Chapter 120: “the Warehouse”
“Hey!” Yu Bao excitedly ran toward the new home.
These past few days, watching the house being built bit by bit, he checked on it three to five times a day, like a little beast patrolling its territory.
Lin Shichang spotted his great nephew from afar and shouted, “Da Zai, run slower, careful not to fall.”
“Great Uncle, I’m not called Da Zai anymore. Grandpa gave us big names. I’m Gu Zhiyu, Er Zai is Gu Zhiheng, San Zai is Gu Zhiqian, and Si Zai is Gu Zhiyao.” Yu Bao’s cheerful voice rang out.
“Great Uncle, my mom calls me Yu Bao, you call me Yu Bao too.”
Lin Shichang was stunned for a moment, “Okay.”
It was only after Gu Family asked his sister that he learned which characters the kids’ names were.
He laughed, “These names are good.”
Lin Zhao was a bit proud, “I just figured Yu Bao’s grandpa would be good at naming, so I handed off this troublesome matter to him.”
Her biological father was also good at naming, but after all, the cubs bore the Gu surname, so they had to put in some effort.
Lin Shichang shook his head helplessly.
“You called me here for something?”
Lin Zhao’s gaze slightly tightened, her expression a bit serious, “Elder Brother, among the people sent back to our brigade to receive education, there’s a young man named Meng Jiusi with a small leaf birthmark behind his ear.”
Yes, Gu Chenghuai had checked early that morning; that small leaf behind Meng Jiusi’s ear was indeed a birthmark.
Lin Shichang’s hand holding the enamel mug trembled fiercely; he lost all interest in drinking and set down the enamel mug, looking at his sister, “You suspect he’s the fourth son?”
“I think it’s possible; otherwise, it’s too much of a coincidence.” Lin Zhao didn’t deny her suspicion.
Lin Shichang said, “You don’t need to worry about this. I’ll go ask him.”
Those people at the foot of the mountain had sensitive identities; as her brother, he wouldn’t let his sister take risks.
He and Lin Zhao had the same plan—go straight for it, ask the man directly. If he didn’t know his own background, they’d have to get someone to investigate.
“Okay.”
……
Today, the resolution on Liu Chunhong came down from the Supply and Marketing Cooperative.
It required Liu Chunhong’s husband’s family—the Zhang Family—to return the embezzled money, and Liu Chunhong herself was to be expelled. Her offense was extremely egregious, to be recorded in her file, while also receiving labor education, sentenced to reform through labor at the farm for ten years.
Liu Chunhong was laughable; she hadn’t dared to spend any of the embezzled money, keeping it all stashed in an iron box. As soon as the investigation team showed up, the Zhang Family obediently handed it over, so compliant it was surprising.
The lead snorted, “If you’d known this earlier, why do it in the first place.”
All that fuss for nothing.
In the apartment building, neighbors were all watching the spectacle; the Zhang Family flushed red with embarrassment, wishing they could dig a hole and crawl in.
After returning the money, the Zhang Family hurriedly shut the door.
The Zhang Family’s eldest son thought that these past two days, people at the factory had been looking at him strangely, and plenty were gossiping about him behind his back. He couldn’t help but resent Liu Chunhong deeply.
“It’s not like we’re too poor to afford food at home. Why did Mom embezzle money? Now the whole factory knows about our family; it’s spreading everywhere. I can’t hold my head up at the factory anymore; I don’t even know how I’ll face my colleagues in the future…”
The head of the Zhang Family smoked a filter tip cigarette and said nothing.
He knew all about what his wife had done.
They had considered quitting midway, but the kickbacks were substantial, and they hadn’t been caught for years. If they stopped, it felt like throwing away free money; neither of them could bear it.
Who would’ve thought…
A glint of malice flashed in his eyes; he now hated Lin Zhao.
The Zhang Family’s eldest son noticed his father’s mood and, fearing he’d provoke someone he shouldn’t, quickly said, “Dad, that Lin Zhao’s husband is an officer, and that officer has capability and wide connections. I hear many high-ranking leaders in the county are his comrades. Don’t act impulsively; don’t ruin our old Zhang Family.”
The head of the Zhang Family slammed the table, furious, “So we’re just supposed to swallow this? Your mom’s been sent to the farm—ten years, ten years! Who knows if we’ll ever see her again in this lifetime!”
Hearing him mention Liu Chunhong, the Zhang Family fell silent.
After a long while, the Zhang Family’s eldest daughter-in-law couldn’t hold back, “It’s all that sister-in-law’s fault. If she hadn’t kept making a fuss, refusing to go to the countryside, Mom wouldn’t have clashed with the new salesperson at the Supply and Marketing Cooperative. If she hadn’t maliciously reported her with bad intentions, she wouldn’t have ended up in this mess, and our family wouldn’t be the laughingstock!”
Thinking of how her sister-in-law, to avoid going to the countryside, had schemed to take her job and kept stirring up trouble between her and her husband, the woman itched with hatred.
