Chapter 150
Shi Xiaoyu was the first to agree: "That's right, we should all work hard, otherwise we won't deserve such a high salary."
Shen Wen didn't quite understand why Li Zifang and Shi Xiaoyu sounded so anxious, but she also said, "I think so too. Our treatment is so good, and we can get a separate house next year. We should really cherish it all. Working hard is what we should do."
Xia Qingtang remained silent because she was not as anxious as Li Zifang and Shi Xiaoyu, nor did she think that anyone would be kicked out of this office in the future.
Wang Qing was sent away by Chai Qiaoying because he was too lazy at work and didn't fit in with others. In addition, he deliberately sabotaged his immediate superior's plans and didn't have a good relationship with other colleagues. All these shortcomings combined were outrageous.
But other people work very hard, and everyone learns foreign languages in their spare time and strives to improve themselves.
Employees like this will never be fired even if their performance is not that outstanding.
After all, there are a lot of chores to be done in the factory office, and not all of them are high-end talents. Someone has to do those trivial chores, so Xia Qingtang doesn't think that the rest of them need to panic.
Sure enough, after a while, Cheng Shuangmin whispered, "Don't worry, everyone. You all work very hard, and the higher-ups have seen it. As long as you continue to work like this, nothing will go wrong."
But having said that, the expressions of Li Zifang and others were still very solemn. They were even reluctant to take a lunch break at noon. Everyone was desperately studying foreign languages in the office, fearing that they would be left behind.
Xia Qingtang went to the small conference room on the first floor to sleep for a while, and then returned to the office to review the vocabulary list.
Shi Xiaoyu had been reading the old English book carefully, and would ask Shen Wen from time to time when she encountered something she didn't understand.
When getting off work in the evening, Shi Xiaoyu took Xia Qingtang's arm and walked out slowly, with a rare look of depression on her face.
"What? Are you still worried?" Xia Qingtang said, "Didn't the deputy director say that? We will be fine."
Shi Xiaoyu said: "I'm not worried about this entirely. I feel that... the world is different now. In my previous company, I wouldn't have worried about these things. And I'm not just worried about not doing my job well. I'm also worried that if something else happens... I might get fired..."
"Like what?"
"For example, if someone gets sick or injured, my mom has an older sister who was in poor health and was hospitalized for a year or two. After that, she returned to the factory and continued to work. But in our factory, if someone gets this way, can they really stay?"
Xia Qingtang thought for a moment and said, "You can stay, but the factory rules actually state that if you are on long-term sick leave, you will not receive salary. After you come back, your original position may be replaced by someone else. I don't know which department you will be assigned to work in."
"Yeah, so it's different after all. I'm not worried about getting sick, I'm thinking that young women like us will have to give birth to children in the future. In the past, the female comrades in our unit could rest for many days after giving birth, but when it comes to the two of us... it's definitely not possible." Shi Xiaoyu said: "In fact, they are all small things, but whenever I think about it, I still feel it's a bit boring."
"There's nothing we can do about it. The world will definitely change. I heard that there are new foreign guests in the city, and they said that they will build another foreign factory next year. To develop the economy, the old factories may have to change in the future." Xia Qingtang didn't know how to comfort Shi Xiaoyu, and she couldn't say that the old factory would face large-scale layoffs in ten days. She could only say: "In fact, I think Director Chai is more sympathetic to female comrades. If you are really weak after giving birth, she will definitely find a way to take care of you."
"That's true... Director Chai is actually a good person. Just don't offend her. However, Wang Qing said that Director Chai has a good father. Is Director Chai's father some big shot?"
"I don't know about this and I haven't asked about it. However, whether Director Chai has a good father or not, it doesn't affect our work." Xia Qingtang said.
"Alas, I actually feel a little regretful today. If I had known earlier, I should have stayed in my original company. At first, I thought it was an honor to come to work here, but who knew that my future is uncertain now."
"How can your future be uncertain? The leaders have made it very clear that as long as you don't violate factory rules, anyone can keep their job. You work diligently and rarely make mistakes. You have a good and likable personality, so you can just work here peacefully."
Shi Xiaoyu smiled and said, "Actually, I know all this. Besides, our office has already kicked out Wang Qing, so it's unlikely that we'll kick out another person. I'm just a little depressed. I'll be fine after I go home and have a good sleep tonight."
Xia Qingtang smiled and said, "Yes, let's all go back and have a good sleep, and everything will be fine tomorrow."
