Siheyuan: I am a trader in both worlds!

Chapter 394 The Aura of the Same Kind!
Originally, Simon Lang thought the scene of thousands of people lining up at the steel rolling mill to receive their wages was already quite extraordinary. But it wasn't until he, Bai Ling, and Hao Pingchuan drove to the lighter factory that he suddenly realized...
"I was too young!"

Clearly, the steel rolling mill was much larger than the lighter factory that had been converted from a warehouse, both in terms of scale and the number of workers.

The situation at the lighter factory was even more lively than at the steel rolling mill!

It's even more lively than the last time everyone lined up to buy food. Isn't that ridiculous?
Therefore, the place was bustling with people, even more so than a vegetable market.

Ximen Lang was immediately shocked.

"What's going on? What's going on?! Why is it so lively here? It's even more lively than the steel rolling mill! Is it that exaggerated?!"

Seeing that they had only just arrived at the lighter factory's premises and hadn't even gone inside yet, Ximen Lang was already making such a fuss.

Bai Ling, who was also quite shocked by the scene but was somewhat mentally prepared, explained to Ximen Lang after a brief moment of astonishment.

"Although I don't want to admit it, relatively speaking, women, especially in lighter factories where the workforce is mainly middle-aged women, are indeed much more likely to cause trouble than in steel rolling mills where the workforce is mostly men!"

Before a group of men came together and produced brilliant minds like Liu Bang, Zhu Yuanzhang, Chen Sheng, and Wu Guang, they would at most talk about women, history, and current affairs.
That concludes the discussion, and that's about it.

But if a group of women get together, especially a large group of middle-aged women...
One woman is worth 500 ducks—this saying is no joke!
In addition, because the lighter factory area is relatively small, the population density is relatively high, with people crammed together in one place.
Even so, that was the result of the staff shouting themselves hoarse and doing their best to keep things running.

Otherwise, who knows how chaotic things would become!

Although the scene was chaotic, the joy was genuine!
Sure enough, Ximen Lang's passive skill was successfully activated once again.

In just one glance, he spotted Jia Zhangshi's robust physique and striking figure in the vast sea of ​​people.

Before Ximen Lang could even lead her over the layers of people to Jia Zhangshi and the others, Bai Ling could already feel his heartfelt joy.

Moreover, it is a completely different kind of joy from casual conversations; this is the genuine joy of a bountiful harvest, the happiness of getting rich through hard work, and the joy of a full sense of accomplishment!

Therefore, seeing that Jia Zhangshi and the others were genuinely happy, and being infected by the smiles on their faces, Bai Ling truly integrated into the group of middle-aged women in the courtyard for the first time.

With a bright smile on his face, he asked the question knowing the answer already.

"Aunt Jia, what are you chatting about? You seem to be having a great time."

Upon hearing that familiar voice, Jia Zhangshi, who was chatting happily with everyone, suddenly turned around and saw that, as expected, it was indeed Bai Ling.

They clapped their hands and quickly joined several older women in the courtyard to welcome Bai Ling over.

I was just about to ask out of curiosity.
What brings you here?

Yes, I couldn't help myself when I saw Jia Zhangshi.

Completely unable to control himself, Ximen Lang started exerting his strength again.

And his very first words were a decisive blow.

"Aunt Jia, tell me the truth, have you gained weight recently? I recognized you at a glance, even through so many people! Don't you think that's fate?"

Then, as expected, when she saw that annoying Ximen Lang was still with Bai Ling, Jia Zhangshi's face immediately fell.

Jia Zhangshi said irritably to Ximen Lang, who was coming at her again.

"Fate my ass! Even if we were truly destined, it would be a karmic entanglement! Seriously, I just don't understand, why are you everywhere? And you keep saying I've gained weight again? Which eye of yours saw that I've gained weight? I've clearly lost weight, I've been working so hard lately, I've lost at least ten pounds! If you don't know, don't talk nonsense!"

"Who? You? Lost ten pounds?! You're kidding me. I might believe someone else who lost ten pounds because they were busy with work! You? Impossible, absolutely impossible!"

What he said was clearly true!
Although this fact may be a tiny bit exaggerated.
But she really does work hard, and that's absolutely undeniable!

Therefore, seeing that Ximen Lang was actually questioning her, Jia Zhangshi, who could not tolerate it at all, immediately retorted.

