Chapter 15: Got the Job, Joining the Procurement Department?:

Getting a job was much easier than getting a house.

This job at the supply and marketing cooperative was originally exchanged by selling Qin Yi’an’s previous job position, so it was only natural for her to take over. Moreover, she had the official written agreement proving the exchange between both parties.

The only concern was whether the other party would act dishonorably and back out.

But that was the last thing Qin Yi’an worried about—if anyone tried to play dirty, she had a hundred ways to make them spit it out, whether willingly or not.

Officer Sun knew her plan and decided to back her up, accompanying her to the meeting.

Qin Yi’an was extremely grateful. Once everything was settled, she promised to send Officer Sun a thank-you banner and a letter of appreciation.

With a reliable person at her side, things went smoothly. When the other party saw who was accompanying her, their originally cold expression turned into a beaming smile, and they warmly greeted her. The two parties completed the handover at the supply and marketing cooperative without issue.

To avoid any unforeseen complications, Qin Yi’an joined the cooperative on the spot and immediately started working.

The person she traded with asked curiously, “Weren’t your parents here to take you back? You’re not going back to the capital? You really plan to work here?”

“Don’t pry into a woman’s private matters,” she replied.

The person’s calculating and shrewd gaze showed he wasn’t someone to get too close to. After answering him, Qin Yi’an ignored him and escorted Officer Sun to the gate. Then she turned around and went back to work.

Recently, the procurement department had just brought in a large batch of goods, and the shelves were fully stocked, so there wasn’t much to do—it was quite a relaxed period.

Director Yang of the procurement department brought her in, gave her a task to familiarize herself with the environment, and handed her over to Team Leader Wang.

The others in the office all looked at her curiously—after all, wasn’t she the center of recent gossip?

“Xiao Qin, go ahead and get started. If you need anything, just call me. I’ll be in the back office,” Director Yang said with a warm smile, pointing to the private office behind him.

“Alright, thank you, Director. I understand. Please go ahead with your work.”

Qin Yi’an stood at her workstation and watched Director Yang enter his office before turning back—only to see several pairs of eyes watching her with great interest.

The moment Director Yang went into her office, those curious coworkers dragged their chairs over to Qin Yi’an’s side.

She was the headline figure in the county lately, and now she was in their department, and they were all idle—how could they not gossip?

Team Leader Wang, the eldest among them, took the lead, “Yi’an, is everything sorted at home? Need any help? Don’t be polite with us. If you need anything, just speak up. A few of us together are as good as one Zhuge Liang.”

“Exactly! Team Leader Wang is right. Yi’an, you’ll be working with us from now on, right? We’ll be comrades who share the burdens together.”

One question after another, full of concern, made Qin Yi’an smile gratefully.

One reason she began working immediately was to avoid any complications—by taking over the job right away, she could lock it in.

Another reason was to scope out potential buyers—for both the house and the job. The procurement department was full of capable people, and from what she knew, there were some in need.

Since they’d all gathered around, she didn’t hold back. She started chatting with them, subtly sharing her situation and plans while gathering information about theirs.

By the end of the group chat, everyone was satisfied. They had learned everything they wanted to know.

Soon, the group chat turned into private one-on-one conversations.

One by one, the comrades approached her for a private chat—each clearly interested in getting her job position.

After all, everyone had family members needing jobs, and with the youth-reeducation policy still in effect, many families had idle kids at home. Now that Qin Yi’an had a good position she was ready to sell, they weren’t going to wait—they practically wanted to drag her home to discuss it.

Qin Yi’an also found out how much each of them was willing to pay for the job.

Director Yang kept peeking through her office window, pacing around anxiously—clearly wanting to join in the conversations.

After finishing her chat with the others, Team Leader Wang came and pulled her aside under the pretense of going to the bathroom, actually leading her to a quiet spot to talk in private.

“Yi’an, let me be direct. Are you planning to sell that house in Chengdong? I’d like to buy it.”

“To be honest, my son is about to get married. The apartment we were given is too small. The young couple don’t qualify for separate housing yet, and even the couple dorms have a long waitlist. Your place is 50 square meters—just perfect for them. Plus, it’s close to the sugar factory where they work. If you’re willing to sell, we can talk seriously.”

Qin Yi’an had been waiting for this moment. “Sister Wang, we’re both straightforward people, so I’ll get right to it. The house is for sale. I’ve got both the property deed and land deed on me. The house is 50 sqm, but the land deed says 60 sqm. If we agree, we can go transfer ownership right after work.”

She even pulled out the documents for Team Leader Wang to see.

When Wang saw the real thing, her eyes lit up. Jobs were hard to find—but housing was just as scarce. Most families were cramped together, barely able to turn over in bed. Now, her son’s marriage could proceed without delay.

Suppressing her excitement, she negotiated the price with Qin Yi’an.

Both of them were eager to settle quickly, so they skipped the back and forth. After some discussion, they settled on 350 yuan.

Team Leader Wang handed over 20 yuan as a deposit on the spot, and they signed a simple agreement.

“Yi’an, I really like how straightforward you are,” Wang said with a wide grin. She rolled up her sleeves and checked her watch. “Still two hours left before work ends. I’ll request leave for you, then rush home to get the money so we can go do the transfer. I’ve got a contact at the office—you won’t need to worry about a thing.”

Qin Yi’an and Team Leader Wang aligned their story once more.

“If anyone asks, just say you’re my biological mother’s distant cousin, Xia Xiulan. My mom isn’t from around here, so no one would know the truth.”

“Alright, let’s go with that.”

Team Leader Wang quickly tidied up her desk, went to Director Yang to request leave for both of them, and prepared to handle big business—then go arrange the house.

Qin Yi’an also began clearing her desk, getting ready.

After getting approval, Team Leader Wang dragged Qin Yi’an outside. The two first went to the cafeteria to grab meals in advance, then Qin Yi’an followed her home.