Tang Momo was curious. Did Zhang Xiaoli call her into the room just to see this jar? Could there be some treasure hidden inside?  

Just as she thought about it, she saw Zhang Xiaoli lift the lid and revealed a layer of straw on it. This made Tang Momo even more curious. What kind of treasure was it that required such careful protection? 

Zhang Xiaoli took away the straw and explained to Tang Momo, “This is something your father left for you and your three siblings.” 

Tang Momo was genuinely surprised. There was actually jewelry and other items inside. The quantity wasn’t large, but how could Tang Dajun, a regular worker, have acquired such things? 

For a moment, her mind was flooded with thoughts, and her biggest guess was that Tang Dajun wasn’t her biological father. 

This was obviously not the case. In her memory, Tang Dajun and his brother Tang Erjun looked very much alike. 

While Tang Momo’s thoughts were running wild, Zhang Xiaoli spoke gently.  

“Back then, your father saved a couple, and they left these things for him. You were just a tiny little girl at the time.” 

After Zhang Xiaoli finished speaking, she gestured at Tang Momo’s height at that time. 

“These are all capitalist items. Your father didn’t realize what they were until he brought them home. They were nothing but trouble, so he buried them underground.” 

Zhang Xiaoli sighed after she finished speaking. The army was still confiscating these things when he passed away. He also warned her not to take them out unless absolutely necessary, to avoid unnecessary trouble. After all, life was more important than these items. 

Tang Momo took a deep breath. She never imagined that her family had such treasures, but now clearly wasn’t the right time to take them out.  

“The last time I went to the city, I just took a small pendant inside and exchanged it for 100 yuan. I didn’t touch the rest.” 

At that time, Zhang Xiaoli had no other choice. 

“Mother, you did the right thing. We shouldn’t touch these unless absolutely necessary.” 

If someone were to find out, their family would probably be labeled as capitalists, or worse, they might get arrested and sent to reform.  

“Your father said the same thing. When we were forced to live separately, I didn’t even think about touching the things in it because I was afraid someone would find out.” 

At that time, they were just widow and orphans. If anyone had known they had such items, their lives would have been miserable. 

A few days ago, when Zhang Xiaoli went to the black market to trade, it was because she had given up. Momo had nearly died, so what was the point of keeping these things if they couldn’t survive? 

Tang Momo wondered why Zhang Xiaoli had chosen now to tell her this. Then she felt her mother’s hand on hers. “I’ve wanted to tell you for a long time, but I was afraid of your impulsive nature. After surviving the accident, you’ve become much more steady.” 

“Mother, I understand. I won’t tell anyone about this.” 

After this special era has passed, they could bring the items out openly. 

“Of course I don’t worry about you anymore. I’m telling you this today just to inform you that if anything happens, this can be considered our retreat, but we must be careful when going to the black market.” 

Although Tang Momo now had a job, everything in the city cost money. 

“Mother, I’ll make sure to secure the job at the shoe factory soon. For now, it’s best if we don’t touch these things. 

Right now, selling them would be at a loss, but these things would be valuable in the future. 

“If it doesn’t work, forget it. You’re a worker in the food factory now. What if Tang Xiaoxue brings someone to make trouble and affects you?”  

Zhang Xiaoli’s thoughts were simple: as long as she and her children were fine, that was all that mattered. 

“Mother, don’t worry, she wouldn’t dare. Even if she thinks about it, she still has to consider her husband’s family. After all, the Qiu family leads the factory.”  

They know this because Chen Lanying always bragged about her youngest daughter marrying into a good family, and her husband’s family was one of the leaders.  

“It’s always good to be careful.” 

Zhang Xiaoli wanted to remind her a bit more, but seeing how Tang Momo had secured the job at the food factory on her own, she realized she didn’t need to worry.  

The happiest person when Tang Momo got the job was Zhang Xiaoli. With a job, Momo would certainly find a match. 

