Chapter 84
A light, drizzling snow began to fall from the sky.
However, even the snowy weather couldn't dampen the high spirits of everyone in the family compound. In the past few days, Commander Shen's house had been receiving a steady stream of visitors, all of whom came to see the banner and certificate of merit that the city police station had given to Gu Xi.
Gu Xi naturally couldn't turn them away, so she had no choice but to bite the bullet and invite them in.
Although she had already anticipated what would happen when the Mo family came to visit, she did not expect the people in the family compound to react so enthusiastically.
It can only be said that there is very little entertainment these days. If a good deed like this happened around us, it would attract a lot of attention, which is why she didn't want anyone to know beforehand.
She really didn't want to be the center of gossip, nor did she want to be watched like a monkey.
This makes it difficult for people with social anxiety to cope.
To make it easier for everyone to see the banners and certificates of merit, Gu Xi hung them directly on the wall of the main room.
A portrait of a great man hangs on the wall in the center of the main room, with banners and certificates of merit hanging below it, visible as soon as you enter.
After everyone saw the banner and certificate, they couldn't help but pull Gu Xi aside to ask about the events of that day and how she bravely rescued the child from the human traffickers.
Each of them had a face full of curiosity and anticipation, as if they were waiting for her to tell a wonderful, dramatic, and heroic story.
Gu Xi: "..."
At first, Gu Xi would patiently repeat the process, omitting unnecessary details and simply narrating the process.
However, people kept coming and going, and after talking for a while, she felt exhausted.
Fortunately, her two younger sisters took over her job and read the "story" for her. After all, the Xu sisters had heard their eldest sister tell the story more than a dozen times and could recite it by heart, so it made no difference for them to tell it.
In particular, when the two sisters tell stories, they add some content to embellish their eldest sister's story, which is very popular with the family members, who love to hear stories with added personal touches.
Gu Xi could only respond with: "..."
Today, Xu Yuansheng is going to tell everyone the story of "Comrade Gu's Battle Against Human Traffickers". Just then, Qiao Hui from next door came over to ask Xu Yuansheng to make winter clothes. She was a little stunned when she saw the scene.
Fortunately, everyone was listening attentively to Xu Yuansheng's "story" and didn't notice her.
Gu Xi knew that Qiao Hui didn't like places with so many people, so she led her to the study, poured her a cup of hot water, and said helplessly when she learned why she had come, "Then you'll have to wait a while until Yuansheng finishes his story."
When Qiao Hui heard her say that, she burst into laughter.
The bungalow wasn't soundproof, and Gu Xi's house had been bustling with activity these past few days, with family members coming to see the banner every day. She knew this, but she didn't expect that people would look at it again and again, as if they never got tired of it.
This is understandable, as it is a rare "big event" in the family compound. In addition, the banner and certificate were sent by the city police station, which is a rare sight and has a great attraction for these family members. Everyone is very curious and wants to take a closer look.
After laughing, Qiao Hui joked, "How did it become a story? It was clearly your heroic act of rescuing people from human traffickers."
As she said the last sentence, she couldn't help but laugh again.
Of course, this was something Sister Zhu had overheard everyone chatting outside and then told her when she came back.
Gu Xi sighed, "In their eyes, it's probably just like listening to a story. If I exaggerate a bit, or make the process more thrilling, it'll be no different from a story to them."
Qiao Hui thought about it and agreed, then said with a smile, "Your experience this time could actually be written into a pretty good story, and maybe a publishing house would even publish it."
Gu Xi was taken aback for a moment, then asked, "Really? It can be published?"
“Of course,” Qiao Hui affirmed. “Some publishers will publish stories like this as long as they don’t involve… after all, they have the right educational value.”
She had worked as an editor at a publishing house and written books, so she was fairly familiar with the industry.
Gu Xi seemed to be deep in thought.
She had never thought about writing, but it was a way to make money. She just didn't know if she had the talent for it. If she did, she might as well give it a try.
Of course, she had no intention of becoming a writer; she just wanted to make some money.
After all, since her two younger sisters were coming here, although Xu Yuansheng would pay for their meals and didn't want her older sister and brother-in-law to support them, as the eldest sister, she couldn't really hold a grudge against her two younger sisters.
But she's currently unemployed, and she can't very well use Shen Mingzheng's money to support her two younger sisters, can she? Although he certainly wouldn't mind, she was still a little bothered.
If it's money she earned herself, she can justify how she spends it and on whom.
If it were after the reform and opening up, Gu Xi would have had many ways to make money, since she knew the future trends.
Unfortunately, we live in a special era where many things are impossible to do.
These days, jobs are all government-employed, one person for one job. If you don't have a job, you can only stay at home and forget about making big money. The ways to make money are all written in the criminal law.
Moreover, given her current physical condition, she is unable to go out to work, nor does she want to ruin her health for work.
She felt that she was better suited to working from home, where she could do whatever she wanted.
Seeing her expression, Qiao Hui had a sudden thought and asked, "Gu Xi, do you want to write a story?"
