Jiang Meishu listened to her mother’s incessant muttering without saying a word. Only after her mother had finished venting did she softly ask, “Can we buy something else?”
Wang Limei replied, “You nourish what you eat. Your father has a fracture, so he needs Large Bones.”
“Can we use chicken instead?”
“Chicken soup is nourishing too.”
Jiang Meishu couldn’t help but comment.
Wang Limei glanced at her and scolded with a laugh, “What are you thinking? We can’t even afford pork, let alone chicken. Where would our family get meat coupons? Every month when the meat coupons are distributed, we trade them all for other things.”
“Our family doesn’t have a single meat coupon left.”
Jiang Meishu tentatively suggested, “Trade with someone?”
Wang Limei waved her hand, “Let’s not bother with that. Even if we managed to get meat coupons, there’s no guarantee we’d be able to get any meat.”
“If we can’t even get Large Bones, how would we ever get our turn to buy meat?”
When it comes to rationed goods, ordinary people have no connections.
“Never mind.” Wang Limei sighed, “Let’s just consider this trip wasted. I’ll go buy some eggs and make your father some egg noodles when we get back.”
This was already considered the most nourishing food possible.
As for bones, if they couldn’t get them, they shouldn’t dwell on it.
Jiang Family Residence
When Secretary Chen arrived at the Jiang family home, surprisingly no one was there, and the door was locked.
Secretary Chen stood bewildered for a while before finding Aunt Hehua next door and asking, “Comrade, do you know where the Jiang family has gone?”
Aunt Hehua felt Secretary Chen looked somewhat familiar but couldn’t recall who he was.
However, judging by his imposing presence, he was clearly no ordinary person. Aunt Hehua immediately became more cautious, “Why are you looking for the Jiang family?”
“To deliver some things.”
Secretary Chen didn’t even mention Factory Director Liang’s name. As Liang Qiurun’s secretary, anticipating his superior’s needs was part of his basic job.
Hearing that he was delivering items, Aunt Hehua became slightly less wary, “Something happened to the Jiang family. Old Jiang went to the hospital. Limei and the others seem to have gone to the market early to buy meat. The eldest son and daughter-in-law have also gone to work.”
“Only the three children are home, playing at the alley entrance right now. I’ll call them back.”
With these words, Aunt Hehua headed outside the Dazayuan and let out a roar that could wake the dead, “Jiang Dale, come back!”
“You have a visitor!”
Jiang Dale, now six years old, immediately came running home upon hearing the call, with her two younger sisters trailing behind her.
The older one was four, the younger three, both toddlers still wearing split pants.
Jiang Dale ran fast, her body as thin as a stick, making her head appear disproportionately large, “Grandma Hehua, we have a visitor?”
The six-year-old was already treated as half an adult in the family. When the adults were busy, she, as the eldest sister, had to look after her younger siblings.
Aunt Hehua nodded, pointing at Secretary Chen, “This gentleman here. Do you have the key?”
Jiang Dale looked warily at Secretary Chen, “I don’t know you.”
Secretary Chen hadn’t expected to be suspected twice in such a short time today. He quickly tried to identify himself, “I’m your grandfather’s friend, here to deliver something to him.”
He pointed to the woven plastic bag, “Can you open the door for me? I’ll just bring the things inside, and you can keep watch over them at home, alright?”
Secretary Chen was pressed for time, wanting to return early to take Factory Director Liang to the hospital, so he kept glancing at his wristwatch.
Jiang Dale hesitated for a moment. “I need to see what it is first.”
Secretary Chen immediately agreed, untying the tightly fastened bag opening to let Jiang Dale take a look. When Jiang Dale clearly saw what was inside, his eyes widened instinctively, and he covered his mouth. “So much—”
Before the word “meat” could escape his lips, Secretary Chen covered his mouth. “I’ll carry it inside. Can you keep watch?”
Jiang Dale nodded, his big eyes bright. “Yes.”
“Then help me keep the door open.”
Without another word, Jiang Dale dug out a grimy black key from the pile of honeycomb briquettes by the door, blew off the dust, and opened the door.
After Secretary Chen brought the items inside, he tied the bag opening again and whispered into Jiang Dale’s ear.
“Understood? Can you do it?”
Jiang Dale nodded. “Yes!”
Absolutely yes!
“After you guard it, if your family comes back, what will you say?”
“Just say Uncle Chen brought it.”
