Listening to the praises from his fellow workers, Zhou Maoxue felt a great sense of satisfaction in his heart.
He never thought that he would celebrate his birthday in such a strange way.
On his usual birthday, a group of people would gather together, drinking, reciting poetry and having fun in a pretentious manner.
Now, it is indeed a group of unsophisticated workers who come together to share the best things with him...
He could feel more than just that, he could also feel the envious gazes of the three candidates who came with him.
A group of workers squinted their eyes, savoring the sweetness of the cake.
Su Tian sucked his fingers twice seriously, looked at Zhou Maoxue and said, "We've all eaten, why don't you say something? You're educated, and everyone likes to listen to you."
Everyone's eyes turned.
Zhou Maoxue wanted to say something polite, but just as he was about to open his mouth, he was suddenly stunned.
What to say?
He was about to leave, but these people were still eagerly waiting for his lecture.
If he said it out loud, how would he face his fellow workers?
"Say something, say something!" Seeing that Zhou Maoxue hadn't spoken a word, his fellow workers started to make a noise.
Zhou Maoxue felt like there was something stuck in his throat and his lips moved a few times.
Finally, he said in a hoarse voice: "I'm sorry everyone... I'm leaving tomorrow and going back to take the imperial examination."
As soon as the words came out, the room fell into silence.
Zhou Maoxue lowered his head, feeling ashamed to face everyone.
Until Su Tian spoke up: "Our Zhou brother is an educated man with great abilities. He will take the imperial examination in the future. He can't be like us, working hard in a factory. Let's all be happy on his birthday. It's a good thing that he's gone."
Zhou Maoxue raised his head suddenly, feeling ashamed and angry: "It's not like that..."
Su Tian patted his shoulder and said nonchalantly: "Oh, just go if you want to. It's nothing. It's an honor for everyone to know someone like you."
"If I had your ability, I wouldn't stay in the factory."
"The sooner you leave, the less worries you'll have. Don't be like me, just sitting there in the factory with no future. The same few people hang around me all day, and they'll keep talking about me for the rest of my life..."
The workers began to comfort one after another.
Zhou Maoxue forced a smile.
Su Tian began to mutter: "Oh, studying is good. Aren't we working in the factory so that our descendants can go to college? My son will go to Dongjiao University, and after he finishes his studies, he can earn money to support my grandson to take the imperial examination. Then my life will be complete."
Zhou Maoxue was surprised and asked, "Why would you take the imperial examination if you've passed the entrance exam to Dongjiao University?"
Su Tian laughed: "What you said is true! The imperial examination is the right way! Who would go to Dongjiao University when they can take the imperial examination? Being an official is so glorious, Dongjiao University is just a way to make money."
Zhou Maoxue's eyes flashed with confusion: "This...Is going to Dongjiao University for the purpose of taking the imperial examination?"
"What else?" Su Tian looked at him with strange eyes. "Don't we ordinary people think so? After being admitted to Dongjiao University and making money, we can take the imperial examination. Otherwise, how many families can afford to support a scholar? Think about it? We can't even afford to buy pens, ink, paper and inkstone. Dongjiao University is much cheaper!"
What!
Su Tian's light words made Zhou Maoxue feel like he was struck by lightning.
Is Dongjiao University a springboard for imperial examinations and official career?
Not only do the two not conflict with each other, but they complement each other?
Then what have I become!
If the incident had really become a big deal among the people, wouldn't it not only fail to win a good reputation, but also make me a public enemy of the people...
If that happens, I won't even be able to go home, right?
Zhou Maoxue felt a wave of fear in his heart, but also a sense of relief.
There is no more regret in my heart.
Fortunately, it didn't work out. If something had happened, he would have been finished...
"Brother, why are you stunned again? Tell us what you are going to do when you go back."
"Oh, okay..."
.......
The next day, morning.
Zhou Maoxue and three other people appeared at the factory gate carrying their luggage.
The boss was very easy to talk to. He paid me for the number of days I worked.
Even before I was about to leave the factory, he came out to see me off.
Coming with him were Su Tian and several of his roommates.
Zhou Maoxue clasped his fists solemnly, looked up at the big words on the factory building, and smiled.
Although life in the factory was a little difficult at first, the pure and warm human touch was truly a rare experience.
Today is the time to be reborn!
"Everyone! Thank you for your care over the past few days. We will say goodbye today and we will meet again if we are lucky enough!"
After the polite words, Zhou Maoxue and others got on the carriage and slowly left.
The fat boss had a warm smile on his face, but the moment the carriage disappeared from his sight, the corners of his mouth drooped.
"Fuck! He's finally gone!"
There are still a few workers in Sutian who are reluctant to leave....How come they left in just a few days? It's really...
"Alas..." Su Tian sighed.
The fat boss frowned and said, "What are you sighing about?! Do you still want to keep him for another month?"
"No, no, I don't dare, Boss."
"I'll give you a hundred guts!"
The fat boss snorted coldly, turned around and headed towards the field, opened his voice and shouted with full force: "Listen to me, everyone!"
"From today until the end of the month, you have to work overtime until midnight every day and start work at 6:30 in the morning! Take a 15-minute lunch break at noon! The canteen meals will return to their original prices. All holidays this month will be cancelled. Everyone must work overtime to make up for the workload you owe. Any team that does not meet the standards will have their salary cut in half this month!"
"Next month, working hours will return to normal."
"Also, send two people right now to tear down that broken lounge for me! Take the old books inside to Houchang Village and sell them!"
A wailing sound immediately rang out in the factory.
After just two days of good eating, I am going back to my original state?
"Why is this happening? We were having a good time these past few days. Please keep it up. I still have the energy to work!"
"That's right! Aren't you treating us like animals?"
"You are squeezing! Exploiting! A sweatshop!"
The fat boss was furious: "Shut up! What are you yelling about?"
"The four of you were sent down by the higher-ups to deal with the inspection! If you didn't perform well, they would shut down my factory. Who do you think you are? You are lost, right?"
"You've been acting for a few days, and you've gotten into the role, right? If you have the guts and don't want to obey me, then bring back the people from above to investigate. If you don't have that guts, then shut your fucking mouth!"
"I'm telling you, there's never a shortage of workers in the factory. If you want to work, work. If you don't want to work, pack up and get out as soon as possible!"
“Work!”
......
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
