The next day.
Zhou Qiang sent Zhou Juan and Zhou Fang to school first.
Then he went to Dongcheng Auto Repair Factory to do odd jobs.
Around ten o'clock.
"Master, I have something to do today and have to leave early."
"Okay, today's work will cost you one dollar and a half." Sun Dafeng paid him directly.
"Thank you, Master." Zhou Qiang rode a tricycle and pulled Zhou Sheng away.
When passing by a grocery store.
Zhou Qiang locked the tricycle and carried Zhou Sheng in.
"Hello, here are two bottles of cans and two packs of snacks." This was a gift Zhou Qiang bought for the elderly in his hometown in Zhouzhuang.
The old man in Zhouzhuang's hometown is Liu Xiu, the grandmother of Zhou Qiang's father, Zhou Tie.
Zhou Tie's parents died early, and Zhou Tie was raised by Liu Xiu.
Every year, Zhou Tie would go to Zhouzhuang to visit Liu Xiu several times.
Zhou Tie often talks about Liu Xiu at home.
Zhou Qiang was so impressed that he felt that he should continue to visit Liu Xiu.
"Second brother, I want to have some snacks." Zhou Sheng whispered in Zhou Qiang's ear.
Zhou Qiang nodded and said to the salesperson: "Please bring me another pack of snacks."
"Two bottles of cans, three packs of snacks, money and tickets."
Zhou Qiang paid the ticket neatly, picked up his things and left.
"Xiao Sheng, go back and have snacks with you Xiaojuan and Xiaofang." Zhou Qiang said to Zhou Sheng.
"Okay, second brother."
Police station.
He Yuzhu has arrived nearby.
He was waiting for Zhou Qiang.
"Xiaoqiang, why did you get here?" He Yuzhu was not empty-handed. He was carrying two net bags with cooked food and wine in them.
"Brother Zhuzi, I came here from the auto repair shop." Zhou Qiang explained.
"Going to do odd jobs again." He Yuzhu looked at the black oil that accidentally stuck on Zhou Qiang's body and the smell of gasoline on Zhou Qiang's body. He suddenly felt that the Zhou Qiang in front of him was very similar to him in previous years.
After He Yuzhu's father, He Daqing, ran away with Widow Bai, only He Yuzhu and He Yuyu were left in the family.
Now, the situation of the Zhou family, with Zhou Qiang being 15 years old and having three younger brothers and sisters, is even more difficult than it was back then.
"Yes, it won't work if you don't make money." There is no black oil on Zhou Qiang's hands. He wears two layers of gloves when he works. He has to cook when he comes home, so his hands must not be dirty.
"Xiaoqiang, it's not easy for you either. If you have anything to do in the future, tell me and I will definitely help."
"Okay." Zhou Qiang responded casually. He doesn't ask for help easily.
"Xiaoqiang, I brought something. This is for the people in the commune, and this is for you."
"Okay." Zhou Qiang did not refuse. He was too lazy to refuse and took the things casually, "Let's go in."
"Well, Xiaoqiang, what should I say when I go in?" He Yuzhu suddenly felt a little embarrassed.
"Brother Zhuzi, you don't need to say anything in particular. I will tell the people in Red Star Commune about your situation. You just need to go meet and chat a few words to let them know who you are introducing to. After meeting you, it will be considered in their hearts. There is a record.”
"I know, I said I would come with you." He Yuzhu straightened his clothes and followed Zhou Qiang in.
Pass by the concierge.
Concierge: "Hey, what do you do?"
"Master, I'm Zhou Qiang, I'm looking for Director Ma."
"Oh, it's Zhou Qiang. Director Ma has told me, I will take you to find him."
A medium-sized office.
Ma Dong was with the people from Red Star Commune.
Ma Dong also learned a lot about Zhou Tong and his son from the Red Star Commune.
"It seems that the problem between Zhou Tong and his son is very serious. You must draw attention to it and deal with it seriously. Let them seriously reform through labor. If they are not completely reformed, they must not be released."
