Chapter 345 - Chapter 345: A Good Sensation
Chapter 345: A Good Sensation
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Everyone was thrilled when they heard what Shen Qiuhua said. They all went home with their earnings, bonuses, and tofu.
Su Teng Village was particularly lively at noon. The workers talked and laughed when they exited the tofu factory. Their voices were thunderous because they were in a good mood.
The workers’ waves of laughter spread far and wide while some left the factory and ran straight home without saying a thing.
Of course, some were afraid of not being able to hold their tofu steadily and walked carefully. The other villagers saw them and were puzzled. “What’s going on today?”
“It’s quite strange. Everyone seems to be quite happy today.”
“They’re more than happy. They’re all smiling like that. They must be delighted. I wonder what the good news is.”
“It’s already good that they can work at the factory. It’s normal for them to talk and laugh during breaks.”
“Huh? Did you notice that each of them is holding tofu?”
“Yeah, that’s tofu.”
“My daughter is working the night shift today. I don’t know what’s going on.” “My daughter-in-law is also on the night shift today.”
“My children are still young. Otherwise, they can work at the factory. I’m so worried now.”
“Your family’s elder daughter will be old enough to work at the factory in two years.”
“That’s right. Our village is so good now, and I want to find a man who lives here for my daughter so she won’t have to leave.”
“You can marry into our family. Su Teng Village is so good. Many people want to come here.”
The villagers would always gossip whenever they gathered.
“Li Mei, why did everyone bring tofu home today?” An old lady took the initiative to greet and ask her.
Li Mei’s parents passed away when she was a child, so she had to raise her younger siblings. She usually lowered her head and did not speak, unlike today. She talked and laughed more than usual.
Therefore, an older villager asked her that out of curiosity.
Li Mei happily explained, “The factory paid our wages and bonuses today.
Everyone also received a pound of tofu, so we’re thrilled.”
A few more people exited the factory and added, “Li Mei is telling the truth. Miss Su is such a good person. We’re going home to make tofu and stir-fried cabbage. I heard it’s delicious.”
“Yeah, I’m going home to cook, Old Madam Lin.”
The villagers were stunned when they heard these things. They wondered if working at the tofu factory was that good.
“That’s not right. Didn’t the workers just start working there a month ago?
They’re already getting paid?”
“They also just said they received a bonus.”
Some workers got even more excited when they heard that and rushed home. “I’m going home to tell my daughter-in-law that we’ll probably have tofu for dinner.”
“Oh, my daughter is here. I’m going to have a good meal at home today.”
Earning 150 coins a month made some people happy, while others were envious. The happy ones were family members of the ones who worked at the factory, and those who were envious were those who did not get hired.
Dong Xiaolei happened to come to the well at the village entrance to get water. While carrying a shoulder pole and walking home, she heard these words and felt envious.
However, she was too young to work at the factory. Her mother was weak and could not expose herself to the wind, nor could she work at the factory.
Fortunately, Dong Xiaolei had taken her mother to Su Binglan’s clinic for a consultation. Su Binglan had prescribed three doses of medicine and said that Dong Xiaolei’s mother would be okay after about a month’s rest.
Dong Xiaolei believed Su Binglan’s words because Dong Xiaolei’s mother felt full of strength today. The medicine took effect quickly.
Dong Xiaolei’s mother said she could work when she recovered. She could go for an interview if the factory were hiring more people. Then her family’s life would improve.
After all, 150 coins a month was a significant amount, and the family could earn up to two silver taels a year. Dong Xiaolei’s eyes lit up when she thought of the two silver taels.
She carried the bucket and walked with light steps.
Liu Qiaoshi’s father was chopping firewood while her mother started a fire to cook when Liu Qiaoshi got home. Meanwhile, her sister-in-law carried her child and the ducks and chickens.
Liu Qiaoshi’s elder brother had attended a private school in his earlier years, so he knew how to read and was good at work. He could also endure hardships and now worked with Su Zhengde’s construction team.
Coincidentally, someone was building a house in town these past few days, and Su Zhengde led his construction team, so Liu Qiaoshi’s brother was not home.
When Liu Qiaoshi’s sister-in-law saw her coming home, she said happily, “Qiaoshi, you’re home.” Then she turned to her daughter and said, “Quick, welcome your Aunt Qiaoshi home.”
Liu Qiaoshi’s niece was only one year old and had just learned to speak. The little girl mumbled and called out in a clear and melodious voice, “Aunt Qiaoshi.”
Of course, the little girl’s pronunciation was inaccurate, and the child felt awkward calling her aunt. However, Liu Qiaoshi was pleased to hear that and could not help but go over and hold the little girl’s hand.
Usually, Liu Qiaoshi would hug her little niece, but she was holding tofu today and was excited. She was also eager to share the good news with her family, so as she walked in, she said, “Father, mother, sister-in-law, I’ve gotten my pay.
Let’s talk inside.”
“You got paid already?”
Liu Qiaoshi’s father was holding his ax and no longer cared about chopping firewood. He put the ax down and followed his daughter into the house.
Liu Qiaoshi’s sister-in-law also rushed into the house happily. Meanwhile, Liu Qiaoshi’s mother quickly put a big piece of firewood into the furnace to let it burn. The family quickly entered the house and looked at Liu Qiaoshi expectantly.
Her mother did not expect her to get paid so quickly. “Did they pay you 150 coins as they promised? You even bought tofu?”
Liu Qiaoshi revealed her earnings smilingly. “I got one silver tael and two hundred coins. Let’s count them together. Also, I got the tofu from the factory.
They gave everyone a pound as gifts.”
“What?” Liu Qiaoshi’s parents were stunned.
Liu Qiaoshi i s mother wiped her hands and took the money with trembling hands. “Is it really one silver tael and two hundred wens?
She even suspected she had misheard and that her eyes were playing tricks. She could not even react properly. “D-Didn’t you say you would only get 150 coins a month?”
She wondered why there were extra 50 coins. The two parents did not expect their daughter to receive a silver tael as a bonus. At that moment, the couple wondered what the deal was with the one silver tael.
Liu Qiao’s sister-in-law’s eyes widened in shock. Previously, she had gone to the factory with Liu Qiaoshi, but only Liu Qiaoshi got hired.
Liu Qiaoshi’s sister-in-law was also quite envious, but she thought this was good too. It would be more convenient for her to care for her child at home. Still, 150 coins a month was quite desirable.
Liu Qiaoshi’s sister-in-law felt fortunate to be a part of the family, but she did not expect Liu Qiaoshi to earn as much as an entire silver tael.
Liu Qiaoshi looked at her sister-in-law’s and parents’ expressions. Then she thought of how she had received her bonus and salary. “Indeed, our basic salary is 150 coins a month, but we also have a bonus. This month’s bonus is one silver.
“Also, I did more work and helped Miss Shen take notes since I can read and write. Miss Su rewarded me by giving me an extra 50 coins. She even promoted me to their manager. I’ll get paid more in the future..”