Chapter 107
As soon as the cloth was unfolded, Yu Huifang exclaimed in surprise, "Ouch!" and lowered her voice to ask, "Where did you buy this? This cloth is so beautiful."
Jiang Xinfeng also came over to look at it, her eyes narrowed to a smile as she said, "This piece of cloth looks great. Did you buy it from the department store?"
The old lady thought it was beautiful, but she was not jealous. She had new material for making clothes at the bottom of the box, and she hadn't made any yet. Moreover, since her granddaughter started coming back from business trips, she had been given a lot of good things. She just thought the pattern was beautiful.
Zhou Jiani said, "The Second Textile Factory used the technology learned from Hai City to make this product. The task order hasn't been sent to the department store yet..."
I hadn't mentioned Xin Guangrong to my family before, but now that I've given them a rough outline, Zhou Wanli is surprised and says, "Wow, my daughter is really capable and can even get involved in this field."
Zhou Wanli couldn't help wanting to laugh, but he was afraid of being too conspicuous, so he quickly stopped laughing and said in a low voice, "Good fellow, you've taken over both the first and second spinning mills."
Seeing that the twins hadn't returned from playing at a neighbor's house yet, Zhou Jiani muttered speechlessly, "Dad, let's not talk about the Second Spinning Mill for now. Just here at our mill, I've been putting so much time into this thread and only managed to get two bolts of defective cloth. Is that what you call a success? Your expectations are too low."
Zhou Wanli rubbed his hands together and grinned, "Not bad, not bad. Your father has worked in the factory for so many years, and I still can't get rid of two whole rolls of defective cloth in one go. I have to wait patiently for the factory to issue internal coupons."
Yu Huifang took a ruler and measured the cloth, saying, "Make two coats..."
She meant to give her and her daughter one each, but Zhou Jiani quickly stopped her and said, "Mom, tear off the size you need and give me the other half. I don't make jackets, I have other uses for them."
My family understood immediately.
Zhou Jiani is a leader now, in charge of the factory's business. She will probably have to deal with a lot of personal relationships in the future, so she needs some useful "stepping stone" in her hand.
Yu Huifang tore off a piece according to her daughter's size, folded the rest neatly and put it in her daughter's bag.
Zhou Jiani chatted with her parents for a while and asked about the production situation of the Second Spinning Mill. The popularity of military green cotton cloth has not yet passed, and the factory still mainly produces this kind of cloth. Other cloths are also produced, but they all have fixed destinations, and the warehouse cannot store any more goods.
Zhou Jiani also lamented that at this time, the efficiency of such large factories was really excellent and they had no worries about sales. Now the buyers were begging for help.
That's why her father tried hard to suppress his laughter so that he wouldn't laugh too loudly. Comrade Zhou was so excited when he saw his daughter's ability.
The next morning, Zhou Jiani went out again. Instead of riding a bicycle, she took a bus to the nearby Yitian District, said goodbye to her family, stayed in Yitian for one night, and would come back the next day.
I’m familiar with all the supply and marketing cooperatives in Qiyang, so I have to change the map to purchase goods.
When she left Qi Yang, the village also received the goods.
As soon as the three pieces of cloth were brought back to the village, not only did it cause a sensation in the Qianjin Brigade, but even on the way back from the town, people passing by hurried back to ask them where they bought so much cloth.
Zhang Baosheng, who came to receive the goods, also followed. He was wearing a military coat and said proudly, "Our factory's sales come from the provincial capital's textile factory."
"Are you selling this cloth? Do you need a ticket? Can you give me a piece?"
Zhang Baosheng: "Ahem, this cloth..."
Qiu Zeming, who was standing nearby, took over and said with a smile, "No tickets are needed, but our Qianjin Brigade doesn't have enough for ourselves, so we have to share some with the people from other brigades working in our area."
The man felt regretful and envious. Although he failed to buy the cloth, the news that the people from the Qianjin Brigade had obtained a lot of defective cloth from the provincial capital spread throughout the town. Many people even rode their bikes to the Qianjin Brigade to see if they could try their luck.
When we got there, we found the whole team was as lively as during the Spring Festival.
Who didn't need cloth these days? But buying cloth required not only money but also coupons. The number of cloth coupons allocated to each family each year was limited, and since every family had many people, the amount was simply not enough to go around.
This year, most people have a small income. Although this income is not enough to buy lavishly, seeing the orders coming in one after another from the factory is another kind of hope. These defective cloths that do not require tickets and are still cheap are crowded and ready to be snatched up.
