Chapter 61: We Want to Report Her
"We want to report her!" the robust woman pointed at Su Zhaozhao who had just come out from behind, "She's a child bride from the countryside, can't even read or write, has no education at all! She doesn't deserve to work at the Supply and Marketing Cooperatives!"
Su Zhaozhao looked bewildered, not recognizing any of these people.
Perhaps they had met on the road, and she left an impression on them, but she didn't remember them.
Gu Heng's face darkened, "Talking about people from the countryside and child brides, everyone has been through hard times. Who taught you to look down on people from the countryside after having a few good days? Whose relatives are you?"
The robust woman was fierce and unafraid, waving her hands as she spoke, very agitated, "Who is looking down on people from the countryside? We're not doing that! I know you're a captain, so what? It's a new society now; even a division commander can't bully people at will! Such a good position, why should it go to your wife? If the Supply and Marketing Cooperatives need to hire someone, there should be a queue, and those who came first should be arranged first!"
Someone behind her chimed in, "That's right, you can't play favorites."
"All military families, why should we? Even when buying vegetables, we have to queue, but for job placement, she doesn't have to?"
Director Liu listened for a moment and understood that they were all military families. He said, "Comrades, the job placement for military families is handled by the Logistics and Resettlement Office. You should go to the resettlement office, not here. I'm only responsible for receiving. Also..."
Before he could finish, the robust woman interrupted him with a wave of her hand, "I know! We must come to you first. If we complete the employment process, transfer our food rations, and everything else, it will be too late! Afterward, we'll go to the leaders of the resettlement office and report this matter properly! If the leaders don't handle it, we'll report it!"
"Right!"
Director Liu looked at Gu Heng, "Captain Gu, what do you think about this..."
Gu Heng frowned, "Then let's invite the leader of the resettlement office over. We'll have a three-way meeting to see who qualifies!" As he spoke, he glanced at Su Zhaozhao, who nodded at him.
Director Liu also thought this was the only way. If these people really reported such a minor issue to the higher-ups, it would embarrass the Logistics and Resettlement Office and make the leaders doubt the competence of the person in charge.
So, he went into the office and made a call.
Su Zhaozhao crossed her arms, completely unperturbed by the situation, finding it rather amusing.
Only in this era would people dare to report issues openly, fight for their rights, demand fairness, and not fear authority, believing that leaders would stand up for them and that society was fair.
In modern times, how many would dare?
The robust woman even apologized to Su Zhaozhao, "Sister, sorry, we're not targeting you or your husband. This is just unfair. If you were us, after waiting so long without being placed, and then seeing someone else take your place, wouldn't you be angry?"
Su Zhaozhao hadn't expected an apology and smiled, "Aunties, you have quite the network of information."
She glanced at Gu Heng.
If these people got their information from the resettlement office, they would have reported it there first, not come here.
They rushed over, which meant they likely found out this morning, almost at the same time as Su Zhaozhao and Gu Heng.
If the information wasn't from their family, it must have come from neighbors.
Looking at their attire, some still wearing aprons, suggested they were hastily called out from their homes, thinking little before joining the group.
The one leading them was likely the instigator.
Wang Chunhua was ruled out; she wasn't the type to spread news immediately, and these people didn't live nearby. Even if she wanted to tell others, she couldn't have done it so quickly.
Gu Heng was also wondering who it was. The resettlement office wouldn't publicize the placements, as it was already difficult to satisfy everyone. Every small detail could cause complaints, so they only notified the individuals being placed, and by the time others found out, the person was already reporting to their new job.
To Su Zhaozhao's comment, the robust woman waved her hand, "Don't worry about where I got the information. Someone felt it was unfair and told me out of kindness. I can't betray that trust, I promised not to say."
Su Zhaozhao smiled and didn't press further.
Director Chen, responsible for logistics resettlement, arrived quickly, riding his bicycle. He leaned it against the wall and walked in.
"What's going on? What are you all doing here? Job placement issues should be addressed at the logistics office, not the Supply and Marketing Cooperatives! How does this make us military families look to the colleagues here?"
Director Chen took the initiative, pointing at the group led by the robust woman and scolding them.
The colleagues from the Supply and Marketing Cooperatives came out, watching the commotion with interest, some holding teacups, others cracking sunflower seeds.
Even the salesperson at the front counter stood by the back door, watching both sides.
The robust woman stepped forward, "Director Chen, you came just in time. We were about to find you!"
"What do you want from me?" Director Chen recognized her immediately, "Aren't you from the fourth company of the second battalion of the third regiment, Commander Zhao's family? I remember you've already been placed. What's this all about today? Are you unhappy with your job?"
Commander Zhao's wife stiffened her neck, "I'm not unhappy with my job. I'm here for the other military families. You can place the captain's wife at the Supply and Marketing Cooperatives, but why not the wives of the company commanders and battalion commanders? Just because he's a higher rank, he gets the good jobs? We're not satisfied!"
"Right! We're not satisfied!"
"A proper explanation is needed."
Director Chen laughed in frustration, almost pointing at them accusingly.
"I'd like to place you, but you don't meet the requirements!"
"Whether we meet the requirements is up to you to decide," Commander Zhao's wife didn't believe him, pointing at Su Zhaozhao, "Why does she qualify, but we don't?"
Director Chen looked at Su Zhaozhao, meeting her for the first time. She greeted him politely.
Indeed, worthy of being Captain Gu's wife, so well-mannered and refined.
Only then did Director Chen greet Gu Heng and Director Liu.
"Sorry to cause a scene."
Director Liu, "Understood, understood."
Gu Heng, "If there are doubts, we should address them to ensure everyone is convinced."
Director Chen nodded, "Exactly."
Chapter 62: She Is Uneducated
Turning to Commander Zhao's family, she said, "When you applied for jobs, whether you came yourselves or your family members did, I clearly stated that every job has its requirements. It's not just about what you want; you must have the capability."
"Envy others for having good jobs, but first, you need to improve your own educational level. Only then can you do such work. Like military officers, they earn their positions through battles, one bullet at a time. Can someone become an officer by sitting at home?"
"You are all families of soldiers; don't you understand this basic principle?"
"We do!" Commander Zhao's family replied, "If you place middle school or high school graduates, we wouldn't say a word. But why place someone who hasn't even attended a day of school? Why should she get a job without schooling while we can't?"
Su Zhaozhao laughed, knowing they were well-informed, even aware that she had never been to school.
"Exactly, I even attended literacy classes. Am I not better than her?"
"I can also use an abacus. I won't make any mistakes as a salesperson, making me more suitable. Can she use an abacus?"
Hearing that Su Zhaozhao had never been to school, everyone at the Supply and Marketing Cooperatives was shocked.
This is too unreliable!
To actually place an illiterate person in a job here?
They couldn't help but turn their gazes toward Su Zhaozhao, most of them filled with disdain.
Earlier, they thought these people were being unreasonable, but now they felt that if it were them, they would protest too.
It's so unfair!
How could such a thing happen in the military?
'Still holding the job application form unfilled, Su Zhaozhao had only written her name.
Without a proper education, she would face skepticism. Instead of being looked down upon after starting work, it would be better to prove her capabilities before joining.
"Then let's have Director Liu organize an exam," Su Zhaozhao smiled. "All the talk won't be as convincing as showing results."
Gu Heng added, "That's right, Director Liu, conduct the assessment based on your requirements for hiring salespeople."
Director Liu nodded, "Alright."
Director Chen was a bit nervous, whispering to Gu Heng, "Is this okay?"
Gu Heng: "It's fine."
Reassured, Director Chen pointed at Commander Zhao's family and the others, "You're not convinced, right? You think it's unfair? Perfect, you all will take the Supply and Marketing Cooperatives' assessment! Whoever passes gets the job! No arguments!"
Commander Zhao's family and the others started chatting, one saying they should take the test, what if they pass?
Another said they definitely wouldn't pass, those who can read should take the test, they would surely outperform the commander's wife.
Someone else asked, what if none of them pass?
"Right, what if none of us pass? Who gets the job? It can't be that she gets placed without taking the test, while we don't get placed even after taking it?"
Director Chen huffed, "As long as any of you score higher than Comrade Su, I'll place you."
