Chapter 25: Choosing a Job

Zhou Haoting nodded in agreement, thinking that pink and Xiaowan were a particularly good match.

“Comrade, since your significant other likes this one, I’ll write up the order for you now, and then you can pay and take it home today,” Wang Feng said, a smile plastered across her face.

Wen Wan raised an eyebrow at Wang Feng’s expression. “Sister, which of your bicycles has the best load-bearing capacity?”

“Ah… the pink one,” Wang Feng said instinctively, then realizing her mistake, she awkwardly pointed to the black Phoenix bicycle at the far end of the wall. “This one has the best load-bearing capacity.”

Wen Wan walked over, touched it, and shook the handlebars. “We’ll buy this one. How much is it?”

“Comrade, it’s not comfortable for women to ride a 28-inch bike,” Wang Feng said, with an expression that implied she was acting in Wen Wan’s best interest.

Wen Wan smiled sweetly. “It’s fine, I’ll get used to it. A heavy-duty one is more practical.” She had a good reason for buying a bicycle.

Seeing Wen Wan’s determination, Wang Feng turned to Zhou Haoting, wanting to continue persuading them to buy the pink women’s bicycle.

Before Wang Feng could speak, Zhou Haoting said decisively, “Comrade, we’ll take the one my significant other chose. Please write up the order.” He would definitely buy whatever his wife liked.

Wang Feng choked, then took out pen and paper to write the order. “Okay, do you have your bicycle coupons?”

“Yes,” Zhou Haoting calmly produced a stack of coupons he had prepared in advance.

Wang Feng watched him pull out the bicycle voucher from the stack of coupons and muttered to herself: Where did this rich person come from?

“Comrade, the Yongjiu brand bicycle you chose costs 180 yuan. You can come over here to pay,” Wang Feng quickly finished writing the order.

Wen Wan remembered that she wanted to go shopping in the county town later. “Sister Wang Feng, we have some other things to do. Can we buy it and store it at the department store for a few days before picking it up?”

“Sure, you can come anytime when we are working.” Wang Feng was very happy. The little girl called her sister, which must be because she had been applying Ya Cream recently and her complexion had improved.

Remembering the sewing machine voucher she had just seen, Wang Feng’s eyes lit up. “Girl, are you also buying a sewing machine today? We have one ready here.”

“Sister Wang Feng, let’s wait on the sewing machine. Let’s buy the bicycle first,” Wen Wan replied vaguely.

Wang Feng didn’t press the issue. “Okay, next time you come, find me again, and I’ll pick out the best sewing machine for you.”

After paying and receiving the order, Wen Wan and Zhou Haoting left the department store.

“Xiaowan, we still have time. How about we go for a walk around the county town?” Zhou Haoting suggested.

Wen Wan nodded without hesitation. The crowded scene in the department store just now showed that there were still many wealthy people with strong purchasing power.

Walking along the two-meter-wide road, Wen Wan noticed many people carrying burdens or setting up small stalls to sell things in the streets and alleys.

In just half an hour, she saw several vendors selling red dates, dried vegetables, and even sweet potatoes. The spring breeze of reform and opening up was bound to blow across the land.

Zhou Haoting checked the time. It was already past eleven o’clock. “Xiaowan, let’s go to the state-run restaurant for lunch. This afternoon, I’ll take you to visit the factory.”

Wen Wan smiled and agreed. She had heard of the state-run restaurant but had never been there.

Zhou Haoting ordered their food and took the receipt. “Xiaowan, I ordered a braised Tai’an fish, fish-fragrant shredded pork, and spicy shredded potatoes. Is there anything else you want to eat?”

“I’m not picky. I like anything delicious,” Wen Wan said, propping her chin on her hand and glancing around the state-run restaurant. In just a few minutes, three or four more tables had been filled.

The bright sunlight shone through the window, obliquely illuminating Wen Wan’s fair face, as if adding a soft filter.

Wen Wan glanced up and met a pair of deep eyes. She smiled, then coughed.

Zhou Haoting’s eyes flickered, his ears reddening slightly. He asked softly, “Xiaowan, I’ve found two jobs for you: an accountant at a textile factory and a saleswoman at a department store. Which one do you want?”

The accountant position at the textile factory was offered by Grandma Guo’s good friend. There was only one position, but her two sons both wanted it, so she planned to sell the job to split the money.

The saleswoman position at the Peach Blossom Town Supply and Marketing Cooperative was found by Zhou Haoting’s brother. It only required a pack of cigarettes as a bribe. Although it started as a temporary position, it could be made permanent after six months.

After hearing about the two jobs, Wen Wan pondered for a moment. “Brother Hao, how much do these two jobs cost?”

“Grandma Shen’s asking price is 800 yuan, but it’s not very negotiable,” Zhou Haoting raised his eyebrows slightly. “The job at the Supply and Marketing Cooperative is free, just a pack of cigarettes and a meal.”

“I’ll choose the saleswoman position at the Supply and Marketing Cooperative,” Wen Wan decided without hesitation. In a few months, she would be able to act freely. Standing at the forefront of change, even a pig could fly.

Moreover, being a saleswoman would allow her to better understand customer needs.

Zhou Haoting frowned slightly. “Xiaowan, you don’t have to worry about money. I still have some savings.” He didn’t want Xiaowan to work so hard; an office job would be best.

“Number eight, number eight, come get your food!” a loud voice rang out.

Zhou Haoting got up and quickly went to the window to collect their food with the number tag.

“Xiaowan, try this. The Tai’an fish is their specialty dish, and it’s only available in limited quantities each week,” Zhou Haoting handed her chopsticks and a bowl.

Smelling the fragrant and spicy fish, Wen Wan took the chopsticks and unceremoniously took a piece of fish.

Hmm… it truly lived up to its reputation as a specialty dish. It was numbingly spicy, the fish was tender, and the spiciness was accompanied by a fragrant aroma.

Zhou Haoting watched Wen Wan eat seriously, his lips curving into a smile, his appetite greatly increased.

When she was about seven-tenths full, Wen Wan took a sip of tea and cleared her throat.

“Brother Hao, I chose the saleswoman job at the Supply and Marketing Cooperative because it’s close to home and not tiring,” Wen Wan said, giving a plausible reason.

Zhou Haoting was stunned, then understood. Xiaowan must have wanted to stay in Peach Blossom Town to take care of her grandmother and be close to home.

“Xiaowan, I understand your plan,” Zhou Haoting’s magnetic voice was filled with unconcealed emotion. “I’ll do my best in the army, complete my missions, and earn more money to come home.”

He wanted to earn more money so that Xiaowan could buy whatever she wanted without worrying about money.

Wen Wan: …What did he just imagine? She only said one sentence, and he’s so moved.

“Be careful in the army. Money isn’t important. Your safety is what matters most to Grandma Guo and me.”

After talking and finishing their meal,

Zhou Haoting tilted his head and asked casually, “Xiao Wan, do you want to visit the county town or go back to Taohua Town?”

“No sightseeing. Let’s pick up the bicycle and go home,” Wen Wan waved her hand.

It was afternoon, and no one would buy vegetables at this time. Besides, with Zhou Haoting around, it was inconvenient for her to enter her space.