Only then did Secretary Chen feel reassured. He turned to leave, noticing Aunt Hehua peeking in curiously, but Jiang Dale slammed the door shut with a bang. “Grandma Hehua, we have to wait for our grandma to come back. You can’t come in.”
With the door closed.
Jiang Erle wanted to open the bag but was swatted away by Jiang Dale. “We have to let Grandma open it. None of us can.”
Jiang Erle protested, “You already saw what’s inside. Why won’t you let me see?”
Jiang Dale raised his fist, and Jiang Erle instantly fell silent.
Outside.
Secretary Chen had already left but glanced back at the Jiang Family. “I wonder if relying on the kids will work out?”
“Never mind, let’s go pick up Factory Director Liang first.”
Factory Director Liang still needed to go to the hospital later.
At worst, he could explain later.
After all, there were more things to deliver.
When Wang Limei returned, she was in a sour mood, having failed to buy large bones, though she did manage to get ten eggs.
It was better than nothing.
But as soon as Wang Limei and Jiang Meishu stepped inside, they saw the three children guarding a woven plastic bag.
“What’s going on here?”
“Why aren’t you out playing?”
Usually, the three kids played outside and were hardly ever home.
“Grandma, Auntie, come look.”
Jiang Dale tugged Jiang Meishu mysteriously. “Meat, so much meat.”
Jiang Meishu and Wang Limei thought he was joking. In these times, who would pack meat in a woven plastic bag?
And it looked like a half-full bag at that.
But when they opened the bag—good heavens—there was a huge slab of ribs and two sets of tube bones.
Gulp.
Jiang Meishu instinctively swallowed. “Mom, do you think that scoundrel who bought all the large bones and meat sent them all to our house?”
Good heavens.
It had been so long since she’d last seen meat—she hardly dared to imagine it.
Jiang Meishu felt her mouth watering more and more.
She couldn’t swallow fast enough.
Simply couldn’t keep up.
She was utterly famished for it.
Wang Lamei was also stunned. “I guess so? Who would’ve thought that scoundrel was actually me.”
She lifted the bag and weighed it. “Must be over ten pounds.”
“Who sent it, Dale?”
Jiang Dale shook his head. “I don’t know. The person told me to call him Uncle Chen and said Auntie would definitely know.”
As soon as these words were spoken, Jiang Meishu immediately knew who had sent the meat.
“Secretary Chen?”
“Secretary Chen sent the meat?”
“No.” Jiang Meishu rarely engaged in mental gymnastics. “Secretary Chen wouldn’t send meat to our family without reason, and he doesn’t have the authority either.”
Given the citywide meat shortage.
He actually gave so much meat.
“Is it Old Liang?”
Jiang Meishu instinctively said, “Mom, why do you think Factory Director Liang sent us so much meat?”
Wang Limei replied, “Perhaps because of your dad?”
That was indeed a possibility.
“Old Liang—” Jiang Meishu thought for a moment, “is quite considerate?”
“He is considerate, but I think it seems more like a practiced apology for his child.”
Wang Limei took out the meat. Good heavens, such a large piece of ribs, almost half a side. She had never seen so much meat before.
Of course, neither had Jiang Meishu. “Should we accept this meat?”
“Of course we should.”
“Your dad didn’t save someone for nothing, did he?” Wang Limei said. “Since Factory Director Liang didn’t send someone from the factory but had his secretary deliver it personally, it means this is a personal apology. So why shouldn’t we accept it?”
Wang Limei immediately started organizing, setting aside the large bone separately. “I’ll stew this and take it to the hospital later to nourish your dad.”
Jiang Meishu, craving badly, shamelessly asked, “Mom, could you cut off one rib and throw it in to stew too?”
Good heavens.
She loved ribs the most, especially the lean ribs. When the lean meat with its marbled fat is stewed until tender, one bite gives you soft lean meat, the fragrance of fat and lean combined, and even the bone fragments can be crushed with a gentle press.
Heaven knows how long it had been since she last ate ribs.
Although this was compensation for her dad, with such a large piece, surely she could have a small portion?
Under normal circumstances, Wang Limei would have refused. After all, she was stingy and meticulous with household expenses.
But this time, seeing they had so much in stock, she decisively agreed. “Cut one off. Throw one in to stew. After it’s done, cut it into small pieces, and everyone can have a taste.”
