Help others? It's better to help yourself - Chapter 19

On the 4th, Xu Jing’an began her official first day of work.

After two weeks, Xu Jing’an had gotten to know her fellow new hires. No wonder Director Han had raised his eyebrows that day: one was the son of the Women’s Federation director; another was the niece of a fertilizer plant manager; one was the nephew of the wife of the Public Security Bureau director; and another was the son of the former wife of a grain station manager. The last one was the so-called lucky girl—Xu Jing’an. She had told others it was just luck that she heard about the job opening and came here.

Xu Jing’an felt like a chicken in a flock of cranes, standing out conspicuously.

Every time Brother Zhang saw her, he couldn’t help but marvel at the importance of luck!

“Little Xu, you’re the one!” Zhang Jianjun said, giving a thumbs up as usual.

Xu Jing’an could only smile awkwardly. “Brother Zhang, to be honest, I’ve never been lucky in my life. I’ve never found anything, not even a coin in dumplings during the New Year.”

“Looks like all those years of luck accumulated for this one time!”

Zhang Jianjun laughed heartily upon hearing this.

The people in the office also joined in the fun. “Little Xu, if you keep up the luck, maybe you’ll find a good match!”

Whether it was teasing or sarcasm, Xu Jing’an remained unfazed.

“I’ll certainly take everyone’s good wishes to heart!”

With the seasoned attitude of the old-timers, everyone had to accept it and move on.

After getting familiar with Brother Zhang, Xu Jing’an decided to host a meal during the holiday break. The table was set with braised pork knuckles, sweet and sour ribs, Four Happiness Meatballs, and beef stew with potatoes, along with four large dishes and three bowls of rice.

“Brother Zhang, please sit down. I’ve been running around for days just to get these dishes. They’re only available today!”

Zhang Jianjun was startled. “Sister, this is too lavish! Many families don’t even have these dishes for New Year’s.”

The most important thing was that such a big investment required a considerable return to satisfy the host.

Zhang Jianjun was hesitant to eat. Xu Jing’an had to persuade him repeatedly before he finally sat down.

“Sister, if you have something to discuss, just say it. If you don’t tell me, I won’t dare to start eating.”

Xu Jing’an spoke candidly: “Brother Zhang, there are just two things. First, I want to thank you for all your help these days, whether it was about sharing a dorm or telling me about the other people’s backgrounds. I remember all of it.”

Zhang Jianjun nodded, “What’s the other thing?”

“The other thing is, Brother, when can we get a permanent position in this unit?”

“Just that? Nothing else?” Zhang Jianjun looked at Xu Jing’an.

“Just that!” Xu Jing’an said with a smile. “I just want to thank you, Brother Zhang. I’m not trying to make things difficult for you.”

Only then did Zhang Jianjun pick up his chopsticks and start eating.

“There’s generally a three-month, six-month, or even a year-long probation period. But each year has a quota, so it’s not possible for everyone to get regular status in the same year.”

Xu Jing’an listened carefully, occasionally refilling the tea cups.

Zhang Jianjun finished one bowl of rice and started on a second, saying, “You know the backgrounds of your group. They’re all tough cases.”

After taking a sip of water, he continued, “There are still some people who haven’t been regularized before you. For you, the earliest you can expect regular status is probably a year from now. Within three years would be considered quite good!”

Xu Jing’an gasped at this, realizing why the system hadn’t given any rewards yet. If she couldn’t get regular status now, it would be even harder later. As a temporary worker, she could be dismissed at any time, and she might end up sent to the countryside.

After finishing the meal, she packed the remaining dishes into a cloth bag. Zhang Jianjun carried the bag out of the private room and went home.

After seeing Zhang Jianjun off, Xu Jing’an turned back to tidy up the table. The waitress, a young woman, was surprised to see Xu Jing’an bringing the dishes over.

“You don’t need to help, I can manage.”

“It’s nothing, just a small thing.”

Xu Jing’an used a cloth to wipe the table clean and sweep the floor. She finished tidying up in less than five minutes.

The waitress felt a bit embarrassed. “Thank you, comrade.”

Xu Jing’an replied, “It’s nothing. I’ve been coming to your place often these days. I’ve probably caused you some trouble too.”

When you need people, it’s easy to be polite, but once you’re done, you just walk away. Who doesn’t know the score?

Now, with no staff turnover, social interactions are fixed. Those salespeople and restaurant servers often come into contact with all sorts of people.

Thinking that using a few flattering words can sway these people is a miscalculation!

Since there’s already some interaction, relationships will naturally build over time.

Xu Jing’an left the restaurant and returned to her dorm. She closed the door, drew the curtains, and went into her space.

She quickly made some noodles and reflected on her future path. She knew that getting a permanent position wouldn’t be easy, but she hadn’t expected it to be so hard. The longer it drags on, the more complications arise. It seems she needs to opt for the second plan and resolve things quickly.

…

At this moment, Han Yi was also troubled in his dorm. In the past, he could smoke a cigarette when feeling down, but now he had to clean, wash windows, sweep the floor, and do laundry…

There was no choice—he was poor. Han Yi came from a rural background and had served in the military. After being injured, he switched to a clerical job. In October of the previous year, he was transferred to a local position and became the head of the personnel department at the city government.

His wife and children remained in his former military station and hadn’t moved with him. It wasn’t that he didn’t want them to come; he was now alone and missed his family.

The burden of supporting his family was heavy.

He couldn’t neglect his elderly parents back home, and his siblings were counting on him for support. Not to mention, he had to contribute money for the weddings of more than 20 nephews, nieces, and other relatives.

When the mission was assigned, it was agreed that the living would take care of the families of the fallen comrades. Can we just forget that promise?

Han Yi sends half of his salary home every month. His wife gave him seven sons, and with the various obligations and donations required from his time in the military, what’s left for him?

During the famine in 1960, the local people who were stationed near their military camp were begging for food.

What could the soldiers do? They had to distribute part of their camp’s rations to the local people. Otherwise, would they just watch them die outside the camp? Even the soldiers themselves were starving at that time.

Letters from home were often filled with tears and blood. What could Han Yi do in such dire circumstances?

The salary his wife earned was the only thing keeping their children alive at home. At home, his wife’s words carried more weight than his!

Now that Han Yi has transitioned to a civilian job, his salary is even lower than what he earned in the military. He doesn’t even know what savings are—he lives paycheck to paycheck!

Han Yi sometimes doesn’t dare to think too much. Just the thought of the word “future” gives him a headache.

He suspects that when he was injured and transitioned to a desk job, the bullet didn’t just pass through his thigh but through his head.

The military took care of the soldiers’ wives at the time, and his wife, with just a primary school education, managed to get a decent job locally. Finding that job back then wasn’t easy, and if she were to move here with him, she’d have to give up her old job.

But here, her low educational background makes it hard to find a better job. Without a job, what would they live on? As their son grows older, expenses increase, and his wife is reluctant to spend money!

The organization has said it can provide support and arrange a job. But since he’s new to the local area, essentially a newcomer dropped into the unit, and with so many eyes watching him, how could he ask for something now? He’s afraid others might find excuses to create obstacles for him. Given the current situation, it’s hard to say!