Yuan Zheng had arrived in a friend’s car, but since his friend still had to stay at the police station to investigate the case, he had no choice but to borrow a bicycle to take Nan Jin back.
He was also staying at a friend’s place—a two-bedroom, one-living-room apartment.
“This room was originally where I slept. You can stay here for the night, and I’ll sleep on the sofa outside,” he said in a low voice after leading her to the room. “I’ll be right outside. If anything happens, call out loudly.”
“Oh, and I’ll make you a bowl of noodles first,” he added, turning toward the kitchen.
Nan Jin had noticed on the way in that this was likely the residential compound for the Public Security Bureau, with officers on duty outside—a very safe place.
“There’s no need. I’m not hungry.”
“It’s not that you’re not hungry; you just don’t feel it yet. Wait, it’ll be ready soon.”
Yuan Zheng worked quickly. He prepared a bowl of noodles with two green vegetables and a golden-brown fried egg on top.
“Eat this before you rest.”
She took the bowl, sat down, and began eating slowly and deliberately while he sat across from her, watching.
After she finished, she tried to take the bowl to wash it herself, but he took it from her.
“You should avoid cold water for now. Even a minor confinement period needs to be taken seriously, or it could harm your health.”
Nan Jin silently watched his retreating figure and whispered, “Thank you.”
Yuan Zheng turned and looked at her intently. “What’s this? Not even calling me ‘Uncle’ anymore?”
“I don’t deserve to,” she replied, then turned and entered the room, closing the door behind her.
Once she left this place, they would have no further connection.
But now, it seemed she might have to stay a bit longer. She’d probably have to take the train to Lingnan on her own.
Without dwelling on it further, she lay down on the bed, pulled up the covers, and fell into a deep sleep.
Her body was truly weak.
According to her leave, she was supposed to return to the textile factory tomorrow.
When they had sent her to the detention center, it seemed they had requested leave on her behalf, right?
Regardless, she had to go back to the textile factory tomorrow. That job could still fetch some money.
If she didn’t sell it soon, it would lose its value.
In the early 1980s, many people would take unpaid leave to venture into business. Although large-scale bankruptcies of state-owned factories hadn’t yet occurred, the curtain had already been drawn.
It was 1979, and a formal worker’s position was still quite valuable.
Nan Jin slept deeply and didn’t wake until almost noon.
When she opened the door and stepped out, Yuan Zheng was on the sofa, talking to someone on the phone.
Seeing her emerge, he quickly ended the call.
“You’re awake? Let me heat up breakfast for you.”
“I can manage on my own,” Nan Jin said, her voice hoarse from sleep.
In her previous life, she had mostly lived alone and enjoyed cooking delicious meals to treat herself during her free time.
The original owner of this body had been treated like a maid in the Gu family, so she was accustomed to handling such tasks.
Yuan Zheng headed to the kitchen. “I bought you a new toothbrush and towel. Go brush your teeth and wash your face first.”
Only then did Nan Jin walk to the area he pointed out, where a new toothbrush, cup, and towel were laid out.
She stared blankly at these items, lost in thought, until Yuan Zheng’s voice brought her back to reality. She quickly finished washing up and went over.
Having slept until this hour, she was definitely hungry.
Breakfast was millet porridge, served with a fried egg to go with it.
It would be a lie to say she wasn’t moved. At a time like this, he was the only one steadfastly taking care of her.
Even if it was out of his sense of duty as a soldier, she was still touched.
“Regiment Commander Yuan, if you have matters to attend to, please go ahead. I’d like to return to the factory.”
Yuan Zheng picked up his bicycle keys and said in a low voice, “I’ll accompany you.”
Nan Jin felt a pang of discomfort as she watched his tall figure. “I can go by myself.”
He turned to look at her. “Nan Zhu, don’t forget, you’re still under suspicion.”
She fell silent and followed him out, allowing him to escort her back to the textile factory.
After greeting the security guard, she walked toward the factory office under his curious gaze.
The May Day holiday had just ended, and everyone in the factory was busy.
She found the office director, a middle-aged woman in her thirties.
The woman looked surprised to see her. “Nan Zhu? What brings you here?”
Nan Jin stopped in front of her desk, lowering her gaze. “Director Liu, I’m still an employee here. Why shouldn’t I come?”
Director Liu gave an awkward smile. “That’s not what I meant. It’s just that your family requested ten days of leave for you, so I assumed you wouldn’t return until after the break.”
In truth, they had heard that her life with the Gu family had taken a turn for the worse and speculated she might not come back at all.
Director Liu had even been considering having her niece take over Nan Jin’s position.
But now, here she was.
Nan Jin spoke softly, “I came back to sell my job. I believe you have connections for such matters, Director Liu?”
Director Liu’s expression stiffened. She had indeed wanted her niece to take the position—but without spending any money.
Now, Nan Jin was proposing to sell it?
“Nan Zhu, I’d be interested in buying, but the price…”
“One thousand yuan. Non-negotiable.”
Director Liu’s words caught in her throat. She looked up, staring intently at Nan Jin.
Was it her imagination, or did this girl seem different somehow?
“If this is too difficult for you, Director Liu, I’ll ask around elsewhere.”
Nan Jin sighed softly and turned to leave.
“Wait.” Director Liu quickly stopped her. “One thousand is too expensive. You know, a workshop position usually sells for eight hundred at most. Only office positions go for a thousand. The most I can offer is eight hundred.”
In reality, one thousand wasn’t a bad deal. The investment would be recouped in two years, and after that, it would be a secure job—a “iron rice bowl”—that could even be passed down to one’s children. It was a worthwhile investment.
Moreover, Nan Zhu’s forty-yuan salary had been suppressed. If her niece took over, she could negotiate a higher wage, opening up more possibilities.
Nan Jin remained silent, watching her, before finally nodding hesitantly. “Fine, eight hundred it is. But you’ll have to give me this month’s industrial, grain, and cloth coupons, plus secure two more months’ worth for me.”
Coupons weren’t easy to come by outside, and without them, life would be difficult.
Although she had access to a marketplace now, some things still required coupons, so she couldn’t afford to be short.
“That’s not possible,” Director Liu retorted, half-jokingly. Not only would she have to hand over this month’s coupons, but she’d also have to secure two more months’ worth? That would be a significant loss.
Nan Jin said quietly, “If I were to sell this job outside, I’m certain someone would pay one thousand for it. Do you believe me, Director?”
The woman hesitated. It was entirely possible. Some families with better financial means would gladly pay over a thousand to secure a formal job for their child.
“Alright, wait here a moment.”
Director Liu stood and walked out, returning shortly after.
“Why do you want to sell your job?”
Nan Jin said in a low voice, “You must have heard some rumors, Director. My ex-husband and I are divorced, but my health is poor now, and I urgently need a sum of money for treatment. Otherwise, how could I bear to leave?”
“You could borrow the money first and come back to work after you recover.”
“Borrowing such a large amount isn’t easy. Besides, now that I’m divorced, I want to change my environment and find a new job later.”