Chapter 105 Refusing a Job at the Machine Factory
Factory Director Zhou's smile faded slightly, and his brows furrowed, clearly indicating that he hadn't considered this point beforehand.
He pondered for a moment, his gaze sweeping across the workshop before returning to Xu Zhili's face, and quickly made a decision.
“That is a practical problem. However, the factory has employee dormitories. Although they are collective dormitories, we can make a special exception for you to have a smaller room so that your younger brother can stay with you.”
He paused, then added a more crucial arrangement: "As for his schooling, the factory has a partnership with a nearby primary school for children of factory workers. The factory will coordinate and resolve issues such as his household registration and school enrollment to ensure he has access to education."
How about this?
"I'm sorry, I'm really sorry, Director Zhou, Director Zhang, I'm afraid I can't accept this job."
"Am I missing something about your salary and benefits? Here's what we'll do: someone as talented as you will get 120 yuan a month, plus lots of holiday bonuses."
Xu Zhili's heart skipped a beat when she heard the tempting "120 yuan" and generous benefits.
This is almost two to three times the salary of an ordinary worker.
With this money, her and her brother's lives would be much better, and they could even help their mother and grandparents living in the cowshed.
The surrounding workers fell silent instantly, followed by a chorus of suppressed gasps and whispers:
"120 yuan? My goodness..."
"Wow, this girl's salary is much higher than ours, almost several times the average salary!"
"Absolutely! It's so enviable. If I had her skills, I'd be laughing in my sleep!"
"Wake up! It's broad daylight, not even dark yet, and you're still dreaming."
"Hey, do you guys think this girl... is she really that amazing? Is she really worth that much money?"
"Shh...don't gossip, it was decided by the factory director and the chief engineer."
This job is like a golden key, capable of tempting people, allowing them to escape the status of educated youth sent to the countryside, and leave behind the hardships of rural life. Many people dream of having such an opportunity.
However, she kept seeing her mother in the cowshed, looking haggard yet trying to hold on, and her grandparents' old and helpless eyes.
She felt a heavy responsibility on her shoulders, as if she were bound by warm chains.
She couldn't go too far from Xiangyang Brigade. Her mother needed her to visit from time to time and secretly give her some money. Moreover, her status as an "educated youth" was a kind of "guarantee" for her mother.
What worries her even more is her younger brother, Zhi'an—he is only six years old. If she goes to work in the county town, who will take care of him?
Should we leave him alone at the educated youth settlement or entrust him to someone we don't know?
She dared not think about it.
The inner struggle was like boiling water, but in the end, the heavy longing overcame all temptations.
She raised her head, her eyes clear yet filled with unwavering determination.
"I'm sorry, Director Zhou, Director Zhang. I'm really grateful for this job, but... I can't accept it."
"Why?"
Director Zhang was so anxious he almost stomped his feet, and his voice rose involuntarily, “Comrade Xiao Xu! This is a golden opportunity! So many people would kill for it. With a job, you can go back to the city, get rid of your status as an educated youth, and not suffer in the countryside. What a great opportunity! Why don’t you cherish it?”
"Old Zhang!"
Factory Director Zhou interrupted sharply, his face instantly darkening. He scanned the surroundings with sharp eyes and reprimanded in a low voice.
"Watch your words. What do you mean by 'returning to the city'? What do you mean by 'escaping the countryside'? Labor is the most glorious thing. Sending educated youth to the countryside to receive re-education from poor and lower-middle peasants was a great strategic deployment. What do you mean by this? Where has your stance gone?"
Director Zhang was taken aback, cold sweat broke out on his brow, and his face turned deathly pale.
The words he blurted out in his haste were incredibly sensitive and dangerous at that moment! He hurriedly looked around, thankfully only a few trusted workers and Xu Zhili and her brother were nearby.
He waved his hands repeatedly, his voice trembling with lingering fear: "Yes, yes, yes! Director Zhou's criticism is right, I... my loose tongue! I wasn't clear-headed enough, I misspoke, I should be punished!"
He subconsciously wiped the sweat from his forehead, still feeling lingering fear.
Xu Zhili saw all of this and understood.
She understood Director Zhang's regret, and was even more aware of the complexity of the situation.
She took a deep breath, her tone becoming more sincere, with a hint of barely perceptible helplessness.
"Director Zhou, Director Zhang, I understand your good intentions. I refuse this job because, as an educated youth from Xiangyang Brigade, I am responding to the call to go to the countryside, and the brigade also needs manpower."
"on the other hand……"
She paused, her gaze sweeping over her younger brother Xu Zhian, who was clinging tightly to her, her voice low yet clear.
“You may not know, but I have some special circumstances at home, and I have my concerns and difficulties. I must stay in Xiangyang Brigade; it is my responsibility.”
Factory Director Zhou and Director Zhang exchanged a glance, both seeing deep regret and a hint of understanding in each other's eyes.
They could vaguely guess what was going on with Xu Zhili's situation.
It's a real pity that such a promising talent is hampered by real-world difficulties.
"well……"
Factory Director Zhou sighed heavily, his tone softening with the concern of an elder, "Young Xu, I don't know what you're worried about, you have your difficulties... We understand. It's a pity you have such talent."
Director Zhang also came to his senses and shook his head regretfully: "Yes, it's such a pity."
Xu Zhili didn't want the atmosphere to be too heavy, and she didn't want to disappoint the two leaders, so she cheered herself up and took the initiative to propose a compromise.
"Director Zhou, Director Zhang, thank you very much for your recognition and support. Although I can't work at the factory full-time, if the factory encounters any difficult mechanical problems, as long as Xiangyang Brigade is available, I will do my best to come and help."
Factory Director Zhou's eyes lit up, and he slapped his thigh: "Hey! That's a great idea, Comrade Xu. We can hire you as our factory's 'special technical consultant'! No need to work regular hours, and the consultant fee will be settled on a per-visit basis or based on the problems solved."
"This way, it won't interfere with your work at the brigade, and if the factory really encounters problems they can't solve, they can find you, their 'timely help'! What do you think?"
Director Zhang nodded repeatedly: "Yes, yes, this is a good idea, it's the best of both worlds."
Xu Zhili readily agreed: "Thank you for your trust, Director Zhou and Director Zhang. This is a good idea, I accept it."
She then flashed a playful yet confident smile, "To express my gratitude, I can also... um, design some 'little surprises' for the factory."
"Oh? What surprise?" Both Factory Director Zhou and Director Zhang were intrigued.
Xu Zhili winked mischievously: "Since it's a surprise, of course we have to keep it a secret. It wouldn't be fun if we told you."
Director Zhou was amused by her and laughed heartily: "Haha, you little rascal, Comrade Xu, you're still keeping us in suspense! Alright, we'll be waiting for your 'surprise'!"
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