A single sentence left Miao Qian rooted to the spot in shock. It took her a long moment to process what she had just heard.
“Accompany… accompany the army?” she repeated incredulously. “But didn’t you just—”
Before she could finish, her loud voice suddenly dropped to a whisper. “Weren’t you just demanding a divorce? What’s going on?”
For the past few days, the factory had been buzzing with gossip about her, and Miao Qian had been worried sick, unable to find her anywhere.
Now, after finally getting in touch, she was saying she had accompanied the army?
Su Manqing didn’t dare tell the truth, so she replied vaguely, “There were some misunderstandings between us. From now on, I’ll be staying at the military unit.”
Confirming she hadn’t misheard—Su Manqing really had accompanied the army—Miao Qian burst into laughter and turned to announce loudly, “Let’s see who dares to spread rumors about Manqing now! The couple is doing just fine—Manqing has even gone to accompany the army!”
She made no mention of Su Manqing’s earlier divorce demands.
She didn’t care about the process; only the outcome mattered.
Her words exploded like a bomb, leaving the whispering crowd in the factory stunned and speechless!
Ignoring them, Miao Qian turned back to Su Manqing and said, “Accompanying the army is great! Couples should live together. Make sure to live well from now on, okay?”
Hearing these fiercely protective words, Su Manqing felt an overwhelming ache in her chest.
What had she done to deserve such an unconditionally supportive and trusting friend?
“Mm!” she replied, her voice slightly hoarse.
Miao Qian went on with a stream of earnest reminders.
Unnoticed, the call had already lasted five minutes. Su Manqing reluctantly interrupted her.
“Qianqian, the reason I called was to discuss selling my job.”
“Huh?” Miao Qian was taken aback. “Why not transfer it to the island?”
“The machinery factory is too far from here; it can’t be transferred.” Su Manqing showed little regret as she added, “Didn’t your brother always want a formal job? I’ll sell mine to you at a discount.”
In these times, jobs were scarce and tightly held. Since she wouldn’t be here, her job in Jingshi had to be either transferred to someone else or relocated to where she was accompanying the army.
Rather than letting Fang Peilan and her daughter scheme it away, she’d much rather sell it directly to Miao Qian.
Miao Qian was certainly tempted—after all, this was a skilled technical position at a machinery factory.
Something others could only dream of.
Her brother had technical training but lacked opportunities and openings.
Still, as tempted as she was, she couldn’t bear to see her friend lose her job. “Can’t you transfer it to another type of work? Without a job, how will you manage over there?”
Hearing her concern warmed Su Manqing’s heart.
“Don’t worry. I have technical skills, so it’ll be easier to arrange a position.”
Reassured, Miao Qian finally relaxed.
“Alright! I’ll have my dad handle the paperwork tomorrow. I’ll transfer the money to your savings account, but don’t you dare lower the price.”
Her friend was already doing her a huge favor by selling her the job; there was no way she’d let her sell it cheaply.
Unable to persuade her otherwise, Su Manqing finally agreed to a price slightly below market value—600 yuan.
After settling the job matter, Su Manqing glanced around to ensure no one was eavesdropping, then lowered her voice. “Qianqian, could you keep an eye out for something for me?”
Hearing the seriousness in her tone, Miao Qian didn’t take it lightly and whispered back, “What is it?”
“I suspect Fang Peilan’s daughter might be my father’s biological child.”
"What?!" Miao Qian's voice suddenly turned dark. "That shameless vixen! Don't worry, my cousin works at the neighborhood office. I'll have her look into it later."
Having resolved two worries, Su Manqing finally felt at ease.
After chatting with Miao Qian for a few more moments, she hung up the phone.
"Call duration: ten minutes and three seconds. Three seconds over counts as a full minute. Total: two yuan and twenty cents."
The staff member recited the cost mechanically.
Wang Xingmei couldn't help but click her tongue at the price.
She couldn't afford to make such calls herself. Even for urgent matters, she would send a telegram, and usually relied on letters.
Without a word, Su Manqing took out two yuan and twenty cents.
It was still early after the call, so the two decided to go to the supply and marketing cooperative first.
It was Sunday, and a long queue had formed outside the cooperative. Just one glance made Su Manqing's head ache.
How long would they have to wait?
Just as she was about to walk to the end of the line, Wang Xingmei grabbed her.
"There's someone from our family quarters up ahead. Come on, let's find her!"
Su Manqing was shocked!
Was this really acceptable?
Wouldn't it be too rude?
As she was thinking this, she saw a thin, petite woman at the very front waving toward the back.
"Hurry up, there's space here!"
As soon as she finished speaking, three or four women rushed over, and in no time, the line grew even longer!
Su Manqing: …
"Hurry! Manqing, if we don't go now, we won't get any meat later."
With that, Wang Xingmei grabbed Su Manqing's arm and pushed through the crowd!
After all, Su Manqing had just arrived from Jingshi and couldn't match the strength of Wang Xingmei, who worked year-round.
In the end, she could only let herself be dragged forward through the crowd.
Su Manqing had initially worried that Mao Dan might get lost in the crush, but the little fellow clearly had experience. He broke free from her hand and forged a path ahead.
Weaving left and right, he soon squeezed his way to… Huang Cuiping?
The one who had been spreading rumors that she slept for a full day and night?!
She hadn't seen her during the past two days of work, but now, as their eyes met, an awkward tension filled the air.
Huang Cuiping's expression stiffened, her mouth opening and closing as if unsure whether to greet her.
Su Manqing narrowed her eyes slightly, offering a thin, insincere smile as she greeted her.
"Hello, Comrade Huang."
Huang Cuiping tensed up, letting out a few dry laughs.
"Hehehe… hello… hello…"
After that, she turned and shot Wang Xingmei a glare.
Why didn't you warn me you were bringing her?
Huang Cuiping had gone to the city on business two days ago and had only returned yesterday afternoon. She had no idea that Su Manqing's reputation had completely turned around over the past two days.
Now, suddenly running into her, she felt utterly awkward.
Wang Xingmei looked up at the sky, then down at the ground—anywhere but at Huang Cuiping!
Serves her right for gossiping all the time!