C9 Entering the Factory to Work

Qian Duojing couldn't shake the feeling that Xue Zhengqing might return. His demeanor suggested that agreeing to a divorce wouldn't come easily to him. She suspected he considered the divorce talk mere angry words. Given the original owner's disposition and approach to life, who would think she'd willingly let go of such an eligible bachelor?

During her last trip to the city, Qian Duojing had inquired about jobs, but once people learned she was married and counted as a city resident, they all requested proof. Unfortunately, the marriage certificate wasn't in her possession; it had been taken to show to Old Master Xue for his peace of mind immediately after it was issued.

Securing a job was a challenge, as most factories were state-owned and required a guarantor. Without connections and unfamiliar with city folks, it was tough for her to find work. Despite her education in modern times, Qian Duojing lacked any documentation to prove it. Claiming to be a college graduate might lead others to think she was a delusional educated youth who had fled the countryside.

After much effort, Qian Duojing landed a job at a private textile factory, which provided a dormitory and meals. The pay wasn't great, but her youth and work ethic were enough.

The hiring auntie, upon learning that Qian Duojing was unmarried and on her own, and seeing her good looks, assumed she was a village girl seeking her fortune in the city and agreed to hire her.

Qian Duojing packed her belongings under the cover of night, slipping away early the next morning without a word to Daniu or Xue Zhengqing. Her feet blistered from the long walk, she endured the pain and reached the city's textile factory by day's end, where she gradually found her footing.

After a week at the factory, Qian Duojing's beauty and competence didn't go unnoticed. Being young and claiming to be unmarried certainly drew extra glances, especially from Wu Guang, the factory owner's son, who was always close by. He'd bring her breakfast with an extra egg or two, or the latest snacks.

Qian Duojing felt it wasn't her place to comment on her treatment at work.

Then one day, Wu Guang offered to take her to the movies. Qian Duojing finally spoke up, "Wu Guang, please don't be so kind to me. Take these movie tickets and ask someone else to join you."

Upon hearing her words, Wu Guang's anxiety flared. "Duojing, what are you implying? What have I done wrong? There's nothing between Xiao Fang and me. She's the one with the crush; I like you."

As Wu Guang stepped forward, Qian Duojing instinctively stepped back.

"Can't you tell how I feel after how well I've treated you these past few days? I've liked you since the day you started working at the factory, Duojing."

Qian Duojing shook her head. "But I really don't feel the same way about you, no matter how nice you are to me."

"Let's spend more time together. It's only been a few days; you might not trust my intentions yet, but I truly like you. If we keep seeing each other, you'll start to feel the same," he insisted.

Qian Duojing firmly rejected him. "Even if we spend more time together, I won't develop feelings for you. We're just not compatible."

Wu Guang approached her, gripping her shoulders tightly, and demanded fiercely, "What are you trying to say, Qian Duojing? You don't fancy me, is that it?"

Qian Duojing felt her shoulders being squeezed painfully and raised her voice, "What are you doing? Let me go!"

At the factory entrance, the workers, recognizing the boss's son, kept silent. However, a few spirited young men on the street heard the commotion and quickly intervened, pushing Wu Guang away.

"Hey! Let her go! What kind of thug are you, accosting a woman in the middle of the street?"

Finally free from Wu Guang's grip, Qian Duojing watched as he was pulled away by the spirited youths and stumbled, landing on his backside. Muffled laughter could be heard from some onlookers peeking from the factory.

Wu Guang, eyes burning with anger, picked himself up from the ground and spat out venomously, "You'll regret this, you bitch!"