Chapter 36: No Benefits

After Yao Fangyuan officially started working, Yao Deren went to Yao Fanghua's newly bought courtyard several times, but unfortunately, he couldn't find her each time. Yao Deren had no choice but to take half a day off and go to the factory to wait for Yao Fanghua.

Not only him, but Aunt Yao also came to see Yao Fanghua. She refused each time, citing that she only had one spot available and had already given it to Yao Fangyuan.

The factory manager's favors aren't easy to owe. One time is fine, and he might even trust her more because of it. But if it happens repeatedly, what will she become? Besides, she doesn't want to get involved in this; the two families don't get along very well to begin with. And don't think she doesn't know that her aunt is always making sarcastic remarks in the tenement. That Zhong Er kid, I don't know what's gotten into him, he keeps coming to the factory to wait for her, saying he'll pick her up after work, and then he'll tattle on her.

Yao Deren was dejected. He was afraid of spending money before, but now he had nowhere to spend it.

Fang Guizhi gave him a severe dressing-down at home. She even named names when she scolded him.

At that time, there were only Bai Hui, Aunt Zhong, Yao Weiguo, and a few children in the courtyard.

Fang Guizhi's insults were harsh, accusing her of taking bribes, relying on men, having an affair, and who knows what shady things she did to become a leader.

Aunt Zhong originally wanted to offer some advice, as the insults were too harsh, especially from an elder. However, seeing Yao Weiguo silently reading with his head down, she withdrew her foot and listened quietly from inside the room.

…………

After being rejected, Aunt Yao would often go back to the Yao family home to chat with Fang Guizhi. Whenever Aunt Yao mentioned Yao Fanghua, Fang Guizhi would scold her. After Aunt Yao had heard enough, she would finally offer a few words of advice, neither too harsh nor too mild.

Aunt Yao secretly resented that not only did she get a turnaround, but she also didn't give anyone any benefits. She deserved to be scolded!

Everyone in the courtyard, along with Yao's relatives, was deeply uneasy about Yao Fanghua's sudden turn of fortune, and many secretly grumbled about it. Only Fang Guizhi dared to openly hurl insults at people like that, especially after her son was rejected for a job, giving her even more reason to be so blatant. That's why Aunt Yao was happy to come over.

Fang Guizhi was cursing Yao Fanghua, and Yao's aunt was inwardly cursing Fang Guizhi as a useless piece of trash. What good was all she did at home? Why didn't she go to Yao Fanghua's workplace and curse her, or even write a complaint letter? She'd hinted at it countless times, but Fang Guizhi just wouldn't listen. So useless and stupid!

Not only the residents of the tenement, but also the fan factory had many speculations about Yao Fanghua buying a house at such a young age.

However, Yao Fanghua had only been in her position for a short time and wasn't in a sensitive role like procurement. She couldn't possibly have amassed a house in such a short period. Besides, they weren't familiar with each other yet; people who had just met Yao Fanghua were easier to accept than someone they'd known their whole lives suddenly becoming wealthy.

There were quite a few people who were envious and jealous, and all sorts of speculations arose. Every now and then, someone would bring up the topic with Factory Director Yu. As a result, both Factory Director Yu and the chairman of the labor union spoke with her.

So Yao Fanghua explained that she had been making money by selling her sculpted artworks to foreigners. After receiving a lecture on how shameful it was for cadres to earn extra income, Yao Fanghua promised not to do it again, and the matter was considered closed. Fortunately, the money she used to buy the courtyard was now legitimate, which should reduce future speculation.

Yu Jun: "Xiao Yao can speak English?"

Yao Fanghua smiled and nodded, "I know a little."

"Don't be modest. I know you college students of this year; you're all very capable." Yu Jun lit a cigarette.

"The factory manager is too modest. I work harder, but I'm only slightly better than the average person."

After a moment of silence, Factory Director Yu finally asked the question that had been on his mind, "Is it really that profitable? For the things you carve?"

“Boss, the foreigners said that’s a work of art,” Yao Fanghua said in a low voice. “They all gave me US dollars directly.”

Yao Fanghua sat up straight. "Actually, most of the money was earned during my university years. After returning to Beijing, I focused on my work and only went to the Overseas Chinese Store occasionally."

Yes, that's true. Xiao Yao does a good job and doesn't take many days off. She has the skill, even without this job, she'd probably be well-off, with plenty of money.

"Yao, are you free this weekend? Come over for dinner. I'll have your aunt cook you something delicious. Don't worry about the gossip at the factory." The more Yu Jun looked at Yao Fanghua, the more he felt this girl had a bright future. His son was already married, but he still had a nephew about the same age as Yao Fanghua. He thought it would be good to invite him over this weekend so the two young people could get to know each other.

Yao Fanghua readily agreed. Her new house wasn't far from Factory Director Yu's, and even if he didn't invite her to dinner, she would definitely visit him after she moved.