The last time the family had meat was during the New Year, which was already over half a year ago.
Now, not only was Jiang Meishu happy, but the three children at home were thrilled too.
Jiang Erle, innocent in his childishness, even said, “I wish Grandpa would break his leg every day.”
That way, they could eat meat every day.
Hearing this, Wang Lamei slapped him. “You little blockhead, you don’t know what’s good for you.”
Jiang Erle stuck out his tongue and mischievously ran outside.
While stewing the large bone, Wang Limei even extravagantly added two white radishes. Though there wasn’t much meat, the radishes soaked up the meat flavor, making it almost like eating meat itself.
The stewed large bone with radish was incredibly fragrant.
Even before it was fully cooked, the rich aroma of meat filled the entire courtyard.
Those at home couldn’t help but sniff around. “Who’s stewing meat?”
“It’s not a festival or a celebration, eating so well?”
The meat aroma was simply too enticing, the kind that went straight to the top of your head.
Wang Limei pushed open the window. “We’re stewing a large bone. Old Jiang fractured his leg and is in the hospital, so we’re making some bone broth to nourish him.”
Only then did everyone stop speculating.
However, some families hadn’t eaten meat for too long. The adults could still restrain themselves, but the children couldn’t hold back at all, crying and wailing loudly.
Finally, the adults had no choice. They took out a bowl, steeled themselves, and scooped out a bowl of cornmeal. “Take this to Granny Jiang’s house and exchange this bowl of cornmeal for a bowl of bone broth to drink.”
The child immediately went off joyfully to make the exchange.
Arriving at the Jiang Family.
Shitou held up the bowl, looking pitifully at Wang Limei.
“Granny, my grandma told me to trade with you.”
Now Wang Limei understood. She sighed and had Jiang Meishu bring a bowl, taking the cornmeal and filling a bowl with large bone broth for the child, adding two pieces of radish at the last moment.
The radish, glistening with oil, was stewed until soft and tender, making one’s mouth water just from the smell.
Shitou held the bowl and went out beaming with joy.
It was at this moment that Jiang Meishu truly understood how difficult it was to eat meat.
Really.
It wasn’t just their family that found it hard to eat meat – everyone in society struggled to get meat. Usually, having a bite of meat was like celebrating the New Year.
So when Wang Limei picked up a piece of sparerib for her, she nibbled carefully on the rib in her mouth. The lean meat connected with the marbled fat was so fragrant she couldn’t bear to swallow it. “Mom, it’s really delicious.”
Jiang Meishu broke off a small piece of meat and put it in Wang Limei’s mouth. Wang Limei said she didn’t want it, but when it entered her mouth, she couldn’t help but pause for a moment.
It had been too long since she had eaten meat.
This made her somewhat dazed.
“Factory Director Liang is really quite good.”
The child had made a mistake, but you couldn’t find a second person in the entire Meatpacking Factory who would handle an apology so seriously.
Moreover, the apology gift he sent was so appropriate.
It was like being handed a pillow just when you’re feeling sleepy.
After finishing the meat on a small sparerib, Jiang Meishu sucked on the bone. There was juice hidden inside the bone, and when she sucked, there were even bone fragments that melted with a gentle press.
“Old Liang is a good man.”
Whether from the System’s account or her sister’s words, you could tell.
He was a good man.
He had devoted his entire life to the Meatpacking Factory, striving until his last breath.
Even though his marriage wasn’t satisfactory – he was impotent and never touched her sister – he gave her sister a lifetime of dignity.
He ensured she was well-fed and clothed, never worrying about livelihood.
But no one is perfect, everyone has flaws, and Old Liang was no exception.
For Jiang Meishu, she preferred to focus on people’s strengths – that way, getting along with them wouldn’t feel exhausting.
Hearing her daughter’s words, Wang Limei also hesitated. Looking at it this way, Factory Director Liang was actually quite good.
But, forget it. No matter how good Factory Director Liang was, with such a rebellious and unruly son, he wasn’t a suitable match.
Now that they had more options.
Wang Limei, who had previously thought well of Factory Director Liang, began to waver.
However, this meal of meat did make Wang Limei’s resentment toward Factory Director Liang dissipate somewhat.
Putting aside his troublesome son.
Factory Director Liang was truly a good factory director.
When a worker at the neighboring Fang Zhi Factory got his hand cut off while using machinery, not only was there no meat given, the factory director didn’t even show his face.
