The excitement of the opening hadn't yet faded, and the courtyard of "Wanqiu Food Workshop" still wafted with the sweet aroma of pastries. As the sun set, golden rays streamed through the wooden window lattices into the workshop, casting dappled shadows on the blue brick floor. Lin Wanqiu and Shen Tingzhou sat at the long table in the workshop, a yellowed sheet of paper spread out before them, densely covered with the names of villagers—a roster they had obtained from the village secretary, specifically used to screen applicants for jobs.

“Look, we have eight villagers who regularly help out in our workshop, but we have to rush to complete orders from the county food factory and supply three pastry shops in the county town every day. We are clearly short-handed.” Lin Wanqiu ran her finger over the names on the roster, her tone thoughtful. “When we opened the shop, we told the villagers that we should give priority to hiring people in need. We need to pick out the villagers who are really struggling financially but have the ability to work first.”

Shen Tingzhou leaned over to look and pointed at the name "Wang Erzhu": "I know about Wang Erzhu's family situation. His wife has been sick since giving birth last year. They have three children to raise, and he's the only one earning work points. They're living a very frugal life. He's honest and strong. He was the most diligent bricklayer when the factory was being built. Letting him be in charge of transporting raw materials and finished products is definitely a good idea."

Lin Wanqiu nodded and circled the name: "There's also Widow Li. Her husband fell while chopping wood on the mountain two years ago, leaving her to raise two children alone. She makes a living by mending clothes for others. She's very skillful, and she's meticulous when kneading dough and filling pastries. It would be perfect for her to help out in the workshop."

Just then, there was a soft knock at the door, and Uncle Zhang entered. He was carrying a cloth bag filled with wild mushrooms he had just picked from the back mountain. He smiled and said, "Wanqiu, Tingzhou, I just came back from the mountain and was thinking of bringing you some mushrooms. I heard from the villagers that you're hiring, so I've come to recommend someone—Old Zhao from the east end of the village. His son joined the army last year, leaving him and his wife alone at home. The old couple are too old to farm, and they rely on the allowance their son sends them to make ends meet. Old Zhao used to work as a cook in the commune canteen; he knows how to start a fire and has some knowledge of food storage. Let him take charge of the drying room's temperature and warehouse management; he'll be perfect."

"Old Zhao?" Lin Wanqiu's eyes lit up. "I remember him. Last time when we were trying to make jujube cake, he told me how to control the heat so the cake wouldn't burn and would still have a jujube aroma. With him in charge of the baking room, we don't have to worry about the oven breaking down." She quickly found "Old Zhao" on the roster and circled it. "Thank you for the recommendation, Uncle. We've chosen honest people; that's how our workshop can last."

Uncle Zhang sat on the bench, took a sip of the hot water Lin Wanqiu handed him, and said with emotion, "The village used to be poor, and everyone worried about food and clothing. Now, with 'Wanqiu Food Workshop,' not only can poor households have work and money, but our village's reputation has also spread. This is all thanks to you two!"

Lin Wanqiu smiled and shook his head: "Uncle, you're wrong. If it weren't for the help of the villagers, our workshop wouldn't have been able to open. Only when the workshop is doing well can everyone's lives improve. By the way, tomorrow we'll broadcast the recruitment notice in the village and let the villagers who meet the requirements come to the workshop to register. We'll then conduct a simple assessment, and they can start working the day after tomorrow."

The next morning, the village loudspeaker blared, and Lin Wanqiu's clear voice echoed throughout the Hongqi Production Brigade: "Attention, folks! 'Wanqiu Food Workshop' is hiring! We'll give priority to those from impoverished families who are able to work. If you'd like to apply, come to the workshop this morning for on-site registration and assessment. Wages are calculated daily at 50 cents, and lunch will be provided..."

As soon as the broadcast ended, the workshop entrance became lively. Villagers arrived in twos and threes—women carrying babies, strong young men, and elderly people with gray hair—each with an expectant look on their face. Lin Wanqiu and Shen Tingzhou set up two tables in the courtyard, one for registration and the other for assessment—the assessment was very simple: those who could sew would try kneading dough, those with strength would try carrying bricks, and those with some cooking skills would try preparing fillings. As long as one was willing to work hard and had a serious attitude, they could basically pass.

Wang Erzhu was the first to sign up. He was wearing faded patched clothes and nervously rubbing the hem of his clothes with his hands: "Comrade Wanqiu, Comrade Shen, I...I want to sign up. I'm strong and can do any kind of heavy work. As long as I can earn some money for my family and let my children have enough to eat, I'm willing to do anything."

Looking at the sincerity on his dark face, Lin Wanqiu's heart softened: "Erzhu, we know your family situation and we know you work hard. You can be in charge of moving things. Every day, move the flour and sesame seeds from the warehouse to the production room, and then move the finished pastries to the cart. Your wages will be calculated daily, and at the end of the month, you can also share some dividends with the villagers who have invested."

Wang Erzhu's eyes welled up with tears, and he bowed repeatedly, saying, "Thank you, Comrade Wanqiu! Thank you, Comrade Shen! I will definitely work hard and never slack off!"

Next came Widow Li, carrying her youngest daughter in her arms, with her eldest daughter following behind. Her voice was a little timid: "Comrade Wanqiu, I... can I sign up? I'm skillful with my hands, I can knead dough, I can wrap zongzi (sticky rice dumplings), and I'm sure I can make pastries too. I want to earn some money to buy the children new clothes and some nutritional supplements to help them grow."

Lin Wanqiu took her hand and said with a smile, "Of course! Come with me to the workshop, let's try kneading dough." In the workshop, Widow Li picked up a dough ball and kneaded it skillfully with both hands. In no time, she had kneaded the dough until it was smooth and delicate, and she could even stretch it into thin, unbroken strands. Lin Wanqiu nodded in satisfaction, "Your skills are unparalleled! From now on, you'll be in charge of kneading dough and filling it. If you do well, I'll give you a raise at the end of the month."

Widow Li was so moved she couldn't speak, tears welling up in her eyes: "Thank you, Comrade Wanqiu, you are truly a great benefactor to our family!"

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