Chapter 120

Li Zhiguo said this and slapped his work ID on the table.

The shop owner was dumbfounded when he saw it. No wonder you said you wanted to overturn my frying pan last time. It turns out you are a street official.

"Brother Li, wait a moment. I have some noodles. I will blow them up right away."

The shop owner quickly heated the oil pan, lifted the white cloth on the chopping board, revealing a ball of fermented white flour underneath. He took some out, rubbed it again, and then cut it into two pieces.

Use chopsticks to press and pull the dough in the middle, then put it into the oil pan, and you will have the fried dough sticks.

After eating, Li Zhiguo thought that life would be really difficult in the future. One fried dough stick cost two taels of flour tickets, and fried dough sticks were not something that ordinary people could afford.

In the film "Man is Iron, Rice is Steel", Liang Ladi's master went to a cadre meeting and was given a fried dough stick during the meal. However, he couldn't bear to eat it and brought it back to Liang Ladi. In the end, the fried dough stick was shared by the four children.

In a blink of an eye, he arrived at the Qianmen Street Office, and before he could start to settle the accounts, he was called to the office by the director.

"Director, what do you want from me?"

He has been working overtime for the past two months, and he can't work any more. Otherwise, it would be a tragedy if it was discovered that he was able to work full time.

The director seemed to see through his thoughts and said, "I'm not asking you to work more days, it's about where to get your flour ration.

The ration is a single-item system. Those with jobs can receive it from their workplaces, while urban households without jobs can only choose one of the two options by establishing a food ration book based on their household registration.

Li Zhiguo thought, this is really a problem. He has three jobs: a street cadre, a technician in the Ministry of Agriculture, and a fitter in a steel rolling mill under the Ministry of Metallurgy. In addition, he is a city resident.

"Director, where do you think I can get it?"

Anyway, the director knows his background and can listen to his suggestions.

"The steel mill, you're not a formal cadre yet, so the quota for a worker is higher."

Although the director wanted to recruit the person right away, he also had to consider his subordinates.

"Then I'll listen to the director."

Li Zhiguo actually didn't care. He had no shortage of flour, but he still had to pretend.

There was nothing else to do, so he went back to the office to calculate the quantity, mainly to come up with a total number so that he could connect with the National Grain and Oil Corporation and ask them to prepare the stock.

There won't be much change in the future, so he will only be busy for a while.

We finished work at noon, had lunch at the silk shop, and went to the steel mill in the afternoon.

I promised Dr. Liang something before and I can’t delay it any longer.

"Tuk-tuk!"

"Li Zhiguo, please come in, is there anything I can help you with?"

Director Yang is looking at the financial statements. The implementation of white flour tickets next month will have the greatest impact on large enterprises, such as the steel rolling mill, where so many workers have to eat white flour.

The smallest denomination is four jin. How can it be circulated?
Therefore, the factories had to print food coupons for their own use and let the workers exchange their flour coupons for factory food coupons, which could be used in the canteen.

“Yes, there is something. I have a new invention here and I need a long-term welder.

Our factory is in need of this type of worker. Although fitters can also weld, it is a waste of talent and also affects their livelihood.”

Li Zhiguo paused and said, "So, I want to find an apprentice who has basic knowledge of welding. This will not only save money but also not delay production. What do you think?"

Director Yang thought about it for a while and then asked, "Can your invention compare to the high-end razors you have invented before? Can it also generate foreign exchange?"

"Of course, this invention is better than the previous ones. Otherwise, would I need a long-term assistant apprentice? It's just that my idea is not clear enough and needs repeated trial and error."

Li Zhiguo actually hadn't thought of anything, but when the inspiration came to him it was like diabetes insipidus, and he would just spend a few minutes thinking about it when he had time.

"Li Zhiguo, your request is fine. I'll have the branch find a welder to transfer to you."

Director Yang made the decision immediately. Compared with the impact of Li Zhiguo's invention, a position was nothing and the meat would rot in the pot.

"Director Yang, let's recruit this welder from outside.

If I transfer one over and I can't use it easily, it will be troublesome.

Recruit directly from outside, I will choose one based on personal situation and information.

If it doesn’t work for you, just quit and find another one.”

What Li Zhiguo wanted was to recruit Liang Ladi into the factory, so he had to find a ridiculous reason.

"That's it!"

Director Yang suddenly understood, you just want the factory to give away a job.

"Li Zhiguo, can you tell me more about this invention?"

