Chapter 33: Cheap Parents

Chapter 33: The Bargain Parents

Mayor Yang looked at the transfer contract in his hands and snorted. Now they're scared? These little whelps—if he weren't so busy, he'd deal with them all in one sweep.

He looked up at Lin Zhijin, a warm smile spreading across his face. "I'll accept this. Did they give you any trouble at the Chen residence yesterday?"

Lin Zhijin shook her head. "No, but I did fire a shot."

Mayor Yang frowned, giving her a once-over. "What did they do?"

Lin Zhijin didn't hide anything. She briefly explained Chen Lishi's scheme and how she had handled it.

"Reckless and foolish." Mayor Yang slammed his hand heavily on the desk. "There are many ways to break free from the Chen family, but you chose the most dangerous one. With your third-rate skills, do you think the Chens are easy to push around? You think they're unarmed?"

Lin Zhijin didn't dare meet his eyes. She hung her head and said weakly, "That's why I asked Li Yue and Chunhua to wait outside. We set a time—if I didn't come out, they'd come in. The Chens are full of themselves and never took me seriously. In their eyes, they're treasures and I'm just a roadside stone. They wouldn't risk hurting themselves over a stone like me."

Mayor Yang leaned back in his chair. "Better safe than sorry. Don't be so reckless next time. Hmph, this is the Chens' apology to the state. Your share, they'll send separately—including the Li family's portion. Just accept it without fuss. No need to hand it over."

"Alright, thank you, Mayor. Um... Secretary Zhang asked me to come see her." Lin Zhijin inwardly groaned. Great, Auntie Zhang seems really angry. I'm definitely going to get scolded.

To her surprise, Secretary Zhang didn't scold her at all—not even a harsh word. She only asked Lin Zhijin to write a summary of what she could improve on.

"The Women's Federation office at Nancheng Street Sub-district has been set up. You'll be moving there next week. The director is Su Jianhong, Mayor Yang's wife, and the deputy director is Chen Qiuqiu. Learn the ropes from them, and don't neglect your academic studies. Also, write a Party membership application—ask Li Yue to show you how to write it." Secretary Zhang took a sip of tea and waved her off.

She was different from Mayor Yang. He saw Lin Zhijin as his future nephew's wife, more concerned about her personal safety. She, on the other hand, was mentoring Lin Zhijin as her successor, hoping she'd weather more storms—solving the Chen family problem was just one of her challenges.

She actually thought Lin Zhijin had handled it well. A little reckless, sure, but she was young—impulsiveness was normal. She'd learn from a few hard knocks.

Back at the office, Chen Qiuqiu was packing up her things. She was heading to the sub-district office today since there was a ton of work waiting there.

"Xiao Lin, want to come along today?" Chen Qiuqiu saw Lin Zhijin and tried to recruit some help.

"There's a school exam tomorrow, and Director Zhang told me to start next Monday." Lin Zhijin took out paper and pen—she still had her summary to write.

"Alright, see you Monday." Chen Qiuqiu carried her things and left.

Actually, the sub-district office wasn't far from the municipal government—just one street over, and one street beyond that was Anhe Street. In other words, Lin Zhijin's future office would be sandwiched right between Sister Qian's office and Li Yue's.

After Chen Qiuqiu left, only Lin Zhijin and Wang Chunhua were left in the office. She was about to start her summary when Wang Chunhua suddenly leaned over.

"Xiao Lin, you're going to the sub-district office next Monday?" When Lin Zhijin nodded, Wang Chunhua's face scrunched up. "Then won't it just be me, Li Yue, and Director Qian left here?"

"No way—they'll definitely transfer someone else in." Lin Zhijin actually preferred it here—it was more relaxed—but she could learn more at the sub-district office.

Wang Chunhua smacked the desk. "No way, I'm going to the sub-district office too. Reading documents all day, writing documents all day—I'm practically turning into a document myself. I'm going to talk to Director Qian."

A moment later, Wang Chunhua came out looking dejected. "Didn't work. She said they're short-staffed here and can't let me go."

Lin Zhijin held back a laugh. "Director Qian's right. The municipal federation relies on you for paperwork. If you leave, who else could handle such an important job?"

