I Became a Vicious Supporting Role in the '70s-Chapter 246: Heart Pounding with Fear

Ah Man finished a bowl of mutton soup and was thinking about taking the bowl to the kitchen to wash when Lu Zhenping took it from him. Shen Meng told him to wait outside because when she went to the Provincial City, she brought back some gifts for Ah Man, all of which were health supplements, mainly for his grandfather to consume. Now, she could finally give them to him openly and aboveboard.

"Ah Man, these are all medicines that your aunt bought from the consignment shop in the Provincial City. They are high-quality Chinese medicinal herbs, already portioned out. From now on, when your uncle makes soup, just add one packet in. It’s very good for your health."

"Ah, thank you, Aunt. Then, I’ll be leaving now."

"Alright, go on, if you delay too much longer, your grandfather will start worrying. Remember, once you get to Shangjing, write to your aunt more often. You know that your aunt is now running a workshop. If you see any fashionable hair accessories there, remember to sketch them down and show them to your sister-in-law."

"Sure, Aunt, there’s still some time. I was just so happy when I heard the news. I wanted to come over and tell you and my Uncle Lu."

"Your aunt knows. After you guys leave, we’ll all come see you off!"

When Ah Man left, he carried the items openly and walked out of the Lu Family’s house without hiding or dodging when he saw people.

In the evening, Guo Xiuxin, Lu Debang, and Zhang Hongfa came one by one to report their work to Shen Meng. After insppecting the records in their notebooks, if she felt there were no issues, she would sign her name. If there were any problems, she would note them down.

The four of them also held a small meeting.

This time, Lu Debang didn’t dare to overlook things as he used to. In his wildest dreams, he never imagined that Lu Family Village, a small village, could one day earn foreign currency. It seemed that their village was now famous throughout the entire province.

But now, he didn’t have to worry or speak harshly because if anyone dared to cause trouble in the workshop, the Police Station had enough authority to handle it.

The people of Lu Family Village knew that Shen Meng had taken over the workshop again. This workshop was no longer just a subsidiary of the textile factory but was now a legitimate factory. Moreover, those who got jobs there had stable salaries. This news spread widely throughout Lu Family Village.

Xie Jinghao posted the lists of permanent and temporary workers at the entrance of the village’s large cafeteria. The cleaners, seeing the list posted on red paper, all gathered around.

Thinking that many people couldn’t read, she stood at the entrance and read the content on the list aloud twice for everyone. freēwēbnovel.com

Those who didn’t become permanent workers felt a bit uncomfortable, especially when they saw that some of those who had argued with Shen Meng in the past had become permanent workers. They couldn’t help but grumble to Xie Jinghao.

"Jinghao, is there something wrong with what’s written here? I’ve always worked honestly and kept your elder sister-in-law’s kindness in mind. Look, the daughter-in-law from the Liu Family who also made trouble with Sister-in-law Hua, she’s now a permanent worker, earning a salary of twenty-five yuan. Isn’t there something a little inappropriate about this?"

"That’s right, that Lu Hao’s wife, always quiet and doesn’t say much, now she’s a group leader, earning thirty yuan a month. Shouldn’t a group leader be selected for being more clever? Not to brag, but in our Lu Family Village, if we’re talking about cleverness, I’m number one."

....

Everyone was talking at once until Xie Jinghao, who had finished discussing with the others, spoke with a cold face: "The factory has its own regulations. My sister-in-law agreeing to take back control of the factory was out of consideration for the County Committee’s face. These decisions were made after discussion. The factory values ability and craft, not who has good relationships with whom. If anyone feels this is inappropriate, you don’t have to work here. No one is forcing you."

When those who had been making a racket heard what Xie Jinghao said, their faces paled. Earning several dollars a month was a lot already, and having laborers at home could earn work points and red envelopes. At New Year’s, the household could get a good share of grain too. If you work well in the factory and earn a wage every month, the whole family can live a good life.

Having a bit less is still better than nothing, and besides, Shen Meng has just taken over the factory. If there’s another fuss, and she steps down, then forget making money – you won’t have a penny to your name.

After everyone fell silent, Xie Jinghao looked around before continuing.

"We’re all experienced workers here. When the new people come in, everyone should give them support. Those who aren’t skilled should work hard to improve. There is also the chance for temporary workers to become permanent. As long as our factory has plenty of orders, anyone has the potential to become a team leader. Besides the wage, the deputy factory manager has also set up a reward system. As long as we all avoid mistakes and do good work, there’s no need to worry about not making money, right?"

On the surface, Xie Jinghao appeared calm, but her heart was pounding. These were things her sister-in-law had gone over with her before, and she had almost forgotten them. She blurted out some key points, thankfully, she managed to maintain control of the situation.

The day before, Shen Meng had arranged the village affairs and the following day took Uncle Guai’s bullock cart to the county for work. Sitting next to her, Yu Xueli, seeing the big package in her hands, couldn’t help but tighten up. With so much money, she was just flaunting it openly, not afraid that others might see and covet a glimpse.

"Elder sister-in-law, what is that you’re carrying?"

"Oh, it’s something I brought for Qianqian from the Provincial City. She’s confined at home after giving birth and can’t come out, so I’m delivering it to her at noon."

Wu Xianglan nodded and didn’t say much, feeling a little sour inside. She used to look up to the work at the textile factory as prestigious, but now she felt it wasn’t up to par.

Xifeng is now a team leader at the Head Flower Factory, with a monthly wage of thirty yuan, much higher than hers. She’s even been thinking about giving up her job at the textile factory and asking her sister-in-law to help her get into the Head Flower Factory. That way, she wouldn’t have to run around outside every day.

"Elder sister-in-law, I see the Head Flower Factory is hiring. I’m quite good with needlework, can you arrange for me to get in?"

Shen Meng frowned upon hearing Wu Xianglan’s words, thankful that the villagers were currently just watching the factory-building situation and only the three of them were on the cart, so no one else heard.

Ever since they found out she was the deputy factory manager, there hadn’t been a moment’s peace at home, with people coming over. If Lu Zhenping hadn’t kept a stern face and scared some of them away, who knows how late the commotion would have lasted yesterday!

"What nonsense are you spouting? I already told you, the factory has its rules. So many people wanted to pull strings last night and I didn’t agree to any of it, and now you want me to open the back door for you the very next day? How would that make me look to others?"

"But elder sister-in-law, I just want to earn more money. I can give it a try, and if Jinghao thinks I’m capable, I..."

"Even if you are capable, don’t. What is there to go out for in the countryside? Just work in the textile factory a few more years until you become a permanent worker. In a few years, you can bring Yong Qiang and Yong Li to study in the county. As long as you have seniority, you can get allocated a house by the textile factory - staff housing that people can’t get even if they beg. Can you get a house like that in the countryside?"

Hearing this, Wu Xianglan’s eyes widened like big bells, realizing she hadn’t thought about this at all. Indeed, her sister-in-law was wise.