In the fiery red era of the heavens, refrigerators are refreshed daily.

Chapter 164, Section 163: Neighborly Concern, Wishes Fulfilled, Yang Yongkang's Decision

The air in the courtyard of the Shikumen house was stagnant.

The May evening breeze should have been warm, but it couldn't dispel the heaviness that permeated the neighborhood. The dim streetlights, filtering through the sparse sycamore leaves, barely illuminated a few faces burdened with worries.

Grandma Chen sat in her well-worn rattan chair, wrapped in a faded thin jacket. Her hands, covered in age spots, unconsciously twisted the hem of her jacket, her gaze fixed on the direction of the alley entrance.

He Caiyun, who lives in the three-story house, was unusually not wearing her eye-catching new coat. Instead, she wore a slightly worn navy blue blouse and stood by the public water tap with her equally silent husband, Zhao Tiemin. The two were very close, but they didn't exchange any words.

Mrs. Feng lowered her eyes and slowly rinsed a handful of wilted greens under the tap. The splashing water made the surroundings seem even quieter.

The newly arrived Mr. and Mrs. Zhou huddled in the shadows of the stairwell, whispering to each other, their eyes filled with the awkwardness of newcomers and a hint of barely perceptible sympathy.

Li Guihua, usually the most boisterous of them all, was nowhere to be seen. Upon hearing the news of her brother-in-law Wang Jianjun's accident, she immediately took her son Zhuangzhuang to the hospital. Only Zhuangzhuang's little pillow, which he used for his afternoon nap, remained, sitting forlornly on the small stool at Grandma Chen's feet.

With such a big incident, the news spread like wildfire, reaching every corner of the Shikumen neighborhood and the surrounding winding alleyways before nightfall.

First, Zhao Tiemin from the third floor of the building heard rumors in the security department of the Oriental Machinery Factory. After get off work, he ran back with a pale face and whispered to He Caiyun at the door of his small kitchen. He Caiyun was so shocked that she almost dropped the vegetable basket in her hand.

Next came Chen Le'an, the son of Granny Chen. He was also a worker at the Dongfang Factory. He came home from work with red eyes and went straight into the house. Granny Chen asked him a few questions, and when he came out, he was hunched over and leaned against the door frame, not moving for a long time.

Wang Jianjun, the eldest son-in-law of the Yang family, was struck on the back of the head by a cast iron blank that flew off during a clumsy operation at the Dongfang Machinery Factory's third workshop. He died on the spot.

This news was like a heavy boulder crashing into the small pond of the Shikumen (stone gate) community.

The Yang family's life had just begun to brighten. Xianglan had just finished her postpartum confinement and was holding her newborn son, who was only a month old. Honghong was only three years old. In the blink of an eye, their world collapsed.

"What a tragedy..." Granny Chen sighed deeply, her cloudy eyes gazing into the dark depths of the alley. "Xianglan, that girl, why is her life so miserable..." Her voice drifted away in the silent air.

He Caiyun pursed her lips, wanting to say something, but seeing the warning look in her husband Zhao Tiemin's eyes, she swallowed her words back.

She smoothed her hair and deliberately softened her voice: "Who would have thought? Jianjun is such an honest and capable person... Those apprentices in the factory really need to be properly managed!"

Mrs. Feng turned off the tap, shook the water droplets off her hands, and said in a tired, hoarse voice, "Old Chen said the scene was terrible. Jianjun's head was covered in blood, and he died on the spot..." She shook her head and didn't finish her sentence. She picked up the washed vegetables and silently walked back to her kitchen, her steps dragging.

Xiao Zhou's wife asked timidly, "Then... are Yang's mother and the others in the hospital now?"

“They’re all at the hospital watching over her!” Granny Chen interjected, her tone heavy. “Xiuying must be crying her heart out, and Yongkang, that old-fashioned man, can’t bear it either. Guangming and his brother Huizi…sigh! Li Guihua received the news this afternoon and rushed off with Zhuangzhuang in her arms, without even having time to cook.” As she spoke, her gaze drifted to the lonely little pillow.

Silence fell again. Only from a radio deep in the alley, the high-pitched singing of a model opera faintly drifted out, sounding particularly abrupt in the heavy atmosphere, like a voice from another world.

Time passed slowly, the moon climbed high, and its cool light shone on the bluestone slabs of the courtyard.

