Chapter 50 Submitting a Report

The next morning, before the mud on the ground had completely dried, Shu Ran, carrying the tips that Master Qian had told her, went to the small room next to the company headquarters office, where Accountant Shi usually worked away at his abacus.

As soon as she entered, Accountant Shi looked at her through his glasses: "Teacher Shu? What a rare guest. Is there something you need?" His fingers were still resting on the abacus beads.

"Accountant Shi, I have something to ask you." Shu Ran leaned against the door frame, not going in. "In our company, how many work points are roughly equivalent to making a standard-sized adobe brick?"

Accountant Shi paused for a moment, then pushed up his glasses: “Work points? There’s no fixed rule for that. It depends on who’s shaving, the soil quality, and the weather. A strong, nimble laborer can shave three or four hundred pieces a day. If that’s ten work points… tsk, that’s roughly two or three pieces for one cent? But that’s a rough estimate. Nowadays, nobody calculates work points specifically for that; it’s all assigned as tasks.”

He then looked Shu Ran up and down: "Why are you asking this? Does the school need adobe bricks? To repair that shed? They won't need many, the logistics department should still have some left over from before..."

“It’s not about repairs,” Shu Ran shook her head, her voice calm, “I just wanted to see how much it would cost to build a new classroom.”

Accountant Shi took a breath, as if he had choked, and coughed several times in a row: "Build...build a new house? Teacher Shu, you have such high aspirations."

He shook his head, as if he thought the idea was a bit unrealistic. "That's no small amount. Even a small house requires a thousand or so mud bricks for the foundation. And that doesn't even include the rafters, reed mats, tarpaulins, and labor... It's difficult, very difficult."

"A thousand or so..." Shu Ran quickly calculated in her mind, her expression unchanged, she simply nodded, "Okay, I have a rough idea. Thank you, Accountant Shi."

She didn't linger and turned to leave. Accountant Shi watched her retreating figure, shook his head, muttered "Young people dare to dream," and then continued to bury himself in his abacus.

For the next few days, Shu Ran continued teaching as usual. The tool shed still smelled damp and earthy, so she had the children bring out the books that were still usable to air them out. During breaks, she no longer just sat by the podium to rest, but wandered around the company, looking around and thinking.

She looked at the depth of the dugout, the thickness of the walls of the newly built adobe house, the slope of the roof, and even went to check the site where the materials were piled up, estimating the volume and quantity in her mind.

She took the opportunity to talk to Master Qian a few more times, asking him about the approximate length and spacing of the rafters, the size of the reed mats, and the method of laying the tarpaulin.

That night, under the kerosene lamp, behind the notebook filled with sketches, she began to make lists and write equations. The numbers were enormous, but she calculated with great patience. She knew that asking for things without any real substance wouldn't work. She had to offer something tangible.

Two days later, she felt she was almost ready. She chose an afternoon, when she figured Company Commander Ma and Zhao Weidong should both be at the company headquarters, and went there with the thicker report that included a preliminary list of materials and estimates.

In the company headquarters, Ma Zhanshan and Zhao Weidong were indeed there, along with a technician named Ma who was in charge of mechanics. They seemed to be talking about tractor parts. When Shu Ran entered, Technician Ma stopped talking.

"Company Commander, Director Zhao," Shu Ran greeted.

"Teacher Shu, is something the matter?" Ma Zhanshan raised his eyes. Zhao Weidong, however, continued looking at the parts list in his hand without looking up.

Shu Ran handed the report to Ma Zhanshan on the table in front of him: "I have written a detailed explanation and application regarding the situation of the classrooms at Qiming Elementary School. Please take a look, leaders."

Ma Zhanshan picked it up and flipped through a couple of pages. The first part described how the classroom was flooded by a torrential rain, and how his attempt to get the students to take shelter was rejected. It was written very objectively, without any sentimentality, just presenting the facts. The next part was the reason for applying to rebuild the classroom, clearly and logically explained: it would be beneficial for students' stable learning, for absorbing students from pastoral areas, for the company's image, and in line with the higher authorities' emphasis on education. After that, there was a supplementary list of materials and a rough estimate.

