Rebirth in the 50s: The Couple with the Hidden Space novel Chapter 202

Chapter 202: Chapter 144: Mr. Zhang Makes a Decision

In the main room, Mr. Zhang was smoking a pipe while having a casual chat with his second son, Zhang Guoqiang. Zhang Family’s eldest, Zhang Guofu, had gone to invite Uncle Zhang and Uncle Zhang but hadn’t returned yet. Mr. Zhang saw Zhang Guoqing come in and gestured for him to speak.

Zhang Guoqing sat down next to Zhang Guoqiang and said to his father, "Today I went with my father-in-law to Zhao Dashan’s place. From what he hinted, I should go find Zuo Lin soon. I heard Zuo Lin still has some temporary job openings available. The work schedule is quite urgent. I want to go with second brother to visit Zuo Lin’s house tomorrow night, what do you think, Dad? We should act sooner rather than later."

After listening, Mr. Zhang looked towards Zhang Guoqiang.

Zhang Guoqiang quickly nodded, "Listen to Xiao Wu. Tomorrow night I’ll go with him to see what Zuo Lin thinks. What’s there to lose by finding work early? I currently have nothing to do. The courtyard is all built. I don’t plan on making any more furniture. Once we move, I can just bring everything from my room over."

"That works too. But what about commuting from the village to work later on?"

Zhang Guoqiang laughed and said, "Dad, the workplace has dormitories for employees. The trip to the county isn’t too long. Right now, housing isn’t a concern, securing the job is the priority. Typically, temporary workers find it easier to become permanent."

Zhang Guoqing also nodded along, "Let’s start with this. If money is tight, we can gather some among ourselves. It’s not a big deal. Dad, don’t worry."

Zhang Guoqiang didn’t say much. Even though Xiao Wu mentioned gathering money, he figured he would end up paying again. But he didn’t plan on using Xiao Wu’s money. If everything is arranged, including housing, it would be disgraceful as the elder brother. He thought to himself, next year with the salary and some savings, he might be able to buy a small one.

Mr. Zhang nodded hearing this. He and his wife had been worried about the inconvenience of commuting. The mention of dorms made him feel relieved. During cold snowy days, staying at work and coming home to do some farming would be fine. With this arrangement, besides Xiao Wu, there’s no need for the eldest and second sons to pool money to buy a house in the county. Their daughters-in-law won’t need to go out and work either. Working in the village, tidying up the courtyard, and taking care of the children at home keeps things from getting chaotic.

Zhang Guoqing looked at the second brother, then thought for a moment and said to his father, "Dad, talk to mom tonight and have her ask sister-in-law. This can’t be rushed. I’ll start looking, too. If we really can’t solve it for eldest brother, I’ll let Jiao Jiao help out.

Originally, today Zhao Dashan wanted me to report for work early. My father-in-law said to wait until Jiao Jiao finishes confinement, when Ping’an is over two months old, and take us to see Beijing, to give Jiao Jiao some courage. So I have to wait until after the start of the year to go to work. Zhao Dashan already agreed. Our whole family plans to head to Beijing at the end of the year, returning at the end of the first month next year. Let me know if there’s anything else you want me to do during this time."

Mr. Zhang remembered the matter he had been turning over in his mind these past few days but couldn’t decide on. Now it seemed he had an answer. It was still best to go with his wife’s idea.

"While you two brothers are here, Dad has something to say to you. I’m giving you both half a month to tidy up your own courtyards. Before the New Year, I plan to initiate the separation. As for Xiao Wu, don’t arrange the jobs for your two sisters-in-law. Once your elder and second brothers have worked smoothly for some years and have more to spare, we’ll discuss it then. I want them to learn how to manage on their own first. If they can’t even manage their small family, they’ll have to obediently stay home handling chores and earning work points. I don’t want you to be working while the household is in chaos, with not even a sip of water to drink and children left unattended. Your mother feels the same way."