The people waiting in the courtyard had their legs numb from standing, but no one suggested going home.

Everyone had something on their mind. The Yang family was going through a very difficult time. The waiting at this moment was a silent form of support among neighbors, as well as an instinctive sense of unease in the face of impending misfortune.

The night dew quietly soaked the stone slabs, bringing a touch of coolness.

Around ten o'clock, the sound of hurried footsteps and the dull thud of bicycle wheels rolling over the stone pavement finally came from the alley entrance. All eyes instantly focused on it, as if drawn by invisible threads.

In the dim light, several figures slowly approached.

Leading the way was Yang Yongkang, who was pushing his old Forever brand bicycle. His back was still straight as usual, but his steps were heavy, as if he were carrying a heavy burden, and he put extra effort into each step.

Zhang Xiuying, standing beside him, was practically being half-supported, half-carried by her eldest son, Yang Guanghui, as if all her bones had been removed. Li Guihua, carrying the sleeping Zhuangzhuang, followed beside them, occasionally reaching out to help Zhang Xiuying's arm.

Zhang Xiuying kept her head down, her shoulders trembling slightly, occasionally letting out a suppressed sob or two. Even from a distance, you could see her eyes, which were red and swollen like peaches.

In the moonlight, her face was deathly pale.

Yang Guanghui's face was ashen, his lips were pressed into a thin line, and his eyes were filled with immense grief and a numbness that he was forcibly maintaining.

Yang Guangming pushed another bicycle, walking at the back, his steps equally slow, his figure appearing particularly silent in the dim light.

Upon seeing the pitiful family, the hushed whispers in the courtyard completely ceased.

The neighbors automatically parted to make way for a narrow path, their eyes filled with complex emotions—genuine sorrow, a sense of shared grief, cautious inquiry, and unspoken sympathy.

Grandma Chen stood up shakily and was the first to go to greet her. Her wrinkled hand grabbed Zhang Xiuying's cold wrist: "Xiuying... Xiuying... You've suffered so much..." Before she could finish speaking, her voice choked up and tears welled up in her sunken eyes.

Zhang Xiuying seemed to be brought back to her senses by the sound. She raised her head, her eyes brimming with tears, and looked at Granny Chen. Her lips trembled as if she wanted to say something, but only a series of broken breaths escaped her lips, and tears streamed down her face again. She was swaying precariously.

"Grandma..." Yang Guanghui's voice was hoarse, and he answered for his mother, his voice dry and strained from the long journey and exhaustion.

Mrs. Feng also came over and silently supported Zhang Xiuying's other arm, saying in a low voice, "Are you tired from walking? Sit down and rest for a while." Her eyes swept over Zhang Xiuying's haggard and bloodless face, full of worry.

He Caiyun took a half step forward, her face filled with sorrow: "Aunt Zhang, please take good care of yourself! How is Xianglan... how is Xianglan? There are still two children, they are all counting on you!"

Her words were sincere, but a subtle, probing look in her eyes was not completely hidden in the dim light.

Standing behind He Caiyun, Zhao Tiemin said in a low voice, "Aunt Zhang, please accept my condolences. The factory... the factory will definitely give us an explanation." His words were frank, with the straightforwardness typical of a worker.

Mr. and Mrs. Zhou timidly said, "Uncle Yang, Aunt Zhang, please accept our condolences." Their voices were soft, but clear in the silence.

Yang Yongkang leaned his bicycle against the mottled wall, and nodded very slowly at the crowd, the gesture almost imperceptible. He let out a muffled "hmm," as if in response to their concern.

Under the streetlights, his rigid face looked ashen and stiff, his eyes staring blankly at the ground, as if all his energy had been drained away, leaving only a heavy shell.

"Thank you everyone...you've all gone to so much trouble..." Zhang Xiuying finally managed to find a voice, her voice trembling with sobs as she spoke haltingly, "Xianglan's mother-in-law has also collapsed...the two children are terrified..."

She couldn't continue, and covered her face, sobbing again, her thin shoulders shaking violently.

Grandma Chen patted Zhang Xiuying's back forcefully: "Cry, it'll make you feel better. But you also need to take care of your health, Xianglan and the children are counting on you!"