Shi Xiaoyu has a relatively good personality. Even if she has some troubles, she can easily get over it.
After taking the bus back to Central Road, Xia Qingtang got off the bus and hurried to the cafeteria in the compound.
Starting this summer, the canteen in the compound also began selling iced soda and popsicles. Business is very good, especially the iced soda, which sells out very quickly.
Xia Qingtang bought two bottles of iced soda and a red bean popsicle, and ate them slowly while standing aside.
Coincidentally, Luo Xiangqian also ran over. His head was covered in sweat, and his cotton shirt was half soaked with sweat.
"Xiao Xia? You just got back from get off work too?" Luo Xiangqian asked for a bottle of iced soda, opened the cap and drank it in one gulp.
Xia Qingtang said: "Yes, I just got back from get off work. Where did you go? Why is it so hot?"
"I went out to do good deeds today and met Grandma Peng from our compound. She couldn't carry the food she bought, so I sent her home with the food. That's why it's so hot." Luo Xiangqian finished drinking the soda, returned the empty bottle, and said, "Will you buy some soda to drink with Jinxuan?"
"Yes, it's hot today, I plan to make some simple cold noodles and have a bite to eat in the evening."
"Cold noodles?" Luo Xiangqian asked, "Can I come over to eat?"
Xia Qingtang laughed: "Why? Your family doesn't even know how to make cold noodles?"
"No, I just want to try what you cook. I'm sure it tastes better." Luo Xiangqian said, "How about this, I'll pay for your soda and bring two bottles of ice beer?"
"Okay, then you go home and take a shower, change your clothes and then come over to eat. We'll have dinner in about half an hour." Xia Qingtang said, threw away the popsicle stick in his hand, and went back with two bottles of iced soda.
When she arrived at the small courtyard and opened the door, she heard voices inside through the screen door of the living room.
"Who's here?" Xia Qingtang opened the screen door and walked in. Only then did she find Leng Feng, who looked sad, sitting in the living room. "Oh, Comrade Leng, why did you get off work so early today?"
Leng Feng's work is much busier than Luo Xiangqian's. Sometimes he is so busy that he doesn't distinguish between day and night. It is normal for him to sleep for ten days at work.
Xia Qingtang was also a little surprised to see him appear here at this time.
But looking at his expression, you can tell that this person is probably very tired recently. The color under his eyes is dark blue, a beard has grown, and his brows are wrinkled enough to pinch a mosquito to death.
Xie Jinxuan took the two bottles of iced soda from her and said, "Leng Feng came to talk to me about work."
"Oh, you've come across another difficult case?" Xia Qingtang hung up his backpack and said casually, "Why don't you tell me about it? I'm quite inspired by these things. Maybe if I say a few words, I can provide you with clues."
Because the case was solved with the help of Xia Qingtang last time, Leng Feng did not hesitate this time and immediately gave a brief account of the difficult case.
Xia Qingtang held a glass of boiled water and drank it while listening. Sure enough, the impression came back to his mind.
This case was also reported in the newspapers that year, and it was indeed a difficult case. However, Xia Qingtang's memory played a certain role. She expressed the things she still remembered in a different way, and emphasized that this was only her own opinion.
After listening to this, Leng Feng began to think with his chin in his hand, and Xie Jinxuan gave him additional suggestions.
Xia Qingtang went to the kitchen and started preparing dinner.
The weather was too hot, and she didn't really feel like cooking any proper dishes. Recently, she either ate various porridges or cold noodles in the evenings.
Making cold noodles is very simple. If you have enough time, you can knead the dough yourself. If you don’t have enough time or want to save trouble, you can use dried noodles, which is more convenient.
Luo Xiangqian was coming over for dinner today, so Xia Qingtang looked at the amount of noodles and decided to knead the noodles himself.
Add water to the flour and knead it into a smooth dough. Then use a rolling pin to roll it into a thin large pancake. Sprinkle it with flour, fold it into several stacks, and cut it into thin noodles with a large kitchen knife.
When the water boils, throw the cut noodles in and cook them. Then take them out and rinse them with cold boiled water. Add a little sesame oil and mix them together and set aside.
Then cut the cucumber into shreds, cut the tomatoes into small pieces, mash some garlic and chop some green onions, prepare the sauce for the cold noodles, and dinner is ready.
Luo Xiangqian also ran over excitedly with two bottles of iced beer. Xie Jinxuan asked, "Why are you here too?"
