In the main room, Mr. Zhang was smoking a pipe while having a casual chat with his second son, Zhang Guoqiang. Zhang Family’s eldest, Zhang Guofu, had gone to invite Uncle Zhang and Uncle Zhang but hadn’t returned yet. Mr. Zhang saw Zhang Guoqing come in and gestured for him to speak. Zhang Guoqing sat down next to Zhang Guoqiang and said to his father, "Today I went with my father-in-law to Zhao Dashan’s place. From what he hinted, I should go find Zuo Lin soon. I heard Zuo Lin still has some temporary job openings available. The work schedule is quite urgent. I want to go with second brother to visit Zuo Lin’s house tomorrow night, what do you think, Dad? We should act sooner rather than later." After listening, Mr. Zhang looked towards Zhang Guoqiang. Zhang Guoqiang quickly nodded, "Listen to Xiao Wu. Tomorrow night I’ll go with him to see what Zuo Lin thinks. What’s there to lose by finding work early? I currently have nothing to do. The courtyard is all built. I don’t plan on making any more furniture. Once we move, I can just bring everything from my room over." "That works too. But what about commuting from the village to work later on?" Zhang Guoqiang laughed and said, "Dad, the workplace has dormitories for employees. The trip to the county isn’t too long. Right now, housing isn’t a concern, securing the job is the priority. Typically, temporary workers find it easier to become permanent." Zhang Guoqing also nodded along, "Let’s start with this. If money is tight, we can gather some among ourselves. It’s not a big deal. Dad, don’t worry." Zhang Guoqiang didn’t say much. Even though Xiao Wu mentioned gathering money, he figured he would end up paying again. But he didn’t plan on using Xiao Wu’s money. If everything is arranged, including housing, it would be disgraceful as the elder brother. He thought to himself, next year with the salary and some savings, he might be able to buy a small one. Mr. Zhang nodded hearing this. He and his wife had been worried about the inconvenience of commuting. The mention of dorms made him feel relieved. During cold snowy days, staying at work and coming home to do some farming would be fine. With this arrangement, besides Xiao Wu, there’s no need for the eldest and second sons to pool money to buy a house in the county. Their daughters-in-law won’t need to go out and work either. Working in the village, tidying up the courtyard, and taking care of the children at home keeps things from getting chaotic. Most importantly, Xiao Wu doesn’t need to owe favors to pull strings. His wife had it all thought out. The eldest’s family can’t go out to work; who would care for the children and seniors? The second family certainly can’t go either, as the new courtyard post-separation needs attention and there are still two children to look after. "Dad, for second brother’s situation, barring any surprises, it should be nearly settled. Even if Zuo Lin can’t handle it, I’m not worried about second brother. While eldest brother and sister-in-law are away, let’s figure out how to arrange for our eldest brother? There’s no rush, we can take our time. However, there needs to be a goal, so I can keep an eye out for opportunities in the city." Mr. Zhang shook his head, "Your eldest brother’s brothers-in-law have both wanted to bring him into the city, but even temporary jobs are hard to come by. Would it be difficult for you too?" Zhang Guoqing smiled, "Tough but we’ll find a way. Second brother, what do you think would suit eldest brother?" Thɪs chapter is updated by 𝕟𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕝⁂𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙚⁂𝔫𝔢𝔱 Zhang Guoqiang thought about it over and over, then shook his head, "Eldest brother knows masonry and accounting, but didn’t study for many years, so his qualifications aren’t high. He’s already 30 this year, can’t be an apprentice. The lower ones are beneath his dignity, the higher ones are demanding. I can’t think of anything suitable." Mr. Zhang frowned and sighed, "I asked your eldest brother, and he said as long as you and Xiao Wu are doing well, he’s at ease staying home to take care of your mother and me, not planning to go out. Stubborn-minded, he says we’ll talk about it later." Zhang Guoqing looked at the second brother, then thought for a moment and said to his father, "Dad, talk to mom tonight and have her ask sister-in-law. This can’t be rushed. I’ll start looking, too. If we really can’t solve it for eldest brother, I’ll let Jiao Jiao help out. Originally, today Zhao Dashan wanted me to report for work early. My father-in-law said to wait until Jiao Jiao finishes confinement, when Ping’an is over two months old, and take us to see Beijing, to give Jiao Jiao some courage. So I have to wait until after the start of the year to go to work. Zhao Dashan already agreed. Our whole family plans to head to Beijing at the end of the year, returning at the end of the first month next year. Let me know if there’s anything else you want me to do during this time." Mr. Zhang remembered the matter he had been turning over in his mind these past few days but couldn’t decide on. Now it seemed he had an answer. It was still best to go with his wife’s idea. "While you two brothers are here, Dad has something to say to you. I’m giving you both half a month to tidy up your own courtyards. Before the New Year, I plan to initiate the separation. As for Xiao Wu, don’t arrange the jobs for your two sisters-in-law. Once your elder and second brothers have worked smoothly for some years and have more to spare, we’ll discuss it then. I want them to learn how to manage on their own first. If they can’t even manage their small family, they’ll have to obediently stay home handling chores and earning work points. I don’t want you to be working while the household is in chaos, with not even a sip of water to drink and children left unattended. Your mother feels the same way."