Chapter 365 - Chapter 365: Relying on Each Other for Survival

Chapter 365: Relying on Each Other for Survival

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

When Ding Wan mentioned earnings, Zhou Wene immediately thought of the salary and bonus from the tofu factory. After all, the amount the factory workers was indeed desirable.

Zhou Wene was ecstatic as she widened her eyes and perked up her ears to listen. She was afraid of missing out on any information. To her, Ding Wan was there to deliver good news. With hard work, Zhou Wene knew she could earn money, and life at home would be much better.

She wanted to say something but was so excited that she could not speak. She held Ding Wans hand tightly, her lips trembling. After a while, she finally said, Madam Ding, I believe in your niece and will do my best.

Zhou Wene did well to avoid asking about an exact salary. She knew that working with Su Binglan was already good enough.

Dong Xiaolei asked, Didnt you hear what Madam Ding said, Mother? They will hire more people when the embroidery shop is complete.

However, not everyone could get in at that time, even though they tried their best.

Ding Wan patted the back of Zhou Wenes hand, trying to calm her down. Dont worry, Wene. Listen to me first. Binglan said our shops basic salary would be two copper coins daily.

Thats the basic salary, meaning youll get at least 60 coins monthly. However, the more work you do in the embroidery shop, the more you earn. You can earn more if you make more products. You can even charge extra for specific items.

If everyone does well, there will be subsidies. It means you can earn much more monthly if you work hard.

Zhou Wene was so excited that she could barely speak. Instead, she calculated her potential earnings in her mind. After a while, she said in a trembling voice, Madam Ding, you said well earn more the more we do, right?

Zhou Wene could earn at least 60 coins monthly, not to mention the extra she would earn from making more products. She was in so much disbelief that even her voice trembled.

She was never usually like this, but it was a special occasion. Her familys days would improve if she could continue earning money with this job. Then Dong Xiaolei would no longer have to work so hard.

Ding Wan smiled and nodded. Yes, Wene. I understand that youre a diligent person who works seriously. You just have to work hard, and your days will improve.

When the time comes, you can save enough to build a big house. You should also eat better foods to nourish your body.

Ding Wan heard from Su Binglan that Zhou Wenes body was weak due to malnutrition. She often got dizzy because she did not eat well.

Zhou Wene sobbed. Yes, Madam Ding. Thank you. I never expected you to think of me when such a good job opportunity came up.

She could guess that Su Binglan had entrusted Ding Wan to manage to embroidery shop since Ding Wan was the one who had come looking for her. After all, Su Binglan was too busy and would not have time to manage too many things at a time.

Since Shen Qiuhua managed the tofu factory, Su Binglan had to find someone to manage the embroidery shop.

From what you said, you only know little about embroidery and needlework.

Still, I know youre also diligent and honest, so I thought of you.

Zhou Wene was delighted but suddenly thought of something and said nervously, M-Madam Ding, I havent done embroidery for so many years, so Im probably a little rusty. I dont know what to embroider, either.

Dont worry, Ding Wan explained patiently, Its just some simple needlework. You dont need to use any complicated embroidery techniques. Ill teach you later. I know you can learn it.

Yes, thank you, Madam Ding. Zhou Wene was relieved. She did not know how to thank Ding Wan.

This was all Binglans idea, Ding Wan said smilingly, If it werent for her, I wouldnt have thought of this. Binglan is a kind-hearted child who wants to help our village and its people.

The embroidery shop isnt complete yet, so she asked me to contact you guys to make some things first. Ding Wan remembered to mention Su Binglans good points, gratifying everyone.

Zhou Wene nodded thoughtfully. Madam Ding, I dont know how to thank Miss Su.

Its okay. Just do your job well. Thats the best grat.i.tude you can show Binglan.

Yes.

Meanwhile, Dong Xiaolei burned more wood at the stove for the brick bed. Typically, the family could not bear to burn firewood when they were home alone.

However, they had a guest over, and Dong Xiaolei was observant. She took more firewood to burn so the bed would remain warm.

While burning more wood at the stove, she heard the conversation between her mother and Madam Ding in the inner room. Dong Xiaolei became so excited that her heart started beating wildly.

When she put the wood into the stove, she forgot to remove it and almost burned her hand. That was how excited she was. Still, she thought she had misheard the conversation since there was a door in the way.

Although the door was old and a little broken, it was not soundproof.

Nonetheless, Dong Xiaolei was still skeptical about what she had heard. Dong Xiaolei had only done needlework alongside her mother when she was a child, so she did not know if she could do it anymore.

When Ding Wan exited the room, Zhou Wene followed suit to see her off.

Wene, you dont have to send me off, Ding Wan said softly, Just go to the house Binglan used to live in tomorrow. Well start making things then.

She was also holding a contract that Su Binglan had prepared. After signing it, Zhou Wene would have a guaranteed job at the embroidery shop.

Oh, good. Zhou Wene did not know what else to say.

Dong Xiaolei also followed her mother to send Ding Wan off. She wanted to say something, but she felt that she should not.

Ding Wan was a thoughtful person and noticed the little girls expression. She gently asked, Xiaolei, do you have something to say?

Dong Xiaolei raised her head and looked at Ding Wan. Can I tell you what Im thinking, Madam Ding?

She was afraid she would misspeak and make Ding Wan unhappy, causing her mother to lose her job opportunity.

Ding Wan looked at the little girls careful expression and felt terrible. She put her hand on Dong Xiaoleis head and said, Of course, you can speak your mind. You know, I even carried you when you were a child.

M-Madam Ding, I Dong Xiaolei started. I-I know needlework too. Can I help my mother make things too? Ill take it seriously.

The little girl did not know what was happening with her father, and her mother had painstakingly taken care of her grandparents, but they had pa.s.sed away. After that, Dong Xiaolei and Zhou Wene could only rely on each other.

Dong Xiaoleis only remaining relative was her mother, and she was worried her mother would exhaust herself. Therefore, Dong Xiaolei thought she should work too.

Zhou Wenes nose twitched. After all, how could she not know what her daughter was thinking?

I can do these things just fine. You should stay home. Embroidering is not tiring at all since its not physical work.

Ding Wan looked at Dong Xiaolei, and her expression softened. She knew the little girl was caring and dutiful. Of course, she said, Come and learn with your mother tomorrow.

Dong Xiaolei did not expect Ding Wan to agree. She was stunned for a moment before regaining her senses and said excitedly, Thank you, Madam Ding..