Chapter 78 Grandpa's Advice Next, more and more people gathered at Zhou Yimin's house. Everyone wanted to see the solar cooker that could cook food without burning fire, and the legendary radio. This situation continued until lunch time. The old Party secretary drove them away: "Everyone go eat, everyone go eat." The main reason is that I don’t want anyone to disturb Zhou Yimin’s family while they are having their meal. It's okay to come and listen to the radio at other times, but if you don't know how to behave during meals, you're asking for a beating and scolding. Zhou Yimin cut off two or three pounds of ham, first peeled off the outer layer of "skin", then cut it into thin slices, added some side dishes, and stir-fried it into two plates. Wash the bean sprouts and stir-fry them in oil. These two simple dishes, paired with rice, are already the "top package" in rural areas in this era. Zhou Yimin likes to eat bean sprouts very much.
When the grandmother saw this, she thought about giving out more food the next day so that her grandson could have a meal every week. During the meal, Zhou Yimin said, "Grandpa, our steel plant is planning to expand its recruitment to produce the solar cooker I designed. Director Ding awarded me a quota for logistics expansion. I will probably work in purchasing or help in the cafeteria. What do you think is a better solution?" As soon as these words were spoken, the eyes of my uncle and aunt who were eating suddenly lit up. However, he soon smiled bitterly. They are not suitable for factory work. In the village, a strong man must stay at home for a long time to handle the heavy work. Zhou Yimin can't be asked to do it, right? Therefore, Zhou Xuqiang is not suitable for working in the factory. And Third Aunt has to stay at home to take care of the children, not only her own three children, but also Qianqian. "What? You want to work in the factory?" The old man looked at Zhou Xuqiang and his wife. Zhou Xuqiang shook his head: "Forget it, I can't leave." "Me too." Although they both wanted to join the factory, they still resisted the temptation. Zhou Yimin had the same idea, that it would be better for Uncle San and Aunt San to stay in the village. "When Lai Fu grows up, I will arrange a job for him in the city," said Zhou Yimin. This statement completely dispelled the couple's reluctance and regret. This opportunity was the same for their son. The old man pondered over who should be given this quota, preferably someone who can help his grandson. The first person he would consider is, of course, someone who is close to him and reliable. He doesn't need to be very smart, just obedient. After taking a sip of wine, the old man suggested: "Give it to Dazhong! His family is our closest relative. Your grandmother and I know Dazhong very well. We know him inside and out. He is solid, steady, and obedient. In addition, his family is also in a difficult situation. His father died in the Korean War a few years ago, and he has been supported by his mother in recent years. It can be said to be the home of martyrs. Don't think that the descendants of martyrs will be treated preferentially. The country is not rich now, many people have died in the war, and naturally there are many descendants of martyrs. Can all of them be taken care of?
Just think about it and you know it's impossible. After many martyrs, life becomes even more difficult. After all, if people are still alive, at least there is an extra income and labor force, which can reduce the burden on the family. When a person dies, some people only receive a pension, which is gone after it is used up. In some places, it is said that you can receive a certain amount of money every month until your children reach adulthood. "Okay! Then give it to Dazhong." Zhou Yimin nodded. In fact, he didn't even know any Dazhong. Grandma said, "Let your grandfather talk to him." In this way, even if someone comes to intercede in the future, they will only go to the old man. Let the old man deal with those messy things. Anyway, the old man is of high seniority, so even if he scolds the whole family, no one dares to get angry. The old man nodded: "Yes! I will go to Dazhong's house after I eat." Zhou Yimin enjoys a leisurely life, and he also fears others kneeling down and kowtowing to him out of gratitude. After eating, Third Aunt cleaned up the dishes. Even if she didn't eat here, she would often come over to do the housework, and rarely asked Zhou Yimin's grandmother to do it. Lai Fu went to see his sister again, fanning Qianqian gently to drive away the flying insects that disturbed her sleep. The old man rested for a while and then went out and went straight to Dazhong's house. Zhou Dazhong's family just ate sweet potatoes in the cafeteria. "Zhigang's wife, is Dazhong at home?" the old man asked at the door. Zhou Zhigang is Zhou Dazhong’s father. He used to be a soldier. A few years ago, he crossed the Yalu River and never came back. Even his body was left there. A woman with white hair on her temples came out of the house, wiped the water stains on her clothes with her hands, and greeted him warmly: "Uncle, come in and sit down! What do you want to see Dazhong about? He should be busy in the cowshed." Then he called his daughter, "Xiaoxue, go call your brother back." The old man knew that several families nearby were snooping around, so he just stood at the door and talked. "How much of Zhigang's pension is left? I'll ask Yimin to find him a job in the steel plant." The job can't be given away for free, so the old man plans to ask Dazhong's mother to pay out the remaining pension. Zhou Dazhong's mother was stunned for a moment, then she was ecstatic: "There is still 450 yuan, uncle, I will give it to you right away." In fact, she had basically not touched her husband's pension, for she knew very well that this money should not be touched unless it was absolutely necessary. In the past few years, she only took out a small portion of the money when her family was in great difficulty to get through the difficult times. She knew very well that although 400 yuan might seem like a lot, it was not enough to buy a job in the city. This would definitely require the favors and connections of Yimin. Several families nearby were envious, but they could only envy him. Even if Zhou Yimin's grandfather asked them, they couldn't afford four or five hundred yuan! Zhou Yimin's grandfather ordered: "Ask Dazhong to bring the money over later." "Okay! Thank you, uncle..." The old man had already walked away, but Zhou Dazhong's mother was still thanking him. If my son can work in a steel mill, the pension will be gone. If you have to choose between pension and job, anyone who is not stupid will choose job.
If my son has a job in the city, his fate will be completely different, and it will be easier for him to find a wife in the future. Moreover, with that income, he can help support the family and let them live a better life. She knows her son very well and he will not ignore his family just because he goes to the city. Several families nearby came forward and said congratulations to Dazhong's mother, with envy evident on their faces. "Xiu Fen, your Da Zhong will work in the steel mill from now on, and you will enjoy a good life." "Yes! From now on, you will eat commercial grain, which is different from us peasants." "It's time for Dazhong to find a wife. I have a niece from my mother's family. She's pretty. I'll introduce her to Dazhong someday." …… Soon, the news that Zhou Yimin arranged a job for Zhou Dazhong spread. Although I envy him, I can't say anything. After all, he paid 450 yuan. How many families in the village can afford to pay that much? At the captain's house, his wife said, "Boss, let's give Yimin 450 yuan and ask him to help our family get a job at the steel mill." The captain rolled his eyes and said, "What are you thinking? 450 yuan to get a job at the steel mill?" Do you really think Yimin is the director of the steel plant? He wouldn't be so naive. Other people in the village didn't understand, but didn't he? A job in the city wasn't that cheap, especially in a steel factory. (End of this chapter)
