Reborn in 78, I made my fortune by working in the mountains, supporting three families on my own.

After speaking, Jiang Xinyue turned to Section Chief Zheng and said calmly, "Section Chief Zheng, thank you for your help. How long do I expect to receive a reply?"

"I can't say for sure what the exact time will be."

"I can't just keep waiting like this. If I don't get elected in the end, I'll have to find another way to make a living."

Section Chief Zheng pondered for a moment: "Alright, let's set a one-week deadline. If we don't receive a formal response from the factory within a week, this matter will most likely be dropped."

Jiang Xinyue nodded gently: "Okay, I understand, thank you, Section Chief Zheng. Is there anything else?"

"That's all, you can go back now."

Zhao Lei and Jiang Xinyue stood up, turned around and walked out of the office, leaving Jinxiu Textile Factory.

As Zhao Lei hopped on his old-fashioned bicycle and pedaled back home, he spoke in a low voice along the way.

"Xinyue, I feel like something's off about this. Everything was fine during the interview, so why are they suddenly being so strict? Do other candidates also ask about their family background during their interviews?"

Jiang Xinyue, sitting in the back seat, gently shook her head.

"No, I remember the entire interview focused on my personal abilities, accounting skills, and education level. They didn't ask about my past at all."

"That's really strange." Zhao Lei unconsciously pedaled harder. "Something's not right. There's a strong chance someone is pulling strings behind the scenes."

Jiang Xinyue paused slightly, her body filled with doubt.

"Huh? Who could it be?"

Zhao Lei frowned deeply, completely baffled.

"Sigh, I can't guess who it is right now, but this whole thing seems suspicious. Here's what I'll do: I'll go back and talk to Deputy Factory Director Li, and ask him to sound out what's going on inside. Section Chief Zheng's stance is clear, so even if we ask him directly, he won't tell us the truth."

After thinking it over, Jiang Xinyue also felt that this method was feasible. The two turned the car around and returned to the outside of Jinxiu Textile Factory.

Upon arriving at the supply and marketing cooperative store on the side of the factory street, the two first selected some gifts, mostly local specialties such as dried mushrooms and dried bamboo shoots from the mountains. After making their purchases, Zhao Lei instructed Jiang Xinyue to wait outside the factory gate.

At this moment, Jiang Xinyue was wearing a faded dark blue cloth jacket with neat patches sewn on the cuffs. Her black hair was simply tied into a bun, secured with a single wooden hairpin. Her face was fair, and her eyes were clear and indifferent. She lacked the roughness of a country woman and possessed a dignified and intellectual air. Standing quietly at the foot of the wall, she stood out from the other female workers coming and going.

Grandpa Liu at the gatehouse had long recognized Zhao Lei. Zhao Lei would come to the factory every few days and often interacted with Deputy Factory Director Li. He was also very outgoing, and every time he came to the factory, he would hand over a pack of Daqianmen cigarettes.

This time was no exception. Zhao Lei reached out and pulled out a pack of Daqianmen cigarettes, then tossed it through the window into the guardhouse.

"Uncle Liu, could you please open the door? I'm looking for Brother Li."

Grandpa Liu reached out and took the cigarette, happily unpacked it, and put the cigarette into his pocket.

"Hey, it's Lei Zi. You're here again. You even went to the trouble of offering me a cigarette."

"Uncle Liu, don't be so polite. Please open the door."

Grandpa Liu glanced around, his gaze settling on Jiang Xinyue standing against the wall. He peeked out while holding a cigarette.

"Lei Zi, is this your wife? She's really beautiful. You two are really... really..."

Grandpa Liu struggled for a long time, unable to find the right words.

Zhao Lei followed up smoothly: "A match made in heaven."

"Yes, yes, yes! That's it! A match made in heaven!" Grandpa Liu nodded repeatedly. "Why didn't you let your wife come in with you?"

Zhao Lei shook his head: "No need, she can just wait for me at the door. I'll go in and say a few words to Brother Li and then come out."

"Okay, I'll open the door for you."

Grandpa Liu walked out of the security room, pulled open the locked iron factory gate with a clatter, and let Zhao Lei walk quickly into the factory area.

Zhao Lei knew the way well. He walked through the factory corridor and went straight to the door of Deputy Factory Director Li's office, raising his hand to knock on the door.

"Please come in."

Zhao Lei pushed open the door and went inside.

Deputy Factory Director Li looked up and saw the person who had come in, and a look of surprise appeared on his face.

"Hey, Lei Zi, what are you doing here?"

Zhao Lei casually picked up the local specialty gifts he was carrying and placed them on a corner of his desk.

"Brother Li, it's been a long time. I've been thinking of you."

Deputy Factory Director Li glanced at the things on the table and waved his hand.

"Hey, Lei Zi, why did you bring something again? I told you before, I don't accept gifts here."

"These are all cheap local products from the mountains, hardly worth mentioning as gifts."

Deputy Factory Director Li smiled helplessly: "Alright, you've already brought everything over, it wouldn't look good to ask you to take it all back. So, what's the matter? Is there any new progress regarding your wife's job?"

Zhao Lei looked puzzled: "Brother Li, haven't you heard? My Xinyue has passed the interview. She's first on the list of three people who passed."

"Really? That's great!" Deputy Factory Director Li's eyes lit up. "It seems Jiang Xinyue is really capable. From now on, you'll be an employee of our factory, and you'll be considered a family member of our factory. Come over and have a drink with me sometime."

"No problem, Brother Li, we can drink anytime."

Zhao Lei abruptly changed the subject.

"But Brother Li, just now Section Chief Zheng from the Finance Department called my wife over for questioning. It looks like her job is going to be in jeopardy."

"What? It's going to be cancelled? What do you mean? The recording has already been done!" Deputy Factory Director Li was completely astonished.

"Yes, Brother Li, I'm also puzzled. The list was already published, so how could it be changed so suddenly? That's why I came here specifically to ask you to help me find out what's going on."

"Damn it!"

Deputy Factory Director Li slammed his hand on the table with a loud bang.

"What on earth is Old Zheng doing? The notice has already been posted, and now he's going to reject people again. How can this possibly save face for our Jinxiu Textile Factory!"

"Brother Li, that's what I think too. My wife has never done anything wrong. You know our family. Although we may not be the most virtuous, we are honest and hardworking people."

Deputy Factory Director Li waved his hands repeatedly: "Lei Zi, I understand what you're thinking. Here's what I'll do: I'll go find Old Zheng right now and ask him in person why he changed his mind at the last minute."

As soon as he finished speaking, Deputy Factory Director Li straightened up and was about to leave when Zhao Lei quickly stepped forward and stopped him.

"Brother Li, Brother Li, wait a minute, calm down."

Deputy Factory Director Li stopped in his tracks: "What's wrong, Lei Zi? Aren't you worried?"

"How could I not be anxious?" Zhao Lei said in a low voice. "But if you rush over to confront Section Chief Zheng right after I arrive, it will only make things worse for Jiang Xinyue."

Upon hearing this, Deputy Factory Director Li raised his hand and slapped his forehead hard.