"Go ask around the factory, everyone knows I'm the hardest worker and the most efficient in our workshop! If I keep going like this, I might even be the factory's outstanding employee this year! Even Director Wang from the neighborhood committee and Factory Director Wang have praised me as a top-notch worker, what do you think?!"

Originally, Jia Zhangshi said this purely to downplay the issue. She wanted to use her to work very hard and indeed received praise from Director Wang, thus glossing over the matter of her weight.

In fact, through this series of actions, she did successfully divert Ximen Lang's attention.

Ximen Lang's attention was shifted from her weight to the fact that she had actually been praised by Director Wang and might even become this year's outstanding individual.

Unfortunately, she said this in front of a group of middle-aged women!
In particular, being recognized as an outstanding individual in the factory is not just about honors; it also involves real benefits!
At least once you become an outstanding individual, you'll get a few more dollars in bonuses each month, and you'll definitely receive more New Year's gifts at the end of the year!

Therefore, seeing that Jia Zhangshi immediately portrayed herself as the most hardworking and enlightened one.

The group of middle-aged women, led by the "Third Aunt," immediately became unhappy.

They surrounded Jia Zhangshi and started criticizing her all at once.

"What? You think you're the only one who takes your work seriously, but we're not? We work just as hard, okay? In terms of the number of lighters we assemble, we're not much worse than you! Why are you the one who works the hardest? Is it because you're arrogant? Is it because you waste so much food?!"

Of course, the strong-willed Jia Zhangshi could not tolerate this.

So, without any surprise, the group of middle-aged women started arguing over this very issue.

Goodness, they were arguing so fiercely.

This scared Ximen Lang.

Fearing being caught in the crossfire of the several powerful older women, they quickly retreated behind Bai Ling.

But he still couldn't help but peek out with half his head, curiously looking at the old lady.

They looked around, marveling at what they saw.

"Aunt Jia is really fierce! Did you see that, Ling'er? She took on a whole group of them by herself and didn't fall behind at all! Of course, Aunt Yang's fighting power shouldn't be underestimated either! In comparison, Master Liu's family is a bit lacking! Hmm, maybe the venue wasn't right, they couldn't unleash their full potential."

Good heavens, it was clearly Ximen Lang who started the fire.

But he acted as if nothing had happened, hiding behind me and giving his comments!
Seeing that Ximen Lang was truly unreliable, they also couldn't bear to watch him die like this.

Seeing that the aunties were getting more and more engrossed in their argument, and it looked like it was about to get out of control, Bai Ling, who was really afraid that this would affect their selection for outstanding individuals, grabbed Ximen Lang by the collar and dragged him in front of her.

He launched into a tirade against Ximen Lang.
"I'm telling you, are you ever going to stop messing things up? Look at the mess you've made! What was supposed to be a joyous occasion has been ruined by you! And you still have the nerve to criticize Ximen Lang? You're such a troublemaker!"

He quickly stopped the argument, saying that if the quarrel continued, it would affect this year's selection of advanced individuals.

This dispute was finally resolved before things escalated.

Bai Ling was genuinely curious whether Aunt Jia was as dedicated to her work as she claimed.

"Aunt Jia, were you really praised by Aunt Wang, the Director Wang or Factory Manager Wang you mentioned?"

Zhang, the matriarch of the Jia family, was quite considerate and kind towards Bai Ling, who had a fair complexion and no airs of a high-ranking official.

Therefore, upon hearing Bai Ling's inquiry, Jia Zhangshi immediately replied.

"How could it be false? Just a few days ago, right here in our workshop, Director Wang told me personally that I'm a top-notch worker! Everyone in the workshop knows that, you can ask them if you don't believe me!"

Seeing that Jia Zhangshi spoke with such confidence and that none of the older women around her refuted her in any way, it was clear that Jia Zhangshi was speaking with such conviction.

When Bai Ling realized that it was actually true, she was completely bewildered.

The main problem is that this doesn't quite match the image of Jia Zhangshi that I have in mind!
What was Jia Zhangshi like?

Although it's not as bad as Ximen Lang described, where he doesn't do any work and just spends his days slacking off and fattening up.

But they're definitely not that diligent!
But now.
She actually received praise from Director Wang, who is extremely intolerant of any imperfections!
this.
Seeing that Bai Ling was still puzzled by this.