Zhang Xiaoli still felt pain in her troubled when she thought about the matchmakers with bad intentions she had chased away before. Thankfully, Momo could work in a food factory, so her future marriage would surely be a good one.  

Zhang Xiaoli suddenly recalled something she had overheard after returning from work and sighed, “Aunt Zhao really misjudged this time.”  

She can see Xu Xiaoyun’s character because of what happened between her and Tang Momo. 

But she could only talk about it at home. If she said it outside, people would just think that she was jealous of Xu Xiaoyun’s luck and deliberately ruining her reputation. 

Thinking of this, Zhang Xiaoli shook her head; forget it, it was just a potential match, and it might not even happen. Why should she step in as the bad guy now? 

As she left Zhang Xiaoli’s room, Tang Momo was also thinking about Gu Chengze and Xu Xiaoyun’s potential match.  

She was going to the city tomorrow, and it would definitely be unrealistic to remind Gu Chengze now. 

Fortunately, people in countryside areas are very particular about matchmaking, and they have to check the auspicious dates in advance, so this matter is not urgent and it gives her two days to breathe. 

The Xu family was overjoyed when they heard the news from outside. Xu Zhengfu’s wedding had nearly drained the family’s finances. That’s why they hoped Xu Xiaoyun would settle this marriage quickly so they could get the betrothal money soon and help improve their financial situation. 

“It’s so lively outside; I guess the Gu family is also making preparations. Xiaoyun, you shouldn’t go to work these two days to avoid getting sunburned. Stay home and keep your complexion fair,” her mother said. 

Compared with going to work, marriage is naturally more important. 

“Okay, Mother, I’ll listen to you.” 

Xu Xiaoyun appeared obedient, but inside, she was furious about her mother’s favoritism.  

They said she didn’t need to go to work, but in the end, she had to handle all the work at home. How is that any different from going to work? 

In her previous life, when she was married to Gu Chengze, her life in the Gu family was easier than at home. She didn’t need to do all the housework in the Gu family, and she didn’t even need to worry about Gu Chengze’s affairs. 

This was also the reason why she wanted to settle this marriage quickly. It was much easier in the Gu family than at home. It was a pity that she didn’t know how to cherish it in her previous life. 

Hearing that everyone was discussing the person her sister-in-law was seeing, Bai Luo glanced in the direction of Xu Xiaoyun. Seeing her shyly lowering her eyes, Bai Lu couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow. She played the part quite well. 

If she hadn’t hinted at it before, she would never have thought that Xu Xiaoyun had done this today. 

Sensing Bai Lu’s gaze, Xu Xiaoyun raised her head and smiled at her. So what if she knew? Wasn’t this exactly what she wanted to see? 

In this life, she will not be as foolish as she was in her previous life, leaving all the betrothal gifts to her family. It was originally her betrothal money; why should she leave it to them? 

Before dawn, Zhang Xiaoli got up to prepare breakfast for her family. She cooked boiled eggs and made malted milk. When Tang Momo got up, she had already prepared everything. 

“Mother, I will start working today. I’ll be earning a salary now, so remember to eat well at home. Jianan and the others are still growing,” Tang Momo emphasized.  

Sure enough, the previously firm Zhang Xiaoli began to soften and finally nodded, “Okay, I understand. Take care of yourself at the factory.”  

“There is a canteen in the factory, so I’ll eat well.” 

Tang Momo was still a bit dissatisfied with her height but was glad there was still time to grow. 

While talking, Tang Jianan took the twins to the yard to wash up. Tang Yangyang couldn’t help but lick her lips after smelling the malted milk. It smelled so good. 

Tang Momo was both amused and a little distressed when she saw this and waved to them. “Yangyang, come here quickly; we have malted milk to drink today.” 

Zhang Xiaoli bought this malted milk essence after going to the black market to exchange money last time. Tang Momo was still a little weak at that time, so she bought it to replenish Tang Momo’s body. 

