Chapter 169

Xu Wang nodded repeatedly, "Yes! It's sanitary napkins. Eh? You know that too?"

Xu Wen nodded. He not only knew it, but also used it frequently in the past.

This can be traced back to a previous life.

She has always followed the local customs. Before she got married, she used a menstrual belt made of wood ash with Zhu Meizhen and her family.

Xu Wen didn’t know how women in other places in the 1970s solved the problem of menstruation, but in Wei Zhuang everyone used menstrual belts.

A cylindrical red cotton strip filled with clean wood ash.

Change to another one when it is completely wet.

In fact, these should be the ancestors of sanitary napkins or diapers.

Xu Wen couldn't accept it at first. As the saying goes, it is difficult to go from extravagance to frugality.

She is a post-modern person who is used to using high-end sanitary napkins. It takes a lot of courage for her to suddenly return to her primitive state and not resist.

Just resisting is useless.

Poverty is the original sin.

You have to hide your knowledge, and you have to digest your business knowledge alone.

She is not a great person and does not have the courage to fight against the times.

Anyway, she can't do business to make money and then be caught, paraded through the streets and sentenced.

Since we can't do it, we can only accept the status quo.

If she can even accept menstrual belts, then she can certainly accept something as trivial as wiping her butt with a stick.

Until after marriage.

At the beginning of their marriage, Xu Wen was considered a full-time mother and was supported by Lu Yuanzheng.

The money he gave was enough that Xu Wen could afford to buy luxurious toilet paper for daily use.

The toilet paper supplied by the commune is a bit like the raw pulp fabric paper sold in the post-modern era, that is, the brown paper. But the softness is much worse.

It is just a little softer than the exercise books she used in school. If you look closely, you can still find small pieces of wheat straw on it. It is indeed very authentic.

Even so, this was already a particularly extravagant usage in the entire commune.

I use several rolls of toilet paper during one period, and each time I have to tear off a large ball and then fold it into a long diamond shape.

On Rainbow Island, living conditions are on a higher level. If she goes to Pengcheng, she will go to look for some foreign brands of toilet paper.

It's not that I'm fawning on foreigners, it's just that their paper is soft.

Now Xiao Xiachu also uses this to wipe her butt.

Xu Wang sighed repeatedly, "You said we are all born from the same mother, why do you think you are smarter than the rest of us?!"

Sang Xiaoqing frowned and objected: "That must be very expensive, right? Will anyone buy it? Anyway, I know that if the supply and marketing cooperatives now stock white toilet paper, they can't sell more than a few rolls in a year."

Xu Wen automatically ignored Xu Wang's sigh that made her feel guilty, and replied to Sang Xiaoqing: "Someone will buy it! You see, the government is encouraging people to have fewer children. The banners on the streets all say that a couple should only have one child. If this comes true, and the family only has this one precious baby, why would they be reluctant to buy diapers?"

Relevant policies were proposed last year, and family planning policies should be implemented next year.

"Anyway, you have always had your own ideas. If you say it's okay, then it must be okay!" Sang Xiaoqing did not object too much, "Then do you have enough money to open a factory? Your brother and I still have some."

Xu Wang also hurriedly said: "I have one too!"

Xu Wen shook his head, "Thank you for your kindness, sisters! But, let me tell you something you may not like to hear. Your family assets are just a drop in the bucket for opening a factory. It's not even enough to fill the gaps between our teeth. I want to apply for a loan!"

Sang Xiaoqing quickly covered Xu Wen's mouth, "Keep your voice down! If our father hears you, you won't have a good New Year!"

The Xu family is also here, and they are not lazy and idle. A big part of the reason is because of the loan.

At that time, Grandpa Xu Wen fell seriously ill and even if he spent all his family savings it was still not enough.

But he couldn't just watch someone die, so Xu Qiushi took out a loan. Although he thought the interest rate was a bit high, at least he could survive.

As a result, the old man could not be saved and was left with a mountain of high-interest loan debts.