Comparing it this way, their Meatpacking Factory’s Director Liang was actually pretty good?
But no matter how good he was, he wasn’t a suitable match for a blind date.
After Wang Limei’s random thoughts, she said, “Pack all this up. I’ll cook some noodles to add to it, drain them dry and pack everything together to send to the hospital. We’ll take over for your sister and let her come home.”
Jiang Meishu naturally agreed. Since they didn’t have a thermal container at home, they had to use an aluminum lunch box. But the aluminum lunch box was too shallow, so in the end they used a large enamel mug, filling it to the brim.
They rushed to the hospital in a frantic hurry.
By the time they arrived, the nurses had already completed their rounds.
Jiang Chenliang was lying in bed receiving an IV drip, while Shen Zhanlie had bought Wo Wo Tou—all six of them exhausting every last bit of money he had.
He also brought back a enamel mug of vegetable soup.
The group drank the vegetable soup from the enamel mug and gnawed on the Wo Wo Tou.
It was at this moment that Jiang Meishu arrived. Seeing the scene, she inexplicably felt a pang of sadness in her heart, wondering why someone hospitalized and ill would be eating such things.
And they were coarse grain steamed buns at that.
“What are you all doing here?”
Jiang Meilan was the first to react, immediately standing up.
Jiang Meishu quickly jogged over, set the things down on the table, and snatched the Wo Wo Tou from Jiang Meilan’s hand. “Give that to me, you go eat.”
Jiang Meilan froze for a moment.
Jiang Meishu pushed her. “Hurry up.”
“Go try it, it’s absolutely delicious.”
“I’ve already tried some at home.”
At these words, Jiang Meilan sighed helplessly. “I’ll just eat the Wo Wo Tou.”
“It’ll fill me up just the same.”
Jiang Meishu glared, unusually firm this time. “I told you to eat, so eat. No more arguing.”
She opened the enamel mug, and the aroma of meat instantly wafted out.
Wang Limei had already set aside a separate portion for Jiang Chenliang and was feeding him, while the remaining portion was for Jiang Meilan and Shen Zhanlie.
“Listen to Meishu. You’ve worked hard all night, so eat up.”
It was a Large Bone soup with radish, along with a large box of mixed grain noodles—this was for Jiang Meilan and Shen Zhanlie.
Jiang Chenliang’s portion, on the other hand, was proper refined grain: Fuqiang flour noodles, incredibly fragrant.
“Where did the meat come from? And the bones?”
Not only was Jiang Chenliang puzzled, but Jiang Meilan was too.
Jiang Meishu divided the noodles and poured the soup for them. “Secretary Chen sent it. Probably Factory Director Liang’s way of apologizing?”
“I’m not entirely sure.”
Hearing this, Jiang Meilan thought about it and realized it was indeed Liang Qiurun’s style.
In her previous life, when she married Liang Qiurun, although they never consummated the marriage, her life was never lacking.
That was because Liang Qiurun provided ample money and ration coupons.
He never shorted her, even doubling them at times.
Thinking of this, Jiang Meilan bit her lip and picked up a Large Bone from her bowl, placing it into Shen Zhanlie’s bowl. “Let’s share.”
Shen Zhanlie had fallen silent the moment Jiang Meishu snatched the bun from Jiang Meilan’s hand.
He remained quiet the whole time.
It wasn’t until Jiang Meilan placed the bone in his bowl that he snapped out of it. He looked down at her.
Though he said nothing, his clear eyes held a trace of guilt.
It was his lack of capability.
That was why she had to suffer alongside him.
Jiang Meilan chewed on the noodles and took a sip of the Large Bone soup, feeling utterly refreshed. “Our family couldn’t afford this either.”
She smiled. “It’s the same for everyone. We’re just benefiting from Factory Director Liang’s generosity.”
Though she said this, Shen Zhanlie still felt miserable.
He turned to watch Jiang Meilan as she ate. Her eyes were captivating, her smile comforting.
Shen Zhanlie made a vow in his heart.
He wouldn’t remain poor forever.
He would make sure his wife lived a good life.
Just wait for him.
Just wait a little longer.
No one knew of Shen Zhanlie’s inner turmoil—perhaps Jiang Meilan did, but with so many people around, it wasn’t the right time to say anything.
