"Our unit has a family area. Those who have served for a relatively long ti can choose to bring their families over, and most of them have moved their entire families here."
Although the unit has a canteen, making als relatively inexpensive, a single person’s allowance has to support a large family, especially for lower ranks. Their monthly allowance is often not enough, so the wives and ladies in the family’s area occasionally go out to find work to supplent household expenses.
"Anyway, our small restaurant is recruiting. We can have the wives from the family area co, and I can recomnd a few. They work efficiently and don’t talk much. Most importantly, they are all military family mbers, so if anyone tries to stir up trouble, they’ll think twice."
"Alright." Lin Xiang agreed without hesitation, "But you must clearly explain upfront: only three people are needed initially, each has a half-month probation period, and during this period, wages are given at fifty cents per day. If they don’t pass the probation, they can leave with this money."
"After half a month, once the probation is passed, they are officially employed. A monthly salary of thirty yuan will be paid, and the wages for the probation period will be reimbursed."
"Although our small restaurant mainly serves fast food, there are many students from Huaqing University, so it’s very busy during al peaks. Generally, you might be busy from morning till night. If they can agree to these conditions, you can bring them over, brother."
Lin Xiang is accustod to speaking everything upfront to avoid disputes later.
"Okay. I’ll head back to the unit later and bring the people over in the afternoon."
With the end of this topic, Cheng Jinyun was still seated opposite Lin Xiang, occasionally casting a glance at her, looking like a shy wife who wanted to say sothing but hesitated.
"Brother, just say what you have to say."
"I want to, but it might be sothing that makes you feel troubled."
Lin Xiang almost said, "Then don’t say it," but held back her words. "Tell what it is first, whether to do it or not is my decision."
Cheng Jinyun adjusted his posture, sitting upright with his back straight and hands resting on his knees. "It’s like this: Uncle gave a leave and assigned a task related to you."
Lin Xiang pointed to her nose with her thumb. "Related to ? What is it?"
"Uncle and Aunt want to invite you over for a al."
When Cheng Jinyun ntioned his aunt, Lin Xiang recalled the storyline from the novel.
The male lead’s aunt and his mother were close friends. Aunt had played matchmaker for Cheng Jianfeng and Cheng’s mother when they married.
Who would’ve thought Cheng Jianfeng was no good? After taking over Quanfu Building from the male lead’s grandfather, he not only mistreated the mother and child but also changed his heart, encouraging another woman to abandon the young male lead and never seriously search for him.
Thus, the aunt harbors a strong sense of guilt toward the male lead.
The male lead is not skilled in business but managed over the years to expand his business nationwide, thanks in no small part to his aunt’s support.
Currently, the aunt is the manager of the Friendship Store, but within a few years, she’ll start her own business.
Even if I can’t return in the short term, getting along well with the aunt could be beneficial, maybe even scoring so bargains from her.
"Sure, when should we go? Today?"
The small restaurant will open tomorrow, and Lin Xiang won’t have ti. From Monday, she has classes and must return to school in the evenings.
After calculating, only this afternoon seems suitable.
Cheng Jinyun said, "Alright. I’ll call Aunt first."
The two returned ho together, Lin Xiang went to change clothes while Cheng Jinyun headed to the alley to make a call.
When Mrs. Lin learned Lin Xiang was going to visit Cheng Jinyun’s aunt, she was silent for a while, then advised Lin Xiang, "When passing by the departnt store, buy sothing. She’s an official’s wife and has seen all sorts of treasures, so our gift shouldn’t be shabby."
"Do you have enough money? I have so here for you if needed."
"No need, no need." Lin Xiang refused, "I have enough money. I heard from my brother that his aunt is the manager of the Friendship Store and has seen all sorts of treasures. Even if I take the best gift from the departnt store, it might not impress her. I have my own arrangents for the gift. Mom, I’m going to change clothes now."
In the public phone booth, Cheng Jinyun dialed Uncle Cheng’s ho number.
At Uncle Cheng’s level, the family had a private phone.
"Hello, this is the Cheng Family residence. May I know who’s speaking?" A slightly aged but very gentle female voice ca from the other end.
"Aunt, it’s ."
"Ah Yun!" Aunt’s voice suddenly rose in pitch, "You’re calling at this hour, so Xiangxiang agreed to visit us? When are you coming? I need to prepare in advance."
Cheng Jinyun honestly replied, "The restaurant is set to open tomorrow, and she has classes from Monday to Friday, so only this afternoon is convenient. Aunt, is it too rushed and botherso for you?"
Aunt glanced at the wall clock; it was just over three o’clock, far from sunset.
"Not at all, not at all. Ah Yun, are you at Xiangxiang’s place now? When you co over, pass by the school to bring your brother along. I’ve been calling him, but he never answers; who knows what he’s busy with."
"Got it."
Cheng Jinyun hung up the phone and noticed Lin Xiang standing a few ters away in the shade, holding a bundle of fabric.
"What’s this for?"
"A gift for Aunt. Last ti I visited Mianyang Town, Director Chen forced it on . Mom thinks clothes made from this fabric are not sturdy and snag easily, but I believe it’s perfect for Aunt, so I’m giving her a bolt of it."
Cheng Jinyun: ...
Giving cloth as a gift was common, but giving an entire bolt was unusual.
Nonetheless, Aunt surely liked this silk fabric.
Cheng Jinyun strode over to Lin Xiang, took the bolt from her arms, "It’s heavy, I’ll carry it until we’re at Aunt’s front gate, then I’ll give it to you."
"I’ve inford Aunt we’ll visit her this afternoon; she asked us to pick up Brother An at the school."
"Then you go call him." Lin Xiang fanned herself with her hand, "I’ll wait at ho."
As it was vacation ti, Lin Xiang did not prefer to return to school, even if required.
Cheng Jinyun didn’t mind. After sending Lin Xiang and the bolt back ho, he headed to the West Gate to find Cheng An.
In the office, Cheng An, who was working at his desk, slowly lifted his head and said with so surprise, "You’re bringing Lin Xiang to my house?"
Cheng Jinyun nodded, "Aunt wants to et Xiangxiang."
As for Mrs. Lin, Cheng Jinyun had inford her right after returning ho, but Mrs. Lin did not want to be involved with the Cheng Family, hence she declined.
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