Chapter 37: Demanding Back Wages
The next morning, before Song Xinran even went to the glass factory, Lei Hong came looking for her.
"Xinran, why didn't you set up your stall yesterday?" Lei Hong had some friends visiting yesterday, and he cooked some dishes himself. Since his friends were used to his cooking, he thought he should try something different, and Song Xinran was the first person he thought of.
His friends are all gourmets with a keen eye for food. Lei Hong raved about how delicious the oden was, whetting his friends' appetites. But when they came to buy it that evening, they found the stall was closed.
Lei Hong was very disappointed, as were the students who came out to buy oden but returned empty-handed.
Friends joked, "Brother Lei, you're not kidding us, are you? There's no such thing as something that you can get addicted to after just one bite."
Lei Hong denied it on the spot, saying that questioning it was an insult to food!
Unfortunately, his friends all went home that day, missing out on the delicious food, and they thought he was just bragging.
After hearing Lei Hong's words, Song Xinran apologized, "I went to the city yesterday to check out the freezers and bought some ingredients, so I didn't have time to set up my stall."
Lei Hong rubbed his hands together, looking forward to it: "It seems like there will be even more ingredients for oden in the future!"
"I brought you the chicken bones from today's meal too." Lei Hong handed over a bag and casually said, "Do you remember the couple who used to sell fried skewers next door?"
Song Xinran, of course, wouldn't forget: "What's wrong?"
Lei Hong laughed: "I heard this joke from my friend yesterday, and I thought I'd tell you it today."
“A friend of mine is from Tangjia Town, which is next door. He said a new fried food stall recently opened there. At first, they claimed it was a long-established business that had moved there, but after a few days, they somehow attracted the attention of a local thug named Lao Lai. He came to the stall every day to threaten and harass them, saying that they were using pork from pigs that had died from disease. Their business suddenly went downhill, and now they don’t know where they’ve moved to. My friend even asked me if I knew this stall; it turns out it moved from Lingde Town,” Lei Hong said. “The name sounded familiar, and I thought, isn’t this the couple who used to work next to your stall?”
Song Xinran was speechless, not expecting to hear about the fried food vendors. She said, "They deserve it."
When she instigated the debtor to vandalize her stall, she never imagined this day would come. It seems the wicked will eventually get their just desserts.
Lei Hong agreed, "That's right, food safety is the most serious issue in the catering industry!"
"By the way, Xinran, thanks to you, our restaurant's new garlic pork belly is selling very well!" Lei Hong said with a smile. "I made some improvements based on your suggestions, and the taste has indeed improved a lot. Now this dish is our restaurant's signature dish, haha!"
Song Xinran: "Congratulations, Brother Lei. It's because your cooking is already quite good."
After saying goodbye to Lei Hong, Song Xinran went to the glass factory. She was full of fighting spirit and felt that the news Lei Hong had just brought was a good omen, indicating that everything would go smoothly for her today.
Since resigning, Song Xinran has never been to the glass factory again. Standing at the gate, she was still a little dazed.
About two months ago, she came into this world and is standing in roughly the same place today. She had just quit her job and only had a thousand yuan in her pocket. Song Yu was still in her hometown, and the future was still unclear.
Now, they have moved to the town and have their own home. Song Yu is attending kindergarten, has made friends, has a thriving career, has acquired a considerable amount of household goods, and still has over two thousand yuan in her pocket. The future looks promising.
Looking back on this time, it feels like it passed in the blink of an eye.
Song Xinran took a deep breath and walked into the glass factory.
The gatekeeper glanced at her, then lowered his head and dozed off, clearly slacking off.
"Sir, could you tell me where the factory manager's office is?" Song Xinran asked.
The gatekeeper was used to this and casually pointed in a direction: "Look, over there."
"Thank you, sir," Song Xinran said.
"Are you here to get your wages from the factory manager too?" the gatekeeper asked. "Don't waste your time. Even we gatekeepers and janitors haven't been paid yet."
"But it's good to go and ask around, so he doesn't get too comfortable!" the gatekeeper cursed angrily. "Just walk straight to the end of this side and you'll see him."
They even described the route in more detail.
Song Xinran chuckled and thanked him again, wondering if the factory was really that short of funds, even the logistics staff were in arrears with their wages. However, she had run into Director Dong and Wei Yu in the city that day, and Director Dong's words were quite magnanimous.
