Chapter 17: So That's How It Is

In truth, Chai Fang hadn't considered that possibility at all. Who would have? Despite having grown up in the city, Wang Xiaoli had always maintained a close relationship with her and her brother—so much so that she felt like family. But seeing Wang Xiaoli so invested in the affairs of the distillery made her think of her own brother.

She already knew that her brother had taken over the management of the distillery. Yet, for more than a month now, he had been leaving home at dawn and coming back late at night, rarely seen at all. She, too, wanted to check in on him.

So she suggested quietly, “Why don’t we go take a look at the distillery?”

No sooner had she spoken than Wang Xiaoli responded with eager enthusiasm. “Yes, let’s go, let’s go!”

“Did you know, Fangfang, the liquor from your village’s distillery has become famous! In our county town, you see bottles from your factory everywhere.”

“Oh, really? Xiao Jin is that impressive?” Chai Fang didn’t quite understand everything her brother, Chai Jin, was doing.

“Absolutely, he’s amazing. Come on, let’s go see for ourselves.”

With that, Wang Xiaoli, as lively as a sprite in the night, grabbed Chai Fang’s hand and hurried toward the distillery.

There was still a crowd lined up outside the entrance. Crates of goods were being sent out from the factory in a steady stream. The scene outside was one of commotion and excitement, with the occasional complaint from those who hadn’t managed to get their hands on any stock.

The conditions weren’t great; the road outside was just a dirt path paved with cobblestones, so with tricycles coming and going, there was plenty of dust in the air. Yet, under the warm yellow glow of the streetlamp, the distillery’s gate looked inviting and comforting.

Liu Qingwen was overseeing things at the entrance. When he saw the two girls approach, he hurried over.

“Hello, Sister Fang, Sister Li.”

Chai Fang recognized Liu Qingwen as her brother’s only true friend, and she was pleasantly surprised. “Wenqing, you’re working at the factory too now?”

Liu Qingwen chuckled. “Brother Jin brought me along. He even made me general manager, believe it or not.”

Chai Fang’s mood lifted, her gentle face softening into a warm smile. “Congratulations.”

“Is Xiao Jin inside? I’d like to see him.”

“Oh, can we leave these baskets at the security office?”

“Of course you can. Sister Li, let me take your basket too.”

“Sister Li?” Liu Qingwen noticed Wang Xiaoli craning her neck, peering inside, clearly distracted.

He waved his hand in front of her eyes, but her mind was elsewhere. It seemed she’d spotted the person she was looking for, and she promptly shoved her basket into Liu Qingwen’s arms. “Move, don’t block the way.”

“Chai Jin, Fangfang and I are here to see you!” she called out as she pushed past the bewildered Liu Qingwen and dashed into the factory.

“What’s that about?” Liu Qingwen asked, confused, turning to Chai Fang.

Chai Fang, ever perceptive, now realized why Wang Xiaoli had been lingering at their house all day. She said, “Wenqing, just help us hold onto the baskets for a while, thank you. Get back to your work.”

With that, she too entered the factory.

At that moment, Chai Jin was with Zhang Aiming, discussing ways to improve production efficiency. With so many people queuing outside and so many orders piling up, something had to be done soon.

When Wang Xiaoli appeared, Zhang Aiming said, “I’ll head to the workshop.”

Chai Jin smiled. “Alright.”

As soon as Zhang Aiming left, Wang Xiaoli ran up to Chai Jin and playfully tapped his chest, her delicate features full of lively spirit. Her thin lips curled in a smile. “So, you’re planning to run off with my bicycle, are you? You’ve had me walking to work every day!”

Only then did Chai Jin remember he’d borrowed Wang Xiaoli’s bike to ride back from the county town that night. But he’d been so busy, and with the lighter factory working overtime, the bike had remained in the shed ever since. Embarrassed, he said, “Sorry, Sister Li, I’ve just been too busy.”

“No worries, no worries,” she replied with a laugh. “I just happened to come by and check things out.”

Chai Fang approached as well, her eyes roaming the factory as soon as she entered.

In those days, working at a factory was a privilege, a sign of good fortune and a secure livelihood. The Daoxiang Distillery had been around for decades, and Chai Fang used to catch eels in the ditch outside its walls. Every time, she would look longingly at the workers in their uniforms coming and going, full of envy. Lacking self-confidence, she had never dared to set foot inside, afraid of being looked down upon or told to leave.

This was her first time truly entering the factory—now as the sister of its manager.

She walked over and said, “Xiao Jin, so this is what the factory looks like inside.”

Chai Jin was in high spirits. Smiling, he said, “You’ve come at just the right time, Sis. I was going to ask you to come work here with us.”

“Let’s talk inside.”

“Alright,” Chai Fang replied, her voice as warm as ever.

The three of them headed toward the office, unaware that in a nearby corner, Liu Jun was idly smoking a cigarette.

He glanced up and thought he was seeing things. Rubbing his eyes, he stood up, certain that the three people were Wang Xiaoli and the Chai siblings. He saw Wang Xiaoli chattering away to Chai Jin like a lark, her admiration plain to see.

A surge of irritation washed over him. They’ve even come to my factory now? Were the Chai siblings being recruited too? Liu Jun was far from pleased.

Getting into the distillery was an honor. His father had gone to great lengths to secure him a position here—a real source of family pride. And now, Chai Jin had gotten in as well. What advantage did he have left in front of Wang Xiaoli? Was Chai Jin even qualified to work here? That whole family had a reputation for being no good. Had Zhang Aiming lost his mind?

Jealousy flared in Liu Jun’s eyes, turning them bloodshot. He tossed away his cigarette and stormed over.

The office door was closed. He pressed himself up against the window, trying to listen in on the conversation inside. But before he could make out anything, a voice thundered behind him.

“What are you doing here? Don’t you have work to do in the factory?”

“Loafing right outside my office, are you?”

Liu Jun spun around in fright, nearly wetting himself. Standing there was none other than Zhang Aiming.

He quickly tried to placate him. “No, Director, I just saw some people go into your office and thought they might be stealing something, so I came to check.”

Zhang Aiming could hear Chai Jin’s voice inside. His face darkened. “Get back to work. This has nothing to do with you.”

“But Director, I really saw people go in to steal—shouldn’t you open the door and—”

“Get lost! Or do I need to repeat myself?”

Liu Jun, terrified, scurried away, fearing some terrible punishment.

“Useless. He’s only been here a few days and already spends all his time slacking off or hiding somewhere. Does he think I’m blind?” Zhang Aiming spat in Liu Jun’s direction.

Not that it mattered—tomorrow morning, both he and his aunt would be on the list of those to be dismissed.

He pushed open the door and stepped inside.