Wang Chunhua wasn't malicious, but she really had a big mouth. She'd be mediating between a couple, they'd be almost reconciled, and then she'd chime in. Sure enough, they'd start arguing again, sometimes even fighting. Director Qian had no choice but to assign her to paperwork, keeping her away from mediation work entirely.

"I'm that important, huh?" Wang Chunhua was skeptical.

"Of course you are!" Lin Zhijin nodded with absolute certainty.

Wang Chunhua broke into a proud smile. "Right, I really am that amazing. Oh, by the way, has Yang Su come looking for you? I think you two make a great match. You should lock it down early—good men get snapped up fast."

Sure enough, you could never talk to Wang Chunhua for too long. Lin Zhijin waved her hand. "Don't talk nonsense. Nothing's even started between me and Commander Yang."

Yang Su really was handsome—his face and build were exactly her type. His personality was decent too, but he was just too busy. She could never even get a chance to see him.

In the afternoon, the Third Mistress of the Chen family sent someone to invite her out. It was broad daylight, so Lin Zhijin wasn't worried about them trying anything—they wouldn't have the guts.

"Comrade Lin, I'm truly sorry about yesterday. Sigh, the old lady is getting on in years and her mind isn't what it used to be. When the eldest uncle from the Li family heard about what happened, he broke the youngest uncle's leg. If you hadn't said no in-person apologies, the eldest uncle would have had him carried over to apologize in person. This is the Li family's apology gift to you—it'll be delivered discreetly to your home later." Third Mistress Chen pulled out two gift lists, handed the top one to Lin Zhijin, then handed her the second. "This one is from the Chen family. It'll be sent along with the Li family's gift. Please forgive the old lady and the Li family's youngest uncle."

She only mentioned the old lady and Li Siqi, never once bringing up the Chen family. Trying to pin all the blame on the old lady and Li Siqi to wash their own hands of it?

Lin Zhijin opened the list and scanned it. Sure enough—fabric, jewelry, and tonics. The two were similar in content, but the Chen family's gifts were more substantial and refined.

Just from the gift list alone, she could tell the Li family's current state. They really were on their last legs. No wonder Chen Lishi had schemed against her.

"I'll accept the apology gifts. Pass a message to the old lady for me—this is the last time. If she schemes against me again, I won't let it slide." Lin Zhijin nodded at Third Mistress Chen and rose to leave.

At eight in the evening, most people in the courtyard had turned off their lights and gone to sleep. Lin Zhijin checked the time and opened the front door. Sure enough, the Chen family's people were waiting outside.

"Come in."

These people were clearly well-trained. They carried the items into Lin Zhijin's room without making a sound, bowed, and quickly left.

"Zhijin, did the Chen family send over their apology gifts?" Li Yue opened her window, poked her head out, and whispered.

Lin Zhijin nodded. "Sister Li Yue, you're still awake?"

"Mm. What did they give you?" Li Yue craned her neck curiously.

"Some fabric and jewelry. Want to come see?" Thanks to her and Chunhua's help yesterday, Lin Zhijin wanted to pick out some items from the gifts to share with them.

As curious as Li Yue was, she knew her boundaries. She quickly waved her hand. "No thanks—too much trouble getting dressed. I'm going to sleep now. You get some rest too."

Fine, no problem. Lin Zhijin would just divide things up herself.

The Li family had given eight bolts of cloth, four types of precious tonics, and two full sets of jewelry—one jade, one pearl. The Chen family's gift was similar in quantity, but the fabric was finer, the tonics top-grade, and the jewelry made of superior materials.

Additionally, there was a food box in the trunk containing what Chunlan had brought her last time—a plate of pastries made of gold and a plate of fruit made of jade and agate.

"Tsk tsk, quite the generous gift." Lin Zhijin stroked the ruby jewelry from the Chen family and closed the lid.

The Chen family's fabric was too fine to give to Li Yue and Wang Chunhua. Lin Zhijin picked out four bolts from the Li family's share—teal and pink for Li Yue, sapphire blue and red for Wang Chunhua.

Not sure if they could stomach bird's nest soup, but she'd give each of them a box. As for the jewelry, she wouldn't give any—she'd stash it away.

