Chapter 61: Earn money and count it as you wish, and then...
Cao Guangyi was unlucky and found a humane matchmaker.
People call her the Blacksmith's Wife. Her husband is a blacksmith and has a blacksmith shop in the south of the city.
I usually help people repair pots and kettles, and I am also responsible for customizing various farm tools, such as kitchen knives, scissors, sickles, etc. for various communes in the rural areas.
Knife sharpeners can also go there, it's free.
When she heard that Cao Guangyi wanted to find a woman to bear a child for you, and then divorce her after the birth, and the child would belong to him, the blacksmith's wife quickly shook her head: "No, no, what are you thinking? What woman is stupid enough to work hard to give birth to a child for you and then pack up and leave? What do you think of her?"
Cao Guangyi, too well-protected by his mother and a bit naive, asked, "I can pay you, but you can't even do this? Let her name the price. As long as it's not too much, we can negotiate."
"Are you stupid?" The blacksmith was dumbfounded. "You're really unreasonable. Giving birth to a child takes ten months, how much suffering does it take? If you don't really want to live with one man forever, what's the point of having a child? Besides, with your family's renting conditions, how much money can you possibly have? Two or three hundred at most. What kind of woman is stupid? It's not worth it."
"Two or three hundred is not enough? But my brother and I didn't spend any money when we got married. Two or three hundred is already a lot. If it doesn't work out, I can increase it to four or five hundred. I am also willing to give a betrothal gift, even for second marriages. How can you not accept this?" Cao Guangyi really didn't understand. Wouldn't it be better to find someone with worse conditions? Why go to the countryside to find one if it really doesn't work out?
The blacksmith's wife was so angry that she didn't want to talk. "You're just pie in the sky! Do you think I don't know what's going on with the Yao family? It's just that their parents are in trouble, and they don't want to live under the same roof with their brother-in-law, so they're anxious to find a husband and don't have time to be picky. Who would want to go to your house if their family was even a little bit decent? You get married with nothing and have to rent a house. It's really unlucky for a girl to end up with a family like yours."
Cao Guangyi was angry.
There are some things that you know you are in the wrong and you can say it yourself, but if someone else says it, it would be a slap in his face.
He had trouble finding a wife in the past because he had no money, but now that he had money, everything was negotiable. He still couldn't believe that even if he paid money, he couldn't find a woman to bear his children.
Didn't you see Tao'er even take the initiative to give him the betrothal money? This woman is really good. When the time comes for her to have a child, she will definitely be willing to pay.
If this matchmaker doesn't work, just find another one. It's no big deal.
Unfortunately, he didn't know that matchmakers would also exchange information with each other, not to mention that she was a well-known matchmaker, so most people would give her some face.
The one he found happened to be a good matchmaker with an excellent reputation who never cheated anyone and had a certain reputation in the circle.
He went back and talked to his colleagues, but no one was willing to help him become a matchmaker. Poor him, he was dreaming and busy for most of the day, but ended up running into obstacles everywhere.
He was so angry that he had no appetite at all. He drank some water and went to the prison to ask his mother for advice.
In the visiting room, he kept praising Tao'er for her sensible attitude, and finally asked, "Mom, why are these matchmakers so mean-spirited? It's not like I'm not paying. It really makes me so angry."
Third Sister Ma was stunned after hearing his words. She stood up in excitement and angrily scolded him, "Your brain is stuck in the door! Xiao Tao has a proper job now and even has a dormitory. She can survive without you. But you, if you leave her, where can you find such a good wife?"
Cao Guangyi doesn't want to divorce either, so isn't there anything he can do?
It's been almost two years, and Tao'er's belly is still not moving. Look at Yao Yingying, who married with her and her child is already several months old.
As for Yao Zhizhi, she got pregnant as soon as she entered the house, and now she is pregnant with her second child.
Even a second-married woman like He Meiqi quickly got pregnant, not to mention other married women. There were a lot of pregnant women in the woolen mill dormitory alone. One had a big belly, and another was about to give birth. Every household had a new life and new hope, but he didn't.
