Chapter 85 Let's encourage each other

The next day, the company headquarters indeed announced a mobilization meeting for spring plowing and production. The meeting was held in the open space in front of the company headquarters. All the staff and their families from each platoon who could spare the time brought their small stools and shoe-making tools. The room was packed with people, noisy and bustling, with children weaving through the crowd.

Shu Ran also arrived and found a seat on the side. She saw Secretary Liu, Company Commander Ma, Zhao Weidong, and other company leaders sitting behind a long table in front.

Zhao Weidong had a thick notebook spread out in front of him, and he was talking quietly to the maintenance worker next to him with a serious expression.

The meeting was chaired by Company Commander Ma. He first spoke about the excellent situation nationwide and within the Production and Construction Corps, and then emphasized the importance of spring farming for the year's harvest and for national development. The people in the audience listened attentively, nodding occasionally.

Next, Secretary Liu spoke, mainly emphasizing issues such as ideological unity and workplace safety.

Finally, it was Zhao Weidong's turn to give specific instructions, as he was in charge of production. He cleared his throat, picked up his notebook, and began to speak.

"Comrades, what the Party Secretary and the Company Commander just said is very important, and I agree with them. Now, I will mainly talk about the specific tasks and arrangements for this year's spring plowing." He opened his notebook and began to assign tasks item by item, from plot division, seed allocation, agricultural machinery maintenance, and labor allocation, to fertilization standards, irrigation arrangements, and even daily work progress requirements, all explained clearly with accurate data and explicit requirements. The people below the stage took out their notebooks to take notes.

Shu Ran listened attentively, secretly admiring Zhao Weidong's professional skills. He truly had a thorough understanding of the company's production and arranged everything in an orderly manner.

After explaining all the production arrangements, Zhao Weidong closed his notebook, slightly changed the subject, and scanned the entire room, his gaze lingering briefly on Shu Ran before quickly moving away.

"In addition, there is something else I want to tell you. The higher authorities have officially approved the establishment of a grassroots education demonstration site in our company. This is an affirmation of our company's work by the higher authorities, and it is also a glorious political task."

Upon hearing this, a murmur arose from the audience, and many looked at Shu Ran with curiosity and envy in their eyes. Shu Ran straightened her back.

Zhao Weidong raised his hand to quell the murmurs and continued, "Doing a good job in education and raising the cultural level of the masses is, in essence, also for the purpose of better promoting production development. We all understand this principle."

He paused here, seemingly choosing his words carefully. The audience fell silent.

“However,” Zhao Weidong emphasized, “we must also be soberly aware that, at present, spring farming is the overriding central task for our company! It is the most important thing in all our work! If we can’t harvest the grain, everything else is meaningless!”

"Therefore, I want to emphasize a few points of discipline here."

"First, the construction of demonstration sites must take into account the overall situation of spring farming!"

"Secondly, each platoon and work group must strictly manage labor. It is the busy farming season now. Anyone who uses attending training as an excuse to shirk production labor, or who shows up but doesn't put in the effort, will be dealt with seriously once discovered!"

"Third, all the company's materials and funds must first be used to ensure the needs of spring farming. The materials needed for the construction of the demonstration site should be gradually resolved under the unified planning of the company, adhering to the principles of diligence, thrift, and making the best use of what is available. Production inputs should not be affected."

As he spoke, Shu Ran's heart sank. Zhao Weidong's words were all reasonable, eloquent, and perfectly in line with the superior's directives; there was nothing wrong with them.

“Of course,” Zhao Weidong’s tone softened slightly, “the company also supports the work of the demonstration site to the best of its ability. For example, activities can be carried out during the morning and evening off-duty hours; we also encourage family members and students to participate in the learning; and some waste materials can be given priority for teaching needs.”

He concluded by saying, "In short, we must focus on both production and education. However, we must distinguish between primary and secondary priorities and emphasize key areas. I hope everyone can understand this correctly, cooperate actively, and work together to successfully complete both the spring planting and demonstration site construction tasks!"

Zhao Weidong finished speaking. Applause broke out from the audience, not as enthusiastic as before, but still fairly uniform. Shu Ran also clapped along.

After the meeting, people dispersed, chattering amongst themselves. Shu Ran saw Zhao Weidong surrounded by several platoon leaders, still giving instructions on production matters. He seemed completely absorbed in his work and didn't even glance in her direction.

“Teacher Shu,” Sister Wang walked over, her face full of worry, “Director Zhao’s words… sound supportive, but the framework is too rigid.”

Shu Ran stood up, patted the dust off her pants, and said, "Sister Wang, Director Zhao is right, production is the most important thing. Let's do our best to make the demonstration site work within the framework he outlined! There are always more solutions than problems."

She knew in her heart that Zhao Weidong was not a bad person; in fact, he was a conscientious production cadre. His concerns and priorities were realistic and even correct given the circumstances of the time. He wasn't deliberately making things difficult; he was simply prioritizing the production tasks he was responsible for.