The exam the next day went smoothly. After all, she had an undergraduate degree—if she couldn't handle third-year questions, she might as well go find a block of tofu and knock herself out.

Back at the office, Director Qian walked out slowly with her enamel mug. Seeing Lin Zhijin, she smiled and asked, "How did the exam go? Shouldn't have been too hard for you, right?"

"Not bad—I finished everything. Shouldn't be a problem." Lin Zhijin replied modestly.

Director Qian nodded. "You're transferring to the sub-district office next Monday. The director there is Director Su Jianhong—you know her, right? I've worked with her before. She's reliable. You'll do well learning from her. Just be aware, the work there is messy—lots of domestic disputes and neighborhood squabbles. Don't get yourself all worked up like last time. No one's going to pay you back for ruining your health."

"Don't worry, Director. I'll learn from Director Su and Qiuqiu and be able to handle things on my own in no time." Lin Zhijin said confidently.

After dinner that evening, Lin Zhijin brought out the fabric and bird's nest. Li Yue and Wang Chunhua immediately understood what she meant, and neither looked happy about it.

"What's this supposed to mean? We didn't help you for these things." Wang Chunhua said, a bit annoyed.

"What are you two thinking?" Lin Zhijin shot them a look. "The Li and Chen families compensated me quite a lot, and that's thanks to you two. But these aren't thank-you gifts—they're a cut for everyone who helped. It's not just you two—I gave some to Auntie Zhang, Qian Jie, and Li Jie as well."

Just not as much. Secretary Zhang got a bolt of navy blue fabric, Director Qian got blue, Li Jie got black, and Chen Qiuqiu also got half a bolt of floral cotton.

“Well…” Li Yue glanced at Wang Chunhua, gently stroking the fabric—such nice material, such a pretty color—“then I won’t stand on ceremony. Zhijin, I don’t do fake politeness. If you need anything next time, just come to me.”

“Right.” Wang Chunhua nodded immediately.

Monday morning, Lin Zhijin, wearing a brand-new Lenin suit and with her hair in two braids, pedaled her bicycle to the street office.

The early autumn wind swept up fallen leaves by the roadside, sending them spiraling past the wheels. The old building of the street office was indeed just as Chen Qiuqiu had said—peeling paint on the walls, stone steps worn smooth and shiny at the entrance. Two jujube trees grew in the courtyard, laden with green fruit, and Lin Zhijin couldn’t help but take a second look. They should be ready to eat before long. The jujube tree at her place in Taohua Village was also heavy with fruit; she could dry some to snack on slowly.

“Xiao Lin, over here.” Chen Qiuqiu stood on the second-floor corridor, waving at her, a feather duster in hand.

Lin Zhijin locked her bicycle and hurried upstairs. There were two offices, one large and one small. Four desks sat in the outer room, and the door to the smaller inner office was open. A middle-aged woman in a gray top was bent over, flipping through documents. Her hair was immaculately combed, her expression stern. This should be Su Jianhong, Director of the Women’s Federation for the southern district.

“Director Su, this is Lin Zhijin.” Chen Qiuqiu knocked on the office door and introduced her.

Su Jianhong looked up, set down the papers, and rose with a smile. “I’ve heard about you from Old Yang.” Her voice was soft, carrying a scholarly air. “We’ll be colleagues from now on. If there’s anything you don’t understand, or any difficulties, don’t hesitate to come to me.”

“Thank you, Director Su.” Lin Zhijin said a bit reservedly.

Su Jianhong nodded with a smile. “Find yourself a seat, get settled in. We’ll have a quick meeting in a bit to arrange the work ahead.”

Lin Zhijin acknowledged and took the rag Chen Qiuqiu handed her to wipe down the desk.

She had just finished cleaning and sat down when she heard an argument at the door. A man in a shirt was grabbing an old woman by the arm, shouting with irritation: “Damn it, I was trying to help you, and now you’re trying to mooch off me. Come on, let’s go see the leadership.”

The old woman was crying, tears streaming down her face, struggling and yelling: “My dear grandson, you can’t just refuse to acknowledge me just because you don’t want to support me! May heaven strike you down!”

Chen Qiuqiu frowned, got up, and walked over. “Comrade, let’s talk this out. No need for rough stuff.”