"Yes, yes, it's because we didn't do a good job and take good care of bad elements like Zhou Tong and his son. When we go back, we will definitely let them reform through labor."
The office door is open.
As soon as Zhou Qiang and the others arrived at the door, Ma Dong saw them. He stood up with a smile, "Xiaoqiang is here, come on, come in quickly, let me introduce you. This is President Zhang of Red Star Commune. This is Captain Zhou of the Zhouzhuang Production Team. This is Zhou Tie's son, Zhou Qiang."
From Red Star Commune came the president Zhang Daliang, and from Zhouzhuang came Zhou Shan, the captain of the production team, and two team members.
They came to take Zhou Tong and his son back.
"Hello, President Zhang."
"Hello, Uncle Zhou." Zhou Qiang knew Zhou Shan. Zhou Tie and Zhou Shan are cousins.
"Xiao Qiang has grown so big." Zhang Daliang knew Zhou Tie and had met Zhou Qiang before.
"Xiao Qiang, it's our fault that we didn't look after Zhou Tong and the others." Zhou Shan felt sorry for Zhou Qiang.
A few people exchanged pleasantries.
He Yuzhu also said a few words, leaving a warm-hearted impression on everyone.
"Xiaoqiang, don't worry, we will strictly discipline Zhou Tong and his son." Zhang Daliang and Zhou Shan promised again and again.
"Thank you, President Zhang, and Uncle Zhou." Zhou Qiang also expressed his gratitude.
I quickly finished talking about Zhou Tong and his son.
Zhou Qiang said hello to Ma Dong and Zhang Daliang, and went to another office with Zhou Shan.
"Uncle Zhou, there are two things I need to trouble you about. One is He Yuzhu just now. He wants to find a partner. As long as he is a good person, it doesn't matter if he is from the countryside."
"What? That steel rolling mill chef wants to find a girl from the countryside?" Zhou Shan was a little surprised, "Isn't there something wrong with him?" This is what a normal person would think. Only city people who have problems will look for rural areas.
"Uncle Zhou, there is nothing wrong with He Yuzhu.
His situation is this,
He and a younger sister are the only ones in his family.
He is now 25,
His sister is 18,
A few years ago, He Yuzhu's father, He Daqing, ran away with the widow.
He Yuzhu has no adults in his family, and no one cares about his marriage.
As for He Yuzhu, he is a more down-to-earth person, but he is a bit mean-spirited.
It's easy to offend people with your words, and I heard that you accidentally offended the matchmaker.
When he looks for a partner, he mainly depends on whether the person is good or not. He doesn't care whether the person is from the countryside or the daughter of a big businessman. "
"In this case." Zhou Shan hesitated and whispered to Zhou Qiang: "Xiao Qiang, you are not an outsider, so I will tell you straight.
My daughter Zhou Xiaoxia is 19 years old.
She was originally asked to go on a blind date two years ago, but she was unwilling. She wanted to marry in the city.
If He Yuzhu is reliable, I would like Xiaoxia to meet him.
what do you think? "
"Xiaoxia?" Zhou Qiang recalled, and a pretty little girl from the village appeared in front of him. He nodded and said, "Uncle Zhou, you can give it a try."
"Xiaoqiang, are you sure there is nothing wrong with He Yuzhu?" Zhou Shan asked again, worried.
"No problem, Uncle Zhou. You can have a little chat with that He Yuzhu later and see for yourself how he is doing. By the way, He Yuzhu has a nickname 'Silly Zhu'. You can also ask why."
"Okay, I'll ask in person." Zhou Shan thought about what he would talk to He Yuzhu about later.
"Uncle Zhou, I have some gifts for my great-grandma, please help me bring them back. It's not convenient for me to go home during the Chinese New Year this year."