The little ones hadn’t had it even once.  

“Your eldest sister is right; we all have it today.” 

Zhang Xiaoli thought that when she got her job back in the shoe factory, two of her family members would be paid, so she should treat the kids more often. 

Thinking of this, Zhang Xiaoli sighed; the twins had suffered a lot. Back when Dajun was around, Momo and Jianan had at least enjoyed a good life for a while.  

Fortunately, things would get better in the future. Thinking of this, Zhang Xiaoli couldn’t help but breathe a sigh of relief.  

After the family had breakfast, they walked towards the entrance of the village. It would probably take some time for the tractor from the commune to arrive. 

Zhang Xiaoli planned to go to the shoe factory after sending Tang Momo to the food factory. She couldn’t let Tang Momo handle everything. She would take the children with her and go to the labor union to ask how long it would take for this matter to be resolved. 

After a while, they heard some loud noises coming from the distance. They knew the tractor had arrived.  

There were not many people on the back of the tractor, even with their family of five, it felt quite spacious. 

Last night, Tang Momo went to bed late, and now that she was on the vehicle, she couldn’t help but feel drowsy. Zhang Xiaoli urged her to rest her head on her shoulder. “If you’re tired, take a nap.” 

Compared to Tang Momo’s sleepiness, the other three looked excited, especially the twins. This was their first time in the city; how could they not be excited? 

The tractor drove so loudly that Tang Momo’s sleepiness was quickly wiped away. She rubbed her temple and thought that she might not be able to sleep. 

Although the tractor was a bit loud, the speed was still good, and they arrived in the city in less than an hour. 

There was too much noise just now, and no one was talking. When they got off the tractor, everyone saw the bag Tang Momo was holding and was a little curious. “Where are you going, Comrade Tang?” 

“To work at the food factory.”  

Before Tang Momo could respond, Zhang Xiaoli answered for her; her tone was filled with pride. 

“In a food factory, Comrade Tang is a worker now. That’s good. It’s an iron rice bowl.” 

Everyone’s gaze toward Tang Momo shifted to something different.  

Tang Momo turned back and glanced at Zhang Xiaoli, who looked happy. Forget it; it’s fine as long as she is happy. Besides, this is also true.  

When they arrived at the gate of the food factory, Secretary Yang had already informed the guard. 

“Mother, I’m going in first. You can show them around and head back early. I’ll be back when the holiday starts.” 

After Tang Momo finished speaking, she waved goodbye to them, then turned and entered the factory. 

Tang Momo first put her things at the guard’s office and then went to the factory director’s office. 

“Director Wu is in a meeting regarding those two items you brought yesterday. I’ll take you to the Publicity Department first.”  

Yang Jianlin has a gentle attitude, but he understood how important the mooncake production was to Director Wu. 

On the way to the Publicity Department, Yang Jianlin did not forget to introduce her to the environment and relationships there. 

The Publicity Department currently has a section chief and two officers, and they are currently busy with the factory’s promotional materials. 

When they arrived, the only person there was Section Chief Lu Ruijun. Director Wu had already informed him about the arrival. 

Lu Ruijun was somewhat displeased; he wanted to recruit someone with real skills, not just someone with connections.  

Indeed, before Tang Momo even reported, her direct superior had already labeled her as someone who got the job through connections. 

Yang Jianlin introduced her to Lu Ruijun, and Tang Momo immediately sensed his displeasure with her. 

She couldn’t help but be a little confused. This was the first time the two met. Could it be that his displeasure with her was because she occupied this position or perhaps, he had a suitable candidate in mind before? 

“Director Wu said you’ll be assisting her with this year’s mooncake for the next few days. You can leave afterward.” 

It was precisely because of this incident that Lu Ruijun became more certain that Tang Momo got the job through connections. 

“So does this mean I’m being borrowed?”  