Because of this, the Xu family is now extremely poor and would rather have eight or nine members of the family squeezed into one kang than take out a loan.

Only lend money to individuals.

Xu Wen took her hand away and resumed his freedom of speech: "It's not that exaggerated! I know my father has been cheated before. But the money I want to borrow is from the public, so I won't be cheated. However, before the matter is settled, please don't tell Dad. I will talk to you after I get the matter done."

Xu Wang and Xiao Qing were no longer the Wuxia Amon of the past, and nodded happily.

After chatting for a few more words, Xu Wang went home with Xie Dechun to have the New Year's Eve dinner.

The Xu family soon started feasting.

There were eight people at the table, big and small, and it was still very lively.

Zhu Meizhen sighed: "Without Xiao Zheng, it's still a little lonely."

Xu Wen rolled his eyes. "Mom, I'm not saying anything bad about you. I'm your biological son! Are you being too nice to Lu Yuanzheng?"

Xu Wen curled the corner of her lips and smiled slightly, not letting the Xu family see her disappointment.

This seems to be the first time that the two of them have spent the New Year apart since they met.

I had already prepared myself mentally for the separation, so since Xu Wen went north alone, he has been able to adapt well.

After the first four days, I didn't feel as eager to travel as I did the first time we separated.

As a result, the more time goes by, the more unbearable it becomes.

Thousands of houses are lit up, and everyone is reunited, except for him.

Now when Zhu Meizhen mentioned the long journey, Xu Wen felt a little sad.

I don’t know if he left Rainbow Island.

I don’t know how long I will drift on the sea, and whether it will be smooth and safe? !

With Xu Wen interrupting, Zhu Meizhen no longer mentioned the long expedition.

Mainly because she didn’t have time to mention it.

At this time of year in previous years, every family would reunite in their own homes, and the Xu family was no exception.

This year is different.

This neighbor brought a bowl of chicken, and that neighbor brought a plate of meat.

In the time it takes to eat a meal, all the dishes that the family originally cooked were replaced.

Zhu Meizhen cried out that it was a huge loss.

However, human relations are all about give and take, whether you lose something or gain something, it’s all about the thought.

Xu Wen had never thought that at the age of twenty-something, he would be able to have a meal at a "hundred-family meal".

Xu Qiushi's appetite had also declined. He put down his chopsticks and asked Xu Wen, "Everyone knows that we are going south on the sixth day of the New Year. There will definitely be all kinds of people coming to our house in the next few days. Are you sure you don't want to bring anyone with you?"

Xu Wen shook his head, "Of course I have to bring them. But I only want to bring smart and capable people. I definitely don't want to bring those who are sneaky and cunning."

Xu Qiushi opened his mouth and closed it again, and finally said, "Sometimes it's not just your information that counts!"

Xu Wen wondered, if she didn't get to choose the workers, who else could have the final say?

I wanted to ask again, but Xu Qiushi didn't plan to say anything more.

Xu Wen found the answer to this question on New Year's Day in 1981.

In Wei Zhuang Commune, there is a custom called "Chuan Xi" during the New Year.

This means that in addition to the normal visiting of relatives and friends to wish a happy new year, some people, such as childhood friends and sworn brothers, will spontaneously organize banquets.

Today it’s Zhang’s family, tomorrow it’s Li Si’s family, the people are still the same, just the food changes.

This custom is mostly performed by men, and girls rarely participate, probably because they will no longer see it after getting married.

In previous years, Zhu Meizhen only needed to entertain Xu Wen and his gang of young men who grew up together with her naked buttocks.

On the afternoon of the first day of the new year, an uninvited guest suddenly came to our house.

The Xu family knew the leader, Wang Dajun, the captain of their production team.

The remaining two look a little unfamiliar.

The only thing that is unfamiliar is Xu Wen.

It is obvious that Zhu Meizhen and Xu Qiushi knew each other.

Xu Qiushi hurried forward.

