Transmigrated as Cannon Fodder — I Rise to Female Lead Through Hard Work-Chapter 180: Power Plant Recruitment

Bright Alley No. 6, the entire courtyard was filled with a delicious aroma. Feng Lishu was busy stir-frying minced scallions, ginger, and garlic. She planned to make scallion oil noodles for dinner, her specialty as a main dish.

With the noodles ready, there was no need to make too many side dishes. She used the oil to fry a dish of stuffed lotus root with cured meat, and another of stir-fried green beans, both perfect toppings for the noodles. Finally, she prepared a yam soup with smoked ribs, completing a sumptuous and tasty dinner.

Yi Roujing watched Feng Lishu in action, realizing how naive her earlier doubts were; Feng Lishu really knew her way around the kitchen.

As Yi Weiliang and the others gradually returned from work, Feng Lishu began to boil the noodles — the last thing you want is them turning mushy and unappetizing.

The whole group enjoyed the dinner tremendously, and Feng Lishu took the opportunity to ask about plans for going to the movies.

Ding Anmin and Xia Xingchen were tempted; now that they were earning salaries, a movie outing was definitely affordable.

"Sister-in-law," Ding Anmin looked at Yi Roujing with enthusiasm.

"You all go ahead; I need to visit my parents tomorrow."

"I’ll talk to Big Brother and Second Brother myself," Yi Weiliang chimed in, assuming Yi Roujing had heard about the apprentice interviews at the Transport Department next Monday. "You just enjoy the movie; I’ve got to head back."

"I went with Lishu to the power plant today and found out they’re also hiring electrical apprentices. I’m thinking one brother could go to the food factory and the other to the power plant," Yi Roujing explained.

"The power plant is hiring too?" Yi Weiliang responded excitedly.

"I asked around..."

Before Ding Ancheng could finish his sentence, Feng Lishu interjected, "Don’t worry about the power plant; I’ve talked to Mr. Yin about it."

"Lishu deserves much of the credit here, so Anmin, make sure you treat everyone well tomorrow. Lunch is on me; I’ll cover costs with money and tickets," Yi Roujing said with a smile.

It’s the first time Ding Anmin heard such words, but they were invigorating. He gave a playful salute, "I’ll guarantee the mission is completed."

"I’ll accompany you on your trip back," Ding Ancheng smiled at Yi Roujing.

"Sure," Yi Roujing nodded. "Third Brother, you should stay with Anmin and join them for the movie. It’s rare for your sister to treat you, so you and Anguo should be there to look out for the girls."

"Alright, got it," Yi Weiliang and Ding Anguo agreed.

Feng Lishu was secretly pleased on the side, giving Yi Roujing a thumbs-up.

"Let’s invite Xiaobao," Ding Anguo suggested, causing Ding Anmin to blush slightly.

Yi Roujing replied with a smile, "Anguo always thinks things through, Xiaobao is never empty-handed when he visits, so we’re due to treat him to a movie and some rich meals."

Feng Lishu wanted to stay over, and Ding Anmin agreed readily. The three young women were slim enough to comfortably share a bed, so Yi Roujing let them be. Before leaving with Ding Ancheng, she generously handed Ding Anmin three banknotes and some tickets, saying, "Spend wisely."

"Sister-in-law is amazing," Ding Anmin accepted them with both hands, and gave another salute.

Early the next morning, Yi Roujing and Ding Ancheng took the morning bus to Tongxian Commune, bringing clothes and food. Planning to stay the night at the Dingping Production Team before returning, it had been too long since their last visit.

Upon reaching the commune, they walked an hour to Wan Tang Production Team, where visible joy filled the air. It seemed this year’s harvest would be good; the golden fields were full of people examining the plumpness of the rice grains. The conversations among villagers they passed were all about the yields.

"Little sister-in-law and brother-in-law are here—"

Yi Roujing and Ding Ancheng heard the fervent calls along the way, and their sister-in-law, Weng Hefeng, was waving and jogging towards them. "I’m heading back too, to cook for you. Mom will be so happy hearing you’ve come."

"I’m heading back too," Pan Kexia was working alongside Weng Hefeng. Though her expression wasn’t as bright as Weng Hefeng, once the call was made, she realized the visit must involve the Transport Department apprentices, and she couldn’t be left behind.

"Little sister-in-law, brother-in-law, those bags must be heavy. I usually handle such tasks, let me help you carry them."

Yi Roujing was naturally empty-handed; Ding Ancheng was the one holding the things. Pan Kexia insisted on grabbing them from him, and not wanting to make a scene, he obliged.

"Thanks, Second Sister-in-law," Ding Ancheng said.

"Smooth talker," Weng Hefeng muttered under her breath, but close enough for everyone to hear, prompting Pan Kexia to glare and huff past her, trying to hurry back.

Unwilling to lag behind, Weng Hefeng quickened her pace, the two jostling side by side, which amused Yi Roujing from the rear.

Once home, Liu Huilan was delighted, immediately serving them a bowl of mung bean soup for refreshment, and brought out a fan for them.

Weng Hefeng fetched water, while Pan Kexia produced soap she had purchased for them to use, "City folks must use this, it washes hands more thoroughly, here you go."

Such hospitality was overwhelming, prompting Yi Roujing to reveal their purpose directly without waiting for everyone else.

"The food factory’s Transport Department has interviews next Monday, so make sure..."

"Absolutely send your eldest brother (second brother)," Weng Hefeng and Pan Kexia chimed in loudly.

"Given there’s only one position, let’s just send one person," Yi Roujing said. "Yesterday I found out the power plant is hiring electrical apprentices too, so why not send the other person there? What do you think, Sister-in-law, Second Sister-in-law?"

"The power plant is hiring too?" Weng Hefeng exclaimed. "That’s a great opportunity. Being an electrical apprentice is excellent; once they acquire skills, they can become electricians. Maybe one day Wan Tang Production Team could have electricity like the city, and it would be our family pulling the wires."

"Little sister-in-law, be honest with us, are both apprenticeships feasible?" Pan Kexia asked gleefully.

"Barring unexpected issues." To everyone present, Yi Roujing’s words sounded almost like a promise.

"Oh my, this is wonderful, both can become apprentices, truly fantastic," Weng Hefeng was elated.

"Which side are you picking, Sister-in-law?" Pan Kexia asked.

"Why ask me? It’s a man’s business, they’re the ones going to work so let them choose; what do we know?" Weng Hefeng rolled her eyes.

"Little sister-in-law, about our Junfeng’s schooling..."

Pan Kexia’s words were cut off by Weng Hefeng, "I say, do you know the meaning of gratitude?"

"You leave your husband’s job to your little sister-in-law, and even your son’s schooling, then what kind of mother are you? Are you not responsible for anything?" Weng Hefeng fumed. "You need to handle it yourself if you’re capable."

"Little sister-in-law, I’m telling you now, our two kids won’t bother you. Whatever they achieve is up to their own abilities; didn’t brother-in-law study at the commune? It’s all about personal capability. I’m already content if my husband can have a job," Weng Hefeng said, casting an eye at Pan Kexia.