Tang Momo thought this might be the reason; she hadn’t even officially started at the Publicity Department yet and was already being borrowed by Director Wu. Anyone in her position wouldn’t feel happy about it. 

Coming out of the Publicity Department, Yang Jianlin saw Tang Momo’s confused look and couldn’t help but comfort her. “Don’t worry; Chief Lu is a former soldier who has returned from the job, and he doesn’t like using connections. He probably thinks you got recruited because you have connections with Director Wu, but he’ll understand in time.” 

When Tang Momo talked about her suggestion yesterday, Yang Jianlin also heard them clearly. He had to admit her ideas were novel; if the mooncakes turned out great, then they might be able to surpass the second factory this year.  

“I see,” Tang Momo nodded and felt it made sense now. 

“I’ll take you to the dormitory first.” 

The food factory here also has family housing, but due to limited space, it has been remodeled, with six people living in one room. 

Tang Momo didn’t expect that in this life, she would actually experience the feeling of living in a dormitory. 

“Director Wu’s meeting will probably finish at noon. You can come directly to the office in the afternoon,” Yang Jianlin explained warmly. 

Tang Momo nodded; she no longer had any hope in the matter of jam and dried fruit. She only hoped that she could use this jam when making moon cakes, which could also relieve some of the burden for the team. 

The environment of the dormitory was a little better than Tang Momo expected. At least it looked clean and tidy, and, of course, the most important thing was that it had lights. 

Qingshui Brigade doesn’t have electricity yet, and it will take about a year to get it, so Tang Momo was very excited to see that there is electricity here. 

There were two beds left in the dormitory. They had probably been notified in advance that someone was coming back, and the two empty beds were made very clean. 

Tang Momo quickly made her bed and put away the things she had brought. It was only after ten o’clock when all her things were put away, which was still early before Director Wu finished her meeting. 

Maybe she could go to the shoe factory now and see the results of their investigation?  

Tang Momo said informed Yang Jianlin and went directly to the shoe factory. 

At this time, Zhang Xiaoli was at the trade union with her three children and was hoping that the people in the trade union would give her an explanation. 

Seeing that it was not Tang Momo who came this time, the people in the union couldn’t help but breathe a sigh of relief. 

After Tang Momo left that day, they called Tang Xiaoxue to inquire. Tang Xiaoxue insisted that she bought the job from Zhang Xiaoli. 

Now Zhang Xiaoli had a faint smile on her face. “I have never agreed to sell my job to her.” 

Moreover, she hadn’t even accepted the ten yuan that had been tossed her way as if she were a beggar back then. 

Just as the union members were about to continue mediating the family dispute with Zhang Xiaoli, Tang Momo arrived.  

“Momo, aren’t you at work?” Zhang Xiaoli looked surprised. 

“I have free time in the morning. What did they say?” After Tang Momo finished speaking, she looked at the union people. 

“They said aunt insists the job was bought from us,” Tang Jianan spoke up before Zhang Xiaoli could respond. 

“Isn’t there a need to report when selling jobs in the factory?” Even if jobs were to be sold, a handover needed to be done at the factory. 

The people in the union were speechless for a moment. According to the rules, there should indeed be a handover process, but most of the time it was overlooked. After all, no one could have imagined that someone would take over. 

“We come to you not to confront Tang Xiaoxue, but to hope that you can uphold justice for us. After all, your union is to is supposed to protect workers interests, right?” 

“What this young comrade said is right. We will definitely try our best to give you a satisfactory explanation on this matter.” The union chairman said over at some point. 

“Then we’ll just wait for the good news. I hope what we hear next time we come here won’t be your perfunctory tone.” 

After Tang Momo finished speaking, she stood up and planned to leave. 

It’s almost lunchtime, just in time to take Jianan and the twins to a state-owned restaurant for dinner. 

*** 

Tang Xiaoxue didn’t expect that Zhang Xiaoli would actually come to the factory to talk to the union about the job. Remembering the looks the union members had given her earlier; she felt a deep hatred for Zhang Xiaoli.  