She turned to look at Yang Yongkang, raising her voice slightly, "Yongkang, you've all had a long day. Quickly help Xiuying upstairs to rest. We can talk about it tomorrow."

Then everyone chimed in with their own words of comfort.

"Yes, yes, the dead cannot be brought back to life, the living are the most important!"

"Aunt Zhang, you absolutely cannot collapse! Xianglan still needs you to support her!"

"Yes, yes, the child is still so young..."

"If there's anything I can help with, whether it's running errands or buying things, Aunt Zhang, please don't hesitate to ask!"

Faced with the neighbors' eager inquiries and expressions of support, Yang Yongkang finally raised his eyelids, but his gaze remained dull, as if covered by a layer of dust.

His voice was low and hoarse, carrying a numbness and detachment born of exhaustion:

"Thank you... thank you everyone. There are people at the factory... taking care of things there. As for the funeral arrangements... the Wang family... the factory... for now, there's nothing to trouble you all with."

His refusal was tactful, but his meaning was clear. The Wang family was in charge of the funeral arrangements, and the factory also sent a funeral team. The Yang family, as the daughter-in-law's family, provided more emotional support and couldn't really get involved in the specific miscellaneous tasks.

Grandma Chen sighed and nodded understandingly. Seeing Zhang Xiuying looking like she might faint at any moment, her heart ached, and she quickly urged her:

"Alright, alright, the sentiment has been conveyed. Xiuying looks terrible. Hurry up, Guanghui, Mingming, help your mother upstairs! Yongkang, you should go upstairs and rest too! We have a lot to do tomorrow!"

Mrs. Feng also gently advised, "Go upstairs, have some hot water to calm yourself down, there's water warming on the stove in the kitchen."

Zhang Xiuying had indeed reached her limit. The immense grief and the day's torment had left her completely exhausted, and she could only stand up with the support of her son and Mrs. Feng.

She nodded weakly to her neighbors as a farewell.

Yang Guanghui and Yang Guangming supported their mother, with Yang Yongkang following silently behind. The family of three walked heavily up the creaking wooden stairs, their figures disappearing behind the peeling paint door on the second floor.

The neighbors watched the direction they disappeared in, whispered a few more words in the courtyard, lowered their voices, and then dispersed with heavy hearts.

The courtyard quickly became empty, leaving only the streetlight shining forlornly on the bluestone slabs and the lonely little pillow at Granny Chen's feet.

That night, the Shikumen was unusually quiet. Only occasionally, Zhang Xiuying's suppressed, intermittent sobs could be heard from the second floor in front of the building. Like a wounded sob, they sounded particularly desolate in the quiet night, penetrating the thin wooden walls and reaching the ears of every household.

The model operas deep in the alleyways had stopped sometime ago, and the whole world seemed to be left with only this despairing lament.

The next day, just as dawn was breaking, the Shikumen (stone gate house) awoke.

The door to the Yang family's house creaked open, and Yang Yongkang, Zhang Xiuying, Yang Guangming, Yang Guanghui, and Li Guihua came out one after another.

Zhang Xiuying's eyes were even more swollen, her eyelids drooping heavily, and her face was sallow, as if covered with a layer of gray. But she forced herself to stay alert and changed into a plain dark-colored outfit.

Li Guihua held Zhuangzhuang, who was still yawning, in her arms. The child rubbed his eyes in a daze.

Grandma Chen got up even earlier and was already waiting at her door, holding a hot boiled egg in her hand.

"Give Zhuangzhuang to me, don't worry. I'll make him something to eat and play with him at home." She took Zhuangzhuang, held him in her arms skillfully, and gently patted the child's back.

Zhang Xiuying looked at Granny Chen with gratitude, wanting to say something, but was choked by tears, and could only say in a hoarse voice, "Granny, thank you for your hard work..." Her voice was so hoarse that it was almost inaudible.

"Go on, don't delay. I'll take care of things at home." Grandma Chen waved her hand, picked up Zhuangzhuang, turned and went into the house, gently closing the door.

The family hurriedly left the Shikumen and joined the flow of people rushing to work in the early morning.

Yang Guangming didn't go to his older sister's house with her. He turned at the fork in the road towards the Hongxing State-owned Cotton Mill. He needed to go to the factory first to ask for leave for his mother and himself.

In the morning, the sunlight streamed through the tall glass windows of the Red Star State-owned Cotton Mill's headquarters building, illuminating the slightly old corridors.

