Shen Jianhua cared a lot about face, and he was worried that outsiders would gossip behind his back, saying things like how the adults in his family were idle, letting a teenaged girl provide for them. But this was fifteen yuan, and other people working in the city only made around twenty yuan a month.
Some even had to cover their own food and accommodation.
Shen Mianmian could come back every day, and even had a meal provided, which was practically like a pie falling from the sky.
Moved as he was, Shen Jianhua didn’t immediately agree, "Why would they offer such a high salary?"
Offering such high pay to a child seemed strange indeed.
"Dad, they make a good profit from making bamboo baskets. One basket can earn two to three yuan, and now, with the New Year approaching, there is a higher demand for baskets, and they’re short-staffed, so they want to hire someone to help," Siyu explained.
"Then why not hire an adult?" How much work could a child do?
"Adults might steal the trade secrets!" Shen Mianmian blinked and patiently explained, "I’m just a young girl, even if I learn it, I can’t run this business, so they came to me. And of course, there’s another reason, which is that I get along well with their child."
Shen Jianhua believed her somewhat, thinking to himself that if it were true, then it would be good.
The household expenses were hefty; he was the sole earner, and the money he made was spent by everyone in the family, with nothing left to save.
His wife and daughter didn’t get along, and if both were at home, it would probably lead to a big fight every three days and a smaller one every two.
However, he was unsure if things were really as his daughter had said. He hoped no one was looking at his daughter with other intentions because she was attractive.
Shen Mianmian noticed her father’s hesitation and quickly struck while the iron was hot.
"Dad, if you’re not at ease, I’ll take you with me to see it tomorrow!"
"Okay." Shen Jianhua felt a surge of joy in his heart and agreed to it, thinking he would go along the next day to see for himself. If it was as good as it seemed, he would let his daughter work there until school started; if not, she needn’t do it.
If it really worked out, Shen Mianmian could keep working there even after quitting school. Mastering the craft of basket-making was a skill, and when the time came to marry, she and her husband could work together, creating a livelihood.
Shen Jianhua had made a clever calculation.
Feeling pleased, he directly told Shen Mianmian, "Mianmian, you should save the money you earn for yourself; your mom and I don’t want it."
Now Siyu was studying at home, and the money earned was needed for Siyu’s education. If Shen Mianmian’s earnings were also used for Siyu’s schooling, Mianmian would surely have complaints.
He decided to be a clear-headed father and make his daughter happy.
"Thank you, Dad." Shen Mianmian feigned happiness, "I don’t spend much anyway, so I’ll save half to buy stationery and you can keep the other half! That way, we avoid Mom accusing me of squandering money." Fresh chapters posted on 𝕟𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕝·𝕗𝕚𝕣𝕖·𝕟𝕖𝕥
If Zhou Lanfang didn’t get a single cent, she would definitely create issues. It was better to spend a few yuan to shut her up.
"Mianmian, you’ve grown up now and are becoming more and more sensible." If Shen Mianmian really gave nothing, Shen Jianhua wouldn’t have minded, but hearing her offer contributions made him very pleased inside.
"You’ve had a hard time raising me," Shen Mianmian acknowledged considerately.
At this moment, if Lu Siyuan were there, he would definitely roll his eyes; she would only be this sweet-talking when she needed someone’s help.
Shen Jianhua showed a gratified expression but before he could respond, Shen Mianmian tentatively asked, "Dad, can I discuss something with you?"
"What’s the matter?" With paternal affection overflowing in his heart, Shen Jianhua thought that as long as Shen Mianmian’s request was reasonable, he would agree to anything.