"Also? Ah... why is Leng Feng here too?" Luo Xiangqian said, "I just ran into Xiao Xia in the cafeteria, and she told me I could come over to eat cold noodles in the evening. Why? Leng Feng is eating here too?"
Leng Feng then raised his head and said, "I'm not having dinner here. I'm going back to work now."
"Going back to work now? Aren't you off work?" Before Luo Xiangqian could finish his words, Leng Feng was already packing his things.
"I still have work to do." Leng Feng walked to the kitchen door with his bag on his back and said to the inside: "Comrade Xia, thank you for your reminder. I'll go back and take a look first."
"Okay, go back and take a look. It would be great if it can be used." Xia Qingtang waved at him with a smile. When he walked out, she shouted outside, "Go wash your hands. It's time to eat."
Xie Jinxuan moved a small table to the corridor, and the three of them had dinner there.
It was still early and the sky was still bright, but it was indeed a little cooler outside than inside, and the neighbors were also having dinner in the yard.
Luo Xiangqian picked up a large bowl of cold noodles for himself, mixed it with the sauce, took a big bite, and immediately showed a satisfied smile: "Xiao Xia, I told you, the cold noodles you make are better than ours."
Xia Qingtang said: "I learned this method from Yanni's mother. You will be in for a treat in the future."
"Really?" Luo Xiangqian chuckled, "But Yanni's cooking skills are really good. I couldn't get enough of the dishes she made last time."
"How are you two doing lately? Are you on good terms?"
"It's fine, but she's on summer vacation now, so it's not as convenient to meet as when she was in school."
Xia Qingtang said, "Because she can't find so many excuses to come out and meet you. If she's at school, you can just ride your bike over after work and see her."
"Yes, now that she's on vacation, she has to give a reason when she goes out. She's used you and Xiao Xie as excuses a few times, and then she mentioned some college classmates as excuses, and then... we'll see." Luo Xiangqian said: "But she's also studying hard during the vacation. I really admire her. How can she read every day during the vacation?"
Xia Qingtang said: "Xie Jinxuan reads every day. When I go to work in the morning, he stays in the study all day. Aunt Liu said that if he is not called over for lunch at noon, he sometimes even forgets to eat lunch. Maybe, people like them who are born to love learning are different from us."
"Jinxuan, you're on vacation, why are you still working so hard? What kind of book requires studying like this?" Luo Xiangqian didn't quite understand.
Xie Jinxuan said: "I mainly studied foreign languages this summer. In fact, many works in our major are written by foreign authors. Our teacher said that reading translated works always lacks something, so he suggested that we use the summer vacation to learn foreign languages well. After that, we can understand the original foreign works, which will be more helpful to our studies. As you know, our school has obtained the original foreign works now, so I want to learn foreign languages well and try to understand the original works as soon as possible."
Luo Xiangqian was stunned when he heard this. He said, "You are... just an extraordinary person... Before, when my grandfather talked about us younger generations, he also said that you might be the most promising one in our generation in the future. I think so too. With your attitude towards learning, no one can compare to you."
Xia Qingtang said: "You are not bad either. You said you wanted to get the Advanced Worker Award. I think you can definitely get it."
Luo Xiangqian laughed again: "Of course I have to get it, otherwise, I will lose face in front of Yanni."
He never stops talking about Hu Yanni, it seems that the relationship between the two is really sweet.
Luo Xiangqian took a mouthful of cold noodles and a sip of ice beer while talking about some interesting things that had happened in the compound recently.
"Have you heard? Old Wei's youngest son came back from the countryside and couldn't find a job. He worked as a temporary worker for a few days but didn't want to do it anymore. Now he's setting up a small stall over there to sell things, which makes Old Wei very angry."
"Why are you angry? Isn't it good to make money by yourself?" Xia Qingtang asked.
"Of course that's not good. Everyone thinks it's shameful to set up a small stall."
"I don't feel ashamed. As long as you don't cheat or deceive others and make money with your own ability, it's a good thing. Temporary workers earn so little, it's better to set up a small stall and earn a little more money."
"Yeah, young people think this is good, but the elders still can't get over it. In fact, he is not the only one doing small business. Those who make clothes and shoes for others in the yard are also doing small business, right? Why is this not shameful?"
"It's okay. In two years, when more people start small businesses, everything will be fine."