"Well, it's a larger one. It will be ready before the end of the year. I'll make some small inventions in the meantime, so it won't delay us."

What can he say? He has no inspiration at all and he doesn’t even have a cell phone to look up information.

"Okay, then I'll do as you say."

Director Yang thought, as long as there was a small invention, it would not be a loss. A strange welding position was just a small problem.

"Director, can you send out the job opening notice today? We can just recruit tomorrow."

Li Zhiguo was also worried that there would be too many people signing up and it would be difficult to handle.

Director Yang immediately said: "There is no need to recruit a large number of workers for just one position.

I think we should ask the workshop director to notify each workshop to see if anyone has relatives or friends who want to sign up.

Do you have any other requests? You can ask now."

"Simple! Under 25 years old, with basic welding skills, regardless of gender or household registration, only apprentices are recruited, that's all.

In the end, I will choose the one to be used based on the information filled in.

Director Yang, you have really helped me a lot. By the way, I can get my flour coupons at the factory. I will get double the coupons with my wife."

Li Zhiguo calculated that even if the purchase of staple food was restricted, according to the standard of fitters in a steel rolling mill, the monthly ration was 36 kilograms, and he took double the amount, which was 72 kilograms.

In addition, Xiao Guanxiang also has a certain ration, which is no less than 80 kilograms per month, which means a daily ration of 2.7 jin. There are five people in the family, three adults and two children, so it is enough for them to eat.

If it's not enough, there are still the deaf old lady's unused food coupons, he mentioned it at the beginning.

At this time, Director Yang nodded and said, "No problem. I will ask the workshop director to come to the meeting in half an hour and pass this matter on."

"Thank you, I have something else to do, so I'll leave first."

Li Zhiguo followed him out of the factory and went to the Workers' Hospital, which was the designated hospital of the steel rolling mill and he was not allowed to run around randomly.

"Tuk-tuk!"

"Doctor Liang is busy."

He found the office and knocked on the door.

"Li Zhiguo, do you have any news?"

Doctor Liang has been waiting for a while. It was originally agreed that it would take seven days, but this matter is quite troublesome, so she didn't rush.

Because even if she originally wanted to arrange for her niece to work in a small factory in the suburbs, it would not be that easy, as it would depend on whether there were vacancies.

"Fortunately, I have accomplished my mission. I just came from the factory director's place.

The recruitment information should have been passed on by now, and there are probably notices posted at the factory gate.

By the way, Liang Ladi should have enough time to sign up tomorrow. I asked the factory manager to only keep one day to avoid too many people signing up and causing a mess."

He suddenly remembered this. Transportation is not convenient nowadays and communication basically relies on shouting.

"She is here. She didn't go back the last time she came. She is now doing odd jobs in a tailor shop and living in my house."

Doctor Liang heard what Li Zhiguo said about special recruitment last time. Now he thinks it is inhumane. But this is finding a job for his niece, so that is another matter.

"Well, tomorrow is Tuesday, and Dr. Liang is on vacation. When you miss the work schedule, you can take Liang Ladi to the steel mill to sign up.

Just mention my name to the security guard and say that you helped my wife deliver her baby. I know the security guard well. "

When Li Zhiguo said this, Dr. Liang was stunned again. It's okay that you are familiar with the factory director, but how come you are also familiar with the security guard?
"Li Zhiguo, thank you. I will take Ladi to register tomorrow morning."

“Okay, I’ll find time to go to the factory the day after tomorrow and arrange a position for her.

Well, it's almost time, I have to go back and collect my clothes, I'm leaving first."

He is really busy. After a busy day, he has to go back and rest.

……

At the hospital, Dr. Liang saw that there was nothing to worry about and there were no pregnant women today, so he said goodbye and left early.

When I arrived at the tailor shop, I saw my niece operating a sewing machine.

"Lady!"

"Second aunt, why are you here?"

Liang Ladi was surprised. This was not the right time. They could meet when they got home.

"You come out first."

After the people came out, Dr. Liang said, "There's news from Li Zhiguo. The steel mill is recruiting welder apprentices. A notice will be posted at the factory gate today. Registration will start tomorrow. It's only for one day. Don't miss the opportunity."

"Second aunt, this is great."

Liang Ladi was pleasantly surprised, but immediately became worried, "Second Aunt, can I be selected with this condition?"

"It should be fine. Li Zhiguo said it with great confidence."

