Chapter 213: I Knew You Couldn’t Keep the Secret

Chapter 213: I Knew You Couldn't Keep the Secret

No sooner had Yang Saozi left than Jiang Yu arrived home.

He Feiyan brought up Yang Saozi's situation with her, remarking that it was quite a coincidence.

"I heard that her father wants to retire and have someone take over his job for the sake of her and the kids."

This might just be Jiang Ye's chance.

Jiang Yu thought for a moment, "Yang Saozi has two older brothers; she probably doesn't have a say in the job matter."

Even if all three children agreed to Master Yang retiring, the price they demanded would definitely not be low.

Jiang Ye had money, but even if he emptied his savings, it might still not be enough.

"Let's wait and see; it's not a done deal yet."

Jiang Ye's job was still up in the air, and the recruitment interview at the Second Factory was about to begin.

The interviews were held in groups of ten. He Qianqian went into the workshop with the others.

She answered whatever the leaders asked her and followed the female workers' demonstrations, learning how to operate the machines.

Those who were slow and couldn't understand anything, no matter what was said or done, were crossed off the list.

He Qianqian was quick and efficient, picking things up immediately. Thanks to her connection with Department Head Jin, she was hired on the spot.

Recruiting female workers wasn't that complicated, and the results could be revealed immediately.

When He Qianqian left the Second Factory, she was so excited she almost cried.

She was now a workshop worker at the Second Factory!

Among those who passed the interview with her was Lin Donghua.

Since Lin Donghua got the job, Duan Yuzhen was naturally rejected.

This was the anticipated result. Duan Yuzhen turned and left, her steps quick and hurried.

When Zhang Juxiang heard her name wasn't on the list, she immediately protested.

"Why isn't my name there? I did great!"

"You're so talkative; do you want to be the leader? The primary requirement to join the factory is good character. Given how many times you've caused a scene in the factory, we can't hire someone like you."

He Qianqian watched the commotion for a while but, instead of leaving immediately, waited for Jiang Yu to come out and shared the good news with her.

Jiang Yu wanted to take her home for a meal, but He Qianqian politely declined.

"My parents are waiting at home for the news. I want to tell them this good news as soon as possible."

Jiang Yu patted her shoulder, "Alright, go ahead."

Watching He Qianqian leave, Jiang Yu then pushed her bicycle and headed home.

The Duan family was also filled with joy.

With Lin Donghua getting a job, it meant an additional income for the family, and their future wouldn't be so tight.

"Congratulations, Sister Lin," Jiang Yu said with a smile.

Lin Donghua couldn't hide her happiness; her smile was impossible to suppress.

"I really didn’t expect that at my age, I’d still get a job."

Jiang Yu encouraged her, "It's never too late, no matter the age. Keep working hard!"

Xu Lihua felt a twinge of jealousy. She had originally wanted Lin Rui to sign up, but Lin Rui refused outright.

"If you were willing to give the job to Jiahua and apply again at the second factory, we'd be a two-income family by now."

Lin Rui remained silent; she wasn’t willing to take such a big risk.

If she gave the job to Zhang Jiahua and didn’t get hired as a female worker at the second factory, she’d be stuck at home, subject to Xu Lihua’s torment, at the mercy of others.

She didn’t trust Zhang Jiahua, and she trusted Xu Lihua even less.

"Mom, lay off. If I want a job, I’ll find a way on my own."

He heard that Jiang Yu’s brother, from the countryside, managed to get an auto repair apprenticeship at the bus station.

"Am I really worse than some country bumpkin?"

Xu Lihua continued nagging, "What could you possibly do?"

Complaining that the factory didn’t take care of them, a widow and her child, and then grumbling that Lin Rui wasn’t willing to give the job to Zhang Jiahua.

Lin Rui said, "If I gave the job to Jiahua, would you let me marry?"

Xu Lihua spat, her face twisted with anger.

"Dream on! I knew you’d just wait to get married and leave. No way! Now that Jia-dong is gone, you’ll stay in our family for life!"

Lin Rui gave a cold laugh; she had expected this outcome all along.

"Then what am I supposed to do at home without a job?"

Xu Lihua put her hands on her hips. "What’s there to do? Laundry, grocery shopping, cooking—aren’t these all chores? Look at Jiang Ting next door; she’s busy from morning till night. You’re just being lazy!"

Lin Rui didn’t respond, just carrying her books into the room.

She had no idea when this life would end. Ever since Zhang Jia-dong was gone, she felt like there was no hope left in her life.

Her maternal family had only an older half-brother who didn’t give a damn about her.

Her mother was a stepmother, enduring humiliation at home. She was treated like a servant from the old society, ordered around.

This life really felt meaningless.

After a while, Zhang Jiahua walked in.

Lin Rui didn’t look at him. It was a fleeting relationship; she didn’t expect it to last.

"I heard that Master Yang at the bus station is going to retire early, and his job might be up for sale."

Lin Rui was startled. "Didn’t you say Jiang Yu’s brother is an apprentice there?"

Zhang Jiahua chuckled. "He’s just an apprentice, not even a temporary worker."

Master Yang's job ultimately depends on who pays.

Don't be deceived by their usual hardships; actually, Xu Lihua holds the bulk of the family's money.

The compensation for his father and brother's deaths is a large amount, and it hasn't been spent until now.

"I plan to secure his position. Once my position is finalized, I'll tell my mother about us. I want to marry you."

Lin Rui was taken aback, "Your mother would never agree!"

She was several years older than Zhang Jiahua, and let alone the fact that she was his sister-in-law, even if she weren't, Xu Lihua would never agree.

Zhang Jiahua looked determined, "I only like you. As long as I'm with you, I'm not scared of anything. You shouldn't be afraid either; I'll protect you."

Lin Rui lowered her eyes and had to admit she was tempted.

Not because she was deeply in love with Zhang Jiahua, but imagining Xu Lihua's reaction gave her a sense of satisfaction.

Xu Lihua didn't want her marrying outside the family? Then she wouldn't marry out; she would remain a member of the Zhang family for life!

"As long as you treat me well, I'm willing to be with you forever."

Zhang Jiahua pulled her into his arms, "You fool, you're the first woman for me, and you'll be the last. Of course, I'll treat you well."

However, they didn't know that there was someone outside the window, their eyes wide open.

Sun's mother slowed her breathing, tiptoed back to her room, and slapped her thigh in amusement.

Lin Rui and Zhang Jiahua being together would surely drive Xu Lihua mad!

"Mom, what are you laughing at?"

Zhao Qing entered the room and saw Sun's mother with a smile on her face, as if she had just found money.

Sun's mother snorted in response, "I'm laughing because something good happened."

Zhao Qing asked, "What good thing?"

Sun's mother glanced at her, "Just wait and see. Why are you asking so many questions? Go cook, I'm hungry."

Zhang Jiahua and Lin Rui getting married—wasn't that good news?