Following the directions given by the gatekeeper, Song Xinran stood in front of a three-story building. This must be the factory office. Just as she was about to enter, a voice suddenly rang out:
"Song Xinran?"
Wang Ling strode over with a frown. Upon seeing that it was indeed her, old and new grudges surged up in her heart, making her already displeased mood even more irritable. She demanded sharply, "You, someone who has resigned, dare to come to the factory? Get out of here right now! Otherwise, I'll call security to throw you out!"
Song Xinran found it amusing: "What rule says that people who resign can't come back to the factory? The factory still owes me money. You think you're so great that I'll leave as soon as you pay me back? Do you think this is such a great place that everyone wants to come in?"
"Make it up to you?" Wang Ling retorted angrily, "You're dreaming! What do you mean by your money? Everyone hasn't been paid yet and you're already asking for wages!"
Compared to Wang Ling's angry shouts, Song Xinran seemed much calmer, and even said sarcastically, "Squad Leader Wang, didn't you say you'd be getting paid soon when I resigned? Why haven't you paid me yet? You said I'd regret it then, but who's regretting it now?"
She smiled and said, "I heard that many people in the factory regret not quitting earlier. I don't think that includes you, Foreman Wang. You are a small leader, but I don't know what kind of nobody the factory manager thinks of you."
"You, you...!" Wang Ling was so angry she was about to burst into flames, but she couldn't refute anything, as those were things she had said before!
Song Xinran had worked under her for two years before, always a pushover whom everyone could bully. But today, she seemed to have suddenly gained some new energy, chattering incessantly and constantly poking at Wang Ling's sore spots.
He stared intently at Song Xinran, wishing he could rush up and tear her mouth apart!
Song Xinran still smiled, showing no sign of anger: "Squad Leader Wang, don't stare so wide-eyed. If you stare like that and something goes wrong, you won't have money to see a doctor. Four months' salary, that's more than three thousand yuan, tsk tsk. When it comes to character, you're the one who thinks of the factory the most, you're not in a hurry at all."
“I’m different. I don’t have such high moral character. I’ll take my own salary.”
As soon as Song Xinran finished speaking, she tried to leave, but Wang Ling grabbed her arm and said through gritted teeth, "Get out! Get out of the factory!"
Song Xinran broke free with a wave of her hand, and Wang Ling lost her balance and almost fell. She staggered a few steps before she could steady herself by holding onto a pillar.
Wang Ling couldn't believe it; when did Song Xinran become so strong!
But then her eyes lit up, and she sat down on the ground, shouting, "They're hitting people! They're hitting people at the factory!"
Song Xinran looked at her with a half-smile.
Wang Ling immediately screamed even louder, loud enough to be heard within a radius of several hundred meters.
However, the leaders upstairs didn't make a sound at all—no, they did make a little noise.
With a "whoosh," the window was closed.
There used to be security guards patrolling the factory, but now they only care about clocking in and not doing any real work. Wang Ling called out several times but no one responded.
Song Xinran felt a pain in her ears and casually remarked, "Do you think anyone's paying attention to you?"
She stepped into the three-story building.
Wang Ling gritted her teeth in hatred, watching Song Xinran's back slowly disappear, and said in a sinister tone: "You still want your wages? No way! The factory manager said that the current employees will be the priority. Who do you think you are!"
She came to see the factory manager today, but as soon as she knocked on the door, the manager recognized her and explained to her kindly that the factory had not yet received the funds from the goods sold, but would distribute them as soon as they were received. He also said that she was the shift leader of the bottle delivery team, and that the management would definitely be paid first, so she could rest assured.
"No matter how eloquent you are, you're nothing in front of the factory director!" Wang Ling felt much better thinking about Song Xinran slinking down the stairs later.
She needs to find Old Liu, who pays wages, and find out more. Their wages are all in arrears, so it's impossible for them to pay the former workers who resigned two months ago in advance.
Song Xinran knocked on the door of the factory director's office, but there was no answer after several knocks.
Wang Linggang must have come to see the factory manager before, so why is she pretending no one is here now?
Song Xinran wanted to laugh. How could the director of such a large glass factory do something so self-deceiving? No wonder he had money to pay salaries but money to cheat on his wife and buy clothes for his mistress.
Factory Director Dong had no intention of opening the door. He had seen Song Xinran and Wang Ling's argument from the window and his first impression was that this woman was not someone to be trifled with.