Ma Zhanshan frowned again as he looked at the densely packed numbers. He handed the report to Zhao Weidong next to him: "Weidong, take a look too."

Zhao Weidong then put down the parts list and took the report. He read it faster than Ma Zhanshan. His eyes were expressionless as he scanned the text, but when he saw the list of supplies at the end, the corner of his mouth turned down.

“Teacher Shu,” Zhao Weidong began, his voice curt, “your intentions are good. But isn’t it a bit unrealistic?”

He slammed the report on the table, pointing at the numbers with his finger: "So many adobe bricks? Do you know how tight the labor force is right now? The autumn harvest isn't even over yet, the drainage canal project can't stop, there's so much work waiting for people in the fields, where are we going to spare the manpower to make adobe bricks and build houses for you?"

He then pointed to the next item: "Timber rafters? You need to apply for quotas for those from the forest belt! This year, even the quotas for building houses in the central government are being tightly controlled. How could your primary school possibly get a chance? Roofing felt is a scarce resource. Even if the regimental logistics department has some old ones, there are far more wolves than sheep. So many units are eyeing them!"

He looked up at Shu Ran, his tone becoming more serious: "Teacher Shu, I understand you want to improve the conditions. But you have to be realistic! You can't just do whatever you want without considering the circumstances. Now is the time for everything to give way to production! Your report has good ideas, but it's completely unrealistic and overly ambitious!"

The words were very harsh, showing no mercy whatsoever.

Shu Ran wasn't intimidated. She waited until he finished speaking before calmly replying, "Director Zhao, I understand the difficulties you mentioned. That's why it's written in the report: we can make adobe bricks without using production labor. We can organize students and those willing to help to slowly make and dry them during their spare time. If we can't finish this year, we can continue next year and eventually accumulate enough. As for timber rafters and tar paper, all we need is a letter of introduction from the company. I can go to the regimental logistics department myself and try to get as much as I can. We don't need the company to provide all these materials immediately. We just need the leadership to agree to let us work in this direction and, if necessary, to do us a favor."

"Easy for you to say!" Zhao Weidong scoffed. "A letter of introduction isn't something you can just issue casually. What if you can't get the materials, or you get only a tiny bit? The work is halfway done and it's just sitting there, making it even harder to clean up! Labor is labor, and labor is labor even in your spare time! If you're distracted, how can you focus on production?"

Ma Zhanshan tried to smooth things over, saying, "Old Zhao, don't say that. Teacher Shu is just doing this for the sake of her work... But Teacher Shu," he turned to Shu Ran, his tone troubled, "Director Zhao is right. There are indeed many difficulties right now. Your idea is too ambitious, and the company might... be unable to support it."

He rubbed his hands together: "How about this? When the winter is less busy, if we can spare some manpower, let's reinforce that tool shed a bit more. Let's plaster it with more mud and replace the reed bundles with new ones..."

"Company Commander, the foundation of that shed is already soaked and the walls are crumbling. There's not much point in reinforcing it now," Shu Ran insisted. "Besides, the winter off-season is too long; the children can't wait. This rain may be over, but what about the next one? What about strong winds in winter?"

She looked at the two leaders and said, "I know it's difficult, but things can be done. If the company thinks my plan won't work, can we discuss it at the branch meeting? Let's see what the branch thinks, or if there are any other better solutions. We can't just stand by and watch the children have classes in a dangerous building."

She pointed out the word "branch".

Ma Zhanshan and Zhao Weidong exchanged a glance. Zhao Weidong's expression was not good; he clearly disliked Shu Ran's suggestion to "pull things up."

Ma Zhanshan hesitated for a moment, then finally sighed, "Alright. This matter can't be decided just between the two of us. Here's what we'll do, Teacher Shu, I'll keep the report with me for now. I'll find some time to report it to Secretary Liu and discuss it at the branch meeting. Is that alright?"

This means it's time to hand it over to higher authorities, but they haven't given Shu Ran a definite answer.

Shu Ran knew this was the best outcome she could achieve, so she decided to accept it while she was ahead: "Okay, thank you, Company Commander, thank you, Director Zhao. I'll wait for news from the branch meeting."

After she finished speaking, she turned around and walked out briskly.

The curtains were drawn, and there was a moment of silence in the room.

