Wei Dai thought that with the cold wind blowing so hard, even if people could smell the blood, they wouldn’t be able to pinpoint where it was coming from.

However, leaving it like this was not ideal, so Wei Dai took off his coat, rolled up his sleeves, and asked Wen Jiajia, “Do you want to keep some of the sheep’s blood?”

Wen Jiajia had considered saving it for cooking tofu but decided against it due to the mess. “No, the wool and blood would get too dirty together. Besides, there isn’t much left.”

Most of the blood had already soaked into the soil in the mountains, where it would become nutrients for plant growth next year.

“What a pity! I should have brought a basin to collect the blood,” Wei Dai said as he moved half of the sheep out of the kitchen. “By the way, where’s our boning knife?”

Wen Jiajia went to the utility room to fetch it. “I took it to cut vegetables.”

When she opened the utility room, she was surprised by the changes. In addition to a row of medicine and dry goods cabinets, there were wooden boxes filling half the room.

The wooden boxes were filled with soil and planted with vegetables. Most of the vegetables were leafy greens, but because of the low temperature, they were growing poorly. Lettuce and spinach were the only ones thriving, while other vegetables grew very slowly.

Wen Jiajia found the boning knife next to the wooden box, closed the door to block out the cold, and handed it to Wei Dai. “The knife I usually use for cutting vegetables is very blunt. Sharpen it when you have time.”

Wei Dai nodded. “I’ll grind it after the mutton is ready.”

While Wei Dai processed the mutton, Wen Jiajia brought in the clothes that had been hanging outside to dry.

Soon, the mutton was deboned, chopped into small pieces, and the internal organs were cleaned.

Wen Jiajia called Wei Dai to warm her hands and then divided the mutton into several portions, placing them in the cupboard and water tank.

“Let’s have… mutton soup tonight!” Wen Jiajia said, licking her lips.

When the cold wind howls, a bowl of hot mutton offal soup can warm you from the inside out.

As New Year’s Eve approached, time seemed to slow down.

Most employees in the pharmaceutical factory were more focused on their New Year benefits than on production.

Even Workshop 6, under the strict supervision of Team Leader Wei, had a restless atmosphere. Wen Jiajia felt it was reminiscent of her class on the eve of a holiday during school.

It was as if the person was still sitting in the classroom, but their heart had already flown out the school gate.

Wen Jiajia was no exception.

The four people in the office had been very leisurely lately and had little work to do.

Li Haijun, who had worked hard to get the position of director, had been energetic for a while but then seemed to lose interest or realize that his relatives had no influence, returning to his old ways.

But recently, he appeared excited again, frequently visiting the chemical plant and neglecting his current responsibilities.

Wen Jiajia suspected this was due to the construction of a new factory.

Although it was a new factory, they wouldn’t be able to hire all new staff. Therefore, both the pharmaceutical and chemical factories would likely send some employees to the new factory. This was a rare opportunity.

Wen Jiajia glanced at Qiao He. He seemed as usual, so he probably hadn’t heard about this yet.

Then she looked at Sha Yue, who was dozing off with her head propped up. Sha Yue seemed increasingly tired and only cared about her immediate tasks. Wen Jiajia guessed she was unaware of the news.

When Sha Yue went to the restroom again, Wen Jiajia followed her out.

“What’s up?” Sha Yue asked, holding her waist and yawning. “Aren’t you coming to the restroom?”

Wen Jiajia found it odd that Sha Yue only went once a day, after the cleaner finished their work. She admired Sha Yue’s restraint.

Wen Jiajia replied, “You go first. I’ll talk to you after class.”

“What’s the matter?”

“Yes!” Wen Jiajia nodded.

Sha Yue quickened her pace. A few minutes later, she came out of the restroom and hid in the corner of the corridor with Wen Jiajia. With a curious look, she leaned in and asked, “What’s going on?”

“Hey! Don’t look so surprised. It’s not a joke,” Wen Jiajia said, placing a finger on her forehead. “I heard that our pharmaceutical factory is planning to collaborate with the chemical factory to open a new factory. Did you know about this?”

Sha Yue was stunned. “I didn’t know. Wait, is this true? Is there really a new factory?”

Wen Jiajia said, “I’m not sure, but there must be a plan. Also, judging by Li Haijun’s recent behavior, he might know something.”

Li Haijun’s obvious excitement led Wen Jiajia to believe that people with connections in the pharmaceutical company were likely aware of the upcoming changes.

Sha Yue patted her chest and murmured, “Oh my God, so many positions will be vacated. This is a huge opportunity.”

She turned to Wen Jiajia and asked, “Jiajia, do you know what kind of factory is being set up?”