But three pieces of cloth were not enough to share.
Zhou Jiani reminded Qiu Zeming on the phone that factory workers and those who worked the hardest in the greenhouse would have priority to buy the clothes. The quantity was limited and each person could only buy one set of clothing sizes. People who came to work from other teams or the neighboring commune were also eligible.
The craftsmen who came to work from Anyong Brigade, Niucun Brigade and other places felt warm in their hearts.
Originally thought that theirs was not included, but now that the rules have been announced, those who did not bring money will rush to find Li Jingdang to buy on credit. The money will be deducted from their salary at the end of the month, and they will use the money to quickly buy their share.
Next, outstanding members and educated youth were selected from the remaining families, and each family could only buy enough to fit one piece of clothing.
Since the establishment of the reward system for outstanding members, the village has given everyone a score. Even if you don't work, you won't be deducted points as long as you don't deliberately cause trouble. But there are some people who can't sit still.
For example, Zhang Kaishan’s eldest brother’s family and his mother’s side don’t even have the qualifications to enjoy it.
Zhang Kaishan also investigated clearly and found out that it was the eldest daughter-in-law who instigated Kaishan's mother to go to their house and make a scene, so he just put on his captain's attitude and refused to let them buy the house, and would not sell it to them even if they had the money.
The mountain-building mother was furious and grumbled, "You've made so much trouble, and I thought you were just giving money to the people. There are all these rules and regulations for spending money, but I don't care. Whoever wants it can have it."
Having said that, he kept looking back every few steps.
She liked the corduroy fabric and if she could get a piece, she would make a new set of clothes for her eldest grandson during the Chinese New Year.
But she was not allowed to buy it.
These three pieces of cloth were not enough to be distributed among the advancing team, but the excitement did not subside until all the cloth was distributed.
Although those who want it have to pay for it, it is ultimately a recognition of them by the village, and other villages do not have such resources.
Many people who came after hearing the news only saw broken threads scattered on the ox cart.
Those who come to learn greenhouse technology are also very jealous, but there is no share for them. There are not enough for our village. We can't teach them the technology and let them enjoy the resources at the same time, right?
When they all went back and talked about it, everyone was jealous.
However, the next day, many people from other teams came to inquire, wanting to buy some cloth from those who bought cloth from the Qianjin Team.
Zhang Bao was afraid that everyone would lose control and compete to get a higher price, which would cause other troubles. So he simply issued an order: whoever resold the resources would be disqualified if they had such resources again.
There are also those who feel helpless. For example, Pancun Brigade and Xiaojincun Brigade have provided the materials, but the number of recruitment quotas has not increased. The craftsmen in their brigades who think they have the most chance of being selected are feeling frustrated and want to quit making goods for their own village.
I thought to myself, how great was it that they had given me this opportunity in the first place? If I hadn't grabbed it and hadn't had evil intentions, at least one of them would have been able to work in the weaving factory and now be able to enjoy their resources.
The craftsmen in Pingyu Brigade were also very bored and scolded Zhu Kaiye at home for being short-sighted.
As a result, cadres from several brigades came to the Qianjin Brigade, all with sad faces, saying nice things for free, and asking Zhang Baosheng when the factory would be able to recruit workers again.
Zhang Baosheng straightened his back and said calmly, "Once the orders are stable and the factory's foundation is solid, don't worry, we'll give priority to your team members when recruiting."
After sending these people away, Zhang Baosheng looked at the account book beside Liu Tong and said, "You must keep a good record."
Liu Tong was checking and nodded, saying, "Don't worry, I'll give the account when Xiao Zhou comes back."
The money was paid in advance by Zhou Jiani, so she has to give it back to the other party after collecting it.
Although Zhang Baosheng gave up his qualifications and did not earn any money as a village member, he felt proud and happy even if he just helped out with the work. Comrade Xiao Zhou helped him earn enough face.
Liu Tong laughed and said, "Comrade Xiao Zhou's ability is really a bit of a waste of talent here."
Zhang Baosheng also agreed that with Comrade Xiao Zhou's current brilliant achievements, she might be transferred by her superiors without waiting for two years.
Although they are reluctant to let him go, they feel that if Comrade Xiao Zhou can have better development and leave their team, it will be their honor.
Just as I was sighing, the phone rang. It was the city department store urging me to place an order and adding more orders. This order not only required weaving baskets, but also sending out circles.