Meanwhile, Jiang Chenliang on the sickbed took a bite of the rib meat. The flavor of the meat made him squint with satisfaction. “It’s been so long since I’ve had meat.”
The last time he had meat was during the New Year, but he only got a taste—the rest was given to the children to eat.
“In that case, this fall of mine was worth it.”
Especially after Wang Limei told him there were still over ten jin of meat left at home, he felt the fall was even more worthwhile.
Hearing this, Wang Limei raised her hand and lightly swatted him.
Grandma Lu, watching from the side, couldn’t help but smile. “Your family atmosphere is truly wonderful.”
Among so many patients, every other ward was filled with weeping and wailing—only the Jiang Family could still laugh.
Such optimism.
Wang Limei couldn’t hide her pride. “Yes, we may be a bit poor, but from top to bottom, we’re united.”
The more she said this, the more Grandma Lu liked them. Her own family was so troublesome—she knew all too well the benefits of having good in-laws.
So, she looked Jiang Meishu over carefully. Jiang Meishu was clearing the bowls and chopsticks, head bowed, dark strands of hair falling over her forehead. Her profile was soft and graceful, with smooth lines, and her skin was fair, delicate, and smooth—truly as beautiful as a painting.
She also appeared gentle and virtuous.
The more Grandma Lu looked, the more she liked her. “My Zhiyuan will be up in a moment.”
Lu Zhiyuan had also gone down to buy food.
So he and Jiang Meishu had just missed each other.
“There’s no hurry. We’ll be staying at the hospital all day today.”
Hearing this, Jiang Meishu felt a bit puzzled. She glanced around but no one said anything.
She decided not to bother with it and simply took the bowls and chopsticks to the public washroom to clean them.
After she left, Jiang Meilan immediately stopped eating. She went to her mother, Wang Limei, and raised her willow-leaf eyebrows. “You didn’t tell her?”
Wang Limei hummed in agreement. “Let’s just treat it as meeting a friend. Whether it works out or not can be discussed later. Matchmaking can wait too.”
She had learned to be shrewd.
Jiang Meilan thought this was a good approach. After a moment’s thought, she said, “Then I’ll wait a bit longer before leaving.”
She wasn’t at ease about her younger sister.
Besides, she also wanted to help vet the potential match.
After saying this, she glanced at Shen Zhanlie.
Shen Zhanlie thought for a moment and said gloomily, “I’ll do whatever you say.”
This son-in-law was truly good, and even Wang Lamei liked him. She knew her eldest daughter had firmly secured this first hurdle.
At the very least, Shen Zhanlie was firmly in her grasp.
Outside, Jiang Meishu went to wash the bowls and chopsticks.
After she left, Lu Zhiyuan returned with the food. He had bought two meat buns, two steamed rolls, and a bowl of egg drop soup.
Quite a decent meal.
As soon as he entered the ward, Grandma Lu called out to him, “Zhiyuan, you’re back.”
Lu Zhiyuan nodded and handed the food to Grandma Lu one by one, helping her with her breakfast.
“Your Aunt Wang’s eldest daughter is here. Would you like to meet her in a moment?”
Seeing the anticipation on his grandmother’s face, Lu Zhiyuan paused for a moment before nodding. “Meeting is fine, but whether it works out is another matter.”
These days, matchmaking was like attending a banquet—one in the morning, another in the afternoon.
As for whether it would lead to anything, that depended on fate.
Knowing her grandson was being a bit stubborn, Grandma Lu didn’t press him. “Hmm, Grandma’s judgment is always reliable. You’ll definitely like her when you meet her.”
The girl was pretty and well-proportioned, with a good temper—even an old lady like her couldn’t help but like her.
It was at this moment that Jiang Meishu returned. She had just finished washing the chopsticks and enamel mug, her hands still damp, making her fingers appear even more slender, pale, and delicate.
“Daughter of the Jiang Family, this is my grandson.” As soon as Jiang Meishu entered, Grandma Lu immediately beckoned to her. “Zhiyuan, this is the daughter of the Jiang Family. When this old woman had nothing to eat before, it was all thanks to the Jiang Family’s daughter for her help.”
With this mutual introduction,
Jiang Meishu and Lu Zhiyuan both looked over at the same time.
“It’s you?”
Both were somewhat astonished.
“You know each other?”
Grandma Lu was somewhat surprised, knowing that her eldest grandson was a blockhead who could only focus on abacus calculations with single-minded devotion.
