Rebirth in the 50s: The Couple with the Hidden Space novel Chapter 721

Chapter 721: Chapter 596: The Two Zhang Family Sisters-in-Law

Huang Cuilan was unaware of her father-in-law’s thoughts until she overheard her colleagues discussing the criteria for skilled workers, leaving her mind blank with a resounding thud.

The crowd continued to buzz with various opinions. People had different expressions; some were relieved, some gloating, some ashen-faced, but most were anxious.

This news was like a thunderbolt breaking the usual calm. Every corner of the former textile factory was abuzz with discussions, even though the list wasn’t finalized yet, everyone knew it was just a matter of time.

It concerned their future, it concerned a family, no one could stay calm. Many temporary workers communicated with each other, and without anyone leading, waves of people quickly headed to the union.

This scene revealed how many employees there were at the county textile factory, a dense crowd, which also included some who were just there for the spectacle.

Aunt Zuo, being the union president, anticipated this as soon as the document was issued, and hurriedly sent for the factory manager and other leaders.

She stepped outside, frowned as she looked at them, and shouted, "Where’s the workshop supervisor?"

Unfortunately, any response was drowned out, or perhaps someone did answer but was overwhelmed by the noise of the crowd, all she could hear was a series of lamentations.

Sympathy? Aunt Zuo definitely sympathized! But she couldn’t show it. She understood more than anyone that there was no room for maneuver, at best she could help everyone negotiate benefits.

The number of employees in a factory had long exceeded its quota, especially during the Great Steelmaking episode when too many temporary workers were hired; now expenditures were exceeding income, downsizing was inevitable.

Huang Cuilan followed the crowd closely but couldn’t find her sister-in-law Zhang Meili at the union. She wanted to ask her sister-in-law if there was any way out. If she lost her job, what would she do?

She fretfully watched those old women sobbing uncontrollably, the pitiful young girls, and the approaching distant leaders.

"... The factory is in hard times now, when things improve, we’ll still recruit from you first... Everyone disperse now... those who are on the morning shift, go back to work..."

"It’s not just our factory now, if you go to the county and look at the other factories, it’s the same... Detailed regulations and the specific list... are on the blackboard newspaper..."

"..."

Huang Cuilan withdrew from the crowd, her body shaky, as she stood in deep thought, suddenly thinking of her sisters-in-law Lin Juhua, her eyes lit up as if invigorated, she quickly ran towards the kitchen...

Inside the large canteen, Lin Juhua’s face was dripping with sweat, she wiped it off with a towel hanging around her neck, and continued kneading the large mound of dough in front of her.

"Juhua, your elder sister-in-law is looking for you. Do you want to go out for a while? I think she might have come from the union. How can you be so calm and not go over there to check?"

Lin Juhua smiled, "Taking one day at a time. If the document really comes down, can I refuse to leave? I just can’t bear to leave you all."

An older woman cheerfully praised, "That’s the right mindset. We’ve all discussed it, during the break we plan to plead with the leaders on your behalf."

The aunt washing vegetables chimed in, "Yes, don’t worry. Several of the chefs can’t bear to see you go, it should be effective if we go."

Lin Juhua laughed heartily, "Regardless of the outcome, I thank you all in advance. Honestly, the kitchen work is the hardest, but with you all here, I truly can’t bear to leave."

"Then don’t leave, we can go together, surely they’ll give us some face?"

Lin Juhua quickly pulled the elder woman, laughing, "Don’t put it that way. My husband said it’s an order from above, don’t make it difficult for the leaders. I appreciate your intentions, remember to keep me company later."

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify