The Comeback of the Cannon-Fodder Supporting Actress

Chapter 918: Chapter 896: Top Student in the 1980s (Part 24)

Xiao Yuan realized the Zhang Family’s intentions and cast a dark glance at them.

Once all the furniture was burned to ashes, Xiao Yuan took Xiao Heizi and Xiao Baohu back home.

Back at home, he recounted the events to Sister Xu and Wang Gui Fen, who both felt particularly satisfied.

After taking care of things, Xiao Yuan returned to school on Sunday afternoon.

Xiao Heizi and Xiao Baohu headed to the county on Monday by bus.

They didn’t go empty-handed.

Though both father and son were straightforward, they knew the proper etiquette and brought along some dried vegetables made at home, eggs from their chickens, and also two chickens they had planned to eat during the New Year.

For village visits, these were considered significant gifts.

Besides bringing items, Xiao Heizi also brought some money.

He planned to give some to Xiangling in the city for her to buy something.

The father-son duo hadn’t been to the county much, and once they arrived, they were quite lost, having to ask around to find the steel factory.

They told the gatekeeper they were looking for Zhang Heping, and just as the gatekeeper offered to call for someone, Secretary An approached.

Upon seeing Xiao Heizi, Secretary An quickly smiled and approached, ”Brother Xiao, this must be Baohu. Look at how sturdy this kid has grown.”

Xiao Baohu quickly greeted Secretary An, his hands nervously not knowing where to place, making him appear very uneasy.

Secretary An smiled and led the Xiao family father and son to his home.

As they entered, Xiangling heard the noise and came out from inside. Seeing Xiao Heizi and Xiao Baohu, she promptly went over to greet them, ”Dad, brother, what brings you here on this cold day... quickly come inside and sit.”

Xiao Heizi noticed that even though Xiangling hadn’t been in the county for long, she was already dressed in particularly nice clothes and looked fairer and more spirited.

He understood that Xiangling must be living well at the Zhang Family, with good food and clothes.

After all, with her biological parents and as their only daughter, how could they not treat their child well?

Seeing Xiangling doing well, Xiao Heizi also smiled, ”We were just missing you and thought we’d come to see you.”

Secretary An put the items brought by Xiao Heizi into the kitchen and then led the two inside the house.

As soon as they were inside, Xiangling hurried to make tea and bring snacks.

Secretary An also mentioned, ”Xiangling, go and bring some tangerines over.”

Xiangling agreed and went to get some tangerines.

During the harsh winter, wanting to eat some fruit was indeed not easy. Although things had opened up, resources were still not abundant, and finding fresh vegetables and fruits in the north was still quite a challenge.

The Zhang Family managed to get these tangerines through favors.

Xiangling smiled as she brought a plate of tangerines over, handing one each to Xiao Heizi and Xiao Baohu, ”Try them, these tangerines are really sweet.”

Just as they were chatting, Zhang Heping also returned.

Upon returning, he said to Secretary An, ”Why don’t you go call a couple of dishes from the restaurant? Today, Brother Xiao and I will have a drink together.”

Secretary An then went to the restaurant to buy some dishes and bring back some braised meat.

Seeing the time, Zhang Heping realized it was already around noon and told Xiangling, ”Go to First Middle School to pick up Ningning, and while you’re at it, bring your brother over for a meal and to get acquainted with the place.”

Xiao Heizi quickly waved his hand, ”No need to call her brother, the kid can just eat in the canteen.”

Zhang Heping held Xiao Heizi down, ”Brother, what are you talking about? You raised Xiangling up to now, and without a word, let her come back with us when we found her. We are truly grateful. You know our family is small, and with Xiangling being our only daughter, and her sister being young, she needs support. When she really needs support, who could be closer than her brother? Brother, you’ve treated my daughter as your own, so why can’t I treat your son as my own? With the relationship between our two families, why are you being so polite with me? The child is staying at First Middle School, so it’s a good chance for her to get to know the place. It will be more convenient to visit if needed in the future.”

These words were so heartfelt and reasonable that Xiao Heizi could not refute them.

Xiangling, now wearing a padded jacket, started walking out, and Zhang Heping reminded, ”Put on gloves to avoid getting cold.”

”Got it.”

Xiangling’s voice carried a tone of joy, indicating she truly enjoyed her current life.

Once Xiangling left, Zhang Heping started talking about serious matters with Xiao Heizi.

”Brother Xiao, my wife and I have discussed this, thinking that staying in the village perpetually like this isn’t ideal. Fenggou Village has little land and low yield. Farming to what end could yield significant success? We’ve been considering finding some opportunities for the children at home. Just in time, the cafeteria at the textile factory is hiring, and I heard from Xiangling that her sister-in-law is a great cook. So I wanted to ask if you’d let her go work there.”

Upon hearing this, Xiao Baohu was excited beyond words and wanted to agree immediately.

However, Xiao Heizi remained silent.

He furrowed his brows, ”Brother, is this giving you trouble?”

Zhang Heping laughed, ”What trouble? Hiring cooks for the kitchen doesn’t care who it is. Old An has been at the textile factory for many years, and even though he’s retired, he still has some connections there. It’s not a difficult task.”

He added, ”Having just your daughter-in-law isn’t right since you can’t separate a couple, can you? This is why the meat processing plant also needs manpower. Someone strong enough to slaughter pigs—Baohu fits the bill perfectly. If you agree, I’ll make a call.”

”I agree.”

Before Xiao Heizi could speak, Xiao Baohu shouted eagerly.

He was thrilled, ”I agree. I’m strong, and I can slaughter pigs.”

Xiao Heizi was quite frustrated but couldn’t embarrass such a grown son, ”It’s really troublesome for you, brother.”

”No trouble, no trouble at all.”

Zhang Heping waved his hand, ”We’re family; there’s no trouble. You might think pig-slaughtering is hard, but it pays well, and the meat processing plant provides good benefits. Getting in would mean a more convenient supply of meat for the family.”

Xiao Heizi knew this principle well.

Exactly because of this knowledge, he suspected the Zhang Family might have gone to great lengths, contrary to their casual words.

”Should we provide something as a gift? We can’t let you spend favors and also money,” asked Xiao Heizi. ”If we need to give cash or presents, I’ll go back and get it immediately.”

Zhang Heping smiled, ”Oh, my dear brother, there’s no need for gifts. I’ve been in the county for so many years; surely I have this little bit of leverage, haven’t I? If you agree, go back and pack quickly. After lunch, I’ll call the meat processing plant, and have Old An talk to the textile factory’s leaders. It’s settled then, but they need people urgently, so you need to prepare fast. By the latest, you should arrive the day after tomorrow.”

”Alright.”

Xiao Heizi gritted his teeth and agreed.

He knew this would put the Xiao Family in considerable debt to the Zhang Family, but for his descendants, they had no choice.

After finishing their discussion, Xiangling returned with Xiao Yuan and Anning.

Seeing Zhang Heping upon entering, Xiao Yuan quickly greeted him as uncle.

He was full of respect.

It was important for him to be respectful since Zhang Heping was his future father-in-law.