I Became a Vicious Supporting Role in the '70s-Chapter 245: Can Return to Shangjing Now

Shen Meng’s threats seemed fierce, but she wasn’t afraid at all. Starting today, the Xiangyang Head Flower Factory was firmly in her grasp.

Xie Jinghao was extremely excited; she was genuinely happy for Shen Meng. All the past frustrations could finally be vehemently released.

The two sisters-in-law promoted all the capable and earnest workers to group leaders, while those with poor skills or who idled away their time were all designated as temporary workers.

Among them were some who had caused trouble with Shen Meng, but their craftsmanship was excellent, so they were assigned as permanent workers. Although Xie Jinghao felt slightly uncomfortable about this, their needlework was genuinely outstanding. It was a time to utilize talents, and some matters could be set aside.

"Besides group leaders, let Sister-in-law Guihua and Aunt Tian be supervisors. They won’t have to do any labor; instead, they will patrol daily to inspect the workers’ enthusiasm and craftsmanship. Any shirking or perfunctory work will be punished according to the rules. Also, in recruitment, we just consider skills, not age. Some older ladies have even better skills than the younger ones. Although they work slowly, the quality of their work is guaranteed. Jinghao, your role is very important, you must be fully spirited in your duties."

"Okay, Sister-in-law, I will do my best, but I think Sister-in-law Xiao Mei’s skills are truly top-notch. It would be great if she were here."

Shen Meng thought so too. Her sister-in-law was not a fan of going out, and her needlework was incredibly exquisite. However, her pregnancy was already advanced, and commuting was obviously not practical. Furthermore, with the Shenji side setting up a grocery factory workshop, she could work from home and conveniently return when needed without getting too tired.

"She’s about to give birth; let’s consider it later. It’s really inconvenient for her to always come to our village."

"That’s true, then Sister-in-law, I’ll get busy first, I’m taking Ni home."

Shen Meng nodded. Inside the house, Ni was still sleeping, surrounded by her older brother and sister watching her, yet Yong Qiang’s hand was a bit mischievous, occasionally touching Ni while telling his siblings that he was afraid their younger sister couldn’t breathe.

After Xie Jinghao took everyone away, Shen Meng snuggled with Ming Kai on the kang to nap. At this time, Lu Zhenping entered the room, saw the woman on the Kang looking tired, and turned to leave.

It was in the late afternoon when Shen Meng finally woke up. Ming Kai was no longer by her side, and nobody outside seemed to be looking for her. After washing up, she sat in the front room waiting, and after a while, Lu Zhenping came over with a bowl.

"Stop waiting, the village chief and others came by several times, and I sent them all away, saying you were busy. Some small matters can just be resolved by a little thought, they used to think comprehensively before, but now they come to you for every big or small issue. If this goes on, they’ll become mentally rusty."

"Hehehe, what is this?"

"Mutton soup, I made it for you. Drink it to nourish your body. I understand some issues of the Head Flower Factory and told them accordingly. For those I don’t understand, you can handle them later. While work is important, you need to take care of your health too."

Shen Meng took a sip from the bowl, which warmed her stomach and felt very comforting, although she didn’t really agree with Lu Zhenping’s words.

"If you want me to take care of my health, just give me less trouble."

"Cough cough cough... Harmonious relations between husband and wife are also a crucial factor in promoting your health. It’s indispensable."

"A lot of twisted reasoning."

Shen Meng chuckled lightly, continuing to sip her mutton soup. After a while, the courtyard door was abruptly knocked, and Ah Man’s voice came through the door into the main room.

"Uncle, Aunt, it’s Ah Man, I’ve come to see you about something. Uncle, are you home?"

"Hurry up and let Ah Man come in; he can come to our house in broad daylight, so there must be news about their return to the city." Although Shen Meng said this, she probably already had an idea, as described in the book, not long after the New Year, Ah Man was taken back to Shangjing. According to the timing, it was about this time now.

Lu Zhenping led Ah Man into the yard, instructed him to sit directly in the main room, then went to the kitchen, fetched a clay pot full of lamb soup, and scooped quite a lot of lamb into it, also taking a bowl to serve Ah Man some soup.

"Why’d you come over now? And why are you dressed so thinly? It’s going to be cold in the evening, it looks like a big wind is coming up."

"I came over in a rush because there’s something I wanted to discuss with Uncle Lu and Aunt," Ah Man said, his tone conveying a hint of nervous excitement despite claiming he didn’t feel cold.

Ah Man chuckled, trying to hide the nervousness about what he was about to disclose.

"Have some hot soup first. You came just at the right time; I had just finished making soup for your Aunt. Lamb soup is good for the health. I’ve put some more in this clay pot, and I’ll send some with you for your grandfather when you leave."

Lu Zhenping reached out to rub Ah Man’s reddened eyes. The boy was only seventeen, and thankfully hadn’t strayed, his gaze still clear and pure, which was truly exceptional.

"Thank you, Uncle Lu, thank you, Aunt."

"Why be so polite with us? How is your grandfather doing? I haven’t seen him for a while. Although it’s already spring, mornings and evenings are still quite chilly, he really needs to take care."

Ah Man gulped down his lamb soup, feeling his whole body relax.

"Mm, Aunt, my grandfather is in good health. Uncle Lu often sends Doctor Lu to check on him. Our rationed food for this year wasn’t plundered, and the extra you secretly sent over, I’ve hidden away. We have enough to eat; it’s much better than before."

"That’s good to hear. If you ever run into trouble, come find me anytime. If I’m not home, just talk to Mingyang. If it’s urgent, go find your third uncle and third aunt; they will help."

Ah Man nodded, then continued, "Uncle Lu, Aunt, I—I received a letter. Shangjing has news about rehabilitating my grandfather’s reputation. It won’t be long now; I will be able to return to Shangjing."

A look of joy appeared on Shen Meng’s face. Indeed, it was this matter that Ah Man came to talk about. News from Shangjing meant there was already concrete news. It wouldn’t be long before a special envoy would come to fetch them both.

Ah Man’s grandfather was once a highly respected researcher but was demoted to Lu Family Village due to others’ jealousy. These years had truly brought much suffering.

"This is good news, congratulations, Ah Man. You can finally escape from your hardships. When you and your uncle leave, I’ll make new clothes for both of you and wrap up a pot of dumplings to see you off as you board the vehicle, alright?"

Tears streamed down Ah Man’s face as he stared at Lu Zhenping and Shen Meng, sobbing out loud.

"Uncle Lu, Aunt, I don’t want to leave you all. I don’t want to go."

"What silly things are you saying, child? You and your uncle have suffered so much in Lu Family Village, and now you finally can return to Shangjing. You should not think like that. Look at Mingyang and the others; they’re still in school. Later, when they pass the exams to go to Shangjing, your Aunt and I are counting on you to look after them a bit!"

Ah Man wiped his tears and gave Lu Zhenping and Shen Meng a firm nod, promising to himself that once he returned to Shangjing, he would work hard to ensure he could provide for Mingyang and his younger brothers when they came to Shangjing.