"Deal, we'll take the test!"
Director Liu quickly had a few tables set up and had everyone sit down.
"I have several newspapers here, one for each of you. Read them aloud to see who knows more words."
He distributed the newspapers.
Su Zhaozhao also received one.
"Who wants to go first?"
Commander Zhao's family raised her hand, "I'll go first!"
Indeed, she also took the test, hoping to secure a better position if she passed.
Unfortunately, she knew very few words, reading the article haltingly, "…the people…great…fifty-five…August…East China…"
Final tally: seventy-one words recognized.
After she sat down, the next person stood up and continued reading.
One by one, they finished reading, the best score being one hundred thirty-two words.
Then it was Su Zhaozhao's turn. She stood up, newspaper in hand, and began, "Xinhua News Agency reported on the twenty-seventh..."
She read through a three-thousand-word article without a single hesitation.
Not only that, everyone noticed how beautifully she spoke, her pronunciation clear and precise, almost identical to the announcers on the People's Broadcasting Station!
It made them feel like they were listening to the radio.
Nowadays, most people spoke with regional accents, revealing their origins as soon as they opened their mouths, without needing to check identification.
Mandarin, considered the official language, was learned from the radio and broadcasts.
However, few could speak it without a trace of their regional accent.
"Comrade Su speaks Mandarin so well, it's clear she put in a lot of effort."
Su Zhaozhao replied, "I learned from the radio. In the countryside, the town broadcast programs from the People's Broadcasting Station daily. I loved listening and would follow along whenever I went to town. Over time, I learned."
The national promotion of 'Putonghua' (Mandarin) would officially begin in October, using Beijing pronunciation as the standard, Northern dialects as the base, and exemplary modern vernacular literature as the grammatical norm, aiming to promote a universally understood Mandarin across the country.
So there wasn't a concept of Mandarin back then; it was all called Beijing dialect or National Language.
"This shows that Comrade Su's learning ability is truly remarkable! She can learn just by listening to the radio, and she does it so well—very impressive!"
"Thank you for your praise, but I still have much to learn."
Gu Heng kept looking at Su Zhaozhao. He hadn't expected her to speak Beijing dialect so well, and it sounded very pleasant.
Su Zhaozhao smiled at him.
This explanation should be reasonable enough.
Director Chen pointed at the other participants and said, "Look at yourselves, and then look at Comrade Su. Where do you think you're better than her? Feeling embarrassed now? Still want to compete?"
No one spoke, only muttering quietly.
"Why is it different from what you said? She doesn't seem like someone who hasn't been to school."
"Right, look at her—she knows so many characters and speaks Beijing dialect so well. I doubt she's from the countryside..."
Commander Zhao's family member said, "How would I know? Wasn't she supposed to be a child bride? Can a child bride even go to school?"
Director Chen slammed his hand on the table, "Speak up! Why aren't you talking now? Weren't you just boasting a moment ago?"
"We'll compete! There are still two more rounds. Who knows if she memorized it in advance? Speaking well doesn't mean she's educated." Commander Zhao's family member stood up again, refusing to believe Su Zhaozhao had such capabilities.
Director Chen sneered, "Fine, let's make sure you lose with no regrets!"
Director Liu stepped forward, "The second requirement for our Supply and Marketing Cooperatives is to write beautifully."
Then he distributed pens and paper, asking everyone to copy the text from a newspaper.
There was no surprise this round; Su Zhaozhao won again.
Chapter 63: The Cultured Su Zhaozhao
Su Zhaozhao played a little trick, writing in regular script that was almost indistinguishable from what was printed in newspapers.
When Director Liu saw the writing, he was stunned. The handwriting was too good! How did she practice?
He showed Su Zhaozhao's writing to the others, "Take a look yourselves, can you match it?"
Commander Zhao's wife and the others gathered around, but after seeing it, they remained silent, knowing they couldn't match it.
Director Chen: "You said best two out of three. Now that she has won twice, do you still want to continue?"
Commander Zhao's wife glanced at the others, about to say no, when one of them spoke up, "Her handwriting is good, but that only means she copies well. It doesn't prove she is cultured."
Director Chen scoffed, "Are you cultured? Why can't you even copy well? Is it so hard to admit someone is better than you?"
Su Zhaozhao smiled, "Then let's continue." She turned to Director Liu, "The Supply and Marketing Cooperatives require sales clerks to learn how to use an abacus, right?"
Director Liu nodded, "That's correct. They must be proficient within a month of joining, without making any mistakes."
Su Zhaozhao then addressed the person who had spoken, "I heard you say you can use an abacus. Let's make this round about arithmetic."
The person who had spoken was indeed the one who claimed to know how to use an abacus. Su Zhaozhao remembered this and planned to use this opportunity to showcase her talent for arithmetic in front of the comrades at the Supply and Marketing Cooperatives.
If there was a chance to show off, there was no need to hide it.
This round involved only two people.
Director Liu had two abacuses brought out and asked a colleague from the finance department to write a series of numbers on a piece of paper for them to calculate, all addition problems. Whoever could complete the calculations the fastest and most accurately would win.
The other person quickly grabbed the paper with the numbers and hurriedly started moving the beads on the abacus.
Su Zhaozhao, however, took her time, resting one hand on her chin and the other on the abacus.
She didn't move her hands, only her eyes scanned the numbers on the paper.
"Maybe she doesn't know how to do it?"
Someone muttered.
"If she doesn't know how to use an abacus, isn't she foolish to suggest this competition?"
"I told you, she's not cultured. She doesn't even know how to use an abacus; she definitely won't win..."
Just as everyone thought she didn't know how, Su Zhaozhao directly announced the result, "Five hundred sixty-two yuan and thirty-seven fen."
At that moment, the other person had only just moved the second bead on the abacus. Although she knew how to use an abacus, her speed was extremely slow.
Is this real?
Can she really calculate without using the abacus?
Director Liu looked directly at the colleague from the finance department.
The colleague was about to pick up the abacus in front of Su Zhaozhao but was pushed aside by the head of the finance department, "Let me do it." He picked up the abacus and started working, and after a while, he confirmed, "It's correct, five hundred sixty-two yuan and thirty-seven fen."
Wow!
Mental calculation! So impressive! And so fast!
The other person had already stopped calculating; what was the point when the result was already out?
Su Zhaozhao won three rounds in a row!
No one had anything to say now.
No, the head of the finance department did, "Comrade Su, let me give you another problem: thirty-two yuan and eighty-five fen plus one hundred seventy-eight yuan and ninety-nine fen minus one hundred sixty-nine yuan and seventy-three fen plus..."
He rattled off a string of numbers, more than before, and calculated as he spoke.
Su Zhaozhao didn't look at his abacus. Facing him sideways, she gave the answer within three seconds of him finishing the last number.
"Wow! Amazing! Even faster than before!"
"Almost at the same time as Director Li."
Director Li put down the abacus, "Does Comrade Su know how to use an abacus?"
Does Su Zhaozhao know how to use an abacus?
She does, having learned in elementary school, but she had forgotten most of it. For simple addition and subtraction, her mental calculation was faster than using an abacus.
But the original Su Zhaozhao didn't know.
"Not much, but I will definitely learn and become proficient if I have the chance."
Director Li was pleased, "I'll teach you once you join us."
Director Xie of the Purchasing and Sales Department interjected, "Old Li, what do you mean? Trying to snatch our department's people?"
Director Li shot him a glance, "The most suitable position for Comrade Su is in our finance department. Why should she go to the Purchasing and Sales Department? It's a waste of talent!"
"Our Purchasing and Sales Department is short-staffed, unlike your finance department. Xiao Tang hasn't had a day off for a week because of the lack of personnel."
Even before she was officially hired, the internal competition for Su Zhaozhao had begun.
Director Liu quickly waved his hands, "We'll discuss which department Comrade Su joins later. No rush now."
Director Chen raised his eyebrows, straightening his back, feeling vindicated. Now, who would dare accuse him of favoritism!
The people he placed here, every unit is vying for them!
Captain Gu is reliable, and his wife is even more so! No wonder they're a couple.
"What do you have to say now?"
What else can we say?
Nothing, really!
