Chapter 25 Facing Unemployment

Gu Congshuang noticed Sister Luo’s nervousness and followed her gaze.

The unfamiliar man exuded a strange, oppressive aura.

He was tall, but his limping left leg made him appear shorter.

Sister Luo’s eyes darted around nervously.

The man seemed to have noticed her; after all, her figure was eye-catching.

“Long time no see, A- Lian.”

Sister Luo looked up, feigning surprise, pretending not to have been seen.

Gu Congli hadn’t noticed anything amiss, still basking in the joy of his successful herb deal. He’d made over 100 yuan profit in a single night, a significant sum.

He had little interest in studying, eager to return to the countryside to buy more herbs to sell.

He finally understood why this business was so profitable.

The man walked with difficulty, slowly approaching Sister Luo.

He was about to speak when he saw Gu Congli’s surprised expression.

Behind his sunglasses, his upturned lips froze.

His hands involuntarily clenched into fists, his knuckles turning white, as if suppressing anger.

“Oh, and who is this young brother? A- Lian seems to have many friends.”

The man removed his sunglasses, revealing hawk-like eyes.

Fine lines crinkled around his slightly narrowed eyes, but his face was well-maintained, looking like he was in his early thirties.

Gu Congli wasn’t stupid; he sensed the man’s hostility. It was like a wild animal defending its territory, a powerful intimidation that left him bewildered.

“I don’t know him well. I wanted to hire this young lady as my driver, so we’re having dinner. This is her younger brother. What’s your name?”

“This is my brother, Gu Congli. I’m Gu Congshuang，” Gu Congshuang answered for him.

Gu Congshuang saw a playful glint in the man’s eyes.

“Oh, it’s you. I’ve heard your dowry is the best in the city, and you married Ye Bei, son of General Ye Chuan.”

“Your father’s fortune is extraordinary; his ancestral grave must be emitting auspicious smoke.”

“You flatter me,”

Gu Congshuang felt uneasy. His words were both complimentary and sarcastic, laced with a cold smile. This man was not someone to be trifled with.

It was best to leave.

“Thank you for your hospitality, Sister Luo. Regarding the driver position, I’m not available right now. I’m sorry, my brother and I have some family matters to attend to. We’ll leave you to your reunion.”

Gu Congshuang stood up to leave with Gu Congli.

“Think it over. It’s a good job, many people want it.”

Gu Congshuang refused again. Sister Luo could only watch them leave.

The man took a sip of his tea.

“How much are you paying this girl as a driver?”

“500 yuan a month.”

“Too little. 1000 yuan. Find her again; she can be my driver.”

Sister Luo looked up, puzzled.

“Just a driver? 1000 yuan is too much. You made a lot of money in Southeast Myanmar, but you don’t need to spend so much.”

“No, it’s more fun this way,” The man finally smiled strangely.

Sister Luo’s heart sank; something felt wrong.

On their way home, Gu Congshuang repeatedly recalled the man’s face. It seemed familiar, but she couldn’t place him. And after he saw her brother,

she sensed his hostility intensify, though he concealed it well.

Gu Congli muttered beside her:

“Sister, aren’t you considering the driver job? 500 yuan a month is good, stable, better than reselling goods. I thought 100 yuan a day was a lot, but benefactors like that are rare. Buying and selling every day is tiring.”

Gu Congli’s clarity returned.

“The night market is full of all sorts of people. She can run several stalls, she’s no ordinary person. We’ll talk about the driving job later.

The next morning, Gu Qinshan entered his office with his briefcase as usual.

He’d been basking in his colleagues’ compliments for days, but today the atmosphere was strange, oppressive even.

Several colleagues looked anxious, pacing restlessly.

He stopped Old Li, “What’s wrong? You all look stressed.”

Old Li sighed, “Haven’t you heard? The factory is closing down.”

“What!”

It was like a bolt from the blue.

Gu Qinshan had worked at the car factory for over twenty years.

If the factory closed, he would be unemployed.

At over forty, finding a job would be difficult, and retirement was still far off.

“How come I haven’t heard anything? When did this happen? What did the factory director say?”

“You have a good son-in-law; this job doesn’t matter to you. We have families to support, we’re worried sick. The notice was posted yesterday.”

Old Li took a sip of tea.

“But the factory’s doing well; it shouldn’t be closing down.”

“It’s been sold to someone influential, buying up factories for restructuring. New brooms sweep clean…”

“Sold? Are we still employees?” Gu Qinshan interrupted.

“That’s what everyone’s worried about. Layoffs are possible, but some might get promoted. This person has drastically reformed several factories.”

“Your daughter married Ye Bei’s son; you’re safe. We’re the ones who should worry.”

Old Li sighed, crushing the remaining tobacco.

Gu Qinshan thought so too. With his strong connections, he wouldn’t be laid off. The director even lent him his car, showing favor. He happily brewed another pot of tea.

He feigned comfort, “Don’t worry, everything will be fine. Even if you’re laid off, I’ll ask the director to bring you back.” He sipped his chrysanthemum tea.

It tasted sweet, and he swayed his head to the rhythm of his heart.

Old Li glanced at him, speechless, silently smoking.

Suddenly, someone rushed in, “Have you seen the latest notice?”

“Tell us!”