Dr. Liang was still relieved, especially from Li Zhiguo's tone, which did not sound fake.

"Second Aunt, where is the steel mill? I want to go to the factory gate to see if there is a notice. What does it say?"

Liang Ladi was so excited that she was afraid she wouldn't be able to sleep all night if she didn't go and take a look.

"Okay, I'll take you there."

Dr. Liang had a bicycle, so he took his niece to the gate of the steel mill. Coincidentally, he saw the security guard posting notices.

"Second aunt, it's true. It says here that the steel mill is looking for a welder apprentice, under 25 years old, with basic welding skills, regardless of whether one was born in the city or the countryside." "Hey, what do you do?"

The security guard felt something was wrong. He had just posted the notice, so why did someone come over to take a look?

"Uncle, we are here to see the job openings."

Doctor Liang thought of what Li Zhiguo had said and said, "I am an obstetrician at the Workers' Hospital. I just delivered a baby for Li Zhiguo's wife a while ago."

"Oh, you're talking about Li Zhiguo, we're pretty familiar with each other.

This little girl next to you wants to sign up, right? Come tomorrow at 8:30 and I’ll take her to the building.”

The security guard's attitude changed immediately, and that afternoon Li Zhiguo stuffed him half a pack of cigarettes.

"Thank you, sir."

Doctor Liang thought, this is not a lie, she couldn't help but ask: "Uncle, what does Li Zhiguo do in the factory?"

"He was on standby, not doing anything."

I don’t know how to introduce him. That guy is a bad guy, but I have a good relationship with him.

"He's really on standby!"

Doctor Liang was numb, and Liang Ladi next to him was also numb. How could a person on standby have such great power?

"Really, it's almost been a year since I took a break."

The security guard thought to himself, time flies so fast, the security guard is permanent but the workers come and go.

……

"Oh, you're late today."

Yan Bugui was wiping the fishing rod in the front yard. Since it was not used normally, he had to take good care of it, as this rod had performed great services.

"Don't even mention it. I was playing chess at Beixinqiao and I lost, so they stopped me from leaving.

"Who is better at chess, you or the second uncle? Please help me get revenge someday."

Li Zhiguo complained bitterly and decided to ask for foreign aid.

Yan Bugui said hurriedly: "It must be me. Your second uncle is a bad chess player. I always let him win."

"Well, find a time, take me over on your bike and help me play chess."

Li Zhiguo didn't know Yan Bugui's level, but he must be good at calculating, unlike an honest man like him, who generally doesn't have good chess skills.

"That's good. I'm always free after class."

Yan Bugui thought that if he helped the bad boy regain his face, he might get some benefits.

"It's settled then."

He was about to leave after he finished speaking, but was stopped unexpectedly.

"Li Zhiguo, I heard that the steel mill is looking for a welder apprentice, and Jia Dongxu has decided to sign up tomorrow.

Maybe he can go back to work in the factory. He is currently receiving intensive training at Lao Yi's house."

Yan Bugui mentioned it, he also couldn't figure out the bad boy's attitude towards Jia Dongxu, but he told Zhihu that there was nothing wrong.

"What, my brother Dongxu wants to sign up?"

Li Zhiguo was not surprised, because this was also a test for the Dongxu brothers. Otherwise, why would the recruitment age be set at 25? It could have been just 18 years old.

Last time when he was asked to raise chickens, he really didn't expect that Brother Dongxu would raise them so well and didn't roast the chickens.

"Uncle San, I'm not going to talk to you anymore. I'll go take a look."

He then went to the central courtyard and passed by Yi Zhonghai's house. He happened to see Dongxu inside, humbly accepting instruction.

"Li Zhiguo, you're back."

Jia Dongxu's eyes lit up, thinking maybe he could help.

"What's the matter? I haven't eaten yet."

Li Zhiguo wanted to leave, but it was already past dinner time and it would be inconvenient for him to go out to a restaurant alone.

Jia Dongxu ran out of the house and said, "The steel mill is looking for a welder apprentice. I will definitely be selected and become a formal worker. Then my family will have two working people."

"That's great! Then you should learn from the uncle. I wish you success in the election."

Li Zhiguo slipped away, and suddenly I felt that I shouldn't give the Dongxu brothers any hope, but it was also to inspire others' fighting spirit and learn more technology. This was a good thing to do.

"Son-in-law, you're back! We're waiting for you to have dinner."

Qin's mother came over and helped carry the bicycle.

"Brother-in-law!"

