“When you went down to the countryside, you slackers didn't work, and you bunch of people were stealing chickens and dogs, making the fellow villagers chase you for three miles with sticks. If your Dad and I hadn't proactively paid compensation, you would have been shot along with your scoundrel friends.
After returning to the city, you just sponge off us, wanting to take advantage of every benefit. Why don't you just fly up to heaven?”
Li Xiangqin cursed him out thoroughly without holding back. Zhang Jianmin’s face turned red and his neck thick from his Old Mother’s scolding, but before he could argue back, his wife grabbed his ear.
“Fine, Zhang Jianmin, confess honestly. During your time in the countryside, how many young girls did you flirt with?”
Wang Yulan yanked his ear, stamping her foot in anger,
“You lied to me saying you were going to the countryside to embrace nature, but it turns out you were embracing girls instead.”
“Hey~, it hurts, it hurts! Wife, listen to me explain.” Zhang Jianmin tilted his head, forcing a smile.
“What else do you have to argue about? How could I have been blind enough to fall for a scoundrel like you? I even begged my Dad to arrange a job for you, and you spent three hundred days a year freeloading at my maternal home, never benefiting my family at all.”
Wang Yulan got angrier the more she spoke, suddenly pulling hard, making Zhang Jianmin yelp in pain.
“Mom~, are you really setting me up like this?”
“Don't flatter yourself; you don't have that qualification.”
Li Xiangqin glanced at him with disdain, then looked directly at Wang Yulan,
“I don't care how you two hit it off, but don't think you're suffering a loss regarding Second Brother's job. Your Dad arranged for him to be a Temporary Worker at the Repair Shop, but the money for favors was paid by this Old Mother—three hundred yuan for one spot, plus two bottles of liquor and two packs of cigarettes.
I don't care whose pocket this money ended up in, but don't act innocent after taking advantage; it’s disgusting.
Ever since Second Brother married you, he became a Son-in-law who lives with the wife's family, always revolving around his Father-in-law and Mother-in-law. Your Dad gained an extra son, but this Old Mother has passed by her own home three times without entering.
When this Old Mother needs help, no one cares, but when there are benefits, everyone runs faster than the next. What? Because you people are thick-skinned?”
Wang Yulan choked up, her complexion turning dark, yet she couldn't refute it. Finally, she snorted, threw a parting shot, and turned to leave.
“I couldn't care less about your family’s messy affairs.”
“Hey, Wife?” Zhang Jianmin wanted to chase her, but he was unwilling to let go. “Mom, what exactly are you trying to do? Someone has to take over Dad’s Job, right?”
“Look at how selfish each of you is, only thinking of yourselves, not acting like elder brothers at all. I’m ashamed for all of you.”
Li Xiangqin cursed, then looked at her Fourth Child daughter in the corner,
“Jianhong is already nineteen this year; if her Job isn't secured, things could change unexpectedly. Although the higher-ups said the countryside labor period is over, what if new policies emerge? These things are uncertain. I’ve decided; Fourth Child will take over your Dad’s Job.”
Everyone fell silent, turning to look at the Fourth Child in the corner, staring at their Mom in shock.
Especially the suddenly named Fourth Child, whose eyeballs nearly popped out; if not for her eye sockets blocking them, they probably would have jumped out from fright.
“Mom, are you kidding?”
“Exactly, Fourth Child and Fifth Child will eventually marry off. How can Dad’s Job go to her?”
“Mom, you’re confused! If it goes to Fourth Child, it’s benefiting an Outsider.”
Third Brother suddenly rushed in and roared.
“What’s wrong? Are the family benefits only for you to take, and Fourth Child isn't allowed? She is a child of the Old Zhang Family too. Fourth Child is sensible, hardworking, and never complains. Your Dad’s Job is what she deserves.”
Li Xiangqin glanced at the rushing Third Brother, a bunch of Ungrateful wretches.