He's quick-witted, speaks like a machine gun, and is incredibly strong; he can knock someone over with a single wave of his hand.
They're not factory workers who need to be coaxed; they've all resigned, so let them go back to where they came from.
"That incompetent gatekeeper needs to be replaced!" Factory Director Dong thought. "They really are letting just anyone into the factory!"
"Knock knock knock!" When no one heard a sound, the knocking became even louder. The security door seemed to shake from the knocking. It wasn't knocking at all; it was practically kicking the door.
This is outrageous! Absolutely outrageous!
Factory Director Dong immediately called the security department to have someone kick the intruder out, but no one answered the phone after several rings, while someone was kicking the door loudly, as if trying to knock it over.
We absolutely cannot open the door now!
Why would a woman be so strong? She'd be destined to do hard labor her whole life!
"Director Dong, I know you're inside," the woman outside said. "Weren't you having a good time at the clothing store on the city's main street last Saturday? I'd like to catch up with you."
Factory Director Dong frowned suddenly. He had been with Wei Yu last Saturday, going to Central Street, but how did this woman know?!
"If they don't open the door soon, I'll have no choice but to go talk to the landlady..."
Factory Director Dong immediately stood up and opened the door, his face so dark it could drip water as he looked at the person in front of him. But when he saw who it was, he was quite surprised.
He had just glanced at the man from the window, but couldn't see him clearly. He only thought that the man was sharp-tongued and difficult to deal with. Now that he saw him, he was surprised to find that the man was so young and had a rather handsome face. Director Dong felt a little disdainful, and his tense heart relaxed considerably.
She's a young woman, that makes things easier.
"Come in and speak."
Song Xinran didn't go in, but stood at the door: "No need, I'm here today to ask for my wages, 1940 yuan for 89 months' wages plus the substitute shift fee. I used to work in the bottle delivery team, the same shift as the person who came to see you just now. You can ask her for your pay slip."
Factory Director Dong sighed and resorted to his old tactic of appealing to emotions: "This employee, although I don't know your name, everyone who has worked here is like family to me. The factory isn't doing well right now, and everyone is working hard to keep the glass factory running. You'll definitely get your wages, don't worry about that. I have elderly parents and young children to support, and I understand everyone's situation. I just hope you can understand me too. You all know how the factory treated you in the past..."
"Xiao Deng from the sales department is pretty good. He brought in a new customer who wants a large quantity of goods. The factory will make a profit," Song Xinran said casually.
Factory Director Dong laughed and said, "You know quite a few people, young comrade. Everyone is working hard for our Hausen Glass Factory, and you can't fall behind..."
Halfway through his speech, Director Dong suddenly froze. The customer that Xiao Deng had brought in had just signed a contract with them, and the goods hadn't even been shipped yet. How did this person know?
"Does this sound familiar?" Song Xinran raised an eyebrow. "Isn't this exactly what you said to Wei Yu?"
Factory Director Dong immediately realized that the appeasement policy wouldn't work, and his expression instantly turned angry: "I don't understand what you're saying. Wei Yu is also a good comrade in the sales department. If you're talking nonsense, I'll call the police and have you arrested. I have two acquaintances at the police station!"
Song Xinran wasn't afraid at all, nor did she dwell on it: "The factory manager might not understand, but your wife can, right? The boss's wife should be at the printing factory now. I can call a car here and it will only take an hour. I've heard, seen, and know much more than just this. The printing factory is doing so well; the boss's wife should have the money to pay salaries."
She muttered to herself and prepared to leave, but Director Dong's expression changed, and he whispered, "What do you want?"
This person's intentions are not good. Knowing so much about his affairs, he must have planned this all along. It's definitely not as simple as just asking for a salary.
Factory Director Dong was already thinking about how to shut this person up and send him straight to the police station.
Song Xinran repeated, "1940, my salary."
Factory Director Dong frowned: "Are you sure you want to talk about this at the door? We can discuss anything, and I'm not an unsympathetic person."
"Shut up!" Factory Director Dong shouted sternly. He had heard this name many times and felt as if his ears were being pierced and bleeding.
He absolutely cannot let his wife know about his affair with Wei Yu, otherwise he won't make much money from the factory, and there will be trouble at home!
He wasn't afraid of rumors circulating in the factory; no one would believe them without evidence. But this man in front of him—who had any evidence and knew about his wife's whereabouts?—made Director Dong hesitant to take the risk.
