Book Synopsis
Book Tags
Donation Rankings
Comment
0 Comments
You May Also Like
墨書 Inktalez
Back to the 80s: A Marriage of Convenience
After collaborating for so long, the County Supply and Marketing Cooperative has always been Zhao Jin's initial stronghold. Zhao Jin has never considered abandoning it, nor will she.
Therefore, Zhao Jin has consistently accepted orders from Sister Lan. Even after opening her workshop, she prioritized supplying the County Supply and Marketing Cooperative.
Additionally, the batch of clothes that Zhao Jin had Qi Zheng take to another province was not just new fabrics sold to City; it also included clothes that Zhao Jin had kept at the County Supply and Marketing Cooperative.
In Zhao Jin's view, one cannot always focus solely on making big profits. There are advantages to running a business in its own way. The clothes she sold to the Supply and Marketing Cooperative may seem made of ordinary fabric, but they are very durable, and their styles are not bad either. Why shouldn't they be sold to other provinces?
The facts proved that Zhao Jin's considerations were correct. Since they were good clothes, there was no worry about people not recognizing their merits. According to feedback from buyers in other provinces, even these clothes made from common fabrics had many repeat customers.
In other words, it wasn't just the new fabric clothes that were popular; ordinary fabric clothes also had their own market.
At this point, Zhao Jin no longer needed to worry about whether her clothes could be sold. What she needed to be concerned about now was whether she could supply more clothes.
As for Sun Qiuer and others, they were not the type to slack off. They were all hardworking individuals with particularly nimble hands. Without Zhao Jin needing to supervise them closely, they could exceed their set goals and tasks.
By the end of the month, when the County Supply and Marketing Cooperative's truck came to transport the clothes as usual, Zhao Jin's packed quantity left them astonished.
At first, the Supply and Marketing Cooperative staff thought Zhao Jin had made a mistake. It wasn't until they clarified that more than half of it was meant for shipment to another province that they understood.
It turned out that not everything was for their County Supply and Marketing Cooperative! They were shocked at how much better business had become for them.
After sending off the County Supply and Marketing Cooperative's vehicle, Uncle Tao's lumber mill truck quickly arrived as well. While transporting Qi Zheng's furniture, it also took away all of Zhao Jin's clothes.
No matter what one does, there is a process of becoming familiar from unfamiliarity.
With the proficiency of Qian Minmin and others, the output of the Gold Workshop continued to increase rapidly, becoming more impressive month by month, greatly exceeding Zhao Jin's expectations and indeed earning her a substantial profit.
As the year-end approached and the Gold Workshop took a temporary break, most of the funds in Zhao Jin's hands had already been recouped. Not only was the initial capital for the Gold Workshop returned, but even the investments made in the Furniture Store and Clothing Store in City had all been earned back.
In other words, when the workshop resumed operations after the New Year, all the money Zhao Jin earned would be pure income, genuine profit.
Due to such a good start, Zhao Jin specifically gave Qian Minmin and others an additional bonus on top of their wages.
Naturally, Qian Minmin and the others were adamant about refusing it, insisting that Zhao Jin take it back; they did not want it.
However, Zhao Jin would not listen to anything and forcibly handed over the prepared bonus to Qian Minmin and the others.
Now that a large sum of money had come in, Zhao Jin stood particularly tall and felt especially confident. According to her, since they had made money, everyone should benefit together. Otherwise, how could she sleep at night if she was the only one making money?
Zhao Jin's words were particularly straightforward and sincere. Even so, Qian Minmin and the others exchanged glances and ultimately shook their heads with a light sigh, conceding.
Having worked in the workshop for so long, Qian Minmin and others did not doubt that Zhao Jin was lying. Knowing that Zhao Jin had indeed made money, they no longer pushed back against her insistence and decided not to be overly formal.
Now that they had received their bonuses, they could simply work harder when they returned after the New Year to help earn more money for Zhao Jin.
After all, they were definitely going to continue helping at the Gold Workshop. There would surely be plenty of opportunities in the future to repay Zhao Jin, no matter from which aspect or point of view.
With this thought settled in their minds, Qian Minmin and others no longer hesitated and graciously accepted the bonus handed over by Zhao Jin.
At the same time, Zhao Zhenqi and Zhao Zhenan also received three times their wages from Qi Zheng.
"Qi Zheng, this..." Staring in disbelief at Qi Zheng, Zhao Zhenan could hardly believe that Qi Zheng had made a mistake in counting the money.
It’s not just a couple of extra bills; it’s a full two times more. If Qi Zheng could get it wrong, that would truly be strange.