Luo Xiangqian smiled and said, "Two years from now? If he still can't find a decent job in two years, Lao Wei will probably ask his wife to retire early and give up her job."
"That's fine, as long as their family is happy. Opinions cannot be changed. Maybe some families just don't have that fate." Xia Qingtang said lightly.
The first batch of people who earned ten thousand yuan in China back then were all brave eccentrics. If they all just wanted to find a stable job, there would be no people who earned ten thousand yuan.
After dinner, Luo Xiangqian rushed to wash the dishes. Xie Jinxuan watered the vegetables in the yard, washed the mop and mopped the house, opened all the windows, saw Luo Xiangqian off, and went out for a walk with Xia Qingtang.
The days are long in summer and it gets dark late at night, so everyone will play outside for a while before going back to bed.
They went out from the back door of the compound and slowly walked towards the moat around the city.
Xie Jinxuan said: "I have received a reply to the article I submitted to the magazine. It has been accepted and will be published in the journal next month."
Xia Qingtang jumped up: "Really? That's great! You are amazing!"
"It's nothing special, it's just that the teacher taught me well." Xie Jinxuan said: "You are too busy this year and don't have time to write articles. Otherwise, you can continue to submit articles to the Workers' Newspaper."
Xia Qingtang said: "I'm not too busy, I'm just a little lazy. Studying with Teacher Xu really takes up my brain. I'm dizzy from memorizing all that stuff, so I just want to take some more time to rest."
"If you are really too tired, do you need to tell Teacher Xu and finish studying early?" Xie Jinxuan asked with concern.
He also knew that Xia Qingtang was learning this just for a little interest, which was far less than her passion for English, so she felt tired. In this case, there would be no loss if she didn't learn it.
Xia Qingtang thought for a while, then sighed and said, "Forget it. Since I've come this far, I might as well finish the course prepared by Teacher Xu. After that, I don't have to continue."
"I also saw Mr. Xu in the cafeteria today, but I didn't get to talk to him because he was really busy."
"Yes, he is so busy, but he is willing to teach me in his free time. Besides, he has put a lot of thought into the courses he prepared for me. How can I say that I don't want to learn anymore?" Xia Qingtang said, "I still have to finish the course. Besides, I can go there to change my mind. Although I am not very smart, it would be boring if I only worked in an electrical appliance factory."
"What's wrong? Did anything happen in the factory today?" Xie Jinxuan immediately heard something unusual from her tone.
"Wang Qing has been transferred to the warehouse as a custodian. Tomorrow, a new clerk will come to our office. Li Zifang and Shi Xiaoyu are both getting nervous, thinking they might also be transferred because of this."
"What is the origin of the new clerk?"
"I only know that he was the second runner-up in the last recruitment. I don't know anything else. I won't know until I go there tomorrow morning."
The two of them walked slowly to the riverside, and sure enough, they saw many people walking there, including many familiar faces.
Keep walking forward until you reach an area with dense trees, where you can see people setting up stalls under the trees.
Before, most of the people setting up these stalls were middle-aged or elderly people who came from the surrounding countryside to sell things, but as time went by, many young people have also started selling things here.
The things they sell are different. Some are selling second-hand radios, old books, damaged fabrics, and even some old pots and pans.
Second-hand radios are bought back from others, then taken apart and pieced together to form a radio that can be used normally.
The price of this kind of radio is naturally much cheaper than those sold in department stores, and no coupons are required, so many people used to ask about the price and check the quality.
There were also quite a few people gathering around the stall selling used books. Since the college entrance examination was resumed, more and more people have become interested in reading. Some people who have extra money are willing to buy one or two books for their children to read.
As for the stained cloth, it was even more popular. In those days, you could buy cloth without cloth coupons, which was simply pie in the sky. Many female comrades surrounded that place and it was impossible to squeeze in.
However, Xie Jinxuan also said that selling other things is not a big deal, at least the sources are normal, but it is hard to say about selling damaged fabrics. It is not something that ordinary people can do to get so much damaged fabrics.
Looking around, he saw that only the small stall selling pots, pans, and utensils had few visitors, so Xia Qingtang walked over to take a look.
These things are all very old junk, and I don’t know where they were dug out from. Even though they have been washed clean, they still don’t look very presentable.
Unless you are someone so poor that you don’t even have the money to buy bowls and basins, who would come here to buy?
But Xia Qingtang had learned from Xu Zhenhua, so as she looked at it, she could tell that there were a few even older porcelain bowls mixed in among the pile of junk.