"You want my salary? I'll give it to you," Director Dong threatened. "If others find out about this, you know the consequences."
Song Xinran reiterated, "I only want the salary that belongs to me."
Factory Director Dong snorted and gave her two thousand.
Song Xinran paid an additional 60 yuan and counted the money on the spot: "I will settle the account with Director Liu of the Finance Department."
Factory Director Dong said in a sinister tone, "You know what to say."
Song Xinran smiled, said nothing, and walked away triumphantly with her wages in her pocket.
Factory Director Dong frowned, still feeling something was off. He had such a big handle on him, and it was clear that he had put in a lot of effort, but in the end he got nothing but his wages back, and those wages were rightfully his. This whole thing seemed rather suspicious.
He called Director Liu of the finance department and learned that the other party had already settled the wages.
Director Liu was clever; he didn't ask any questions and even praised Song Xinran for her good attitude. When Director Dong heard this, his face turned dark. Good attitude? She had threatened him, and he called that a good attitude! He hung up the phone on the spot.
Director Liu was completely baffled.
Although the factory workers haven't received their wages yet, someone of Director Liu's rank wouldn't delay. Director Liu has always been cautious in his work. When employees come to him, he complains that he's also poor, and when the boss comes to him, he says everything is normal and the development is going well.
For some employees with connections or influence, the factory manager would settle their wages and then have Director Liu issue a certificate as a formality, but such people were few and far between.
Director Liu didn't recognize Song Xinran, who came today, but her salary was settled in the factory director's personal account, which was quite remarkable, especially since the factory director had specifically called to inquire about it. Director Liu felt that there must be some special relationship between them, so he quickly praised her a few times.
The factory manager's reaction was a bit strange...
However, Director Liu didn't think too much about it. As the head of the finance department, he knew the factory's current situation better than anyone.
Although goods are still being shipped out, prices have been driven down significantly, and the factory's profits have been declining year by year for the past two years.
The factory manager probably wasn't planning to pay wages, so he just kept delaying payment until the factory went bankrupt. Anyway, all the money was in the factory manager's pocket, and he made a fortune. He could just open a factory in another place.
Director Liu didn't care about all that, as long as his salary wasn't in arrears.
There was a knock on Director Liu's door.
"Come in."
It turned out to be Wang Ling, who was holding a pack of cigarettes and offering it to him in a fawning manner, saying, "Director Liu, are you busy? My husband's friend brought over a pack of cigarettes, but no one in our family smokes them. I thought it was a brand you like, so I brought it over for you."
Director Liu accepted it with a kind smile: "Thank you, Xiao Wang, you're so thoughtful."
"By the way, I have some good news to tell you."
Wang Ling's eyes lit up immediately: "Is it about wages?"
Director Liu nodded: "Yes, the factory manager told me that salaries will definitely be paid on the 30th of this month. We'll pay August's salaries first, and the rest will be paid in full as soon as the funds arrive. Don't worry, I will definitely approve your leadership team first. You work hard on the front lines every day."
Wang Ling quickly replied, "Of course, of course, thank you, Director Liu!"
She was extremely excited, but then, remembering something, she cautiously asked, "Shouldn't the priority be given to the workers who are still working in the factory? Many people in my class are asking about that."
"Of course!" Director Liu said, "The salary will be paid on the 30th of this month, but don't tell anyone else about this yet, not many people know about it."
Wang Ling rubbed her hands together excitedly, bowing and nodding repeatedly, saying that she would definitely not tell.
Wang Ling left the office, feeling a surge of relief as she recalled Song Xinran's sarcastic and sharp-tongued manner.
A street vendor trying to make a living is mocking her for having a proper job. She won't even inform Song Xinran when she gets her wages paid in full, making her work for nothing!
*
1940!
Song Xinran counted the money in her hand and laughed out loud. After so long, she finally got the original owner's salary back.
On her way home, she passed by some shops on the street. There were some children's winter clothes hanging in the clothing store. Song Xinran thought that the weather was getting colder and colder, so she should buy a few more winter clothes for Song Yu.
Although he now has two newly bought winter outfits, he hasn't bought many thermal underwear and sweaters, and he doesn't have hats, scarves, or gloves.
After returning home, Song Xinran immediately took Song Yu out.
Song Yu held her hand, looked up and asked, "Mom, what are we doing out here? It's so cold outside."