Zhao Weidong snorted: "I knew it! These educated youths are quick-witted and full of ideas, always giving us trouble!"

Ma Zhanshan picked up the report and looked at it again, then shook his head: "The idea is good, but it's really difficult. Let Lao Liu worry about it."

Outside the window, Shu Ran walked out of the company headquarters and looked up at the sky. It was a clear, bright blue, and didn't look like it was going to rain anytime soon.

She knew the real test hadn't even begun yet. The branch meeting was the next hurdle. She needed to think of something else she could do to increase the chances of success.

She turned a corner and went to the small open space behind the tool shed. The children had all gone home from school, and the surroundings were quiet, with only the rustling of the reeds in the wind blowing through the broken roof of the shed.

She crouched down, picked up a sharp stone, and started scratching it on the muddy ground. She listed out all the numbers that Master Qian and Accountant Shi had mentioned, as well as her own estimates. Mud bricks, rafters, reed mats, tarpaulins… the numbers were huge, frightening to look at. But she didn't stop; her mind raced at the same time.

Zhao Weidong's attitude was as she expected, and Company Commander Ma was using the same old tricks, but the key was the branch meeting.

Her report and this rough calculation alone are probably not enough. She needs to make this sound less far-fetched, to have something concrete that can resonate with the committee members.

She stood up, dusted off her hands, and walked towards the staff and family quarters.

Zhang Guifen was hanging out old cotton quilts that had been soaked by the rain to dry at the door. When she saw Shu Ran, she quickly greeted her, "Teacher Shu! What brings you here? Come in and sit down."

"No need to sit down, Sister Guifen." Shu Ran smiled. "I'd like to ask you something. In our company, besides Master Qian, who else knows anything about building houses? Or, whose husband used to be a bricklayer or carpenter back in their hometown?"

Zhang Guifen thought for a moment: "Oh dear, that's not much... Let me think, Li Da Ge in the third row, who is Li Dazhuang's cousin, seems to have mentioned before that he knows a little carpentry. And... right, Wang Cuihua's husband, when he was in his hometown, I heard that the place used to flood, and the houses were washed away and rebuilt, and then washed away again, so many men knew a little bit of wall-building skills."

Shu Ran's eyes lit up: "Thank you, sister!"

She then visited several other familiar students' families, asking the same questions and maintaining the same sincere attitude. Most of the parents were surprised, but seeing that it was about the school, they tried their best to recall. After going around in circles, she had a small list in mind: about four or five people who might know a little about the matter.

The next day after school, she didn't let Shi Tou and Shuan Zhu go home immediately.

"I'm giving you a task." Shu Ran looked at the older children. "Go and find out if anyone in our company has any old, unused tools or equipment. Like a broken shovel head, a dull sickle, a worn-out pickaxe, or something sturdy like an old wooden stick or a thick rope. Ask if anyone is willing to lend them to the school, or you can exchange them for old notebooks or pencil stubs."

Stone blinked: "Teacher Shu, what do you need these junks for?"

"Of course it's useful." Shu Ran didn't say much. "Remember, it's a loan or an exchange, not a freebie. Come and tell me when you've figured it out."

Although the children were puzzled, they found the task novel and scattered in a flurry.

Shu Ran went to the tofu shop of the side business team. Li Xiulan was adding brine, her head covered in sweat.

"Xiulan, I need to talk to you about something." Shuran leaned closer. "How do you usually deal with that shredded tofu?"

"Tofu dregs? Used to feed pigs! There are two pigs kept behind the canteen, they all depend on this." Li Xiulan wiped her sweat.

“I know. I mean… if we could spare just a little bit, even just a small basin a day, would that be okay? I need it.” Shu Ran lowered her voice.

Li Xiulan's eyes widened: "Teacher Shu, what do you need tofu dregs for? You can't eat too much of that stuff..."

“It’s not for human consumption.” Shu Ran smiled. “Just say, can you think of a way to put in a good word? Just say… just say I’m using it to fertilize a small plot of land, and I want to try planting something.”

Li Xiulan was skeptical, but she nodded nonetheless: "I'll give it a try... Sigh, I'll have to find an opportunity."

