The warm breeze of early spring swept through the Hongqi Production Brigade. Tender green shoots sprouted from the grass on the field ridges, and peach blossoms along the courtyard walls were adorned with pink and white buds, filling the air with a sweet fragrance. The area in front of the "Late Autumn Food Workshop" was particularly lively, with several young women busy bottling freshly made jams. The bright colors of the strawberry and blueberry jams in the glass jars attracted passersby to stop and inquire.

Lin Wanqiu had just returned from delivering goods in the county town. Before her vehicle had even come to a complete stop, the commune's messenger hurried over on his bicycle, a red envelope hanging from the handlebars. From afar, he called out, "Comrade Wanqiu, good news! The commune secretary sent me to deliver a notice to you!"

Lin Wanqiu wiped the thin layer of sweat from her forehead, took the envelope, and felt a surge of curiosity as her fingertips touched the stiff paper. Opening the envelope, she found a letter bearing the title "March 8th Red Banner Pacesetter" selection notice, which clearly stated: "Upon recommendation by the commune and selection by the region, Comrade Lin Wanqiu of the Red Flag Production Brigade has been selected as this year's regional 'March 8th Red Banner Pacesetter.' Please attend the commendation ceremony at the regional auditorium on March 6th."

"Oh my! Comrade Wanqiu, you've been selected as a 'March 8th Red Banner Pacesetter'!" The messenger came over for a look and clapped his hands excitedly. "You're the only one from our commune to be selected at the regional level this year, what an honor!"

The villagers gathered around, and Aunt Wang snatched the notice, looking at it again and again, beaming from ear to ear: "I knew it! Comrade Wanqiu is so capable, leading us to run the workshop and earn wages, she deserved this honor a long time ago!" Uncle Li nodded in agreement: "That's right! Last year during the flood season, she led the rescue efforts, and she also helps the elderly living alone in the village carry water and mend clothes. She truly deserves this 'March 8th Red Banner Pacesetter' award!"

Lin Wanqiu held the notice, her fingertips trembling slightly, her heart filled with warmth and joy. From the arduous journey she had taken when she transmigrated to the recognition and praise she received now, all the hardships and exhaustion she had endured seemed to have gained meaning at this moment. She recalled how, when she was first reborn, she had felt lost and helpless in the face of Old Lady Shen's刁难 (difficulties) and Zhao Jianjun's harassment. It was the space that gave her confidence, Shen Tingzhou that provided her with support, and the support of her fellow villagers that allowed her to get to where she was today.

"Thank you everyone, and thank you to the commune for the recommendation." Lin Wanqiu took a deep breath, her voice tinged with excitement. "This honor doesn't belong to me alone, it belongs to our entire workshop and the entire Hongqi Production Brigade. I will work even harder in the future to lead everyone to a better life!"

When Shen Tingzhou returned in the evening, he saw Lin Wanqiu sitting at the table as soon as he entered the courtyard, holding the notice in her hands and smiling. He walked over, gently hugged her from behind, and rested his chin on the top of her head: "I heard my wife was selected as a 'March 8th Red Banner Pacesetter'? I've heard it all over the county town. The commune secretary has been praising you to everyone he meets!"

Lin Wanqiu turned around and handed him the notice, her eyes shining: "How did you know? I wanted to give you a surprise." Shen Tingzhou took the notice, looked at it carefully, his eyes full of pride: "I went to the county town to buy stationery for Nian'an and ran into the commune's accountant. He told me. Wanqiu, you're amazing. I'm so proud of you."

He pulled a cloth bag from his pocket, inside which was a sky-blue square handkerchief embroidered with tiny plum blossoms along the edges. "I saw this handkerchief today and thought it would suit you perfectly, so I bought it. You'll look beautiful wearing it at the awards ceremony." Lin Wanqiu took the handkerchief, her fingertips brushing against the soft fabric, a sweet feeling welling up inside her—Shen Tingzhou was always like this, seemingly not good with words, yet always remembering her preferences and offering her unexpected warmth.

Over the next few days, Lin Wanqiu busied herself with the workshop while preparing her speech for the awards ceremony. She wrote down her experiences over the years, the workshop's development, and her future plans on paper, revising it again and again, afraid of saying anything wrong. Shen Tingzhou stayed with her every night, helping her revise her speech. Nian'an also huddled beside her, pointing at the words on the paper with her little finger, asking in a childish voice, "Mommy, what are these words? Are you going to the county town for a meeting? Can I go with you?"

Lin Wanqiu gently pinched his little nose and said with a smile, "Mom is going to a regional meeting. When you grow up, Mom will take you too. This time, you stay home and learn to read well with Aunt Wang. When Mom comes back, I'll bring you something delicious." Nian'an nodded and hugged her leg tightly, "Don't worry, Mom, I will definitely study hard and won't cause you any trouble."

On March 6th, Lin Wanqiu got up at the crack of dawn. She put on the dark blue khaki coat that Shen Tingzhou had bought for her last year, and also wore the sky-blue handkerchief. She looked at herself in the mirror again and again, her palms sweating with nervousness. Shen Tingzhou straightened her collar and gently comforted her, "Don't be nervous. Just talk to the villagers as usual. Nian'an and I are waiting for you to come home."

The donkey cart sent by the commune was already waiting at the door. After bidding farewell to Shen Tingzhou and Nian'an, Lin Wanqiu got on the cart and headed towards the region. The donkey cart bumped along the country road. In the fields on both sides, farmers were busy with spring plowing. The chugging of tractors and the laughter of children mingled together, creating a vibrant scene. Looking at all this, Lin Wanqiu's heart was filled with hope—she believed that as long as everyone worked together, life would become more and more vibrant, just like spring.

At 10:00 AM, the commendation ceremony began on time. The district auditorium was packed with people, and a bright red banner reading "Celebrating International Women's Day and Commending 'March 8th Red Banner Bearers'" hung prominently on the stage. Lin Wanqiu sat in the front row, watching the outstanding female representatives go up to receive their awards, feeling both nervous and expectant.

When the host announced "Lin Wanqiu of the Red Flag Production Brigade," Lin Wanqiu took a deep breath, straightened her clothes, and quickly walked onto the stage. The chairwoman of the regional women's federation personally presented her with the "March 8th Red Banner Pacesetter" certificate and medal. The medal was gold, with the words "March 8th Red Banner Pacesetter" engraved on it, and it shone brightly under the lights.

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