He was anxious, especially since he had an older brother to compare himself with.
He had a sad face and complained, "Maybe what you said is right. That Xiaogang has occupied Tao'er's children's palace. Otherwise, why is she the only one who hasn't made any move? I was also anxious, so I divorced her. I told her that I would remarry her after I found a woman and had a child. I only want one. She is still the one I love the most in my heart."
Third Sister Ma was so angry that she fainted. It was her fault. She kept complaining about Xiaotao's belly not moving. She just wanted to put pressure on Xiaotao and let her daughter-in-law hurry up. She didn't say that Xiaotao couldn't give birth.
I didn't even let this spendthrift guy get a divorce.
Oh, she really regretted it so much that her intestines turned green.
He urged, "Stop talking nonsense to me and go back and remarry her. As for finding another woman to have a child with, don't even think about it. Yao Zhizhi should protect her well. If that woman finds out, she won't let you off easily. Do you hear me?"
"What if Tao'er really can't give birth?" Cao Guangyi felt aggrieved. He just wanted to show his filial piety, so he was so anxious to have a child.
Why are you still scolding him? He doesn't want to be like this.
Third Sister Ma was so angry that she felt dizzy. She rubbed her forehead and said, "Did you get kicked in the head by a donkey? Your eldest sister-in-law can give birth! If Xiao Tao really can't give birth, then ask your eldest brother to adopt one! How dare you find another woman to give birth? Who gave you the courage?"
"I just heard it from you, my uncle's family..." Cao Guangyi felt even more aggrieved. Wasn't this what the Cao family's relatives had done?
It's all because of his mother's constant nagging about him, otherwise he wouldn't have thought of it.
Third Sister Ma was so angry that she didn't want to talk anymore. She sighed and waved her hand: "Go away, get remarried quickly, get remarried, do you hear me?"
"Okay then, I'll go back and talk to Tao'er." Cao Guangyi was completely stunned. He thought his mother would praise him for being filial, but it turned out that he seemed...
Good intentions lead to bad consequences?
What went wrong? I really can't figure it out.
When I returned to the primary school staff dormitory, I didn't see any sign of Yao Taotao and the child, and the door was locked. I asked her colleagues, and they said they went to Ba Tiao Hutong, so I quickly came to find them.
As soon as I arrived at the gate of the courtyard, I heard laughter coming from inside.
It was the same people as yesterday, having a great time, but Tao'er and Xiaogang were nowhere to be seen.
Cao Guangyi was a little dumbfounded, but after thinking about it, he asked, "Xiao Yao, have you seen your second sister and Xiao Gang?"
Yao Zhizhi instantly stopped smiling and looked back.
Yao Taotao just came and asked her to find a way to make the best use of the two thousand yuan. When we make money, we can take out the two thousand yuan separately.
If Cao Guangyi asks her for it, she can return it without hesitation.
Yao Taotao thought clearly that she would only take half of the money at most, and the rest was just a follow-up to yesterday's words to test Cao Guangyi's sincerity.
To be honest, there are some points of sincerity, some points of stupid thinking, and even more points of bad ideas.
Yao Taotao is a person who can take it or leave it, but the only thing she can't let go of is her sisterhood with Yao Zhizhi.
She shamelessly came to ask Yao Zhizhi for help. Yao Zhizhi knew that she was divorced and would definitely not ignore her.
So Yao Zhizhi just gave her an idea and asked her to go back.
He took another road, which just diverged from Cao Guangyi's.
Seeing Cao Guangyi coming over, Yao Zhizhi had only one thought: If you don't do bad things, you won't die. If you do bad things, please go away and don't get in the way.
She closed the door directly without saying a word.
Cao Guangyi's hand was almost pinched. He wanted to say something, but when he thought about the men in the yard, he backed off.
Helpless, I had to go to the school dormitory again to check. Unexpectedly, Yao Taotao came back and was holding the child to help him pee.
Seeing him coming, she was still smiling: "Why, have you found a matchmaker?"
"No, my mother asked me to remarry you. If that doesn't work, I'll ask my eldest brother to adopt a child later." Cao Guangyi is a good and obedient child. His mother is so angry, probably because he really didn't think it through.