Commander Zhao's wife acted as if nothing had happened just now, and came over to hold Su Zhaozhao's hand, "Sister, I'm really sorry. I didn't know you were so capable and well-educated. I really thought you hadn't been to school. If I had known, I wouldn't have caused a fuss. I admire people like you the most."
Su Zhaozhao pulled her hand away, still smiling, "I indeed haven't been to school, but who says that those who haven't been to school must be uneducated? Our generation didn't go to school due to the times, not because we didn't want to. Now that we have the opportunity, we should pick up our studies and learn gradually. We will learn eventually."
Director Chen: "That's right. Look at Comrade Su. She learned on her own under difficult conditions. You should all learn from Comrade Su, read more, and understand more. With more knowledge, won't it be easier to find good jobs?"
Commander Zhao's wife laughed, "I wish I could! But my brain just doesn't work that way. What can I do? Alright, Director Chen, don't try to persuade me. I'm doing fine in the canteen."
Director Chen: ... I don't even want to persuade you! You're as stubborn as a mule!
Waving her off, "Go back to your homes quickly, don't just stand here."
"Alright, then we'll leave. No need to see us off."
Who would see you off? Director Chen rubbed her forehead.
Once everyone left, Director Chen finally breathed a sigh of relief.
With this delay, it was already quite late, and Gu Heng still needed to go to the regiment headquarters. He pulled Su Zhaozhao aside.
"I have to go first. Both the Finance Department and the Purchasing and Sales Department are good. It's up to you which one you choose. If you're assigned to a department you don't want to go to, let me know."
Su Zhaozhao asked him, "Aren't you curious why I can calculate so quickly in my head?"
Gu Heng looked at her, "It's because I don't know enough about you."
Su Zhaozhao smiled, "Then get to know me better in the future. Let's understand each other more."
Gu Heng nodded.
"What are you two talking about?" Director Chen, after finishing her conversation with Director Liu, turned around and saw Gu Heng and Su Zhaozhao looking at each other with smiles. Tsk tsk! Their relationship is truly strong.
Gu Heng didn't answer and changed the subject: "I need to go to the regiment headquarters. Would you like to come along, Director Chen?"
"Yes, I still have a lot to do. Let's go now."
The two said goodbye to Director Liu, who accompanied Su Zhaozhao to see them off at the door.
Chapter 64: The Snatching
Director Chen arrived on his old-style bicycle. He was shorter than Gu Heng but older in age, and with a clear sense of self-awareness, he offered the bike to Gu Heng. Once Gu Heng got on, Director Chen grabbed the back of the bike, jogged a few steps, and then climbed on. The bicycle wobbled a couple of times before turning onto the main street.
Director Liu: "Comrade Su, let's continue with your onboarding."
Su Zhaozhao nodded and apologized for the earlier incident, "I'm sorry, Director Liu. Because of me, everyone's time has been wasted."
Director Liu waved his hand, "This isn't your fault. I should thank them for causing a scene; otherwise, I wouldn't have known about your abilities so soon. Look, now both departments of our Supply and Marketing Cooperatives are vying for you. I don't even know how to arrange it."
Department heads Li and Xie were waiting inside. Seeing them enter, they began their battle over personnel.
Head Xie: "Director Liu, Comrade Su must be assigned to our department. We're short-staffed, and Comrade Su was originally supposed to report to us. You can't let Old Li's department snatch our people!"
Head Li: "All you need in the Purchasing and Sales Department is someone who can do the accounts. Why do you need a prodigy? That would be a waste of talent! Our Finance Department is the best fit for Comrade Su!"
"She belongs to our Purchasing and Sales Department!"
"She should come to our Finance Department!"
"Purchasing and Sales Department!"
"Finance Department!"
Neither department head would yield, and Director Liu quickly intervened, "Stop arguing."
Both department heads looked at him simultaneously, "So, Director Liu, which department should she go to?"
Director Liu: "... Headache!"
He had a headache when the military assigned unsuitable people, but an even bigger one when they assigned someone too suitable.
"Comrade Su."
"Director, call me Xiao Su."
"Alright, Xiao Su, which department would you like to join?"
Su Zhaozhao glanced from one to the other, "I am a brick of the revolution, ready to be moved wherever needed. I will follow the leadership's arrangement."
Director Liu clapped, "Look at Comrade Xiao Su's awareness!"
Head Xie also clapped, "Exactly, so our Purchasing and Sales Department needs her. Xiao Su should join our department."
Head Li: "..."
Director Liu made the decision: "Then it's settled—Purchasing and Sales Department! Head of the Personnel Department, please process her onboarding and transfer her food rationing."
Head Xie gave a smug look at Head Li.
Head Li: "Humph!"
Finally, Su Zhaozhao completed her onboarding and became a proud salesperson at the Supply and Marketing Cooperatives.
She pledged to Chairman Mao that she would never become the kind of salesperson who looked down on people through her nose in period dramas!
"Come, Xiao Su, let me introduce you to the comrades in our department."
In the office of the Purchasing and Sales Department, besides Head Xie, there were three other colleagues, two men and one woman. "This is Yang Yuanzheng, our department's purchasing officer," Head Xie introduced, pointing to a man around thirty years old.
Yang Yuanzheng extended his hand, "Welcome to our Purchasing and Sales Department."
Su Zhaozhao replied, "Thank you, I'm Su Zhaozhao." They shook hands.
The other male colleague introduced himself without waiting for Head Xie, "Comrade Su, I'm Lu Haoran, also a purchasing officer in our department. I'm twenty-one this year."
"No one asked about your age," the other female colleague rolled her eyes at him.
Lu Haoran wasn't upset, smiling, "I just wanted to say it. By the way, Comrade Su, can I call you Sister Su?"
Su Zhaozhao nodded, "Of course."
"Sister Su, I'm not married yet. If you see any pretty comrades, don't forget to think of me. I don't have many requirements, just that they look good."
Su Zhaozhao smiled, "Sure, I'll keep an eye out for you."
With Lu Haoran's jokes, the atmosphere in the Purchasing and Sales Department was particularly lively.
The other female colleague also introduced herself, "I'm He Fang, the clerk in our department. I saw your handwriting earlier; it's really good, and I admire you."
"Thank you, you must be very capable too."
"How do you know I'm capable?"
"Anyone who works as a clerk must have strong writing skills."
He Fang raised her chin proudly, "I graduated from high school!"
Su Zhaozhao was very supportive, "Wow! That's impressive!"
And she wasn't wrong; high school graduates were indeed impressive in those days, solid cultural figures, unlike her, who had no formal education and only knew how to read newspapers, write, and do mental arithmetic.
Her praise made He Fang blush, "It's okay, I'm not that great. Not as good as Xiao Qiu, who went to university."
Fearing Su Zhaozhao might not know who Xiao Qiu was, she introduced her, "Xiao Qiu used to be a salesperson in our department. She didn't get into university when she graduated from high school but never gave up on learning. After two years of hard work, she finally got accepted and left our Supply and Marketing Cooperatives recently, which is why we're short-staffed."
Su Zhaozhao recalled the woman she had seen reading a book during her first visit to the Supply and Marketing Cooperatives; it must have been her.
"I admire her. No one in our Supply and Marketing Cooperatives knew about her college entrance exam until she received her acceptance letter."
Seeing the two of them chatting well and being women, Director Xie asked He Fang to take Su Zhaozhao around and introduce her properly.
Thus, He Fang led Su Zhaozhao out of the Purchasing and Sales Department office.
Next door was the Finance Department, "This is the Finance Department. You've met Director Li. There are two other clerks in the Finance Department; you'll get to know them later." He Fang lowered her voice, "Do you know why Director Li wanted to transfer you to the Finance Department?"
Su Zhaozhao also lowered her voice, "Why?"
"In the Finance Department, there are really only two people who do the actual work. One is Director Li, and the other is Deputy Director Hu's daughter, who doesn't know anything. She's just a helper, but she holds the position of accountant."
Su Zhaozhao understood; nepotism never goes out of style.
"Is Deputy Director Hu not here? I didn't see him."
"He's on a business trip. When he returns, don't call him Deputy Director in front of him. We all use his surname, calling him Director Hu."
Su Zhaozhao nodded, "I will definitely do that."
