The Fat Wife of the 1980s Awakens

Xu Xiufang gently touched her forehead, a bitter smile appearing at the corner of her mouth.

She knew that the simplicity and kindness of her folks were precious treasures, but this simplicity sometimes also meant a lack of business acumen.

She knew in her heart that this was not just a small-scale operation, but was laying the foundation for future grand plans. How could a team without any entrepreneurial awareness ride the wind and waves?

She envisions expanding her business to a wider world one day in the future, so every moment now is crucial.

She needed to accumulate funds as quickly as possible while also making a name for herself.

"It's decided. Our relationship at work is purely an employment relationship. I'm the boss and you're the employee. But after work, you're still my good sister. If there's anything delicious at home, I will never forget to send you a portion." Xu Xiufang patted Li Guifang's shoulder gently.

She was thinking that when the time was right, she would discuss deeper cooperation with Li Guifang and share more benefits.

But now, let's proceed step by step and make steady progress.

Li Guifang still shook her head, thinking that this arrangement was too favorable to her. She refused to accept the wages no matter what, and always felt bad about accepting help in this way.

Xu Xiufang knew Li Guifang's stubbornness, so she said, "How about this, you go to the city first to buy some parts for me. You are much better at bargaining than I am, so it will definitely be more cost-effective if you go."

When Li Guifang heard this, she was immediately overjoyed and agreed without hesitation: "Okay, okay, I'll leave now!"

She was usually unknown, but suddenly she was given an important task. She was so excited that she couldn't express it in words.

In rural areas at that time, even though women did not have to suffer the pain of foot binding, their education level and various social realities still limited their vision and possibilities.

Xu Xiufang quickly returned to the main room, tore off a piece of paper, and carefully made a list of the items needed.

Then, she handed the list to Li Guifang and said, "Just buy what's on the list."

Before she finished her words, Xu Xiufang swiftly took out a fifty-yuan bill from her pocket and stuffed it into Li Guifang's hand without hesitation.

Although Li Guifang was not sure about the specific value of the items on the list, she did not think much about it. She put the money in her pocket, got on her old bicycle, and rushed to the other side of the river in a hurry.

Along the way, she was still thinking about what other work she could do for Xu Xiufang besides this purchase and how to contribute to the best of her ability.

As for the six sewing machines, Xu Xiufang plans to check them carefully one by one to ensure that each machine can perform at its maximum efficiency and lay a solid foundation for future development.

The three little guys, who had just been satisfied with the delicious food, stepped into the yard with their round little bellies. They were immediately attracted by the dazzling array of new things in front of them and they became energetic instantly.

Erbao was very curious. Before Xu Xiufang's gentle admonition even reached his ears, he couldn't wait to move his short legs, and his little hand was like an arrow shot from a bow, reaching straight for the needle of the ancient and mysterious sewing machine.

At the critical moment, Xu Xiaohua was quick-eyed and quick-handed. She crossed the stone floor with a few big strides and picked up Erbao by the waist, almost brushing his delicate fingers.

"This is not a place for you to play, go play somewhere safe!"

Although her tone was stern, her eyes were filled with deep concern and worry.

Although Erbao was persuaded to leave, Xiaobao seemed to be suffocated by living indoors for a long time. When the adults were not paying attention, he flexibly climbed to the top of the sewing machine, sat cross-legged, and had a smug smile on his little face, as if he had discovered a new world.

"Oh, Xiaobao, you can't climb that! It's too dangerous!" Xu Xiufang exclaimed, hurriedly put down the housework at hand, and trotted over, her face full of tension and concern.

At this time, Dabao showed his clever side. Seeing Xu Xiufang was busy taking care of Xiaobao, he quietly picked up the screwdriver beside him and fiddled with the sewing machine like an adult, trying to explore the secrets of this huge machine.

His little face was full of concentration and curiosity, and he had no idea that his behavior was close to being "mischievous".

Xu Xiaohua had just settled her second child down when she turned around to find her first child pursuing his dream of becoming a "mechanic". She couldn't help but chuckle, then quickly stepped forward and gently picked up the first child, with a hint of reproach in her eyes but more of doting.

Fortunately, these three little rascals have a special trust and dependence on Xu Xiaohua and are willing to follow her guidance and teachings.

Afterwards, Xu Xiaohua deftly arranged the three little ones into a neat line, as if they were preparing to undergo some solemn ceremony.

When Xu Xiaohua saw Xu Xiufang slowly approaching, she quickly moved in front of the three little rascals almost as a conditioned reflex.

"Don't hit the children. They are just young and curious. You should communicate with them patiently. If you insist on punishing them, you have to get past me first." Xu Xiaohua said firmly.

The three little heads popped out from behind Xu Xiaohua one after another. Their big eyes showed fear of the unknown punishment and a hint of curiosity about Xu Xiufang's attitude.

There were still some spots of mud on their little faces from playing, and their innocent expressions were mixed with a hint of cunning.

Especially Dabao, he puffed up his cheeks, his eyes were full of unconvinced, and his little fists were clenched, as if in his heart he was competing with this bad mother who suddenly became "strict".

As Xu Xiufang looked at the scene before her, she couldn't help but feel a complicated emotion in her heart.

"Don't worry, I don't really want to punish them. I just want them to understand that they should be more careful in the future. After all, everyone's things are precious, and they should not be touched without permission."

Hearing this, Xu Xiaohua's eyes flashed with disbelief and she felt mixed emotions.

At the same time, a faint sadness crept into her heart, because she realized that behind her sister's growth and changes, there must have been many unknown hardships.

She was pleased that her sister had become more considerate, but also felt distressed that the hardships of life could make a once carefree girl have such mature thoughts overnight.

Thinking back to the grievances and injustices her sister suffered at her husband's house, Xu Xiaohua's heart ached as if it were being pricked by a needle.

She was well aware of how difficult her sister's life was. Although she was dissatisfied with her sister's willful mischief, she never really intervened. This was because there was a small voice deep in her heart telling her that perhaps such "mischief" could, to some extent, relieve her sister of the invisible pressure in the family.

So that my sister would not be like me, busy with housework all day long without a moment's rest, like an old ox that never gets tired.

"Sister, why don't you move in with me? I really need your help, and sometimes I feel overwhelmed by myself." Xu Xiufang's seemingly casual suggestion was actually full of deep meaning.