Because the weather has been getting colder lately, Song Xinran tries her best not to let Song Yu go out with her when she sets up her stall. The reason is that it's cold outside, and the little guy is obedient. If he's not allowed to go out, he'll play at home by himself or go to play with his friends.
He most often goes to Yuanyuan's house because he is familiar with Yuanyuan's parents and is not afraid to go there to play. He has also been to the homes of a few other children, but less often, and is a little shy.
Yuanyuan hasn't come home yet today, so Song Yu is home alone. He really enjoys drawing now, and even if he only draws a blade of grass or a flower, he has to stamp his name on the paper and feel very happy.
Song Xinran said, "Mom will take you to buy winter clothes."
Song Yu shook her head: "No need, I have lots of new clothes, and kindergarten clothes too."
"But Xiao Yu doesn't have a hat, scarf, or gloves."
Song Yu touched his head: "It's okay, I have hair! I won't cut my hair when it grows long, and it won't be cold in winter."
He looked at his hands again: "My hands aren't cold. They get red and chubby in winter, and they only hurt a little."
Song Xinran squeezed the little boy's soft hand, understood what he meant, and asked softly, "Will you get chilblains in winter?"
Song Yu then remembered that this was called frostbite, something his aunt had told him, but he had forgotten. He quickly nodded, "Every child gets it, it will get better after winter."
Song Xinran felt a pang of sadness and explained softly, "Not everyone grows like this. It's because it's too cold and you soak in cold water that it grows."
Song Yu said "Oh," and then said, "I see."
“Then let’s buy four gloves!” Song Yu held up four fingers. “Two for Mom and two for me, we can take turns wearing them, and Mom won’t get frostbite.”
Song Xinran smiled and said okay.
Things in town are much cheaper than in the city, but there's a significant difference in quality, though they're warm enough.
Song Xinran bought Song Yu two pairs of gloves, one that fully covers the fingers and the other that exposes the knuckles, so that he could use them to go to school.
A fluffy, pale yellow scarf, and a white hat.
Song Yu was fully clothed, his chin was surrounded by a layer of tender yellow down, and the white down on his hat fluttered gently in the slightest breeze. He had round, dark eyes and a fair complexion, giving him a warm and fluffy appearance.
Song Xinran reached out and patted his head. Song Yu looked up, his eyes crinkling with laughter: "Mom is so warm."
He took off his gloves, and his warm little hands grasped her fingers, his voice surprised and joyful: "Mommy, aren't my hands warm?"
Song Xinran smiled and said, "Yes, Xiao Yu is like a hand warmer now."
He chuckled twice and said in a childish voice, "Mommy, don't be afraid of the cold anymore. If I'm cold, I'll hold Mommy's hand. I'm very warm."
Song Xinran agreed.
She thought that if the original owner were still alive, she would feel at ease seeing Song Yu as she is now.
The two found Song Xinwen there as soon as they got home.
Song Yu hadn't seen her aunt for a long time. She used to live with her aunt for a long time. As soon as she saw her, she ran up to her, her voice happy: "Auntie, you've come to our house to play!"
Song Xinwen immediately noticed Song Yu's appearance and exclaimed with delight, "Little Yu is wearing a new hat and scarf, and oh my, gloves too! But why is he only wearing them on one hand?"
Song Yu gently touched the back of her hand with her warm hand: "This hand is for holding Mom's hand, so I won't wear it."
Upon hearing this, Song Xinwen felt her heart melt. How come Song Yu was becoming more and more obedient, while her debt collector was becoming more and more mischievous!
"Sis, why didn't you tell me you were coming? I could have come to pick you up." Song Xinran greeted her. "How long have you been here? Come in quickly, it's so cold, you'll catch a cold."
Song Xinwen exclaimed, "How could anyone freeze in this weather? It's far from the coldest time yet. Did you just go out with Xiao Yu?"
Song Yu said happily, "Mom took me to buy hats, scarves, and gloves."
“Auntie,” Song Yu said earnestly, “you should buy a couple of gloves too. Mom says that if your hands are warm, you won’t get chilblains.”
Song Xinwen said nonchalantly, "Wearing gloves while working is troublesome and doesn't keep you warm much. I've gotten used to it over the years."
Song Xinran said, "Sister, you should also take better care of yourself."
"Okay, I feel much better now." Song Xinwen followed them into the house and put the eggs he had brought on the table. "These were laid by the chickens at home. Have some to help you recover."
Song Xinran said, "Sister, you only need to come, why do you need to bring anything else?"
