Originally, Chen Fang and Xing Jianshu were both employed and lived a comfortable life; now that their third sister has taken a leave of absence, they have lost one person's salary.
Old Xing also had parents and sisters to support, so the entire burden suddenly fell on his shoulders.
Although universities in that era did not charge tuition fees and provided monthly stipends during the school year, this amount of money was not even enough for Chen Fang's basic living expenses.
Old Xing will inevitably have to put more money into it...
The fat man, who had noticed the problem, found an excuse to pull Xing Jianshu outside and said to him, "Third brother-in-law, you don't need to worry about my sister's schooling. I will cover her expenses."
Upon hearing this, Old Xing immediately refused: "What are you talking about? How can I let you pay for Chen Fang's schooling? If others find out, where will I put my face?"
The fat man interrupted him: "Aren't we family? If we're family, then let's not talk like that."
Xing Jianshu knew that Chen Fang's younger brother was very capable; he was a chef at a young age and earned a considerable amount of extra money every month, including his salary.
But it was precisely because he knew this that he was unconvinced and wanted to prove to Chen Fang that he, Lao Xing, was no worse than the fat man.
This is also the biggest difference between him and his brother-in-law, Cao Zhengyang.
Everyone has their own way of living. Just live your own life well! Isn't it tiring to compare yourself to this person or that person?
Left with no other choice, Fatty had to tell Old Xing, "We're family, so let's not be so formal." As for whether Old Xing listened or not, Fatty didn't know, and he couldn't control it.
All he could do was help them resolve their worries, at least ensuring that Chen Fang would have no worries about food and clothing during her four years of university.
As expected, quite a few people drank too much that night.
Xu Damao was the first to be provoked. Sha Zhu simply provoked him a couple of times, and he was ready to fly to the sky. He immediately activated his "three big, one small, two five, ten" combat technique, carrying bottles and fighting with people everywhere. He was the first one to crawl under the table.
Secondly, there's Chen Fang's husband, Lao Xing. He was acting a bit like a "show-off" today. He got tipsy even before drinking. He was bragging to everyone about how great his wife Chen Fang was, while also wanting everyone to know that he had achieved great things on the train and at the railway bureau!
He wasn't much less capable than Chen Fang...
Then, to Fatty's surprise, it was his brother-in-law. Cao Zhengyang was a quiet person, and even when drinking, he didn't like to make a scene; he would hold his glass and drink quietly by himself. But he would still get drunk as he drank.
By the time the fat man realized what was happening, it was too late. Chen Rong was beside Cao Zhengyang, gently patting him, just as she had patted Cao Hao before.
The fat man asked in a low voice, "Sis, is my brother-in-law troubled by something?"
Chen Rong sighed and explained, "The factory still uses the system of paying wages based on rank. Your brother-in-law was a level 5 worker in 1965, and he's been stuck at that level for 13 years. He can't even take the exam to move up..."
At this time, problems such as low management level and low employee enthusiasm in steel enterprises like Hongxing Steel Rolling Mill began to emerge.
Especially in the past three years, it has been jokingly referred to as "three times to two thousand six hundred and still not enough"; now, the Hongxing Factory, just like He Yushui's textile factory, has begun to go further and further down the slope.
The last one to get drunk was Yu Qian. When Fatty came to check on him, he was already asleep on the table. Yu Li explained for him, "It's almost the end of the year again, he's just homesick."
The fat man could tell from Yu Li's words that she also missed her aunt, especially since Chen Mengqi was born and she hadn't had a chance to properly show off to her aunt.
Her biological parents were indifferent to their granddaughter, and Chen Mengqi had never been close to her maternal grandparents since she was a child.
The fat man was also annoyed by them. A few years ago, he actually said to Chen Mengqi, who was still young, "Your mother is a money-losing thing. I didn't expect you to be a money-losing thing too."
These words were repeated to the fat man by Chen Mengqi after she returned. Although he didn't quite understand them, it didn't stop him from realizing that they weren't a compliment.
After that, Fatty stopped taking Chen Mengqi to Yu Li's house, and Yu Li resolutely stood with them; she never really felt a strong sense of belonging to that house anyway...
"Why don't you send a telegram to our aunt and ask her to come to the capital for the New Year so that the family can be reunited?"
Yu Li instinctively wanted to refuse, but after looking at Yu Qian and then at Chen Mengqi, she finally nodded heavily.
When the party ended, figuring out what to do with the four drunkards became a problem.
Benleihu volunteered to take Lao Xing back with Chen Fang; Xu Damao was the happiest because most people were going back to the courtyard house, so they could get him back no matter what; Fatty resigned himself to taking his brother-in-law home; finally, there was only Yu Qian left, who was neither loved by his maternal grandparents nor his uncles, so Yu Li went to call a cart, spent 50 cents, and took him and Xu Damao back to the courtyard house, and that was the end of it.
On Sunday, Chen Fang came to pick up Fatty early in the morning: "Why haven't you packed your things yet? They're all waiting over there."
The fat man said impatiently, "I know, I know, what's the rush? You said you'd treat me properly, but you still made me cook. Is this how you repay me as your best friend?"
Chen Fang laughed guiltily, "Oh dear, I just let it slip by accident... Chen Kang, please help me this once, besides, Chen Yan is going today too."
The fat man sighed and resignedly packed the soaked sea cucumbers, along with some other bottles and jars, into his "toolbox" in order.
This box was specially made for him by Robin, the beautiful proprietress of Stardew Valley.
It appears to be made of wood, but it is actually made of engineering plastic, making it lightweight and sturdy. Inside, there are holes of different sizes cut to meet his needs, and the holes are filled with sponge so that various bottles and jars can be inserted directly into it, just like a fisherman's treasure chest in later generations.
Upon arriving at the location, Chen Yan glanced at the house and roughly estimated the social standing of Gong Qian's father.
What? Looking at Chen Fang's nervous appearance, I thought he was some kind of high-ranking spiritual guide. Turns out he's not even as high-ranking as Director Wang.
Gong Qian was very happy today. She specially wore a long dress and wasn't afraid of the cold. She waited for Chen Fang and the others downstairs early.
Before the fat guy and his companions had even come to a complete stop on their bicycles, she warmly greeted them, helping them with their things and asking about their well-being.
After the fat man parked the car, Gong Qian pulled him upstairs, saying, "Brother Chen Kang, come upstairs with me quickly! My parents have been wanting to meet you for a long time. I would never have been able to get into university if it weren't for you!"
Chen Fang and Chen Yan were left staring at each other downstairs.
Chen Fang asked in a low voice, "What's going on?"
Chen Yan put her hands on her hips: "This is all your fault! You've given Yu Li a love rival!"
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