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Director Gao added, “You should have brought Lingling back long ago. It’s been two years. The scorching sun on the farmland should have dried up the water in your head by now.”
“Who knows? Anyway, she hasn’t mentioned it, so I won’t bring it up,” Yue Qingsheng said, turning a corner. Wen Jiajia noticed that the view in front of her suddenly became clearer—this was a very long Wutong Avenue.
Yue Qingsheng continued, “Also, considering the current situation…” Realizing there were outsiders present, he fell silent.
Wen Jiajia understood her unfinished thought. The situation was somewhat tense. There is always confusion before dawn.
Teachers had to be very cautious in a sensitive environment like a university to avoid being criticized. How could they dare bring back children sent to study as educated youth?
Despite the sensitivity, teachers often mentored capable students like Director Gao. At this moment, Director Gao said, “Our hospital is recruiting people.”
“Hasn’t the recruitment finished? The factories are all open.”
“The factory is in the development stage and still needs to recruit occasionally.”
Understanding this, Yue Qingsheng sighed, with his paternal love for his daughter taking precedence. He said, “I’ll ask her next time I write.”
Director Gao replied, “It should have been done long ago.”
He then turned to Wen Jiajia and Liang Mu and said, “Our factory is also recruiting workshop workers. Oh, and we’re also looking for drivers and maintenance workers. If you have any relatives or friends, you can recommend them.”
Wen Jiajia was surprised. “Is that okay?”
“Yes. Aren’t you familiar with the HR girl? It’s simple to tell her. Besides, we’re short on manpower in the production workshop. One or two people won’t make much difference…” Director Gao paused, still not elaborating further.
Wen Jiajia said, “I wasn’t allowed to recommend anyone before.”
Director Gao laughed and said, “You weren’t a member of our hospital before. What could you recommend?”
Right.
Wen Jiajia felt a bit foolish. Director Xue could recommend people due to his connections and reputation. Pingping and the others were able to join primarily due to Deputy Director Song. Wen Jiajia had only acted as a go-between.
Song Jiacheng had already begun working as deputy factory director. From the moment he took office, he was actively involved, which naturally allowed him to make recommendations.
At that time, Wen Jiajia was still working at a pharmaceutical factory, so she didn’t have any recommendations to offer.
Wen Jiajia looked at Liang Mu. His family had been working-class for generations, and almost every relative had a job. From his expression, it seemed he didn’t take the situation too seriously.
Wen Jiajia fell into deep thought.
She wasn’t considering the family compound itself, as the people she was close to there could be counted on one hand.
Teacher Shen would be a suitable candidate, given her major, but her identity was a bit sensitive. Wen Jiajia would need to consult Director Gao before making any recommendation.
Then there’s Sister Bao. It’s time for Sister Bao to focus on her granddaughter. Plus, she has her own business now, dedicating all her attention to online flower sales, which earns her a decent income each month.
Sister Hong is another option. She also gave up growing mushrooms and now makes floral arrangements with Sister Bao.
In fact, most people in the family compound have shifted to making net flower decorations. Last month, the compound was so quiet that no one was even seen in the vegetable garden. Everyone was busy with their new craft!
However, this kind of work is not for everyone. While many people tried their hand at it, only a few, including Sister Hong, who learns quickly, were successful.
Wen Jiajia also had average relationships with other people in the compound.
She needed to live there, and turning down a recommendation could lead to gossip and accusations of favoritism. It would be better to avoid conflicts and maintain a peaceful life.
She was contemplating recommending someone from her hometown. In times like these, having a worker support a whole family can significantly improve their quality of life.
Wen Jiajia quickly dismissed the thought.
The previous remarks were probably just Director Gao’s way of pacifying her and Liang Mu, and also an attempt to deepen their mutual interests.
When they arrived at the School of Chemistry, Director Gao showed his more relaxed side and flattered the school leaders so much that they felt like they were basking in a spring breeze.
What were Wen Jiajia and Liang Mu supposed to do? Director Gao arranged for them to talk with students.
“You’re young and have much in common with the students. Tell them more about our medical glass factory. It’s a rising new factory with great potential!” Director Gao said.
