Chapter 180
"Grandma, Aunt Du, Dad, Mom, Jiaping, Jiaan——"
Zhou Jiani called out to the people who were squeezed off the train as if she was calling out their names, quickly stepped forward to support the grandmother, and took a handbag hanging from Du Yunxin's hand.
Yu Huifang hadn't seen her daughter for a long time. When she saw her suddenly, she found that her daughter was not only thinner and darker, but also had two light red spots on her face, which looked like they were caused by the cold wind.
"Why have you lost so much weight?"
How come after being promoted to a county cadre, his job is not as easy as being a salesperson in the brigade?
Seeing the changes in her daughter, Yu Huifang has already listed the recipes for the past few days in her mind, vowing to nourish her daughter well.
Du Yunxin was startled and said distressedly, "It's not easy to take on such a heavy burden, right?"
She knew that Zhou Jiani had accepted the task of building a large factory as soon as she took office. Although she didn't have to do it herself, it was not easy to bear this responsibility.
Thinking of Comrade Jing Dang and the comrades from the construction company who had been 'tortured' beyond recognition on the construction site, Zhou Jiani felt too embarrassed to complain. She smiled and said, "It's not bad. After all, this is a project that the higher-ups are paying attention to and supporting. There aren't any particularly difficult obstacles to overcome..."
To put it bluntly, there must be no obstructions. Otherwise, if this material is blocked and then that material is blocked, it will be hard to say when the project can be started.
It was a bit hard and tiring for her to run in the wind and snow, but compared with the people who faced numerous difficulties and worked in harsh environments on the construction site, her hardship and fatigue were nothing.
Du Yunxin nodded. Indeed, the weaving factory in the Qianjin Brigade was a small factory that exploded with great energy. Who would have thought that they could go abroad and shine so brightly?
With achievements growing more impressive year by year, the superiors would have to be blind to hinder progress. Everyone knows that if they can add fuel to the fire during their tenure, it will surely burn brighter. Wouldn't that make a significant mark on their resume?
Therefore, not only will they support it, but they will also strongly support it, especially the county’s own cadres. If they don’t strongly support things that have already produced political achievements, then they must be crazy.
The weaving industry has a bright future. It can not only generate income for the county, but also solve the problem of a large number of unemployed young people and drive other industrial economies. It is a win-win situation.
When Zhou Wanli saw his daughter's appearance, he felt both distressed and proud.
Jiaping and Jiaan have grown a little taller, and their tender little faces have a little adult-like look. They have begun to understand the rules in their words and actions, and know how to help get things and not run around.
They were first arranged to stay at the county party committee guesthouse, where three rooms were booked. Everyone put down their luggage, but the food they brought had to be taken to Zhou Jiani's dormitory.
Speaking of food... When Zhou Jiani heard that her parents were planning to bring rations with them, she had to work hard to convince them to give up the idea.
But I couldn't stop her mother from bringing in cooked food: fried fish, fried meat, fried radish balls, pork skin jelly, etc.
If Zhou Jiani hadn't stopped them on the phone, they would have brought a few more cabbages.
Du Yunxin didn't bring any rations or anything else except the luggage. She had traveled a long distance, and the burden of carrying the gifts for visiting the Zhou family and her own luggage was already very heavy, so she only brought an imported cashmere sweater and a pair of women's leather shoes for Zhou Jiani. She didn't bring any rations or anything else, but she brought a large roll of banknotes.
Originally, Zhou Jiani hadn't thought of asking them to bring food. As a wealthy woman, she felt guilty about having her family come to spend the New Year with her and have to carry food rations. But it was good enough that they stopped them to this extent.
So, everyone put their luggage away, Zhou Wanli carried a woven bag, and the group went to the dormitory area in the cold wind.
She had already informed the security guard, and Zhou Jiani even took a pack of unopened cigarettes from her father's pocket and handed it to the security guard, asking him to identify her family and not stop them when they came in and out in the next two days.
