The Fiery Era: Becoming an Industrial Giant

Chapter 85 Seeking Help Regarding Marriage [Requesting Monthly Tickets]

The two were from the workshop, so they should have been among the first to eat. They were already considered late to the canteen now.

Zhou Zhiqiang coming to eat at this time is simply because he was too busy. Everyone else in the technical department had finished eating and returned before he got up to go to the cafeteria.

"Brother Zhiqiang, we've already eaten. We came to see you today because of something else."

Zhao Tiandong said somewhat embarrassedly.

Upon hearing this, Zhou Zhiqiang looked up at the two men, but Wu Xiaojun pointed at Zhao Tiandong and said, "It's his business, not mine."

"What's the matter? Why are you being so mysterious? Just tell me."

After taking a bite of his food, Zhou Zhiqiang asked, "Has anyone been giving you trouble?"

"No, that's not it. Someone just helped me propose marriage."

Although Zhao Tiandong was a little embarrassed to talk about this, it was his decision to come to Zhou Zhiqiang, and it wouldn't be good to hide it, so he finally spoke up.

“She is Master Mao’s daughter. She came to the factory once to deliver something to Master Mao. After I said a few words to her, Master Mao asked me if I would like to marry his daughter.”

When asked about marriage, Zhao Tiandong lowered his head somewhat shyly.

"So you've been chosen. I thought you'd only consider marriage leave after you became full-time employees, since it's still two months before you become official apprentices."

The factory will officially start recruiting in August, at which time Zhao Tiandong and Wu Xiaojun will be able to directly become apprentices.

It's only June now, and they still have to work as apprentices for another two months.

After thinking for a moment, Zhou Zhiqiang said with a smile, "Tian Dong, have you met Master Mao's daughter more than once? If you had only exchanged a few words, why would Master Mao ask you about this?"

You two talked about it privately quite a few times, right? Then Master Mao's daughter confessed to Master Mao, and that's why she came to the factory to ask you, right?

If that's not the case, then it can only mean that Master Mao's daughter has some problems and is eager to find someone to marry her off, but that's unlikely.

Such things can be easily found out by asking around; the gossip among neighbors can't be kept secret at all.

Moreover, judging from Zhao Tiandong's demeanor, it's clear he was willing himself, and he must have met with Master Mao's daughter quite a few times in private.

Zhao Tiandong said somewhat embarrassedly, "I have indeed seen him several times, and the last time I was caught by Master Mao."

Upon hearing this, Wu Xiaojun glanced at Zhao Tiandong with a look that said, "You've fooled me."

"You seem quite willing, but you're a little hesitant?"

Zhou Zhiqiang thought of something and asked, "How many children does Master Mao have? Is he only a daughter?"

"No, Master has a younger son, who seems to be in elementary school."

"Then I understand."

Seeing Zhao Tiandong's behavior, Zhou Zhiqiang quickly understood why the kid had come to see him.

He is currently an apprentice, spending four yuan a month on himself and sending six yuan home. He has at most a few cents on him.

Even if he wants to get married, his family probably can't afford to support him. At most, they can prepare a quilt and a few dowries of ten or so yuan. That's the limit that a rural family can afford.

The old village chief has a large family; he has three sons and two daughters. He gave all his job opportunities to Zhao Tiandong. If he were to empty his savings to pay for Zhao Tiandong's wedding, their family would truly be on the verge of falling apart.

Zhao Tiandong's family can't provide much support, and he's currently working temporary jobs so he can't save much money, plus he still has to send money home.
After all, Zhao Tiandong got a job, so it was only right that he give back to his family. Moreover, he was able to get this job thanks to the old village chief.

“Here’s what we’ll do: I’ll lend you two hundred first. You can use it to get married. Once you become a full-time employee and your salary increases, you can pay me back slowly.” After thinking for a moment, Zhou Zhiqiang said, “It’s not easy to buy a house. After you become a full-time employee in the factory in two months, you can apply for a rental house at the neighborhood office under the pretext of getting married. That way, you can rent a pretty good place.”