Yang Guangming knocked on the heavy wooden door of Zhao Guodong's office.

Zhao Guodong was clearly already aware of the news. Dressed in a gray Zhongshan suit, he sat behind his desk and, upon seeing Yang Guangming push open the door and enter, his face immediately showed deep sympathy and solemnity.

Before Yang Guangming could speak, he stood up, walked around the desk piled with documents, and patted Yang Guangming's shoulder forcefully, his voice deep and powerful:
"Guangming, please accept my condolences. I know the family matters are important. You don't need to write a leave slip; just focus on handling your brother-in-law's funeral arrangements. Don't worry about things at the factory for now. I'll give you two days off, is that enough?"

He spoke crisply and clearly, with the concern of his former leader.

Yang Guangming's face showed obvious fatigue, and there were dark circles under his eyes, but his eyes were still relatively clear.

He nodded gratefully: "Thank you, Secretary Zhao. Two days... should be enough. As for the factory matters..."

"There are other people handling things at the factory, so you can rest assured."

Zhao Guodong interrupted him, his tone resolute but full of concern, "Your family is facing such a big challenge, the factory is your support. If you need any help, just let me know. Please give my condolences to your family."

"Thank you for your concern, Secretary."

Yang Guangming thanked him again, without any further pleasantries, and turned to leave the office. Zhao Guodong's straightforwardness and consideration eased his tense nerves slightly.

In the corridor, the music of early morning calisthenics drifted faintly, carrying a rhythmic quality of daily life that seemed completely out of place with his current mood.

When he arrived at the Shikumen (stone-framed gate) where the Wang family lived, it was nearly nine o'clock in the morning.

The scene before me was even more crowded and oppressive than the courtyard of my own home last night.

The small courtyard was packed with people.

Workers wearing dark blue overalls from the Dongfang Machinery Factory gathered in small groups, talking in hushed tones, their faces filled with sorrow.
Among the Wang family's distant and close relatives were mostly elderly people and middle-aged women, some sitting and some standing, wiping away tears.

There were also a few people who looked like street officials wearing red armbands, talking quietly with an elder in charge of the Wang family in a corner.

The air was thick with grief and oppression, mixed with the smell of cheap cigarettes and incense.

The room was packed with people.

A simple mourning hall was set up in the low-ceilinged main room, with an enlarged black-and-white photograph of Wang Jianjun placed in the center, the frame covered with a black veil.

In the photo, he smiles憨厚ly, his eyes simple and honest, carrying the unique simplicity of that era.

Several white candles were lit in front of the photo, and incense sticks were inserted in the incense burner, with wisps of smoke rising.

Wang Jianjun's mother, Wang Shi, sat on the bed in the inner room, her eyes swollen shut, staring blankly into the void, unconsciously uttering weak groans.

Several women surrounded her, offering words of comfort and water, but to little avail.

Yang Xianglan sat on an old rattan chair against the wall in the outer room, holding her newborn son, who was only a month old and wrapped in swaddling clothes, tightly in her arms.

Three-year-old Honghong nestled timidly beside her mother's legs, her little hands gripping her mother's trouser leg tightly. Her big eyes were filled with fear and confusion, not understanding why so many people had suddenly come to the house, or why her father's photo was hanging there.

Xianglan's face was ashen, her lips were cracked and peeling, and she looked like a soulless statue, oblivious to the surrounding noise, staring blankly into a certain place.

Zhang Xiuying and Li Guihua stood guard on either side of her.

Zhang Xiuying held her daughter's cold hand tightly, trying to give her some strength; Li Guihua coaxed Honghong softly from time to time, handing her a small piece of biscuit.

Yang Yongkang and Yang Guanghui stood in the corner of the room, silently smoking. Amidst the swirling smoke, their faces were equally solemn and weary, like two silent stone statues.

When they saw Yang Guangming squeeze in, they simply nodded slightly and gestured for him to come over.

In this funeral scene dominated by the Wang family, the three members of the Yang family—father and sons—seemed more like a silent backdrop, a force offering quiet support to Xianglan.

As for the specific tasks, whether it was receiving the endless stream of visitors, preparing funeral supplies, or registering gifts, the Wang family members and the workers and union cadres sent by the factory were all busy with them, so there was really no way to help.