In fact, Zhou Jiani was just overthinking it. Everyone knew that Zhou Jiani was in charge of the recruitment plan after the beginning of the year. The security guard's family also had idle children or relatives. Although the unit had a clear rule that no connections could be used through the back door, even if he didn't rush to find Zhou Jiani to use connections, he would definitely not offend Team Leader Zhou.
But he was happy to get a pack of cigarettes, and said with a smile: "Team Leader Zhou, are your family members here to spend the New Year with you?"
Zhou Jiani did not hide her happiness at the love her parents and family had for her. She smiled as brightly as a flower and said, "Yes, come and spend the New Year with me."
The security guards all sighed that Team Leader Zhou was young and promising, and anyone would love a daughter like him so much.
On this side, Zhou Jiani had already opened the door with the key and lifted the cotton curtain to let grandma and others in.
Jiaan exclaimed, "It's so warm in the room!" and couldn't wait to tear off the scarf around her neck.
Zhou Jiani added charcoal just before she left, and she didn't seal the stove completely. At this moment, there was a whirring sound coming from the chimney, and the charcoal in the stove was already burning red without any trace of black. It was burning at its peak, so how could the room not be warm?
Zhou Jiani looked at the stove, added some charcoal, and turned to pour tea.
They also brought out a few bottles of soda. Jiaping and Jiaan wanted to drink some, but Zhou Jiani said, "Wait until you're completely warm."
The two boys hurriedly said, "I know."
Zhou Jiani made them some black tea and asked Du Yunxin, "Auntie Du, how many days of leave did you take?"
Du Yunxin really wanted to stay here for a few more days, but she had some social engagements at home that she couldn't get away from. She smiled apologetically and said, "I'll stay tomorrow and leave the day after tomorrow morning..."
I have already bought the tickets in advance.
Zhou Jiani said regretfully, "I was hoping you could play for a few more days."
Although she felt sorry for it, she also knew that for a family like the Qiu family, social gatherings during the New Year were no small matter. However, she suggested going to the Qianjin Brigade to play for a day tomorrow, and Captain Zhang and the others were particularly looking forward to everyone going.
Zhou Jiani said, "Auntie Du, go check out the plastic greenhouse that Zeming and everyone else built. They've expanded it this year by adding another greenhouse..."
But it is not adjacent to the previous ones. It was rebuilt in a different location.
Du Yunxin felt that it was a meaningful arrangement to visit the place where her son had worked hard.
Zhou Jiani said embarrassedly again: "Ze Ming will call the Qianjin Brigade tomorrow, so it will be convenient for us to answer the call."
Du Yunxin smiled and felt slightly relieved.
She liked her future daughter-in-law very much. She ran from the capital to Qiyang during the Chinese New Year, and then from Qiyang to Bin County. It was because she was afraid that Jiani and her family would have objections if the young couple were separated for such a long time.
Jiani is beautiful, well-behaved, and an excellent person. She is still worried that her iron tree will finally bloom again, but will be dumped by the little girl again.
Now seeing that Zhou Jiani looked a little shy, which meant that she was still thinking about the iron tree at home, she finally breathed a sigh of relief.
Zhou Jiani said, "You guys take a rest at home. If you're tired, go lie down on the kang. I have to go to the construction site."
She stayed because she thought the construction site only had one day off to meet the deadline, so she must go there during these few days to express her condolences.
Jiang Xinfeng waved her hand. "Your Aunt Du got me a sleeper ticket. I slept well on the train last night. I'm not tired at all. Just go about your business."
Zhou Wanli was quite interested in the responsibility his daughter had taken over, and said quickly, "I'll go with you to take a look."
Yu Huifang and her friends did not plan to go and stayed at home to prepare lunch and the New Year’s Eve dinner.
Zhou Jiani bought two sets of comic books for Jiaping and Jiaan. Now that she was almost warm, she took out the apples and pears that had been washed long ago from the cupboard, and also took out a net bag of oranges, not to mention fried peanuts, fried melon seeds, milk candies, fruit candies, and a bunch of unpackaged small biscuits. She hoped that the two little guys would stay in the house for a while, otherwise they would run out in an unfamiliar place and make their family worry.