"I don't have any ideas yet," Gu Xi said honestly. "I've never written one before, but after you mentioned it, I thought it would be worth a try. I do have quite a few short stories with educational value."
Qiao Hui said, "Sure, there's no harm in giving it a try. Show me your work after you finish writing it, and if it's suitable, I'll recommend it to a publishing house."
Gu Xi blinked, then smiled and went up to give her a hug.
"Qiao Hui, thank you, you're so kind."
Qiao Hui blushed slightly as she was hugged, feeling a little uncomfortable with such direct enthusiasm.
Her parents are researchers, and her former friends were all quite polite, unlike Gu Xi. At first, I thought she was a quiet woman, but after getting to know her, I found that she was sometimes very funny, straightforward and enthusiastic, and it was easy to be infected by her.
This feeling isn't bad.
After the guests in the main room had finished looking at the banner and listening to the story, and finally left satisfied, Gu Xi took Qiao Hui out.
Xu Yuansheng was drinking water; she had been so thirsty from telling stories.
Actually, the story of Gu Xi rescuing the child from the traffickers was quite short and could be told in a short time, but the others clearly didn't want to hear it. They would interrupt during the storytelling, express their own opinions, and then ask Xu Yuansheng what she would do if she encountered such a situation, leading to another round of discussion...
After he finished speaking, Xu Yuansheng's mouth was dry.
This is also why Gu Xi doesn't want to tell stories to people anymore; it's just too tiring.
Fortunately, Xu Yuansheng didn't mind. She was a social butterfly, naturally knowing how to communicate with people and make them happy.
Upon learning that Qiao Hui wanted him to make winter clothes, Xu Yuansheng finished his water, took her to his room, took out a sketchbook, and while asking her about her requirements, sketched out the clothing design in the sketchbook.
If the other party doesn't have any requests, Xu Yuansheng will design it himself and let her see if she likes it.
This painting was given to her by Gu Xi, so that she could draw whatever inspiration she had on it.
Qiao Hui came here not only to make winter clothes for herself, but also for her daughter, Sister Zhu, and Chief of Staff Gao.
She's not stingy with money. Sister Zhu has taken good care of her and her daughter these past few months, and she wanted to make her a set of clothes as a New Year's gift.
Xu Yuansheng smiled broadly, knowing that once these clothes were finished, another sum of money would come in.
It's great here. More people in the army ask her to make clothes than people in the village. Villagers don't have much money, and they only go to tailors to make clothes when it's close to the New Year. But here in the army, most family members are more willing to spend money because the men have salaries, and they still make clothes when needed.
**
The lively atmosphere at Commander Shen's house lasted for several days.
As the heavy snow fell, fewer and fewer people came to visit.
Gu Xi breathed a sigh of relief. Finally, she didn't have to face so many people. It was really too difficult for someone with social anxiety.
That day, Shen Mingzheng returned home early and brought a guest with him.
Seeing the guest arrive, Gu Xi asked with some confusion, "Sister Liu, what brings you here?"
The Xu sisters, who were working and studying in the room, also came out to greet the guests.
Accompanying Shen Mingzheng was Zhang Brigade Commander's wife, Liu Aiyun.
Shen Mingzheng said, "Xixi, Sister Liu is the director of the Military Family Affairs Office. She has something to discuss with you today."
Gu Xi was even more puzzled.
Not long after she arrived at the military unit, an employee from the military dependents' affairs office came over to inquire about her work preferences.
However, since she needed to recuperate and had no desire to work, they only asked a routine question and left, and she didn't take it seriously.
Please invite Liu Aiyun to sit down in the main room. Xu Yuansheng brought over a cup of hot water and obediently sat down to the side.
Liu Aiyun smiled and said, "These two women are your sisters from your hometown, right? I heard that this girl makes very good clothes. It's a pity that Wanxia went to another place to participate in a performance for the troops recently, otherwise she would definitely come to ask her to make clothes."
Zhang Wanxia, a pillar of the performing arts troupe, is young and beautiful, and at the age when she loves to look good, she is very generous in making clothes and dressing herself up.
Given her relationship with Gu Xi, she would probably come over as soon as she learned that Gu Xi's sister could make clothes.
Gu Xi asked, "Where did Wanxia go? When is she coming back? I haven't seen her in a long time, and I miss her." Then she asked, "Is her foot alright?"
"It's all better now, I can even dance again."
"That's good."
After a few casual words, Liu Aiyun finally got down to business: "Gu Xi, I came here today to tell you something. The paper mill and textile factory in the county town are interested in taking care of the families of our troops and offering some job opportunities. Have you considered applying?"
The Xu sisters were both taken aback. Their eldest sister was going to have a job?
Gu Xi was a little confused and asked which county it was.
There are several counties in this area, some far away and some near.
“It’s Huanshan County,” Liu Aiyun introduced to her. “Actually, it’s not far. If you ride a bicycle, it only takes an hour and a half to get there. It’s quite close to the military base.”