"Xiaoqiang, you...you don't need to give gifts, right?" Zhou Shan also knows the situation of Zhou Qiang's family, and he also feels that there is no need for Zhou Qiang to give gifts.
"Uncle Zhou, I know what I'm doing. If I can afford it, I'll give it. When I can no longer afford it, I won't give it.
By the way, there are ten dollars left, also for my great-grandmother. "Zhou Qiang took out another ten dollars.
"No money! I am at home, and Grandma Liu is in charge, so you don't need any money." Zhou Shan hurriedly pushed the money away.
"Uncle Zhou, I gave the money to Grandma, you can't refuse." Zhou Qiang gave it to him.
"Okay." Zhou Shan reluctantly put away the money.
"Uncle Zhou, these are the cans and snacks I gave to my great-grandma.
This is what He Yuzhu gave me. I originally wanted to ask someone from the commune to help introduce the target, but now I'm asking you for help. I'll give this to you. "
"Okay." Zhou Shan gave in and put it away.
"Uncle Zhou, I asked He Yuzhu to come in and said that you wanted to introduce him to someone and wanted to know more about him."
"Okay, I just want to ask more questions."
After a while.
He Yuzhu came in.
"Captain Zhou, hello." He Yuzhu was a little nervous.
"Hello, He Yuzhu, you and Xiaoqiang both live in the courtyard, you"
"My monthly salary is over thirty, and I have two rooms at home. My younger sister is 18 and is looking for a job.
Not only do I know the family-style Tan cuisine, but I have also served as an apprentice in several restaurants.
I know Sichuan cuisine and some other cuisines.
I'm pretty good at cooking, and I cook all the small stoves for the leaders in the factory. "
"I heard that you also have a nickname called 'Silly Pillar'. What's going on?"
"Xiaoqiang also said this?" He Yuzhu was a little embarrassed, "Well, I am definitely not stupid, you can also see that.
That's what my nickname is.
It was around 1948. My dad and I were selling steamed buns on the street.
It originally sold well.
As a result, some rioters passed by.
They want to grab the buns.
I was so anxious that I ran away with the bun in my arms.
The rebels were chasing after him.
Just like that, I chased them down several alleys and got rid of them.
Then, I met a boss who wanted to buy steamed buns.
I sold it to him.
But the boss gave me fake money.
I took the fake money back and gave it to my dad.
My dad laughed and called me "Silly Pillar", and that's how I got my nickname. "
"So that's it." Zhou Shan nodded. He didn't think He Yuzhu was stupid.
"Captain Zhou, do you have anything else to ask?"
"Well, He Yuzhu, what kind of partner do you want to find?"
"As long as the person is nice, everything else is easy to talk about."
"Don't you dislike the countryside? Rural girls don't have jobs or food supplies."
"I don't mind it. I'm a cook, so I can't live without a bite to eat."
"That's fine. In a few days, I'll bring someone into the city to meet you." Zhou Shan almost said, 'Bring my daughter' into the city.
"Okay, okay, thank you Captain Zhou. If it works, I'll give you a generous gift." He Yuzhu didn't know that the person in front of him was the 'to-be father-in-law'.
Next.
Zhou Tong, father and son, were taken away by Zhang Daliang and Zhou Shan.
"Uncle Ma, thank you." Zhou Qiang expressed his thanks.
"You're welcome. Xiaoqiang, if anything happens in the future, just come to me."
Say a few polite words, say goodbye and leave.
Got outside.
"Xiaoqiang, Captain Zhou said that he would bring someone to meet with me in a few days." The smile on He Yuzhu's face was obvious.
"Very good, Brother Zhuzhu, I wish you find a suitable partner as soon as possible.
I'll go pick up Xiaofang and Xiaojuan and go first. "Zhou Qiang left He Yuzhu alone and rode away on his tricycle.
It was getting late. If Zhou Qiang didn't hurry up, he would miss school time.
"Is it time to buy a bicycle?" He Yuzhu thought to himself, "But I don't have a bicycle ticket."
