CHAPTER 103: CHAPTER 103: EVERYTHING GATHERED TOGETHER

Especially for the paper mill, they initially thought the gift box packaging they produced was just a bonus. Unexpectedly, there was actually a spot for Lin Xiang in the foreign exchange orders.

So, upon learning that Lin Xiang would return to school and retake sophomore year after the New Year, the mill director personally sent Lin Xiang a set of high school educational materials and a hundred books of various types of exercise books. Lin Xiang might not be able to finish using them even by the time she gets into college.

"Director Yang, you are really too kind, but I don’t need so many exercise books."

"No worries, you can share them with your classmates if you can’t use them all." Director Yang couldn’t suppress his smile, "If you ever need any materials or run out of exercise books, feel free to come to the paper mill and find me, I can provide them for you."

"Thank you, Director Yang."

Just as Director Yang finished speaking, Director Zhao from the food factory called Lin Xiang over and handed her a sealed kraft envelope.

"Comrade Lin, this is a reward from our food factory. From now on, if you want any snacks, you don’t have to go to the supply and marketing cooperative; just come to the food factory. I’ll give you anything you want to eat, don’t hesitate!"

Lin Xiang’s face was stiff from smiling, mechanically thanking Director Zhao.

She couldn’t help but reflect that although she initially planned to rely on gourmet food to live better in the seventies, she might have taken the wrong path, but the result was better than she had imagined.

After several directors took turns expressing their gratitude, Lin Xiang went to the state-owned restaurant.

It happened to be mealtime, and the restaurant was very busy, with not a single empty seat available.

Lin Xiang was in no hurry, waiting outside for a while until the peak dining period passed, before going into the kitchen to find Chef Shen.

Chef Shen was sitting on a stool drinking water and resting. When he saw Lin Xiang, he pointed to a bag in the corner of the cutting board.

"I gathered all the things you wanted, they’re all here."

Lin Xiang opened the bag to check, and indeed everything on the list was prepared, indicating how much effort Chef Shen had put in.

"Brother Shen, thank you." Lin Xiang expressed her sincere gratitude.

Chef Shen waved his hand, "No need to thank me, I often go to the market to buy ingredients, and I know where to get the spices, though they’re a bit pricey but complete. If you run out, come to the state-owned restaurant to find me, and I’ll buy them for you."

As he spoke, Chef Shen pulled out a few coins and handed them to Lin Xiang, "This is the change from buying spices, keep it."

Lin Xiang didn’t refuse, after pocketing the money, she divided twenty exercise books and a big bag of milk candy for Chef Shen, "These were given to me by the directors of the paper mill and the food factory, and I can’t use all of them. Brother Shen, take them home for the kids."

Chef Shen took a look at Lin Xiang.

His kids were about the same age as Lin Xiang, but from her tone, why did she sound like an elder?

"By the way, Lin Xiang, do you really not plan to sell spicy noodles at the state-owned restaurant? I can apply for some subsidies for you from the higher-ups."

When Lin Xiang cooked spicy noodles for foreigners at the state-owned restaurant, many customers inquired, but Lin Xiang didn’t intend to sell them. Chef Shen couldn’t make the decision for her and had to decline politely.

But thinking about it, it felt like a missed opportunity.

While at home, Chef Shen also tried making spicy noodles.

The taste was not bad, but no matter eating or smelling it, it was a little bit off compared to Lin Xiang’s.

He followed Lin Xiang’s steps exactly when cooking the soup base; what went wrong?

Lin Xiang didn’t outright refuse, "Maybe a little later, if there’s a demand, I’ll talk to Brother Shen."

Lin Xiang pointed to the pile of big leg bones in the corner, "Brother Shen, can I have one of those bones?"

Chef Shen made a grand gesture, "Take as many as you like, we have them every day."

Lin Xiang didn’t hesitate, she took three bones, packed them up, said goodbye to Chef Shen, and headed home.

Passing the meat company, she used the meat tickets Director Chen gave her to buy two pounds of pork, planning to improve Mrs. Lin’s meal tonight.

Since she was coming home early today, she didn’t trouble the Township Party Secretary’s driver to take her home.

Just as she reached the village entrance, Secretary Hu called out to her.

"Comrade Lin, the director said the factory has some leftover defective cloth, this design is one you haven’t gotten before. It’s perfect for making winter jackets. He asked me to bring a few pieces for you. I was going to find you at Li Hua Team, but I bumped into you here. Get in the car, we’ll give you a ride home."

Lin Xiang was quite surprised.

Director Chen, such a busy person, actually took the time to worry about giving her fabric?

But Secretary Hu’s face was full of sincerity, so she could only believe him.

The car stopped at the village entrance as usual. Lin Xiang originally intended to carry the fabric back herself, but Secretary Hu had already gotten off the car and unloaded a factory-specialized trailer from the trunk, placing the fabric on it.

Lin Xiang didn’t expect the "few pieces of fabric" Secretary Hu mentioned turned out to be more than ten.

Moreover, this time the fabric was clearly carefully chosen. Besides the designs, there were specific fabrics for making autumn wear.

Lin Xiang thought about the set she was wearing, which she secretly bought at the supply and marketing cooperative after earning money from selling work items, costing her twelve yuan!

With these pieces of fabric, she could make autumn wear for herself, Mrs. Lin, and Lin Yun, two sets each and have some to change.

"Thank you, Secretary Hu, I’ll use the trailer to bring it home first, then I’ll return the trailer, is that okay?"

Secretary Hu avoided Lin Xiang’s outstretched hand and tightly gripped the handle himself, "The trailer is very heavy, and the road is uneven, it’s difficult for you to pull. I’ll help you take it home."

Lin Xiang walked ahead, leading the way for Secretary Hu.

"I know the way." Secretary Hu said, "Last time when you were wrongly accused by the villagers, I came when the leaders came to support you."

"Oh." Lin Xiang nodded, glancing sideways at Secretary Hu twice.

She wasn’t the kind of naive girl, although she was single in the latter years, not having eaten pork didn’t mean she hadn’t seen a pig run.

Secretary Hu suddenly appeared several times bringing her food, and today offered to take her home, which was indeed a bit unusual.

But she wasn’t the self-absorbed type to straightforwardly ask, Secretary Hu, are you interested in me?

Just as Lin Xiang was pondering how to handle the situation, a few aunts in the village gathered around.

"Girl, why did you get so much fabric again?"

"Who’s this young man? He’s pretty fair-looking."

"Girl, your aunt is always bragging about how her Fangfang found a partner from the city, and that while you seem impressive, you won’t be able to marry. But in my opinion, your boyfriend looks much better than Fangfang’s!"