Most people don’t look for reasons in themselves; the Zhang Family’s morals weren’t high, and they were even more prone to blame-shifting when trouble arose.
The head of the Zhang Family also blamed his troublemaking daughter, “Xiaoxiao really wasn’t right.”
Looking at his eldest son, he said flatly, “Your mom’s been sent to the farm, her good job is gone, and the subsidy for your sister… stop it.”
The Zhang Family’s eldest son had long wanted to stop; his salary wasn’t high, and sending out five yuan a month really hurt.
But he didn’t want his father to think him heartless.
“That’s not good, right?” The Zhang Family’s eldest son hesitated, “My sister’s in the countryside; it’s not easy for her.”
The Zhang Family’s eldest daughter-in-law shot her husband a fierce glare, her face full of unwillingness.
Unlike her reaction, the head of the Zhang Family’s gaze softened.
No other reason; his son had a conscience, which would be good for his elder care when he was old.
“Five yuan is too much; you still need to live. Send your sister two yuan a month.”
The Zhang Family’s eldest son agreed immediately, “Okay, whatever you say, Dad.”
The Zhang Family’s eldest daughter-in-law: “……”
Just then, the door was pushed open, and in walked a distraught young man.
Seeing the few people in the living room, he seemed to snap back to reality and rushed over fiercely.
“Dad, my temporary worker job is gone!” Zhang Xiaoxiao’s younger brother collapsed in despair.
He had finally gotten into the motor factory as a temporary worker, but because of Liu Chunhong’s misdeeds, they cited a bad influence and… the factory fired him.
“What?” The head of the Zhang Family shot to his feet.
The eldest son and his wife were also shocked.
They didn’t want their little brother jobless; no job meant freeloading off the family.
“How could that happen?” Zhang Family’s eldest son said incredulously.
Zhang Family’s younger son plopped down on the sofa; his emotions were so intense his eyes were red.
“It’s all because of Mom. Her kickback thing spread to the factory. I’m just a temporary worker; how could they let me stay?”
He felt awful, completely listless, “I worked so hard, did all the dirty and tiring jobs, just to turn permanent soon. Now I have nothing, nothing at all!!”
Liu Chunhong favored this youngest son the most, and he knew it well. Unable to blame his biological mother, he pinned all the fault on his biological sister.
“It’s all Zhang Xiaoxiao’s fault. If she hadn’t insisted Mom find her a job, Mom wouldn’t have kicked the iron plate and lost her own job. I hate Zhang Xiaoxiao to death. I have no sister. This family can have her without me, or me without her.” He spat harsh words.
In the eyes of the head of the Zhang Family, a daughter already cast aside naturally couldn’t compare to his youngest son. He was furious too and immediately said coldly, “Eldest, starting next month, no more remittances to your sister. Write her a letter saying the family can’t help her anymore; tell her to fend for herself.”
Zhang Da Sao’s heart leaped with joy; restraining her smile, she said, “I’ll write it.”
She was thrilled at not having to send money!
The Zhang Family’s younger son didn’t care much about that; what he cared about was his own future.
“Dad, my job…” He looked at his biological father with dependent eyes.
How could a father bear that look? “I’ll figure something out.”
“Thanks, Dad.”
Zhang Da Sao pursed her lips.
The youngest son’s treatment was just different; a little coquetry, and the parents-in-law gave him anything.
……
News of the Zhang Family spread fast; Li Fen heard it from neighbors and came right away to tell Lin Zhao and the others.
Her tone was full of sigh.
“You say, why bother for Liu Chunhong? She didn’t dare spend a penny of the embezzled money, living in fear every day. In the end, she lost her job and has to receive education; I hear she’s been sentenced to ten years! Ten years! By the time she comes back, who knows what home will be like.”
Lin Zhao didn’t feel the slightest pity for Liu Chunhong.
“She took what she shouldn’t have; this outcome is what she deserves.” She said, “She had a salesperson job with steady monthly income; why covet that bit from countryside folk? Countryside income sources are scarce; every penny has to be counted.”
When Liu Chunhong went to the farm to work, she’d know how hard countryside life was.
Wang Ju hadn’t suffered farming hardships herself, but she purely thought bullying pitiful people to fill one’s pockets was detestable.
“Zhaozhao’s right; that person doesn’t deserve sympathy. The Zhang Family has several workers and lives well; what she did was pure greed.”
Li Fen agreed, “Not sure how the Supply and Marketing Cooperative position will be assigned; it’s been days with no word.”
Plenty of eyes were on Supply and Marketing Cooperative jobs; Lin Zhao was one, but she didn’t think the slot would go to her.
“Who knows.”
Wang Ju glanced at her and suddenly asked, “Zhaozhao, do you have thoughts on it?”
Lin Zhao was surprised.
Had she shown it that obviously?
It didn’t matter; it was fact, nothing to hide.
