Free Web NovelChapter 1052: Chapter 925: A Difficult Matter to Talk About
Every family has its own difficult issues, and when it comes to seeking connections to get into the countryside, Zhou Jiao has seen plenty. The busiest person in her family right now is her mom, Miao Lishan.
Yes, that’s right, her own mom!
Joining the Art Troupe is both prestigious and practical; it’s indeed a coveted opportunity.
If it weren’t for Zhou Xiaozheng holding down the fort at home, probably anyone with even a passing acquaintance would come knocking.
Therefore, Zhou Jiao highly suspects that today’s conversation wasn’t really about the Art Troupe, but aimed at her. Unfortunately, she’s really powerless.
Zhou Jiao may have declined, but that doesn’t mean others will give up.
Near the end of the workday, she was cornered by Jin Lijuan on her way to the bathroom.
"Jiao Jiao, I heard your mom’s Art Troupe is recruiting female soldiers, is that true?"
The other person was the niece of her eldest cousin’s wife, so she wasn’t surprised by the question. Zhou Jiao nodded without hesitation, "I think there’s something like that happening, but I’m not really sure."
Between the lines, Jin Lijuan, who was usually sharp enough, should have caught the hint, but today she looked delighted, "I remember your family doesn’t have any daughters, right?"
What’s that supposed to mean?
Aside from the Cheng Family and hers being full of monks, Old Zhang’s family still has a few blooming buds.
"Could you ask if there’s any way for kids to join the Art Troupe? Without returning to Beijing, even somewhere else would be fine. I heard there are spots available in the Corps this time."
Everyone is smart here, Zhou Jiao doesn’t want to offend people, but she also doesn’t want to risk her mom.
She frowned and paused for a while, "I guess it’s unlikely. If the kids haven’t gone to the countryside yet and if they have special skills, there might be a chance to enter the Art Troupe. But as it is, with my mom’s ability—it’s not that I underestimate her—it’s tough."
And she glanced at the other person, "Why don’t I talk to my mom about it after work and see what she says?"
Jin Lijuan nodded repeatedly at her words, "Alright, I won’t bother with thankful words. I know it’s tough; many have tried before without success, sigh..."
Zhou Jiao saw the other person frowning and sighing and wanted to remind her to have her daughter take over the position first and find a temporary job for her second son. Given the couple’s years of connections, finding a temporary job shouldn’t pose much of a problem.
But then she thought, maybe they have always looked down on temporary jobs, or perhaps they don’t want to put their son in such a position. After hesitating for a while, she chose not to say more.
No matter the relationship, distant or close, human hearts are hard to predict, and Zhou Jiao doesn’t want her goodwill to turn into a bad thing in the end. The society is too complex; it’s better to quietly remain an observer.
After dinner, Miao Lishan listened to her daughter’s words and exclaimed, "Oh dear... oh dear... so annoying..." which brought laughter to the whole family.
"Mom, it’s not a big deal! It’s just wishful thinking. If it was so easy to resolve, would she have even come to me? I’m just letting you know so you don’t impulsively help someone without having a proper reason ready."
"Will it affect your colleague relationships?"
Zhou Jiao rolled her eyes speechlessly.
Beside her, Zhang Guoqing laughed, "Mom, if Jiao Jiao wanted you to solve the issue, she wouldn’t mention it first; she’d likely ask if there were any available spots at your workplace."
Miao Lishan patted her forehead, "That’s right. I’ve been asked so much lately that I didn’t react quickly. Jiao Jiao, it really won’t affect your relationship with your colleagues, right? If you want to help, mom does have some ways."
Zhou Jiao shook her head, "Forget it. Once you start, there’ll be no end to the trouble coming your way. I don’t think that girl is reliable; she might bring you trouble someday. I’m fine; colleagues are just colleagues."
"Are you sure?" fгeewёbnoѵel.cσm
Zhou Xiaozheng waved his hand to stop his wife. Obviously, their Jiao Jiao didn’t even care about this matter, so there’s no need for their family to intervene.
"Brother Zheng, you don’t know—just in this week, I’ve been approached by more people than I can count on one hand. Yesterday, Xiao Ying came asking, and I only sent her away crying after scolding her. How come there’s so much nonsense?"
Zhou Jiao frowned slightly, "Lin Liyin?"
"Yeah, don’t you think she’s crazy? She actually came to me on behalf of her so-called best friend. But when I asked, guess what? She thought I was stupid! That old woman surnamed Dai was the one competing with me for your dad back then..."
"Lin Lishan! Enough!" Zhou Xiaozheng saw even their grandkids starting to cover their mouths and giggle and immediately shouted to stop her. This silly woman talks too carelessly.
Zhou Jiao couldn’t help but laugh. Oh my, her own mom, no wonder she clashed with Lin Liyin and made her cry. Anyone who tried to seduce her dad was naturally her mom’s sworn enemy!
Zhang Guoqing didn’t dare make fun of his father-in-law, so he immediately changed the topic, "Jiao Jiao, why are your colleagues making it so complicated to find you? Can’t they just get a temporary job to return to the city?"
Beside him, Ping’an shook his head, "Dad, this is where you don’t get it. I heard from my buddies that even temporary jobs in the city are hard to find now. One of my friends’ cousin prepared for a temporary job for two years in advance. Now, if anyone gets in through connections and is reported, they’re done for."
"Right, Shi Tou mentioned in a letter that it’s very hard to become a soldier now. I see so many older siblings in the Big Courtyard becoming soldiers, so it’s tough for outsiders to do the same."
That’s indeed the case! Zhang Guoqing found his little Liu Yi’s observations quite insightful. Nowadays, aside from being a worker, what other profession is there to choose?
"Back then I wanted our Jiao Jiao to join the Art Troupe, but she wasn’t willing. Look, now it’s so sought after." Miao Lishan still remembers this regret from many years ago and can’t help but boast.
Zhou Jiao laughed while looking at her, "Mom, do you think your daughter is suitable for prancing around on stage?"
"You cheeky girl, do you know how to use words?" Miao Lishan playfully glared at her unwillingly, "You and your smartness inherited from your dad. Otherwise, I would’ve dragged you into the troupe. Just think how stunning my daughter would look, standing there without needing to dance or sing."
Zhou Jiao winked at Zhou Xiaozheng, "Dad, did you hear that? It seems your daughter is quite amazing! What’s your take on this?"
This remark provoked a burst of laughter from the family.
After the laughter died down, Miao Lishan once again brought up Jin Lijuan’s situation, asking whether she should call the big cousin Liu Xiu from Nanxi, given that aside from colleagues, there was also a familial connection.
True to her expectations, Zhou Jiao shook her head. She opposed raising this issue over there; if the big cousin intended to help, she would’ve personally called her mom long ago.
What would she say after you made the call?
Once the call is connected, it’ll become an obligation to assist, so why be redundant? When it comes to these matters, it’s better to remain silent and let them pass quietly.
Human desires are endless; everything has its limits, going beyond those limits is not good. She will eventually give a negative answer and then kindly advise the other side to find another route, pretty much settling it.
Her dad has always been known for prioritizing work and acting according to principles. This is common knowledge, and she’s busy enough maintaining it, so why allow others to ruin it?