No leader likes having 'Deputy' in front of their title.
After introducing her to all the offices, He Fang took Su Zhaozhao for a tour of the warehouse.
Then she led her to the front.
"Xiao Tang, let me introduce you to our new sales clerk, Su Zhaozhao. She's a military family member."
Xiao Tang smiled, "I know. She used to come to the Supply and Marketing Cooperatives often to buy things. She's quite generous. By the way, didn't you say you wanted to buy some yarn? The yarn has just arrived this morning. Take a look at the colors and pick what you like before they run out."
See, this is one of the perks of working at the Supply and Marketing Cooperatives. When good goods come in, we get to choose first.
Su Zhaozhao didn't refuse and picked out goose yellow and navy blue.
Xiao Tang directly picked up two bundles and put them in the cabinet, "We'll settle the bill when you leave work."
Chapter 65: Starting Work
Su Zhaozhao thought this was the end of the tour, but it wasn't. He Fang led her out again.
Pointing to the tailor shop, "The tailor shop is under our Supply and Marketing Cooperatives. There's also the market, the slaughterhouse, the grain store..."
No wonder the office system of the Supply and Marketing Cooperatives is so complete, with many people in each department. Those who don't know might think it only manages the stores in front. In reality, the matters involved are far more complex and tedious than imagined.
The Supply and Marketing Cooperatives not only provide daily necessities to the people but also purchase agricultural products from farmers and supply them to other regions.
During the planned economy era, the Supply and Marketing Cooperatives had exclusive rights to 'unified purchase and unified sales.' Anything related to purchasing and supplying couldn't be done without them.
The old tailor looked up and saw them, "What are you doing here?"
He Fang pulled Su Zhaozhao into the tailor shop, "Master, this is our new salesperson. From now on..."
"What?" He Fang hadn't finished speaking when the old tailor interrupted, turning to Su Zhaozhao, "You're a salesperson now?"
"Yes." Was that... strange?
The old tailor stared at her for a moment, then sighed.
He Fang and Su Zhaozhao exchanged glances.
"Why are you sighing, Master?" He Fang asked.
Why am I sighing? I'm sighing because I finally found someone who can operate a sewing machine, and before I could even talk to the leadership, she was snatched away by the Purchasing and Sales Department.
The more the old tailor thought about it, the more upset he became. He directly asked Su Zhaozhao, "Do you want to come work at the tailor shop?"
Ah? Su Zhaozhao was surprised!
"Why are you like the Finance Department, trying to snatch people from our department too!" He Fang was confused; the new comrade was really popular!
The old tailor huffed, "I'm getting old, and I can't handle all the work at the tailor shop anymore. I need an apprentice."
"It's not hard to get an apprentice. Just apply to Director Liu, and you'll have one within two days. Why do you specifically want Sister Su?"
Su Zhaozhao was also curious. Could it be just because she came more frequently?
"She has a talent. She can operate a sewing machine after just one look."
Su Zhaozhao: "..." So it was the result of my boasting earlier.
He Fang: "Sister Su, you really can operate a sewing machine after just one look?"
Su Zhaozhao: "..." Ah, it's not that hard.
"How is it not hard? I find it very difficult. I even got pricked by a needle!" He Fang showed Su Zhaozhao the barely noticeable needle hole on her hand.
The old tailor glanced at her, "If you can do it, it's not hard. If you can't, it's hard. You don't have the talent. Besides, it's not about difficulty. This sewing machine isn't cheap, and not many people dare to use it right away for fear of breaking it. Only she does."
He pointed at Su Zhaozhao, "She's bold, and she dares to try after just one look."
Su Zhaozhao: ... Didn't you ask me to try it?
I'm actually not that bold; I just didn't realize how precious a sewing machine was at that time.
"To do this job, you need to be skilled and meticulous. I think you're quite suitable. How about coming to the tailor shop? Learning a craft means you'll always have food to eat, better than selling things at the Supply and Marketing Cooperatives."
How did this conversation turn into a direct snatch?
As a member of the Purchasing and Sales Department, He Fang felt she needed to protect their colleague and prevent the tailor shop from poaching her.
"Master, you can't do this. Comrade Su Zhaozhao has already reported to our Purchasing and Sales Department and become a proud salesperson of our department. Once decided, there's no going back."
She whispered to Su Zhaozhao, "Sister Su, being in our Purchasing and Sales Department has the most benefits. The goods brought in from the city, the agricultural products collected from the countryside... I won't say more, but you can imagine."
I don't need to imagine; I definitely won't leave our Purchasing and Sales Department!
Su Zhaozhao smiled, "Old Master, thank you for your high regard. Since I've joined the Purchasing and Sales Department, I want to do my best in this job first. I'm not considering anything else for now. Sorry to trouble you."
The old tailor was quite disappointed, "Alright, no pressure."
Then he rummaged through the fabric on the table, "The two sets of pajamas you brought last time are ready. Take them."
There were four sets of pajamas. She had only picked up two adult sets a few days ago, and the two children's sets weren't ready yet. Su Zhaozhao had planned to come today to check, so this was perfect.
Leaving the tailor shop, He Fang looked at the clothes in Su Zhaozhao's hands, "You made pajamas?"
Quite particular, many city dwellers aren't this particular. She doesn't seem like someone from the countryside.
Due to the previous incident, almost everyone in the Supply and Marketing Cooperatives knew Su Zhaozhao was a child bride from the countryside.
"Yes, wearing pajamas to sleep is comfortable. If you need to get up at midnight, you don't have to put on clothes again."
He Fang nodded, indeed.
After touring around, the two returned to the Supply and Marketing Cooperatives.
Su Zhaozhao officially started her job.
"Do you know how much we earn per month?" With no one around, Xiao Tang introduced Su Zhaozhao to the merchandise.
"I know. The Human Resources Division told me during my onboarding."
Salespeople at the Supply and Marketing Cooperatives are service personnel, with salary levels ranging from one to ten. As a newcomer, Su Zhaozhao started at level ten, earning 27.5 yuan, but since she was still in the probationary period, her current monthly salary was 20 yuan.
There would also be additional allowances during holidays.
"Have you talked about the rest days?"
Su Zhaozhao nodded, "Yes, Section Chief Xie also mentioned it and asked me to get familiar with things soon. He said you haven't had a day off for a week."
The Supply and Marketing Cooperatives is open on Sundays, so while the office staff have their weekly day off on Sunday, the sales clerks work on a rotating schedule.
Every Sunday, two sales clerks take turns resting, and those who work on Sunday can choose another day off between Monday and Saturday.
Due to Xiao Qiu's departure, Xiao Tang didn't get a day off last week.
"Don't worry, I'll make sure you get your day off this week."
"That would be great! I've already made plans to go to the city to watch a movie on Sunday. If I don't get the day off, it will be a waste again."
"Don't worry about it."
With Su Zhaozhao's assurance, Xiao Tang was eager for her to get up to speed and began explaining the details of the Supply and Marketing Cooperatives.
"Our Supply and Marketing Cooperatives opens at nine in the morning, but you need to arrive early because you have to stock up, especially when there's a big delivery. You should be here by half past eight to organize the goods. I arrived at twenty past eight today, and I was the only one in the store."
"We have a small canteen at the back of the Supply and Marketing Cooperatives, where we can eat lunch. We have a two-hour break at noon, and we open again at two in the afternoon. The closing time is six, but sometimes we can't leave on time if there are still customers in the store."
"If any items are missing in the store, notify the warehouse to send them over. If the warehouse doesn't have them, we need to ask the procurement department to order more."
"Before we close each day, we need to hand over the money and tickets collected that day to the finance department. This must be accurate; if it doesn't match, we have to cover the difference ourselves." Saying this, Xiao Tang looked pained, as if he had experienced this before.
Su Zhaozhao took out a notebook and pen and carefully wrote down everything.
Chapter 66: The Capable Comrade Xiao Su
Su Zhaozhao began her working life at the Supply and Marketing Cooperatives, while on the other side, Gu Heng was sparring with Yan Guang.
"Oof!" Yan Guang was thrown to the ground again, wincing in pain, "Laogu, did you eat gunpowder today? You're throwing me around like I'm dead weight!"