Moreover, Zhao Zhenan could see clearly that his brother Zhao Zhenqi had the same amount of wages in his hand, which was definitely also doubled.
“I’ve been relying on my two older brothers for help; you’ve worked hard.” When it came to distributing the extra wages, Qi Zheng and Zhao Jin did not discuss it beforehand; it was a sincere gesture from both of them.
Just as Zhao Jin was grateful to Qian Minmin and others, Qi Zheng was also very thankful for the unwavering support from the Zhao brothers.
In a situation where even relatives from the Qi Family could not be relied upon, the arrival of the Zhao brothers was undoubtedly significant for Qi Zheng and the Qi Family.
Not to mention that for such a long time, the Zhao brothers had truly helped Qi Zheng immensely. Although initially, they only needed to come half the time, in reality, as long as there were no farming tasks at home, the Zhao brothers would voluntarily come to the Qi Zheng Family to do carpentry work.
Thanks to their early morning and late-night efforts, many of Qi Zheng's orders were able to be submitted on time.
The gratitude that had not been explicitly mentioned in daily life did not mean that Qi Zheng had overlooked it or remained unmoved by it.
On the contrary, it was precisely because Qi Zheng kept this gratitude in his heart that he acted without saying much, only taking the most practical actions.
Qi Zheng's words had already provided the best explanation.
Zhao Zhenan quickly shook his head, as if he were holding a hot potato, and without saying a word, he wanted to return the money in his hands to Qi Zheng.
“Don’t! I can’t take this money. If I go home, my parents will definitely scold me, and my sister-in-law will probably strangle me.” Zhao Zhenan joked lightheartedly, but his actions were sincere.
Since their family’s Jin married into Qi Zheng’s family and Qi Zheng's family treated Jin well, they were all considered family. No matter how they helped Qi Zheng in daily life, it was only right. He couldn’t accept this extra money.
However, Qi Zheng was unwilling to take back that money.
Like Zhao Jin, Qi Zheng was also quite persistent about this matter.
Stepping back two paces to avoid Zhao Zhenan's hand, Qi Zheng's expression was particularly serious, and his demeanor was especially solemn: "Next year, I will need the help of both brothers even more. This money is what you both deserve."
"Oh, what do you mean 'deserve'? We're not outsiders. Helping family members shouldn't be so clearly defined. Hurry up and take the money back. Otherwise, I might really get angry!" Knowing that Qi Zheng was not one to back down easily, Zhao Zhenan also put on a stern face.
The three of them did not try to hide their actions or lower their voices, quickly attracting the attention of other members of the Qijia Family in the courtyard.
In such a situation, the inarticulate Qi Dayong would definitely step back. Qi Ze looked around, thinking that he really couldn't help much, so he decided to stay out of it.
Soon after, Grandma Qi and Zhou Ju walked over as expected.
"Ah, take it! If you don't accept it, our family won't have a comfortable New Year. Next year, we really won't dare to invite you two brothers-in-law over to help again." Grandma Qi was the most forceful right from the start, immediately putting pressure on Zhao Zhenqi and his brother. "Yes, yes, take it. You’ve helped our family so much; we should have properly thanked you. Since it's New Year’s, let’s all share in the joy and good fortune." While Zhou Ju chimed in to support her, Grandma Qi had already started stuffing the money into Zhao Zhenqi's brothers' pockets.
Faced with Grandma Qi's strong actions, Zhao Zhenqi and his brother exchanged glances and had no choice but to temporarily refrain from arguing.
They would wait until they got home and let their mother deal with Grandma Qi!
After all, they were both elders; it wouldn't be appropriate for them to push back too much. It wouldn’t look good if they accidentally pushed Grandma Qi over; that would be even worse.
In this way, Zhao Zhenqi and his brother ultimately returned home with three times their wages.
At the Zhao Family's house, before Zhao Zhenqi and his brother could speak up, Qian Minmin and Sun Chun'er had already mentioned to Xu Mei about the New Year bonuses that Zhao Jin had given them.
"Let them give it! Consider it a gift from your two maternal family sisters-in-law. We’re all family here; no need for formalities—just accept it." Ever since helping Zhao Jin with her maternal family's work and receiving wages began, Xu Mei had anticipated that this moment would come.
At this moment, hearing the words of Qian Minmin and Sun Chun'er, Xu Mei did not stop them but only signaled for them not to be polite with Zhao Jin.
After all, they were family; there was no need for formalities. Otherwise, it would surely hurt Jin's feelings.
