Chapter 147 (Revised) Opportunities and the Critical Spot...

Shu Ran's exchange with Professor Wu went very smoothly.

In a small, temporarily borrowed meeting room at the guesthouse, Professor Wu spent the entire afternoon perusing Shu Ran's "Work Manual".

He read very slowly, stopping from time to time to ask about the details of a specific operation method or the background of a case.

Shu Ran was well-prepared and answered fluently. She not only explained the contents of the manual but also expanded on them, recounting more about the actual situation at the grassroots level and the process of exploration. Her narration drew frequent nods of approval from Professor Wu.

"Excellent, truly excellent." Professor Wu closed the first draft of the handbook, took off his glasses, rubbed his temples, and said with admiration, "Comrade Shu Ran, although your handbook is not perfect, its value far exceeds that of many so-called academic papers. I feel that it is down-to-earth and gives me a vibrant feeling."

He put his glasses back on. "Have you considered further refining this handbook and striving for its formal publication?"

Formal publication? Shu Ran was somewhat surprised. This was undoubtedly what she had hoped for, but for a scholar of Professor Wu's stature to propose it personally carried entirely different significance.

She replied cautiously, "Professor Wu, I certainly hope it can help more grassroots educators. But with my current level and qualifications, I'm afraid..."

“Level and qualifications are not the issue,” Professor Wu waved his hand, interrupting her. “Truly valuable things will not be buried. What I value is the content and your thinking. If you agree, I can recommend you to a publisher. Of course, before publication, it needs to be systematically organized, polished, and improved to make it more universally applicable. I can guide you through this process.”

Shu Ran almost agreed immediately, but she quickly calmed down.

“Professor Wu, I am deeply grateful for your guidance and recommendation! This is an opportunity I never dared to dream of. But…” She paused, her tone firm, “I hope that the core content of this handbook, the grassroots practices it is based on, its basic framework and direction, can remain unchanged. It may not be sophisticated enough, but it must be practical and truly help teachers who work in difficult environments.”

Professor Wu paused for a moment, then laughed, his smile filled with understanding and appreciation: "Good, well said! What I want to recommend is your original form, this practicality! If you modify it beyond recognition and turn it into another impractical theoretical book, what's the point? Don't worry, my guidance is to make it more standardized, more systematic, and more readable while preserving your core content and style."

"Thank you, Professor Wu!" Shu Ran bowed sincerely.

"Don't mention it." Professor Wu adjusted his glasses. "Here's what we'll do: after the meeting, go back and take the time to revise it systematically based on the opinions we discussed today. Focus on enriching the case studies and making the operational procedures more detailed. Send it to me when it's finished, and I'll contact the publisher."

"Yes! I will finish it as soon as possible!"

Shu Ran saw Professor Wu off and returned to her room. The publication of the handbook, with an authoritative recommendation from someone like Professor Wu, meant that her work would receive official recognition and promotion, and her influence would no longer be limited to V City, or even the border regions.

When Sun Mei saw her return, she asked curiously, "How did the talk go? Professor Wu must have admired you a lot, right?"

Shu Ran briefly mentioned that Professor Wu was willing to provide guidance and recommend the publication of the handbook, but she did so in a general way while also leaving out the details.

Sun Mei's eyes widened. "Oh my! Xiao Shu! You're about to skyrocket to success! Professor Wu is a big shot in the education field!" She gave him a thumbs up. "With his recommendation, your book is guaranteed to be a hit! You'll be an education expert then!"

Shu Ran smiled, but her mind was perfectly clear. With greater opportunity came greater responsibility and pressure. Once this book was published, she would be in a higher position and face more scrutiny. Moreover, revising the manual was a massive undertaking, requiring her to invest even more time and energy.

The last day of the exchange meeting was the summary meeting and closing ceremony. Director Li delivered a concluding speech, and when mentioning grassroots work experience, he specifically mentioned Shu Ran's speech, believing that it was "rich in content, insightful, and reflected the spirit of frontier educators who are rooted in the grassroots and dare to explore."

This is almost the highest affirmation of Shu Ran's performance at this conference.

After the closing ceremony, delegates from various regions began to leave. Secretary Zhou approached Shu Ran, his face beaming with pride.

"Xiao Shu, you've done us a great service this time!" He said with an expression of admiration. "Director Li's affirmation and Professor Wu's appreciation are all achievements! I'll report this to the higher-ups as soon as I get back! Don't worry, the bureau will fully support your work going forward!"

