QTIMP -Chapter 28 Character Persona – Greedy (Part 28)

“Because Xiao Qiu rendered meritorious service in that incident, our subdistrict office has been allocated six quotas. Oh right, the higher-ups also issued a reward. Xiao Qiu, come to my office later.”

Under normal circumstances, everyone would have eagerly asked what the reward was. But now, with those six quotas dangling in front of them, no one had the mind to care about anything else.

“Director, are there any specific requirements for the temporary workers?” Even Chen An, who was usually steady and reserved, stepped forward to ask.

The quotas provided by the subdistrict office didn’t require an exam—just register directly there. And with the subdistrict office’s endorsement, the chances of becoming permanent were much better than applying on one’s own.

So any family with someone of suitable age naturally felt hopeful.

“This time the requirements are fairly broad. As long as the applicant is male, in good health, and mentally sound. But once the houses are built, only a limited number will be kept on. They’ll definitely choose those with better qualifications. Think it over yourselves.”

Director Li had always been far-sighted.

Seeing the anticipation in everyone’s eyes, she didn’t drag it out. “We can’t manage this whole area too unfairly, so I’ve decided that two quotas will stay internal. The other four will go to the two residential courtyards that won the ‘Civilized Courtyard’ title last year—two quotas each. As I said before, the specific recipients will be decided based on their assessment results and study of official documents.”

Leaving aside the courtyards for the moment, just the two internal quotas were clearly not enough. There was bound to be competition. Director Li herself was excluded—she didn’t seem to need one.

The remaining few exchanged glances, all keeping silent—including Si Qiu.

Though she didn’t need it either. This “temporary worker” position was truly temporary. Once construction was completed, at least half would be sent back. Only a handful would remain.

But she was different. Director Li had already said that because of her contribution, there were four additional quotas. As long as she didn’t speak up, one of them would certainly fall to her.

She didn’t open her mouth to claim both internal spots—mainly because it would make future interactions at work awkward.

As for the rest, she wouldn’t interfere. But what was hers, she would definitely fight for. Otherwise, next time something like this happened, these people would automatically exclude her.

Just like Director Li.

Why should she? If she secured a better job quota and didn’t need it herself, she could even sell it for a sum of money.

So Si Qiu simply watched the show unfold.

Zhang Ying wore a troubled expression. “Sigh, you all know my situation. My brother-in-law’s whole family scrapes by working the fields. My husband and I are raising four children ourselves—it’s not easy.”

“Oh please, whose life is easy?” Zhao Sui cut in immediately. “My own younger brother is still staying at home. If it weren’t for those famine years, he would’ve finished upper primary school. Otherwise, I’d definitely get him in here.”

By interrupting Zhang Ying, she made it clear she needed the quota too—and emphasized that her brother’s education gave him better odds of staying on.

“Isn’t that the truth? We’re all ordinary families with relatives to look after. Take my case—my eldest daughter’s brother-in-law lost his parents young. My daughter practically raised him like her own son. Now that he’s grown, he needs a job to marry a wife in the future.”

Even Aunt Wang, who usually loved gossip but rarely spoke up, made her stance known.

Chen An had originally wanted the quota for a child from his old squad leader’s family. But seeing the three women sparring over a single spot, he no longer dared to say anything.

Everyone had their own hardships. Everyone had their reasons.

In the end, one quota went to Si Qiu, and the other was decided by drawing lots.

It turned out Zhang Ying drew the winning slip.

She and Zhang Ying both received a registration form from Director Li.

After the matter was settled, Zhang Ying took half a day off to go home and make arrangements, while Director Li took Zhao Sui to handle the remaining quota spots.

Once everyone had left, Aunt Wang looked somewhat disappointed and retreated into her small office. She was both the accountant and the records manager, so she had her own room.

Si Qiu was just thinking about what excuse she could use to step out for a round when Chen An edged closer to her, looking like he wanted to say something but hesitating.

Si Qiu had a good impression of him. Whether it was in their office or at the neighboring Public Security Bureau, whenever there was work to be done, he was always the first to lend a hand. He wasn’t awkward about things either—usually quiet, but when he had something to say, he said it directly.

Not wanting to see him struggle like that, she took the initiative. “Brother Chen, just say what’s on your mind! If you don’t have anything to say, I’m heading next door to the Public Security Bureau to chat with Xiao Ling.”

Chen An gave an embarrassed smile, then leaned forward and lowered his voice. “Xiao Qiu, are you going to use that job quota? If not… could you sell it to me?”

Si Qiu thought to herself, As expected, he’s pretty sharp. No one else has even thought of it yet, and he already has.

“Brother Chen, you know my quota isn’t the same as the others’.” If nothing unexpected happened, hers would likely be retained. And if it came to becoming a permanent employee, her chances would be better than the others’. Still, whether she could actually secure a permanent position was uncertain.

“I know, I know. We’ll go by the market rate. Well… you see, I went to visit my old squad leader some time ago…”

As he spoke, he grew embarrassed, the tips of his ears turning red.

Si Qiu teased, “You did more than just visit your old squad leader, didn’t you?”

“Haha… well, I also met his niece for a matchmaking session.” In an instant, he quickly composed himself again.

“Anyway, that’s not the point. I just wanted to ask on behalf of my… partner’s elder brother. But don’t worry, we’ll pay whatever it should be.”

Si Qiu liked hearing that. She nodded. She didn’t want to rely on the rewards from the system unless absolutely necessary. So she needed to work hard to save money in real life.

After all, not depriving yourself only works if you can afford it.

Imitating his posture, she leaned over the desk and spoke softly. “I don’t have a specific candidate for the job yet. But if you want it, you’ll have to move quickly. You’re not the only one who could think of this. If others come asking later, it’ll be hard for me to keep refusing them.”

Chen An nodded repeatedly. “Understood, understood. I’ll ride over after work. Thank you, Xiao Qiu. Once I get a reply, I’ll come to your building tonight to find you.”

“Alright.”

As soon as work ended that evening, Chen An sped off on his bicycle. Si Qiu picked up her bag and hurried toward the state-owned restaurant.

There were quite a few people inside at that hour, but no loud shouting or scrambling.

It wasn’t that everyone was particularly well-mannered. Rather, the waitstaff at state-owned restaurants in this era were notoriously domineering. For example, right now Qiao Shengnan was standing there with a cold expression, loudly scolding the crowd.

“Stop making noise! Get your money and ration tickets ready, decide what you want to eat, and line up one by one. If anyone keeps shouting, get out! This state-owned restaurant isn’t opened just for you. If you’re in such a hurry, then leave. Why are you pushing forward like that?”

Everyone immediately fell silent, lined up properly, took out their money and ration tickets, and studied the small blackboard listing the available dishes, separating out the correct amount to hand over when it was their turn.