Song Xinwen snorted coldly: "I bought a few more chicks to raise, so there will be plenty of eggs in the future."
Song Xinran, however, worried: "We already have so much work to do at home, will raising a few more chickens be enough?"
“Of course!” Song Xinwen said. “This time when I go back, it won’t be like before. I’ll treat them like ancestors, and we’ll all work together. Don’t expect to get something for nothing every day.”
Song Xinran was quite surprised: "What would my brother-in-law and Xiao Yang do?"
Although she had expected Song Xinwen to change after returning, this time, she could tell from her mental state that she was much better and seemed more decisive.
“It’s all housework, of course I have to do it!” Song Xinwen said with a smile. “Cai Yongde can cook now, and Xiao Yang can feed the chickens and ducks.”
Song Xinran was taken aback: "I really couldn't tell."
Song Yu exclaimed, "Little Yang has become so amazing!"
It turns out that when he was at his aunt's house, Cai Yang only knew how to play, and while playing, he would also cause trouble.
Seeing their surprised expressions, Song Xinwen couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction.
“Sister,” Song Xinran said, “their transformation is definitely because of you. You have to teach them and do chores when you go back this time. It must be really hard on you.”
Song Xinwen felt comforted, thinking that only blood relatives could truly understand her. The father and son had initially had a lot of opinions and deliberately went against her, refusing to do whatever she asked.
The old man felt that she was inconsiderate; he had worked all day and couldn't even rest when he got home!
The younger one felt that she had changed and no longer loved him; she used to never let him do any work.
Song Xinwen pretended not to care about this, but she was actually feeling bad inside. As for Cai Yongde, she was only asking Cai Yang to do some work for his own good. Look at how everyone hates him now. If he doesn't work hard, he'll have an even harder time in the future!
No matter what the father and son said, Song Xinwen wouldn't back down. She insisted that if you didn't work, you shouldn't eat. She only cooked for herself and didn't even leave any leftovers.
Cai Yongde resisted stubbornly for two days, but Cai Yang couldn't hold out any longer and betrayed him, crying and begging Song Xinwen for a bite to eat, saying he never wanted to eat pickled cowpeas and scrambled eggs again.
Since then, Cai Yang has become much more obedient and has learned to sweep the floor and dress himself. Although he goes out to play, he also does some housework when he gets home.
Song Xinwen looked much more pleasing to the eye, and from then on, she and Cai Yang ate the meals she cooked, and she couldn't be bothered with Cai Yongde.
Cai Yongde was shocked. He couldn't imagine how Song Xinwen would change so much after he came back. Isn't it said that it's easier to change mountains and rivers than to change one's nature? How could Song Xinwen's nature have changed so quickly?
However, he couldn't support his family for long, and after a few days he surrendered.
Song Xinwen had never felt so triumphant: "Now I do most of the cooking at home. Cai Yongde's cooking is really mediocre, and it's inedible. But he can't escape it either. When I cook, he washes the dishes and cleans the kitchen."
“I’ll have to do the work on the hillside too. I definitely won’t stand it if I’m the only one doing it,” Song Xinwen said. “Xinran, I’ve realized that I don’t have to do this work. As long as I’m hard-hearted and can stand the vegetables rotting in the soil on the hillside and the weeds growing in the fields affecting the crops, I won’t have to do these things.”
Song Xinran smiled and said, "Sister, you've discovered the truth. Household chores in marriage don't belong to any one person; they belong to the person who can't stand it anymore."
Song Xinwen pondered the words for a moment, then laughed: "That makes perfect sense. Xinran, how do you know so much? Was this how things were handled when Chunjun was still around?"
Song Xinran didn't speak; she didn't know how the original owner of this body had treated her deceased husband.
Upon seeing her expression, Song Xinwen immediately said, "I misspoke. Let's not talk about that. I just wanted to see how your business is doing and if you're managing to keep up. It just so happens that Cai Yongde is off today because it's the weekend, so I thought I'd come and help you out."
Song Xinran smiled and said, "Sister, you saw it at the door when you came, right? I bought a handcart, which makes setting up a stall much more convenient. I wasn't used to it for the first few days after you left. There was no one to talk to, and I suddenly had a lot more work. But it's been much better since I bought the cart. Now I not only make Bobo Chicken, but also Oden."
“I saw it. That car was gleaming and looked sturdy. You have good taste; you buy good things too.” Song Xinwen then asked curiously, “What is oden?”