“You all want to take advantage and don't care about others. I’m making this clear today: Old Man’s Job goes to Fourth Child, and no one should even think about it. Otherwise, don't blame this Old Mother for turning ruthless.”
“Mom, Fourth Child is a woman, and she has a timid personality. The Machinery Factory Job isn't suitable for her,” Third Brother persisted, unwilling to give up.
“There are plenty of female Employees at the Machinery Factory; there are plenty of suitable Positions. Once she has the Job, Fourth Child will be settled.”
Originally, Fourth Child’s age met the requirement for taking over the position, making her the most suitable successor for the Old Man’s Job. In her Previous life, she was blinded by greed and owed her a lifetime.
She thought Second Brother at least had a Factory Director Father-in-law to support him, while Third Brother's Wife didn't even have a Job, and the Soap Factory wasn't as good as the Machinery Factory. Their future life would be difficult, so she made the final decision to let Third Brother take over.
Because of this decision, not only did Second Brother and his wife resent her, but it also led to her daughter’s lifetime tragedy.
Because Fourth Child didn't have a Job, after finishing housework, she went out with a few close Friends to inquire about work.
Somehow, she ended up in the Suburbs countryside and was cornered by a few Scoundrels, nearly suffering a disaster.
The person who saved her was Liu Xiangdang, the Accountant’s Son from the village. Fourth Child didn't dare tell anyone when she returned, so she often secretly went to the Liu family to work, repaying the Lifesaver.
Liu Xiangdang’s Mom saw this and got an idea, intentionally or unintentionally creating opportunities for them. Coupled with the halo of being her Lifesaver, Fourth Child quickly fell for him.
Originally, she didn't agree to Fourth Child marrying down, but that girl lost her virginity after being tricked... After getting married, she discovered her Son-in-law was an extremely filial man.
In just two years, her daughter was bullied by her Mother-in-law and Husband's younger sister until she was gaunt and thin. Insufficient food combined with heavy physical labor led to a difficult labor, and she died at the town clinic, losing both mother and child.
By the time she rushed over, she only saw her emaciated daughter with a protruding belly, looking utterly miserable.
Although she brought her several sons and nephews to cause a huge scene at the husband's family home, it couldn't bring back her daughter. This was her biggest regret.
Li Xiangqin took a deep breath and beckoned to Fourth Child in the corner,
“Fourth Child, come here. Don't listen to those two jerks talking nonsense. There are plenty of suitable Positions at the Machinery Factory. I’ll take you to start work the day after tomorrow.”
“Mom~, I…”
Zhang Jianhong looked at the hand her Mom held; her heart felt sore. Although Mom’s hand was rough, it was also very warm.
As far as she could remember, Mom’s eyes were only on the elder brothers, and then she focused entirely on the sixth younger brother; even Fifth Child received more attention than her.
With so many children in the family, Mom and Dad worked very hard, constantly busy, constantly complaining, but the work in their hands never stopped.
She understood her mother, so she always helped out silently. Over time, she got used to it.
She thought she would never receive her mother's attention in this lifetime, but unexpectedly, Mom was still thinking about her and worrying about her future. To be noticed by Mom felt so warm!
“Fourth Child, don't blame Mom. There are many children in the family, and since you are sensible, you were inevitably overlooked. But regarding the Job, this Mom is straightforward; I said it’s yours, so it’s yours.”
Zhang Jianhong covered her mouth, her eyes red, and nodded solemnly.
Actually, she had been very scared recently. The Neighborhood Committee kept posting slogans promoting following the Party’s command and contributing to the Four Modernizations.
Everyone guessed that new policies would come soon.
“Ahem~, Mom, we have no objection to giving the Job to Fourth Child. How do you plan to distribute Dad’s Solatium?”
Zhao Jianguo coughed, pushed up the glasses on his nose, and spoke in a gentle tone.
As soon as the others heard about the Solatium, their eyes lit up instantly!