Seeing Chen Qiuqiu, the man, still gripping the struggling old woman, said furiously: “I’m not roughing her up! This old hag is sly. The moment I let go, she’ll run, then come banging on my door in the middle of the night. Ma’am, I’m at my wit’s end. I went to the police station, and they told me to come to the Women’s Federation. Now I’m here—you’re not going to turn me away too, are you?”

Chen Qiuqiu glanced at the pitiful-looking old woman but didn’t jump to conclusions. Looking pitiful didn’t mean she actually was—she’d seen plenty of cases like this.

“Tell me what happened.” Chen Qiuqiu closed the door before letting the man release the old woman.

As the man had said, the moment he let go, the old woman tried to make a run for the door.

“Old lady, if you really are his grandmother, why run?” Chen Qiuqiu grabbed her arm. “Explain yourself. If you’re a lonely old widow, the street office won’t abandon you.”

The old woman’s eyes lit up. “The government is willing to take care of me?”

Hearing that, no explanation or proof from the man was needed—Lin Zhijin and the others all knew he was telling the truth.

The man pointed at the old woman excitedly. “See? She admitted it herself—she’s a lonely old widow! Ma’am, she’s really not my grandmother. But the police wouldn’t believe me, wouldn’t even investigate. They just kicked me over to you and told me to find you.”

“What did I just say? You are my dear grandson.” The old woman played dumb.

“Alright, you—tell us your side of the story.” Chen Qiuqiu pulled the old woman to a seat and sat on the outside herself, so she couldn’t bolt again.

Speaking of this old woman, the man was furious.

A week ago, he’d found her collapsed in front of his door. Out of kindness, he’d given her a bowl of porridge. But when she woke up, she grabbed him and called him her grandson, then marched into his house and started rummaging through everything. When he tried to stop her, she flopped on the ground and threw a fit.

“She tells everyone she’s my grandmother, wants to live in my house, and wants my wife to wait on her. I don’t even know her! You can’t mooch like this!” The man grew angrier as he spoke. “I went to the police, and they said it’s illegal not to support your grandmother. I swear on my conscience, she’s not my grandmother! My own grandmother died over ten years ago. Ma’am, my neighbors and relatives can all vouch for me.”

Seeing that Chen Qiuqiu and the others seemed to be believing him, the old woman instantly slid to the floor, slapping her thigh and wailing: “Oh, why is my life so bitter! I raised my grandson from diapers, through all the mess, and now that I’m old and can’t work, he wants to throw me out! Wuwuwu, I… I might as well bash my head against the wall and die!”

The old woman looked around, as if searching for a wall to charge into, then rushed at it with a fierce look. But if you watched closely, she wasn’t moving fast at all.

Lin Zhijin hesitated for a moment, but seeing that Director Su and Chen Qiuqiu hadn’t moved, she stayed seated calmly.

The old woman was getting anxious inside. What was going on? Usually someone would grab her by now. Why wasn’t anyone stopping her today?

Could these people be in league with the man, just wanting to watch her die so they could be rid of her?

Just as her body was about to hit the wall, the old woman instinctively braced her hands against it. Her eyes darted around, then she slid down the wall to the floor, wailing: “Oh my heavens! You’re all in this together! You all want me dead! I’m going to the police, I’ll have you all arrested! Yes, I’m going to the police!”

With that, she groped her way to the door, trying to open it and leave.

Chen Qiuqiu watched her calmly as she made for the door, then held back the furious man and stepped out into the corridor, calling: “Uncle Zhang, detain this old woman. I’ll have some questions for her in a bit.”

The man, seeing the doorman grab the old woman, let out a long sigh of relief. Noticing Chen Qiuqiu watching him with a knowing half-smile, he gave an embarrassed laugh. “I’m really scared of her. We chase her off during the day, and she comes knocking in the middle of the night, keeping the whole family up. My wife’s been driven sick by her.”

Chen Qiuqiu made a note and said briskly: “Alright, you can head back for now. We’ll notify you once we’ve looked into it.”

The man hadn’t expected the Women’s Federation to actually take charge, and so decisively at that. He asked hesitantly: “You can really stop this mooching old lady from latching onto me?”