Zhou Jiani then warned her family, "Grandma, Auntie Du, Mom, a while ago, many neighbors came to see me because of the job recruitment. I even stayed in a guesthouse for a few days. If neighbors come to talk to you, it's okay, but if they want to give you something, don't accept it..."
Although we have given these reminders at the meeting, we are still worried that some people will go against the grain and commit crimes, so we still need to give them the necessary reminders.
Jiang Xinfeng was pleased that someone had given her eldest granddaughter a gift, and nodded seriously, "Don't worry about that. We definitely won't make any decisions for you."
Du Yunxin understood even better, and she was better at dealing with this kind of thing than the Zhou family.
Zhou Jiani also reminded the twins: "Jiaping and Jiaan, you can play inside the house. If you feel bored, you can play outside the door. But you can't leave the bungalow, let alone leave the community, understand..."
"I understand, sis."
The two of them have comic books and are guarding so many delicious foods. Only a fool would go out and freeze.
Zhou Jiani gave the cabinet key to her mother, and rode a bicycle with her father, with her sitting at the back giving directions, to the construction site.
Thanks to everyone's efforts, Binxian Craft Factory has taken shape.
It's New Year's Eve, and the construction site is still bustling with activity.
Zhou Wanli felt excited when he saw this and was sincerely proud of his daughter.
He thought that if Jiani had not ignited the thread of the weaving industry, there would be no Binxian Weaving Factory today.
Of course, the workers who overcame numerous difficulties and carried out construction in the cold winter were also great.
Zhou Jiani saw Wang Qichuan and Li Jingdang, who were squatting on the ground writing and drawing, discussing something. She hurriedly asked Zhou Wanli to stop the car, get out and say hello.
Wang Qichuan said with a smile, "Why is Team Leader Zhou here?" Then he looked at Zhou Wanli, "Who is..."
Zhou Jiani: "My dad!"
Li Jingdang came over in surprise, shook hands and said hello: "Hello, Uncle Zhou."
Zhou Jiani hurriedly introduced them: "This is Comrade Li Jingdang, the former factory director of the Qianjin Brigade, and this is Comrade Wang Qichuan from the Construction Company..."
Zhou Wanli hurriedly shook hands with them and said with a smile, "Hello, Comrade Li, hello, Comrade Wang. You are still leading us in construction in such cold weather. It is really admirable."
"Comrade Zhou, you're welcome. This is what we should do." Wang Qichuan looked at Zhou Jiani. "The project here is going smoothly. We'll have an early holiday this afternoon, leaving only a few people on duty tonight. We'll celebrate the Spring Festival tomorrow, and work will resume the day after tomorrow. You don't have to run around here all the time. Take a good rest at home."
Li Jingdang: "Yes, Jiani, you should focus on spending time with your family these two days and don't worry about this."
Although Zhou Jiani did not participate in the construction, she was also busy running around. When she was not dealing with materials, she would often come over and take a look, which gave great encouragement to the comrades who were engaged in the construction.
Zhou Jiani: "Who's on duty tonight?"
Wang Qichuan: "Fan Dali, Tian Shanglang, and Comrade Li Jingdang. I'll come over to keep an eye on them tomorrow, and they can go back and rest..."
It is really hard to be on duty on New Year’s Eve.
Zhou Jiani thought that her family had made dumplings in the evening, so she sent some over.
After a few pleasantries, Zhou Jiani originally wanted to ask Li Jingdang if he wanted to go back to the Qianjin Brigade with her tomorrow, but then she thought that after so many days of hard work, Comrade Jingdang would need a rest. Finally, Li Jingdang took the initiative and said, "I'm going back to Xihe Commune tomorrow. Do you have anything to bring back..."
Zhou Jiani told him about taking her family back to the Qianjin Brigade for a day of fun the next day. Li Jingdang said, "Then let's meet at the intersection of Jianshe Road and Heping Road at 9:30 tomorrow morning."
There are only two buses tomorrow.
After taking Zhou Wanli for a walk, Zhou Jiani also greeted the colleagues who were working and wished them a happy new year in advance. She returned to the dormitory area with her father before noon.
