On one hand XuYing and her family was discussing how to proceed the factory setup on the othe part of the viallage their is a storm already begin to brew within Liu Yuefen, her anger is transforming in to a palpable force which can destroy anything that can block her path so she start confronting her husband, Xu Jianhe as to vent her anger somehow . “Jianhe, you and Jiangang are both Jianjun’s cousins. Why did your eldest cousin choose Jiangang’s family but not ours ? How am I worse than Chen Meilan? Even if I’m too old to work, our daughter Qingqing can still do it flawlessly ! I think your cousin did it on purpose, fearing our daughter would be outshone his own daughter!” Her voice crackled with indignation, the injustice she suffer in today’s event burning within her.
A chilling thought then pierced through her heart as Liu Yuefen’s anger surged , and her eyes, filled with an ominous premonition, darted around first than she asked somewhat hesitantly. “Jianhe, tell me honestly , Don’t you think your cousin’s daughter been possessed by a ghost? She used to do nothing at home, and was always lazy and arrogant so why, after one accident in the river and she became a completly different person not only , does she now know how to cook but she also became a chef in a state owned resturantother than that she is doing part time work in food factory and now this establishing a factory with in her own village ?” Do you think its even possible for a person to do all this on her own wothout any magical help. Xu Jianhe, startled by her comment, glared at his wife. “Don’t talk nonsense! Be careful of what you say otherwise if someone out there hear you ; they’ll say you’re having a feudal thoughts and are a superstitious person , and they can easily arrest you for that ,than you can only cry while cursing your loose tounge !” Liu Yuefen, though silenced by fear of going to jail , but remained somewhat unconvinced, her heart still seething in despair said disgruntedly . “I’m just reconciled . Why didn’t the Jianjun family choose our Qingqing for work?”
Beside her, Xu Qingqing also chimed in, her voice now laced with resentment same as her mother . “Dad, we’re all relatives. My cousin uncle chose my Second uncle’s wife but not my mother. Doesn’t that mean he looks down on our family?” Xu Qingqing’s eyes blazed with resentment. She, Xu Ying, and Xu Jingjing had grown up together as all three of them belong to same generation, in the children of the Xu family, yet their lives were vastly different from each other . Xu Ying had been pampered and provided for since childhood and was the treasure of her family , while Xu Jingjing, though not as fortunate as Xu Ying, still had an easier life than Qingqing . Xu Qingqing’s life however was filled with endless chores and constant scolding from her mother , her mother as a typical patriarchal person often berates her saying that girls were a drain on resources, destined to be married off and by raising them its like filling an endless pit as it din,t provide any compensaion to their natal familes . She had always envied Xu Ying and Xu Jingjing because of the treatment and care they receive in their homes , and in her desire to prove her worth to her mother, she worked very hard to excelled in her studies, presenting herself in front of everyone as a polite and hardworking girl , while toiling tirelessly at home. More than working in the fields and gain nothing , she yearned to contribute to the food factory to earn respect that she deserved .
Xu Jianhe, caught between his wife and daughter’s grievances, felt a pang of discomfort in his heart . Almost everyone in their extended family had benefited from his cousin’s ventures, leaving only his family empty-handed. “Didn’t Jianjun say there would be another recruitment soon ? There will definitely be one of ours turn next time,” he offered a consolation weakly.
Liu Yuefen scoffed hearing him evading the topic said , “It’s the ‘next time’ we recruit workers is what they said to diminished the crowd . Who knows when that will be or if its even true or not ? Chinese New Year is also here. If we had a permant job in our family , our New Year would be much better this year!” listening this Xu Jianhe’s face darkened, and he remained silent without saying a word .
Xu Qingqing, still longing to escape the harsh fields and galring sun , felt a growing sense of urgency within her . With Xu Jingjing and Xu Ying both securing stable jobs, she was the only one left to work on the land, a deed that filled her with embarrassment whenever she step out of her house . “Dad, why don’t you go to my uncle’s house and intercede for my job after all we are all family and we should first help each other ? I’ll definitely work hard, I won’t hold them back and also don’t embarss you in front of your brothers ,” she pleaded sincerely to her father .
Xu Jianhe’s two daughters-in-law, overhearing the conversation also , eagerly chimed in. “Dad, if Qingqing can get the job , can you also said two or three words in front of Cousin Uncle for us too!” Liu Yuefen, momentarily weighing the possibility of more income for the household ,also swayed by there plea .
