Read Novel Full Chapter 136
Chapter 136 : Recruitment
She envisioned a father-in-law who worked in the Education Bureau, a mother-in-law active in the Women’s Federation, and a husband who was a college graduate.
The glow of young love had long faded, leaving only aged faces and broken dreams.
After years of laboring in the countryside, Chang Jinguang was no longer the charming “big brother next door” of her memories. Instead, he was an unemployed drifter with no job prospects or future to speak of.
His skin was darkened by the sun, streaks of white adorned his hair, and he looked five or six years older than his actual age.
Sun Yulian picked up an enamel pot from the table and hurled it at Chang Jinguang’s head. “Get out! You’ve ruined everything for me! Just leave!”
Hot blood trickled from his forehead as Chang Jinguang stared at her in disbelief. “Yulian, what are you saying?”
“Don’t tell me you’ve actually fallen for Yu Qianjin?”
Sun Yulian said nothing. Overwhelmed by a sense of betrayal, Chang Jinguang’s rage boiled over. “Do you love him, or do you love his background? You know the answer better than anyone.”
“So what?” Sun Yulian retorted coldly. “He’s a college graduate. He’ll become a cadre after he finishes school. Marrying him would guarantee me a good life. I regret it, I deeply regret being swayed by you that night and doing something I’ll regret for the rest of my life!”
Sun Yulian’s ruthless words hit Chang Jinguang like a hammer. His head throbbed from the wound, and dizziness washed over him. But he gritted his teeth and grabbed her wrist.
“Then what about the letters you wrote to me? Were they all lies? I don’t believe it I won’t believe that you weren’t sincere!”
“Sincere?” Sun Yulian sneered. “Can sincerity put food on the table? Can it buy a house? Look at yourself a penniless, aging drifter. What kind of future could you possibly offer me?”
“Yulian!” Chang Jinguang’s lips quivered. His voice cracked as he struggled to speak.
Sun Yulian finished for him, her tone sharp: “Are you saying I’ve become selfish and materialistic?”
“Don’t act like you’re any better. What makes you different from me? Didn’t you abandon a rural woman who trusted you, just so you could return to the city?”
“We’re the same kind of people, Chang Jinguang. That’s why we were ever together in the first place.”
When Chang Jinguang left the ward, her words echoed endlessly in his mind. He finally collapsed onto a bench outside the hospital and sobbed bitterly.
—
The snow fell heavily, and the New Year was just around the corner. Meanwhile, Jiang Li’s clothing store thrived. Customers flocked to buy clothes, get their hair permed, and shop for holiday goods.
“Alright, Sister Li,” the stylist said. “Take a look, are you satisfied with the hairstyle?”
The woman in the mirror had a soft oval face and an elegant demeanor. Her bangs were lightly curled, and her shoulder-length hair had gentle outward waves. Part of her hair was pinned neatly behind her head.
Her glossy black hair framed her almond-shaped eyes and graceful willow-leaf eyebrows, giving her a warm and approachable aura.
She turned to examine the style in the mirror and smiled, satisfied. “It looks great. I’m very happy with it.”
The woman, an English teacher at a night school, was quick to embrace new trends. Introduced to Jiang Li’s store by a friend, she had become a loyal customer and a frequent visitor.
Despite having been open for only a few months, the store was bustling with customers, and business was booming. Jiang Li had even expanded into the adjacent rooms, opening a small salon in one of them.
At first, people were hesitant to try the modern hairstyles, but Li Qin, trusting Jiang Li’s aesthetic, became the first to experiment. The results exceeded her expectations.
“How much?” she asked.
“As a regular customer, I’ll give you a 20% discount. It’s 48 yuan,” Jiang Li replied.
The onlookers gasped audibly. A perm at that price was far beyond the means of most people.
Li Qin did not bargain, her willingness to pay reflected the value she saw in the service. Besides, Jiang Li’s aesthetics and skills were well worth the price.
In the past, state-owned barbershops had been the only option. Even when spending more money, the results often fell short of expectations.
The biggest frustration was the attitude of the barbers. They were often arrogant and rigid about their schedules. Once, halfway through a haircut, the barber announced that his shift was over and told her to return the next morning.
Li Qin was furious and lodged a complaint on the spot. The manager came over, made some vague statements, but ultimately didn’t offer an apology.
While the pricing at Jiang Li’s salon deterred some, there were still plenty of customers willing to pay for the quality. Jiang Li worked tirelessly, sometimes until after 10 p.m., leaving her completely exhausted.
Chen Xianyun, seeing this, felt deeply concerned. While she could assist in the clothing store, she wasn’t skilled in hairstyling and couldn’t help in the salon. “Why don’t you find a couple of apprentices or hire someone?” she suggested.
Jiang Li agreed in principle but hadn’t found the right candidates yet. For now, she had to persevere.
As the month wore on, Jiang Li became increasingly cautious. The lingering smell of hair products and chemicals, even though she used the best available, wasn’t ideal. She decided to prioritize hiring help.
After visiting the labor market several times and posting job notices, a few applicants showed interest. Jiang Li took time to interview them but found none suitable.
—
Since arriving in Haicheng, Mrs. Qi had quickly familiarized herself with the nearby supply and marketing cooperatives and food stations. She had even built rapport with the older women in the neighborhood.
Hearing that Jiang Li was hiring, an elderly neighbor, Mrs. Ma, offered to recommend her granddaughter, who had recently returned to the city.
Mrs. Qi spoke privately to Jiang Li, “Don’t feel pressured by me. If she’s not a good fit, just reject her. If Mrs. Ma takes offense, then that’s her problem, and we don’t need to stay in touch.”
When Jiang Li met the girl, she turned out to be an educated youth who had returned to the city over a year ago. She had a junior high school education and hadn’t yet found work.
The girl introduced herself confidently, “Hello, Ms. Jiang. My name is Ding Meifang. I’m 17 years old, a junior high graduate, and I know basic accounting. I’m outgoing, quick to learn, and diligent.”
Jiang Li noted her appearance. She wore two neatly tied braids with scarves, bangs framing her oval face, a thick cotton jacket, and black pants. She seemed lively and eager.
Jiang Li explained the terms, “This is an apprenticeship position. Until you complete your apprenticeship, the salary is basic, it won’t be much. I want to be upfront about that. I also conduct monthly assessments. If you fail, I won’t keep you on. But if you excel, your salary will increase, along with commissions and bonuses.”
Ding Meifang smiled, “I understand. Apprentices typically work for their master for three years without pay. It’s customary to treat the master with respect and gratitude.”
Jiang Li was pleased with her enthusiasm. “Great, you can start in the store tomorrow.”
“Don’t worry,” Ding Meifang replied confidently. “I’ll study hard and do my best to pass every assessment.”
—
In addition to hiring Ding Meifang, Jiang Li planned to find another person to eventually assist her with beauty services as the salon expanded.