"Thank you for your support, Secretary."

"The publication of this manual is of paramount importance," Director Han said in a low voice. "Just let us know if you need any support. The bureau will give you the green light in terms of time and materials. You must do this well, and do it beautifully!"

"I see."

The jeep seemed much lighter on the way back than on the way there. Shu Ran leaned against the window, watching the scenery rushing past outside, her mind filled with plans for the future.

The car jolted, pulling her back from her thoughts.

This exchange meeting was a significant turning point in her career. If she could seize the opportunity, she might be able to transition from a grassroots worker into an expert who could influence policy.

However, she must be more cautious and not let this immense joy go to her head. Along with the prestige brought by the publication of the handbook, there will inevitably be more complex situations and challenges.

Aside from that last letter, there has been no further news from Chen Yuanjiang. Personal feelings are important, but the business empire she built with her own hands is equally vast and worth striving for.

*

Returning to my old workplace, life went back to its old routine, yet it felt completely different.

On the surface, everything seemed the same. Shu Ran still showed up at the office on time every day, dealing with the seemingly endless piles of grassroots reports and responding to the increasingly subtle concern from her colleagues.

When she went to other departments, the smiles of the people she encountered were even warmer; when she went to the archives, Zhang Yaqin would take the initiative to look out for the latest relevant books and periodicals; even when she went to the cafeteria to get food, the chef seemed to give her a spoonful more food than others.

Director Han met her once, and without any further pleasantries, went straight to inquiring about the progress of the manual revision.

"The revision plan has been clarified. It mainly involves supplementing case studies and refining operational procedures. We are working on organizing it as soon as possible," Shu Ran reported.

"Yes," Director Han nodded. "Keep in touch with Professor Wu and report on the progress in a timely manner. If he needs anything from the bureau, submit a report. This is a political task, and we cannot be careless in the slightest."

"I see."

The pressure was mounting. Shu Ran understood that this handbook was no longer just the culmination of her personal efforts, but carried much more weight.

She devoted almost all her spare time to revising the manual. Her dormitory desk was covered with drafts, letters from grassroots staff, and various reference documents.

Correspondence with Professor Wu became an essential part of her work during this period. Professor Wu's replies were always prompt, full of encouragement, and offered many suggestions on specific details.

"The selection of cases should prioritize quality over quantity, and should be able to typically reflect a certain type of problem and its solution."

"The description of the operation process can be made by combining step breakdown with key point reminders, which will make it easier for grassroots teachers to understand and implement."

"Regarding the connection between 'survival education' and 'cultural education,' the theoretical depth can be slightly enhanced, but remember not to deviate from your original practical foundation."

Shu Ran incorporated these suggestions into the revised draft. This process was also a learning and improvement experience for her.

One afternoon, Shu Ran was engrossed in revising a manual when Li Weiguo strolled over with a teacup in hand and casually asked, "Little Shu, busy with the manual? I heard you often correspond with that Professor Wu in Beijing?"

Shu Ran looked up from the manuscript, her expression calm: "Yes, Director. Professor Wu was concerned about the progress of the manual's revision and gave me a lot of guidance."

"Oh, that's a good thing." Li Weiguo blew on the foam on his teacup and said slowly, "But, Xiao Shu, there's something I'm not sure if I should say."

"Team leader, please speak."

"This Professor Wu is a scholar of great learning and has a great reputation. But..." His voice carried a hint of candor, "Some of his views are not without controversy in academic circles. It's fine to correspond with him and learn from him, but you must also be careful to maintain a proper balance and not let him lead you astray. Our work in the border regions must be based on our own realities, right?"

Shu Ran remained expressionless: "Thank you for the reminder, team leader. I will pay attention. Professor Wu's guidance mainly focused on the academic norms and expression methods of the manual; the core content has always been a summary of our practical experience at the grassroots level in the border regions."

Li Weiguo chuckled twice, "That's good, that's good. As long as you know what's going on." After saying that, he picked up his teacup and strolled back to his seat.

Shu Ran lowered her head and continued revising the manuscript.

After months of tireless work, the revised version of the manual was finally completed. Shu Ran carefully copied it out, attached a detailed explanatory letter, and sent it to Professor Wu in the capital.

In the days that followed, she continued working as usual, but her thoughts kept drifting to distant places, wondering about Professor Wu's evaluation of the revised manuscript and worrying about whether the publication would go smoothly.

