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.

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