Chapter 2: Su Yue Reports to the Steel Factory

At six in the morning, Su Yue finished washing up, slung her satchel over her shoulder, and got ready to head out.

Her second sister-in-law, Wu Xiulian, caught sight of her and immediately showed a look of displeasure. Raising her voice, she shouted, “Little sister, look at yourself! You’ve already graduated high school. Why are you still running around every day? Girls your age should be looking for a husband by now.”

Su Yue smiled sweetly and responded obediently, “Second sister-in-law, I know.”

But Wu Xiulian wasn’t done. She curled her lips and continued nagging, “If you really knew, you wouldn’t be out all the time. If your reputation gets ruined, no one will want to marry you.”

At that moment, Su Yue’s mother, Shen Qiuxia, came out of the kitchen holding a lunchbox. She walked straight over to Su Yue and gently handed it to her, saying, “Yueyue, it’s getting late. If you don’t hurry, you’ll miss the ox cart.”

Su Yue smiled as she accepted the lunchbox and replied crisply, “Mom, second sister-in-law, I’m off now.” With that, she cheerfully walked toward the village entrance.

There was only one ox cart to the county town each morning. If she missed it, the only option would be to walk the whole way on foot.

“Mom, little sister is already a grown woman. It’s bad enough she doesn’t go to work, but she’s always out wandering around,” Wu Xiulian grumbled again, watching Su Yue’s figure disappear down the road.

Shen Qiuxia’s face darkened at once. She glared at Wu Xiulian and snapped, “Stop talking nonsense! She’s my daughter—who gave you the right to lecture her?”

Wu Xiulian retorted, “Mom, I know you dote on her, but you can’t let her grow up lazy like this. Look at Hongmei—she’s out cutting pigweed every day and earns two work points.”

Shen Qiuxia rolled her eyes and said irritably, “You think everyone’s like you, secretly disliking their own daughter?”

Wu Xiulian’s eyes darted around quickly, and she forced a smile. “Mom, I’m just saying… There are lots of women in the village around her age who already have kids. Lately, some of the aunties have been asking me about her marriage.”

At that, Shen Qiuxia’s temper flared up instantly. She slammed the cloth she was holding into the washbasin, splashing water all over Wu Xiulian.

“Mom—!” Wu Xiulian yelped in surprise.

“Shut your mouth!” Shen Qiuxia snapped. “Let me warn you—if you dare meddle in my daughter’s marriage, I’ll have you and your husband move out right away!”

Wu Xiulian flinched at the outburst and fell silent, sulking.

When she turned away, she rolled her eyes and muttered to herself. Everyone else favors sons over daughters, but my mother-in-law’s just plain stupid—doting on a daughter who’ll eventually marry out. When the time comes, won’t we be the ones left to care for her in old age?

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Su Yue arrived in the county by ox cart. Before even reaching the town gate, she spotted a familiar figure waiting in the shade.

Li Xiangbei was craning his neck, looking around.

Warmth filled Su Yue’s heart. She gave him a subtle signal, and the two began walking one behind the other toward the steel factory.

Li Xiangbei walked behind her, grinning uncontrollably. They didn’t stop until they were near the factory.

Su Yue turned around, her sparkling eyes filled with amusement.

Li Xiangbei’s eyes lit up, and his smile grew even brighter. He said excitedly, “Yueyue, my parents said they’re coming to your house tomorrow to propose marriage!”

Su Yue’s cheeks flushed with pink. She lowered her head slightly and gave a soft nod.

Her shy expression made Li Xiangbei freeze in place, completely mesmerized.

“Dummy!” Su Yue scolded playfully.

Snapping back to his senses, Li Xiangbei scratched his head sheepishly and grinned. His silly look made Su Yue burst into giggles.

“Don’t you have work today?” she tilted her head and asked curiously.

“I’ve been working hard the past few days, learning the ropes,” Li Xiangbei said with a smile. “Just yesterday, I helped the supply cooperative get five full crates of peaches. My supervisor was so impressed, he said I could come in around noon today.”

Su Yue nodded in approval, clearly impressed.

Scratching his head again, Li Xiangbei asked hopefully, “Yueyue, can I walk you in to report for work?”

Of course Su Yue knew what he was thinking. She smiled and said, “Let’s go.”

“Yueyue, let me carry your bag.”

Without fuss, Su Yue smiled and handed over her satchel.

Li Xiangbei slung the bag over his shoulder, puffed out his chest proudly—like he was showing off.

The two walked side by side into the steel factory. As soon as they reached the gate, the guard’s sharp gaze fell on them.

“What are you two up to? Don’t recognize you,” the old gatekeeper bellowed.

Su Yue smiled sweetly and replied politely, “Sir, my name is Su Yue. I’m the new records room clerk at the steel factory. This is my fiancé, Li Xiangbei. He works at the county supply cooperative. He’s just here to walk me in.”

As soon as Li Xiangbei heard the words “fiancé,” his grin grew even wider—he looked like he might burst with pride.

He stepped forward, pulled a pack of Da Qianmen cigarettes from his pocket, and handed one to the gatekeeper with both hands, grinning broadly. “Sir, I’m Li Xiangbei from the supply cooperative, Su Yue’s fiancé. I hope you’ll look out for her.”

The gatekeeper sniffed the cigarette, smiled with satisfaction, then tucked it into his shirt pocket. His tone softened. “Heard the factory was hiring a new clerk. Didn’t think she’d be this young. Human Resources is that way. Go on in.”

They exchanged a smile and followed the direction he pointed. Soon, they arrived at the HR office.

Pushing open the door, they saw a middle-aged woman sipping tea and reading a newspaper. She looked up as they entered, sizing them up.

“You must be Su Yue,” she said.

Su Yue glanced at the name tag on her chest. “Sister Liang, I’m Su Yue. I’m here to report for work.”

Li Xiangbei took out the documents Su Yue had prepared and handed them over.

Sister Liang flipped through them with a smile. “No need to call me ‘sister’—my son’s older than you.” Despite her words, it was clear she was pleased.

She spoke efficiently: “Su Yue, your household registration has been transferred. Your monthly salary is 28.5 yuan, and you’ll receive various coupons each month. Here’s your grain booklet—you’re entitled to 30 pounds of grain per month, which you can purchase at the grain station. The factory also provides an extra 20 pounds in grain coupons. Oh, and there are some benefits for new hires. You can collect them at the logistics department. The dorm room you requested is ready—Room 306. Here’s the key.”

She moved swiftly, signing documents and stamping forms as she spoke. In no time, Su Yue’s employee file, ID badge, and everything else were neatly organized in a folder, with the key placed on top.

Li Xiangbei promptly took the folder and smiled at Sister Liang. “Thanks so much, Sister Liang.”