Song Xinran gave her a brief introduction to oden. Upon hearing that she wouldn't have to make soup every day, Song Xinwen said, "This will make things easier for you. But are you not going to make pot-boiled chicken?"
Song Xinwen felt it was a great pity. When she was with Song Xinran, their Bobo Chicken business was booming. So many students came to buy it every day, and they showered her with compliments. That was the first time Song Xinwen had such an experience, and she thought she would never forget it.
Song Xinran shook her head: "No, it's just that the weather is cold now, so it's more suitable to make oden. We'll make pot-boiled chicken when the weather gets warmer."
Upon hearing this, Song Xinwen agreed: "Doing business is just like farming; you have to follow the seasons."
As the two were talking, Song Xinwen started helping her with the work, preparing the chopped vegetables and cooking them. As soon as the oden soup pot boiled, the aroma wafted out.
Song Xinwen knew from the smell that this business was just as good as that of Bo Bo Chicken!
With Song Xinwen's help, Song Xinran prepared the oden earlier than usual.
Song Xinwen said, "I've been setting up a stall with you for so long, I miss all the students."
“Those students miss you too. Even days after you left, people kept asking me about your other aunt.”
Song Xinwen laughed and said, "These students have a better conscience than Cai Yongde."
Song Xinran smiled but didn't say anything.
When he set up his stall in the evening, several students excitedly greeted Song Xinwen, and Song Xinwen was very happy.
As they packed up to close, it was already getting dark. Song Xinwen said, "Xinran, I'm relieved to see how well your new business is doing. You were so farsighted to quit your job at the factory and start a stall. It's better than anything else!"
Song Xinwen's eyes were filled with envy. She remembered how she had tried to dissuade Xinran from resigning, worried that she would not have a good future. It turned out that she had been short-sighted.
Setting up a stall now is like working for yourself; all the money you earn is yours, you don't have to put up with any bad treatment, and you earn much more than if you were working a regular job.
Song Xinran saw through her thoughts and said, "Sister, if you have similar ideas, you can also try doing this job."
Song Xinwen shook his head repeatedly: "I can't do it, and I don't have any skills."
“Sister, don’t limit yourself to food. There are so many shops in town, is selling food the only good business?” Song Xinran said. “Take restaurants for example, many restaurant owners don’t even know how to cook. They are mainly good at management.”
"Sister, don't always think you can't do it. Look at how I was able to succeed the first time I set up a stall, thanks to you."
Song Xinwen quickly replied, "I'll do whatever you say, no matter what it is."
Song Xinran sighed softly: "Sister, that also shows that you are someone who listens to advice. You know that I didn't have much capital when I started my stall, but I still managed to make it work step by step. You can do it too."
Song Xinwen remained silent for a while.
"Mom!" A child's voice could be heard before we even got close to the building.
Song Xinwen looked up in surprise and saw Cai Yongde and Cai Yang. He strode over and asked, "Xiao Yang, what brings you here?"
Before he could finish speaking, Cai Yongde slapped his own stomach back down. Cai Yongde said, "It's so dark and you haven't come back yet, so I said I'd come pick you up."
Upon hearing this, Song Xinran glanced at her brother-in-law. In less than a month, he had changed quite a bit.
However, she understood Cai Yang's words even without him saying them. Cai Yongde was afraid that Song Xinwen would come to her place and not go back, so he was scheming and eagerly bringing the child to look for her again.
“Xinran.” Cai Yongde also saw her and asked with a smile, “How’s business lately? Your sister thinks about you every day at home. She’s so happy when you give her a call. Come over to visit sometime.”
Song Xinran said, "Sure, I heard that my brother-in-law can cook now. Come and try his cooking sometime. This is the first time ever."
Her words carried a hint of teasing, making Cai Yongde blush with embarrassment. He inwardly resented that Song Xinwen must have told his younger sister everything, leaving him no face at all.
But he smiled and said, "Come whenever you have time, I'll cook."
Cai Yang yelled, "No! Your cooking is awful!"
Cai Yongde cursed under his breath and slapped him: "How dare you talk like that? Didn't you call me 'Auntie'?"
"Auntie." Cai Yang had actually become much more obedient after being taught a lesson.
After sitting at the house for a while, the group was about to leave. Song Yu said to Cai Yang, "Little Yang, your aunt said that you can dress and feed yourself now. You've grown up. You should help your aunt with more things in the future."