He squatted in front of Yao Taotao and held her knees: "Tao'er, let's get remarried tomorrow. I can't live without you. As for the child..."
"Silly boy, you want big brother to hold your child, so he will give it to you? If it were you, would you be willing to give our child to someone else to raise and have someone else call him mom and dad?" Yao Taotao didn't expect that this idiot would go to see Ma Sanjie, and she was really angry.
But this idiot has no opinion of his own and is easy to instigate. She just needs to keep calm and fool him back.
Her question was very effective. Cao Guangyi thought about it and immediately shook his head: "I can't bear to do it."
Yao Taotao patiently persuaded, "That's it. Is it worth it for you two brothers to turn against each other just for a child? As for you, there's no need to rush. Just take your time and look for someone. It'll show them that you're not the type to rush. There's a window period after a divorce, so they'll believe you're really done with me. As for the money, don't worry, I'm just keeping it for you. When you need it, you won't lose a penny. If you're really worried that I'll change my mind, I'll give it to you now."
"No, no, I've already let you down enough, just take it first." Cao Guangyi's mind was in a mess and he couldn't think straight.
My stomach was rumbling, so I had to act like a spoiled child: "Will there be any food for me today?"
"We have to make something clear. Today is the last time. You can't come again tomorrow. If you keep being so clingy to me, you won't be able to find a wife." Yao Taotao didn't want to push him too hard. She just coaxed him. It was just a meal.
Cao Guangyi was very happy and quickly got up to play with Xiaogang.
Yao Taotao's face turned dark. It was indeed an abacus bead. It moved when she moved it.
She didn't want him to eat and drink for free, so she sighed and said, "Oh, there is no salt at home. Go buy some."
Cao Guangyi was craving the food she cooked and quickly left.
After dinner, he refused to leave and had to be persuaded by Yao Taotao for a long time.
After closing the door, Yao Taotao sighed silently. What should she do? It was like a dog-skin plaster.
Could he move to another place? No, if he went to school to look for her, it would be disgusting.
Let's think of another way.
Never mind, let’s make money first.
I can't help but think of the conversation we had in the courtyard today. I have to say that Zhizhi is smart. She came up with a great idea right away - editing a book/magazine and publishing it at her own expense/partially at her own expense.
"It is always possible to publish books and magazines at your own expense. If you want to make money, do a survey first to find out what kind of books primary and secondary school students like to read. It is best to have books that the children are interested in and are not blocked by policies. When the time comes, tell me and I will help you plan it. We will calculate the profits and then draw up a contract." These are Yao Zhizhi's original words.
Yao Taotao happens to work in a school and has easy access to children's lives.
After thinking about it all night, she decided to edit a magazine specifically for school students.
It would be best if it covers multiple subjects, integrates education, expansion, puzzle-solving and entertainment, is more vivid and interesting. Children in the city have pocket money and will definitely buy it.
We can also open a special discussion column with one or two topics in each issue, so that several primary schools in the city can exchange ideas remotely.
There is no need to consider marketing such a magazine to other cities for the time being. As long as it can be established in schools in the city, there will be a fixed customer base.
If we do well, we will consider expanding to surrounding towns.
However, controlling the content of the magazine is crucial, and it is necessary to negotiate with the publishing house.
Moreover, if you pay for it entirely yourself, the cost will be too high. You can consider paying for it partially yourself and then share the profits with the publishing house.
Yao Taotao was no longer sleepy. After coaxing Xiaogang to sleep, she picked up her workbook and started writing and drawing. Sometimes she thought this idea was good, and sometimes she thought that idea was also great.
Completely immersed in the infinite longing for striving for a good financial future.
When I came to my senses, it was already one o'clock in the morning. I looked at what I had planned. Wow, there were so many pages. I would send it to Zhizhi tomorrow morning.
Zhizhi has the most creative ideas, and she will screen all of them first, whether they are suitable or not.
Thinking of this, Yao Taotao was inexplicably excited. That was great. She really hoped that their plan could be implemented smoothly.
