novellhall Chapter 38 They seem like a family
Chapter 38 They seem like a family
Zhuang Qingxiang doesn't want money; it's just simple handicrafts, why would she want money?
Selling for money is a wrong thing to do. In the countryside, people usually take eggs and vegetables out to exchange for other things. No one would dare to say that they are taking them out to sell.
Sun Yongxian disagreed: "You spent time and effort on those embroidered pieces, how can you just give them away for free? We're not even related, you're already very grateful for your help, we must accept the money, we're not landlords who exploit the working people!"
As she spoke, she winked at Zhuang Qingxiang, then called out loudly, "Director Lu, don't you think so? How can you expect people to do the work and then waste their materials?"
Shi Peiran immediately chimed in to his wife, "That makes sense...right, Director Lu?"
Lu Congyue hummed in response after a long pause.
"Director Lu also agrees," Shi Peiran immediately exclaimed.
Inside the room, Sun Yongxian chuckled at Zhuang Qingxiang, took out a dollar from her pocket, and stuffed it into Zhuang Qingxiang's hand: "Sister Zhuang, don't worry about it."
Zhuang Qingxiang was terrified and quickly pushed it back, saying, "No need, no need for so much."
"Consider the extra money a deposit. I'll need your help later, Sister Zhuang, so please accept it," Sun Yongxian said coquettishly.
Little Qian Yue, who was almost asleep, struggled to open her eyes and looked at Sun Yongxian curiously: So adults can act cute too.
Zhuang Qingxiang had no choice but to accept it, and Sun Yongxian happily pulled Shi Peiran away.
Zhuang Qingxiang saw the person to the door, closed it, and returned. Seeing Lu Congyue, she asked somewhat nervously, "Director Lu, about this money..."
"What she said makes sense. If it's given to you, just take it," Lu Congyue said calmly.
Zhuang Qingxiang looked up at him in surprise, a surge of joy welling up inside her.
She actually earned a dollar, and Director Lu didn't blame her for taking on private work.
How could there be such a good thing in this world?
Zhuang Qingxiang was overjoyed and said eagerly, "Director Lu, I'm quite skilled with my hands. If you need any mending or sewing, just let me have it. I'm sure I can do it well."
"I saw it," Lu Congyue said in a deep voice.
Zhuang Qingxiang was taken aback.
Lu Congyue pointed to the handkerchief.
He had meant to thank her earlier, but he had simply forgotten.
"Thank you, well done," Lu Congyue said again.
Overjoyed and excited that her handkerchief had been appreciated, Zhuang Qingxiang's cheeks flushed. "I'm so glad you like it. I... I just wanted to thank you for taking me in..."
"No need. I paid you to look after the child, and you did a great job. You're worth the salary I paid, and that's enough," Lu Congyue said calmly.
Zhuang Qingxiang lowered her head and replied, "I understand."
It seems Director Lu doesn't like it. We should probably do less and make fewer mistakes in the future.
Back in her room, Zhuang Qingxiang carefully put away the one yuan, turned off the light, and lay down. She was still too excited to sleep.
She can earn money with embroidery now. If only she could have this kind of work every day, she would finally have the ability to make a living.
But as she thought about it, she calmed down. This was just an unexpected surprise; she had never heard of anyone making money by mending clothes.
Sun Yongxian was equally excited. After washing up at home, she lay in bed with Shi Peiran and couldn't help but mutter about how skillful Zhuang Qingxiang was.
Shi Peiran was tired of hearing it, so he pulled her into his arms and said, "Alright, we have to go to work tomorrow, go to sleep."
Sun Yongxian couldn't sleep; she had a big secret weighing on her mind.
Unable to hold back any longer, she rolled over and whispered in Shi Peiran's ear, "Peiran, do you think there's any chance between Sister Zhuang and Factory Director Lu?"
Shi Peiran was so startled that he sat up abruptly, covered her mouth, and scolded in a low voice, "What nonsense are you spouting? What if someone hears you?"
