Chapter 214: Bringing Them to the Job

After removing her makeup and changing into a fresh outfit, Xin Fengxia came over to Zhou Yimin’s place and greeted them warmly, “Comrades, hello!”

Having learned a bit about Zhou Yimin, she figured she would likely need his help in the future. If she didn’t build a good relationship now, it would be hard to ask for supplies or favors later on.

Zhou Yimin’s grandfather responded a bit nervously, “Hello, comrade!”

Xin Fengxia said with a smile, “I didn’t expect someone as senior as you to come watch me perform. It’s truly my honor!”

The old man couldn’t stop praising her acting and singing, even reciting a scene from an opera to illustrate his admiration.

Zhou Yimin rarely saw his grandfather act this way. Normally, the old man was calm and composed, only showing excitement on rare occasions like Zhou’s promotion or when he secured ten job slots at the factory.

Xin Fengxia went on, “No, really—having raised such an outstanding grandson, you’re incredible.”

“Of course. My eldest grandson is quite something,” the old man said proudly.

If it were about himself, he’d be humble, but when it came to his grandson, no amount of praise felt like too much—Zhou Yimin truly was outstanding.

Zhou Yimin’s grandmother was so overwhelmed with emotion that she forgot to speak.

The old village secretary watched the scene with envy, though he knew there was nothing he could do. Even if he approached her, Xin Fengxia probably wouldn’t spare him a glance—she was clearly showing respect to Zhou Yimin.

After chatting casually for a bit over ten minutes, Xin Fengxia had to lead her troupe to pack up and leave. The three elders could only watch as she and the others departed.

Only after they were gone did Zhou Yimin’s grandmother come back to her senses, slapping her thigh in regret.

“Don’t worry, Grandma. There’ll definitely be a next time,” Zhou Yimin reassured her.

Though the next performance might not be in the village, Xin Fengxia would surely perform again in the capital. If his grandparents enjoyed her shows, he could just take them into the city next time—it wouldn’t be a problem at all.

His grandmother asked, “Really, Yimin? There’ll be a next time?”

She felt like she hadn’t had her fill yet—the performance had ended all too soon.

Zhou Yimin said with certainty, “Don’t worry, Grandma. I’ll take you both into the city to watch her next time.”

“Good, good! You must take us next time,” she said eagerly.

The three of them chatted as they walked. Since it was already getting late, they did a quick wash-up and headed to bed early, worn out from the day.

The next morning, Zhou Yimin got up early. As he stepped out to freshen up, he saw a group of people already waiting for him.

Then he remembered—today he was supposed to take Zhou Xiaoying and the others to start their jobs at the instant noodle factory. He quickly said, “Wait a moment while I get washed up. I’ll take you to the factory to report in right after.”

“Sixteenth Uncle, it’s alright—we’re not in a rush,” Zhou Xiaoying said respectfully.

She hadn’t slept a wink the night before. Getting a job at the instant noodle factory meant she would officially become part of the glorious working class. Her household registration would change to urban status, and she’d start receiving state-distributed food rations. No more back-breaking labor in the fields just to earn measly work points.

That morning, her family had even made breakfast and told her to eat her fill—something that would’ve been unthinkable before. With how scarce food was, having two full meals a day was already a luxury, let alone eating till full. She used to do the hardest work in the family but ate the least.

Her mother used to say with a cold smile, “You’re just going to get married off anyway. Might as well do more work while you’re still here. If your younger brother can’t get a wife in the future, it’ll be your fault!”

That kind of preference for sons over daughters was deeply rooted. Women often had little standing in the household. If they married into a decent family, life might be tolerable. If they didn’t, they’d be beaten and scolded daily—getting up before the rooster, going to bed after the dog, working the hardest, eating the least, and not even allowed to eat a bit more if they were hungry.

Zhou Yimin didn’t keep them waiting long. After quickly washing up, he took the ten of them over to the old village secretary’s house.

First, they needed to get their introduction letters from the village before they could report to the instant noodle factory.

He’d thought about riding a bicycle, but with so many people, it wasn’t practical. Having them walk behind while he rode would’ve looked bad, so he decided they’d all walk together to the Hongxin Commune to catch a ride.

The old village secretary had gotten up early. Even before they arrived, he had already written out all the introduction letters one by one.

Zhou Yimin said, “Old Secretary, we came over to get the introduction letters.”

“I’ve already written them for you. Get them there early so they can start work soon,” the old man said, pointing at the stack of letters on the table.

Zhou Yimin couldn’t help but admire the speed. Nodding, he replied, “Thank you, Old Secretary. I’ll take them now and bring everyone to start their jobs.”

With that, he picked up the stack of letters and led Zhou Xiaoying and the others toward the capital, their group moving out in high spirits.

Along the way, Zhou Xiaoying asked cautiously, “Sixteenth Uncle, is the capital really that prosperous?”

She had never even been to another village, let alone the capital. Her entire world was Zhoujiazhuang.

Zhou Yimin replied, “Well, compared to the village, it’s definitely more prosperous. But you’ll get used to it.”

The current capital was nothing like what it would become in the future. The difference was massive, but the city was full of possibilities.

He added, “Once you’re at the factory, be sure to follow your supervisors’ instructions. While they can’t fire you on a whim, they can still make your life difficult.

That said, if someone really bullies you, don’t be afraid. Just come and tell me.”

Don’t stir up trouble—but don’t be afraid of it either!

He was worried these young people might get too impulsive and land themselves in trouble. Then he’d be torn between helping or not—easy enough if they were in the right, but if they weren’t, it’d be a huge headache.

More importantly, he wanted to prevent any serious incidents before they happened, so he figured it was best to give them a heads-up.

“Don’t worry, Sixteenth Uncle. We won’t embarrass you,” said Zhou Dafa, one of the older ones in the group.

The others nodded as well. If they caused trouble for Sixteenth Uncle, they knew it wouldn’t just be him—they’d have to face Zhoujiazhuang and their own families first.

Soon they arrived at the Hongxin Commune. As they passed by a breakfast stall, Zhou Yimin asked, “Did you all eat breakfast?”

He had only thought about feeding himself earlier and forgot to ask. Normally, when someone was heading off to start a job, their family would prepare a hearty meal—but of course, there could be exceptions.

Zhou Xiaoying replied, “We’ve all eaten, Sixteenth Uncle. You go ahead and eat.”

Sixteenth Uncle had already done them a huge favor by giving them job slots. They couldn’t be greedy and ask for more.

But just then, Zhou Dafa’s stomach let out a loud rumble.

(End of Chapter)