Rebirth of a Village Girl

Chapter 53

REFUSAL

Ni Yang gave a slight smile, "You can just call me Xiaoni, Mr. Li. Please, feel free to speak your mind."

Li Gongcheng cleared his throat, "The thing is..." He relayed the offer that the Mo Family had extended to hire Ni Yang.

After listening, Ni Yang graciously refused, "Thank you for your boss's generous offer, but I prefer the way I currently live and do not wish to settle into a regular job at the moment."

Hearing this, Li Gongcheng seemed to heave a sigh of relief as he continued, "Xiaoni, you shouldn't decline so hastily. Our boss told me that your monthly salary could be 100 yuan, including meals and accommodation. You'd only need to take care of the old lady's meals each day and the rest of the time, you'd have for yourself. If you don't want to live at the Mo residence, you can opt for a cash equivalent of the rent. We are also willing to provide a bicycle."

A monthly wage of 100 yuan was rather high for that time – it was even more than that of white-collar workers in later years!

After all, at that time, the average salary for a worker was around 80-90 yuan.

Ni Yang was fortunate that her skills had won over the old Lady Mo, otherwise, who would pay a monthly salary of 100 yuan to a cook?

However, Ni Yang still shook her head, "I'm sorry, kindly convey to your boss that this is not about the money."

Li Gongcheng was taken aback that Ni Yang would still refuse the offer even after hearing the salary. He stood up, incredulously asking, "Xiaoni, are you sure about your refusal?"

Ni Yang gave a small nod, "Yes, I'm sure."

Li Gongcheng was at a loss for words, he had assumed that Ni Yang would surely accept the offer upon hearing a monthly salary of 100 yuan.

Keep in mind, his own monthly salary amounted to only 30 yuan, Ni Yang's salary was more than triple of his own!

When he first heard the offered salary, he was quite astounded!

He was even concerned that Ni Yang would look down upon his salary once she started working for the Mo Family.

But to his surprise, Ni Yang refused without hesitation.

This was a salary of 100 yuan!

This added up to 1200 yuan in a year!

Would Ni Yang be able to make 1200 yuan by selling noodles out in the sun and rain all year round?

Setting aside the monthly salary, the Mo Family itself was highly respected and many people couldn't even get an opportunity to work there despite their best efforts.

But Ni Yang, despite being offered a high salary and the best treatment, she still refused.

Xiaoni's refusal left Li Gongcheng puzzled.

It appeared that this young teenage girl was far more sophisticated than he had imagined.

Her allure was not just her physical appearance.

Suppressing his shock, Li Gongchen stood up and replied: "Alright, Xiaoni, I'll relay your message to our boss, sorry for taking your time."

"No problem." Ni Yang flashed a small smile.

After saying goodbye to Ni Yang, Li Gongcheng headed directly to the Song Group.

In the office, Song Beicheng was reviewing cooperation case.

Song Beicheng was a very energetic person, who not only founded the first private enterprise in China, but all his businesses were export-oriented, earning foreign currency.

"Second Young Master."

Song Beicheng put down the document in his hand and glanced up at Li Gongcheng, "Why are you here? You could have taken her directly to the old lady."

Li Gongcheng hesitated briefly, then continued: "Second Young Master... the noodle stall owner, she... she has rejected us."

"Refused?" Song Beicheng's brows furrowed slightly.

Li Gongcheng nodded, "Yes."

Song Beicheng asked, "Is she discontented with the salary or the remuneration?"

Li Gongcheng shook his head and truthfully conveyed Ni Yang's words, "Neither. She said that she really likes her current lifestyle and doesn't want to settle into an organized work environment. Moreover, she said... this is not a question of salary or treatment."

Hearing this, Song Beicheng slightly arched his eyebrows. It seemed, based on Li Gongcheng's description, that this noodle stall owner was an interesting character.

However, Song Beicheng never believed that there were people in this world who didn't love money.

He decided, "Alright then, you'll take me to her tomorrow morning."

Li Gongcheng was slightly surprised, "Second Young Master... you... you will go personally?" The Second Young Master always had a multitude of things to deal with every day, how could he go personally to handle such matters?

Song Beicheng nodded, "Yes, I'll go and meet her myself."

Yes.

Song Beicheng wanted to personally meet the noodle stall owner.

Having contested in the business world for so many years, he had never met someone who didn't care about money.

Someone who was even setting up a stall, yet was claiming not to care about money.

Wasn't this a joke?

Hearing this, Li Gongcheng was stunned for a moment, before replying,

"Alright then, I'll make the arrangements."

"Okay." Song Beicheng nodded lightly, "You may leave now."

Li Gongcheng complied and withdrew.

**

Elsewhere,

Ni Yang continued with her routine of raking chairs and tables over to Liu Dongliang, the shop owner's place.

Today was Saturday, and Liu Wei sat outside reading English on a small stool.

In 1978, the college entrance examination resumed and English was formally included as a subject in 1983. Prior to that, Chinese people didn't stress much on English, so even a top student like Liu Wei found it a bit challenging, especially, with inadequate prior foundation.

When Liu Wei read a particular word, Ni Yang looked up slightly, her lips parted to correct him, "That word should be pronounced admirable." Her pronunciation was impeccable American English, even better than the radio broadcasters.