Rebirth to a Military Marriage: Good Morning Chief Chapter 2539 - Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui (40)

While colleagues presented a facade of amiability, the reality concerning financial matters remained uncertain.

Even sharing the same dormitory raised questions about the true nature of one's roommates.

"I absolutely won't misplace it," Miao Jing declared with conviction. "I've managed to save one hundred yuan already. This sum is intended for repayment to someone."

Her diligent efforts had yielded this amount, a tangible means to reciprocate the Zhai family's deep kindness towards her.

Even if the sum fell short of the Zhai family's considerable expenses on her behalf, it didn't matter. She was still young, after all.

This initial repayment of one hundred yuan would be followed by another, and then another. In a few years, her debt would naturally be settled.

"Is it that relative of yours again?"

Her colleague was aware of Miao Jing's circumstances.

There was little alternative, given Miao Jing's monthly salary of fifty to sixty yuan, which was a substantial amount.

Yet, Miao Jing was remarkably frugal, rarely indulging in spending on food or clothing. Upon receiving her salary, she meticulously saved it, never seen to spend a single cent.

By this logic, it was perfectly plausible for Miao Jing to save a hundred yuan within a two-month span.

"You know, that relative of yours truly treats you exceptionally well."

Considering Miao Jing had no parents and her relative had generously taken her in, provided for her upbringing, and supported her education, the colleague found such genuine kinship to be exceedingly rare in contemporary times.

"Yes, I will certainly repay their kindness handsomely in the future."

Miao Jing was well-regarded within the factory, her gratitude and efforts to reciprocate kindness earning her favor.

Though Miao Jing seldom elaborated on her relative's situation, offering little beyond expressions of deep appreciation, it was easy for others to infer that her relative was in a prosperous state.

What led them to this conclusion?

Miao Jing's employment itself was quite advantageous, wasn't it?

Securing a position as a factory worker was a coveted opportunity, highly sought after by many.

It was common knowledge how limited the number of worker positions were in each factory. Under normal circumstances, newcomers found it exceedingly difficult to get hired.

Staffing changes within factories typically occurred only when parents, already employed as workers, retired and passed their positions onto their children.

When Miao Jing secured her job, no one within the factory had relinquished their position for her. This fact alone suggested that Miao Jing's relative possessed considerable influence.

Furthermore, one only needed to observe Miao Jing's attire.

Miao Jing's clothing was of good quality, often appearing fifty to sixty percent new.

Miao Jing had previously mentioned her lack of parents, raising the question of the origin of these new clothes. They decidedly must have been purchased by that relative.

With such an influential and affluent relative, Miao Jing could, if she chose to be less scrupulous and maintain proximity, potentially rely on them for lifelong support without needing to work herself.

However, Miao Jing chose a different path. Not only did she actively engage in work, but she also meticulously saved her entire salary to repay her relative.

Miao Jing's actions earned her immense respect from the factory elders, who viewed her as an exceptionally virtuous young woman.

Truly, given Miao Jing's sterling character, many would have sought to establish a connection with the Miao family, hoping for a matrimonial alliance. This would have been the case were it not for Miao Jing's orphaned status and the absence of any remaining family.

Nevertheless, even in such circumstances, discerning individuals who recognized her exceptional qualities did emerge.

Conversely, those who admired Miao Jing and sought opportunities to engage with her, while perhaps not the most polished, were certainly not lacking in favorable conditions.

"Miao Jing, are you truly declining our invitation to the movies the night after next? Don't fret about the late hour. Numerous male colleagues from our factory will also be attending, ensuring complete safety. If it weren't safe, I wouldn't dare to go myself," her colleague said, blinking. "Tomorrow you're visiting your relative's home, so you can catch the movie the following day. Doesn't this schedule work out perfectly? There won't be any conflict at all."

Miao Jing shook her head. "I won't be going. Watching a movie requires money."

She would rather save her funds for repaying the Zhai family sooner than spend them on ostensibly frivolous activities like movie outings.

Her colleague grew concerned. "How much does a movie ticket even cost? Besides, you won't have to spend a single cent. Someone is treating you!"

Most importantly, the person extending the invitation was a male colleague!

Miao Jing remained resolute. "If someone else is treating, then I am even less inclined to go. Earning money is not easy for me, nor for anyone else. How could I possibly impose on someone like that? I simply cannot accept such an invitation. I will not go."

She was genuinely unaccustomed to accepting expenditures from others. "It's getting late. I'm feeling rather tired and will retire for the night."

With her words spoken, Miao Jing tidied her belongings and disrobed. She then settled into bed and quickly drifted off to sleep.

Observing Miao Jing in this state, her colleague couldn't help but let out a sigh. Was Miao Jing truly comprehending the situation? When male and female colleagues attended a movie together, it was essentially considered a date.

Miao Jing had already moved out from her relative's residence. Her next step was to find a suitable marriage partner and start a family, was it not?

Given their current youth and the luxury of being selective, Miao Jing ought to explore her options more thoroughly.

It would be a regrettable outcome to hastily settle for just anyone once they reached an older age, proving to be a significant disadvantage.

Her colleague harbored a strong desire to offer counsel, but alas, Miao Jing was already lost in slumber. With no other recourse, the colleague resigned herself to sleep as well. Her mind was occupied with devising a strategy to explain the situation to the male colleague who had shown interest in Miao Jing, ensuring he wouldn't develop any misunderstandings come the day after tomorrow.

It was understandable that this particular cinematic outing didn't materialize. Nevertheless, there would inevitably be other opportunities.

The times were indeed changing. Modern cinemas now showcased films with a noticeably accelerated release schedule.

“Miao Miao, have you come to visit Auntie?”

The moment Miao Jing returned to the Zhai family residence, the ailing Grandma Zhai's spirits visibly lifted. She clasped Miao Jing's hand, and as they engaged in conversation, she appeared remarkably vibrant. “How has your experience been at the factory these past two months? Have you settled in well? Are you getting along with your coworkers? Has anyone dared to bully you?”

Grandma Zhai's anxious demeanor mirrored that of a mother whose daughter, newly embarking on her professional journey, had finally returned home. She feared her cherished daughter might be suffering in silence, enduring mistreatment without confiding in her.

Miao Jing understood that Grandma Zhai's concern stemmed from genuine affection. Therefore, she decided to share some select details. “Auntie, please don't you worry. My colleagues treat me very kindly. They've even extended an invitation to watch a movie tomorrow, and a good number of people will be there.”

“A good number of people?!” Grandma Zhai's attention instantly sharpened. “Are they all fellow female colleagues?”

“No, there are male colleagues joining as well. They extended the invitation for a movie outing and even generously offered to cover the expenses, so I wouldn’t have to pay. You truly needn't fret over me. I'm managing quite well out there.”

While the speaker intended no specific meaning, the listener's interpretation veered towards something more profound.

The presence of male colleagues, coupled with their offer to pay for Miao Jing's movie ticket, led Grandma Zhai to believe, with conviction born of years of experience, that something must be developing. “A male colleague extended this movie invitation? Was it scheduled for daytime or nighttime?”

“It wasn't a solitary male colleague who invited me; it was actually my female colleague, who shares the dormitory with me. The outing is planned for the evening. Precisely because it's at night that male colleagues are participating, going together ensures everyone's safety.”