Zhang Liunian was unaware of the situation here, as he was currently enjoying a delicious dinner with his wife and daughter.
On the worn table were braised pork, stir-fried crayfish, steamed egg custard, cabbage soup, and stir-fried pork with peppers – four dishes and one soup. Zhang Liunian and his family ate with great satisfaction.
After the meal, Zhang Liunian seized the opportunity while everyone was present to inform them of the increased workload. "Tomorrow we need to process seven hundred jin. I'll go to the village chief's house later to find two more helpers."
In reality, two weren't necessary, one would suffice, but Zhang Liunian feared the workload might increase further tomorrow, so he decided to secure the manpower now to save him from having to look for people every day.
"That's wonderful."
Jiang Qingqing's face lit up with joy. The increased workload meant their crayfish were selling exceptionally well at the machinery factory. She then recalled another matter and said, "Tomorrow at noon, I'll repay everyone in the village."
After owing money for four years, finally being able to clear the debt—this feeling of impending liberation was something only those who had carried the burden truly understood.
"As you wish. I'm going to the village chief's house," Zhang Liunian said with a smile, then stood up and went to the village chief's home.
This time, upon his arrival, he was warmly welcomed. When Zhang Liunian mentioned needing two more helpers, the village chief's family became extremely excited.
To express her gratitude, Wang Cuihua brought out her treasured Sachima and Tao Su (walnut cookies) to entertain Zhang Liunian.
"Uncle, tomorrow at seven o'clock, see who you can send to accompany Xiao Si and Xiao Wu. I won't disturb your sleep any longer," Zhang Liunian said before getting up to leave.
Seeing that Zhang Liunian hadn't eaten the pastries she offered, Wang Cuihua grabbed a handful of Sachima and quickly stuffed them into Zhang Liunian's hand. "Let the second and third sons go tomorrow. This is for Huabao to eat."
Zhang Liunian nodded without refusal and, holding the Sachima, presented them to his daughter. "Huabao, do you want some?"
Huabao's eyes lit up at the sight of the Sachima, and she immediately took them, saying, "I do! Daddy is so good."
Zhang Liunian smiled and caressed his daughter's head, carefully examining her small face. Her complexion had improved, and she had gained a little weight. Dressed in new clothes, she looked even more adorably naive.
"Huabao, don't eat too much, or you won't be able to sleep later," Jiang Qingqing, who was making clothes with Zhang Xiaomei, called out after seeing Zhang Liunian give all four Sachima to their daughter.
Hearing this, Huabao placed the remaining three back into Zhang Liunian's hands and said obediently, "Huabao will only eat one. These are for Daddy, Mommy, and Auntie to eat."
Seeing his daughter's thoughtfulness, Zhang Liunian held her and kissed her. "Huabao shares, what a good child."
Upon hearing her father's praise, Huabao puffed out her chest, her expression proudly conveying that she was indeed a good child.
Jiang Qingqing and Zhang Xiaomei were also touched by Huabao's actions, exclaiming how well-behaved and sensible she was.
The family was harmonious and joyful.
In the blink of an eye, it was the next day. When Zhang Liunian went to catch crayfish, he noticed someone following him. He didn't confront the person but let them trail him until he had delivered all seven hundred jin of crayfish to the machinery factory. Only then did the follower turn and leave.
After receiving 280 yuan, Zhang Liunian walked out of the machinery factory and headed straight for the entrance of the township government.