A month later, Professor Wu's reply finally arrived. The letter was quite thick.

Shu Ran held her breath as she opened the envelope.

In his letter, Professor Wu gave positive feedback on her revision work. He informed her that he had recommended the manuscript to a national-level educational publisher he knew well, and that the publisher had shown great interest after a preliminary review and that the manuscript had entered the next stage.

Joy dispelled the fatigue and anxiety of the past few days.

Shu Ran immediately reported the situation to her superiors. The leaders promptly instructed the office to issue a document, sending a letter to the publishing house in the name of the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, expressing their full support for the publishing work.

The news spread throughout the bureau. Congratulations increased, but Shu Ran also noticed that some of the gazes had become more complex.

When some colleagues saw her, their smiles became even more exaggerated, and their words were full of flattery.

During a chance encounter, the director of the Propaganda Office said meaningfully, "Xiao Shu, you're going to publish a book? This is a big deal. You'll have to be more careful with your words and actions from now on."

Shu Ran didn't say anything, just smiled calmly. Everything would only be settled when the book was published.

Two months later, the publisher's official publishing contract arrived at the Education Bureau. Director Han personally convened a meeting of officials to announce the good news and listed the publication of the handbook as one of the bureau's key publicity tasks for the year.

Shortly after the contract was signed, the first wave of disputes arose.

One day, Shu Ran was summoned to the director's office. Secretary Zhou was also there, and his expression was not good.

"Comrade Shu Ran," Secretary Zhou said bluntly, pushing an internal newsletter in front of her, "take a look at this."

Shu Ran picked it up and saw that it was an internal communication document from the education department of an eastern province. In it, without naming names, it mentioned that "some recent summaries of educational experiences from border areas overemphasize the special conditions and tend to ignore and downplay the general laws of education, which is worthy of vigilance."

Although no names were mentioned, the implication was very clear.

"What do you think?" Secretary Zhou stared at her.

Shu Ran put down the materials, her expression calm: "Secretary Zhou, I think the criticism in this material is one-sided, or even a misunderstanding. My handbook emphasizes throughout how to more effectively implement the education policy under special conditions, and how to make education closer to the masses. We are not denying universal laws, but exploring specific forms of implementation under special circumstances. If even the most basic cultural knowledge cannot be effectively transmitted, the so-called ideological guidance may not be able to be promoted."

From the leader's perspective, her answer was reasonable and well-founded.

Director Han nodded in agreement and added, "Secretary, I think Xiao Shu is right. Some people don't quite understand the actual situation in our border areas, and we can't let these kinds of voices distract us."

Secretary Zhou's expression softened slightly, but he still cautioned, "That's the logic. But since this kind of discussion has arisen, it means that the handbook will definitely face various different opinions after its publication. Comrade Shu Ran, you need to be fully prepared. Especially," he emphasized, "if this book really attracts nationwide attention, the discussions may not stop there."

Stepping out of the office, Shu Ran felt somewhat heavy-hearted. She knew her superiors' concerns were not unfounded. This clash, rooted in different regions, perspectives, and ideologies, was by no means easily reconciled.

The editorial work at the publishing house was progressing smoothly. Shu Ran communicated with the editors there through letters and occasional long-distance phone calls, making final polishes to the manuscript. The editors spoke highly of the manuscript, believing that it filled a gap in the guidance of grassroots education practices in border and impoverished areas in China, but also subtly reminded that some of the specific practices and ideas in the book might spark discussions in academic and educational circles.

The word "discussion" was used subtly, but Shu Ran understood its meaning.

During this time, she received another letter from Professor Wu. In the letter, Professor Wu revealed that the publishing house planned to organize a small-scale seminar after the book's publication, inviting some experts and scholars from the education field to participate, in order to expand its influence. At the same time, he also reminded Shu Ran that as the book's publication date approached, some potential controversies might emerge in advance, urging her to remain calm and confident in the value of her work.

Sure enough, not long after, an article appeared in a well-known domestic education newspaper, discussing "the standardization and scientific nature of summarizing grassroots education experiences." Although the article did not directly name Shu Ran's handbook, it quoted similar views to her in several places for discussion, arguing that while grassroots exploration is valuable, it is important to be wary of falling into the trap of pragmatism.

Sun Mei mentioned this matter in her letter, and Liu Hui, Zhang Yaqin, and others were worried about her. Li Weiguo and others spoke to her with even more "earnest sincerity," as if they had already foreseen this.