No, she had to go back to her maternal family. She couldn’t let Zhang Xiaoli come back to the factory to ruin her reputation. 

Because Tang Momo was here last time and left a deep impression on some people, now that everyone saw her again, they couldn’t help but become more concerned. “Little girl, have you asked about your father’s work?” 

“Well, we already figured it out. It was my aunt who took over. We are looking for the union and hope they can help us.” 

At this time, someone recognized Zhang Xiaoli next to Tang Momo. For a moment, everyone quickly understood what was going on. 

At that time, they were still wondering why Tang Dajun’s family members did not come to take over the job, but instead his married sister came to take over. After a long time, it turned out that this was what happened. 

“That Tang Xiaoxue is going too far. Tang Dajun’s wife has four children to support.” 

“Exactly! She was always bragging how powerful her husband’s family is every day? If they’re that great, why can’t they even get her a job? Why does she need to come back home to take her sister-in-law’s position.” 

The person speaking usually didn’t get along with Tang Xiaoxue.  

“Sister, why didn’t you come to the factory earlier and ask questions clearly? Your life must have been difficult in the past two years.” 

The speaker had a good relationship with Tang Dajun before. 

Because Tang Dajun didn’t live in the city, and she had never met Tang Momo, she didn’t think of Tang Dajun at all last time. 

“My mother planned to come to the factory to ask questions after the funeral arrangements were settled, but unfortunately my grandparents refused to let her go, saying that it would be embarrassing for my mother to come. They even threatened to give my younger siblings away if she did. Now we realize they were just covering for my little aunt.” 

“Tang Xiaoxue is quite something; she actually worked with her parents to bully her widowed sister-in-law.” 

Everyone’s tone was filled with disdain for Tang Xiaoxue, and their expressions toward Zhang Xiaoli and her children were full of sympathy.  

Hearing various discussions coming from around her, Tang Momo couldn’t help but smile a little. With Tang Xiaoxue’s prickly temperament, she would definitely not be able to stand such words. 

Tang Xiaoxue didn’t eat in the factory for lunch, so she didn’t know that Zhang Xiaoli and the others were here today. 

At this moment, she was complaining about it to her husband, Qiu Ming. 

“I didn’t agree with you taking that job from the start, but you wouldn’t listen. Now that they’re investigating it, it’s your own fault.” 

Qiu Ming had warned her back then that it wasn’t right, but she refused to listen. 

“What was I supposed to do? It’s for our family; your salary alone doesn’t cover our expenses, and I just wanted to help you.”  

Tang Xiaoxue looked aggrieved. She didn’t expect that at this time, Qiu Ming wouldn’t even stand on her side. 

Qiu Ming couldn’t help but sneer when he heard this. “Enough! In addition to subsidizing your mother’s family in the past two years, how much do you have left in your salary? You’re just envious of your sister-in-law and want to see her struggle, which is why you had to take that job.” 

After being married for more than ten years, how could Tang Xiaoxue’s little thoughts be hidden from Qiu Ming? 

“Qiu Ming, whose side are you on?”  

Being called out directly, Tang Xiaoxue couldn’t help but slam her fist on the table.  

In fact, she didn’t have to work, but remembering how her brother had refused to let her take a job when she got married stirred those feelings. 

Since he wasn’t worried about her well-being with her in-laws back then, she decided to take his job and make things difficult for his family now.  

Tang Xiaoxue’s face turned from embarrassment to anger when someone exposed her inner thoughts that she thought only she knew. 

*** 

In the Qingshui Brigade, the Xu family had been waiting for the Gu family to bring the matchmaker to the door early in the morning. The male side needed to send someone to the female side for this. 

But Xu Xiaoyun didn’t expect that instead of waiting for someone to come to the Gu family, she would hear news of Tang Momo starting her job at the food factory.