She looked at the young man selling things and asked casually: "These bowls and plates look so old, where did you get them?"
The young man had thick eyebrows and a square face with bright eyes. When he saw someone asking, he said in a thick dialect, "My grandfather's old house collapsed in a heavy rain a while ago, so we demolished the old house and saw these bowls and plates in the corner. They were said to be brought by my grandmother as a dowry, and she was reluctant to use them. They look quite old, but look at them, there is not a single chip on the bowls and plates, they are all good things. Take these home and you can eat with them. Besides, I sold them at a low price, and I'm not making money blindly."
The price was indeed quite cheap, so Xia Qingtang picked out some and mixed the obviously second-hand bowls and plates with some ordinary ones, and then paid the money to the young man.
It just so happened that Grandma Li from the compound also came for a walk with her daughter-in-law. Seeing Xia Qingtang buying old bowls here, she also came over to take a look.
"This bowl looks too old." said Grandma Li's daughter-in-law.
Xia Qingtang said: "But it's cheap. The price is really cheap. Besides, the bowls and plates are all in good condition without any cracks. At such a cheap price, you can still use them to eat rice."
Grandma Li was also tempted when she heard this. She said, "Yes, it just so happens that several of our bowls have cracks. My family always says that we will replace the bowls with new ones during the Chinese New Year. I think... let's pick a few here today. Anyway, as long as the rice bowls are good, they can be used. It doesn't matter if they look old. We have used the bowls at home for more than ten years."
As she spoke, she squatted down and started to pick out bowls and plates.
The young man was quite happy. He said, "Yes, these are good dishes. None of them are broken. You can still use them for a long time if you take them back. They are better than those you buy in the store."
After hearing the prices, other old ladies passing by also thought it was cheap, so they came over and picked a few. In a short while, half of the bowls and plates were gone.
Xia Qingtang then picked up the bowls and plates he had chosen and handed them to Xie Jinxuan. He said goodbye and walked back with Xie Jinxuan.
After walking a long way out, Xie Jinxuan asked, "What? Are there antiques in here?"
"It looks like it to me, but I don't know if I'm sure. I think it looks like something from the Qing Dynasty. There are three of them. I'll take them to school on Sunday morning to show Teacher Xu and ask him to help me make a judgment." Xia Qingtang said, "But even if it's not, it doesn't matter. It's cheap anyway. I can keep them at home as a seasoning."
Xie Jinxuan said: "I knew that if you hadn't seen the antiques, you would definitely not buy these."
"Of course. The kitchen utensils at home were prepared by my mother. They are all high-quality porcelain. We are not short of dishes." Xia Qingtang said: "However, there are indeed more and more people selling things now. By next year, I think private individuals will be able to do bigger business."
Xie Jinxuan said: "Are you waiting for next year's opportunity?"
"Yes, we'll see how things turn out then. Now, let's finish our work at the electrical appliance factory. I'm still waiting for the factory to set up a new department."
The next morning, Xia Qingtang and others saw a new colleague, a male colleague who was also in his thirties. His experience was similar to Cheng Shuangmin and Shen Wen, but because his family conditions were better, he did not suffer so much and looked more cheerful and optimistic.
As soon as he arrived, he introduced himself: "Hello everyone, my name is Yao Sheng, Sheng means blooming. I lived in the countryside for many years and only returned to the city last year. I may not be able to keep up with your thinking in many aspects. I hope you can bear with me. I will also study hard and try my best to keep up with my colleagues."
Shi Xiaoyu turned around and whispered, "This person is really good at talking."
"Yes." Xia Qingtang nodded.
Cheng Shuangmin said, "Secretary Yao, let's learn from each other in the future. That empty seat will be your seat from now on. You can tidy it up as you like."
After Wang Qing left, Chai Qiaoying asked Cheng Shuangmin to move to Wang Qing's seat because he was the deputy director and could better supervise and manage everyone by sitting at the back, so now Yao Sheng had to sit in the first row.
However, he had no objection to this. He happily took out beautiful teacups and pen holders and decorated the table.
When Chai Qiaoying came, Yao Sheng was assigned to Cheng Shuangmin, and asked him to follow the deputy director and learn for a period of time. This was exactly the same as when Shen Wengang came.
Starting from this week, Shen Wen can already do translation work independently, but she is still a little stage frightened, so she needs Xia Qingtang to accompany her. However, Xia Qingtang herself hardly needs to speak anymore.