Yang Guangming silently stood beside his father and elder brother, and asked in a low voice, "Has no one from the factory... come yet?" His gaze swept across the crowded room.

Yang Yongkang shook his head, took a drag of his cigarette, and said in a hoarse voice, "It was supposed to be nine o'clock, but it's not here yet."

He glanced at his son's frozen smile in the mourning hall, closed his eyes in pain, and stubbed out his cigarette in the enamel mug next to him.

Time ticked by in the oppressive wait. The mingled smells of cigarettes, sweat, and incense made it hard to breathe.

Around 10 o'clock, a noticeable commotion came from the courtyard.

Someone shouted, "The factory leaders are here!"

Deputy Factory Director Ma Xiangwen was seen walking at the very front.

Today he changed into a dark blue woolen Zhongshan suit, and his expression was solemn.

Several people followed behind him: the union leader wearing glasses, Director Wang of Workshop 3, Section Chief Sun of the Safety Department with a serious face, and the appearance of another person made Yang Guangming's eyes narrow slightly - Tang Jianhong, the head of the Personnel Department.

They weaved through the crowded courtyard and went straight into the main room. The noise inside immediately subsided, and everyone's eyes were on them.

Ma Xiangwen first walked to the front of the mourning hall and bowed deeply and very formally three times to Wang Jianjun's portrait.

The factory officials behind him also bowed.

Then, Ma Xiangwen turned towards Wang Jianjun's father, Master Wang, and the inner room, and in a heavy but clear voice expressed the factory's Party Committee and Factory Committee's deep condolences for Comrade Wang Jianjun's sacrifice in the line of duty, as well as their sincere sympathies to his family.

The union leaders also expressed their concern on behalf of the union, and said some platitudes.

After the routine visit, Ma Xiangwen glanced around the room, his gaze lingering briefly on the Yang family father and son and Master Wang, before saying:

"Master Wang, Master Yang, the factory has come up with a preliminary plan regarding the funeral arrangements for Comrade Wang Jianjun."

"Shall we find a quieter place to have a detailed discussion with the family representatives?" His tone was consultative, but his attitude was clear.

Master Wang wiped his face, forced himself to stay awake, and nodded. He glanced at his mentally broken wife and distraught daughter-in-law in the inner room, understanding that they were powerless to help.

Yang Yongkang also said in a deep voice, "Okay."

Finally, Master Wang, Yang Yongkang, Yang Guangming, Yang Guanghui, along with Ma Xiangwen, union leaders, Director Wang, Section Chief Sun, and Tang Jianhong from the factory, moved to a small, temporarily vacated room next to Wang's house.

The room was small, containing only an old table and a few stools.

The atmosphere was even more somber than outside; the air seemed to freeze, and even breathing became a cautious affair.

As the main speaker, Ma Xiangwen cut straight to the point without any unnecessary pleasantries, his tone calm and official:
"First of all, the factory's funeral committee will take full responsibility for Comrade Wang Jianjun's funeral arrangements."

The factory will cover all expenses, including funeral costs and the memorial service.

If the family members have any special requests, they can let us know, and the factory will try its best to accommodate them.

He looked at Master Wang with a questioning gaze.

Master Wang shook his head wearily, his voice choked with emotion: "Just follow... just follow the factory rules. Let Jianjun... leave with some dignity." He rubbed his rough hands together.

Ma Xiangwen nodded and opened a brown paper folder beside him: "Secondly, it concerns the one-time death benefit."

Comrade Wang Jianjun was recognized as having died on duty; this was a determination unanimously approved by the factory committee after careful consideration.

He emphasized the words "unanimously approved" and continued:
"According to the relevant national and factory regulations, the one-time compensation for an employee who dies on duty is the sum of his or her basic salary for eighteen months."

Comrade Wang Jianjun's basic salary was 42.5 yuan per month, so the total amount of his pension would be 42.5 yuan multiplied by 18 months, which is exactly 765 yuan.

He gave a specific and clear figure. This amount was in accordance with policy and, in this day and age, was not low.

Master Wang and Yang Yongkang both nodded silently, without any objection.

Yang Guangming was aware of this standard and knew it was the maximum allowed within the policy framework, so he remained silent.

The only sound in the room was the rustling of pages turning.

"The third item."