Knowing exactly what she was curious about, Jia Zhangshi asked in return.

"You really think I'm lazy? Don't listen to that little brat's nonsense! If I were really lazy, how could I have raised Dongxu all by myself, especially since his father died so early? And raised him so well?"

"The main reason is that I have a daughter-in-law. These kinds of housework should be done by my daughter-in-law! On the contrary, if I did them for her, people would talk behind my back, and Dongxu wouldn't look good either, so I didn't do them!"

As for why she wasn't willing to take advantage of her good health to find a job and help Jia Dongxu with his work...
“Daughter, do you really think it’s so easy to find a job? Let me tell you this: because Dongxu in my family has a proper job, we’re not considered low-income households at all. We wouldn’t even be asked to sweep the streets or paste matchboxes!”

"Sweeping the streets and pasting matchboxes are none of my business! Tell me, what else can I do besides stay at home? Make coal briquettes? Carry heavy loads? Let's not even talk about whether I can do those things, even if I could, what would Dongxu's reputation be like?"

Isn't it?
All the jobs that Jia Zhangshi could find and was capable of doing were not available to her. Wasn't that all she could do?
And it wasn't just her; the other older women in the courtyard were the same.

Do you really think people enjoy doing housework?

There's no other way. Given the grim employment situation and the fact that there simply aren't enough job openings, they just can't find work!

That's why.

"Of course, I admit that I do have a bit of a sweet tooth. These past few years, Dongxu and his wife have spoiled me with their pampering, so my palate has become quite discerning. But that doesn't stop me from being serious about my work, does it?"

"It is precisely because of this, precisely because I want to eat better, and want our family's life to be better and more prosperous, that I work so hard!"

The explanation immediately enlightened Bai Ling.

Even Ximen Lang, who was standing to the side, couldn't help but feel a surge of emotions.

The intention to continue teasing Jia Zhangshi was completely abandoned.

Seeing that Ximen Lang was finally acting a bit more normally, she shook off all her complicated emotions.

"Is it really just pure curiosity?" Bai Ling continued, asking more questions.

"Hey, I saw everyone chatting quite animatedly just now. Were they talking about salaries? I heard that even the lowest-paid among you guys got around 30 yuan! Is that true?"

When the topic of salary came up, Jia Zhangshi, who had long wanted to show off in front of Ximen Lang and everyone else, immediately picked up a pie.

"Only 30 yuan? That's nothing! Do you know how much I earn this month? You'll be shocked when I tell you! A whole 45 yuan!"

The chubby but calloused hand waved in front of Ximen Lang for a while, making Ximen Lang feel disgusted.

Then, Jia Zhangshi repeated it triumphantly.

"He earns more than all the men and women in our compound! How about that, girl? Now you finally know what I'm capable of, right? And you, what do you have to say now?!"

Since Madam Jia had already said all that, what else could Ximen Lang say?

He could only feign resentment, but in his heart he was already convinced and praised her, saying, "You're amazing!"

As they were chatting, they learned that Ximen Lang and Bai Ling had arrived.

Because this was the factory's first time paying wages, and the event was so grand, Director Wang, who was extremely busy and overwhelmed, finally managed to free himself from his duties.

With a face full of joy, he quickly approached Ximen Lang and Bai Ling.

Seeing the most important point, Ximen Lang's face showed no dissatisfaction other than curiosity.

With a sudden sense of relief, Director Wang's smile grew even brighter as he grabbed Ximen Lang's wrist.

He said jokingly.

"I've finally caught you, kid! After you made those suggestions last time, your aunt has been urging you day and night, and the masters have been working overtime!"

"We finally got everything sorted out, and then you showed up! That really pissed me off! No way, this time I'm making sure you see what your Aunt Wang has accomplished all this time!"

Having said that, he didn't give a chance to explain further.

After greeting everyone, he pulled Simon Lang along and they began to wander around the bustling lighter factory.

While Ximen Lang was overwhelmed by the lively scene at the steel mill and lighter factory and the heartfelt joy of his fellow workers, Lao Luo, who had already made contact with the people from the future, was in a much less pleasant mood!
The reason is quite simple.
Because he sensed a kindred spirit in this group of people.

(End of this chapter)