The factory also accepts applications for housing allocation; the earlier you line up, the sooner you'll be allocated a room. I don't know if they still have any available now, but I'll ask them for you another day.
Brother Xiaojun, you should get married sooner rather than later. Once you're officially hired, I'll have Teacher Wu help you find someone."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Tiandong was so moved that his voice trembled with emotion as he said, "Brother Zhiqiang, thank you so much! I'll give you an IOU, and I'll definitely pay you back as soon as possible."

"Oh, no need, why be so formal? This is no trouble for me."

Zhou Zhiqiang shook his head and said.

It's only two hundred yuan. He can save up for two months and it won't even cost him anything. Besides, Zhou Zhiqiang isn't worried about the other party not paying back the money. If they don't pay back the money, then the other party will be the one who suffers.

It wouldn't be an exaggeration for him to call him "factory treasure" now; he's the factory's prized possession.

Zhou Zhiqiang didn't make any demands on the factory. If he had, the factory director and secretary would definitely have prioritized meeting his demands.

"Tian Dong, tomorrow is the weekend, I'll bring you the money next Monday; but I'll lend you the money, but for things like the wedding, you have to talk to your family, have your parents and the old village chief come to the city, and discuss it with Master Mao."

Zhao Tiandong nodded quickly and said, "I'll go back this weekend to talk about it. I plan to bring my parents and grandfather to the city the week after next to talk to my master."

"That's fine."

After Zhou Zhiqiang finished speaking, he also tidied up his lunchbox. He had already finished eating lunch while he was talking.

Before heading back to the technical department, Zhou Zhiqiang said to the two men, "Tian Dong, come to the technical department to see me on Monday, and I'll give you the money then."

Brother Xiaojun, you'd better hurry too. Before you came, Teacher Wu asked me to take a look at your situation.

Wu Xiaojun was a bit introverted, and after Zhou Zhiqiang said that, he pursed his lips and couldn't say anything. In the end, he just said "I know" and then stopped talking.

Zhao Tiandong said a few more words of thanks, and seeing that it was almost time to start work, he and Wu Xiaojun went back to the workshop together.

Both of them learned well under Mao Yongfeng. Zhao Tiandong was a bit quick-witted, but Wu Xiaojun was more diligent and hardworking, plus he had the influence of Zhou Zhiqiang, the deputy head of the technical department.

Mao Yongfeng shared his knowledge with the two of them without reservation and took great care of them, sometimes even giving them extra lessons on fitter skills during their breaks.

It was practically like treating him like a son. Besides, Master Mao's son was still young and couldn't work as a fitter for the time being, so there was no conflict at all.

Mao Yongfeng thought that his son would most likely take over the business in the future, so he trained more apprentices in the factory. When his son joined the factory, he would be surrounded by senior apprentices, and he would definitely be able to get along well in the factory.

Those who hold this view are certainly better than those workers who hoard their knowledge; after the new factory expands and recruits many workers, Zhou Zhiqiang also plans to report to the factory and regard Mao Yongfeng as a model worker.

As long as one does not hoard skills and wholeheartedly trains workers and apprentices for the factory and the country, the factory will praise and reward this spirit.

------

During their weekend break, Zhou Zhiqiang and his wife planned to go to a dinner party hosted by Lü Yi.

When he saw his wife pushing her bicycle out, Zhou Zhiqiang called out, "Yuting, you're pregnant, so don't ride your bike. I'll ask you to go. You'll probably be too lazy to move after you've eaten, so you can ride back later."

"I won't be lazy."

Although she spoke with a strong tone, Guo Yuting thought for a moment and then put her bicycle back and obediently sat on the back of Zhou Zhiqiang's bicycle.

　Asking for a monthly ticket!

　　
　
(End of this chapter)