Ma Xiangwen continued, his tone softening slightly, "It's a regular pension for dependent immediate family members. It's a long-term pension, paid monthly."

He explained the policy in detail: those eligible for support must be direct relatives of the deceased who are unable to work, have no source of income, and are primarily supported by the deceased during their lifetime, including parents, spouse, and minor children. The amount paid is usually a certain percentage of the deceased's salary.

"We have verified the situation. Mr. Wang and his wife do not meet the required standards."

Mr. Wang is still working and has an income; Mr. Wang's wife is capable of working and also has a source of income from Mr. Wang, so they also do not meet the criteria.

His words carried a hint of barely perceptible regret, but were expressed clearly and objectively.

"Therefore, those who meet the criteria are Comrade Wang Jianjun's minor children—his daughter Wang Honghong, who is three years old, and his son, who is just one month old."

Both children meet the requirements.

Therefore, the factory decided to provide the two children with 40% of their father Wang Jianjun's basic salary each month as living expenses until they reach adulthood or no longer meet the eligibility requirements for support.

Therefore, before the two children reach adulthood, they will receive a combined monthly pension of seventeen yuan.

He gave another specific amount: seventeen yuan is not a small amount, and most importantly, it's a monthly sum.

This long-term living allowance is a crucial guarantee for the future survival of the Wang family, who have lost their breadwinner, especially for Yang Xianglan, who is raising two young children.

A faint light finally appeared in Master Wang's cloudy eyes, like a drowning man seeing a piece of driftwood. His lips trembled as he uttered "good" several times.

Yang Yongkang nodded vigorously.

Sunshine and darkness breathed a sigh of relief; this was the best outcome they could achieve within the policy framework.

Ma Xiangwen paused, his gaze sweeping over the family members present, finally settling on Yang Guangming's face with a hint of deeper meaning, before solemnly speaking:
"The last item concerns the issue of job replacement quotas."

The moment those words were spoken, the air in the room seemed to tighten instantly.

Everyone’s heart is raised.

This is the most crucial aspect of the compensation package, and also the one that the family cares about most. With a job, Xianglan and her children's future livelihood will finally be secured.

"According to the factory's regulations, a replacement position for Comrade Wang Jianjun will be provided."

Ma Xiangwen's voice was clear and strong: "After research and taking into full consideration the actual situation of Comrade Wang Jianjun's family—his wife, Comrade Yang Xianglan, is young and needs to raise two young children, especially a newborn baby who is just over a month old—the factory suggests and is inclined to have Comrade Yang Xianglan take over this position and work at Dongfang Machinery Factory."

Master Wang and Yang Yongkang both held their breath and leaned forward slightly.

"and."

Ma Xiangwen emphasized, "Considering Comrade Yang Xianglan's special circumstances, the factory has promised not to assign her to heavy physical labor in the workshop."

We will try our best to arrange a relatively easy and stable position for her. For example, logistics, warehouse management, or..."

He paused for a moment, then continued, "The positions of childcare workers at the factory's nursery are also under consideration. Specific positions will need to be coordinated and finalized by the relevant departments as soon as possible based on the actual situation."

This is undoubtedly a huge surprise!
No need to work in the factory; we'll assign you easy positions!
This completely exceeded Master Wang's initial expectations.

Master Wang was so excited he was almost incoherent, his fingers trembling slightly: "Thank... thank you to the factory! Thank you, leaders! This... this is wonderful! Xianglan, she... she..."

He was so emotional that tears almost welled up in his eyes again.

Yang Guanghui couldn't help but clench his fist tightly, his knuckles turning white.

However, an even bigger and completely unexpected surprise was yet to come.

Ma Xiangwen turned slightly to the side and glanced at Tang Jianhong beside him.

Tang Jianhong understood, his face displaying a complex expression that was both businesslike and personal, and replied:

"In addition, there is one more thing that needs to be explained to the family."

His voice wasn't loud, but it instantly attracted everyone's attention like a magnet, even making Section Chief Sun in the corner look up.

"Li Erzhu, the apprentice who was directly responsible for the accident, was deeply shocked and felt guilty after the accident."

During the investigation by the security department, he repeatedly expressed remorse and offered to do his utmost to make amends and seek the family's forgiveness.

Tang Jianhong paused for a moment, seemingly considering his words, his gaze sweeping over Master Wang and the Yang family father and son.

