Chapter 1372: Chapter 1373: The Little Widow of the Courtyard 100 Xiao Min departed at an early hour, before everyone else was up. After several days of not seeing Xiao Min, they were quite puzzled. Everyone thought she had to be working overtime. “No overtime, they needed people there, so she went back to work,” Zhang Yu said calmly. Oh, back to work? Everyone was quite surprised. “But Xiao Xi isn’t even a year old yet.” ʀᴇᴀᴅ ʟᴀᴛᴇsᴛ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀᴛ novelꜰire.net “Yes, the child is still so young, how to manage meals?” They were really envious of Xiao Min’s plentiful milk, which had nourished Xiao Xi to be chubby and healthy. Now that Xiao Min has left, what will Zhao Xi do? Everyone still felt that Zhang Yu was overly indulgent with her daughter-in-law. “The child is seven months old now, and with the milk powder coupons and milk previously collected, it can be sustained.” Zhang Yu was thankful; had these not been adequately prepared, she wouldn’t know what to do. Milk powder coupons and milk? Everyone was stunned, knowing these things were not easy to acquire. “Zhang Yu, how did you get them, could it be?” “Xiao Lei’s classmates or colleagues are from Inner Mongolia, we asked them, and furthermore, their workplace has milk powder coupons.” “At that time we thought Xiao Min would stay here for just a couple of months before going back, unexpectedly, she stayed here for quite long.” “Milk powder was just accumulated,” Zhang Yu indicated, it’s just right for Xiao Xi to have more to eat. Hearing this, the neighbors were more surprised, “Wow, the child was born, didn’t Xiao Min return to work in the Capital City?” “Indeed, wasn’t she previously working here in the Capital City?” In their view, even if Zhao Lei hasn’t transferred back to the Capital for work, Xiao Min could transfer back. “Her job is in a different location; plus, the couple is separated, how could they?” “The child stays here, and I can take care of him,” Zhang Yu expressed calmly. “Don’t you have to work?” everyone’s eyes brightened, right, Zhang Yu has to take care of the child, but how to work? “I’m not busy there, I can take him along,” Zhang Yu understood their thoughts, but unfortunately, she wasn’t planning to retire. Everyone initially thought Zhang Yu wouldn’t be able to go to work, thus having an opportunity, but she actually planned to bring the child to work. Thinking about Zhang Yu’s work environment, well, it is quite relaxed, she can indeed bring the child to work. “By the way, do they pay you for bringing the child?” someone asked, concerned. This is no issue to talk about, Zhang Yu calmly stated, “Xiao Lei’s salary is given to me.” “Consider it as the child’s expenses.” Humph, aren’t you claiming your children are filial, “Xiao Min brought it up, they both give me their salaries.” “I thought of it; they need to spend money there too, how could I take it all.” Everyone listened with envy, wanting to suggest perhaps it’s for Zhang Yu’s pride, but couldn’t exactly say so. If they commented on their children later, Zhang Yu would definitely target them. “Xiao Lei’s salary alone is enough, and they give me their payroll slips too.” Zhang Yu hadn’t expected them to actually have payroll slips, making her exceptionally happy. Although not many slips were issued to them now, they were still slips. Not only was there a salary but also slips, which made everyone quite jealous. Initially, it was intended to inquire about Zhao Lei’s monthly salary, but later considered, and decided against it. If it turns out to be more than they imagined, that feeling. Zhang Yu no longer cycles to work; every day, Xiao Yi cycles with her, taking the grandmother and granddaughter to work. Initially, Zhang Yu worried, during the winter, taking Xiao Xi to and from work, not knowing if this little girl could handle it. Unexpectedly, this child is quite healthy, eating and drinking well daily. Zhang Yu couldn’t help but breathe a sigh of relief; a healthy child is relatively easier to care for. The child not getting sick, strong, Zhang Yu and the others were relieved too. With the New Year approaching, there’s a lot to prepare. “Salted fish needs to be cured, and there’s the beef shipped from over there.” In winter, beef and mutton from Inner Mongolia come in. The price is a bit high, but the taste is truly great. At the recycling station, Zhang Yu planned thoroughly, making jerky, salted meat, and beef sausages, focused and busy. “Unfortunately your sister left quickly, so early; otherwise, shipping these items over, they could add a dish for their Spring Festival table.” Looking at the hanging meat in the room, Zhang Yu felt a bit regretful. If Xiao Min left two days later, she could have had the beef and mutton prepared for Xiao Min to take. “Can’t it be mailed?” Xiao Yi recalled mailing letters, and surely items can be mailed. “It can be mailed, the problem is not knowing when they would receive it.” Zhang Yu previously asked Xiao Min, and it would take two to three months to receive a letter. If it’s a package, not knowing how long it would take, Xiao Min also mentioned it’s better not to send packages. Zhang Yu sensed from her words it would be cumbersome to mail stuff. Zhang Yu guessed there might be inspections involved, even mailing letters might require a review. Not sure if Xiao Yi truly understood or didn’t, but either way, he didn’t bring it up again. “If we take good care of ourselves, Xiao Lei and others won’t worry.” Zhang Yu realized this might be Zhao Lei and the others’ thoughts as well. Looking forward to the upcoming New Year, Zhang Yu was genuinely happy—it might be the last lively year before the turmoil begins. If it weren’t for having the child, Zhang Yu really wanted to visit the temple fairs and see the Lantern Festival. After the turmoil, not to mention those events being gone, even Spring Festival would be gone, just like a normal workday. Thinking about working during Spring Festival made Zhang Yu feel exhausted; single day off was already frustrating, soon it would be worse, no Spring Festival, turning people into work machines? Not necessarily, soon after turmoil, many places are paralyzed, even when starting operations again, there’s more restraint, along with more things to consider, efficiency still drops. “This year our home has a Xiao Xi, although the little girl doesn’t understand anything, we mustn’t wrong her. I decided this year we must eat well.” Zhang Yu excitedly announced, “Oh, Xiao Yi, if you have time in a couple of days, go to the research institute for your sister’s benefits.” Zhang Yu originally thought there were no benefits, but was notified that since Xiao Min worked at the Capital City research institute for half a year, she had a share of New Year benefits. Even if the benefits aren’t much, getting a pound of meat would make Zhang Yu happy. Xiao Min still gets annual festival benefits? This amused Xiao Yi, “Sure, I’ll go tomorrow, how do I pick them up?” “You go to find Section Chief Zhang in the logistics department.” Zhang Yu recalled what the other person said. Xiao Yi nodded, indicating he understood.