Xu Wen asked Sang Xiaoqing in confusion, "Who are these two? Why are our parents so enthusiastic?"

Sang Xiaoqing looked at her strangely, as if Xu Wen had made a big mistake not knowing them.

"One is the captain of our production team, and the other is the captain of Wangjie's production team." Sang Xiaoqing answered and added quietly, "When Xu Wen and I got married, our captain was the person in charge of my mother's family."

In fact, when Xu Wang got married, Xie Dechun's team leader was his father-in-law, and the captain of Taoyuan Brigade was the most important guest in the wedding.

In other words, Xu Wen should have met them all.

Xu Wen blinked and said, "I was young at that time, I don't remember it!"

Sang Xiaoqing accepted this explanation. It was normal that Xu Wen was very quiet, unsociable, and didn't know anyone before marriage.

"Strange! How did this person get to our house?" Sang Xiaoqing couldn't think of a reason why they came.

Xu Wen quickly guessed the man's intention: "To persuade our dad to collect the broken ones."

"Ah?" Sang Xiaoqing blinked, not understanding.

Xu Wen didn't say much.

When guests came, Zhu Meizhen had to prepare the dishes, and Xu Wen had to take care of Xiao Xiachu by himself.

It was too cold outside, so Xu Wen ignored Xiao Xiachu's objections and forcibly carried her into the inner room despite her babbling protests and put her on the kang.

Although Xiao Xiachu is only six or seven months old, he is also a smart boy. He knows that his mother is not easy to talk to, so if he says he will not leave, he really will not leave.

He groaned twice more, and seeing that resistance was hopeless, he lay obediently on the kang and chewed his toes.

Xu Wen pricked up his ears to listen to the noise outside.

After the drinks, the production team leader of Taoyuan Brigade spoke first: "Old Xu! We grew up together, so I won't hide anything from you. It's a good thing that you take the young people out to broaden their horizons and make some money. On behalf of all the old people in the production team, I thank you!"

As Wang Dajun spoke, he actually stood up and bowed to Xu Qiushi.

Xu Qiushi didn't dare to take it, and quickly stood up and said, "Old brother, aren't you trying to shorten my life?"

Wang Dajun waved his hands and said, "You are doing a great thing. Don't be afraid."

Xu Qiushi knew that he had no choice but to oppose this battle, so he followed Xu Wen's instructions and pushed the blame onto her: "My son-in-law and my daughter worked hard to learn this skill. If I had this skill, I would have run away long ago. How could I still be digging for food in the fields?!"

Wang Dajun hesitated for a moment and exchanged glances with the captains of the other two production teams.

Others may not know, but Wang Dajun knows that Xu Qiushi is telling the truth.

Xu Qiushi is undoubtedly a good man, but it is also a fact that good people often do not have any great abilities.

So this matter was probably arranged by Xu Wen, or rather, the man Xu Wen.

Thinking of this, he was a little speechless.

When it was Xu Wang's father-in-law's turn, Xie Guochang spoke up: "My dear, we are not outsiders. You know I am a straightforward person and I can't keep secrets. Regardless of whether this was your idea or Wenwen's, we can't do it this way, right? We always say that we want to achieve common prosperity! We should share the joys and sorrows! You can't just pick out the hardworking and capable people in the production team. Only the old, weak, sick and disabled are left. What will the rest of our team members eat and drink?"

The leader of Sang Xiaoqing's production team was the one most distant from Xu Qiushi. He was too embarrassed to speak and only nodded in agreement, saying "Yes, yes!"

Seeing Xie Guochang speak, Wang Dajun could only play a supporting role: "Lao Xu, I know what you are worried about! Who doesn't have a troublemaker in the production team? That's why you have to take them out. Let those green hands know that there are always people better than you, and then they will calm down, right?"

They talked one after another, not giving Xu Qiushi a chance to object.

He was very anxious, but could not say anything to refute, and subconsciously looked towards the inner room.