Lin Zhao was frank, “Of course; it’s an iron rice bowl—how could I not want it.”
But Wang Ju said, “If you want a job, I just heard someone wants to sell one.”
Supply and Marketing Cooperative jobs were out of reach; she knew several families eyeing them, and with their strength, snagging one was easy.
“!”
Lin Zhao lit up, “Where?”
“It requires money and grain.” Wang Ju, fearing it might affect their relationship, put it upfront.
“Money and grain are nothing.” Lin Zhao didn’t care.
She followed up anxiously, “A Ju, tell me quick—what job exactly?”
Wang Ju said, “Someone at the motor factory wants to sell a job.”
Motor factory?
Wasn’t that where Yun Cheng worked!
Lin Zhao excitedly grabbed Wang Ju’s arm, her smile bright and captivating, her words brimming with joy, “Really? What job?”
“It’s a warehouse administrator; doesn’t need high education, just literacy.” Wang Ju was shy but thoughtful; she figured Lin Zhao was finding a job for someone from the countryside, where junior high was high education and many hadn’t even finished primary, so she specially noted no high education required.
If the job for sale had been… broadcaster or propagandist, she definitely wouldn’t have told Lin Zhao, to avoid false hope and disappointment.
“I want it!” Lin Zhao happily hugged Wang Ju, dying to kiss her, “No matter how much money or grain, I’ll take it!”
Wang Ju blushed from the hug, not repulsed but delighted.
Social anxiety didn’t mean disliking closeness.
“Okay, after work, I’ll introduce you.” She said.
Lin Zhao thought the same, “Good, no time like the present; better to settle it soon for peace of mind.”
However…
“Why does that person want to sell the job?” She asked one more thing, also worrying about issues.
Wang Ju didn’t think much, “Because her husband’s job changed; she’s following him.”
“I see, thanks so much.” Lin Zhao thanked her sincerely.
Wang Ju saw her seriousness and felt a bit embarrassed, “No problem; I just happened to know. If I hadn’t noticed you eyeing the Supply and Marketing Cooperative job, I wouldn’t have thought to tell you.”
After all, Zhaozhao had a job herself.
“Who complains about too many jobs?” Lin Zhao said amused.
She linked arms with Wang Ju, shaking gently, eyes and brows smiling, “A Ju, if there are more jobs, you have to tell me. In my family, only me and Mr. Gu have jobs; everyone else doesn’t, and we’re seriously short on jobs.”
Wang Ju noted it, “Okay.”
Li Fen added, “My family needs one too. Xiao Song has a partner now; when he marries, I’ll need to buy a job for my sister-in-law.”
“We women still need jobs.” As a woman, she best understood women’s hardships and never thought of having her sister-in-law stay home washing and cooking, becoming a sallow-faced beggar for money.
Li Fen wasn’t afraid her future sister-in-law might get ideas after working; true heart for true heart—she trusted her judgment.
“I’ll have my mom keep an eye out too and tell you if there’s anything.” Wang Ju said good-naturedly.
Her temperament was truly soft; she rarely spoke loudly and was kind-hearted, a top-notch girl.
Li Fen laughed, “I was joking; ask for Zhaozhao, ours isn’t urgent.”
Xiao Song had connections; finding a job shouldn’t be hard, no need to trouble others.
Wang Ju smiled without replying.
……
The money the Zhang Family returned to the Supply and Marketing Cooperative was required by above to come from the people and go back to the people. Fortunately, Accountant Liu handed over the real account book to make amends.
Lin Zhao and the others, following the new account book, returned the money to the villagers who’d suffered.
Villagers who’d persisted for years selling eggs at the Supply and Marketing Cooperative inexplicably found dozens of yuan extra in hand; their worried faces broke into smiles.
News spread fast; those who’d lost out all came to claim their money, clutching the pie fallen from heaven, happily buying a jin of fruit candy to make the kids at home happy too.
Three o’clock in the afternoon sharp.
Gu Chenghuai came to pick up his wife from work and saw Lin Zhao smiling with crinkled eyes and brows, in high spirits; he was a bit surprised.
Before he could ask, Lin Zhao spoke first, “Not going home yet; I need to go to the motor factory first.”
Hearing his wife, Gu Chenghuai was even more puzzled, “What for at the motor factory?”
Lin Zhao teased, also fearing some unexpected change, mysteriously saying, “Not telling yet; wait till I handle it.”
“Okay.” Gu Chenghuai’s tone was helpless yet indulgent.
Lin Zhao followed Wang Ju to the motor factory and emerged after over half an hour.
A faint smile colored her eyes and brows; she ran lightly toward Commander Gu.
Gu Chenghuai wiped the fine sweat from his wife’s forehead and nose bridge, his voice gentle, “Why run so fast? I’m waiting for you.”
Lin Zhao looked up at him, unable to suppress the curve of her mouth, “I handled a big thing; guess what it is?”