Xiao Jingru also ran out.

In the room, Qin Huairu was holding her child, waiting for her husband to come home late.

"No, why are you waiting for me? Let's eat when it's time.

I've been very busy lately, so I might have to eat dinner out."

Li Zhiguo quickly washed his hands and went into the house, hugged Xiao Guanxiang, and it was time for dinner.

"Mom, don't wait for me next time. Eat early. Don't be hungry."

"Just wait a while, you won't be hungry."

Mother Qin was happy. Look, her son-in-law is really caring.

However, she immediately remembered something, "Son-in-law, I heard that flour coupons will be used next month. Mom and Jingru are farmers. Can we get coupons?"

"Mom, you and Jingru don't have tickets. Only those who have jobs and city households have face-to-face tickets.

Mom, don't worry about this. Huairu and I are both working, and with Xiao Guanxiang's ration, it's enough for the whole family.

Besides, our family has saved more than 200 kilograms of flour and over 100 kilograms of rice.

In addition, I have subsidies for living in Qianmen Street, so my family will not be short of food. I just need to buy some cornmeal and other coarse grains later."

This is also a helpless move. Even if you don’t eat corn flour, you have to buy it.

"Coarse grains are good, and they can be eaten together. We can't eat fine grains every time at home. If I tell others about it, no one will believe it."

Qin's mother was relieved. In her son-in-law's family, there were both fine grains and coarse grains. In the past, in the village, there were both coarse grains and fine grains. Now, they were living a life of luxury.

They had dinner while chatting. Li Zhiguo drank half a cup of wine and then sent his wife back to the inner room to continue her confinement. She couldn't be exposed to the wind.

He went outside to smoke a cigarette, then washed up and had a rest. He was tired after a long day and didn't want to take a walk.

"Da Mao, I'm busy."

"It's not busy. It's just dishes for two people. It's a simple thing."

When Xu Damao saw someone coming out, he couldn't continue washing the dishes, so he simply took the initiative to go over and have a chat.

"Li Zhiguo, the white flour ticket has been issued. We will go to the street office to register tomorrow."

"I heard about it this morning, Damao. Your family also eats fine grains every day. Hard times are coming."

Li Zhiguo joked that, to be honest, he and Xu Damao's family had the best life in the compound.

He can live off his parents, and so can Xu Damao and Tang Chunyan, so they have become upper-class residents.

"Why is it so hard? Isn't this how life is?"

Xu Damao didn't care. Seeing that there was no one around, he suddenly whispered, "Li Zhiguo, I heard that you have a good relationship with the doctors in the hospital."

"Where did you hear that? It's okay, right?"

Li Zhiguo was stunned. Is there something else behind what Brother Damao said?

"It's Doctor Liang who delivered Sister Qin. He's the best doctor in the Workers' Hospital. I want Chunyan to check him out."

Xu Damao didn't finish what he said, but others definitely understood.

"No, you doubt Chunyan's infertility?"

Li Zhiguo, why the hell don't you doubt yourself?
"Hey, keep your voice down so Chunyan doesn't hear it.

I want Chunyan to check it out without her knowing, do you have any idea?
Please, brother, I beg you. You already have a son, and I gave you sixty eggs. "

Xu Damao can't handle Dr. Liang on his own and has no connection with him.

"Okay! Give me ten kilograms of flour after you get the flour ticket, and you can send ten yuan to my house. I will do it for you.

You can make up an excuse when the time comes. I will take Chunyan to see Doctor Liang. I am not bragging, but Doctor Liang is like my own sister, and we have a very good relationship. "

Li Zhiguo thought that maybe it would be better to let Damao realize the problem earlier, as a short pain is worse than a long one.

"Okay, I'll send the money tomorrow."

Although Xu Damao felt a little pain, it was nothing compared to the issue of having a son.

The key point is that no one else can do this except Li Zhiguo!
"Good morning, Dongxu!"

Early in the morning, Xu Damao pushed his bicycle and greeted his brothers like Li Zhiguo did to show off his reputation.

"Xu Damao, don't be so complacent. I can go back to the factory and work as a welder now."

Jia Dongxu was up again this morning and asked his mother to make breakfast for him. He didn't clean up the dishes or wash his clothes.

I think it’s better to be a worker so that I can have a status in the family.

Xu Damao asked, "Does Li Zhiguo know about this?"

"Yes, I told him yesterday and he blessed me."

(End of this chapter)