I really hope that the reform and opening up that Zhizhi mentioned can come sooner.
Hmm... Zhizhi also said that the college entrance examination would be resumed...
She only went to junior high school and didn't know if she could learn on her own.
If possible... she also wanted to be a radiant woman, not restricted or constrained by anyone, and able to fly freely.
If Zhizhi still wants to write stories at that time, she will be responsible for helping Zhizhi proofread, publish, contact for adaptation, shoot, and put it on the screen.
It’s exciting just thinking about it.
This requires learning a lot of skills, right?
Zhizhi helped her imagine so many paths, but this one was her favorite.
Perhaps, she could use this method to assist Zhizhi and pave a smooth path for her.
In this way, wouldn’t I feel less guilty towards Zhizhi?
That should be possible, right?
Yes, of course you can!
Yao Taotao was filled with enthusiasm. She closed her workbook and went to bed.
The next morning, she went to the courtyard, put the workbook in the inbox at the door, and went to work with her child on her back, smiling.
Yao Zhizhi checks her mailbox every day. She gets up at around seven in the morning, yawning, and goes to check her mailbox.
My eyes lit up instantly, great! Yao Taotao!
Wrote so many ideas in one night?
She just gave a few pointers, and there is a promising future for him, but it's a pity that Gao Xiao's level is not good enough.
Not only Yao Taotao, but also herself.
Fortunately, she has an older brother who was supposed to go to college.
Then she should ask her brother for tutoring. Since she wants to write a book, she can’t just be a “white-collar worker”.
If you want to achieve fame and fortune, yes, that’s right, you have to go to university.
She wanted to go to college and want her children to see her mother as a shining and bright mother.
At this moment, Yao Zhizhi looked at the rising sun in the sky and made a decision that would affect her life.
Take the college entrance examination!
Get ready now!
Of course, money has to be made!
She hurried back to the house and looked through Yao Taotao's ideas, keeping the suitable ones, eliminating the inappropriate ones, and leaving the too forward ones for later.
After finishing her work, she went to find Li Jing and asked Li Jing to introduce her to an editor from a publishing house.
The two were talking in the editorial office of the newspaper when a man with a scarred face came in with a notebook under his arm.
Scarface handed the letter to Li Jing and asked her to take a look. His manuscript had just been rejected by the trainee editor. Li Jing had been promoted to a full-time employee with a higher rank, so he wanted to try again.
While Li Jing was flipping through the manuscript, Scarface stood beside her, staring at Yao Zhizhi.
Yao Zhizhi frowned: "Something?"
Scarface looked away and said nothing, leaving Yao Zhizhi confused.
Soon, Li Jing also rejected his manuscript: "Your idea is good, but this manuscript is too emotional and not objective enough. It sounds like you are arguing with someone. Take it back and take another look."
Scarface's face turned livid, and he was very unconvinced: "Then give me an objective look."
Li Jing casually picked up the manuscript from Yao Zhizhi's hand. "This is great. Even though the characters' emotions fluctuate dramatically, the author's writing is free of personal emotion. The author's pen is the lens, and the lens needs to be objective, not slapping emotions into the face. Take a good look and experience it."
Scarface frowned, took the manuscript, and noticed the signature below: "Zhi Ziyu? A woman? Is she the one who wrote this column?"
"Yes, such delicate brushstrokes, is it strange for a woman?" Li Jing knew that this person had come here many times, and his face looked very ugly every time his manuscript was rejected.
Today wasn't any better.
Scarface returned the manuscript to Yao Zhizhi and glanced at her with obvious coldness, but Yao Zhizhi was not afraid of him and did not show any fear at all.
Scarface turned around silently, picked up his manuscript and left.
Yao Zhizhi couldn't help but mutter to Li Jing, "This guy is so weird. Does he come here often?"
Li Jing nodded. "He comes often. His name is Lu Henian. I heard his parents were wrongly accused and killed. I don't know if it's true or not. Anyway, he has a weird temper. I usually don't want to talk to him too much because I always feel like he'll beat people up."
"He also beats people?" Yao Zhizhi's impression of this man became even worse.