After hanging up the phone, Zhang Baosheng turned to Liu Tong and asked, "Is this hairband selling so well?"
Liu Tongdao: "It's been selling well, but the profit is low. It's not worth it to ship it separately. I rely on Xiao Zhou to carry the goods. Don't ship it separately, bring it with you when you deliver the basket."
He added, "Comrade Xiao Zhou lamented the other day, saying that if these small things were sold widely, it would be a good idea, but we can't import raw materials freely, so mass production can't be increased."
Zhang Baosheng nodded. He also knew that he could not bite off more than he could chew. Now he had a weaving factory and a plastic greenhouse. Just based on this year's performance, the village could not match it in the past ten years.
"Okay then. Who's responsible for this? I'll call someone over to take charge."
Liu Tong: "Zhao Mei, Xiao Zhou has always been under Zhao Mei's care."
Zhang Baosheng: "Zhao Mei will be back soon. Let's not mess up the posting situation. Let's wait for them to come back and make arrangements."
I got up and went to the weaving factory to report the new order.
The weaving factory was having a lively discussion about buying cloth. They were busy with their hands and chatting. When they saw Zhang Baosheng come in, the smiles on their faces couldn't fade. When they heard that the city had added another order, they were even happier.
It’s good to add more orders, so that we can pay off the factory’s debts earlier and the team can distribute money to the members earlier.
Of course, their salaries are not delayed and are paid monthly, but who would complain that the salary is too little?
This winter, there are more new brides in the village than in previous years. In the past half month, four families have married. One family even came to the factory and ordered a set of storage baskets based on those sold at the Friendship Store. They brought their unmarried daughter-in-law to see it. The girl nodded with a blushing face, and the love in her eyes was not concealed at all.
Of course, the family was well-off. They had four sons, one of whom joined the army and one worked as a worker in the city, and they both paid money home every month.
I was willing to spend a few dozen yuan to buy a set of woven goods from the Friendship Store, but I asked the team for a photo of the Friendship Store products, had one developed at the commune, and put it in a frame at home.
One of the sisters-in-law asked Zhang Baosheng, laughing, "Captain, when will Section Chief Zhou be back? All those who are getting married are waiting to invite her over for a drink."
Zhang Baosheng laughed heartily: "It won't even delay a meal."
Everyone laughed.
On the other side, Zhou Jiani found a guesthouse in Yitian to stay in. She rubbed her numb face and took a while to wash herself with warm water. She didn't dare to use too hot water at once, just water that was a little warm.
She was not planning to go out for dinner, so she just picked up a lunch box from the shelf in the warehouse. When she opened it, she realized it contained shredded pork with fish flavor.
She took out another can of eight-treasure porridge, put it in the empty pot, poured hot water from the outside to warm it up, and began to eat. After she finished eating, the porridge was also heated up. She drank another can of sweet and sticky eight-treasure porridge, rubbed her stomach and walked back and forth in the house to digest the food.
After working for a while, I took out the tickets I collected today and started to count them. I took out the tickets that were about to expire and those that could only be used here. I would go out tomorrow to purchase these first.
I took out the stamps I bought today, and then took out the box specifically for stamps, put them together with the previous ones according to categories, and put them in the warehouse.
I took out the sorghum stalk curtains from the shelf again. This time there were not only round ones, but also octagonal ones. I took a few more photos and put them back.
After finishing my work, I curled up in bed and started shopping for the things I had accumulated recently.
Cover curtains, enamel pots, enamel basins, enamel spittoons, and now enamel trays are also available.
During this period, I found various excuses to get goods from the factory, such as Yuanbao baskets, lace baskets, and bevel baskets. The quantity of each type was small. Some people collected eight, some eleven or twelve. Anyway, I sold as many as I could.
The others are ordinary baskets, kang brooms, floor brooms, big brooms, small handkerchiefs, and rubber-soled cloth shoes.
However, this batch of rubber-soled cloth shoes could not be sold at a high price. Zhou Jiani set the price at 7.9 per pair and collected a total of 27 pairs of cloth shoes from various supply and marketing cooperatives. They were sold out in less than three minutes after they were put on the shelves.
It still sells quite well.
In addition to these, Zhou Jiani also bought a batch of old-fashioned compasses and made a small batch of pencils and ballpoint pens.
That day, she also bought dictionaries of that time from various bookstores, mainly as a nostalgic collection model, and sent them to the group, firmly establishing her image as the leader of the nostalgic retro group.