Then he gritted his teeth and whispered, “Even if it means bending the truth, I need to get them interested first!”
Wen Jiajia’s mouth twitched, but she nodded.
She would do her best.
The class was ongoing, but it was almost over. The campus was bathed in the sunset glow, with emerald green leaves and red and blue buildings creating a breathtaking scene. Wen Jiajia sat in a seat downstairs in the teaching building, enjoying the view and waiting quietly.
The bell rang, signaling the end of class. Liang Mu, who had been by the lake teasing the swans, also came over.
“That’s why everyone wants to go to college. They fight so hard for a place—it seems worth it,” Liang Mu said with envy.
“It is worth it.”
In a few years, with the resumption of college entrance examinations, it will be like a massive crowd trying to cross a narrow bridge.
There were diligent and studious workers, peasants, and soldiers in those times, and many prominent figures came from those backgrounds. However, there were also slackers who struggled with basic subjects like quadratic equations.
Wen Jiajia wasn’t exaggerating. One of the original owner’s classmates had a quota for the Workers, Peasants, and Soldiers College Students program, but his grades were abysmal. He only scored 8 points in math, and the original owner scored more than that in just a few minutes. The classmate struggled with Chinese as well and only got the quota due to his influential uncle.
Such individuals would struggle in college and might only participate in sports. It was worth fighting for a college spot, as it could secure one’s future for life.
After class, Wen Jiajia approached other students, focusing on those with good grades.
She smiled and said, “I’m from Linhe Medical Glass Factory. I’m here for research today. Since I’m interning, I’d like to hear your thoughts on our factory.”
Several students exchanged puzzled glances, not fully understanding Wen Jiajia’s explanation.
It was understandable that they were confused; Wen Jiajia’s explanation was unclear.
She glanced at her watch and said, “Oh! It’s time for a meal. Which cafeteria at the school is good? How about I treat you to a meal?”
Regarding the meal, Wen Jiajia preferred to eat in her own school cafeteria. Even though they were strangers, she didn’t have to worry about being kidnapped or drugged.
Wen Jiajia was like a close friend, chatting with them throughout the meal.
There were eight students—four boys and four girls. Wen Jiajia particularly enjoyed chatting with the female students.
Is college life enjoyable? What dishes are good in the cafeteria? Are there any extracurricular activities? What are your career plans? Do you want to work in a factory or a government department?
When Wen Jiajia wanted to engage in a good conversation, she excelled at asking questions.
The fact that she had been a college student herself—having graduated less than three years ago—helped her relate to the students, despite the decades that separated them. She could understand the psychology of graduates well.
So, when they arrived at the cafeteria, she was almost holding hands with the female students.
Liang Mu was stunned, unable to find the words. He often felt inferior in the presence of college students and couldn’t match Wen Jiajia’s cheerful and talkative demeanor.
He resolved to learn from Wen Jiajia in the future.
As they entered the cafeteria, Wen Jiajia said, “Our school cafeteria is really good, better than the one at the factory. But the factory has received a lot of support, and the cafeteria is just a temporary setup. I heard they plan to build a new one soon.”
Innocent college students were unaware of the societal intricacies and felt proud when Wen Jiajia praised their cafeteria.
One student said, “Right, our student cafeteria has small private rooms, which other schools don’t have.”
Wen Jiajia decided, “Let’s eat in a private room.”
The student laughed nervously, “But students can’t access those rooms.”
“……Fine.”
So Wen Jiajia took the students to the cafeteria stalls instead.
Being students, they couldn’t afford to lose face, so they opted for cheaper vegetarian dishes.
Wen Jiajia said, “Don’t worry about the cost. Our factory is quite wealthy, and since I’m here for research, the factory will cover this meal. Don’t save money on my account.”
She insisted they each order a meat dish.
After all, how could a school in Shanghai not offer sweet and sour spare ribs in its cafeteria?
Seeing the dishes, Wen Jiajia packed two portions to take away. If she had a lunch box, she would have packed more.
After the meal, the students, embarrassed by the bill, blushed.
Wen Jiajia smiled, her own embarrassment only making her more relatable. It was easier to connect with others when you had a more modest demeanor.
***
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