Chapter 1374: Chapter 1375: The Little Widow of the Courtyard 102 Xiao Yi happily pushed his things back home, surprised at how generous the research institute was. Last time, he only received 20 pounds of rice flour, but this year he got two pounds of pork, a chicken, and a duck, although the latter two were cured. But that didn’t matter; as long as it was meat, it was perfect. More importantly, he was confident that bringing these things back home would absolutely impress the boastful neighbors. The weather in December was fiercely cold and windy, and after the sun set, the temperature plummeted. Just as everyone was about to give up and leave, they finally spotted Xiao Yi. Seeing the pork, chicken, and duck on his handlebars, everyone’s spirits sank. This year they were quite pleased with the factory benefits, with each person receiving two pounds of pork and ten pounds of flour, happily imagining they could enjoy a meat dumpling feast this Spring Festival. Especially those whose families had many workers; they received even more goods and felt certain this year would be prosperous. Now, seeing the stuff on Xiao Yi’s handlebars, someone stammered, “Xiao Yi, is this from your sister’s workplace?” Xiao Yi replied, “Or else if I went to the Pigeon Market now, there wouldn’t be any left.” Everyone thought about it too; even in the black market, it’s unlikely Zhao Gui could go there now without being noticed. “Is it really from your sister’s workplace?” People were surprised, “The research institute’s benefits are so good now?” Previously, they felt very proud, being employees of the mechanical factory, a very respected job. But today they were astonished by the year-end benefits from Xiao Min’s workplace. “So-so,” Xiao Yi humbly said, “Not as much as you guys got.” Hearing Xiao Yi’s voice, Zhang Yu came out, “Did they issue the goods?” Xiao Yi patted the handlebars, “Yes, they did.” Seeing the goods on the handlebars, Zhang Yu was truly stunned, “So much?” Good heavens, Zhang Yu was at a loss for words; this New Year’s stock was truly unique, something that even the steel mill couldn’t compare with. Xiao Yi pushed the bike into the house, “Actually, some of it is compensation for my sister’s husband.” Xiao Yi was also stunned by the large amount of New Year’s goods distributed; it was simply too much. Later, seeing many people there to receive goods, he casually asked and found out the reason. Oh, that’s how it is, Zhang Yu looked at the goods, it was quite a lot, and since his family was in the Western Region, leaving relatives in the Capital City required some compensation. “That’s quite nice.” But who knows, once the winds change, if there will be such benefits anymore? Most likely not, since we’ll be undergoing a revolutionary Spring Festival without New Year’s gifts. Forget it, no need to think about it; regardless of the presence of gifts, it doesn’t affect having a good New Year. Looking at the goods at hand, Zhang Yu began excitedly discussing the New Year’s Eve dinner menu. This made Zhao Hong and Xiao Yi’s mouths water, “Really looking forward to it.” “Of course we’re looking forward to it; we should eat well.” “I’ve decided we’ll gather Old Man Wang to take a family photo and send it to your brother.” The workplace provided so many benefits; it’s the unit looking after the employees’ families, should let Zhao Lei and others know. Just writing a letter wouldn’t suffice, we should definitely take photos, “And also take a solo photo of Xiao Xi.” A family photo will be much liked by Zhao Lei and his wife, as for the solo photo of Xiao Xi, she should be happy too. “By the way, Xiao Yi, you should also remember to take a solo photo and one with Xiao Xi, then send them to your parents.” Even though the Xiao Family couple are wholly absorbed in their research, Zhang Yu believes no parents wouldn’t miss their children. “I want one too.” Zhao Hong hurriedly insisted, saying she’s great at coaxing children and also wanted to take a photo with Xiao Xi. “Anyway, your brother’s income is quite good.” Zhang Yu had gone to collect Zhao Lei’s salary a few days ago. She had thought Zhao Lei, being a university graduate, would earn at least 30, but she was surprised to find it was 50, which shocked her quite a bit. After some explanation, she learned that Zhao Lei’s fast transition to full-time employee and status as an engineer was why his salary was so high. This text is hosted at novel⚑fire.net When Zhang Yu thought about Zhao Lei earning so much each month, she felt reassured and not stingy anymore, “We’ll send it to your brother then.” Since they used Zhao Lei’s salary, he certainly needs to know that this money was well spent. “Yes, yes, yes,” Zhao Hong was very happy, “I want to give Xiao Xi some New Year money.” “Not hiding your pocket money?” Zhang Yu gives Xiao Lei and Zhao Hong pocket money weekly, letting them spend freely, though Zhang Yu watches what they spend it on. Even if Zhang Yu is unhappy about where they spend their money, she won’t scold them. When she gives the money, she anticipates they’ll spend it freely, hoping they learn to manage money wisely. Over the years, they have learned to allocate their money reasonably, making Zhang Yu feel it was money well spent. “Spend it wisely.” Zhao Hong proudly said, “I originally wanted to buy Xiao Xi a new outfit, but I don’t have a Cloth Coupon.” There’s no way around it; in these times, buying things isn’t just about having money, but having coupons, which are hard to come by. “No need, Xiao Xi is just a child; I can use cloth I have to make it myself.” Making clothes myself would save Cloth Coupons. Especially since I have quite a few flawed cloth pieces on hand, if they’re not used, over time even cloth deteriorates. Zhao Hong knew of Zhang Yu’s sewing skills, “Mom, can you make me a skirt?” “No more making.” Maybe last year she could have made her a couple of new skirts; little girls should dress up nicely. Not making them now? Zhao Hong was puzzled; why would Zhang Yu suddenly be so stingy, making the little girl quite unhappy. “Things outside aren’t looking good right now.” Zhang Yu observed for a while and noticed more people starting to move outside. “You forgot why your sister-in-law and her grandparents had to go to the Western Region.” Zhang Yu previously worried it might scare the little girl, so she didn’t mention it. About to be a year older, she couldn’t keep treating Xiao Hong as a little girl, “Now things outside are really not looking well.” “Previously families with small workshops and businesses aren’t faring well.” “Some bosses with connections have already gone south to the Harbor City.” Originally, her host only focused on their small plot of land, uninterested and unconcerned with the outside world. But with Zhang Yu having a more practical mind, she certainly showed some concern, listening to gossip and taking a stroll outside, thereby gaining some insights. Watching Zhang Yu’s serious expression, Zhao Hong couldn’t help but feel anxious too, “Why are they leaving?” “They didn’t leave before.” The little girl really couldn’t understand.