"Then let's give all the prize money to Mom to keep. It’s also a way to honor Dad and Mom on behalf of Jin." Qian Minmin and Sun Chun'er had discussed this matter carefully on their way back. Both were determined that if Xu Mei did not allow them to return the money to Zhao Jin, they would simply give it to Xu Mei instead.
Xu Mei did not expect that Qian Minmin and Sun Chun'er would have such plans and decisions. She couldn't help but be stunned. "Mom, to be honest, my sister-in-law and I really didn't take wages from the start. That's the truth. Auntie may not understand, but my sister-in-law and I are definitely Jin's close sisters! This is the time when our maternal family should show support for Jin. If we really accept the money, regardless of whether outsiders laugh or not, I will definitely feel uneasy and guilty." As Qian Minmin handed the money to Xu Mei, she lowered her voice and said, "If it weren't for you insisting that my sister-in-law and I take wages, even if Jin gave us more money, we wouldn't take a single cent."
"That's right. Mom, Jin's in-laws' younger siblings are just like us; they are also busy every day. But they didn't take wages." Although Sun Qiuer was their cousin, Sun Chun'er still made a serious comparison. "The Qi family can do this; our Zhao family can too. We can't treat our in-laws and maternal family differently."
Xu Mei was particularly pleased to hear Qian Minmin and Sun Chun'er's attitude.
She had never cared much about money but valued family feelings greatly. Seeing Qian Minmin and Sun Chun'er being so sincere towards Zhao Jin made Xu Mei very satisfied. While feeling pleased, Xu Mei also reminded them: "You know, saying these things makes it seem like you’re being distant from Jin. Of course, I know you care for Jin and treat her well. But as her sister and sister-in-law, can you always rely on your maternal family sisters to help her? Since Jin has given you this money, just accept it without any other thoughts; just spend it."
"As for Qiuer's side, forgive me for being blunt. Qi Ze is her brother, and Qiuer is his sister-in-law; all the expenses for their marriage were covered by Jin and Qi Zheng, right? They really shouldn't be too separate about this. Otherwise, if Jin gives wages here, won't Qi Ze and Qiuer then have to worry about repaying their wedding expenses?"
Because of Sun Chun'er’s relationship, Xu Mei was also familiar with Sun Qiuer. She treated her like family and spoke very affectionately.
However, Xu Mei's words were very practical and beyond question.
"Then we shouldn't take Jin's money! It just feels too hot to handle." With a hint of disappointment in her tone, Qian Minmin murmured.
"Alright, alright. I know you feel it's too hot to handle; as your mom, can't I help you keep it?" Amused by Qian Minmin's tone, Xu Mei couldn't help but shake her head. "You guys are something else. When Jin got married, you two as older siblings supported her quite a bit. Back then, Jin was thick-skinned enough to accept everything without a second thought. How come now that it's turned around with Jin honoring you instead, it makes you feel uncomfortable?"
"It’s originally uncomfortable! Mom knows that Jin is the younger sister. As older siblings, it's only right for us to support our younger sister. But now having the younger sister support us older siblings is really embarrassing." Qian Minmin couldn't help but laugh again, her face showing a bit of pride and satisfaction. "Indeed, she truly deserves to be one of our Zhao family's daughters who got married off. Look at our Jin; how long has she been married into the Qi family? She's directly helping the Qi family get out of poverty and become prosperous!"
Qian Minmin's laughter made Xu Mei and Sun Chun'er laugh along with her.
Indeed, their family’s Jin was truly impressive. Who knows, in the future, they might all have to follow Jin towards prosperity.
After hearing Xu Mei's attitude regarding Zhao Jin's bonus, Zhao Zhenqi and Zhao Zhenan shrugged and directly walked over, handing over the wages Qi Zheng had given them to Xu Mei as well.
The two brothers said nothing, simply placing the money in front of Xu Mei, which left her surprised.
"What’s going on?" Xu Mei instinctively took the money and looked up to ask.
Everything seemed fine, so why were they giving her money? Moreover, after feeling the thickness of the money in her hand, something seemed off.
"Mom, your son-in-law is honoring you as his mother-in-law," Zhao Zhenan said with a grin, having been encouraged by Xu Mei's earlier words.
According to that logic, this could also be seen as Qi Zheng honoring his two brothers-in-law.
However, Zhao Zhenan felt it was a bit too much; it was better to honor his own mother! It felt more comfortable! If it were at another time, Xu Mei might not have reacted so quickly. But since Qian Minmin and Sun Chun'er had just given her money, receiving more from Zhao Zhenqi's two brothers made Xu Mei think for a moment and she couldn't help but ask, "Did Qi Zheng give you extra again?"
Comment 0 Comment Count