Song Lan had some doubts, but she knew that now was not the time to ask Wu Dong for clarification, so she didn't say anything more.
When the group reached a fork in the road, Director Zhang stopped. He pointed to the left side of the fork and said, "This is the factory's residential area, which was just built last year. There are eight dormitory buildings, and now some buildings still have one or two apartments left, each with an area of about fifty square meters."
Then, pointing to the other side of the fork in the road, he said, "Go straight down this road, and you'll reach the old residential area. Most of the houses there are single-story buildings, but there are also a few two-story red brick buildings with their own courtyards. In addition, some of the single-story houses also have independent courtyards, each with an area of about 150 square meters."
With his gaze falling on Song Lan, Director Zhang asked, "Comrade Song, would you prefer to live in a bungalow with a separate courtyard, or a somewhat old two-story red brick building?"
After a moment's thought, Song Lan asked, "Is it convenient to use water and the toilet?"
"convenient."
Factory Director Zhang responded, "There is running water and a dedicated toilet."
Song Lan then asked, "Our family has quite a few people. I wonder which has more rooms, the single-story house with a yard or the two-story red brick house?"
"That's about right, definitely enough for Comrade Song and Comrade Qin's family to live in."
Upon hearing what Director Zhang said, Song Lan offered her suggestion: "Then let's continue living in a bungalow with a yard. After all, my husband will be immobile for a long time, and living in a bungalow will be more convenient for him."
"Okay, let's go this way."
Factory Director Zhang smiled and nodded, then led Song Lan and the others toward the old family quarters.
The ambulance carrying Qin Yanzheng and the large truck followed slowly behind the group.
After walking for about seven or eight minutes, Director Zhang stopped in front of a courtyard gate. He pushed open the gate and said to Song Lan, "This is the courtyard."
Song Lan walked into the courtyard, looked around, and smiled, saying, "It's quite nice."
“There are people living in the courtyards on both sides. Although the location here is a bit remote, the good thing is that it is quiet, which is convenient for Comrade Qin to recuperate.”
Factory Director Zhang said gently, "There are six rooms in total. One is the living room, and the other five were expanded into five small rooms and two large rooms during construction. The kitchen is separate and located outside."
After Director Zhang had inspected each room, the two returned to the courtyard. Song Lan heard Director Zhang say again, "The courtyard is big, with vegetable gardens on both sides. You can plant some vegetables there later; that way, you can save some money on groceries."
Song Lan hummed in agreement.
Factory Director Zhang continued, "The toilets and shower rooms are in the backyard. They're very clean. Why don't you go take a look?"
Song Lan shook her head: "No need, I want the family to settle down first, we can talk about the rest tomorrow."
"Okay, I'll go and call my husband and my daughter to come and help you."
After saying that, Director Zhang walked towards the gate of the courtyard. Seeing this, Song Lan couldn't help but ask, "The original owner of this courtyard should have moved out a few days ago, right?"
The courtyard is not dilapidated at all; it's easy to tell at a glance that people have lived there for a long time.
This made Song Lan think that perhaps the previous owner had specifically vacated the yard for their family to live in.
"……Um."
After a moment's hesitation, Director Zhang nodded.
"If I'm not mistaken, this courtyard was originally where Director Zhang and his family lived."
Song Lan used a declarative tone directly.
Upon hearing this, Director Zhang was reluctant to admit it, but the facts were indeed as Song Lan had said. Now, with Song Lan looking at him intently, he finally smiled and said, "Comrade Song, there's no need to overthink it. This courtyard was originally where my family lived."
But in recent years, my children have either been working in other places or serving in the military, and they have all settled down elsewhere. Therefore, living in such a large courtyard is a bit of a waste for our family. Just then, I received a notice from my superiors that Comrade Qin Yanzheng had been transferred to work at our factory..."
After explaining the truth to Song Lan, Director Zhang concluded by saying, "My current house is a little smaller than this one, so you don't need to feel bad about it."
Song Lan pursed her lips and remained silent.
Factory Director Zhang added, "If Comrade Song doesn't believe me, you can come to my house to see for yourself after you've settled in. By the way, my house isn't far from here; it's only a five or six-minute walk at most."
"Thanks!"
Facing Director Zhang, Song Lan bowed deeply.
She finally understood that the reason her family could live in such a large courtyard was due to Qin Yanzheng's "identity." She just didn't know what he did for a living, but in Song Lan's opinion, his job must be quite extraordinary.
Otherwise, Director Zhang wouldn't have mentioned it to the higher-ups, and wouldn't have treated their family so well.
Qin Boyan, Qin Yaxin, and the two children stood to the side, none of them speaking, just quietly listening to Song Lan and Director Zhang's conversation.
"Don't mention it, I'll go get your aunt to come and help."
With that, Director Zhang stepped out of the courtyard gate.
...
Many hands make light work, and Director Zhang's wife is a quick and efficient worker, as is his daughter. Both mother and daughter are cheerful and straightforward, and they have become familiar with Song Lan in just a short time since they came to help.
"Let's go, we'll have dinner at your aunt's house, you can cook tomorrow."
After settling all the items they had brought, and with the help of Director Zhang, they settled Qin Yanzheng into bed with Wu Dong. Before Song Lan could say anything, Director Zhang's wife, Wu Chunying, invited Song Lan to take Qin Boyan and the others to her house for dinner.
As if knowing that Song Lan would refuse, she directly blocked her with her words: "Although there is some firewood in the yard, it is far from enough to cook a meal. Besides, you have just arrived here and have been busy setting up the house for so long. Your bodies are probably not able to take it. Listen to your aunt, come to my house for dinner tonight. It's not a big deal."
"Yes, Sister Song Lan, why don't you come to my house for dinner? Knowing you were coming today, my dad told my mom in advance that he cooked a big pot of rice tonight!"
This is the voice of Zhang Meiyun, the factory director's daughter.
The girl was sixteen, the same age as Qin Boyan. Her appearance was above average, except that her skin was a little dark. However, her almond-shaped eyes were bright and expressive, as if they could speak. From the moment she saw Song Lan, she couldn't help but like her, thinking that Song Lan was the most beautiful woman she had ever seen in her life.
Whether it was her appearance, her voice, or her demeanor, Zhang Meiyun couldn't help but admire her.
I'll use whatever words are good, thinking I must become good friends with Song Lan so I can see the fairy girl often!
"Comrade Wu, together."
Factory Director Zhang called out to Wu Dong.
"I have to stay and look after Comrade Gu Qin, so I won't go."
Wu Dong refused.
"Oh, okay? Then I'll bring your food over."
As Director Zhang spoke, he shifted his gaze to Song Lan: "Comrade Song, why don't you bring your children to my house for a meal? The food has been prepared in advance. We'll be visiting each other quite often in the future, so please don't stand on ceremony with us."
Song Lan couldn't bring herself to refuse. After all, Director Zhang and his wife had extended such a warm invitation, and if she refused, it would be too cold-hearted and disrespectful to Director Zhang and his family.
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