Lu Zhiyuan was also pleasantly surprised. He hadn’t expected the matchmaking partner his grandmother introduced him to would be the female comrade he had been thinking about ever since their encounter yesterday.
This was truly like searching a thousand times in the crowd only to find her by chance.
“We’ve sort of met,” Lu Zhiyuan said with a slight upturn of his lips, his expression proper. “Yesterday at the stairwell, this comrade bumped into me and made me drop all my account books.”
Jiang Meishu also hadn’t expected such a coincidence—the person she had bumped into turned out to be Grandma Lu’s grandson. She said sheepishly, “Yes, Comrade Lu, I’m really very sorry about that.”
Now Grandma Lu became interested. Seeing her grandson’s expression, it was clear he had taken a liking to Jiang Meishu.
She immediately pushed her grandson out, saying, “The Jiang family girl helped me tremendously yesterday. Zhiyuan, go out and thank her properly.”
Then, as if trying to cover her true intentions, she added, “The ward is too noisy. I want to rest for a while.”
At this point, even the blockhead Lu Zhiyuan caught on. He cautiously glanced at Jiang Meishu—yesterday they had only met briefly.
Now, looking at her carefully, he suddenly realized how truly beautiful Jiang Meishu was: her features soft and lovely, her skin fair, with her hair down, gentle and serene.
Lu Zhiyuan’s face immediately flushed slightly. “Comrade Jiang, shall we go out to talk?”
Jiang Meishu was still somewhat puzzled. What did she and Lu Zhiyuan have to talk about?
But before she could react, Wang Limei took the enamel mug and chopsticks from her hands. “Go ahead. Grandma Lu mentioned earlier that she wanted to thank you. Since young Lu is here, you two can go out and chat.”
Jiang Meishu felt somewhat suspicious.
But before she could say anything, Wang Limei pushed her out.
Once the two young people left, the lively ward instantly quieted down. The older folks present all wore knowing smiles.
“Ah, youth is wonderful. Just seeing them standing together—one a bit clueless, the other just discovering budding feelings—makes one feel happy.”
“From the Jiang family, is your daughter meeting Grandma Lu’s grandson for a matchmaking session?”
Wang Limei smiled. “It’s just the two youngsters meeting to see if they take a liking to each other.”
“Whether it works out or not will be up to the children themselves.”
“What’s your eldest daughter’s name?”
“Jiang Meilan.”
“And the Lu family’s grandson?”
“Lu Zhiyuan.”
“Hey, now that you mention it, their names sound quite compatible. If they do get together, you’ll have to invite us to the wedding celebration!”
Just as these words were spoken, Liang Qiurun, Secretary Chen, Liang Rui, and Liang Feng happened to arrive at the ward entrance.
It was unclear how much they had overheard.
Secretary Chen nervously glanced at Liang Qiurun. He knew that his superior hadn’t given up on the matchmaking arrangement with Jiang Meilan.
Otherwise, he wouldn’t have gone through so much trouble, personally buying gifts and paying a visit.
To put it plainly, Liang Qiurun still didn’t want to give up on this matchmaking prospect.
And he had worked so hard to arrange everything, only to hear such words upon arrival. Secretary Chen couldn’t help but break into a cold sweat.
He cautiously observed Liang Qiurun’s expression.
However, Liang Qiurun’s face revealed nothing, though his gaze seemed slightly more obscure. The change was so brief that Secretary Chen wondered if he had imagined it.
Meanwhile, Liang Rui lowered his head, clenching his fists. Had Jiang Meilan gone on a matchmaking date with someone else?
He should have felt happy, but for some reason, there was no joy in his heart. Instead, he felt a sense of loss and found it somewhat strange.
However, before Liang Rui could ponder further.
Liang Qiurun had already knocked on the hospital room door—tap, tap, tap.
Three rhythmic knocks.
The lively room instantly fell silent.
Everyone instinctively turned their gaze toward the door.
“Factory Director Liang?”
Jiang Chenliang was the first to react. He was about to stand up, but Liang Qiurun strode in swiftly and pressed him back down into his seat. “Comrade Jiang, please rest. There’s no need to get up.”
Jiang Chenliang was visibly agitated. “Factory Director Liang, you—you—how come you’re here?”
His excitement was understandable. For frontline workshop workers like him, they only ever saw Liang Qiurun during factory-wide meetings, and even then, not face-to-face—only from a distance, up on the podium.