In order to save money on red envelopes, she put all the woven products, including the brooms at hand, into a shelf link, and then classified them in the big link.
The same goes for enamel products, which are classified into one category and then have a small link.
Others that cannot be put together can only be left alone.
Now there are two large groups, and they move very fast after the group starts.
After posting the group order, I took out the boneless chicken feet that I had bought last time but hadn’t finished eating, and ate them while watching other people’s group orders.
I want a box of hot and sour noodles in a barrel.
Tonkotsu ramen... I didn't finish the instant noodles I bought last time, and there aren't many left, so I'd like a box.
Spicy duck food, give me a box.
The second group passed on some crackers, two flavors, chocolate and coconut milk, one box of each.
Seeing someone in the group selling kombucha strains, she remembered it being quite popular in the 1980s, and she even raised some for a while. As for the various health benefits later touted, they were exaggerated, but she did remember that the tea she made was quite delicious: sour and sweet, with a hint of bubbles, and a very good taste.
After looking at the information, Zhou Jiani bought a package of three or more and started making it when she got home.
She was shopping in the group, and the background was scrolling rapidly to increase her income.
Snail noodles...I decided not to choose this one.
Finally, she bought a few more sets of underwear and cotton socks. When she didn't find what she wanted, she walked out, took out her desk lamp and small table, and started reading and studying.
The next morning, we visited all the places we hadn't visited, and took a bus back to Qi Yang in the afternoon.
After getting off the bus, they went to the hospital. They had confirmed that they would complete the discharge procedures tomorrow morning, but no one was sure when they would be completed. Zhou Jiani suggested, "Then buy a ticket for tomorrow evening after 10 o'clock. Tomorrow afternoon, let's go shopping in the department store. It's not cold inside, and Brother Zhang's body can handle it."
It would be a pity if you don't go shopping here.
Zhao Mei responded without hesitation. She was also thinking about it and wanted to go and buy some things for her daughter. Her sister-in-law was helping to take care of the children at home, so she also had to buy some small gifts for her nephew from her mother's family.
Jiani helped her sell all the hair bands she made in the past two days, and Zhao Mei sold the remaining ones to caregivers and nurses in several nearby wards.
At first she couldn't open her mouth and stammered, but later she became more fluent, because all the cloth she brought was gone.
As for the hospital expenses, since I have already received an advance from the factory, I will pay it back slowly. It is enough to buy some small gifts.
Zhang Kaishan also agreed.
He recovered well after the surgery. Although he hasn't fully recovered, when he walked in the hospital corridor these two days, he obviously felt more energetic than before he was hospitalized.
Not only could Zhao Mei see that his complexion and lip color were better than before, he could also see the difference in his complexion when he looked in the mirror in the bathroom.
She used to look sick, but now, although she is a little weak, she looks much better than before. When I heard that we were going to the department store, I was full of anticipation.
Zhao Mei said, "Okay, Jiani, just take care of the arrangements."
Zhou Jiani ran to the station again to buy the ticket, and went straight home from the station. It was dark when she entered the house.
Now she has gotten used to going back and forth home, and her family is no longer as upset as they were at the beginning when they heard that she was leaving. They just remind her to be careful of thieves in the car, not to sleep too deeply at night, and to call her later to let them know she is safe.
The next morning, after completing the discharge procedures, Zhou Jiani took Zhao Mei and her husband to the First Department Store. Zhang Kaishan walked slowly, so the two of them just kept up with his pace.
Anyway, I have the whole afternoon and there is no rush, so I can just take my time shopping.
Zhao Mei's visit broadened her horizons, and with her husband's surgery going smoothly, she felt relieved. She looked much brighter and was not as hesitant to speak as when she first came.
She stood in front of the counter, surveying the clothes hanging there. She turned and whispered to Zhou Jiani, "Look at those clothes up there. At first glance, they're similar to the ones made in the village. But if you look closely at the shoulders, waist, cuffs, collars, and other places, they're different from our own. I'll make a note of this. If you have clothes you'd like made later, I'll make them based on this design. I think they look better than the ones I usually wear."
Zhou Jiani's eyes lit up and she said, "Then take a good look at it. I'll try to draw a pattern myself later, and you can help me make a coat."
Zhao Mei said, "Okay!" and reiterated solemnly, "Jia Ni, don't bother asking me for hard work fees. Let your sister-in-law do something for you."
