Chapter 49: Popular

Rolling Mill

Halfway there, Cao Weiguo parted ways with Xu Damao and rode his bike toward the nearby supply and marketing cooperative.

He bought a box of Great Front Gate cigarettes with a show of pretense, rode into an alley, and when he emerged, his bike was loaded with a large bag of candies.

He brought the candies into the factory and grabbed a handful for everyone he met.

The coworkers who received the candy beamed with joy and happily offered a few kind words.

After entering the kitchen, he gave everyone a large handful of fruit hard candies.

Every handful Cao Weiguo grabbed contained at least twenty-some pieces.

These twenty-some pieces of candy were not a sign of stinginess, but of genuine generosity.

A single piece of candy cost at least one cent at its cheapest, enough to trade for several steamed buns; it was a luxury people only dared to eat during the New Year to satisfy their cravings.

Cao Weiguo had handed out candy when he bought his bike, and again when he became a director; he had truly sweetened the mouths of these people.

With every handful of candy he gave out, Cao Weiguo harvested a great deal of goodwill.

After finishing the distribution, Cao Weiguo began to direct the work.

The kitchen soon became a scene of bustling activity, with the sounds of washing and chopping vegetables constant.

"Director Cao, Engineer Shen from the Third Workshop is looking for you."

A kitchen helper carried some vegetables into the kitchen and called out cheerfully.

Since the start of the workday, the stream of people looking for Cao Weiguo had never ceased.

Without exception, these people were all here to introduce a match to Cao Weiguo.

One after another, these visits made the bachelors in the canteen green with envy.

Shazhu, who had just received a round of criticism, wore a mournful face.

Hearing about his coworker Cao Weiguo's affairs made him feel even more jealous and uncomfortable.

He was nearly thirty and still single; even matchmakers were unwilling to visit his door.

Cao Weiguo was in his early twenties, and the people lining up to introduce him to matches were numerous.

Qin Huairu heard the coworkers' discussion and couldn't help but let her own little thoughts stir.

She had a cousin who was young and pretty, just right to introduce to Cao Weiguo.

If Cao Weiguo could become a couple with her cousin, wouldn't he be able to help her family in the future?

Sihe Academy

Cao Weiguo pushed his bicycle into the courtyard with a roasted chicken hanging from the handlebars.

"Weiguo, you actually splurged on a roasted chicken!"

"This roasted chicken is really plump."

"Where did you buy that roasted chicken? I could smell the fragrance from far away."

The neighbors looked at the roasted chicken with glowing eyes, their mouths watering with greed.

The Third Uncle rubbed his hands and leaned in: "Weiguo, come eat at my place tonight; I have a bottle of fine wine I've been saving."

Cao Weiguo laughed: "Third Uncle, let's do it another day; I already made plans with Brother Xu this morning."

The Third Uncle asked: "Is Xu Damao treating you to dinner again?"

Banggeng saw the roasted chicken and shouted greedily: "Grandma, I want to eat roasted chicken!" ===== CHAPTER 51 =====