The middle and upper management of the Meatpacking Factory didn’t care for Liang Qiurun. He was overly meticulous in his work and couldn’t tolerate the slightest negligence. It could be said that every mid-to-high-level staff member had been caught cutting corners by Liang Qiurun.
Except for the frontline workers.
Since Liang Qiurun became the director of the Meatpacking Factory, he had rolled out one welfare policy after another, all benefiting the ordinary workers.
Jiang Chenliang was one such beneficiary. Not only had his monthly wage increased by three yuan, but his meal subsidy had also grown by two jin of grain. He even received injury compensation for accidents while slaughtering pigs in the workshop.
Not to mention, the previously arrogant staff members were now treading carefully, making Jiang Chenliang’s work environment much more comfortable.
This was something he had never dared to imagine before.
So, all the frontline workers at the Meatpacking Factory knew of Liang Qiurun’s kindness and respected him deeply.
Liang Qiurun didn’t seem surprised by Jiang Chenliang’s agitation. His voice was gentle, his gaze clear and sharp—a natural, innate integrity radiating from within.
“I heard you were injured, so I came to see you.”
“And to apologize to you.”
With that, he called Liang Rui and Liang Feng to step forward. “The fire at the Meatpacking Factory was entirely caused by these two troublemakers from my family. I’ve brought them here to offer you their apologies.”
This—this—this—
Jiang Chenliang was immediately overwhelmed by the honor. This was the great factory director, having his children apologize to him? How could he possibly deserve such treatment?
Meanwhile, Jiang Meilan, seeing her father’s reaction, felt frustrated by his lack of assertiveness. She stepped forward directly and addressed Liang Qiurun, “You should apologize. If it weren’t for your family, my father wouldn’t have had to suffer like this.”
From the moment Liang Qiurun entered, she had been staring intently at him.
In her previous life, they had been married for a lifetime, yet the number of times they had actually met could be counted on one hand.
So much so that Jiang Meilan had almost forgotten what he looked like. Seeing Liang Qiurun again now, she felt somewhat dazed.
Was Liang Qiurun really this handsome in his youth?
Elegant as an orchid and stately as a jade tree, refined and strikingly handsome.
But what use was any of that? He was nothing more than a pretty face.
Jiang Meilan’s forceful attitude made Jiang Chenliang tug at her anxiously. He then apologized to Liang Qiurun, “My daughter has a quick temper. Please don’t be angry with her.”
Did Meilan even realize?
If they offended Factory Director Liang, all three members of their family could lose their jobs.
Every year, the Meatpacking Factory had to downsize its workforce. Factory Director Liang didn’t even need to speak—the personnel department below would interpret his intentions and openly remove their family from the factory roster.
Thinking of this, Jiang Chenliang grew even more nervous, afraid that Liang Qiurun would blame them.
To his surprise, Liang Qiurun wasn’t angry at all. Instead, he remained as gentle as ever. “This comrade is right,” he said. “It was indeed my children’s fault. If not for them, you wouldn’t have ended up in the hospital.”
“Liang Rui, Liang Feng, go apologize to Comrade Jiang.”
This was serious business.
Liang Rui stepped forward. Seeing Jiang Chenliang’s weathered appearance, he felt even more guilty. “I’m sorry,” he said, bending his body deeply, looking completely wilted, as if frostbitten.
It was painful too. The wounds on his back from the belt lashes felt like they were about to burst open at that moment, the pain gripping his heart as if squeezed by a large hand.
Liang Feng, standing beside him, was the same. He also bent over, inhaling sharply, suppressing the pain as he apologized, “I’m sorry.”
“Uncle Jiang, you can scold me, hit me, punish me, or even make me do anything.”
This left Jiang Chenliang at a loss. He sighed and waved his hand. “Kids will be kids; no need to be so formal about it. When I was young, I even burned down my grandfather’s ancestral home. My grandfather was so angry he beat me so badly I couldn’t get out of bed for three days.”
Back then, he just wanted to test whether the wood of the main house was sturdy.
In the end, he found out—it was quite sturdy. Even though most of the house burned down, the main beam was still standing.
His lighthearted banter eased the tension in the room.
Both Liang Rui and Liang Feng looked at him in surprise.
Jiang Chenliang used his uninjured arm to help them up. “Get up, both of you. Did you get beaten? I can see from your faces you’ve turned pale from the pain.”
