Capítulo 1378: Chapter 1379: The Little Widow of the Courtyard 106 The start of a new year should bring new changes, but after spring, even the most oblivious person can sense something is off. For example, there has begun to be propaganda about intellectual youth going to the vast countryside to contribute to construction. Seeing such promotional content, Zhang Yu knew this was the beginning of a large-scale movement of intellectual youth going to the countryside. Initially, the upper-level idea was that many intellectual youths in the city couldn’t find jobs, wandering around the city aimlessly wouldn’t do in the long run. Someone suggested that rural areas lacked people, and those areas could also solve food issues, paving the way for intellectual youth to go to the countryside for construction. Currently, it’s just propaganda, encouraging people to volunteer themselves. It’s undeniable that this kind of promotion was quite grand, with many people signing up voluntarily. Some people signed up secretly from their families, sneaking out the household registration book to register at the sub-district office. Some couldn’t find work in the city, with various family conflicts, so they signed up at the sub-district office with half-acceptance and half-agreement from their families. Zhang Yu knew that neither of her children, Zhao Hong nor Xiao Yi, were the type to actively propose becoming intellectual youths. Zhang Yu was worried that someone might deceive them, “You shouldn’t be fooled by anyone saying how glorious it is.” Zhang Yu knew that the intellectual youths who had left before were draped in red and cheered with gongs and drums, really quite glorious. “Some people went to become intellectual youth years ago and haven’t returned yet.” “You know what life is like in the countryside, right?” Zhang Yu urged them to think carefully and consider whether they could farm before making impulsive decisions. “I won’t go.” Zhao Hong, who had occasionally gone out to the mountains outside the city, had some idea of what rural life was like there. The rural life near the Capital City already seemed tough in the little girl’s eyes; she didn’t dare to imagine what rural life would be like elsewhere. “I’m not going either.” Xiao Yi was even more straightforward. “There’s a rumor that the college entrance exams might be canceled.” Such rumors were spreading widely now. Some believe it, some don’t, and how to select talent is a problem, leading to many discussions. Zhang Yu knew it was true, “If the college exams are canceled, Zhao Hong, you’ll go to work at the machinery factory.” “Xiao Yi, as for you, you’ll take over my position.” Zhang Yu knew Xiao Yi understood what he meant. Xiao Yi knew Zhang Hong had two jobs in her hands, but he never thought about wanting a job. He never expected Zhang Yu to proactively offer him a job, “No, no need.” “Take it, hurry and take over.” Zhang Yu whispered, “Right now, it’s voluntary to go to the countryside, but how many would truly volunteer.” “In the future, every family will be required to have someone become an intellectual youth, especially if there’s no job.” “Better to take over the position early.” Zhang Yu worried that someone might use the rule of every family needing an intellectual youth to prevent Zhao Hong from taking over the position. Nobody wanted their children to go to the countryside and become intellectual youth; they would do anything to keep their children in the city. “Xiao Hong, you graduate from high school in June. If you can take the college entrance exam, take it, if not, take over the position immediately.” As for Xiao Yi, he’s just in the first year of high school, “I’ll continue working for another year; when you take over next year.” The scrap station is not a place many would want, especially with Old Master Wang overseeing it, usually preventing upper management from imposing people there. “In any case, keep a low profile outside.” Zhang Yu knew her current job situation was precarious. Thɪs chapter is updatᴇd by Nove1Fire.net But no matter what, Zhang Yu never thought of trading jobs with anyone. Once the news of the cancellation of the college entrance exams was confirmed, Zhang Yu immediately went to find the Technical Section Chief, who knew her intention the moment he saw her. “We’ll go handle the paperwork right now.” Zhang Yu had originally planned to say a few words, but she didn’t expect the matter to be resolved so smoothly and quickly. When handling paperwork at the Labor and Capital Section, people were surprised, but with the leadership’s guarantee and the factory’s proof, the paperwork was processed swiftly. But there was an issue with Zhao Hong’s job arrangement, leaving the Labor and Capital Section Chief cursing internally, yet he had no choice but to bear the responsibility in the end. “Currently, the union is full,” the Union Section Chief said helplessly. The union is full? Zhang Yu remembered that a union position was decided back then, but now many leaders have changed. “So, which position is vacant now? You can’t expect my daughter to go to the workshop, can you?” Zhang Yu fixed her gaze on the Union Section Chief. He paused, “She certainly can’t go to the workshop.” He didn’t have the guts to make such a decision; if he dared, she would probably take the agreement and go straight to the Metallurgical Department. Sigh, the Labor and Capital Section Chief nervously suggested a position, “The archives office is currently vacant.” It’s known that not many people like that place as it offers no prospects. “Alright.” Zhang Yu considered this post quite good, low-key, and most importantly, you could read books while working there without being watched. “Who else is in the archives office?” A good position, but she still needed to inquire about her colleagues’ character. “There is a person who’s a military martyr’s family member; her in-laws aren’t well, and the child is quite young.” “However, she’s a good person,” the Labor and Capital Section Chief added, glancing around, “although she often takes leave because her husband is an only child.” “After hearing the news of their son’s death, the in-laws’ health deteriorated rapidly.” The Technical Section Chief also vouched for her, “She’s a good person, not very talkative, but her work hours aren’t fixed.” With both section chiefs vouching for the person, Zhang Yu felt she must be alright, “Good, so Xiao Hong will start work tomorrow?” The Labor and Capital Section Chief was delighted to hear she could start work the next day, “Of course, she can, certainly.” Even if the archives office wasn’t busy, occasionally searching for materials without anyone there isn’t feasible. Zhao Hong knew she would start work soon but didn’t expect to begin working right after graduation. “Isn’t this a bit rushed?” Zhao Hong had planned to rest briefly at least. “Rest for what? You have no idea how many people are eyeing the position. I heard the progress encouraging people to become intellectual youths is not going smoothly.” No matter the red daisies or drums, they can’t conceal the hardships awaiting in the countryside. “If not enough intellectual youth volunteers go to the countryside, the authorities might implement policies. Those without jobs and stable work must become intellectual youths.” Zhang Yu knew that Xue Zhan and Xue Li didn’t have stable jobs and were doing odd jobs only, not even considered temporary workers. At that point, one person would surely have to become an intellectual youth, and who else would go but Xue Li. “In short, while the news hasn’t fully spread yet, quietly go to work.” “And ignore those instigating you to go build the vast countryside.” In these times, passionate advocates abound, but so do those with malicious intentions. Zhao Hong nodded, indicating she understood. “Working in the archives office isn’t demanding; once there, read more.” “Though the college entrance exam is canceled, learning more is still beneficial.” Reading more and improving oneself also means less empty time to engage in activities.