"Wukang, you're getting married after the New Year. You need to be more steady in your actions from now on."
"Once you're married, you'll have the heavy responsibility of providing for a family. Your burden isn't small; you need to work hard."
Shen Futang patted his eldest nephew's shoulder. Elders always wanted to impart some of their wisdom to their juniors, hoping they would stumble less and live a smoother life.
"Uncle, don't worry. I'm a favored person of Director Wang at the factory now. Director Wang includes me in everything."
"If I hadn't joined the factory so recently, he probably would have entrusted me with managing the Aquatic Products Station."
Young people, after all, love to show off. Zhao Wukang was indeed bragging to his two uncles.
"You kid, Director Wang isn't just giving your brother-in-law face by involving you in everything."
"There are so many people in the food factory; do you think Director Wang can't find anyone to manage things? You don't know the immensity of the heavens and the earth."
Zhao Donglai glared at Zhao Wukang with displeasure. Being young and energetic was good, but one shouldn't be blindly arrogant. Being too high-profile at any time could easily make you a target.
Young people should do more, learn more, and observe more, speak less, and most importantly, not be complacent. Otherwise, it's easy to leave a bad impression on leaders.
Of course, that's how it was said.
In this era, there were still opportunities for advancement. Even without connections, those with outstanding abilities would be noticed and promoted by leaders.
By later generations, it wouldn't be the case. You'd find that ability wasn't the most important thing; background and resources were.
Those with background and resources would naturally become leaders as they navigated through life. Those without, no matter how hard they worked, would still be subordinates.
It's not that there were absolutely no opportunities, just that opportunities would prioritize those with connections first, and only then would it be your turn. Consequently,
this led to many in later generations saying that the youth of this generation were not good, only knowing how to "lie flat" and unwilling to do anything.
"Nephew-in-law, Wukang is diligent in his work. Even without my influence, Director Wang would like such young people."
"It's even better if Director Wang shows Wukang more care out of consideration for me. Wukang, you must seize the opportunity. Director Wang is still young, and it's not impossible for him to be promoted from deputy to full director in the future."
"Maintain good relationships with your colleagues. Don't let others think we're bullies who rely on connections. At least outwardly, maintain harmony, so people don't think we have bad character and stab us in the back at a critical moment."
Chen Yang had also been through this stage at a similar age. When he first returned to China to start his business in his thirties, he was also full of ambition.
He didn't take anyone seriously. Later, after suffering a great loss, he gradually learned that in this world, there's always someone better, and one must be low-key.
"Brother-in-law, I understand."
"I'll do more and speak less from now on. Youth is my capital."
Zhao Wukang smiled. He wasn't foolish; he knew his family was looking out for him, afraid he would suffer.
"It's good that you understand. Let's not talk about this. Let's talk about your girlfriend. We can all give you some advice."
Chen Yang chuckled. Young people need face, and even though everyone here was his elder and genuinely cared for him, speaking too much could still make him uncomfortable and lead to a rebellious mindset, which wouldn't be good.
Shen Xue happened to bring in a basin of oranges. Hearing this, she immediately got excited. Women, after all, had a natural inclination for gossip.
"Is the girl beautiful? What's her temper like?"
Shen Xue looked at Zhao Wukang expectantly. Stared at by the couple whose curiosity had been piqued, Zhao Wukang felt a little embarrassed and scratched his head.
"Beautiful, and tall too. She reaches my chin."
"As for her temper, we haven't been together long, so I can't really tell."
"But whether her temper is good or not, I accept it. If her temper is good, I'll surely get along well with her. If her temper isn't good, I'll yield to her. A man doting on his wife isn't shameful."
Zhao Wukang might as well have written his affection on his face. At this point, everyone could see that the young man was determined to marry that girl.
"You're not even married yet, and you're already calling her 'wife.' I bet you'll be completely dominated by her later. You're a grown man, yet you have no backbone."
Shen Xiaoxia happened to come out to wipe the table. Hearing her son's words, she felt a pang of resentment.
She treated her son as a treasure, but he was about to become a "grass" in someone else's arms, and he seemed to be doing it willingly. How could she feel good about it?
"Mom, didn't you teach me to treat girls well? Why are you saying I have no backbone now?"
Zhao Wukang's face darkened. How could his mother's thoughts change so quickly?
"Aunt is feeling a bit down. She feels like she raised a pig for twenty years, only for it to go after someone else's cabbage and now only has eyes for the cabbage, not her. Haha."
Chen Yang could see his aunt's conflicted feelings. She wanted her son to marry early but feared he would forget her after getting a wife.
Women's thoughts were truly complex.
With her inner thoughts revealed by Chen Yang, Aunt Shen Xiaoxia decided to be more open.
"Your brother-in-law is right. I'm just afraid you'll forget your old mother once you have a wife."
"You've been promised a house by Director Wang at the factory once you get your marriage certificate. You won't even live with us anymore. How will you remember your old mother?"
Shen Xiaoxia felt a bit hurt. Didn't she work hard every day, starting early and finishing late, selling radios just to earn more money and save up to help her son get married?
Now that he was getting married, and they were going to live separately, she felt a sense of unease.
"Mom, how could I forget you? Besides, even if we get a house, when Wang Fang has children, won't you and Dad help raise the grandchildren? We're still a family."
Zhao Wukang, as a young man, didn't understand his mother's many thoughts.
"Oh, so you're already thinking about me raising the baby before we even have one. Fine, just keep planning on me to take care of the children."
Shen Xiaoxia felt wronged. She was perfectly happy to help raise grandchildren, but Zhao Wukang's words made it sound as if she was obligated to do so. This made her feel uncomfortable.
This was why they said parents raising children was like repaying a debt. There was joy, but also genuine frustration.
"The child speaks without thinking. Don't take it to heart. You're overthinking."
"You know your son's temper. He will surely be a filial son to you. Otherwise, why would you have prepared so much for the 'three turns and one ring' and such a generous dowry? Don't torment yourself with unnecessary worries. Just wait to hold your grandchild; you'll be busy then."
Zhao Donglai quickly interjected a few words. After decades together, he knew his wife's temper well.
His son was also simple-minded and never considered complex nuances when speaking. He, as the father, had to mediate between mother and son.
Otherwise, if they continued their conversation, his wife would surely feel wronged and start crying on the spot.