“What, you like her latching onto you? If you don’t believe us, take her back.” Chen Qiuqiu said with a chuckle.

The man shook his head vigorously. “I believe you, I believe you. I’ll be on my way.”

“Qiuqiu, if that old woman really is a chronic freeloader, what do we do with her?” Lin Zhijin asked once the man had left.

“Everyone has a place they come from. The best option is to send her back to her hometown. If that doesn’t work, we’ll have to put her in an old folks’ home.” Chen Qiuqiu called the police station—they needed to cooperate on this. They couldn’t just dump everything on the Women’s Federation; that would spoil them.

Lin Zhijin watched with sparkling eyes as Chen Qiuqiu gave the police an earful over the phone. Whatever was said on the other end, she hung up looking satisfied.

“Alright, let’s have a quick meeting.” Su Jianhong opened her notebook and said with a slight smile.

Lin Zhijin pulled her stool over next to Chen Qiuqiu and whispered: “Aren’t we going to see the old woman?”

“No need. She’s clearly a professional moocher. Let her sit for a day.” Chen Qiuqiu said casually.

In the past, Lin Zhijin would have thought it wrong to detain an elderly person. But now her thinking was completely different.

You couldn’t apply the morals and laws of a later era to this time. People living through turbulent times would truly kill and burn for a bite to eat.

Take that old woman just now—without some cunning and ruthlessness, she wouldn’t have survived this long.

The Women’s Federation here had only been set up a few days. Most ordinary folks were still afraid of approaching the government, so aside from that freeloading old woman, no one else had come seeking help all morning.

At noon, they ate at the street office cafeteria—mixed grain rice, potato chunks, and stewed winter melon. It tasted great. The head cook was a real master chef; supposedly one of his ancestors had been an imperial cook.

“We’re going out for a visit this afternoon. Zhijin, you’ll come with me.” Chen Qiuqiu said as she packed up her lunchbox.

“Sure.” Lin Zhijin nodded quickly.

Just as they returned to the office, Su Jianhong waved Lin Zhijin over, looking somewhat serious. “How long has it been since you last contacted your parents?”

Parents?

Oh, the original body’s parents—Lin Youtian and Li Cuihua.

“They sold me to the Chen family with an indenture contract. So after I left the Chens, I never contacted them again.” Lin Zhijin looked like she didn’t want to talk about them.

Su Jianhong nodded knowingly. “They’re already at the city Women’s Federation, making a fuss about seeing you. If you don’t want to meet them, have Director He send them off.”

Lin Zhijin pretended to hesitate, then nodded firmly. “No, I won’t see them. The moment they pressed their fingerprints on that indenture contract, the debts of birth and upbringing were paid in full. They… I don’t want to see them.”

“Alright, get back to work.” Su Jianhong nodded, then called Director He to have them handle it.

"Comrade, my daughter really works here. Someone saw her. She used to be called Lin Pandi, and now she's changed her name to Lin Zhijin. Seriously, Pandi's a great name—why'd she have to go and change it to Zhijin? Also, she left the Chen family and didn't come home. She doesn't respect her parents at all. You've got to criticize her," Lin Youtian said angrily.

If they hadn't been told, they wouldn't have known Pandi had left the Chen household and become a government worker. Man, Pandi was pretty, and now with a good job, she could surely find a decent match—then wouldn't they get another bride payment?

No way—the girl was pulling in a monthly salary now. No point marrying her off too soon. Have her hand over her wages; that was a better deal than a one-time bride payment.

Lin Youtian and Li Cuihua were so excited they didn't sleep a wink, heading to the city before dawn, scheming the whole way—only to find they couldn't see her.

"Lin Youtian, Li Cuihua, right? Selling people is illegal, even your own kid. Especially since Lin Zhijin is now a state cadre and a probationary Party member. If she turns you in, you'll be thrown in prison, understand?" Wang Chunhua said, scowling at them.

Li Jie patted Wang Chunhua's shoulder, motioning for her to cut it out, and said grimly, "We checked out Lin Zhijin's background a long time ago. She signed that contract and took the money—she's already paid back her debt to you for raising her. The organization saved her, so now she belongs to us and answers to us. You've got no say over her. Go home now, or I'll have you locked up for interfering with government work."