Li Jing shook her head. "Actually, I've never seen him beat anyone up. I just... intuitively feel like he's the type of man who would beat his wife if married. Maybe I'm just prejudiced against him. Who made those hooligans listen to him?"
Yao Zhizhi wasn't sure. In short, she didn't like this person. Looking at the time, it was getting late, so she urged, "Have you contacted the publishing house?"
"Okay, let's go." Li Jing quickly drank some water and took Yao Zhizhi out.
A woman named Hu Jia received them. Yao Zhizhi's mind was in a mess and the system alarm sounded.
The woman was in her forties, with short hair, a long face, small eyes, and single eyelids. She squinted her eyes when she looked at people, and didn't look like someone who was easy to get along with.
Moreover, he looks a bit like Director Hu.
No wonder there are so many warning signs about corruption, bribery, abuse of power for personal gain, infidelity, and misconduct...
Yao Zhizhi strongly suspected that she was a relative of Director Hu, and asked with a smile: "Auntie, you look a little familiar. Are you Director Hu's family?"
Hu Jia smiled pretentiously, with an expression of condescension and contempt.
There was no way. Too many people knew her, and quite a few knew that she was Director Hu's sister. They all flattered her and asked her to do things for them.
She was very proud. After all, not everyone could do things under Director Hu's banner. She raised an eyebrow and said, "That's right. Tell me, how can I help you?"
"I'd like to ask if we can cooperate with your publishing house to publish a magazine. We can bear part of the expenses ourselves, and the profits will be divided proportionally." Yao Zhizhi was businesslike and was not in a hurry to eat melons. Anyway, she still had to go to Director Hu. When the time came, she would check with Hu Jia's keywords and maybe she would find out something big.
Hu Jia was a little surprised: "Oh? You have such an idea? Are you married?"
"Married." Yao Zhizhi felt that this question was a bit puzzling, but she still answered politely.
Hu Jia thought she looked quite young, and he didn't expect her to be married so early. He asked again, "Do you have children?"
"Yes. The older one will be two years old soon. The second one is in my belly." Yao Zhizhi frowned, feeling offended.
She couldn't understand, what does publishing a magazine have to do with having children?
Unexpectedly, Hu Jia rejected her outright: "Then I advise you to give up. Married women like you are all so lazy and unreliable. Few can persevere. Give up this idea as soon as possible. My time is precious and I don't want to waste it on people like you."
This arrogant face and arbitrary conclusion made Yao Zhizhi very angry.
Thinking that the prerequisite for cheating is marriage, he couldn't help but sneer, "So it seems that Auntie is unmarried?"
"I'm different. I have my mother-in-law to take care of the children and the rear. I won't be disturbed in anything I do." The woman raised her eyebrows proudly, her boasting expression evident in her words.
Yao Zhizhi finally understood why Director Hu's merits and fortune were both negative.
With family members like this, you have no choice but to let them down, not to mention that Director Hu himself is not a good person.
Yao Zhizhi laughed angrily: "In that case, I won't embarrass myself anymore."
Yao Zhizhi stood up and left. Li Jing quickly followed and advised, "Xiao Yao, just get used to it. People with such backgrounds are not easy to serve."
"Sister, why do you introduce this kind of person to me?" Yao Zhizhi didn't understand. Li Jing was usually very reliable, so what happened today?
Li Jing was helpless: "Do you think I don't want to find someone else? Her husband is in charge of publishing review. If I don't open up this channel for her, nothing can be done."
"Can't I just apply normally?" Yao Zhizhi had a headache. It seemed that Director Hu had to leave as soon as possible.
Li Jing shook her head. "Director Hu is a typical example of someone who benefits from his success, and his family members are basically... In short, as long as they can find an excuse to extort money from someone, they will do it."
Yao Zhizhi understood. It was indeed not Li Jing's fault. She probably had to ask people from the newspaper to come over and try to get close to her.
But Yao Zhizhi couldn't swallow this anger. After thinking it over, she decided to go back quickly, call her sister and mother-in-law, and meet Director Hu.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
