Old Man Liu was easily appeased. The elderly were often proud, and with Zheng Xinhe's sudden arrival, it had implicitly blocked his promotion path. The two men couldn't stand each other. Sudannovels.com
Xie Sui had settled things with Director Zheng. Although money had smoothed the way, Liu Shangjin thought it was still a matter of public duty, and his anger subsided.
This incident actually eased the tension between them. Xie Sui had stumbled upon a solution by chance.
Pulling the hot melt machine, Xie Sui walked back against the sunset, so happy he could burst into song.
"Brother Xie, so happy?"
"Of course! Wen Feng, in six months at most, we'll replace your broken mule. I'll let you drive a tractor."
Zhang Wen Feng smiled, taking it as another boast from Xie Sui. A tractor cost thousands of yuan, and you needed coupons, industrial vouchers, and a letter of introduction. It wasn't something you could buy just because you wanted to.
"Don't you believe me?"
"No, I believe you. I believe you very much."
Zhang Wen Feng humored him. Sometimes Brother Xie was quite childlike, and Zhang Wen Feng didn't want to argue with him.
"Hmph!"
Xie Sui snorted arrogantly. Don't doubt me. When you see my capabilities, you'll know how formidable I am.
They arrived home in time for dinner. Peaches were piled high in the yard, and the Wang brothers helped move them to the cellar.
"Wanwan, your husband is back."
"He's back, so what? Should I set off firecrackers for him?
Lin Wanwan was too busy to engage in playful banter with him.
"I'll do it, I'll do it. You rest. Your husband will be heartbroken if you're tired."
Wang Tie Zhu blushed. Xie Sui's mouth could say anything.
Wang Tie Gang chuckled, "Xiao Sui, that's right. A man who dotes on his wife is a good man. Wanwan had a tough time in the past few years. You must compensate her well."
"Yes, Brother Wang is right. Isn't this me working hard to change things? We're eating at home tonight. Shall we have some drinks?"
"No, my mother won't allow it."
Xie Sui: "..."
That was a strong excuse.
After finishing their work, they insisted on going home for dinner. Xie Sui didn't push it. He would involve them more in the future; there would be plenty of opportunities.
After seeing off the Wang brothers, Lin Wanwan brought out the dishes: cornmeal pancakes, stewed chicken with potatoes, and stir-fried chives with eggs. It was a sumptuous dinner.
"So rich! Does Wanwan know some good news and is making something delicious to celebrate?"
"Eat your food."
Lin Wanwan rolled her eyes at him. Sometimes this guy was slick-tongued, and sometimes he was incredibly foolish. She just felt sorry for him working so hard and wanted to make him something good to replenish his energy.
Girls were often too shy to say what they felt, and their thoughts ran deeper than the sea. Even a seasoned player in love couldn't fathom their hearts, let alone Xie Sui.
"What good news?"
Zhao Xiu E poured rice for her son, looking at him proudly. Her son was becoming more and more capable.
"Two pieces of good news. The first is that we can start making dried fruit tomorrow; the equipment is all ready. The second is that the county food factory has agreed to let us affiliate with them, paving the way for our future."
Zhao Xiu E didn't understand the intricacies, but Lin Wanwan was very clear, "How did you manage that? It's not like anyone can just affiliate with them."
She felt increasingly that Xie Sui was different. Many things she wouldn't even dare to think about could be easily resolved by him.
"Money paved the way."
Lin Wanwan: "..."
She had overestimated him.
Xie Sui didn't elaborate. A thousand yuan was a fortune to the elders, and telling them would make them worry themselves sick.
"Tomorrow, find ten nimble and efficient aunties to work at home. They'll be paid fifty cents a day, paid monthly. Wanwan, you'll be in charge of this. We need honest and diligent workers, not sly gossips."
Lin Wanwan replied, "That's easy. Fifteen yuan a month is quite a salary; those aunties will be fighting for it. But if we have to pay 150 yuan a month, can we earn that much?"
"If the work goes well, there will be bonuses. Don't worry, Wanwan. You'll be counting money until your hands cramp in the future."
Lin Wanwan wasn't concerned. Her demands were simple: to have enough to eat and drink, and for Xie Sui not to cause trouble, squander money, or bully her. That would be enough for her.
Dou Dou and Ding Ding chimed in, "Mommy, we'll help you count money."
Xie Sui teased them, "Can you count that high? You can't even count to a hundred, and you want to help Mommy? It's good enough if you don't cause trouble."
"We can. We've learned up to fifty."
The two little ones were very intelligent, especially since Xie Sui encouraged them to earn money, which made them more interested in mathematics. Lin Wanwan taught them addition and subtraction whenever she had time, and they progressed rapidly.
"Alright then, recite it for Daddy."
The two children forgot about eating, put down their chopsticks, stood with their hands behind their backs, and recited diligently. They earned the praise of the whole family and were even more motivated to learn.
The next day, the news that Xie Sui's family was looking for ten female workers spread like wildfire throughout the village, instantly surrounding his home.
A salary of fifteen yuan a month! Workers in the county town earned only thirty to forty yuan. With bonuses for good work, it was a golden opportunity.
"Wanwan, don't you remember I gave you sweet potatoes? When your family couldn't make ends meet, I helped you out several times. Choose me, choose me!"
Lin Wanwan gave a dry laugh. She had returned them every time, plus an extra sweet potato. Being reminded of her past hardship made her feel uncomfortable.
Cai Jinhua spread her arms wide, her bulky frame blocking the others. "Wanwan, we're family. You'll definitely listen to me. I'll do whatever you say."
Xie Sui was supposed to go to the county town to explore sales channels. It wouldn't do to make dried fruit and then not be able to sell it.
Seeing this situation, Lin Wanwan couldn't handle it alone and had to step in.
"Everyone line up. Be neat and efficient. No elderly people, and no very young ones. Sign up first, and I'll notify you when I've made my selection."
"Grandma Jinhua, please help maintain order. You will be the team leader for these ten people. You are responsible for selecting them this time."
Cai Jinhua was a relative of the Xie family and a fiery woman. Xie Sui handed this thankless task to her.
"Alright, everyone line up. Anyone who dares to cut in line won't be considered. I'll go to my maiden family and find people."
Cai Jinhua had a loud voice and played on their anxieties, making them quiet down immediately and line up obediently.
Xie Sui was pleased. Cai Jinhua was sharp-witted and could be trained for a management role.
"Ten people is just the beginning. As our sales channels open up, we will need more people, and everyone will have opportunities."
Xie Sui offered them hope, calming their emotions.