Help others? It's better to help yourself - Chapter 21

The next morning, Zhang Jianjun came in and asked Xu Jing’an, “Xiao Xu, can you please deliver a document to the publicity department in the building behind?”

“Sure, I’ll go right away,” Xu Jing’an said. As she left with the document, she unexpectedly ran into Guo Caixia.

She walked over with a smile. “Sister Guo, have you made a decision?”

Guo Caixia didn’t beat around the bush. “Xiao Xu, I won’t say much else. I just want to thank you.”

Xu Jing’an quickly replied, “Sister Guo, don’t say it like I’m at a disadvantage. We’re both getting what we need. Isn’t this just fate?”

Guo Caixia smiled sincerely. “Indeed, it’s fate. Let’s discuss the details when we get to Lao Han’s office at noon.”

“Okay, Sister Guo.”

The morning passed slowly.

At noon, Xu Jing’an arrived at Han Yi’s office, where both Han Yi and Guo Caixia were present.

Xu Jing’an took the initiative to greet them. “Director, Sister Guo.” Han Yi and Guo Caixia responded, “Xiao Xu, have a seat!”

“Xiao Xu, I need to ask you one more time. Are you sure about this decision?”

“I’m sure, Director,” Xu Jing’an replied.

Han Yi nodded. “Guo has told me about your situation. Regardless of the specifics, this arrangement does solve our current dilemma. I appreciate your help.”

Xu Jing’an started to stand up to explain.

Director Han waved his hand.

Guo Caixia smiled and said, “You’re just a young girl. Don’t worry about being at a disadvantage; just listen to Lao Han.”

Han Yi, with a kind expression, added, “You’ll be a formal employee there, working in the materials room to manage registrations. Your salary will remain the same, still 37.50 yuan.”

“The work there is relaxed, but arranging housing is a challenge because there are too many people at the steel plant. The work relationship and household registration will be transferred.”

“It’s almost the first of next month, and it will be hard to keep it a secret when you pick up the tickets. The round trip will also take several days.”

Xu Jing’an immediately said, “Can we leave now? Sister Guo, I’ll need your help with the transition.”

Guo Caixia quickly responded, “There’s a train at 2 PM this afternoon. You can come with me, and we’ll set off early.”

Han Yi, being in charge of personnel, had already prepared all the necessary documents and credentials for the job transfer.

Xu Jing’an went back to her dorm to get a change of clothes and then boarded the train to City H with Guo Caixia.

By the afternoon of the third day, they finally arrived in City H. Both of them were exhausted and their legs were weak.

Despite their fatigue, no one mentioned taking a rest. Guo Caixia took Xu Jing’an straight to the personnel department of the steel plant.

Director Huang Xing of the personnel department, who was a former comrade of Han Yi, handled the process personally without any additional formalities, signing and stamping the necessary documents directly.

Once the paperwork was completed, Xu Jing’an heard a satisfying “ding” in her mind.

“The dormitory situation is tight; there’s only one bed available for now. Here’s the accommodation slip. You can stay there for the time being, and I’ll keep an eye out for you.”

Xu Jing’an expressed her gratitude, “Thank you so much, Director.”

Guo Caixia added with a smile, “Make sure to have Lao Han buy you a drink later.”

Huang Xing chuckled, his eyes narrowing with amusement, “That would be great! Just afraid he won’t be willing.”

After all, who doesn’t know each other among old comrades?

Even a sip of northwest wind was enough for Han Yi to ponder saving a bit of money. He might not even get to enjoy that drink before retiring.

Xu Jing’an stood behind Guo Caixia, trying to be invisible.

Guo Caixia said, “Director, I’ll head home to pack and check on the kids.”

Director Huang waved his hand, “You both take a couple of days off and come back later. No need to rush.”

After leaving the office building, the two parted ways. Xu Jing’an turned and walked out of the factory, deciding to rest at a guesthouse for the day. She was too exhausted to sort things out now. Besides, the workers were on shift, and the dormitory was empty. If she went in alone and something went wrong, it would be troublesome!

She locked the door, drew the curtains, and fell asleep immediately. By the time she woke up, it was already dark.

As soon as she entered the space, she noticed that three new rooms had been added. One was a 15-square-meter bedroom, furnished with a single box bed complete with bedding. When she lifted the bedboard, she found it stocked with more bedding, as well as summer mats and mosquito nets.

The two large wardrobes against the wall were packed full with clothes for all seasons.

The bedside lamps on the two nightstands emitted a warm yellow light. The left cabinet contained daily medications, while the right one held everyday items like nail clippers and ear scoops.

There was a 10-square-meter study: a desk with stationery like pens, pencils, and erasers in a drawer, a chair, and a bookshelf covering an entire wall filled with books she had used in both lives.

The last room was a 20-square-meter storage area. It used to hold items and money from trades she made, but all traces of her previous life were gone. Everyday items that were once out in the open were now neatly categorized and stored in boxes and cabinets.

After surveying the space, she sat down to enjoy a bowl of millet porridge, a plain steamed bun, and a fried egg. Life seemed good to anyone who saw it.

She had a satisfying meal and then took a nice, relaxing bath, feeling completely comfortable!