"Thank you, Xiulan!" Shu Ran patted her arm.

Two days later, news spread that a branch meeting would be held. The time was set for after evening study.

The evening before the meeting, Shu Ran went to the new residential site behind the company headquarters again. The workers had already finished work, only Master Qian was still there packing up his tools.

"Master Qian," Shu Ran greeted, handing over two ripe, soft persimmons. "They're very sweet, please try some."

A little embarrassed, Mr. Qian wiped his hands on his clothes and accepted the gift, saying, "Teacher Shu, you're too kind."

"It's my pleasure. I'm always troubling you." Shu Ran looked at the half-built wall. "Master Qian, don't you think the most important thing when building a house is to first lay a solid and upright foundation? Otherwise, no matter how beautiful the wall looks, it will still be crooked?"

Master Qian nodded while munching on a persimmon: "That's right! If the foundation isn't right, nothing can be accomplished! Look at us here, we use a level and plumb line, we can't afford to be careless at all."

“Yes,” Shu Ran said casually, “It’s the same with building classrooms. The first step is the hardest and most important. As long as the leaders give their approval and are willing to lay out the foundation, the rest can be figured out little by little.”

Master Qian savored the sweetness of the persimmon without replying, but it seemed he had taken a bit of his words to heart.

That evening, the kerosene lampshade in the company headquarters' meeting room was polished brightly, but the room was still filled with smoke. Most of the branch committee members were present: Company Commander Ma, Secretary Liu, Zhao Weidong, and the officers in charge of women's affairs and logistics—seven or eight people scattered around. Chen Yuanjiang, as the division's special envoy, sat calmly in a chair against the wall, a notebook spread out in front of him.

As the applicant, Shu Ran was also allowed to attend and was seated near the door.

Secretary Liu spoke first, tapping the table: "Is everyone here? Then let's start the meeting. Today we'll mainly discuss Comrade Shu Ran's application to build a new classroom for Qiming Primary School. Comrade Shu Ran, please explain the situation again."

Shu Ran stood up and succinctly recounted the predicament of the day of the rainstorm and the current dangerous state of the tool shed. Then she emphasized the necessity of reconstruction: "...It is not only a safety issue, but also related to the teaching order and effectiveness, and even more so to our ability to attract and retain students from pastoral areas and complete the literacy and ethnic unity tasks assigned by our superiors. This is my preliminary list of materials and requirements."

She handed over the more detailed report.

Secretary Liu glanced through the report and passed it to someone next to him. The report circulated among several committee members; some frowned, while others pursed their lips.

Sure enough, Zhao Weidong was the first to speak, his tone even more aggressive than the last time in the company commander's office: "Secretary Liu, fellow committee members, this matter is not even worth discussing, it's pure nonsense! What time is it now? It's the critical period for production and harvest! Labor and materials, which one isn't in short supply? She just asks for a thousand or so adobe bricks, rafters, and tarpaulins! Where are these things going to come from? Are they going to fall from the sky?"

He pointed out the window: "There's so much work to be done in the fields, the irrigation ditches haven't been dug yet, the tractors are broken and we can't even find spare parts. Borrowing labor to build houses? Humph, that's sabotaging production. As for supplies, even the ministry has cut its housing construction quota by half this year. Why should we give her a primary school? Just because of this ridiculous report she's putting forward?"

The committee member in charge of logistics chimed in, "Yes, Lao Zhao is right. Roofing felt and timber are scarce resources. I've also inquired at the regimental warehouse. They have some used stock, but they all require permits. There are plenty of units waiting in line for them, so why should we get them? Even if they did, what about transportation capacity? Who would haul them?"

Another committee member, puffing on his pipe, said, "I understand Professor Shu's feelings, but we really need to consider the reality. I think we should wait until the winter off-season, or next year when production tasks are lighter, before making a decision. For now, let's overcome these difficulties."

The meeting room was filled with voices of opposition and skepticism. Company Commander Ma kept his head down, smoking, and remained silent. Secretary Liu listened, tapping his finger on the table, but did not express his opinion.

Shu Ran listened quietly, without rushing to refute.

After the noise subsided, Secretary Liu turned to Chen Yuanjiang, who had remained silent, and asked, "Special Commissioner Chen, what instructions does the division headquarters have? Or what are your thoughts?"

