Xu Haiyan was completely stunned. Did Zhang Haoran know this person?
Zhang Haoran was also curious. "Old woman, do you know each other?"
Deaf Old Woman nodded. "Her grandmother used to walk with me often – the old friend from the story."
"The part about the water monkey?"
Xu Haiyan suddenly understood. "My grandmother told that story too, saying you met during guerrilla warfare."
She suddenly became serious. "But, old woman, you can't spread such superstitions anymore."
Deaf Old Woman pouted. "This old woman isn't senile."
Changing the subject, she asked, "You just mentioned work? Is Haoran working for you?"
"Yes, a new employee at the supply and marketing cooperative."
Xu Haiyan smiled. "I'll officially report tomorrow. I came specifically to inform you."
Deaf Old Woman's eyes immediately lit up.
Xu Haiyan's face was beaming:
"Great, great!
This kid is indeed reliable."
Xu Xiu also broke into a smile.
When Xu Haiyan stood up to leave,
Deaf Old Woman instructed Zhang Haoran to see her out.
The residents in the courtyard happened to witness this scene.
Lou Xiaoe looked confused:
"Who is Zhang Haoran seeing off so early in the morning?"
Xu Damao lowered his voice to explain:
"That's President Xu from the North City Supply and Marketing Cooperative.
She manages the only supply and marketing cooperative within a ten-mile radius. Her rank is not lower than our factory director."
Lou Xiaoe's eyes widened in shock:
"Zhang Haoran actually knows such an important person?"
Third Master Yan Bugui leaned closer to Second Master:
"I really didn't expect
Zhang's kid to have such connections."
Yì Zhōnghǎi's expression flickered, his face darkening. He silently resolved to be more cautious in his future dealings.
Xu Xiu was busy in the kitchen,
Hesitating, she spoke:
"Yesterday, my colleagues said...
They want to pool money to buy groceries and asked if you could cook..."
Zhang Haoran readily agreed:
"This small matter,
It's on me."
This answer made Xu Xiu overjoyed.
What she didn't know was
that this was precisely a step in her husband's carefully laid plan –
to make the spunky female workers at the factory a support system for his wife.
Even if the factory director wanted to fire any one of them, he would have to consider if he had the capability to do so.
Zhang Haoran smiled slightly. "Of course it's true, it's settled then. Prepare the ingredients during the lunch break, and I'll take them back to process when I bring lunch."
Xu Xiu was overjoyed and excitedly hugged Zhang Haoran, planting a kiss on him, then blushed and ran off to work.
As soon as she arrived at the factory, the older sisters in the workshop crowded around to inquire, "How was it? Did your man agree?"
Xu Xiu beamed. "Haoran agreed. Tell everyone to prepare the ingredients they want to eat, and he'll pick them up at noon."
Upon hearing the positive reply, everyone was overjoyed and praised Xu Xiu for marrying a good husband.
During the lunch break, Zhang Haoran, as usual, brought Zhang Xue to deliver food.
The factory gatekeeper no longer stopped them but greeted them friendly and let them pass.
Zhang Haoran waved back in response.
Arriving at the break room, seeing a room full of workers in their work clothes, Zhang Haoran directly shouted, "Wife, where's my wife?"
This shout immediately attracted everyone's attention.
Since he had long been on the factory's blacklist, many people frowned, thinking this hoodlum had come again.
Some male workers, unaware of the situation, even prepared to step forward and drive him away.
Just then, Xu Xiu hurried over, and Zhang Xue, with her little hands outstretched, rushed towards her. "Mommy, hug!"
Xu Xiu smiled, picked up her daughter, and asked Zhang Haoran, "Why did you come in today?"
Zhang Haoran explained, "I came to get ingredients for cooking, so I just came in."
Xu Xiu nodded, holding Zhang Xue, and led the way. "Hurry, Sister Zhou and the others are waiting impatiently."
Under the confused gazes of the male workers, Zhang Haoran followed his wife towards the female workers' rest area.
Bystanders were discussing, "I heard Xu Xiu's husband has turned over a new leaf and is treating her very well now. The meal he delivered yesterday even had a whole chicken!"
The male workers were astonished. "Really? That scoundrel can be this good?"
As they entered the female workers' break room, the aunties immediately surrounded them, vying to hold Zhang Xue:
"Oh, this little cutie is so lovable!"
"You should be called grandma, are you still embarrassed to be an aunt at your age?"
"Exactly, don't pretend to be young!"
"Go away, can't I have one day of being young?"
Only then did everyone notice Zhang Haoran standing to the side. Look, isn't he much more handsome now, without that reckless demeanor?
Indeed, he used to bully our Xu Xiu. He must treat her well from now on!
If he dares to mistreat her again, we'll deal with him!
What delicious food did you bring today?
Listening to the chatter of these elder sisters, Zhang Haoran couldn't help but laugh.
No wonder people say that factory family quarters are the most humane in this era.
Even he felt the atmosphere was warm and cozy.
He responded with a smile, "Don't worry, everyone. I promise