Li Erzhu said that he was well aware that his mistake had brought irreparable losses and great pain to the Wang family.

He himself is willing to transfer his existing formal employment position to the Wang family as compensation.

This was his way of personally expressing his apology and remorse, hoping to offer a small, albeit insignificant, form of compensation to the family, especially the two young children.

He looked at Master Wang and said sincerely, "After careful consideration, the factory believes that although Li Erzhu's proposal is not explicitly stipulated by law, it does reflect his sincerity in admitting his mistakes and repenting, and it will also help resolve the conflict and properly handle the aftermath."

After discussion, the factory leadership approved this special 'compensation transfer'. Therefore…

He announced clearly, his voice carrying a hint of solemnity, "In addition to the place where Comrade Yang Xianglan will replace Comrade Wang Jianjun, the Wang family will also receive this formal employee position transferred by Li Erzhu."

Two spots available!

Master Wang suddenly raised his head, his eyes widening instantly, his bloodshot eyes filled with disbelief and immense shock!
He thought he had misheard!

His body trembled slightly with excitement, and he instinctively grabbed the table next to him for support.

Even Yang Yongkang's stern face was instantly moved, revealing a clear look of surprise, and he suddenly looked at his youngest son, Yang Guangming, beside him.

Although Guangming had already told him about this idea yesterday and he was mentally prepared, hearing the plan come to fruition was still a shock to him, as if a huge weight had been lifted off his shoulders.

Yang Guangming's expression remained relatively calm, which was exactly what he expected.

"Yes, two spots."

Tang Jianhong nodded firmly, his tone leaving no room for doubt, "Li Erzhu himself has written a written application and put his fingerprint on it. The factory has also issued an official document. The Wang family can arrange for a qualified family member to take his place at the factory."

He emphasized both "official documents" and "self-arrangements".

When the huge pie came crashing down, Mr. Wang was somewhat at a loss. Overwhelmed with grief and the sudden comfort, he was speechless for a moment, his lips trembling violently and a hoarse sound coming from his throat.

After several seconds, he suddenly stood up and bowed deeply, almost at a ninety-degree angle, to Ma Xiangwen, Tang Jianhong, and several other factory leaders, his voice trembling with emotion and immense gratitude.

"Thank you! Thank you, factory leaders! Thank you... thank you all! I... thank you on behalf of Jianjun, on behalf of Xianglan, on behalf of the two children... thank you!"

Tears streamed down his face, and he spoke incoherently, repeatedly expressing his gratitude.

This second spot was completely unexpected; it was a godsend! A lifeline in a time of despair!
Yang Yongkang also stood up and, together with Master Wang, solemnly nodded to the factory leaders to express their gratitude. Although they did not speak, their deep gratitude was written on their faces.

Ma Xiangwen quickly stepped forward to help Master Wang up: "Master Wang, please sit down. This is what the factory should do, and it's also because Li Erzhu himself has realized his mistake."

Hopefully, this result will bring some comfort to the family.

He turned to the crowd, his tone becoming concluding, "Since the family members have no objection to the compensation plan proposed by the factory, then we'll settle on that."

The specific details will be followed up and implemented by the union and the labor relations department.

The funeral committee assures the family that we will do our utmost to handle Comrade Wang Jianjun's funeral arrangements properly, so that he can rest in peace.

He said some words of reassurance and reiterated that he could contact the factory anytime if he encountered any difficulties.

Finally, he took his leave first, accompanied by union leaders, Director Wang, and Section Chief Sun.

Tang Jianhong deliberately stayed until the end.

Only Master Wang, the Yang family (father and son), and Tang Jianhong remained in the room. The air seemed to loosen a little, but it remained heavy.

Tang Jianhong's businesslike demeanor faded somewhat, revealing a more familiar and sincere side.

He walked up to Master Wang, lowering his voice even further, with a hint of revealing something:

"Master Wang, there were too many people around earlier, so it wasn't convenient to talk about some things in detail. Now that we're alone, I'll tell you the truth."

He glanced at Yang Guangming, his eyes conveying a certain unspoken understanding. "The matter that Guangming entrusted me to communicate with Li Erzhu went relatively smoothly. Thanks to my efforts, the factory did not create any obstacles, and the final result was satisfactory."

He pointed out the role of sunlight.