All eyes turned to Chen Yuanjiang.

Chen Yuanjiang closed his notebook, looked up, and calmly scanned the meeting room before finally settling on Zhao Weidong: "Director Zhao, I'd like to understand the specific situation. Is the company's current progress ahead of or behind the quota set by the division headquarters?"

Zhao Weidong paused for a moment, then said stiffly, "Although there are some minor difficulties, the overall progress is up to standard!"

"What about the building materials inventory?" Chen Yuanjiang continued, "I mean the portion that the company can mobilize, such as adobe bricks. Besides ensuring the existing construction projects and maintenance, how much is left? Or, if we organize off-duty time to make adobe bricks, how much can we increase the inventory by about one week?"

Zhao Weidong was stumped by the question and became somewhat annoyed: "This... there's no surplus! We're using it all up! You're talking about spare time? Everyone's exhausted by the time off, who has the energy to make clay bricks!"

Chen Yuanjiang nodded, seemingly agreeing with his statement, and then posed the most crucial question: "So, let's say—and I'm just hypothesizing—that the tool shed really collapses during the next heavy rain or strong wind, injuring the children or even causing a more serious accident. We'd need to mobilize manpower for rescue, send them to the hospital for treatment, handle the aftermath, and even deal with accountability from higher authorities. In this process, which is greater: the lost production hours and the additional costs incurred, compared to the additional costs you currently believe are needed to build the classroom?"

He paused, then added, "This doesn't even take into account the potential negative impacts of the incident, such as morale and the opinions of the herders. I think that when looking at this issue, we shouldn't just focus on the immediate situation, but also consider the long-term implications and safety."

The meeting room fell silent immediately.

Zhao Weidong opened his mouth, wanting to refute, but couldn't find the words. The other committee members who had just echoed him also showed thoughtful expressions.

Chen Yuanjiang didn't say he supported building classrooms; he simply presented a problem to everyone in a different way.

Secretary Liu coughed lightly, breaking the silence: "Special Envoy Chen, that's a very insightful question. Yes, safety is a major issue, and we can't afford to take chances."

He looked around and said, "Comrade Shu Ran's idea is good, and the difficulties are real. How about this, I think we can reach a resolution: to approve in principle the application of Qiming Primary School to build new classrooms."

Zhao Weidong looked up in confusion.

Secretary Liu raised his hand to press down: "However! At present, the company really cannot provide a budget, can not provide quotas, and cannot spare any regular labor. This matter mainly depends on Comrade Shu Ran to find a way on his own, mobilize the masses, and use their spare time to get as much material as possible and proceed as far as they can. The company can provide necessary assistance without affecting normal production, such as allocating a small plot of land and issuing a letter of introduction. What do you all think?"

This is practically a green light for three things – no money, no people, no possessions, just a title and a little bit of convenience.

The committee members exchanged glances, thinking this approach might work. After all, the pressure wasn't on them. Although Zhao Weidong's face was ashen, Secretary Liu had said he "agreed in principle," and if he objected, he would be going against his superiors. Besides, Chen Yuanjiang's question did indeed make him a little apprehensive.

"agree."

"I think it's a good idea."

"Let Teacher Shu try it first."

The vote passed with little fanfare.

Secretary Liu looked at Shu Ran: "Comrade Shu Ran, what do you think of the branch's decision?"

Shu Ran stood up, her face showing neither disappointment nor joy. "Thank you for the branch's approval in principle. I will do my best to find a way to overcome the difficulties. I will report back when I need the company's support."

The meeting adjourned. The committee members chatted as they walked out. Zhao Weidong was the first to exit.

Chen Yuanjiang packed up his notebook and walked past Shu Ran. He paused briefly, his gaze lingering on her face for a moment, as if he wanted to say something, but in the end he just nodded and left.

The empty conference room was now empty except for Shu Ran. The kerosene lamp crackled once.

She slowly sat back down in her chair, looking at the report on the table that had been passed around and was now slightly curled at the edges.

I agree in principle, but you'll have to figure it out yourself.

Sure. As long as there's a formal status, that's fine. Once this door is opened, she'll figure out the rest.