"That's why I'm whispering to you," Sun Yongxian said reproachfully. "Keep your voice down too."
Shi Peiran was speechless. He pulled her aside and whispered, "I know you're a kind-hearted person, but can you please stop being so enthusiastic about Comrade Zhuang's affairs? Director Lu came to see me today to remind you not to get involved in Comrade Zhuang's business."
"Really?" Sun Yongxian was even more excited. "Is Factory Director Lu feeling threatened? Is he afraid I'll introduce someone to Sister Zhuang? Oh my, I always said they were a perfect match. You don't know, when I went to see Sister Zhuang today, Factory Director Lu was reading in the outer room, and Sister Zhuang was inside taking care of the child. The atmosphere, the ambiance... it was as warm and cozy as a family!"
Shi Peiran's vision blurred, and he quickly pulled his unusually excited wife back: "That's enough! Sun Yongxian, can you stop making things up! Director Lu made it very clear that Comrade Zhuang just lost her husband and has no time to think about these things. She made it clear that she doesn't want to remarry! Besides, Comrade Zhuang is from Dongya Village. Once Director Lu's adopted child is weaned, she will return to Dongya Village! She's not from our factory, do you understand? How could someone from our factory marry a country bumpkin? Director Lu doesn't even think much of Technician Lin, how could he possibly be interested in a widow like her?!"
"Shi Peiran, do you look down on my Sister Zhuang?!" Sun Yongxian was furious.
So what if she's from the countryside? Zhuang Qingxiang is the most beautiful, gentle, and skillful woman she's ever met. She doesn't seem like a country bumpkin at all. Most men aren't good enough for her!
Seeing his wife's fury, Shi Peiran quickly hugged her and coaxed her: "I didn't look down on Comrade Zhuang. I was just saying it's inappropriate. Besides, Director Lu clearly told you to tone down your enthusiasm. So please don't cause any more trouble, okay, my dear?"
"Let me tell you, Director Lu is just jealous!" Sun Yongxian said with certainty.
Shi Peiran sighed, "Fine, fine, say whatever you want, but we have a deal: you can only say it to me at home. You can't say it outside, or we'll both be fired."
Sun Yongxian pinched him directly: "Nonsense, I'm only telling you this, do you think I'm stupid?!"
The young couple then called a truce, but Sun Yongxian felt that she was right.
In the middle of the night, Zhuang Qingxiang was awakened by the sound of water. She groggily got up and looked out the window, then was startled awake and quickly lay back down to pretend to be asleep.
Who would have thought that Director Lu would be taking a shower in the courtyard in the middle of the night? This time it was a real shower, the kind where he took off his clothes.
Zhuang Qingxiang covered her face, unable to recall what she had seen.
No, she has to move out, she absolutely has to move out, she can't live like this anymore!
After taking a cold shower, Lu Congyue felt the heat dissipate and went back to his room to lie down, feeling restless.
This is unbearable! Having a stranger living in the house, especially a woman, is so inconvenient. Even taking a shower is difficult.
If it weren't for investigating Zhuang Qingxiang's background, he really would have moved out or asked her to move out!
Furthermore, he also realized that Zhuang Qingxiang's presence could easily influence his emotions and mindset.
This is not good news.
Lu Congyue didn't want to become the kind of man he despised the most. He didn't need those things; he just needed to calmly and restrain himself to focus on his work.
The next day, for some reason, neither of them dared to look at each other.
Lu Congyue's eating speed broke records again, shocking Zhuang Qingxiang and Xiao Qianyue so much that they forgot to eat the rice in their own bowls.
"I'm going to work. Is there anything I need to buy?" Lu Congyue asked, getting up.
Zhuang Qingxiang: "Huh?"
"I won't be back for lunch. I'm going out to buy some groceries." Lu Congyue didn't ask any more questions and just left.
"..." Zhuang Qingxiang regretted it. She originally wanted to bring up the abandoned warehouse again, but she didn't have time!
Lu Congyue did not return at noon, but he sent two people over.