Chapter 15: Resource Exchange

Director Zhou looked at Liu Xinghe with eager eyes and asked,

“Miss Liu, what work information are you talking about? Which factory and what kind of job? Quickly tell me the details.”

Aunt Zhang Hong also tilted her head, her gaze fixed on Liu Xinghe, waiting for her to speak.

“I happen to have one opening. It’s a position as a clerk in the procurement department of the city’s largest steel factory. It’s a permanent job.”

As soon as Liu Xinghe finished speaking, Director Zhou and Aunt Zhang exchanged an excited look, standing on either side of her and asking with surprise,

“Really?”

“Absolutely. And it’s a job that can be handed over quickly.”

Liu Xinghe nodded affirmatively.

Director Zhou helped his wife sit down and pressed her trembling hand to calm her, then looked at Liu Xinghe and asked,

“Miss Liu, how do you want to handle this job? Any conditions? Tell us.”

“Uncle, Auntie, before I say anything, I should apologize. Actually, Xiaomei and I went to the same school, but we didn’t know each other. I learned from elsewhere that you were looking for work information and that Xiaomei was going to the Qingyong Commune in Lexian County. Since I’m also going there, I wanted to come specially to talk to you.”

Liu Xinghe revealed her identity first, mainly because if this involved Zhou Xiaomei, the truth would come out anyway. Better to say it herself than have someone else expose it. It was also just an excuse to quickly get acquainted with Director Zhou.

“That’s fine. I already knew. I know Xiaomei’s friends. You seem unfamiliar at first, but when I saw you, I understood the situation immediately,” Director Zhou said, waving off her concern, secretly pleased. They weren’t friends before, but now and in the future, they could be. At this moment, he only cared about the job.

The steel factory was the largest in the city, highly profitable, and offered the best benefits. Everyone wanted in. Anyone who worked there would be envied. Moreover, the procurement department was considered a “golden” position, with many hidden perks.

Aunt Zhang also focused only on the job itself. In her mind, there was just one thought: this good job must go to her daughter. She discreetly tapped her husband’s hand, eager to secure it at any cost.

Liu Xinghe raised her eyebrows, realizing the couple genuinely loved their child, as her friends had said.

Director Zhou gently squeezed his wife’s hand, not irritated at all, and kindly said to Liu Xinghe,

“Miss Liu, let’s talk about this job—let’s discuss it properly.”

“Yes, yes,” Aunt Liu couldn’t hold back any longer. Even her husband’s hand squeeze didn’t stop her: “Miss Liu, just tell us your terms—how much money, you name it.”

Liu Xinghe spoke frankly:

“Uncle, Auntie, I’m not looking to exchange this job for money. Let’s try another approach—resource exchange. I’ll trade my available resources for the resources you no longer need. It’s mutually beneficial.”

“Oh? That’s novel. What resources do you want to exchange?”

Hearing this fresh term for the first time, Director Zhou was surprised. He didn’t expect the girl to propose such an idea, so he asked with interest.

Liu Xinghe explained, “Trade jobs first, then calculate the value of each job. If one is worth less, compensate the difference with money, tickets, or materials. This way, both sides benefit.”

“Sounds good,” Director Zhou nodded.

Aunt Zhang, impatient, asked, “Which job? The clerical job at the textile factory? Or your uncle’s position at the grocery store?”

“Neither. It’s Xiaomei’s job at the supply and marketing cooperative in Qingyong Commune.”

When Liu Xinghe said this, the couple went quiet, exchanging glances, barely believing their ears. The answer was so unexpected.

“Miss Liu, you really want to exchange for that job? That’s in the township! Your current job is one of the best in the city… You’re not mistaken, right?”

Director Zhou thought he misheard. Of the three jobs, even a fool wouldn’t exchange for the township one. Moving from township to county to city was a three-level leap.

“I’m sure. And to be honest, the place I’m going for rural assignment is the same commune.”

Liu Xinghe said without hesitation, then suggested,

“So Uncle, Auntie, you can tell me about Xiaomei’s situation there. If possible, we can exchange more resources.”

“For example, I have a Phoenix-brand bicycle here, used less than three months, barely ridden, practically new. What resources do you have there at Xiaomei’s side that you could trade for it?”

Liu Xinghe deliberately cited this example, based on the gossip she had heard, hoping to spark the couple’s interest.

Aunt Zhang slapped her thigh in delight and blurted out,

“Perfect! My daughter also has a Phoenix bike, barely used. You two can exchange directly—no need to move things back and forth.”

“Great, I’ll note this as the first item: bike exchange.” Liu Xinghe happily took out her pen and notebook.

Director Zhou realized the advantage: one going rural, one returning to the city, both in the same commune. Many resources could be exchanged, saving time and money.

If it were in a single team…

He immediately asked, “Miss Liu, do you know the name of the team you’re assigned to?”

“Fishing Team.”

Aunt Zhang was overjoyed: “Wow! Xiaomei is also in the Fishing Team—this is perfect.”

Director Zhou also smiled; this made resource exchange even easier, and he proactively added,

“Miss Liu, Xiaomei set up a small room next to the educated youth dormitory, about 25 square meters. It has some basic furniture, pots, and pans, all new, costing over a hundred yuan. Do you need it?”

What a delightful surprise!

Liu Xinghe was thrilled. She didn’t want to squeeze into a crowded dorm, sleep on a big shared bunk, or return to Old Liu’s house. She was a secretive person—ideal for living and eating alone. Who could understand the joy of eating alone!

“Yes.” Liu Xinghe agreed immediately. “Uncle, Auntie, tell me everything Xiaomei has there. Let’s plan together and see how to evaluate my job fairly.”

Xiaomei was really lucky. The happier Xiaomei was, the more pleased Liu Xinghe felt. If possible, she wanted to inherit all of Xiaomei’s resources.

The couple was also delighted; it was rare to meet someone so compatible. Now, nothing was left to worry about.

The three of them sat together, happily discussing their resources and exchanging them. Liu Xinghe wrote everything down in her notebook as they talked.