Chapter 8 : Finding a Job

Under the same tree, a man observed the entire scene quietly.  

Qi Shaoqiang touched the White Rabbit milk candy in his pocket, his heart pounding.  

She was smarter and more captivating than he had imagined. First Xiao Tang, then Zhuang Guoliang clearly, anyone with eyes could see her excellence.  

At that moment, Qi Shaoqiang made up his mind.  

Carrying his gifts, he headed into the village. With the villagers’ help, he quickly located Jiang Changyi’s house.  

When word spread that a young soldier had come to visit, Jiang Changyi and his family hurried back from the fields.  

Wang Juhua eagerly poured water for Qi Shaoqiang, her eyes fixed on the net bag he was holding. Malted milk, cigarettes, biscuits all items that must have cost a lot of money.  

“Shaoqiang, why did you bring gifts? Your visit alone is enough!” Wang Juhua said with a beaming smile.  

Jiang Changyi, nervous, handed him a cigarette. “Shaoqiang, why not stay for dinner tonight? Your aunt can prepare a chicken for you.”  

Deep down, he was worried that Qi Shaoqiang’s sudden visit was due to Jiang Hongmei’s wish to call off the engagement.  

“Thank you, but I don’t smoke,” Qi Shaoqiang replied. “I have other matters to attend tonight, so I need to return to the county.”  

“Work-related, is it?” Jiang Changyi asked, probing for details. “Has the county arranged your placement yet?”  

“It hasn’t been finalized,” Qi Shaoqiang said, glancing around the Jiang family’s home. Which room did Jiang Li live in?  

“Hongmei! Hongmei, come out quickly! Shaoqiang is here!” Wang Juhua called out eagerly, unwilling to give up on such a promising son-in-law.  

Maybe Hongmei would change her mind after seeing how handsome Qi Shaoqiang was.  

Jiang Changyi frowned at Wang Juhua but turned to Qi Shaoqiang. “Shaoqiang, what brings you here today?”  

“I came to discuss the cancellation of the engagement. After thinking it over, I believe it’s better to end things amicably. Comrade Jiang Hongmei and I have no emotional foundation, and a forced marriage won’t bring happiness,” Qi Shaoqiang stated firmly.  

He placed the gifts on the table. “These are my apologies and compensation to your family for the cancellation.”  

Wang Juhua’s earlier delight turned sour. She shot an angry glare toward the net bag of gifts, blaming Jiang Hongmei for ruining such a good match.  

“Wait!” Jiang Changyi stepped forward and patted Qi Shaoqiang on the shoulder.  

“Our family bears some responsibility too, for raising such a headstrong daughter. Take these gifts back, the engagement is called off, and we’ll leave it at that.”  

Turning to the woodshed, Jiang Changyi called out, “Lizi, come and see Shaoqiang off. Hongmei isn’t feeling well, so she can’t come out.”  

His intentions were clear. A bride exchange was taboo, but if Qi Shaoqiang and Jiang Li developed feelings for each other naturally, it would be a different story.  

Qi Shaoqiang’s expression darkened. The woodshed in the east wing? They let Jiang Li live there?  

He’d heard about Jiang Li’s background before coming: her mother, an educated youth from Haicheng, had died heroically for the commune. Despite receiving pensions and work points in her name, the Jiang family still mistreated her.  

Clenching his fists, Qi Shaoqiang vowed to report this injustice. Without another word, he took the gifts and walked out, leaving Jiang Changyi stunned.  

Wang Juhua, now furious, sat down and cried. “Such a good marriage gone to waste! What a sin!”  

Meanwhile, Jiang Li was at the brigade headquarters, speaking with Jiang Baoshan, the brigade leader.  

“The pension for this month hasn’t come in yet. Your grandma took last month’s,” Jiang Baoshan explained, frowning.  

Jiang Li’s brows furrowed. The pension was supposed to be five yuan a month, enough to cover her basic needs. Yet, Old Mrs. Zhou treated her like a burden and pocketed the money.  

“Captain, please let me know when the pension arrives. I’ll come to collect it myself,” Jiang Li requested politely.  

Jiang Baoshan nodded, surprised by her determination. “Of course. I’ll let you know.”  

“Thank you, Uncle. Without your help, I wouldn’t have even been able to attend high school,” Jiang Li said sweetly.  

Flattered, Jiang Baoshan smiled. “We’ve always cared for the families of martyrs. If the commune sends officials to inspect, I’ll report the truth about your situation.”  

Jiang Li’s lips curled into a small smile, but her eyes gleamed with resolve. It was time for change.