But Xu Qingqing, frowning, quickly countered as she was afraid that her prospective job will be snatched by her two sister-in-laws begain saying , “Mom, my cousin doesn’t need many people as of it right now . If my two sisters-in-law also go, my cousin definitely won’t be happy about this . I’m going because I’m of marriageable age. If I can have a job and be more respectable, then families with good conditions will surely consider me for marriage prospect in the future . If my sisters-in-law also want to go, then they can surely go, I can sacrifice my future for them .” Saying this she lowered her head, feigning sadness. Her two sisters-in-law, witnessing this green tea behavior , exchanged angry glances with each other , inwardly calling her manipulative and hypocrite who only thought about her self .
Liu Yuefen, felt a pang of guilt by her daughter’s words, her eyes narrowing in thought, felt a surge of caution as what would be the proper way to deal with this situation . Her daughter was really nearing a marriage able age . A stable job at this crucial time would undoubtedly secure a favorable match for her , not only yielding a hefty bride price for them but also ensuring future support from her to her parents. Liu Yuefen thinking all pros and cons cleared her throat first than said . “Currently , there won’t be many spots there, so I’ll just take Qingqing with me to interceed first .” In the future when ther will be more recruitments you can apply then Xu Jianhe’s two daughters-in-laws, knowing this outcome was inevitable, left with darkened faces to their respective rooms .
Xu Qingqing’s face lit up with excitement when she heard her mother’s decision. “Thank you, Father Thank you Mother!”
Liu Yuefen seized the opportunity to lecture her daughter to be gratefull to them in future began to say . “This time I sacrificed my pride to help you plead for mercy in front of your cousin uncle . If you can get this job and start making money, you need to remember who you need to honor right ?, and once you have a stable job, you can find a good match than your life will be better in the future, just don’t forget about us in your glory okay .” Xu Qingqing nodded continusly hearing her mother’s nag , “Mom and Dad, don’t worry, I was born and raised by you with difficulty , and I will definitely honor you in the future either in glory or greif.”
Hearing her daughter’s declaration a renewed determination surged in , Liu Yuefen, so accompanied by Xu Qingqing, she hurried towards Xu’s father’s house. At this time Xu Ying had already went to report to her work the day before, leaving Xu’s mother and Sister-in-law Xu to oversee the training of the newly recruited staff in the village .But before leaving Xu Ying had drilled into them the paramount importance of hygiene and safety in food sector .
So following her daughter’s instructions Mother Xu starts the training of the new recruits “Our main focus today is understanding the overall work ,” Xu’s mother starts her speech with these words as she stand on the steps of her house , her posture now was akin to a charismatic and seasoned leader. “This afternoon, the director of the food factory will personally deliver our work clothes and inspect the food preparation area ww will work on wards . Everyone must remember what I’ve said. If the inspection fails, we can’t start our work. One day’s delay is equal to one day’s salary!” Sister-in-law Xu, with her superior memory and knowledge, took over the speech fro there for the more detailed explanations of Xu Ying’s teachings for the prepration required for the inspection . Xu’s mother, though initially disappointed at missing the chance to speak to the crowd , knew in her heart that Sister-in-law Xu was better suited for this task than her as she can explain the complicated steps with an ease to the ignorant villagers making the process much more efficient. .
As Liu Yuefen and her daughter approached the captain’s house , they saw ten or so people sitting in the Xu family’s yard, attentively listening to Sister-in-law Xu’s instructions. “Comrades , you all are working hard !” Liu Yuefen echoed , her usual sarcasam replaced by an overly sweet demeanor stunned many of the attendees . Xu’s mother, adhering to the ancient rule of not hitting a smiling face, returned her greeting with a smile. “Oh sister-in-law, what make you come here today? is there is any issue ?”
Liu Yuefen chuckled, a flush of embarrassment crept up on her face. “, Sister-in-law, today I just came here to ask you something with alot of hope . Look at how capable your Xu Ying is, finding jobs for everyone in the commoune . You also knew that our Qingqing is hardworking and quick at work. If she comes to work with you, she will definitely be able to do a good job and don’t embarass you anywhere. Can you if it’s possible can be accommodating and let Qingqing also join in your work?”
Hearing all of Liu Yuefen ‘s long winded words Xu’s mother’s face immediately turned serious, mirroring exactly like Xu’s father’s stern expression. Her sudden shift in demeanor startled Liu Yuefen at once. “Sister-in-law, it’s not that I don’t agree,” Xu’s mother said, her voice rising to be heard by the others, “but all the working personnel have already been decided. If more people are suddenly added, the villagers will definitely make trouble. and because of this trouble if the factory manager became dissatisfied, all of us will lose our jobs.”