What she needs to do is, under the premise of understanding and respecting this reality, find a way to develop in the cracks.

Shu Ran raised her head and looked at the fields in the distance that were beginning to turn green, already having a plan in mind.

In the afternoon, Shu Ran decided to go to the pastoral area to see the family of the child Adil had mentioned who wanted to learn to read, and also to get a firsthand understanding of the possibility of setting up a teaching point. She greeted Sister Wang, tucked a few pieces of fruit candy and a small bag of salt into her pocket, and headed towards the pastoral area.

The wind on the Gobi Desert was still biting, but the sunlight had begun to bring a touch of warmth. As Shu Ran walked, she suddenly heard the sound of hooves behind her. She turned around and saw Chen Yuanjiang riding his chestnut horse, following behind at a leisurely pace, maintaining a perfect distance—neither like they were traveling together nor like they were complete strangers.

Seeing her turn around, Chen Yuanjiang reined in his horse and looked at her calmly, as if they were just traveling together by chance.

Shu Ran's heart skipped a beat. She stopped and called out, "Special Envoy Chen, are we going on patrol?"

Chen Yuanjiang nodded, and said succinctly, "Yes. We're going the same way."

Shu Ran smiled, "What a coincidence, I'm also going to the pastoral area. The road is difficult to travel, could you give me a ride?"

Chen Yuanjiang was visibly taken aback, seemingly not expecting her to make such a direct request. He glanced at Shu Ran, then at the long Gobi Desert road ahead, remained silent for a few seconds, then deftly dismounted, handed the reins to her, and walked to the side.

"You ride. I'll walk."

Shu Ran looked at the reins he had shoved into her hand, then at his tall, straight back as he started walking, and suddenly realized that this taciturn man, whose actions always preceded his words, was sometimes quite adorable.

Without any hesitation, she grabbed the saddle and laboriously climbed onto the horse's back. The horse was very docile, slowly following Chen Yuanjiang's steps. Sitting on the horse, Shu Ran's view opened up considerably, allowing her to see the snow-capped peaks of the Tianshan Mountains in the distance.

The two men and their horse walked silently across the Gobi Desert. The only sounds were the wind, the horse's hooves, and their footsteps.

After walking for a while, Chen Yuanjiang suddenly spoke without turning his head, his voice somewhat scattered by the wind: "The officer in charge of education at the regimental headquarters may need to be replaced."

Shu Ran's heart tightened; they had come after all. She gripped the reins tightly: "Whose replacement?"

"It's not certain yet," Chen Yuanjiang said. "They might be transferred from other regiments, or... someone from the company might be promoted."

"Thank you," she whispered. This news was important.

Chen Yuanjiang didn't say anything more, but his pace seemed to quicken.

Upon reaching the pastoral area, they could see Tuerdi's yurt. Chen Yuanjiang stopped and said, "We've arrived."

Shu Ran dismounted and returned the reins to him. Looking at his lips, which were a little dry from the wind and sand, she took out a piece of fruit candy from her pocket and handed it to him: "Here, moisten your throat."

Chen Yuanjiang looked at the fruit candy wrapped in candy wrapper with a complicated expression, and did not take it immediately.

"Take it, it's nothing special." Shu Ran stuffed the candy into his hand, turned and walked towards the yurt. After a few steps, she turned back and waved with a smile, "Thank you, Officer Chen, for giving me a ride!"

Chen Yuanjiang stood there, watching the energetic figure walk towards the herdsman's yurt, then looked down at the piece of fruit candy in his hand.

He unwrapped the candy, put it in his mouth, and a sweet, slightly sour taste melted on his tongue. He frowned slightly, seemingly not quite used to the taste, but instead of spitting it out, he mounted his horse, turned it around, and galloped off in another direction.

As Shu Ran approached Turdi's yurt, old Akhen's voice came from outside: "Teacher Shu! God bless you, he's been thinking of you!"

The old man lifted the felt curtain to greet them, his face beaming with a warm smile, his wrinkles smoothing out.

Behind him followed Turdi and several unfamiliar herdsmen, all of whom curiously sized up Shu Ran.

"Old Akhen, Brother Turdi, hello." Shu Ran greeted them with a smile, somewhat surprised by the commotion.

"Good, good! Please come in and have a bowl of hot milk tea!" Old Akhen warmly invited her into the yurt. Inside the yurt, Turdi's wife had already brewed the milk tea, and its rich aroma filled the air.

A bowl of piping hot milk tea dispelled the fatigue of the journey. Before Shu Ran could explain her purpose, Old Aken stroked his beard and said with a hint of pride, "Teacher Shu, we've all heard about your appearance at the Corps Headquarters! That's amazing! You've brought honor to our livestock company and our pastoral area!"

