"Yangyang, what's the plan? Do you really have a way?"
As soon as Chen Yang said he had a solution, Zhang Zhugen leaped to his feet. Chen Yang could tell his cousin was quite fond of the girl named Liu Ting.
"Aunt, cousin, you two come over too. Uncle, this was something my parents specifically asked me to talk to you about. Since it coincides with Cousin's situation, I'll explain it all to you."
Chen Yang beckoned his aunt and cousin, who were cleaning up dishes in the kitchen. Before coming, his father had told him that his cousin and aunt's cousin would take over their jobs.
This matter wasn't easy to arrange.
Back then, taking over jobs was usually limited to children taking over from their parents, and it was almost always restricted to urban households.
Chen Yang didn't know why his father brought this up, but since he did, he must have some confidence. Others might not know his father's personality, but Chen Yang certainly did.
Given his father's temperament, he would never mention anything he wasn't at least ninety percent sure of.
"Yangyang, can you tell us now?"
His aunt and cousin were now seated at the table. Zhang Zhugen spoke again urgently. Chen Yang could see that his cousin was genuinely serious about the girl.
"Aunt, Uncle, my mother is nearing retirement, and my father might also be considering early retirement."
"Chen Juan has her own job, and I'm still working in the countryside. Even if I get married, I can't come back. Chen Yu is aiming for university. None of us three need to take over their jobs."
"So, according to my parents, they want Brother Zhugen and Sister Hongmei to take over their positions. Having a job will surely make life better in the future."
Chen Yang didn't try to create suspense, he laid it all out at once.
"Yangyang, I know about taking over jobs, but now it's only for children. Even if your parents have this intention, with our family's situation, it's impossible for Zhugen and Hongmei to take over."
Although his aunt's husband came from a rural background, he understood this much.
He was already very grateful that his sister and brother-in-law had this thought in mind for his children, but he couldn't do anything about something that went against regulations.
Upon hearing his aunt's husband's words, Zhang Zhugen's newly ignited hope was instantly doused.
"Yangyang, your mother mentioned this to me this afternoon."
"It's impossible to take over a formal position. Formal positions must be taken over by children. However, your mother said that if it's just to switch to a temporary position, then it's possible."
"After all, temporary positions are not like formal positions. If you don't perform well, the factory can dismiss you at any time. You'd be doing the same work, but only get half the salary of a formal worker, and you must obey the factory's management. The factory is happy to do this."
"Your mother said that in her factory, people who aren't relatives have also taken over positions. Some families' children found their own jobs and didn't need them, and some even sold them. A spot cost three hundred yuan."
His aunt chimed in. Hearing his aunt's words, Chen Yang understood much better.
This was probably his parents' idea: to use their formal worker spots to get temporary positions for his cousin and aunt's cousin.
Don't underestimate the value of a temporary position. Although it's only temporary, and the salary is half of a formal worker's, and it's not a "guaranteed iron rice bowl" like a formal position where no one can fire you without a major mistake.
But with the status of a temporary worker in a state-owned factory, one could transfer their household registration to the city and also get their share of planned rations.
Why did city workers look down on rural people back then? It was precisely because they received a fixed amount of planned rations every month.
Therefore, even a temporary position in a state-owned factory was something many rural people would fight tooth and nail for.
"This, this isn't worth it. Switching a formal position for a temporary one, this..."
His aunt's husband immediately shook his head. But halfway through his words, looking at his children's expectant eyes, he swallowed the rest.
"Uncle, there's nothing not worth it. None of us three need it, and my parents wouldn't sell this spot for money. They wouldn't do something like that."
"Although it can only exchange for two temporary positions, it's better than Brother Zhugen and Sister Hongmei staying in the countryside. A temporary worker's salary is 10.5 yuan per month, with 20 catties of rice and 0.6 catties of cooking oil allocated monthly."
"Moreover, my parents have worked in the factory their whole lives and have trained many apprentices. With their guidance, as long as Brother Zhugen and Sister Hongmei work diligently, there's a chance to become a formal worker."
Chen Yang knew his aunt's husband probably felt it wasn't worth it for his parents to exchange their good formal positions for two temporary ones.
If it were for Chen Yang and Chen Yu, they would definitely get formal positions. But the key was that Chen Yang and Chen Yu didn't need them at all.
"Yangyang, your parents' kindness is something your aunt and I cannot repay even if we gave our lives."
His aunt's husband was silent for a long time, gazing at Chen Yang.
His aunt's husband had always been proud and never wanted to owe anyone. But this time, for his son and daughter, he had to accept it, albeit reluctantly.
The importance of a job back then was something that many people in later generations couldn't imagine, even if it was just the status of a temporary worker in a state-owned factory.
"What are you two standing there for? Hurry up and kowtow to Yangyang. When we get back, you'll have to kowtow to your aunt and uncle too. Our family can never repay this kindness."
His aunt's husband said this and was about to lead his cousin and aunt's cousin to kneel. Chen Yang, startled, quickly held them back. He couldn't possibly accept such a grand gesture.
"Uncle, this was my parents' decision, and it has nothing to do with me. Please don't do this. If you do, I won't dare to come again."
His aunt's husband was very straightforward. If you did him a favor, he would remember it and always try to repay you tenfold. Honestly, this was also why Chen Yang liked to visit his aunt's house.
Even if you hadn't shown him any particular kindness, he would do his best to treat you well. A genuine person.
"Then it's settled. We'll go back together tomorrow, and I'll have my parents take Brother Zhugen and Sister Hongmei to the factory to finalize this."
Chen Yang also wanted his parents to retire early and have a more relaxed life. The work in their factory was not easy. If nothing else, his father's muscles were strong enough to beat three Chen Yangs with one punch.
His younger sister would also need someone to look after her next year for the college entrance exam. His elder sister was already married and might have a baby anytime. With his parents retired, they could help out.
As for the reduced salary, with Chen Yang around, his parents would have a good life and wouldn't need to worry about money. It was only natural for a son to support his parents.
"Yangyang, this matter is settled then. The conditions of that girl's family might not be suitable for Zhugen."
"However, the matchmaker had already arranged for Zhugen to meet a girl from Shangzhuang. That girl can't speak, but she's pretty and heard to be a good worker."
His aunt's husband hesitated, wanting to say more. The reason they introduced the girl before was simply because of their family's poor conditions.
If the elder cousin got a temporary job, the conditions would be different. But having promised the matchmaker, with Zhang Guoshu's character, he naturally couldn't go back on his word.