Thinking of this, he couldn't help but weigh the meat in his hand again, and with his other hand he touched the big red envelope on his chest, his mouth almost crooked with smiles.
His wife also worked at the machinery factory, and since they were both veteran employees, they had been allocated a house, and now they were still living in the factory. As soon as they entered the yard, people saw his expression, some envious, some jealous. Old Zhang just smiled and said nothing, not arguing with others like usual.
When they got home, his wife saw him carrying two pounds of meat and looking like he had found money. She couldn't help but ask, "What about us? Did your factory really give you an extra month's salary?"
"More than that, but don't tell anyone about this. The factory doesn't allow us to discuss it." Lao Zhang put the meat on the table, then sat on the chair and carefully took out a big red envelope from his arms.
"Come on, tell me. How much? Look how proud you are." Old Zhang's wife pushed him and said.
"You'll know if you count for yourself."
"It looks like there are quite a few of them." Old Zhang's wife said as she started counting.
\"175?\" Lao Zhang's wife looked at Lao Zhang in surprise.
"Well, I received a year-end bonus for one and a half months, which was said to be based on performance. Not only that, the team leader also told me that he plans to open another motorcycle production line next year, and he plans to recommend me to be a team leader." Lao Zhang said proudly.
"Really? Oh my, you're finally getting through this. You're an impeccable worker, but your mouth ruins you." Old Zhang's wife complained.
"Our team leader said that it's because I, a talented horse, have not met a good master. You see, I am not doing well in the car factory. I just can't stand those empty-headed people. Now everyone in the factory is angry with me. You see, I am getting along well with everyone." Lao Zhang said a little aggrievedly.
"Yes, yes, don't be angry. You just bought another piece of meat, so I'll stew it for you tonight as a reward for your hard work this year."
"Meat is expensive, but this is distributed by the factory. You didn't see it, people were driving pigs into our factory early in the morning, it was so lively. At noon we had pork stewed with vermicelli, it was so delicious."
"How about I cut off half and send it to my mother's family. They're having a very hard time right now, and I can't bear to see them suffer."
"Then you have to send the remaining half to my house as well. My parents don't dare to eat a lot of meat."
"Okay. Just consider it a month's bonus. Tomorrow I'll go buy a few more pounds to save for the New Year. I'll cook what I bought a few days ago today. The kids are looking forward to having something good for the New Year."
"I'll buy you another set of clothes. You haven't bought new clothes in years."
"We can't afford to spend money like this. Why buy clothes? It's better to buy a few more pounds of meat so everyone can have enough to eat."
"It's up to you. If you don't buy it yourself, don't say I'm reluctant to buy it for you." Old Zhang said this and went back to his room to lie down. The cafeteria had prepared wine for the New Year's dinner today. He didn't dare drink too much, but he still felt dizzy. He hadn't felt so happy in decades.
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