Gu Heng extended his hand, "Get up."
Yan Guang grabbed his hand and stood up.
The two of them sat down on the steps to rest.
"Come on, who got under your skin?"
Gu Heng glanced at him, "I took Zhaodi to report for duty at the Supply and Marketing Cooperatives this morning. No sooner had we arrived than a few military families showed up..."
Yan Guang started off laughing but his expression changed as he heard more.
After finishing his story, Gu Heng patted his shoulder, stood up, and walked away.
"Laogu..."
Gu Heng waved his hand without turning back.
...
Time passed quickly that morning, and by twelve o'clock, the store was empty, so they closed on time.
Su Zhaozhao followed Xiao Tang to the canteen for lunch.
At this hour, most people from the Supply and Marketing Cooperatives were in the canteen; some ate there, while others took their meals back to their offices.
Su Zhaozhao saw the old tailor, who took his meal and left.
In the canteen, she received many curious glances from her new colleagues.
Some whispered to their coworkers who hadn't seen the morning's events.
Su Zhaozhao followed Xiao Tang in line to get her meal, feeling at ease.
Almost everyone from the Purchasing and Sales Department sat at one table, and after getting their meals, they joined them.
Director Xie asked, "How is Xiao Su doing?"
"Very well! Sister Zhaozhao has an excellent memory. She remembers things after just one explanation and takes detailed notes," Xiao Tang said, hoping Director Xie would not worry and allow her to rest on Sundays.
Comrade Xiao Tang was unmarried and twenty-two years old. After a morning of interaction, their relationship became closer.
Su Zhaozhao returned the favor, "Xiao Tang teaches very patiently and explains everything thoroughly."
Director Xie chuckled, "That's good. I heard from Xiao He that when you went to the tailor shop, the master wanted you to be his apprentice?"
He Fang added, "Of course, I didn't lie."
Director Xie: "I didn't say you lied. Three organizations vying for you proves that our Xiao Su from the department is truly outstanding! It brings honor to our Purchasing and Sales Department."
Su Zhaozhao felt a bit embarrassed; now she had become a hot commodity.
After lunch came the break. Those living nearby went home, while those farther away rested in their offices.
Su Zhaozhao chose to go home for a nap.
Passing by Zhou's house, she was stopped by Wang Chunhua.
"How's work? Are the people at the Supply and Marketing Cooperatives easy to get along with?"
"It's fine. The unit even has a canteen. I had lunch there before coming back. I'll take a nap and head back in the afternoon."
"That's good. You've found a great place. The benefits at the Supply and Marketing Cooperatives are excellent. During holidays, you can see people carrying all sorts of gifts, all provided by the unit."
"I just started, so I'm not quite clear about that yet."
"You'll find out soon enough."
Su Zhaozhao said, "We have a lot of new stock today, including yarn and fabric. If you need anything, I can bring it back for you."
Wang Chunhua's eyes lit up, "I'll go check it out myself this afternoon."
"Sure thing."
After a brief chat, Su Zhaozhao went home.
Once home, she spent about ten minutes washing the children's new pajamas, put the newly bought yarn in the closet, and then took a forty-minute nap.
At 1:40 PM, she filled her water bottle and headed out on time.
Xiao Tang had rested in the office at noon. By nearly two o'clock, she emerged from the office and entered the store through the back door, looking up to see Su Zhaozhao.
"How long have you been here?"
"Just got here a little while ago." Living close by, it only took her ten minutes to walk over. Su Zhaozhao left at forty past one and arrived at fifty, right on time.
Xiao Tang yawned, "No need to come too early. Just a few minutes ahead is fine. I don't go home for lunch anyway. If you have something to do and come a bit late, it's no problem as long as someone is there to open the store."
They opened the store promptly at two o'clock. After opening, Su Zhaozhao noticed several people from the back offices strolling by the entrance.
Seeing her watching them, Xiao Tang explained, "They also start at two, but they're much more relaxed. They don't have to open on time like us, and the boss doesn't say anything if they're a bit late."
Yes, I see.
People kept coming into the store, all of them quite curious about the new salesgirl. Some even asked Su Zhaozhao where she was from and if she was married.
Xiao Tang found it particularly amusing, "Do you know why they ask these questions?"
Su Zhaozhao shook her head.
"They want to set you up with someone. Everyone knows our salesgirls have good benefits. When I first started, people kept asking me too."
At that moment, Su Zhaozhao really wanted to look in a mirror. Did she really look like someone who wasn't married?
Fortunately, she had enough self-awareness to realize that people were just being polite and casting a wide net.
Wang Chunhua arrived soon after, accompanied by Liu Guilan.
Liu Guilan smiled as soon as she entered, "Oh my! Chunhua told me, but I didn't believe her. Who would have thought you'd really come to work at the Supply and Marketing Cooperatives!"
Su Zhaozhao greeted them with a smile, "What would you like to buy? I'll get it for you."
"We need some fabric. We have to prepare clothes for this one in my belly. I've been having children one after another. The little clothes from before have all been worn out by his older siblings. He's lucky; he'll have new clothes as soon as he's born."
Su Zhaozhao picked out several bolts of pure cotton fabric, "Newborns have delicate skin; pure cotton is the best."
"Alright, then I'll take the blue floral print, three feet of it."
Su Zhaozhao skillfully measured the fabric with a ruler.
Xiao Tang watched from the side, ready to remind her if she made any mistakes.
Throughout the process, Su Zhaozhao worked efficiently, measuring, packaging, collecting payment, and issuing receipts in one smooth motion.
Wang Chunhua praised her, "You don't seem like someone who just started working! Anyone who doesn't know better would think you've been here for years."
Xiao Tang nodded in agreement. It took him several days to feel confident enough to handle things on his own, and he spent a long time memorizing the prices. Sometimes he still had to check the price list.
Su Zhaozhao continued to serve Wang Chunhua, "I've practiced the procedures in my mind many times. I have them memorized."
The job of a salesgirl was simple, with the only challenge being the prices and the required coupons.
It would be even easier if they could put price tags under the items on the shelves.
Wang Chunhua noticed she wasn't using an abacus, "How did you calculate the price without using an abacus?"
"Su doesn't need an abacus. She's amazing; she can do it in her head."
Wang Chunhua and Liu Guilan were very surprised, "She can do it in her head? Good heavens, I can only count on my fingers. Once I run out of fingers, I start counting the joints, and then I'm lost."
"You're really impressive."
Su Zhaozhao put her hand to her forehead, "Please stop praising me, I'm starting to feel embarrassed." Actually, it wasn't that impressive...
"What's there to be embarrassed about? You really are that good."
Chapter 67: A Perfect Day
Just before the end of the workday, Director Xie ambled over with his teacup to inspect the office, just in time to see Su Zhaozhao handling a customer's purchase, from fetching the item to ringing up the sale and issuing a receipt.
"Xiao Su is already up to speed?"
Xiao Tang nodded vigorously, "Director, I can take my leave this week. Sister Su can handle it all on her own!" She had been idle for most of the afternoon, just watching.
Director Xie was still a bit hesitant, "How about waiting another week? I'll let you take your leave next week."
Xiao Tang looked distressed, "No, Director, I've already made plans."
Su Zhaozhao came to her rescue, "Director, let her go. I can manage on my own."
"Sunday is our day off, but you'll be here alone. Are you sure you can handle it? Don't overestimate yourself. If it were any other day, we'd be around to help if you got stuck."
Su Zhaozhao nodded, "I really can do it."
The store was very quiet; she had worked half the day and hadn't served many customers. Sunday would likely be busier, but not by much. People these days didn't have strong purchasing power; they only came to buy what they lacked, unlike modern people who visited supermarkets for leisure, feeling uneasy unless they spent some money.
Moreover, resources were extremely scarce in this era, and the Supply and Marketing Cooperatives offered a limited variety of goods, often running out of popular items.
Electrical appliances were entirely absent from the Supply and Marketing Cooperatives; watches, radios, and fans could only be found in city malls.
For Su Zhaozhao, this was much easier than the part-time convenience store job she had while studying.
Hearing her say this, Director Xie felt somewhat reassured, "Start working, and we'll see how it goes in a few days."