When Zhou Qiang arrived at the elementary school, he was still a little late.
However, Zhou Juan and Zhou Fang did not leave, they were waiting for Zhou Qiang. Because Zhou Qiang said he would come to pick them up.
"Xiaojuan, Xiaofang, get in the car!"
"Here we come, second brother!"
"Something delayed me today."
"It's okay, second brother."
The four brothers and sisters of the Zhou family went home together.
"Wash your hands first." After arriving home, Zhou Qiang asked his younger siblings to wash their hands first.
After Zhou Qiang washed his hands carefully, he started cooking.
Zhou Sheng washed his hands faster this time. After he finished washing, he hurriedly took out the bag of snacks and said, "Second brother, can you eat it?"
"You can eat it, Xiao Sheng. I'll give you a piece first, Sister Xiaojuan, then give you a piece, Sister Xiaofang, and finally you can eat."
"Okay, second brother." Zhou Sheng was very obedient. He didn't dare to act coquettishly or anything like that. If it is in front of his parents, he may act like a spoiled child.
"Sister Xiaojuan, here." Zhou Sheng first gave Zhou Juan a piece of snack.
Zhou Juan took it carefully. She didn't eat it directly.
"Sister Xiaofang, here." Zhou Sheng continued to give to Zhou Fang.
Zhou Fang also took it carefully. She started eating directly.
Zhou Sheng also started eating snacks.
"Second brother, why don't you eat?" Zhou Juan asked.
"Second brother doesn't like eating, you can eat it." Zhou Qiang answered casually. He really wasn't that interested in snacks or anything like that.
"Second brother, I...I don't like eating either." Zhou Juan's eyes turned red, and she seemed to understand what Zhou Qiang meant.
"Ah?" Zhou Qiang looked back at Zhou Juan and immediately understood what Zhou Juan meant. Apparently Zhou Juan had misunderstood.
"Xiaojuan, the second brother is not reluctant to eat, but he really doesn't like to eat. The second brother likes to eat white noodles and meat, but doesn't like snacks. Do you think the second brother eats the most meat and white noodles?" Zhou Qiang explained a few words.
"Yes." Zhou Juan nodded. She knew Zhou Qiang was right.
“So, Xiaojuan, eat quickly and don’t think too much.
The second brother has made more than ten yuan these days.
In addition, the white noodles and meat at home are all obtained from fishing.
The family's money is not only not less, but also more.
You don't have to worry about things at home.
Just study hard. "Zhou Qiang touched Zhou Juan's head.
Zhou Juan nodded, "Second brother, are you not going to school?"
"Xiaojuan, I have already learned the content in the book. It will be a waste of time to go to school. When I wait for the final exam, I will definitely get the first place."
"Really? Second brother."
"Of course. Xiaojuan, you also have to strive to be the first in your age group."
"Okay, second brother, I will definitely be the first in my age group." Zhou Juan's tone was firm.
"Second brother, I also want to be the first in my age group." Zhou Fang shouted.
"Second brother, I...I want it too." Zhou Sheng also shouted. Although he still doesn't understand what's going on.
"Okay, whoever ranks first in age will be rewarded with a dollar."
He Yuzhu told what happened at the police station.
Everyone in the courtyard knew that those who came to Zhou's house to cause trouble were arrested and sent to labor reform.
After that, Zhou Qiang's ears became much clearer.
In the past, there were always people who were interested in Zhou Qiang's family's job quota, compensation, and house.
They always ask: "Zhou Qiang, can I buy your job at a high price?"
It is said that the price is high, but it is actually a price that is bullying.
Of course Zhou Qiang refused.
However, there are always people asking and getting upset.
After this incident, Director Ma Dongma and Director Wang Xiuping and Wang all helped Zhou Qiang down-to-earth, making many people understand that Zhou Qiang was not someone to be bullied and they did not dare to take advantage of Zhou Qiang's ideas again.
(End of chapter)
