Just a few days after the stainless steel factory laid off workers, the cotton textile factory also made a big move.
It was said that to promote restructuring, the factory had established a new department called the Housing Section.
They even transferred in a female secretary surnamed Wang, specifically in charge of it.
As soon as Secretary Wang took office, the first thing she did was investigate the housing conditions in the family compound.
The textile factory’s compound occupied an entire alley.
On both sides of the alley were small independent courtyards packed door to door. Some housed two families, some three—all employees of the textile factory and their relatives.
The small courtyard shared by Aunt Zhang and Jiang Yunling was located in the middle-back section of the alley.
The investigation started from the entrance of the alley. Every day after work, Secretary Wang led several colleagues from the Housing Section to visit each household, recording their living conditions.
The news that the factory would distribute housing benefits had already spread privately.
Aunt Zhang had prepared in advance, even making arrangements with people in the Housing Section. She instructed Lin Qiqi and Jiang Yunling that when the officials came, they must emphasize their hardships and make sure to keep this house.
She couldn’t bear to change neighbors, nor could she bear to lose Lin Qiqi’s cooking.
Because Jiang Yunling’s situation was special, the Housing Section conducted their visit during the day.
They were clearly well aware of her circumstances.
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(continuing cleanly:)
When Secretary Wang arrived, she even brought a bag of慰问品慰问品慰问品—慰问品慰问品慰问品 (condolence supplies).
Seeing them arrive, Jiang Yunling tried to get out of bed to greet them, but Secretary Wang immediately pressed her shoulder.
“Comrade Jiang, your situation is special. Don’t move, don’t move.”
“We’re just here to take a look. No need to be nervous.”
Lin Qiqi poured warm water for the Housing Section staff and quietly sat beside Jiang Yunling.
Secretary Wang looked around the small unit.
Nowadays, in an average dual-income household, those better off already had black-and-white televisions and refrigerators.
Even those less well-off usually had at least a radio.
But Jiang Yunling’s home had nothing except electric lighting.
The red brick house had poor lighting, and to save electricity, they didn’t turn on the lights during the day.
Though dim, it was clear the house was kept very clean.
The bedding on the wooden bed carried a faint scent of soap pods, and a crocheted cover cloth rested neatly on a nearby cabinet.
The room didn’t look like it housed an amputee patient at all—there was no trace of illness.
Secretary Wang nodded in satisfaction. “Comrade Jiang, you’re also a veteran worker of our factory.”
“A Level 7 loom operator—not only skilled yourself, but you’ve also trained many newcomers.”
“Your injury also happened at the factory. We will give priority consideration to your situation.”
“According to policy, if your household registration only includes you and your daughter, you wouldn’t qualify for a full unit—at most, a larger single room.”
Jiang Yunling suddenly tightened her grip on Lin Qiqi’s hand and sat upright, about to speak.
Secretary Wang smiled reassuringly and gestured downward. “Let me finish first.”
“However, considering your actual situation, moving would be very inconvenient. And Comrade Zhang has also come to the Housing Section before, mentioning the mutual support between neighbors.”
“So, the current decision of the section is that you can continue living here with peace of mind.”
“As long as I’m in this position, this house will not be assigned to anyone else.”
Jiang Yunling’s eyes filled with tears. “Thank you, Secretary Wang, thank you so much!”
She wiped her eyes, rubbing her hands nervously on her thighs. “There’s really nothing at home to offer you…”
“Offer what? We are public servants, here to serve the people. We cannot take even a needle or thread from the masses.”
“Besides, you’re a senior worker in the factory. By seniority, I should call you Master Jiang.”
“Rest assured, the factory will not forget your contributions.”
Secretary Wang was even planning to say more and have a staff member write a report to publish in the factory newspaper.
Properly arranging housing for a disabled worker—this was an achievement worth highlighting.
Suddenly, a shout came from outside the courtyard.
“Jiang Yunling, get out of my brother’s house!”
“You’ve got half an hour to vacate it, or don’t blame us for being rude!”
Secretary Wang frowned. “What’s going on?”
Jiang Yunling, soft by nature, panicked at the sight of three people barging in and couldn’t speak.
Instead, the usually quiet Lin Qiqi calmly explained everything in a few sentences.
She recounted how Lin Zhengxian had taken Jiang Yunling’s compensation money and how Yang Sufen had already come once to cause trouble.
Now was not the time to hide family shame—she needed all the support she could get to break free from the Lin family.
“Is there no law left?!” Secretary Wang slammed the table after hearing everything.
She turned to comfort the mother and daughter. “I’ll handle this matter.”
A young male staff member stepped forward to mediate. “Comrades, if there’s an issue, let’s talk it out. Threatening people like this isn’t right.”
Lin Zhengrong looked him up and down. “Who are you?”
“This is our Lin family’s business. What’s it got to do with you?”
As he spoke, he spotted Lin Qiqi behind Secretary Wang and reached out to grab her.
“You brat, what are you hiding for?!”
“How did you treat your grandma last time?”
“You little bastard, I’ll beat you to death today and teach you a lesson for your father!”
“Nonsense!” Secretary Wang had long been in a leadership role and carried natural authority.
With just two simple words, she actually stopped Lin Zhengrong.
“Assaulting citizens in public—do you want to end up at the police station?”
The police station?
That place had a terrifying reputation.
Lin Zhengrong immediately backed down. “Th-this is our family matter. I’m disciplining my niece—what’s it to you? Why should you send me to the police station?”
“How is it not my business? This is the textile factory’s family compound. I am the factory’s secretary. If something happens here, I must take responsibility.”
Secretary Wang had seen all kinds of troublemakers in the Housing Section. She was skilled at balancing firmness and persuasion.
After speaking sternly, she put on a sincere expression and asked Lin Zhengrong,
“Comrade, tell me—what issue does your Lin family have?”
“I’ll help you resolve it.”
Lin Zhengguang jumped in from behind. “It’s… it’s that disabled woman inside, Jiang Yunling. She’s occupying my elder brother’s house and refuses to move.”
“Oh? Is that so?” Secretary Wang maintained a fair and impartial demeanor. “Perfect—I’m in charge of housing. Tell me the details. Is your elder brother also an employee of our textile factory?”
“N-no…”
When it came time to speak reasonably, Lin Zhengguang lost his nerve.
A staff member who had heard about the Lin family couldn’t stand them anymore. “If he’s not a factory employee, what right do you have to demand the house?”
“Why wouldn’t we have the right?” Yang Sufen pushed her two sons behind her.
“She married my son—she’s part of the Lin family. Her house naturally belongs to our family.”
“I’m asking for this house—that’s only natural.”
“No matter who comes, I’ve got grounds to argue my case!”