Xiao Tang persisted, "Director, if Sister Su doesn't make any mistakes these few days, can I take my leave then?"
Director Xie took a sip of tea, "If there are no mistakes, you can take your leave. If there are, it will be counted against you. Any mistake she makes while working alone will also be your responsibility."
Xiao Tang: ... Director, do you even hear what you're saying?
"Fine! It's on me!"
She turned to Su Zhaozhao, "Sister Su, it's all up to you."
Su Zhaozhao patted her chest reassuringly.
Soon it was time to close up. Xiao Tang led Su Zhaozhao to the finance department to hand in the accounts.
Director Li of the finance department had already left, but two people remained, one man and one woman. Xiao Tang handed the accounts to the male clerk.
"Can you guys come earlier next time? We always have to wait for you in the finance department."
The woman spoke up.
Xiao Tang shot her a glance, "If you want us to come earlier, why don't you ask Director Hu to arrange an earlier dismissal for us?"
Su Zhaozhao glanced over as well; this must be Director Hu's daughter that He Fang mentioned.
Hu Jia huffed and walked away with her bag.
"Brother Liu, did she eat gunpowder?"
Brother Liu, the male clerk in the finance department, was about thirty years old. He glanced at Su Zhaozhao, "Pretty much. Our new colleague from your department has caught the attention of our director, who wants to recruit her to the finance department. She's afraid of losing her accounting position."
"What kind of accountant is she?"
"Whether or not she qualifies, that's what she is."
Xiao Tang snorted, "If it weren't for her father, she wouldn't even qualify as a salesclerk."
Su Zhaozhao listened without comment.
After leaving the finance department, Xiao Tang continued chatting with Su Zhaozhao about Hu Jia, "... When she first joined the finance department, she made a huge mess of the accounts. Directors Li and Brother Liu spent several days sorting it out. Since then, Director Li has never let her touch the books again, only assigning her menial tasks. Brother Liu has a lot of complaints about her; he ends up doing all the work she can't handle."
I see, that's why you wouldn't speak ill of her in front of her.
Hmm, surnamed Liu?
"Is Brother Liu related to Director Liu?"
"Oh, he's Director Liu's nephew."
...
With a water bottle and a shoulder bag, Su Zhaozhao waved goodbye to Xiao Tang and headed home.
It was rush hour, both for those finishing work and school. The main street was bustling with adults hurrying home to prepare dinner, while energetic students, like wild horses, chased each other and played on the road.
Su Zhaozhao spotted Zhou Xiaojun right away. He was running the fastest, shouting at Gu Xiang and Gu Nian, who were lagging behind.
Gu Xiang ran after him for a few steps, then stopped when he saw his sister and classmate walking hand in hand behind them, slowing down to walk with them.
Seeing that he wasn't chasing, Zhou Xiaojun doubled back, laughing and chatting, then ran off again when called.
"Gu Xiang, Gu Nian." Su Zhaozhao stood at the intersection, waiting for them.
At her call, the siblings heard her. Gu Nian said goodbye to her friend and ran over with her brother.
"Mom!"
"Mom, are you off work?"
"Yes." Su Zhaozhao reached out to smooth Gu Nian's wind-tousled bangs.
"Mom, how was work?" Gu Xiang asked, the siblings having worried all day about their mother's first day at work.
"Pretty good..." The three of them walked home hand in hand, chatting along the way.
When they got home, Gu Heng hadn't returned yet. Su Zhaozhao prepared to cook dinner, but when Gu Xiang and Gu Nian offered to help, she sent them away.
Not long after, Gu Heng came back, carrying a rocking chair on his shoulder, followed by a villager who also had something on his shoulder.
"Is this a bathtub?"
Once the villager put down the items, Su Zhaozhao immediately recognized it—it looked exactly like the bathtubs used by people in ancient dramas on TV.
Gu Heng set down the rocking chair, "Yes." With someone else present, he didn't elaborate, then went out to see the villager off. A moment later, he returned with a bookshelf.
He placed the bookshelf directly in Gu Xiang's room. When he came out and saw Su Zhaozhao examining the bathtub, he explained, "It's too inconvenient for you to bathe at home using a basin. Last time I went to the village to get the rocking chair made, I learned they also make bathtubs, so I asked them to make one. The bookshelf was made from the leftover wood. We have children at home, and you love reading, so having a bookshelf to store your books is perfect."
Su Zhaozhao was delighted. The public bathhouse only opened twice a week, and with this bathtub, bathing at home would be much more convenient.
And the bookshelf—she had been thinking about getting one for the house, but had forgotten about it recently. She hadn't expected Gu Heng to have already arranged for the carpenter to make one.
She tried sitting in the rocking chair; it was similar to the ones she had seen in the tailor shop, and the rocking motion was very comfortable.
Su Zhaozhao didn't want to get up.
"Wash your hands, dinner will be ready soon."
Gu Heng washed his hands, then went into the bedroom to take off his military uniform, noticing the neatly folded pajamas on the bed.
He touched them; they were finally dry.
He went straight to the kitchen, "How was your day?"
Su Zhaozhao stirred the noodles in the pot, "Pretty good. Everyone at the Purchasing and Sales Department is easy to get along with, and the store isn't busy. I've pretty much gotten the hang of things, just need to learn some more details. By the way, the Supply and Marketing Cooperatives has an internal cafeteria, so I won't be eating lunch at home anymore. This Sunday, I have to work, so you'll need to eat at the cafeteria yourselves."
Gu Heng nodded, realizing she was still working at the Supply and Marketing Cooperatives, not in finance.
"I'm glad I didn't go to finance. Did you know? There are two clerks in the finance department: one surnamed Liu and the other surnamed Hu. One is the director's nephew, and the other is the deputy director's daughter. If I, surnamed Su, joined, I'd be the middle piece of a sandwich. Being a salesperson is much simpler."
Chapter 68 What a Fine Day
Su Zhaozhao only wanted to hold onto her secure job and live a laid-back life; she didn't want to be involved in the office politics.
Although she hadn't met Deputy Director Hu yet, from the personnel arrangements in the finance department, it was clear that the two directors were not on good terms.
"Feel free to do what makes you happy."
"Of course, I am." Su Zhaozhao turned around and gave him a radiant smile.
Gu Heng also smiled; he could feel her happiness.
For dinner, they had noodles. After eating, Gu Heng went to wash the dishes, while Su Zhaozhao sat in a rocking chair in the courtyard, swaying gently as she gazed at the stars.
Just as she was enjoying the view, someone knocked on the door. Su Zhaozhao went to open it, and outside stood Wang Chunhua.
"Why didn't you say anything when you came back at noon?" As soon as the door opened, Wang Chunhua asked.
"What should I have said?" Su Zhaozhao invited her in.
"About what else? The thing with Commander Zhao's wife, who brought people to give you a hard time!" Wang Chunhua followed her into the yard and saw Gu Heng washing dishes by the pond.
"… Is Captain Gu washing dishes?" Not only cooking but also washing dishes?
Su Zhaozhao followed her gaze. "… Sometimes he does, doing more housework is good for health!"
What kind of health? Wang Chunhua pouted, having never heard such a thing in her half-century of life, and thought of her own husband...
"Your Captain Gu is really something, not only handsome but also diligent. Zhaodi, you'll definitely be very happy in the future."
Su Zhaozhao smiled and mentioned that she had changed her name.
"Zhaozhao? Alright, I'll call you Zhaozhao from now on. It's a nice name, did your Captain Gu come up with it?"
Why him?
Can't I choose my own name?
Getting back to the point, "Where did you hear this?"
Wang Chunhua explained that she heard it from so-and-so, who heard it from someone else. "Anyway, it spread like wildfire, and many people know about it! They say you outsmarted all those women, especially capable, closed your eyes, and casually calculated the finance department head into submission, and they all want you! They say you're a genius!"
This is getting out of hand!
"It's not that exaggerated. And 'casually calculated'? People might think I'm a fortune-teller if they don't know better. This is a new society, no feudal superstitions!"
These sisters and aunts can really spread rumors.
"So, did Commander Zhao's wife bring people to trouble you? Did you outdo them? Does the Supply and Marketing Cooperatives' finance department want you to join their team?"
Su Zhaozhao nodded, "Yes, that's what happened."
