The deputy factory director had a sudden thought.
He recalled that not long ago, his mother had mentioned that his second aunt’s younger daughter-in-law had returned her job position to her natal family after getting married, and now they were anxious to buy another one.
But jobs were scarce these days, and the matter had been dragging on. This position, however, seemed quite suitable.
Working in the cafeteria might not look very technical, but when serving food, whether you give an extra scoop or less was entirely up to the person holding the ladle.
So in the factory, cafeteria workers were actually quite well-liked.
“Girl, I won’t hide it from you—my family does have a relative looking for a job. Right now, official positions outside go for about 400 to 600 yuan depending on the type of work. I’ll give you 600.”
“No need, Uncle Ma. Just give me 400. Selling the job is mainly so my uncle’s family won’t benefit from it.”
“Don’t be polite with me. I’m helping my relative get this job—he can afford the price. As for you, going to the countryside alone, it’s better to have money on hand so you won’t feel anxious.”
“Then… thank you, Uncle Ma.”
The deputy director took out a key, unlocked the drawer, and pulled out 600 yuan.
This was part of the factory’s procurement fund. Knowing Yu Zhaozhao was in a hurry, he decided to advance the money first and settle it properly the next day.
“I know you’re pressed for time, so I’ll give you the money first. Just sign here. When my relative comes tomorrow, I’ll handle the paperwork. You go take care of your business.”
“Thank you, Uncle Ma.”
Yu Zhaozhao had originally wanted to sell the job to the deputy director precisely because it would make the procedures easier. Otherwise, with only one day, everything would feel rushed.
With things going smoothly, it was only about four in the afternoon when she left the factory. She planned to head home—dealing with Yu Wangshan’s matter had to be done at night.
When she got home, no one else had returned yet. Mao Cuizhi was still asleep in her room. Yu Zhaozhao ignored her, slipped the now-empty passbook back into the pillowcase, and returned to the storeroom.
Then she took out paper and pen from the old schoolbag and entered her space.
Since she had nothing to do for now, she decided to write the report letter first. With her specially trained memory, she remembered the plot details from the book clearly, so writing the report was effortless.
After finishing, she read it twice, found no issues, and sealed it in an envelope.
That evening, the Yu Wangshan family returned together. Perhaps because Yu Wangshan had given instructions, Yu Miaomiao and Yu Tianbao didn’t insult Yu Zhaozhao like they usually did.
Mao Cuizhi even came to the storeroom and brought up the five yuan.
“Zhaozhao, you’re going to the countryside tomorrow. Your aunt will give you five yuan—buy yourself something to eat on the train. As for the countryside, there will be grain subsidies, so don’t worry.”
She reluctantly took out the money.
If it weren’t for the fact that the girl had been unusually quiet these past few days, with a somewhat eerie look in her eyes—and her husband feared she might cause trouble at the last minute—she would never have given the five yuan.
“Thank you, Aunt.”
Yu Zhaozhao accepted the money, imitating the original owner.
She only wanted to stir things up behind the scenes—not expose herself early.
“Since there’s nothing else, come out and cook.”
“Aunt, I’m leaving early tomorrow. I’d like to pack my things tonight, so I might not be able to help. I’m sorry.”
Yu Zhaozhao found it almost amusing.
There really were people this shameless—wanting to squeeze every last bit of value out of others.
“With the little junk you have, what’s there to pack?”
Mao Cuizhi was dissatisfied.
Perhaps the years of working had taken a toll. After lying down today, she suddenly felt extremely tired and ended up sleeping the whole day. If Tianbao hadn’t come home making noise, she might not have woken up at all.
This was what happened when the body finally gave in.
When one worked constantly, it didn’t feel like much—but the moment there was rest, all the fatigue surfaced. That was why she wanted Yu Zhaozhao to cook tonight so she could rest more.
Who would have thought the girl had learned to resist?
“That’s enough. Once Zhaozhao leaves tomorrow, won’t you have to cook yourself anyway? It’s her last night—must you make things unpleasant?”
Yu Wangshan was almost furious at his foolish wife. She always schemed over trivial gains, not realizing such a personality would lead to bigger losses.
Although Mao Cuizhi was harsh, she didn’t dare disobey Yu Wangshan. She could only huff angrily and head to the kitchen to cook.
Yu Wangshan sat in the living room, thinking about meeting the young widow later that night, feeling quite pleased.
Back in the village, he had always been compared to his younger brother. And every comparison ended the same way—he was inferior in every aspect.
Not as handsome, not as capable, not as good with people, not earning as much…
Even his wife wasn’t as pretty or capable as his younger brother’s.
But so what?
No matter how capable his younger brother was, he died young.
The money he earned with his life now belonged to him. His daughter would go to the countryside in place of his own.
And him? He now had money, a son, and women—more than one.
“Second brother… let your elder brother enjoy this life in your place.”
Thinking this, he almost laughed out loud.
Unlike Yu Wangshan’s good mood, Mao Cuizhi’s face clearly spelled out her displeasure.
Even dinner was done perfunctorily.
Sweet potato porridge with a plate of pickled vegetables—no stir-fried dish at all.
When the food was served, Yu Wangshan was a bit unhappy, but thinking he would eat better later, he said nothing and started eating.
Yu Zhaozhao also came out.
People in later generations, living better lives, began eating coarse grains to recall childhood flavors. But the sweet potatoes back then had been improved over time—good for roasting, but when made into porridge, they lacked the rich aroma of this era’s version.
Seeing Yu Zhaozhao eating so heartily made Yu Miaomiao unhappy. Now that going to the countryside was settled, she no longer felt anxious—instead, she felt superior.
So what if Yu Zhaozhao had a job? She had parents who would arrange everything for her. That was fate.
“Zhaozhao, when you get to the countryside, work hard. Don’t slack off, or you won’t have food. We’re too far away to help you.”
Yu Miaomiao’s tone was sarcastic and unpleasant.
“I understand, Cousin. I’ll learn from you and strive to be a diligent and progressive comrade—handling what I can myself and never troubling others.”
“You—”
Yu Miaomiao was annoyed.
She had never done much work since childhood. After Yu Zhaozhao came, she even had her wash her underwear. What did Yu Zhaozhao mean by saying that? Was she mocking her?