? Male comrades are more convenient."
"What do you think about Wu Hongyu from the purchasing department?"
"Him? He’s okay, quick-thinking, adaptable, should be able to handle it."