His voice was still quite youthful, but he had the air of an older brother.
Cai Yang, with a sour face, looked at his hat, then his scarf, and then at his new fluffy slippers, and said gruffly, "I know."
Song Yu grunted in surprise, thinking that Xiao Yang would say it was none of your business, since Cai Yang had always acted that way.
He imitated an adult's comforting tone and said, "Little Yang has grown up."
Cai Yang felt like he was going to faint from anger. Why did Song Yu speak to him in that tone? He was so angry that he turned to leave, but Song Xinwen grabbed his arm: "What are you going to say if you're leaving?"
Cai Yang pursed his lips, not at all as stubborn as usual, and waved goodbye to Song Yu and Song Xinran.
Song Yu made another "hmm" sound. As the older brother, he felt he should give something to his only younger brother, so he asked, "Little Yang, would you like my painting? My friends all like it, and I even stamp it."
Cai Yang said rudely, "I don't care!"
"Slap!" A slap landed on his shoulder.
Cai Yang let out a soft groan, his voice low: "Thank you, Brother Xiao Yu."
Song Yu waved his hand.
As soon as he started walking home, Cai Yang exclaimed, "I never want to come to town again! It's no fun at all!"
"Dad lied to me, saying he'd take me to buy chicken legs!"
Cai Yongde said, "Why buy? If you want to eat, just kill a chicken at home. We have plenty of chickens at home!"
He's furious now; ever since Song Xinwen bought a few more chicks, he's had even more trouble.
I used to only know that chicken was delicious, but I didn't know that raising chickens was difficult. Now I realize how tedious it is. You have to keep them locked up and let them roam, feed them food and water them, and clean up their droppings. Just looking at those chickens annoys me, and I want to slaughter them all.
Cai Yang pursed his lips.
Song Xinwen said, "Why are you being so fierce? You can't keep your promise to the child and you still have the nerve to be fierce?"
"Go, buy chicken drumsticks for Xiaoyang!"
Upon hearing this, Cai Yang's eyes lit up like light bulbs: "Mom!"
He felt that his mother had changed a lot since she returned from town. She didn't dote on him like before. In addition, his grandmother told him to help his mother with chores and be obedient, otherwise he would become a child without a mother in the future. Sometimes he was a little scared.
But today his mother actually spoke up for him, and Cai Yang let out a joyful howl.
Song Xinwen said, "What are you yelling about? Be polite!"
Cai Yongde could only go to the barbecue restaurant to buy roasted chicken legs for Cai Yang.
As soon as Cai Yang got his hands on it, he started munching away, and even managed to say a few words: "Mom, I want Xiao Yu's gloves and scarf too."
How could this be? Last time he came, Song Yu had new clothes and new shoes. This time, Song Yu had new gloves and a scarf, but he didn't have any gloves.
“Okay.” Song Xinwen agreed. “Since we’re in town, I’ll take you to see it.”
Cai Yang screamed again, unable to believe that his mother had actually agreed.
Cai Yongde whispered, "Buying things again..."
Song Xinwen glanced over.
Cai Yongde quickly explained, "It's not that we shouldn't have bought it, but Xiao Yang doesn't care about the things he uses. Kids grow so fast, he won't be able to wear them for long before they're too small, it's just a waste."
“What’s wasteful?” Song Xinwen said, “It’s that you don’t earn enough!”
Cai Yongde's eyes widened, hardly believing what he had just heard: "I don't even earn much. In our village, I'm one of the top earners!"
He has always been proud of his ability to make money.
“You know we’re in a village. Do you know how much Xinran earns in a day?” Song Xinwen said. “Why waste money on things that are worth buying? It’s not like we’re just throwing them away after never wearing them!”
"You don't need to pay, I'll buy it for Xiaoyang."
Cai Yongde blushed. He knew that Song Xinwen had been working for Song Xinran for half a month, and Song Xinran had even paid him wages.
When it came time to pay for the scarf and gloves, Cai Yongde rushed forward and paid the bill.
Song Xinwen ignored him, thinking to himself that people really do need to have their own money.
After she got home, she made a point of mentioning that she was paid for working for Xinran, and Cai Yongde no longer dared to boss her around like before.
Xinran's words flashed through her mind, but she didn't know what she could do. She was just a typical rural woman with no skills or education. She knew nothing but farming and all she had was her physical strength.
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