Zhou Jiani didn't know that after the father and son left, their two mothers started a "treasure hunt" mode at home.
I went to the kitchen first to see what Zhou Jiani had bought. If there was anything missing, it would still be in time to go out and buy it. As a result, I saw that the kitchen was full of things.
Chinese cabbage, two bundles of green onions, dried black fungus, dried mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms, air-dried chicken, air-dried meat, fresh fish, dried kelp, as well as rice noodles, vermicelli, sweet potatoes, various fresh vegetables, rice, flour, cornmeal...
Du Yunxin couldn't help but laugh in surprise, "Oh, Jiani prepared so many things?"
There were more in the cupboard. On the top shelf was a large porcelain bowl filled with pork meatballs, with a large plate on top. Next to it were fresh pork belly, ribs, a cleaned chicken, and eggs.
On the lower level was an enamel basin with a lid, filled with solidified lard, and several bottles of soybean oil, with various condiments placed next to it.
The two mothers felt that there were simply too many things to explore.
Du Yunxin laughed: "This kid, how long did it take him to save up money and tickets to buy so many things?"
Yu Huifang also laughed. No wonder she kept stopping him on the phone from bringing food here, saying that she was guarding such a big Xihe Commune, so why couldn't she buy some food from any of the villagers?
A whole family coming together to celebrate the New Year will not make her poor, and after the New Year she won’t have to tighten her belt to make it until next month’s paycheck.
Yu Huifang: "I'm going to soak some vermicelli and black fungus. For lunch today, I'm going to add pork belly, vermicelli and some cabbage. I'm not going to fry the fried fish and meat again. I'm going to add some minced garlic and vinegar and steam them. The sour taste is really appetizing."
"Stir-fry some vegetables and stew some meatballs..."
That pork skin jelly can be used as a ready-made cold dish.
So when Zhou Jiani and her daughter entered the house wrapped in the cold wind, the smell of food was already wafting through the air.
The family had a lively lunch at noon and started preparing for the New Year’s Eve dinner in the afternoon.
Zhou Jiani suggested making more dumplings and sending them to Li Jingdang and the others on duty, and received support from her family.
She mixed three kinds of seasonings: leek meat filling, shepherd's purse meat filling, and cabbage meat filling. The whole family started to make them very quickly.
Jiaping and Jiaan had been well behaved for most of the day, but they could no longer sit still. Zhou Jiani gave them a string of small firecrackers, and they set them off in the open space in front of the door.
Outside, sporadic sounds of firecrackers could be heard from far and near. It was not until this moment that Zhou Jiani felt the strong atmosphere of the New Year.
As soon as the dumplings came out of the pot, they were put directly into a clean bowl. Du Yunxin also made some hot and sour soup, filled three aluminum lunch boxes, and put a few heads of garlic in the net bag.
Zhou Wanli rode the bike, Zhou Jiani sat on the back and carried him to the construction site.
Unlike the bustling scene when I arrived in the morning, the construction site was closed for the holiday and there were only three people on duty at the huge site.
The three of them were discussing making dumplings for dinner in the duty shed when they heard someone calling them outside.
Li Jingdang lifted the thick curtain and came out, and saw Zhou Jiani.
"Come and continue..." She was holding a basin and had to fix the curtain covering it, so it was not easy for her to get out of the car.
Li Jingdang quickly stepped forward to take it and said in surprise: "This is..."
Zhou Jiani came down and said with a smile, "I brought you some dumplings that I made at home, but they've gotten cold on the way here, so you can heat them up before eating."
He took the net bag hanging on the handlebars and said, "I made some hot and sour soup. I'll pour it for you when we get home."
The other two comrades also came out, deeply moved. Fan Dali said, "Thank you, Team Leader Zhou, thank you, Comrade Zhou. It's so cold, so far away, and you still think of us."
Zhou Jiani smiled: "It's the New Year, so you guys are tired on duty."
The father and daughter exchanged a few pleasantries, wished each other a happy new year, and then hurriedly rode back on their bikes.
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