Some dissenting voices have also emerged within the organization. Some leaders believe that a more cautious approach should be taken, suggesting that Shu Ran revise some sensitive or potentially controversial statements in the manual, and even consider postponing publication until the time is more opportune.

One evening, Director Han specifically asked Shu Ran to stay.

"You heard all the noise outside, didn't you?" Director Han asked, lighting a cigarette.

"I heard you." Shu Ran nodded.

Are you scared?

Shu Ran was silent for a moment, then raised her head. "Director, to be honest, I feel a bit of pressure. But I'm not afraid. Every word in the manual is something that I and countless other grassroots educators have worked on. It may not conform to some people's theories, but it is truly useful. If we are afraid to speak out because of controversy, then we will never be able to let more people understand the real situation of education in the border areas, nor will we be able to promote the methods that are truly suitable for the grassroots to be seen and applied."

Director Han took a deep drag on his cigarette. Through the swirling smoke, he said, “You’re right. When have we in the Production and Construction Corps ever been afraid of controversy? Back then, when we were reclaiming wasteland and defending the border, the conditions we faced were a hundred times more difficult than they are now. There were plenty of rumors and gossip, but we still made it through step by step. Your book is not only your personal achievement, but also a sign of progress in the development of education in our Production and Construction Corps. It represents a voice, a voice from the grassroots, and this voice must be heard.”

He stubbed out his cigarette. "The publishing plan remains unchanged. Everything will proceed as planned. You just need to do the final work well."

After a long wait and a period of intense public discussion, the handbook has finally been officially published and distributed nationwide.

The book had a pale yellow cover and simple binding, with the words "Edited by Shu Ran, Chief Editor of the Education Group of the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps" printed on the title page. When Shu Ran first held the new book in her hands, her eyes couldn't help but well up with tears. This book embodied so much of her hard work and carried the expectations of so many people.

The book received an enthusiastic and positive initial response after its publication. In particular, grassroots educators in remote and impoverished areas praised it highly. They deeply resonated with the difficulties described in the book and found the practical solutions it offered to address their needs. Letters of praise and gratitude poured in from these regions to the publisher and education bureaus, and many grassroots teachers wrote to express how the book had provided practical help and greatly inspired their work.

"After reading Teacher Shu's book, I realized that our old-fashioned methods, which were once looked down upon, also have value!"

"This book has shown us the way, those of us who are groping our way in difficult areas!"

"Thank you, Teacher Shu, for not forgetting us frontline educators!"

Immediately following, controversy and criticism followed.

Some scholars in the field of educational theory published articles in professional journals criticizing the handbook. These critical articles were quite damaging. Soon, articles following up on the discussion appeared in some educational newspapers and magazines, creating a situation where the views of the two sides clashed fiercely.

The debate focuses on the relationship between "survival education" and "cultural education" and "ideological and political education," as well as how to coordinate grassroots exploration with general laws and the overall educational policy.

Shu Ran's name, along with her ideas, appeared repeatedly in these controversial articles, and were analyzed and discussed repeatedly.

She was suddenly thrust into the eye of a national storm of public opinion on education.

The atmosphere within Shu Ran's unit also became delicate. Supporters believed that Shu Ran had brought honor to the Corps and dared to speak out; while some who had reservations to begin with were talking privately that Shu Ran had made too much of a splash and caused unnecessary trouble for the bureau.

Faced with this mixed reception, Shu Ran went to work and left work as usual, revising her work plan for the next phase, as if the outside disturbances had nothing to do with her.

Only those close to Shu Ran knew that besides work documents, her desk was also filled with newspapers and magazines from all over the country, with articles discussing her highlighted in red pen.

She was watching and thinking.

Shu Ran didn't rush to refute the criticisms. She knew that some debates weren't based on momentary verbal sparring, but on the test of time and the proof of practice.

That day, she received a special letter. The envelope was signed "Wang Guilan and Li Xiumei from the Livestock Company," and inside, besides the handwriting that Shu Ran recognized, were several pieces of poplar bark covered with writing in charcoal.

The letter said that they had visited teachers at several surrounding teaching sites to ask for their opinions on the manual. They heard that the teachers had picked out all the suitable methods in the manual and tried them one by one, with very good results.

This piece of bark was selected from those educational centers; the teachers there insisted that she send it to them.

Looking at the childish handwriting on the tree bark, expressing longing and praise for her, Shu Ran finally couldn't hold back her tears.