Chapter 78: Grandpa’s Suggestion

As the day went on, more and more people gathered at Zhou Yimin’s house. Everyone wanted to take a look at the solar stove that could cook food without fire, and the legendary radio.

This continued all the way until lunchtime.

The old village secretary shooed people away. “Go eat! Everyone go eat!”

Mainly, he didn’t want the crowd disturbing Zhou Yimin’s family while they were having their meal.

Listening to the radio occasionally was fine, but if they couldn’t take a hint even at mealtime, then they’d be asking for a scolding—or even a beating.

Zhou Yimin sliced off two to three jin of ham, shaved off the outer “skin,” then cut it into thin slices and stir-fried it with some vegetables into two dishes.

The bean sprouts were washed and simply stir-fried with oil.

Just two simple dishes with steamed rice, but in this era, that was already considered a luxury meal for rural folks.

Zhou Yimin really liked bean sprouts.

When Grandma saw that, she thought to herself that she’d sprout some more tomorrow and try to make sure her grandson got to eat them at least once a week.

While eating, Zhou Yimin said, “Grandpa, our steel factory is planning to expand recruitment to produce the solar stove I designed. Director Ding awarded me an extra logistics recruitment spot. It’ll most likely be a procurement or kitchen helper role. What do you think is the best way to handle it?”

The moment he said that, Third Uncle and Third Aunt’s eyes lit up.

But they quickly gave a bitter smile.

They weren’t really suitable for factory work.

Someone strong had to stay in the village to do heavy labor—no way they could let Zhou Yimin handle that. So Zhou Xuqing wasn’t a good candidate for the factory.

And Third Aunt had to stay home to look after the children—not just her three kids, but also Qianqian.

“What’s wrong? You two want to go into the factory?” the old man asked the couple.

Zhou Xuqing shook his head. “Forget it. I can’t leave.”

“Me neither.”

Although both of them really wanted to go, they resisted the temptation.

Zhou Yimin had the same idea. It was best for Third Uncle and Aunt to stay in the village.

“When Laifu grows up, I’ll arrange a job for him in the city,” Zhou Yimin said.

That statement completely eased any resentment or regret the couple might have felt. Giving the opportunity to their son was just as good.

The old man fell into thought. Who should the spot go to? Ideally, someone who could help his grandson. First, it had to be someone relatively close to the family, and reliable. No need to be smart—obedient was enough.

After a sip of liquor, the old man suggested, “Give it to Dazhong. His family is a close branch of ours. Your grandma and I know him well. He’s solid, steady, and listens well.

Besides, his family is having a tough time. His father died in the Korean War a few years back. His mother’s been holding things together ever since.”

They were technically a martyr’s family.

But don’t assume martyr families were specially treated. The country wasn’t wealthy, and many had died in the war. There were too many martyr descendants for the government to care for them all.

It’s obvious that’s not possible.

Many martyr families had it even harder than others. If the man had survived, at least there’d be another breadwinner to help the family. Once he was gone, sometimes all they got was a one-time payout, which ran out eventually. Some places gave a small stipend until the child came of age.

“Alright, let’s give it to Dazhong,” Zhou Yimin agreed.

Truth be told, he didn’t even really know who this “Dazhong” was.

Grandma said, “Let your grandpa go tell him.”

That way, if people came asking for favors in the future, they’d go to the old man instead. He could handle all that nonsense.

After all, with his seniority, even if he scolded someone’s whole family, no one would dare talk back.

The old man nodded. “Alright. I’ll head to Dazhong’s place after I finish eating.”

Zhou Yimin was happy to have nothing to deal with. What he hated most was people being overly grateful, kneeling and kowtowing.

After lunch, Third Aunt cleaned the dishes. Even though she didn’t eat there, she often came over to help out. Grandma rarely had to lift a finger.

Laifu went off to check on his sister again, gently fanning her to keep the bugs away as she slept.

The old man rested for a bit, then headed out to Dazhong’s house.

Zhou Dazhong’s family had just finished eating sweet potatoes at the communal kitchen.

“Zhigang’s wife, is Dazhong home?” the old man asked from the doorway.

Zhou Zhigang was Zhou Dazhong’s father. He had served in the military, crossed the Yalu River years ago, and never returned—not even his bones were brought back.

A woman with gray in her hair came out of the house, wiped her wet hands on her clothes, and warmly greeted him. “Great Uncle, come in and have a seat! Looking for Dazhong? He should be over by the cattle shed.”

As she spoke, she called out to her daughter, “Xiaoxue, go get your brother.”

The old man noticed neighbors nearby peeking curiously, so he simply stood in the doorway and spoke openly.

“How much of Zhigang’s compensation money is left? I want to get Dazhong a job at the steel factory.”

A job like this couldn’t be handed out for free. The old man planned to ask for the remaining compensation money.

Dazhong’s mother froze, then broke into a huge smile. “There’s still 450 yuan left, Great Uncle! I’ll get it for you right away!”

In truth, she had barely touched her husband’s compensation money. She had always known that unless absolutely necessary, that money couldn’t be used.

Over the years, she had only dipped into it during dire times.

She also knew clearly that while 450 yuan seemed like a lot, it wasn’t enough to secure a job in the city—especially not at a steel factory. Zhou Yimin’s personal connection and favor would be needed to make up the difference.

Nearby households were full of envy, but that was all they could do. Even if Zhou Yimin’s grandfather had come to them, they couldn’t produce 450 yuan.

The old man said, “Have Dazhong bring the money over later.”

“Alright! Thank you, Great Uncle…”

Even after the old man had walked off, Dazhong’s mother was still thanking him repeatedly.

Her son getting a job at the steel factory was worth more than the compensation money. Between a job and a lump sum, only a fool wouldn’t choose the job.

A job in the city would change her son’s entire future. It would be easier for him to find a wife, and with that income, he could support the family and lift them all out of hardship.

She knew her son well—he wouldn’t just abandon the family once he went to the city.

Only after the old man had left did the neighbors start offering congratulations, their envy barely hidden.

“Xiufen, once your Dazhong starts work at the steel factory, you’re going to have a good life.”

“Yeah! Eating commercial grain from now on, not like us muddy peasants.”

“Dazhong should be thinking about marriage. I’ve got a niece from my side who’s quite pretty—maybe I can introduce her to him sometime.”

…

Before long, the news that Zhou Yimin was helping Zhou Dazhong get a job at the steel factory had spread.

Everyone was envious, but no one could say a thing. After all, they had forked over 450 yuan. How many households in the village could do that?

At the team leader’s house, his wife said, “Dear, let’s give 450 yuan to Yimin too. Ask him to help our Jiefang get into the steel factory.”

The team leader rolled his eyes. “What are you thinking? You think 450 yuan is enough to get into the steel factory?”

You think Yimin’s the factory director or something?

He wasn’t that naïve. The other villagers might not know the full story, but how could he not? A job in the city—especially at the steel factory—wasn’t that cheap.

(End of Chapter)