Those foreign technicians gave great encouragement to Shen Wen's changes, and Shen Wen was embarrassed by their praise.
Yao Sheng's performance was also highlighted in the first week. His cheerful and generous personality was very useful in work. He even dared to talk to technical staff with his lunch box during lunch time.
Shi Xiaoyu whispered, "This Secretary Yao is really amazing. How come he is not afraid of disturbing others?"
Xia Qingtang said: "In fact, those people really hope that someone will come over to talk to them. After all, there are too few people here who can talk to them normally. Now someone takes the initiative to talk to them and can communicate fluently. They are happier than anything else."
"Then Xiaoxia, why didn't you go and talk to them before?" Shi Xiaoyu was very curious.
"Because I'm a lesbian and they're men. Also, I look like this. If I go to chat with them every day at lunch, it won't be long before the whole factory is flooded with rumors about me." Xia Qingtang said, "Although I don't really care about these rumors, but... I'd better avoid trouble if I can."
Shi Xiaoyu was stunned for a moment. After a while, she said, "Then Secretary Yao will probably be given important positions in the future."
"I'm not sure. It depends on the decision from above. We can't control these things." Xia Qingtang said with a smile: "Are you worried that Secretary Shen will be outdone by him?"
Shen Wen was stunned: "Worried about me?"
"Yes, I am worried about Secretary Shen. Secretary Shen, you are so honest and a female comrade. I am really afraid that you will be outdone by Secretary Yao."
Xia Qingtang said: "Don't worry about that. Secretary Shen is a very capable person. Besides, she has never thought about moving up."
"Yeah, I never thought about moving up. I'm OK at work, but if I were asked to be a leader, I definitely wouldn't be able to do it." Shen Wen said, "But I really want to thank you, Master, for caring about me so much."
"Hey, we are friends, so it's only natural for me to care about you." Shi Xiaoyu continued, "By the way, have they come to see you since that time?"
Shen Wen shook his head: "No more."
After dinner, the three of them washed their lunch boxes and walked towards the office building together. Halfway there, they happened to meet Wang Qing who was holding a lunch box.
Although he had only been in the warehouse for a short time, Wang Qing had already changed a lot.
In the warehouse, workers were required to wear work clothes, so he couldn't dress up. In addition, he suddenly lost a lot of weight, and his face looked dark and yellow, and he was almost a different person from before.
When Wang Qing saw the three of them, he immediately rolled his eyes at them, spat at them, and quickly walked away.
"How childish." Xia Qingtang said, "Why bother? Fortunately, the three of us are good people. If it were someone who holds a grudge, he would probably find a way to punish him just for this small action."
Shi Xiaoyu was very curious: "How do we fix it?"
"I don't know about that. After all, I've never done it." Xia Qingtang chuckled and changed the subject. "By the way, our factory will start producing refrigerators this year. Do you want to buy one?"
"I did think so. Refrigerators are more useful than TVs. They are so convenient to use in the summer." Shi Xiaoyu said, "But refrigerators must be more expensive than TVs, right?"
"Yes, so I am also hesitating. The price is really too expensive, and there are often power outages in the summer." Xia Qingtang said.
They chatted about the refrigerator all the way, put their lunch boxes in the office, and then went to the small conference room with their little pillows to take a nap.
Although this week's work was not easy, the new colleague was very good at livening up the atmosphere in the office. Moreover, his family conditions seemed to be very good. He also brought candy and grapes to everyone, which made everyone feel much better.
After finishing a week's work, Xia Qingtang got on the bus to work and finally breathed a sigh of relief.
Yao Sheng also got in the car and sat next to Xia Qingtang.
"Secretary Xia, we live very close to each other. I also live on Central Road." Yao Sheng said.
"Yes, I noticed that you got off the bus earlier than me." Xia Qingtang said, "Do you live with your parents?"
"Yes, I live with my parents. I am the only son in the family, so my whole family lives with my parents. But next year the factory will be able to allocate houses, and then I can live in the factory with my wife and children."
"Does your spouse also work in the city?"
"Yes, she is working as a temporary worker now. It is so hard to find a job. There is nothing she can do." Yao Sheng said, "I heard that Secretary Xia was a part-time translator in our office before. After Secretary Shen came, you were the one who brought her along. But today, Director Chai said that starting next week, Secretary Shen will be the only one to do the translation work, and Secretary Xia will not have to do it anymore."