Liang Rui gritted his teeth and stayed silent.
Liang Feng also didn’t want to show weakness.
“I’m sorry.”
They truly meant it.
Liang Qiurun added, “The children were in the wrong, Comrade Jiang. Feel free to scold or hit them as you see fit. Moreover, I’ve already told them that while your arm is injured, all the heavy work at home will be handled by them.”
“Don’t hesitate—use them like donkeys.”
This—
Jiang Chenliang instinctively wanted to refuse, but Liang Qiurun cut him off. “Comrade Jiang, this is what they owe you, and it’s what they should do.”
Jiang Meilan suddenly spoke up, “Dad, listen to Factory Director Liang.”
She genuinely wanted to see Liang Rui toiling like an ox or a horse in their home. Just the thought of it brought her satisfaction!
With that, Jiang Chenliang could say no more.
Liang Qiurun glanced at Jiang Meilan, feeling she somewhat resembled the person in the photo. But then he remembered what Director Jiang had said—that the two sisters were twins.
He understood then where the resemblance came from. Probably in their looks?
Noticing Liang Qiurun looking at her, Jiang Meilan’s heart raced. Could he have recognized her?
Just as Jiang Meilan was lost in her thoughts, Shen Zhanlie stepped forward, shielding her. He said to Liang Qiurun in a muffled voice, “Factory Director Liang, this is my wife.”
Liang Qiurun acknowledged with a hum and withdrew his gaze.
He instructed Secretary Chen to bring out the gifts of apology. “Comrade Jiang, these are a small token of sincerity from my sons, Liang Rui and Liang Feng. Please, you must accept them.”
Jiang Chenliang looked up and saw the items inside: two packs of Da Qianmen cigarettes, a can of milk powder, and a can of malt extract.
This gift was far too generous.
“Factory Director Liang, you’ve already sent gifts before. There’s no need to send more.”
Moreover, the large bone and meat he had eaten this morning were also sent by the other party.
“One thing is one thing.”
“This is the compensation they ought to make.”
Liang Qiurun’s voice was calm, even carrying a hint of reassurance. “Additionally, since you were injured on duty, the unit will provide work injury compensation. I will personally cover this expense.”
He glanced at Secretary Chen, who nodded and took out one hundred and twenty yuan from his bag. “A bone injury takes a hundred days to heal. This is your three-month work injury compensation.”
“Please return to work only after your arm has fully recovered.”
This—
Real money handed over.
Gifts piled up.
On top of that, the instigator was beaten, apologized, and even had to serve their family like a beast of burden.
To be honest, Jiang Chenliang was no longer angry. He even had the illusion that it wasn’t his arm that was broken, but gold.
All this probably amounted to more than a year’s wages for him.
Jiang Chenliang felt somewhat uneasy. “Factory Director Liang, you’re too kind.”
Liang Qiurun glanced at Secretary Chen, who placed the money on Jiang Chenliang’s quilt. His attitude was humble, even carrying a hint of apology. “This is what I ought to do.”
Hearing this, Jiang Chenliang felt he would gladly sacrifice everything for Liang Qiurun.
Liang Qiurun checked the time. “Alright, I have a meeting at eleven this morning. I’ll head back to the unit now.”
“Comrade Jiang.” He stood up and shook Jiang Chenliang’s hand. “If you have any issues, you can always contact Secretary Chen.”
Seeing Liang Qiurun extend his hand, Jiang Chenliang eagerly shook it in return.
After Liang Qiurun left,
Jiang Chenliang kept sighing in admiration. “Factory Director Liang is such a good person.”
Truly good.
Although the other members of the Jiang family remained silent, they were genuinely moved by these gestures.
Even though Liang Rui and Liang Feng had made mistakes, their apologies were undeniably sincere.
No!
It was the sincerity of money.
And the meat—it tasted incredibly delicious.
Outside.
Liang Qiurun had just stepped into the hospital corridor when, from the second-floor window, he caught a glimpse of the scene below.
Lu Zhiyuan and Jiang Meishu stood side by side at the hospital entrance, where people came and went. They stood out remarkably.
Lu Zhiyuan seemed to say something, and Jiang Meishu pursed her lips, smiling as brightly as a little sun.
Full of vitality.
Liang Qiurun’s gaze darkened slightly, and he suddenly clenched his fingers.
Was this the new match she had chosen?