Xu Wen handed Xiao Xiachu to Sang Xiaoqing, opened the door and came out, smiling and greeting them: "Uncles, please don't make things difficult for my father! You all know that he is honest. It was me who wanted to bring people to the island, and it was also me who decided who to use and who not to use!

I understand what the uncles mean. To put it bluntly, we all mean the same thing. I want to lead the hardworking and efficient people in the production team to leave, and you want them to stay. You have your reasons, and I have mine. After all, each has his own reasons. How about we vote in accordance with the principle of openness and fairness?

Let's see whether the diligent ones are willing to follow me or the scoundrels are willing to follow me!"

There is no doubt that the rogues are only a minority. Compared with farming, everyone would rather follow Xu Wen to make money.

If they vote, they lose.

All the captains shook their heads in unison, and none of them agreed to vote.

There was no talk for a while, and the atmosphere became increasingly tense. The captain became angry and threatened Xu Wen: "Then don't bring any of them! Otherwise, I won't write you a letter of introduction."

Xu Wen pursed his lips, a hint of displeasure flashing in his eyes.

Traveling is still not very free these days. To go out, you need necessary identification and a letter of introduction issued by the brigade.

You need to take the train and stay in a hotel.

Xu Wen was indeed angry for a moment, but then he smiled and said, "Since you uncles are so sincere, there is no need for us to talk anymore. You can go ahead and do it. Anyway, our family's household registration can be moved at any time. If it really doesn't work, I can ask my husband's unit to send an official letter to ask for the person.

The whole country is embracing military power, so I'm sure you guys are not so ignorant of this."

The captain showed all his cards, but Xu Wen didn't buy it. He was at a loss for a moment.

Besides, there was no room for compromise at this point. They were too embarrassed to eat at the Xu family's restaurant anymore and could only leave in disappointment.

Xie Guochang said angrily: "I don't know how the Xu family raised their daughters! Each one is more arrogant than the other! They don't respect the elderly or the young at all!"

Wang Dajun glanced at him coldly, "It was you who married her back then, Liu Ping!"

Xie Guochang: "..."

After being speechless for a moment, he glared at Wang Dajun and said, "Which side are you from? The people in your production team are the best at signing up! If she takes all the young people away, how are you going to complete your production task next year?"

Commander Wang Dajun sighed and said, "Let's talk about next year's affairs next year! Anyway, they came back with enough money for food this time! The key point is that they didn't even receive any food. This way, our team can still use some food to help the poor. I have a much better job than you do!"

Besides, I watched Xu Wen grow up, and she is soft-hearted. I think you shouldn't threaten her so early!"

"Don't be so fussy!" Xie Guochang was also very angry. "Why didn't you do it earlier? Besides, didn't you just nod your head in agreement?"

"You two both said that you would not give them a letter of introduction. Since we came together, can I still stay out of it?"

The captain of Sang Xiaoqing's brigade was the most helpless one. He said with a bitter face: "Two old brothers, we have been defeated now. What do you think we should do?"

"I haven't lost yet!" Xie Guochang groaned twice, "After all, I am a relative of the Xu family. I will go back and persuade my daughter-in-law to make some arrangements!"

Wang Dajun pointed at the leader of Sang Xiaoqing's family's production team and said, "In my opinion, it would be better for him to persuade the Sang family instead of you persuading your daughter-in-law. Xu Wang and Xu Wen are sisters and wear the same pants. But Sang Xiaoqing is Xu Wen's sister-in-law. If she asks, Xu Wen will definitely give her face."

"What about you?"

Wang Dajun shrugged, "I don't have to do anything."

Although Xu Wen said he would move his household registration, Xu Qiushi and Zhu Meizhen would not leave.

The older people all believe in returning to their roots.

Young people are like chicks that have just learned to fly, flapping their little wings and flying out.

But the old swallows prefer to fly home.

As I said before, Xu Wen is not a conscienceless person. She will not leave a production team consisting of the old, weak and sick.

Besides, every production team has to go out with her to make money. He doesn’t believe that Xu Wen can employ so many people!