"Yangyang refuses to hand over his salary." Zhang Wenmin didn't dare to look at his mother. He said nothing and yet said everything.
"Never mind! Over the years, you've handed over about 800 yuan. Mom will give you a maximum of 600 yuan for your wedding. After you and Yangyang are settled, I'll give you the money. There's no more.
"You and Yangyang are both employees with salaries. After you get married, you won't have to worry about your life. Your eldest and second brothers can't compare to you, so I have to take care of them, too. I'll just leave you two hundred yuan." Zhou Guihua's words were filled with helplessness and bitterness. She sighed, her eyes revealing deep worry for her sons' future lives.
Zhang Wenmin felt mixed emotions when he heard this. He looked up at his mother. Her wrinkled hands were tightly clenching the corners of her clothes, as if she was trying her best to suppress the waves in her heart.
"Mom, don't worry. I will help my elder and second brothers if they are in trouble in the future. If we divide the family, we won't want any of the things in the house." Zhang Wenmin's voice was a little choked.
However, just after Zhang Wenmin was called into the room by Zhou Guihua to talk, Zhang Qiurui found an excuse to go to the bathroom, came outside the door, and listened attentively to what her mother and third brother were saying.
Although the process was short, the result was good. Not only did it solve the problem of renting a house in the county, but she also heard the big news about the division of the family after her third brother got married.
It's good to separate the family! It would be even better if I could separate myself. I would have my own trading supermarket, no worries about food and drink, and I could take things out without having to find any excuses.
..........
I will be going to the county to attend junior high school soon, and I will have to rent a house in the county to study. In the future, except for winter and summer vacations, I will go back one day a month. Because before 1999, I had to go to school from Monday to Saturday. I can stay away from the production team and do what I want, which makes Zhang Qiurui very nice.
Now she has something to look forward to, and she works with more enthusiasm. It seems that work is not so hard after all.
The end of August arrived quickly. Zhang Wenmin came back on August 28th and went to the county with Zhang Qiurui and Zhang Mingqi who had packed their things.
The three of them carried backpacks and shoulder bags, and brought not only rice, flour, pickles, and seasonal vegetables enough to last for two or three days, but also a change of clothes for Zhang Qiurui and Zhang Mingqi.
Carrying their things, they walked and stopped along the way for more than an hour before the three of them finally arrived at the county.
After arriving at the county, Zhang Wenmin gave Zhang Qiurui and Zhang Mingqi a general introduction to the county's situation, including the location of the school, where to rent a house, and some basic facilities and shopping places in the county.
Zhang Mingqi listened to her uncle's introduction with curiosity and anticipation in her eyes. She seemed to have seen the new life that was about to unfold.
"That's the commune in the county. Residents of the county basically buy their food and drink from the commune." At this time, Zhang Wenmin pointed to a red brick building not far away. It was about 100 square meters and had four big characters "People's Commune" hanging on it. It shone brightly in the sun, looking particularly solemn and cordial.
"Third brother, isn't there a department store in this county?" Zhang Qiurui asked curiously.
"There are only department stores in the city, not in Sha County. Also, don't listen to other people's nonsense and go to places other than the commune and department store to buy things. Remember this." Zhang Wenmin didn't know what he was thinking about. With a serious expression, he specifically instructed his younger sister and eldest niece.
"Third brother, are you talking about the black market?" Zhang Qiurui immediately understood what his third brother meant when he heard it.
She had originally thought of slowly inquiring about the black market situation after arriving in the county, but she had not expected her third brother to be so "sensible" that he would take the initiative to talk about the matter.
"How do you know about the black market?" Zhang Wenmin's face changed slightly, and a hint of vigilance flashed in his eyes. He lowered his voice, as if he was afraid that there were ears on the other side of the wall.
"Third brother, I also heard the team members say this, but I don't know the answer.
"Third brother, why don't you explain it to me and Mingqi clearly, and tell us where it is. Then Mingqi and I will avoid it when we see it." Zhang Qiurui said this, but in fact she was asking about the location of the black market.
"The black market is located in a small alley about a kilometer away from the commune. While you can buy rare items you wouldn't normally find there, it's illegal and we shouldn't get involved. Besides, there's a mix of good and bad people there, so you two should avoid it if you see it."
Actually, I've heard others mention this occasionally. Although our county is small, there are always people who want to make a little extra money or have special needs, and they will secretly trade on the black market. But the waters there are too deep for us to wade into," Zhang Wenmin explained solemnly.
Seeing his third brother's seriousness, Zhang Qiurui quickly nodded, indicating that he understood. "Don't worry, third brother. I'm not someone who doesn't know the seriousness of the matter. I'm just curious. Now that we're in the county, I want to learn more about the situation."
"Uncle, I will also look after my aunt." Zhang Mingqi also quickly expressed his opinion.
Zhang Mingqi's heart skipped a beat when she heard her third uncle say that buying and selling things on the black market was illegal. Although she was young, she knew the majesty and inviolability of the law.
Zhang Qiurui nodded in agreement, but was secretly thinking in his heart.
But she has a trading supermarket in her hands. As long as she has money, she can buy all kinds of good things without any tickets. Reselling on the black market is the fastest way to make money. She will visit this black market frequently in the future.
Soon, Zhang Wenmin brought them to the small house that had been rented in advance. It was a small bungalow located on the edge of the county town, close to the school. It had two bedrooms, a kitchen and a bathroom. Although it was simple, it was clean and tidy, and the price was affordable, only three dollars and fifty cents a month.
"Weiming, you're back." At this time, a woman in her early twenties walked out of the room. The woman was wearing a light blue cotton dress and her hair was simply tied behind her head. A few strands of hair swayed gently in the wind, adding a bit of gentleness to her.
"You must be my third sister-in-law! Hello, my name is Zhang Qiurui." After seeing the woman, Zhang Qiurui quickly realized that it was her third brother's girlfriend, Yu Yang.
"Third...hello, Third Aunt." Zhang Mingqi also reacted, but she hesitated and looked at Zhang Wenmin and Yu Yang, and called Third Aunt with some hesitation.
"Qiu..., Qiurui, you should just call me Sister Yangyang." A blush appeared on Yu Yang's face. She was obviously not used to the sudden title of "Third Aunt". She corrected gently, but her eyes were full of friendliness and acceptance towards Zhang Qiurui.
"Okay, Sister Yangyang. But it's just a matter of time. I'd like to call you in advance so that you can adapt." Zhang Qiurui agreed with a smile, and felt a little more favorable towards this gentle and lovely future sister-in-law.
"Wenming, take Qiurui and Mingqi to familiarize themselves with the way to school first, then buy some daily necessities. I'll cook for you at noon."
After settling their luggage, Zhang Wenmin took the siblings to the school to familiarize them with the environment. The school was much larger than Zhang Qiurui had imagined, with teaching buildings, playgrounds, and a library.
Next, Zhang Wenmin accompanied Zhang Qiurui and Zhang Mingqi to buy some daily necessities, such as pots, pans, school supplies, etc.
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