Wang Chunhua clapped her hands, "That's right, then it must be true. Commander Zhao's wife is really a fool!"
Su Zhaozhao had heard her call her a fool several times, "Why do you keep calling her a fool?"
"She is a fool!" Wang Chunhua said, "You don't know her, she's honest, but her honesty comes with a bit of foolishness. Whatever she thinks is wrong, she will argue until the other person admits it, and then she acts as if nothing happened, still talking to them normally."
"She easily believes what others say and loves to stand up for others. Once, she tried to mediate a fight and got scolded by both parties. The woman said her husband was bad, and she believed it, went to scold the man, and was chased out, causing quite a commotion."
"As for those city wives, they clearly look down on her, but she insists on getting close, saying she likes intellectuals and wants to be influenced by them... She doesn't know how to distinguish between good and bad."
It's more like being influenced, isn't it?
City wives...
Su Zhaozhao asked, "Where does she live?"
Wang Chunhua replied, "A bit far from here. Oh, quite close to Yu Huixin's place. Her husband is a company commander, but his rank isn't high enough for us to each have our own courtyard, so they share a three-sided courtyard with several families, using a communal kitchen."
Su Zhaozhao: … She seemed to know who had leaked the information.
Ignoring her was one thing, but to sabotage her behind her back was too much.
Yan Guang and Gu Heng had a good relationship; if this was discovered, wouldn't she be afraid it would affect their friendship?
A well-born young lady from a capitalist family, with such a mindset?
She couldn't understand Yu Huixin's thinking, and neither could Yan Guang.
"Why did you do this?" Yan Guang sat on the sofa, staring straight at the person who entered.
Yu Huixin had taken a day off to return to the city, carrying many bags. As soon as she entered, before she could put down her things, she heard Yan Guang's question.
At first, she felt confused and a bit angry, "What did I do? I came back late, and you didn't even come to pick me up. Don't you care?"
She put down her things and called out to Yan Guang, "Look at what my parents prepared for us, things you can't even find here. Come and see!"
She handed him an elegantly packaged box, "This is for you..."
Before she finished speaking, Yan Guang slapped it to the ground.
"You!" Yu Huixin glared at him, furious, "What are you doing?"
"What am I doing? I want to ask you what you're doing!" Yan Guang pointed at the items she had brought back, each beautifully packaged, clearly not cheap, and perhaps not even suitable for a leader.
"I've told you countless times, we're in the military, we need to pay attention to our image and live frugally. Look at you, and look at the things in this house, where is there any sign of frugality?"
Yu Huixin was so angry she could hardly breathe, "What are you raving about? How have I wronged you? You talk about image all the time, haven't I been careful enough? This house isn't just mine, do I have to plaster the walls with mud and wear tattered clothes to be considered frugal?"
As she spoke, Yu Huixin began to cry, "You should come and see my home, and then look here... Back then, you promised me a good life, but what kind of good life is this? Even the servants in my family back then lived better than I do now... sniffle."
Seeing her cry, Yan Guang's heart softened again, and he sighed, "Don't cry anymore, or Xiaowen will think I'm bullying you."
"You are bullying me!" Yu Huixin glared at him through her tears, "You're unreasonable! You're unjustified! You have no right!"
Yan Guang: ...
Now she's using idioms.
"I'm not being unjustified. Tell me, did you tell Commander Zhao's wife about Laogu's wife getting a job at the Supply and Marketing Cooperatives?"
Yu Huixin paused her crying, "I don't know, I'm not clear, I'm not aware. Don't throw all the dirty water on me. Whether she works at the Supply and Marketing Cooperatives or not has nothing to do with me. I don't need anything from her."
After saying that, she went into the bedroom and slammed the door shut.
Yan Guang looked at the closed door with a deep gaze. If it had nothing to do with you, how would you know it was a 'bucket of dirty water'?
Chapter 69: The Tips of the Ears
Unlike Yan Guang, who was all bark and no bite, the other men in the neighborhood really did hit and scold their wives when they found out what they had done.
"Are you stupid or what? Who told you to go and cause trouble? Do you think your husband isn't working hard enough, that you need to drag him down from behind?"
The woman cowered, "I wanted to be more respectable. This is such a rare opportunity for a decent job, and you're scolding me for trying?"
"I told you to make yourself look more presentable! Instead, you went and offended people! And you call that a decent job? Can you even do it? You're just a wasteful thing! Stay away from the Zhao family's wife!"
Similar arguments broke out at Commander Zhao's house.
Commander Zhao rolled up his sleeves and got physical, leading to a full-blown fight between the couple.
Usually, neighbors would come to mediate, but since the women from the other two families in the courtyard had also caused trouble, their husbands were busy disciplining them and secretly hoping Commander Zhao would give his wife a good beating to prevent future incidents.
Commander Zhao's wife was not one to back down easily. She was strong and muscular, and when her husband hit her, she fought back. Neither of them gave an inch, and in the end, Commander Zhao's face was covered in scratches.
Commander Zhao sternly warned, "If you keep acting without thinking and sticking your nose into everything, take the children back to the countryside to serve your parents! Or I'll bring my mother here to watch over you, so you don't find trouble every day!"
Hearing this, his wife finally became afraid.
Life in the countryside was tough; even getting enough to eat was a challenge. There was always work to be done in the fields and at home. After joining the military, she realized how much better life could be, and she didn't want to return to the countryside.
And her mother-in-law—she had to watch her every move just to get an extra mouthful of food. She definitely didn't want her husband to bring his mother to live with them.
"I've already apologized, and I don't think the young lady took it to heart."
"With your brain, how can you tell? Go and apologize properly tomorrow!"
...
That night, Su Zhaozhao took a luxurious bath in a tub, finding it more comfortable than the public baths. In the public baths, she usually rushed through to avoid the embarrassment of being seen by others, even though no one paid her any attention.
In her own tub, she could take her time, feeling completely at ease. The only downside was the hassle of heating the water. She had to boil a pot on the stove and a kettle on the coal stove, then mix in cold water to fill the tub about seven-tenths full.
By the time she finished, Gu Xiang and Gu Nian were already asleep, wearing their new pajamas with damp hair. Su Zhaozhao called for Gu Heng to help her pour out the water, as she couldn't manage it alone.
Gu Heng came over, holding a new set of pajamas, "You go in first."
Su Zhaozhao looked down at the pajamas in his hand, "You're going to wash too? There might not be enough water." The fire in the stove had gone out, leaving only a kettle of warm water on the coal stove.
Gu Heng: "It's enough. I'll use the water in the tub."
"..."
Su Zhaozhao's face turned red instantly, the color spreading to the tips of her ears!
She wasn't sure why hearing those words made her blush instinctively. If she had heard something like this before or read it in a novel, she would have probably made a dismissive "Ew" sound.
But Su Zhaozhao didn't make that sound. Her face remained red, and she said nothing, maintaining eye contact and pretending to be calm as she returned to the room.
Gu Heng smiled at her retreating figure, touching the tips of his own ears, which felt warm.
He really had no ulterior motives; he just didn't want to waste water.
When he finished washing and went inside, Su Zhaozhao was already in bed. After tidying up, he joined her.
The room went dark with a click.
He turned over, the previous creaking sound gone, replaced by the rustling of his body against the sheets.
Her flushed, damp face and the red tips of her ears kept flashing in his mind.
They had both taken baths, cleaning themselves thoroughly.
They were also wearing new pajamas, which looked nice but lacked buttons in the front, making them prone to drafts and revealing glimpses of skin...
Gu Heng struggled with his inner turmoil for a while before finally mustering the courage!
"..."
Su Zhaozhao was already asleep, breathing deeply and evenly.
Gu Heng was so close to her that he could see the lashes on her eyes in the darkness and feel her gentle breath.
His throat bobbed as he tried to control his racing heart, and he leaned in to steal a quick kiss on her cheek.
This kiss only made him want more.
Afraid of waking her, he lay back down, silently reciting: "The northern landscape, a thousand miles of ice, ten thousand miles of snow. Looking far and wide, the Great Wall is all white; the mighty river has lost its flow..."
...
Su Zhaozhao woke up feeling refreshed!
