Raising Cubs in the 1950s [MTL]

Chapter 16-20

Chapter 16

As the days went by, Zhang Jianjun's work of organizing the accounts was nearing completion. In two more days, they would be able to finish all the work, which also meant that the father and son would have to leave the grain store and return to their life in Qingshan Village. Not to mention, Zhang Xiaojun was reluctant to leave his new friend, and even Zhang Jianjun had grown accustomed to life here. Thinking about the imminent departure, there was indeed a hint of reluctance in their hearts.

"Jianjun, what are your plans after you finish your work here?" After work that day, Shopkeeper Zhang didn't rush to leave. Instead, he engaged in conversation with Zhang Jianjun.

"For now, I don't have any specific plans. Maybe I'll help out with some chores in the village while also looking for suitable work opportunities in the city." Zhang Jianjun felt a bit helpless. He had received very limited information, and thus, he didn't have a proper plan.

"If you don't have any plans for the future yet, why not stay and work at the grain store? Apart from this shop, Li's Grain Store also has a few branches in the city. The owner requires the accounts from those branches to be submitted to the main store every day. However, one of our accountants recently resigned, and we haven't found a suitable replacement yet, so the position has been vacant.

The owner noticed your ability in organizing the accounts this time and wants you to take up the role of the second accountant at the store. I wonder if you would be interested? The salary for the accountant position is two silver dollars per month, along with twenty catties of coarse grain and ten catties of fine grain. Overall, the benefits are quite good. Of course, you and Xiaojun can still live in the current small courtyard. That won't change." Shopkeeper Zhang briefly explained the situation and looked at Zhang Jianjun, waiting for his reply. However, deep down, he didn't believe that Zhang Jianjun would reject this job. After all, it wasn't easy to find such a well-paying and stable job.

"Shopkeeper Zhang, please convey my gratitude to the owner for his kindness. However, may I have some time to consider? I will give you a reply tomorrow." Although the offer was attractive and tempting, Zhang Jianjun planned to go back and ask Zhang Xiaojun's opinion. He knew very well why the owner of the grain store had chosen him among the few accountants who came to help.

Besides his own abilities, Zhang Xiaojun's companionship with Li Wenbin played a significant role. However, Zhang Jianjun didn't want to force Zhang Xiaojun to stay here and accompany others just for the sake of a job. He believed that Zhang Xiaojun had the freedom to choose. So, he told Shopkeeper Zhang that he wanted to consider it and would decide after discussing it with Zhang Xiaojun.

"Alright, there's no rush with this matter. Take your time to consider, and let me know when you've made up your mind." Although Shopkeeper Zhang was surprised that Zhang Jianjun didn't immediately accept his proposal, he didn't pressure him further. He showed enough respect by giving Zhang Jianjun the space to decide.

"Thank you very much, Shopkeeper Zhang." Zhang Jianjun politely replied.

"Xiaojun, do you want to stay at the grain store or go back to your grandmother's house in Qingshan Village?" After finishing dinner, Zhang Jianjun looked at Zhang Xiaojun with seriousness, intending to have a proper discussion about their future.

"Dad, I want to stay here. Although Grandma's house is also nice, I can't bear to leave this place. I can't bear to leave Wenbin, Uncle, and Housekeeper Zhang. Most importantly, I can see you every day, Dad. We go to work together, come back together, and then return to our little courtyard where it's just the two of us. It feels like our own home, more comfortable!

But if I go back to Qingshan Village, Dad will surely make Grandma watch over me while he goes out to work. Who knows when you'll come back. I don't want to go so long without seeing you, Dad! Can we stay here?" After saying this, Zhang Xiaojun looked at Zhang Jianjun with longing eyes, waiting for his decision.