Big Brother 03

"I don’t have much to thank you for, but I can write you a recommendation letter. In a couple of days, you can start working at the electromechanical factory. How does that sound?"

Hearing this, the Fang family was overjoyed—a stable job had fallen right into their laps!

"Sir, he doesn’t know anything and doesn’t listen. Let my..." Fang's Mother glanced at the Third Son, who was still in school, then turned to the Second Son. "Let the Second Son go instead. This child has studied and will surely do well."

Lin Jianguo gave her a sidelong look before patting Fang Zhiyi on the shoulder. "Go change into dry clothes first."

Fang Zhiyi obediently went back to his room. Fang's Father stood awkwardly for a few seconds before deciding to sweep the ground with the broom in his hand. Meanwhile, Fang's Mother rambled on, promoting her Second Son as if she were about to make him perform on the spot.

After changing, Fang Zhiyi returned to the courtyard. Lin Jianguo suddenly remembered something. "You said you’ve read books on electromechanics. Care to explain a bit?"

Fang Zhiyi knew this all too well—in his past life, he had tinkered with technology extensively. He picked two simpler concepts to share as his own ideas, making Lin Jianguo’s eyes light up.

This kid was a talent! The electromechanical factory was in a small town, and many college graduates weren’t willing to work there, leaving the factory short on skilled workers. This young man might just be the one they needed.

Lin Jianguo immediately decided Fang Zhiyi would report to the factory the next day—no need for a recommendation letter; he’d take him there himself.

Glancing at Fang's Mother, whose face kept shifting between emotions, Lin Jianguo dropped his final line: "I don’t want anyone else but him."

That night, Fang Zhiyi slept soundly, while the hushed whispers between Fang's Mother and Fang's Father lasted well past midnight.

The next day, Fang's Mother unexpectedly prepared a new set of clothes for Fang Zhiyi—no, actually, they were originally meant for the Third Son. Due to malnutrition, Fang Zhiyi was about the same height as his younger brother.

Naturally, the Third Son wasn’t happy about it and threw a tantrum, only stopping after his mother coaxed him.

Fang Zhiyi took his first step toward a new life. He had no intention of ending up like the original owner of this body—an ordinary worker who’d later face layoffs.

The factory director eyed the thin, dark-skinned young man skeptically—until Fang Zhiyi sketched a simple blueprint on the spot. After consulting with the veteran technicians, they immediately decided to take him in.

Fang Zhiyi settled into the electromechanical factory, assisting the technical department with various problems. In this era, technological innovation and development were just budding, and the factory faced significant challenges.

His salary soon reached over 200 yuan, while the average worker earned less than that.

Looking at the money in his hand, Fang Zhiyi sighed—the road ahead was long and arduous.

Not long after, someone informed him that a visitor was waiting at the gate. Fang Zhiyi didn’t need to guess—it was his biased mother.

Sure enough, Fang's Mother stood at the factory entrance, rushing toward him the moment she spotted him.

"Your little brother needs tutoring fees. Give me some money." In the original storyline, Fang Zhiyi hadn’t had any money at this point but had borrowed from coworkers out of obedience to his mother.

"I don’t have any."

"Don’t have any? You’ve got a stable job now—how can you not have money?" Fang's Mother raised her voice, drawing the attention of passersby. In an era with little entertainment, gossip was everyone’s favorite pastime.

"I’ve only just started working—I haven’t even gotten my first paycheck yet, Mom." Fang Zhiyi feigned helplessness.

"Oh, so now that you’ve got a job, you’re turning your back on the family, is that it? Don’t forget it was me who gave birth to you and raised you! You ungrateful brat!"

This tactic had always worked before. Fang's Mother knew her son’s nature—he’d stop her and hand over the money.

But this time, her son remained unfazed. "I already told you—no paycheck yet."

Fang's Mother frowned, ready to drop to the ground and start her usual performance.

Fang Zhiyi, however, lowered his voice. "Mom, I do have money—but this money is for you."

Fang's Mother froze, staring at him in disbelief.

Fang Zhiyi gestured for her to follow him to a quieter spot. Though confused, she complied—after all, he’d said he had money!

Once they were alone, Fang Zhiyi pulled out 100 yuan. Fang's Mother’s eyes gleamed as she reached for it, but he swiftly moved it out of her grasp.

"Mom, I’ll give you the money, but you need to hear me out first."

Fang's Mother scowled. "Go on."

"I’ve always known how hard you work. That father of mine only knows how to drink and work—he doesn’t lift a finger at home. My brothers are just as clueless. That’s why you pushed me to grow up and be independent. I understand your intentions."

Fang's Mother was taken aback. Was that really how she’d thought? But under Fang Zhiyi’s earnest gaze, she convinced herself—yes, that must have been her plan. Otherwise, how else would he have turned out so well?

"This money is for you. Keep it as your private savings—buy whatever you want, eat whatever you like. Just don’t let them have it."

Fang's Mother frowned. "Why?"

Fang Zhiyi explained, "Think about it—won’t I have a salary every month from now on?"

She nodded.

"I give you money, but where does it end up?"

Fang's Mother hesitated, so Fang Zhiyi guided her. "Say I give you 100 yuan a month—that’s a lot, right? But once you take it home, Dad asks for drinking money, Second Son and Third Son ask for spending money, and you have to buy groceries. How much would you have left?"

Fang's Mother’s eyes widened in realization. "Then... nothing?"

Pleased she understood, Fang Zhiyi nodded. "Exactly—nothing. Now, suppose—just suppose—you ever fall sick. Would Dad take care of you?"

Thinking of her stubborn husband, Fang's Mother shook her head. But then she remembered her other sons. "What about Second Son and Third Son?"

Fang Zhiyi sighed. "Second Son? Ever since I left, he’s had to work the fields. I’ve heard him complain—he says you and Dad treat him poorly. Honestly, I doubt he’d help. And Third Son is still young. If you give him money, who knows how he’d waste it? Would he save any?"

Fang's Mother nodded repeatedly. Second Son had always been resentful. These past few days, he’d dragged his feet whenever sent to the fields, earning her scolding. But unlike Fang Zhiyi, he never backed down.

And Third Son—her darling—was still too young.

"But there’s still you, isn’t there? You wouldn’t abandon your mother, would you?" Fang's Mother caught on.

Fang Zhiyi reassured her, "Of course I’ll take care of you. What I mean is, you should keep some money for yourself. Think about it—Third Son’s future college tuition, wedding expenses... where will that money come from?"

Fang's Mother frowned. "What exactly are you saying?"

"I’m saying I’ll give you this money secretly, and you keep it hidden. But when you go home, tell them I didn’t give you anything. Understand?"