Yang Lihua asked casually, as if it were just ordinary sibling chatter, curious about her future sister-in-law’s work.
But the question landed unexpectedly on the rest of the Yang family. After all, Zhou Hongxia had only said she worked at the food factory, without specifying her exact role.
Yang Lixin’s satisfied smile stiffened slightly. While he liked Zhou Hongxia, if she was only a temporary worker, he wasn’t entirely comfortable with it.
Their family had five children, and their parents were both working. Supporting the family was already difficult. If his future wife were just a temporary worker, life would be even harder for him.
Even with his parents’ support, they still had a younger brother who needed financial assistance.
Su Meilan paused in her task of putting on shoes, and Yang Daqiang also looked up at his eldest son.
Earlier, the two of them had walked outside alone for a while, returning only slowly. It wasn’t clear if Lixin had asked before.
When Director Wang had introduced her, she was described simply as a “factory worker.” Zhou Hongxia herself had only said she worked at the food factory; everyone had assumed she was a permanent employee.
Yang Lihua raised an eyebrow. Oh, so there’s a bit of intrigue in this matchmaking. The original female lead probably hadn’t mentioned that she was only a temporary worker.
Suppressing a smile in her mind, she said casually, “I was just asking. We all know the difference between permanent and temporary positions—salary, benefits, stability. If Hongxia is a permanent worker, Big Brother will have it easier, and Mom and Dad can relax too.”
After speaking, she didn’t linger for the reactions of her family. Instead, she turned to the kitchen and joined Yang Lijuan in tidying the dishes.
“Lihua, why are you coming in? Sit outside and rest. I’ll be done soon.” The kitchen was small, and another person moving about made it cramped.
Yang Lihua stood to the side, watching Yang Lijuan efficiently clean vegetables in preparation for dinner.
She wasn’t there to help with chores, but to subtly remind her second sister to consider her own future. Her earlier words had caused her family to feel some dissatisfaction with Zhou Hongxia.
But her eldest brother, Yang Lixin, might still marry Zhou Hongxia; she had clearly seen how satisfied he was with her just now. His gaze had been entirely fixed on Zhou Hongxia.
This future sister-in-law was clever. In the original story, the most cherished daughter at home had already gained much of the family’s resentment.
Now that she had moved to the dormitory, her interactions with Zhou Hongxia would likely be minimal. The remaining sisters, however, might now be in her way.
“Second sister, you’re about to graduate. What are your plans?”
Yang Lijuan paused mid-vegetable washing, head lowered, lips pressed together, softly replying, “What plans can I have? I’ll just follow Mom and Dad’s decisions—either go to the countryside or get married.”
She was realistic. The family wouldn’t spend money finding her a job. Even the favored Lihua had secured employment on her own merit. Lijuan wasn’t as clever, so she had no choice but to follow her parents’ arrangements.
Yang Lihua frowned. Although the siblings weren’t very close, it didn’t mean she could watch them suffer.
“Have you thought about it? Going to the countryside? Do you know how dangerous it is for young women sent there as educated youth? I told you before to ask the principal about early graduation. Did you do it?”
Better to get the diploma first. Now that she had a job, there was no rush, and she could help Yang Lijuan think things through.
“My grades… I don’t dare to ask the principal. Besides, if I don’t go to the countryside, I could still get married.” Lijuan spoke nonchalantly, showing she hadn’t taken the matter to heart.
Yang Lihua knew this, realizing there was no need for further reminders.
She sighed inwardly. If they don’t worry about themselves, what can a younger sister do?
In the living room, Yang Daqiang, who had been mostly silent, finally spoke, “Lixin, you need to think this through. If Zhou Hongxia really is a temporary worker, what will you do?”
Yang Lixin was momentarily at a loss, mentally tangled between irritation at being kept in the dark and his fondness for Zhou Hongxia.
“You do need to think carefully,” Su Meilan agreed, her tone less enthusiastic than before. “Marriage is serious business. You can’t be careless. Permanent and temporary jobs are completely different matters.”
“I’ll go ask Director Wang tomorrow, find out the situation,” she added. Even though she could see her son liked her, if Zhou Hongxia was indeed a temporary worker, the burden of supporting the family would fall entirely on Lixin, which would be exhausting.
“Yes, better get it clear,” Yang Daqiang finally said. In truth, he had already suspected that Zhou Hongxia was probably a temporary worker.
Their own family conditions weren’t excellent; Lixin still had four unmarried siblings behind him, plus two children just entering middle school—the family burden was considerable.
Many women with permanent positions would be pleased with Lixin as a person, but after learning about his family situation, they often weren’t interested, given the heavy responsibilities.
No sooner had they said they would ask Director Wang tomorrow than he returned, wearing the same warm, cheerful smile.
“Ah, Master Yang, Sister Su, I’m back. Don’t mind me being talkative,” Director Wang said confidently, sitting down. “I just sent Hongxia back. That girl kept praising Lixin all the way—steady, reliable, considerate… she was completely satisfied!”
She had originally planned to come tomorrow, but Zhou Hongxia was so proactive she didn’t mind making another trip.
Hearing this, Yang Lixin’s mouth curved into a bright smile, and his eyes sparkled. Su Meilan and Yang Daqiang relaxed as well—no matter what, the girl’s feelings for their son were sincere.
Director Wang, adept at reading reactions, shifted the topic subtly, “But, Hongxia is also practical. She quietly mentioned a concern. I thought it made sense, so I hurried back to brief you.”
Though the Yang family had previously grumbled about Zhou Hongxia, they all sat up straighter at Director Wang’s words.
“Hongxia thinks Lixin is one hundred percent good.” She glanced at the family, then continued, “It’s just that your housing… it’s a bit tight. When the couple starts living together, they’ll need their own space. Hongxia isn’t greedy, but at least she’d like a little home of her own once married.”
Indeed, the Yang household was crowded. Yang Lixin himself was a permanent worker. If the family burden hadn’t been so heavy, Zhou Hongxia wouldn’t have been the one.