Becoming a Procurement Officer

Initially, Hao Min was a bit disappointed when she saw Jin Yin carrying a large bag. What kind of good stuff from whose house would be packed like that? Perhaps it was just some worthless local specialties, a little taste for everyone and then it would be gone.

After bringing Jin Yin to the office and introducing her to all the colleagues, Hao Min watched as Jin Yin pulled out small tea boxes from the large bag and exclaimed in surprise, "What's inside? They're so beautiful!"

Jin Yin smiled innocently, "It's nothing, just some tea a friend gave me. I brought it for everyone to taste. If you all like it, I'll bring some more often. It's not much, but it's enough for everyone in our unit to drink."

Those who received a tea box were delighted and didn't want to let go. Although the tin box was small, it was very convenient to carry around. Comrade Hua was also generous; there were three colors, and everyone received three boxes. Just as a welcome gift, it was very respectable.

Someone who had just received the tea went to find hot water to brew it. In a short while, the fragrant aroma of tea wafted through the Women's Federation office, making everyone feel relaxed.

"Comrade Xiao Hua, where did your friend get this tea? Could we trouble him to help us buy some more later? We'll pay you for it."

Jin Yin looked at Hao Min, saying awkwardly, "If comrades want to drink it, I can ask my friend to get some. Her family lives in Zhejiang, and their commune there grows tea. I can't say for sure about other things, but getting a few dozen catties of tea a year is no problem. As for paying for it, there's no need. What if someone criticizes me and says I'm speculating and profiteering?"

As soon as she finished speaking, a chorus of complaints arose, "A few dozen catties is too little; divided among us, it won't be much. How about you talk to your friend again, and let our unit organize people to purchase from her with you?"

In truth, not everyone who wanted to buy tea from Jin Yin was solely interested in the tea itself; many were more attracted to the beautiful tea boxes.

When visiting relatives during the New Year, giving this as a gift would be very respectable.

Hao Min also really liked this tea and the tea boxes. Especially her husband, who worked in a government agency, had seen many good things and naturally drank a lot of good tea. Just like when Jin Yin came to her house for tea last time, although it couldn't be called a top-grade product, it wasn't the kind of tea an ordinary family could drink.

And the tea Jin Yin brought, which she had just tasted, was even better than the best tea she had ever drunk. If she could get a lot of such high-quality tea to give to her superiors, it might even help her husband's promotion.

She had been with her husband in Xin Shi for so long that she almost couldn't remember the scenery of Jing Cheng from back then.

Seeing Jin Yin's awkward expression, Hao Min immediately smiled and said, "If Comrade Xiao Hua is afraid of being accused of speculation and profiteering, then let our unit step forward. How about Comrade Xiao Hua takes charge of procurement? That way, no one can say anything, right?"

Hao Min's words were exactly what Jin Yin wanted. She immediately nodded, "That works! As long as the unit provides a letter of introduction, I will procure according to requirements, report the quantity, and ensure there are no mistakes whatsoever."

Thus, after just a few sentences, Jin Yin gained an additional procurement job at the Women's Federation. As for the quantity, that would be a matter for separate discussion with the leaders.

At four o'clock, when work ended, Hao Min told Jin Yin not to rush off, wanting to take her home to play. Jin Yin obediently agreed.

After work, she pushed her bicycle and followed Hao Min home.

Hao Min saw a bag on Jin Yin's bicycle in front and thought to herself that Jin Yin probably wanted to give it to her privately. She wondered what was inside. Given the earlier tea incident, she knew this item would surely be even better than tea, and she felt a little anticipation.

Upon arriving home, Aunt Zhao was still there. Hao Min instructed Aunt Zhao to cook, but Jin Yin repeatedly declined. Hao Min pulled her hand, "Why are you being so polite with me, little sister? If you don't stay for dinner, you're not treating me as family!"

Since the words had been said to this extent, Jin Yin no longer refused. After parking her bicycle, she took the items from the basket and followed Hao Min into the house.

Inside the room, she immediately took out the items from the bag. Hao Min saw it was a light blue silk scarf embroidered with orchids and a ginseng root stored in a box. Judging by its size, even if it wasn't a hundred years old, it had to be at least fifty years old.

These were truly good items. Hao Min was immediately pleased with these two gifts.

Jin Yin pushed the gifts towards Hao Min, "This silk scarf was also woven by my friend's family over there. The embroidered flowers were meticulously stitched by embroiderers, thread by thread. Previously, they were all sent to the Friendship Store to be sold. She gave me two because of our good relationship. I brought this one for you, Sister Hao, and the other I plan to send back to Jing Cheng."

Hao Min knew that Jin Yin must have connections at a higher level to be temporarily transferred to the Women's Federation. Hearing her say she wanted to send it back to Jing Cheng, she guessed that her connections at the higher level were in Jing Cheng. If she maintained a good relationship with Jin Yin, when she and her husband returned to Jing Cheng in the future, they might even have to rely on her.

She smiled and accepted the silk scarf, holding it in her hand, admiring it without letting go, "This is too beautiful. I'm embarrassed to accept such a precious gift from you. Why don't you take it back and use it yourself?"

Jin Yin laughed, "How could I dare to use such a good item? Last time at your house, Sister Hao, I saw orchids and knew you loved them. Everyone says people who love orchids have an elegant temperament, so I chose this color for you, Sister Hao. As for me, I can't. I used to be a female factory worker; how could I have such a good temperament as you, Sister Hao? Such a good silk scarf would be wasted on me. It's better for you to use it, Sister Hao. Just looking at it makes me happy."

A few words of flattery made Hao Min feel elated. She looked in the mirror, tried the silk scarf around her neck, and finally 'reluctantly' accepted it.

Jin Yin then pushed the ginseng root over, "This ginseng root I traded for at a fellow villager's house. I saw its age was quite good and thought of Secretary Ma, your husband, who has so many responsibilities and needs to take care of his health, so I traded for it. It's not anything valuable. If you don't accept it, Sister Hao, it means you think my gift isn't generous enough."

"This girl, she's really too honest. Alright, since you've spoken so sincerely, I'll accept it. If you ever have any difficulties in the future, as long as I can help, just come to me."

Jin Yin repeatedly expressed her gratitude.

Aunt Zhao prepared four dishes. After Jin Yin finished dinner at Sister Hao's house, seeing it was past six o'clock, she excused herself.

As she left the door, she happened to meet Secretary Ma returning home. Hao Min enthusiastically introduced Jin Yin to Secretary Ma.

Having lived together for so many years, how could the couple not understand Hao Min's personality? In all of Xin Shi, those she truly valued could be counted on one hand. Seeing her enthusiastically introduce such a young girl, Secretary Ma immediately knew that the girl had brought a gift that greatly pleased Hao Min, and his attitude towards Jin Yin was also extremely good.

From Hao Min's house, Jin Yin went straight to the pig farm outside the city, placing the goods she had promised Third Brother in position. She waited a little longer before Third Brother arrived with his men.