Shu Ran was taken aback. The news had spread so quickly? She smiled modestly and said, "Old Aken, you flatter me. I just did what I was supposed to do and reported on the learning situation of the children in our company and the pastoral area."

"Doing what needs to be done well is a skill!" Old Akhen waved his hand. "I used to think that being literate was less important than herding sheep. But lately, I've seen Adil change. He's become more sensible and can even help the company catch bad guys! And Ayman, she can even teach us when she comes back! Literacy is really useful!"

He paused, leaned forward slightly, looked at Shu Ran with earnest eyes: "Teacher Shu, I've thought about that knowledge yurt you mentioned last time, and I feel it's still not good enough."

Shu Ran's heart sank for a moment, and she was about to explain when Old Aken changed the subject: "The yurt is too small, it will be gone when we move to new pastures, it's not reassuring! Since the higher-ups have affirmed your work and want to set up a demonstration site here, our pastoral area must support you and respond to the call!"

He looked around at the herders present and said loudly, "I've discussed this with several families who have children! From now on, the children won't be going to school in any yurts!"

Shu Ran's heart jumped.

Old Aken's face broke into a smile, and he said decisively, "They'll all go to your Qiming Elementary School! They'll learn properly! We don't care about the distance; several families have pooled their resources and will take turns driving them! We're at ease knowing the kids can keep up with Shitou and Adil!"

This was a stroke of good luck. Shu Ran had never expected that Old Aken, her biggest obstacle, would become her most effective motivator. She stood up excitedly: "Old Aken, Brother Tuerdi, and all the villagers, thank you so much! I promise I will teach the children well!"

"No need to thank me!" Old Akhen laughed heartily. "It's because Teacher Shu is capable that she's enlightened us old folks. In the future, if Qiming Elementary School needs our help, just let us know!"

Returning from the pastoral area, Shu Ran walked with light steps, the huge weight on her heart regarding student enrollment finally lifted. Old Aken's change of heart and full support were more powerful than any official document from the company.

A few days later, one afternoon during a break from spring plowing, Shu Ran saw several women resting by the field ridge, surrounding Sister Wang and watching her scribble names in a notebook. Shu Ran walked over, picked up a twig, and wrote the character "苗" (seedling) on ​​the flat mud.

"Look, everyone, this is the 'seedling' of rice seedlings. We are working hard now so that the seedlings in the field can grow well."

The women gathered around curiously, asking questions all at once. Shu Ran took the opportunity to start a simple literacy lesson on the edge of the field, teaching them to recognize the characters for "field," "water," and "work."

Just as things were getting lively, a voice rang out from the side: "Teacher Shu."

Shu Ran looked up and saw Chen Yuanjiang standing by the field, still wearing his old military uniform, his top button fastened tightly. He was holding a book with a cover wrapped in old newspaper.

"Officer Chen." Shu Ran patted the dirt off her hands and stood up.

Chen Yuanjiang's gaze swept over the writing on the ground, then fell on Shu Ran's face, which was red from the sun. He handed her the book, saying, "This book might be useful to you."

Shu Ran took it, opened the newspaper cover, and found a slightly worn book titled "Practical Literacy Teaching Methods in Rural Areas." The pages were a bit yellowed, but it was well-preserved.

“This…” Shu Ran looked up, her eyes showing some hesitation.

"The division's archives were clearing out old books, and I thought they might be useful, so I applied for them," Chen Yuanjiang said calmly. "I'm glad you can use them."

After saying that, he nodded slightly to Sister Wang and the others, then turned and left.

As Shu Ran watched his figure disappear at the end of the field, a surge of emotion welled up within her.

That evening, under the kerosene lamp, Shu Ran carefully perused the book "Practical Rural Literacy Teaching Methods," which contained many teaching cases that combined practical production and daily life, allowing her to apply them in her own way.

She took out a piece of letter paper, cut off a small strip, ground ink, and neatly wrote four characters with a fountain pen: "Comrades, let us encourage each other."

Once the ink had dried, she tucked the small note into the title page of the book, "Practical Rural Literacy Teaching Methods."

The next day, she found an opportunity to meet Chen Yuanjiang, who was about to go out, at the entrance of the Lianmen Gate.

"Officer Chen, I've finished reading the book. It was very inspiring. Thank you." She handed the book back to him, which had been rewrapped in old newspapers.

Chen Yuanjiang took the book, nodded, and strode away.

It wasn't until he returned to his solitary dugout that evening that Chen Yuanjiang opened the book under the lamp. The newspaper wrapping slipped off, revealing a note on the title page.

He paused, picked up the note, and unfolded it.

"Let us encourage each other, comrades."

Chen Yuanjiang's gaze lingered on those four words for a long time, the light softening his deep features.

He carefully smoothed out the creases on the note, then opened his leather notebook and neatly tucked the note inside.

After doing all this, he put the notebook away and blew out the light.

In the darkness, all emotions are hidden in silence.