Chapter 133: Yan Fu Gui's Cajoling of Yan Jie Cheng

Yan Jie Cheng felt suddenly enlightened after Yan Fu Gui's advice.

He couldn't find a job, and neither could anyone else; compared to their home, their compound not only had good conditions and was spacious, but they also ran a family farm, installed flush toilets, and enjoyed cadre benefits.

Compared to others, their competitive advantage was huge.

"Dad, since we have such a big advantage, you ought to find me a pretty girl."

"Look at Lou Xiao'e and Liu Shumin—each one is a beauty."

"If I don't find a pretty one, how can I hold my head up in front of them?"

Yan Fu Gui sighed.

"Getting you a house is meant to get you married."

"I originally wanted to pull some strings to get you a job, then find someone who also works, so our family would have three wage earners."

"Then our life could see a great improvement."

"Who knows if the plan will fall behind changes; finding work might be difficult."

"Forget it, let's get married first and talk later; waiting is pointless—who knows when things will improve, maybe not until the Year of the Monkey and the Horse Month."

"Since the times are tough, maybe we can get a better deal."

"I'll not only find you a pretty girl, but also help you find one with good education, giving us an edge in job assignments so we can become a three‑earner family as soon as possible."

Yan Jie Cheng grew excited at the words, not expecting such good fortune.

"Exactly, exactly, Dad, you're right—we need not just beauty, but a good figure and education too."

"Our compound is so good now, I don't know how many people would want to marry into it."

Yan Fu Gui nodded, agreeing with Yan Jie Cheng's view.

"No problem, I'll have your mother go see Wang Meipo shortly."

"And we should add a condition: we want a family with good conditions and a low bride price."

Yan Jie Fang's face stiffened—here we go again, he's starting to scheme.

"Other people's fathers look for the best; why does my father look for the cheap?"

"Haven't you heard that cheap means no good?"

"Are you really my father?"

"Dad, this isn't necessary—what decent family would let a good girl marry without asking for anything?"

"Dad, you can't find me someone with problems."

Yan Fu Gui gave him a sideways glance.

"In this matter you don't trust your parents, but we'll make sure everything is clear and aboveboard—good people and low cost."

"We'll have another mouth to feed; if we don't budget carefully, how will we get by?"

"If you're capable, take over the burden of supporting the family."

"Once your wife comes in, we'll be seven people, and I alone will earn the wage to feed them—one slip and we'll starve."

"With careful planning we won't end up poor in food or clothing; I, your father, managed to raise you on a teacher's modest salary by keeping my calculations clear and plain."

"You don't know the value of firewood and rice because you've never managed a household."

Yan Fu Gui said that, and Yan Jie Cheng had nothing more to say.

Who made him graduate just to hit a disastrous year; as things looked up and he was about to rise, he ran into the layoff wave.

Every misfortune befell him.

Yan Jie Cheng nodded resentfully; there was nothing he could do—if he couldn't earn money, he had no standing in the family.

Seeing the tone set, Yan Fu Gui also breathed a sigh of relief; he truly feared Yan Jie Cheng would kick up a fuss over this.

After all, Xu Damao and Sha Zhu set the bar high, so it's only natural for Yan Jie Fang to have expectations.

This matter still relies on my, Yan Fu Gui's, scheming skill—let's try to bring in a wife without spending money.

He also thought that with one more person, family life would be harder, and this gap needed to be filled.

He looked at Yan Jie Cheng and made a decision.

"Jiecheng, once you start a family, you must also bear the responsibility of supporting it."

"That way, you two will each month contribute ten yuan for food to the household—does that sound okay?"

"Whatever is left, you can save; I won't reach out for it."

All with an air of doing it for your own good.

Yan Jie Cheng instantly grew anxious—he does odd jobs, with no fixed amount; sometimes he might earn twenty-something, other times after a month of work he might only have a few yuan.

Especially in winter, when it's cold, there's even less work.

"Dad, you know my situation—aren't you making things difficult for me?"

Yan Fu Gui glared.

"Look at Gu Ning—he supports a family alone; is asking you to pay ten yuan a month really hard on you? Does Gu Ning even still survive?"

"Otherwise, just marry Gu Ning—you'll live your lives, and I won't ask you for any gift money."

"To have him marry a widow with a child—how could that work? Yan Jie Cheng shook his head wildly."

"No way, Dad, that's not okay."

"Even if I give, it's still not enough—I'll give."

Yan Jie Cheng wore a worried, bitter face; he truly feared Yan Fu Gui would match him with Gu Ning, and then how could he face people afterward?

"I'm a handsome young man; marrying someone older than me is bad enough, and she's a widow."

"Would he even still be alive?"

"Under the eaves one must bow his head; this fate Yan Jie Cheng accepts."

Yan Fu Gui nodded satisfied, and the conversation shifted.

Don't lose your temper either, Dad—I'll give you a money‑making way.

Yan Jie Fang looked curiously at Yan Fu Gui.

What way?

Yan Fu Gui said in a low voice.

From now on, follow Yang Qing—do whatever he does, and you're sure to make money.

Yan Jie Cheng didn't even think about it and just shook his head.

That won't work—if you don't look for odd jobs on the street for a long time, how will you arrange work later?

All these years of effort wouldn't go to waste, would they?

I'm currently ahead of the queue.

Yan Fu Gui said irritably.

Do you think it's still easy to arrange work now?

For the next two years, don't even think about it.

Making money is important; once you have money, keep sending gifts—even if you don't go, what's the problem?

Money can make ghosts turn a millstone—you idiot.

Yan Jie Cheng looked at Yan Fu Gui.

Dad, can we still do that?

Yan Fu Gui nodded.

Yan Jie Cheng said angrily.

Then why didn't you let me give gifts before?

Yan Fu Gui gave him a disgusted look.

You were doing fine before—why waste that unfair money? They still dare to oppose you, or what?

Besides, we don't have any money.

Yan Jie Cheng felt a surge of frustration.

I was wondering why my work arrangements were so slow—turns out there's this reason.

Hardworking folks can never beat cheaters.

Making money, making money—now Yan Jie Cheng wants to make money more than ever.

Once you make money, leave this home—it's too suffocating.

Scheming and calculating, they've even schemed about their children's futures.

He gritted his teeth.

Alright, I'll go find Yang Qing to partner up; I heard he sells centipedes and makes good money.

I'll also go catch centipedes.

Yan Fu Gui nodded in satisfaction.

Everything went as expected, easily handled.