Zhou Jiani smiled and said, "Okay, I won't be polite with you this time, but in the future, if I need something to repay a favor, you can help me make it, and we'll settle it as we please."
Zhao Mei laughed.
Zhao Mei bought a pencil case for Huihui and her nephew, along with some pastries. She'd get a schoolbag for her nephew when she got home. Her sister-in-law thought Huihui's bag looked nice, so she got some dark cloth to make one for her nephew.
Zhou Jiani also unexpectedly ran into Section Chief Wang.
They had met when she came to deliver the goods that day. Section Chief Wang also knew that she was accompanying a fellow villager to seek medical treatment. When he saw the two people next to her, he guessed who was who. He found a corner and asked someone to bring a stool for Zhang Kaishan to sit and rest.
The three of them stayed here until the evening before leaving and went to eat something near the station.
The two of them also took a photo together and showed it to their daughter when it was developed and mailed back. They felt it would be a shame not to take a photo since they had come all the way here.
They got on the train at around ten o'clock in the evening. Zhou Jiani took out a teacup and made a cup of strong tea so that Zhao Mei and Zhang Kaishan could sleep soundly. She browsed her phone and read books until around three o'clock in the morning. Zhao Mei woke up and did not sleep anymore. Zhou Jiani took a nap and when she woke up, they were almost at the station.
After getting off the bus, she first called the village, and then she and Zhao Mei took Zhang Kaishan to get on the bus. When they arrived in the town, Qiu Zeming was already waiting there.
If it were just her and Zhao Mei, they wouldn't have asked anyone to pick them up because they would have to consider Zhang Kaishan's situation.
This is not a warm department store or hospital. The weather outside is so cold that a person can be frozen to death. If a patient walks back and catches a cold, it will be no small matter.
The car was covered with a thick straw felt and a tattered mattress. No one knew who he borrowed it from. After Zhang Kaishan got into the car, Zhao Mei covered him tightly and wrapped a scarf around him, keeping him covered tightly.
"Comrade Xiao Qiu, thank you for your hard work." Zhang Kaishan expressed his gratitude.
"Brother Zhang, don't be so polite. You look much better than before. Go back and take good care of yourself. Don't rush into work or anything. It's better to get your body back in shape."
Zhao Mei had told him a long time ago that although Jiani would help him get a job in the factory, he shouldn't rush into it. When spring comes and it gets warmer, he'll have to work on the spring plowing, and the factory can't stop either. There will be opportunities for him to make money.
Those first words were promises, but more of them were also comfort.
Zhao Mei said, "Xiao Qiu, Xiao Zhou, you two really helped a lot when Kaishan was sick this time. Come to my house for dinner on Friday night. No one should be polite to my sister-in-law. I will also treat the captain and the others, as well as Yu Wanxia. In short, everyone who helped this time should come to my house to have fun."
Worried that they might disagree, he smiled and said, "It's been a long time since our family has been lively. Now that I feel relieved, let's have some fun and liven up our family."
As a result, Qiu Zeming and the others felt embarrassed to refuse, so they readily agreed and said, "Okay, let's celebrate the success of Brother Zhang's surgery and get together."
Today is Tuesday, and they have a dinner party on Friday, so she needs to set aside time to prepare.
When they arrived at the village entrance, Zhang Baosheng and others were waiting there. When they saw Zhang Kaishan for the first time, they almost sighed in their hearts that this was worthy of being a hospital in the provincial capital.
In the past, they were all used to seeing Zhang Kaishan's sickly face. Although he looked thin and weak now, his complexion had changed a lot compared to before he went to the provincial capital.
Zhang Baosheng nodded and said sternly, "Go back and rest well. Our village is getting better and better, and the lives of every household will surely get better and better. Don't feel any psychological burden. Take care of yourself and you will be worthy of Zhao Mei's efforts."
"Don't worry, Captain. Zhao Mei has analyzed everything with me. I will definitely take good care of her!"
As soon as Zhang Kaishan opened his mouth to speak, Zhang Baosheng nodded again, and so did Liu Tong. They could immediately hear that Zhang Kaishan was speaking with full energy.
Zhao Mei's sister-in-law Ye Ping was also waiting outside, feeling relieved for her sister-in-law.
After sending Zhang Kaishan home and settling him down, Qiu Zeming said to Zhou Jiani on the way home with a smile: "You're back just in time. Take a day off tomorrow and we'll go to the farm the day after tomorrow."
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