The biggest shot Lin Youtian and Li Cuihua had ever met was the village chief. If it weren't for the money, they'd never have dared set foot in the city. Now, with Wang Chunhua and Li Jie scaring them in turn—especially when Li Jie laid down the law—they were shaking like leaves.

"Ma'am, we wouldn't dare," Li Cuihua said, clutching Lin Youtian's arm tightly, her voice trembling slightly. "We're going, we're going."

Lin Youtian wasn't ready to give up and asked with a fawning smile, "Comrade, can we at least see Pandi? It's been nearly half a year—we just want to know if she's doing well?"

Pandi was soft-hearted. If they said some sweet talk and she willingly gave them money, the organization couldn't stop that, right?

"Don't you know how this works? Once you sign that contract, your life belongs to whoever owns it. Lin Pandi has been sold to the state and must work for it. She's out on government work right now—no time for you. Go home and don't hold up our work," Li Yue said sternly.

Lin Youtian and Li Cuihua groveled their way out, and once through the gate, they looked at each other in dismay.

"Pa, let's hurry back. If they really throw us in jail, we're done for," Li Cuihua tugged at Lin Youtian's sleeve, terrified.

"Goddammit, we came all this way for nothing," Lin Youtian glanced back at the municipal building, met the gaze of the soldier on guard, and flinched, lowering his head. "Let's go, let's go back."

An old woman hiding around the corner saw the couple come out, called them a couple of useless good-for-nothings, and waved to the man behind her. "Go."

As Lin Youtian and his wife waited at the city gate for the village ox cart, they overheard people nearby gossiping about the Chen family.

A: "Really? Master Chen gave money to all nine of his concubines? Wasn't the Ninth Concubine just married into the family?"

B: "You wouldn't know this, but they say the Ninth Concubine is stunningly beautiful, and Master Chen dotes on her endlessly. So even though she just arrived, she still got a share of the estate. Man, the Chens are so loaded, she could never blow through it all in one lifetime."

A: "One lifetime? Three lifetimes and she still couldn't."

Li Cuihua grabbed Lin Youtian's arm excitedly. "Pa, is the Chen family's Ninth Concubine our Pandi?"

"Damn it, that girl Pandi actually has a big inheritance! If she just lets a little slip through her fingers, it'd be enough for our family to live on for a lifetime," Lin Youtian's eyes gleamed, wanting to go back and find Lin Zhijin.

"Pandi is one of the state's people now, and the state backs her. Can we really go against the state?" Li Cuihua's face paled; she didn't have that kind of nerve.

Lin Youtian stopped in his tracks, squinting. "Let's go back first. We'll come find her when we have time. I don't believe she'd deny me as her father."

Meanwhile, Lin Zhijin was wondering who had told Lin Youtian about her. It had to be someone from the Chen family—just not sure which idiot.

After work that afternoon, just as she reached the corner of Anhe Street, she saw Xiaohong crouching by the wall. The girl jumped up and ran toward her.

"Sister Zhijin, I finally caught you," Xiaohong looked around, pulled her to a hidden spot in the corner, and said, "Sister Zhijin, I heard something about you. I came as soon as I could. The old lady is angry that you didn't obey her and even pointed a gun at the young master's uncle, so she sent for your parents to deal with you."

So it was Old Lady Chen—she'd suspected that old hag all along. Outwardly pious, but vicious as anyone behind the scenes.

"Sister Zhijin, I also found out that the eldest miss is packing up, seems like she's going to America to find the old master. The old lady is quietly selling off the family assets too, probably planning to leave with the eldest miss," Xiaohong leaned close to Lin Zhijin's ear and whispered.

"Really? Thanks, Xiaohong. This information is really important to me," Lin Zhijin's lips curled slightly. So the old hag was trying to stab her in the back before fleeing?

"No need to thank me. You've been so good to me, Sister Zhijin—it's only right I tell you." Xiaohong glanced at the sky. "I've got the night shift, so I'll head off. Be careful, Sister Zhijin. And your parents... just think of yourself first."

"Thanks, I know," Lin Zhijin didn't hesitate and immediately turned to find Secretary Zhang.

She wanted to leave just like that? No way—she'd have to shed some skin first.

Author's note:

None