Gu Xi thought to herself, if she went to work in the county town, the commute would take three hours each way, and it would be inconvenient in rainy or snowy weather, so she would have to live in the county town.
Of course, for convenience, you can also stay in the dormitory provided by the factory and come back on your days off.
But this means being separated from family.
Gu Xi said, "Sister Liu, this is a good thing. Many of the wives in our unit are unemployed. Let those wives who are in need take this opportunity. You don't need to give me special treatment or a job quota; give it to the wives who need it more."
There are many families in the military facing difficulties, especially those with many children or elderly relatives who are ill; they have a very tough time.
If military dependents could find work, it would ease the burden on their families.
She wondered why Liu Aiyun would come looking for her when there were so many unemployed military dependents in the family compound.
Gu Xi never considered working in a factory.
First, she can't get up early in the morning and commute for an hour and a half; second, she doesn't have the motivation to be a corporate slave and deal with people, just thinking about it makes her feel discouraged; finally, she is still in the process of recuperating and can't overwork herself, so she won't be moving for the next two years.
She wants to live a long and healthy life, and she doesn't want to do anything that would affect her ability to live a good life.
Upon hearing this, Liu Aiyun immediately laughed, and after laughing, she couldn't help but exclaim, "Comrade Gu, with such a level of awareness, no wonder my husband Zhang praises you."
Upon hearing this, Shen Mingzheng's lips curved into a smile, clearly indicating that he was aware of the matter as well.
His wife's actions at the train station had already spread throughout the army. When the military leaders heard about it, they praised her highly, and many even envied him for marrying such a good wife—not only beautiful but also brave and capable…
He was naturally proud of her.
Gu Xi felt a little embarrassed.
She's not very conscious of her position; she only refused because she doesn't need the money right now and doesn't want to do a job that requires her to leave home. If she really needed a job, she would definitely shamelessly agree to it.
After praising her, Liu Aiyun said, "Actually, one of the job openings was specifically assigned to you by them."
"Huh?" Gu Xi looked puzzled.
Xu Yuansheng and Xu Huaisheng were also surprised.
Liu Aiyun immediately explained to her that the two factories in the county town would provide some jobs for military dependents, and that the Mo family was actually a reason for it.
The Mo family is considered a large family in Yucheng. Huanshan County is the hometown of Mo's father. The factory manager of the paper mill is a member of the Mo family, and the factory manager of the textile factory has some connections with Mo's father.
Mr. and Mrs. Mo were very grateful to Gu Xi for saving their grandson. When they last visited the military base, they learned that many of the military dependents there were unemployed and struggling financially. Since Gu Xi had only recently joined the military and hadn't been assigned a job, they wanted to offer some employment opportunities to these military dependents, while also strengthening their connection with the military...
In short, after various considerations, and with Mo's father using his connections, the factory directors of the two factories contacted the military.
**
Gu Xi never expected that the job opening would come about in this way.
Although I saved the child out of pure intention and didn't expect anyone to thank me, if that's the case—that's a good thing. It could provide jobs for some struggling families in the residential compound, allowing them to supplement their income and not have to live such a difficult life.
Liu Aiyun said to Gu Xi, "It's all thanks to you that two factories were able to provide jobs for the families this time. You're a great contributor."
Xu Yuansheng and Xu Huaisheng agreed with this statement. If that were true, it was indeed thanks to their eldest sister.
Gu Xi blushed and quickly waved her hand, saying, "Sister Liu, please don't laugh at me. I really didn't think much of it at the time. They were just being too polite. I didn't expect Uncle Mo and Aunt Mo to be such kind people, so eager to help after learning about the difficulties faced by military families..."
Seeing her blushing and flustered expression, Shen Mingzheng felt a pang of sadness.
She still lacked confidence; even though it was her achievement, she became flustered when praised.
Liu Aiyun was amused by her, and after laughing, she said, "Gu Xi, there's a job opening here for you. See if you want to go to the textile factory or the paper mill. The two factories offer different positions, and I can tell you about them..."
She immediately introduced the job positions offered by the two factories in great detail, allowing her to choose freely.
It can be said that Mr. and Mrs. Mo really went to great lengths to thank her.
After listening quietly, Gu Xi asked, "Sister Liu, if I don't want to do it, could you give my job opportunity to someone else?"
If it were someone else's job opening, she naturally wouldn't do anything; the military dependents' placement office would handle that. But since one was specifically assigned to her, if she didn't want to take it, she should be able to assign it to someone else, without putting Liu Aiyun in a difficult position.
Liu Aiyun's heart skipped a beat, and she immediately understood what she meant.
She said, "Of course, it's for you. You can do whatever you want with it." Then she added, "Gu Xi, do you really want to give this spot to someone else?"
Gu Xi nodded, somewhat embarrassed, and said, "Sister Liu may not know, but my health is... rather weak. I'm still recuperating. The doctor advised me not to overwork myself these next few years, otherwise it will affect my lifespan."
Upon hearing this, Liu Aiyun, Xu Yuansheng, and the others were stunned.
They didn't know any of this.
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