The bath had improved her sleep quality, and she fell asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow, unaware of when Gu Heng had come in.
She remembered using the same tub of water as Gu Heng last night and felt a moment of awkwardness when she saw him, but then she brushed it off and continued with her routine.
After breakfast, Gu Heng left with the two children, while Su Zhaozhao, whose shift started later, took her time getting ready.
Dressed in a white shirt and blue pants, with a bag and a water bottle, she added a lunch box to her bag for hygiene reasons.
As she reached the door, she encountered Commander Zhao's wife, who was about to knock.
Su Zhaozhao: "...What are you doing?"
Outside the door was a basket of vegetables: cabbage, eggplants, and large potatoes.
When Commander Zhao's wife saw her, she immediately picked up the basket and pushed it into Su Zhaozhao's arms, "Sister, I'm really sorry about what happened yesterday. I've been thinking about it all night and decided I should come and apologize. These vegetables are from my own garden. I brought them for you as an apology. Please take them."
Su Zhaozhao couldn't accept them, "No, no, you keep them for yourself."
"Please, take them. If you don't, it means you're still angry with me. If you whisper this in your husband's ear, he'll definitely make things difficult for my husband at the base. Then my husband will have to bring my mother-in-law over."
Su Zhaozhao: …
What a mess is this?
She was speechless. Now she was worried about her husband making things difficult for her man, but yesterday she said she wasn't afraid of him.
Didn't she say she wasn't afraid of even the division commander?
And now pillow talk?
And making things difficult?
She really wanted to ask her, aren't you afraid of offending people by saying such things?
Forget it, if she's not afraid, or perhaps she doesn't realize she's offending anyone.
Her mother-in-law is her real curse!
Chapter 70: A Small Suggestion
"If you say so, then I dare not accept it even more."
Su Zhaozhao said, "You yourself have said that this is a new society, where the old ways of the past are no longer relevant. In this new society, everyone is equal, and no one can bully another. By doing this now, aren't you making my husband commit a mistake?"
She turned around and locked the door. "Sister-in-law, if I accept these vegetables from you, it would be like accepting a bribe indirectly. This isn't an apology; it's harming me."
Commander Zhao's wife was stunned by her words. How did this become a bribe? She had never heard of bribing with vegetables.
"That's not what I meant, Sister, these vegetables are really for you to eat."
"I still stand by what I said. There's no need for them. Regarding what happened yesterday, I haven't taken it to heart and won't whisper anything in anyone's ear. My husband wouldn't do anything to harm your husband. Our soldiers are upright and honest people. Saying such things is an insult to my husband and also underestimates our soldiers." Su Zhaozhao's face darkened as she lost her usual gentle smile.
Commander Zhao's wife didn't dare push the basket of vegetables into Su Zhaozhao's arms anymore. "Sister, I didn't mean it that way, don't misunderstand!"
If her husband knew about this, he would surely send her back to the countryside.
Su Zhaozhao's face showed no trace of a smile. "I'm not misunderstanding. Your words just now could easily lead to misunderstandings. Alright, take the vegetables back. I need to go to work, so I won't entertain you further."
With that, she walked past her.
By the time she reached the Supply and Marketing Cooperatives, Xiao Tang hadn't arrived yet. The door to the Purchasing and Sales Department office was open, and Yang Yuanzheng and He Fang were already there. She greeted them and went to the front store.
The shelves were fully stocked, so there was no need to restock. Su Zhaozhao tidied up the goods on the shelves and waited for opening time.
A little while later, Xiao Tang arrived just in time.
"Good morning, Sister Su." Xiao Tang tossed his bag into the cabinet and came over to help Su Zhaozhao open the door.
"Good morning to you too."
After opening the door, only two customers came in the entire morning, making it particularly quiet. Xiao Tang volunteered to teach Su Zhaozhao how to use an abacus.
Then Xiao Tang felt embarrassed.
"Sister Su, have you really never learned before?"
Su Zhaozhao: "...No, I haven't." The original Su Zhaozhao indeed hadn't learned, so she wasn't lying.
Yes, that's right, exactly.
"You're so smart! You picked it up so quickly." It took her over half a month to become proficient, and several days to learn the basics. Compared to Su Zhaozhao, she felt like a fool.
Su Zhaozhao modestly replied, "I remember it now, but it will take some time to become proficient."
"You should practice more. But your mental arithmetic is impressive, so you might not even need the abacus. Actually, learning it or not isn't that important."
"We have rules at the Supply and Marketing Cooperatives, so we should follow them. As the saying goes, 'A good memory is not as reliable as a poor pen.' The same applies to the abacus. Once you're proficient, it's more efficient than mental arithmetic and less prone to errors. If you get interrupted during mental arithmetic, you have to start over." Su Zhaozhao planned to use the abacus regularly to pick up this skill.
Su Zhaozhao once read a quote that said our ancestors created the best computer early on, which is the abacus they have been using.
The algorithms of the abacus are as numerous and complex as the stars in the sky. These algorithms are like mysterious treasure troves waiting to be explored and discovered. However, they are currently using only the most basic and simple part—addition and subtraction.
While this simple calculation method is easy to master, it fails to showcase the true charm and power of the abacus.
Only by delving deeper and becoming proficient in various advanced algorithms can one truly appreciate the infinite wisdom and subtlety behind this ancient tool.
If there's an opportunity, Su Zhaozhao hopes to master it.
Lunch was still at the canteen. After eating, Su Zhaozhao went back for a nap and returned to work when it was time. In the afternoon, Director Xie came over with his teacup to inspect the work, something Xiao Tang said he did every day, often visiting the market in the morning as well.
"How's your day going, Xiao Su?"
Su Zhaozhao naturally said it was good.
"You've been here for two days. Do you have any suggestions? If you do, speak up. As long as it benefits our Supply and Marketing Cooperatives, we'll adopt it." Director Xie sipped his tea, leaning against the shelf.
"The cooperative is quite comprehensive..."
Su Zhaozhao started with some compliments and then made a small suggestion. "Could we label the prices of the goods on the corresponding shelves with paper strips, like in state-owned restaurants, so that customers know the prices in advance? This way, when they enter the store, they can understand their purchasing power without asking."
Director Xie took a sip of tea. "Xiao Su, have you thought about how many people would actually understand the prices we label? You must know that not many people can read. Even if we label them, they'll still have to ask."
Su Zhaozhao was taken aback. That was indeed a problem. Before she could respond, Director Xie continued, "However, your suggestion is good. Let's do this: you and Xiao Tang will handle it. Try to get the prices labeled within the next couple of days. Get glue and white paper from Xiao He in the office."
With that, he slowly walked away.
Su Zhaozhao: ...Why does it feel like I got hit?
Xiao Tang also thought the suggestion was good. "This will make things easier for us too. We won't have to keep checking the price list."
That was true. Memorizing prices was really troublesome, especially the cents and fractions, which gave her a headache.
Deciding to act immediately, Su Zhaozhao went to the office and got glue and white paper from Xiao He. The store had a pencil sharpener, which she borrowed. She wrote the names and prices of the goods on the white paper, cut them into rectangular pieces, and stuck them below the goods on the shelves.
If only there was a way to laminate them. Unfortunately, there was no laminator, or perhaps card sleeves...
Never mind, let's do it this way for now. In difficult times, everything needs to be overcome; one can't expect everything to be perfect.
Su Zhaozhao had good handwriting, so she took charge of writing the prices, copying them from the price list.
Xiao Tang, who was most familiar with the goods at the Supply and Marketing Cooperatives, handled the labeling. They worked together, and before they knew it, it was time to close the store.
After closing the store and handing over the accounts to the finance department, Su Zhaozhao, who had already reached the door, turned back and put the white paper and price list in her bag to take home and continue copying.
Since she had suggested it, she should do a bit more, as she would benefit from it as well.
Today, she didn't run into Gu Xiang or Gu Nian on the way. Su Zhaozhao went straight home. She thought Gu Heng wouldn't be back yet, but as she approached, she saw the gate was half-open. Gu Heng, wearing a tank top and bent over, was digging the soil with a hoe. Around him were about a dozen plants of various sizes.
Su Zhaozhao's eyes lit up, and she ran over. "What kind of flower is this sapling?"