This was hardly recruiting people; it was practically doing charity.
Zhang Liunian was doing a great job, earning money while also helping the villagers. They all remembered Zhang Liunian's kindness.
Especially those from less fortunate families. Upon hearing Zhang Liunian's words, their eyes welled up with tears, and they were so moved they wished they could rush forward and give him a big hug, expressing their gratitude personally.
However, most villagers were reserved and not good at expressing themselves. They were also too embarrassed to speak directly to Zhang Liunian, only discussing it among their families.
"Liunian has truly surprised me..."
"He's a good man."
"We really misunderstood him before."
"Indeed, we blamed him wrongly."
Wu Gudi heard these words and was furious. Good? If her brother-in-law was recruiting, why wasn't she chosen!
The more she thought about it, the angrier she became. She simply stepped forward, looked at Zhang Liunian, and declared indignantly, "Liunian, I'm your sister-in-law. Shouldn't you consider me first when you're recruiting?"
Hearing this, Zhang Liunian shot her a cold glance. "My elder brother is already working for me, and your family is not struggling. It's best to leave the opportunity to the villagers who need this job more!"
His words instantly won over the struggling villagers. As Zhang Liunian said, compared to Wu Gudi, they were indeed the ones who truly needed this job.
Among them were women who had lost their husbands, men who had no wives, and orphans who had lost both parents and relied on others.
They struggled to farm alone. If they had a job that paid one yuan a day, why would they bother farming?
"Why should I let them? I'm also struggling. I have three sons to raise, and I'm your sister-in-law."
Wu Gudi didn't care about anyone else. She only wanted to secure a job for herself and earn income daily.
Zhang Liunian ignored her and continued addressing the crowd. "Village Chief uncle, Hao Shu, you two definitely know better than me which families are struggling. You can call out those who are in need later.
Now, I'll explain what kind of work the people I need will be responsible for: one diver, one cargo handler responsible for bringing the lobsters to the educated youth dormitory, and five shrimp peelers. Except for the diver who will be paid one yuan and fifty cents, everyone else will work half a day and earn one yuan."
This time, he was recruiting seven people, more than last time. Many people's faces lit up with joy.
The village chief and the party branch secretary exchanged smiles. Seven was great; it would help seven struggling families live better lives.
"I can peel shrimp too! Liunian, you're selecting seven people. It won't hurt to give me one. Just agree to it!" Hearing that Zhang Liunian needed seven people, Wu Gudi immediately popped out.
Zhang Liunian still didn't want to pay attention to her, but Wu Gudi was as anxious as an ant on a hot pan. Seeing that Zhang Liunian still ignored her, she stepped forward and tried to grab his hand.
Before her hand could touch him, Zhang Liunian cast a cold glance at her, instantly freezing Wu Gudi's hand mid-air.
This scene, witnessed by everyone present, caused a stir. They began to blame Wu Gudi.
"Wu Gudi really has no sense of propriety. As a sister-in-law, she wants to touch her brother-in-law. How shameless!"
"Exactly, it's rare to see someone so shameless."
"Sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law should naturally keep their distance, but she's already trying to get handsy."
"Pah! Shameless."
"Pah, pah, pah, utter scoundrel."
"..."
Wu Gudi didn't understand. She just reached out to pull her brother-in-law, hoping he'd give her a job. Why was she suddenly being attacked by everyone?
She wasn't a pushover to be cursed at. Hearing their words, she turned and charged into the crowd, grabbing the last aunt who spoke and starting to fight. "I'll make you curse me, I'll make you curse me..."
The aunt wasn't an easy target either. Years of farm work had not been in vain. Wu Gudi wanted to make her a scapegoat, but she refused. With a strong pull, she tore Wu Gudi's clothes, exposing her chest.
All the men present stared at Wu Gudi with shining eyes. Zhang Liunian turned his head and saw Jiang Qingqing reaching out to stop him.
"What's wrong?" Zhang Liunian looked at his wife who was holding him, not understanding her intention.
Jiang Qingqing smiled and shook her head, but her small hand tightly gripped Zhang Liunian, forcing him not to look back.
Zhang Liunian seemed to sense something. He clasped her small hand back, smiled, and moved one step to the left, shielding her from the sun.
"Enough, stop this nonsense," Zhang Laoshi couldn't bear to watch and shouted to stop them.
Wu Gudi and the aunt reluctantly let go. But as soon as she let go, Wu Gudi realized her chest was exposed to the cool air and immediately screamed, clutching her chest and running away.
The farce ended, and the village chief and others finally began to recommend seven people.
These seven were indeed the most destitute in the village, and no one could complain even if they had reservations.
"Don't be sad. There will be opportunities for everyone in the future." Zhang Liunian knew that his staffing needs wouldn't stop here. He looked at the expectant villagers and suddenly had an idea to build a factory in the village.
This way, many people in their village could earn wages and realize the dream of everyone living a good life together.
He would need to plan the specifics later.
"Liunian, we'll wait for your next recruitment."
"Liunian, uncle and aunt are counting on you."
"You are now everyone's hope for a better life. We don't ask for much, just a job that pays one yuan a day."
"That's right, as long as we can get paid every day like them, it doesn't have to be much."
"..."
Hearing everyone's pleas, Zhang Liunian smiled and replied, "There will be a day when everyone in our village has wages and work."
Hearing this, the villagers couldn't help but look at Zhang Liunian with hopeful eyes.
After the crowd dispersed, Zhang Hao and Zhang Laoshi came forward to encourage Zhang Liunian.
"Liunian, you're doing great. Keep up the good work. Our village will rely on you to achieve prosperity."
"Liunian, you can do it. Uncle believes in you."
Zhang Liunian smiled helplessly. "Uncles, why are you both like this? Wasn't I just comforting those who weren't chosen?"
Zhang Hao and Zhang Laoshi exchanged glances and burst into laughter, then each patted Zhang Liunian's shoulder and left.
After they left, back in the house, Jiang Qingqing also expressed her support.
"Liunian, whatever decision you make, I will support you. Don't mind them. Do what you want to do, and don't wear yourself out."
Jiang Qingqing had a good impression of Zhangjia Village. After all, when they were struggling, nearly half the village had lent them money. Although they came to demand repayment later, she understood.
After all, no family was wealthy, and it was reasonable for them to pursue their debts.
However, none of that mattered as much as her husband's wishes. As long as he didn't want to, she wouldn't let him do it.
Zhang Liunian gently pulled his wife into his arms. "Do you want to see that day?"