Raising Cubs in the 1950s [MTL]

Chapter 41-50

Chapter 41

"Did you see that? Look at their food compared to ours, it's truly unbearable. It's better to eat from the communal provisions!" Shortly after Zhang Jianjun left, some of the villagers delivering grain started complaining or expressing envy.

"Who told you that you never received an education? Can you even operate an abacus if I gave you one? Can you read and write in an account book? You can't, but others can!" Hearing this, the people nearby rolled their eyes and disdainfully retorted.

"Serve yourself the portion that fits your bowl and don't worry about what others have. If you truly envy them, go back and work hard, save up some capital, teach your children to read, learn more skills, so that they can have a future like those people! We may suffer and toil in our generation, but once we've provided for the next generation, they will have a strong foothold!"

"Old Uncle's words are right, it's better to have something yourself than to envy others!"

The old man's words gained unanimous agreement from the people around him. Soon, their conversation shifted to the newly constructed elementary school in Zaoyang Town. They thought about the time when they would all tighten their belts, ensuring at least one child could receive an education. Throughout history, parents have never been absent when it comes to hoping for their children's success. Zhang Jianjun was unaware of this scene that would unfold after his departure, but even if he knew, he would likely just smile and let it pass.

Before heading to his workstation, Zhang Jianjun took a walk around the grain station. There had been some changes during his absence. Apart from other things, the dining hall where they had just eaten was now considerably larger, accommodating more people for meals and rest. In this scorching weather, in addition to the complimentary green bean soup, they also provided medication to prevent heatstroke, a thoughtful touch.

He also noticed that the unfinished office building he had seen before was now completed and ready for occupancy. What truly caught his attention, though, was the construction of the grain station's dormitory. However, at the moment, only the foundation had been laid, and the actual construction had yet to begin. They would need to wait until after the grain collection season when they could spare the manpower. As an official employee of the grain station, he would definitely be assigned a unit, allowing him to live here with his son Xiao Jun. The veterans guarding the grain station's entrance ensured safety, so there was no need to worry.

After exploring the grain station, Zhang Jianjun's sense of unfamiliarity diminished. Seeing that it was almost time, he hurried to hand over his duties and immersed himself in the busyness of work.

Collecting grain, inspecting grain, weighing grain, keeping records—these tasks formed the main melody of the grain station's daily work. It was extremely demanding for the villagers who carried and transported the grain under the scorching sun. However, the intensity of the grain station staff's work was no less. By the end of the grain collection season, they were all lean, with cracked lips and hoarse voices, unable to speak for long. But when they looked at the fully stocked granary, all the hardships seemed worthwhile.

"I know everyone has been working hard lately, and I've seen your efforts. The busiest period has passed, and it's time for everyone to take a break. The Personnel Department has arranged the work schedule, and it will be posted on the office building's main gate. Please follow the schedule when returning to work.

Furthermore, I asked Chef Cai to prepare a special meal for today. Enjoy it to your heart's content—we have an ample supply." After thoroughly inspecting the grain station and confirming its safety, Director Hong, for the first time, granted everyone a two-day break on rotation. As for wages, they had been distributed a couple of days ago, awaiting their return home during the break.