Master Wang suddenly realized and looked at Yang Guangming gratefully: "Guangming...it was you all along..." He reached out his rough hand and patted Yang Guangming's arm hard, everything was understood without words.

Yang Guangming shook his head slightly and said in a low voice, "Uncle Wang, it's my duty."

Tang Jianhong continued speaking to Master Wang, his tone even more sincere: "I have always kept in mind the matter that Guangming entrusted to me."

As soon as I got to work this morning, I made a point of going to see Deputy Factory Director Ma and Old Liu from the labor union to reiterate Xianglan's special difficulties.

The job of a childcare worker is relatively easy, with regular hours, making it convenient to take care of children, which is a good choice. However…

He changed the subject, with a confident air, "The union is currently setting up a mutual aid group for employees, and they need two meticulous and capable comrades to be in charge of some clerical and liaison work."

This position is more relaxed and offers a wider range of opportunities. Comrade Xianglan only graduated from junior high school and has a basic education, so I think this position would be more suitable for her future development.

He smiled, with a hint of worldly wisdom, "I have a decent relationship with Lao Liu from the union, and I sounded him out. I'll keep following up on this matter."

I'll also keep in touch with Deputy Factory Director Ma.

Master Wang, don't worry. Now that Guangming has spoken, I, Tang Jianhong, will do my best to mediate and try to arrange a better place for Xianglan.

I think my chances of getting that union position are pretty good.

These words clearly laid bare to Master Wang the process of Yang Guangming's private operations and the key role Tang Jianhong played in them.

The promise to strive for a better position at the end, in particular, showed a great deal of human kindness.

Mr. Wang was deeply moved. He grasped Tang Jianhong's hand tightly and shook it vigorously.

"Section Chief Tang! Section Chief Tang! This... how can I possibly thank you enough!"

You...you are a great benefactor to our Wang family!

"This...this second spot, and Xianglan's job...it's all...thanks to you all..."

He was so excited that he became incoherent, and tears welled up in his eyes again.

Yang Yongkang stepped forward and solemnly said to Tang Jianhong, "Section Chief Tang, our Yang family will remember this favor." His words were concise but carried great weight, reflecting the sincerity unique to workers.

Yang Guangming spoke up at the right moment, his tone sincere: "Uncle Tang, thank you for your trouble. Our whole family will remember this kindness." He used the more intimate title "Uncle Tang," which perfectly bridged the gap between them.

Tang Jianhong smiled with satisfaction. He patted Yang Guangming's arm and then said to Master Wang and Yang Yongkang:
"You flatter me, you flatter me. It's all what I should do. Guangming is a responsible and reliable young man, so it's only right that I help him out."

Alright, you guys have a lot on your plate, so I won't bother you any longer.

"Don't worry about Xianglan's position. I'll let Guangming know as soon as I have any news." He
He politely declined Yang Guangming's offer to see him off and turned to leave the small room.

After Tang Jianhong left, only the four members of Wang Jiayang's family remained in the small room. A brief silence descended, broken only by the faint noise from the courtyard outside the window.

Looking at Yang Guangming, Master Wang had a thousand words stuck in his throat, but in the end, they only turned into a long sigh and a heartfelt sentence: "Guangming, you are so kind, and we are so grateful to you!" His rough hand landed heavily on Yang Guangming's shoulder again.

Yang Guangming shook his head, his tone calm and sincere: "Uncle Wang, we're all family, we don't need to be formal, it's all for my sister and the two children."

With the most important matter settled today, the rest are just trivial matters, which won't bother the Yang family father and son.

Stepping out of the house and back into the crowded courtyard and somber atmosphere, Yang Guangming felt the air outside seemed to grow heavier.

Yang Yongkang remained silent. He raised his eyes, his gaze sweeping over his two sons before finally settling on Yang Guangming's face, his eyes filled with an unprecedented solemnity.

He said in a low, serious voice:

"Guangming, you must come home tonight. You, your older brother, your mother, Guihua, our whole family needs to be there. I have something important to discuss with you."

He specifically emphasized the words "the whole family".

As Yang Guangming met his father's gaze, he saw an unquestionable resolve in those deep eyes.

He couldn't guess what his father was thinking, but he didn't press him for an answer immediately. He simply nodded calmly and said, "I understand, Dad."

(End of this chapter)