"Yes, what's wrong with this?" Xia Qingtang didn't quite understand what he wanted to say.
Yao Sheng said: "Oh, I just think that Secretary Xia was doing a good job, and suddenly someone else took over your job. Wouldn't you feel bad?"
"Ah, this, absolutely not. Because my English level is much worse than yours, I have no problem with daily oral communication, but when it comes to professional translation, I am definitely far behind, and I need to study for a few more years. Secretary Shen's English is very good, she is a professional, so the translation work should have been given to her. I just need to do the work I am responsible for, so I can relax a little bit." Xia Qingtang said with a smile: "I don't know how happy I am now, I won't be called out suddenly next week, just thinking about it makes me happy."
Yao Sheng looked at her expression and saw that she was really happy, so he smiled and said, "That's good. I was worried that you would be unhappy, Secretary Xia, and I wanted to comfort you. Now it seems that I thought too much."
Seeing that his eyes were quite open and didn't seem to have any ill intentions, Xia Qingtang said, "You are also concerned about your colleagues. Thank you anyway."
Afterwards, Yao Sheng asked some small questions about several technicians, and Xia Qingtang repeated what he knew.
It was not until she got home that Xia Qingtang realized that Yao Sheng was indeed quite capable, because she seldom talked about so many things with people she had just met. Although they were all about factory matters, it was still quite rare.
After listening to him, Xie Jinxuan said, "He must be someone who is naturally friendly and sociable. If he were placed in your factory, he would probably be promoted in the future."
"Then let's go up, it all depends on our ability anyway." Xia Qingtang let out a long sigh and said, "It's so hot today, let's just have some pumpkin porridge tonight."
"Only eating pumpkin porridge? Are you full?" Xie Jinxuan touched her head, "Don't you want to eat something else?"
"No, let's just eat something simple today. We're going to have a big meal at the provincial capital hotel tomorrow at noon, so we'll have an empty stomach today."
After waiting for so long, the whole family can finally get together at noon tomorrow and go to the Provincial Capital Hotel for dinner.
Xie Jinyun had been looking forward to this for so long, and finally her wish came true.
Xie Jinxuan said, "Then go take a shower first. I'll go cook some porridge. When you're done, come out and enjoy the cool air."
After taking a shower and changing into a light set of pajamas, Xia Qingtang sat in the corridor, fanning herself with a large palm-leaf fan to enjoy the cool air.
When the cool breeze started to blow and the pumpkin porridge was ready, the two of them slowly ate dinner in the corridor and continued to enjoy the cool air until after eight o'clock before returning to the bedroom to sleep.
The next morning, after breakfast, Xia Qingtang carefully carried the old bowls to the provincial capital university.
Coincidentally, when she rode her bike in in the morning, she ran into Gu Xing'an head-on. He was standing there alone, so he greeted Xia Qingtang.
Xia Qingtang stopped the car and said calmly, "Hello, it's been a long time since we last met."
Gu Xingan hesitated for a moment and asked in a low voice: "Xiao Hu...are you okay now?"
"Very well, she has very good grades, ranked in the top three, and she has joined a study group and is studying hard during the summer vacation." Xia Qingtang said: "Student Gu, why do you stay in school every vacation?"
Gu Xingan was stunned for a moment and said, "I have too many brothers and sisters at home and have no place to live. I live in school and it's more comfortable."
"What about your partner? Is he with you at school?"
"Yes, she goes out early and comes back late. She will come to study with me in the library soon."
Xia Qingtang nodded and prepared to continue riding, but Gu Xingan stopped her again: "Xia, wait a minute."
"Anything else?" Xia Qingtang didn't understand. She wasn't that familiar with him, so why did he have so much to talk about?
Gu Xingan hesitated for a moment, his facial expression changing from one moment to another. After a while, he said, "Xiao Hu... have you found a partner?"
"I don't know. Besides, this matter has nothing to do with you. Why do you care about it?" Xia Qingtang was a little unhappy.
Gu Xingan said quickly: "I don't mean anything else, I just think...she is a very good girl, very outstanding, I hope she can find a good partner, and I also hope she can live a happy life...I really am not meddling in other people's business..."
"You are just meddling in other people's business." Xia Qingtang frowned and said, "You have nothing to do with her. Whether she is happy or not is not a question for you to ask. What? Do you think you can feel at ease if she finds a partner?"
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