Wen Jiajia sighed, “I don’t know for certain. It can’t be another pharmaceutical factory, but I guess it’s probably related to medicine. Otherwise, the pharmaceutical factory wouldn’t be involved.”

Maybe it’s a medical glass factory? Or perhaps something related to chemical machinery?

She had only had a brief conversation with Director Xue, so it was hard to guess the specifics.

Sha Yue took her hand and said, “I understand. I won’t tell anyone about this.”

Wen Jiajia smiled and said, “I just want you to be prepared. The new factory will likely still need to recruit, so getting ready in advance could be very beneficial. Everyone has some unemployed relatives, after all.”

After their conversation, the two returned to the office.

Soon after, Wen Jiajia was called into Director Xue’s office.

Director Xue’s office was much colder, almost like an ice cave.

Wen Jiajia, being familiar with Director Xue, spoke candidly, “Director, why didn’t you close the window? I heard you coughing a few days ago.”

As she spoke, she helped close the window.

Director Xue replied, “Oh, it’s easier to stay awake with the window open. Otherwise, it’s too easy to get lazy.”

“Where does that saying come from?” Wen Jiajia asked, puzzled.

“It’s an ancient practice. People would hang their heads from beams or pierce their legs with awls to stay alert. It’s a traditional method that has been passed down through the ages. Didn’t you know about it?” Director Xue said, taking a sip of water.

Wen Jiajia closed the door again and said, “Regardless of the saying, I’m cold, so I’m closing it.”

Director Xue gestured for her to sit and said, “Please have a seat.”

Wen Jiajia sat down.

Director Xue said, “Our factory is planning something big soon. Do you know what it is?”

Wen Jiajia looked puzzled. “I don’t know.”

Director Xue chuckled and said, “Li Haijun has been coming and going all day. Haven’t you figured it out?”

Wen Jiajia replied, “…”

“Um, is it a new factory?” she ventured.

Director Xue’s face broke into a smile as he gently set down his cup of water. “I knew you’d figure it out.”

Wen Jiajia was slightly confused but understood that Director Xue must have deliberately revealed this information. Director Xue’s usually rigorous demeanor made it unlikely that he would make such a mistake unintentionally.

Director Xue continued, “But do you know what kind of factory it is?”

Wen Jiajia’s mind raced. “Given our cooperation with the chemical plant, and the fact that our factory is in dire need of pharmaceutical glass—which we used to source from other provinces—the new factory is most likely involved in medical glass production.”

Director Xue tapped the table with his pen and praised, “You’re very perceptive.”

Wen Jiajia asked, “Is it really a medical glass factory?”

Director Xue confirmed, “Yes. The factory will be located on Fengliu Street, not far from here.”

Wen Jiajia thought, not only is it not far, but it can also be reached in just over ten minutes by walking. It’s extremely close.

“What about the scale of the factory?” she inquired.

Director Xue replied, “The tentative plan is to have 300 employees, with 100 people being transferred from our two existing factories.”

Wen Jiajia considered this. “That’s not too large, actually.”

Director Xue added, “This is just the initial setup. As the factory develops, more people will be needed.”

That makes sense.

“Why are you asking me about this?” Wen Jiajia wondered.

Director Xue asked, “Are you interested in going?”

Wen Jiajia was taken aback. “I’m going?”

“Yes. You’re skilled at writing. If I recommend you, the factory will definitely be reluctant to let you go. The factory is also planning to have you write two more manuscripts to improve its reputation.” Director Xue leaned back in his chair. “But I also know your capabilities. You’re practical and more realistic than idealistic. You know, this is a brand new factory. There will be a lot of work to build it from scratch.”

If you want to make an impact, it’s easier to do so in a new factory than in an established pharmaceutical factory.

Wen Jiajia felt moved. It wasn’t just about accumulating merit or prestige. It was more about gaining a sense of accomplishment, respect, and recognition—things that could only come from societal validation and work.

This new factory…

“I can’t make the decision for you. You should go back and think about it carefully. Such opportunities are rare. If you decide not to go, I’ll recommend someone else. If you want to go, fill out the application form, and I’ll help you with the arrangements,” Director Xue said.

After this, he allowed Wen Jiajia to leave.

Back in her office, Wen Jiajia sat in a daze, replaying Director Xue’s words over and over in her mind.

Should she choose stability or progress?

At the pharmaceutical factory, she might stay in the office for the next few years with limited advancement opportunities, as seen from Li Haijun’s frequent moves, unless she transitions to a workshop role like Team Leader Wei.

Going to the new factory would be busy and require starting over. Wen Jiajia’s mind was overwhelmed with thoughts about work and family.