Lin Jingyue looked at Li Xianglan with some surprise. She thought she had just done a good deed on a whim, but she didn't expect to receive such a blessing.

She hesitated for a moment, but decided to ask clearly, "Aunt Li, won't your family have objections if you do this? I didn't do anything special, it was just something I did on the side."

It's not that she didn't want it. But she hadn't really helped much, and getting a job opportunity for free made her feel uneasy.

Hearing her words, Li Xianglan's smile became more sincere. Having seen so many people who were greedy for small gains, seeing such a humble child suddenly made her feel much better.

"I won't lie to you, everyone in my family has a job. It's because of their long service that we got this recommendation spot. I originally wanted to give it to my sister, but she, tsk, she's really got her head in the sand, thinking I could just put her in there. If I had that ability, I would have been the factory manager long ago."

The so-called "recommendation quota" simply means direct registration for the exam; there's no need to wait for exam notification. If you pass, you can become a proud worker.

Anyone else would have been overjoyed to hear this news. Unlike her sister, who complained about not being given a permanent position, the two had a fight and parted on bad terms. All those years of friendship were wasted.

"I'm just giving you a chance. Whether you pass the exam or not depends on your own fate."

Having said all that, how could Lin Jingyue refuse? "Auntie, I won't mince words. It's really difficult for me to raise a child alone right now. Since you've given me this opportunity, I certainly won't refuse. Once I pass the exam, I'll definitely prepare a big gift for you. You'll be my dear auntie!"

Lin Jingyue was thin and frail. Years of hard work had taken a toll on her skin, making her look dark and thin, but she seemed to have a lot of energy and spirit.

Li Xianglan initially regretted her impulsive decision. After all, even though it was just an exam spot, it could still be sold for money. Selling a recommendation spot might earn her a hundred yuan, which was several months' salary.

But once the words are spoken, they can't be taken back.

Judging from her appearance now, this girl has good spirits and bright eyes; she's a good child. Even if she doesn't achieve great things in the future, someone with such clear eyes is unlikely to have a bad life.

Let's just treat it as being treated like a relative who isn't related by blood.

Chen Mingyue followed closely behind with her short legs. She couldn't quite understand the adults' conversation, but she could tell that her mother was very happy. That's good; her mother was happy, and she was happy too.

While we were chatting, we arrived at the family compound.

Li Xianglan obtained Lin Jingyue's basic information and also informed her of the exam time: "The exam is this Sunday, and the results will be released on the same day."

"Aunt Li, thank you."

"No need to thank me, it's fate that brought us together."

If I hadn't gone into town today and hadn't run into her on the road, I wouldn't have had this opportunity.

After exchanging greetings, the two parted ways.

On the way to the supply and marketing cooperative, Lin Jingyue was in an extremely good mood. Both purchasing stations and supply and marketing cooperatives buy things from the people, but the former requires a receipt and a large quantity, while the supply and marketing cooperative is more lenient.

The herbs I dried during this period sold for a total of 1.83 yuan. From a modern perspective, that was incredibly cheap, practically free.

However, considering the purchasing power of that era, one dollar was actually a lot of money.

I spent a dime on a bag of fruit candies, and used the rest of the money to buy daily necessities. There was no other way; many things were borrowed, and if I didn't buy them, I'd have to keep borrowing.

A bag of fruit candies contains ten pieces, which means each fruit candy costs only one cent.

Ignoring Chen Mingyue's subtle swallowing, Lin Jingyue directly opened the packaging and popped one into her mouth.

"How is it? Is it sweet?" She looked at the child with a gentle smile.

The taste of the fruit hard candy spread in my mouth, mixed with the tasteless saliva as I swallowed it. In an instant, I felt like bubbles of happiness were rising all around me.

"Sweet!" Chen Mingyue answered crisply.

In the past, she had never eaten candy, and when she saw Chen Yaozu eating it, she could only watch longingly.

The candy tasted just as good as she had imagined.

"Mom, you eat too." She reached out, thinking of taking out a piece and putting it in her mother's mouth.

Lin Jingyue gave the whole bag to her and shook her head, "You eat it, Mom doesn't like this."

She genuinely didn't like it, and it wasn't just wishful thinking on her part. "Mom prefers White Rabbit Creamy Candy. When we have money in the future, Mom will buy you White Rabbit Creamy Candy, okay?"

White Rabbit Creamy Candy? Is it supposed to be a creamy candy that can be dissolved in milk?

Chen Mingyue blinked, looking on with longing. White Rabbit milk candy... I don't think Chen Yaozu has ever had it, has he?

"Mom, when I have money in the future, I'll buy you White Rabbit milk candy too!"

"Okay! Mommy will remember what you said, and I believe you can do it in the future!"

The little boy clenched his fists secretly, and a goal for the future formed in his heart.

After buying her things, she went straight back to the village. Lin Jingyue wasn't particularly bothered by the exam. Having graduated from a prestigious university in her previous life, she possessed some academic talent, and even after so many years without studying, she hadn't completely forgotten it.

But if it's something else, like she's not destined for it.

I rushed back to the brigade, thinking it was almost lunchtime and I needed to cook quickly. But when I got home, I saw the gate wide open and the yard a complete mess.

Although the courtyard was messy before, it became clean and tidy after the mother and daughter tidied it up. Gradually, they added things, giving the courtyard a lively and welcoming atmosphere.

But now, things are scattered all over the ground, half of the firewood in the pile is gone, the earthenware pot is broken all over the place, and the quilt in the room has been thrown on the ground and stepped on several times.

You don't even need to use your brain; even a fool could figure out who did it.

“Mom…” Chen Mingyue looked at the scene and grabbed her mother’s clothes in confusion.

She couldn't understand why her home had turned into this state after she went out.

Lin Jingyue first went to a small corner of the woodpile to take a look. The wild eggs in the rat hole were neatly arranged inside, so it seemed that the Chen family had not noticed them.

After exhaling a breath of stale air, she squatted down and smiled at Chen Mingyue, "Sweetie, Mommy has to go out for a bit. Can you stay home?"

"Mom, you go ahead, I'll be good at home." Chen Mingyue nodded obediently.

Lin Jingyue reached out and rubbed her head. "Good girl. When you come back, Mom will steam egg custard for you."