Xu Zhixia was not shy and said openly, "I think we can organize a literacy class."
A hint of surprise flashed in Political Commissar Zhou's eyes. He originally thought that Xu Zhixia came to him and wanted him to use the army to clarify the matter.
To be honest, he felt unhappy about it, but he thought Xu Zhixia could also help.
But unexpectedly, Xu Zhixia proposed... to organize a literacy class?
This piqued his interest, and he asked excitedly, "Why do you say that?"
Xu Zhixia explained slowly, "In fact, many aunts nowadays don't know what capitalists represent. The main reason is their lack of knowledge."
"If there is a teacher who can help them learn to read, it will be very effective."
"From a long-term perspective, understanding the truth can help improve one's literacy."
"In the short term, literacy also helps the aunts in their daily lives."
Political Commissar Zhou seemed to be thinking about something. In fact, the army has been doing literacy work for military families in recent years.
But the effect was minimal and in the end nothing was done.
Thinking of Xu Zhixia's abilities, he felt that this trick might really work.
So he readily agreed: "Sure, the army happens to have an unused bungalow, and if we put a few sets of tables and chairs in it, it can become a simple classroom."
Xu Zhixia raised the corners of her mouth, revealing a faint smile.
"You misunderstood. I have no intention of becoming a literacy teacher."
Being a primary school teacher took up all her energy.
Forget about being a teacher to a group of aunts.
A hint of doubt flashed in Political Commissar Zhou's eyes, and he looked at her in confusion.
Xu Zhixia persuaded him earnestly, "My age isn't right, and I don't have that much time."
"But my mother is different. She is about the same age as the aunts, so they must have a lot in common."
Political Commissar Zhou was stunned for a moment, then burst into hearty laughter.
He finally understood what Xu Zhixia was planning. If Xu's mother became a literacy teacher, wouldn't the rumor that the Xu family was a capitalist be proven wrong?
He could see through Xu Zhixia's little trick, but he didn't feel disgusted, and an expression of appreciation appeared on his face.
He nodded and said, "Your suggestion is good. I will report it to the higher-ups. Go back and wait for news."
Xu Zhixia blinked and tactfully didn't ask any further questions.
After responding, he and Zhou An left Political Commissar Zhou's office.
When I got home, Xu's mother came to greet me.
A glint of determination flashed in her eyes, and she said, "Xia Xia, I've discussed it with your father, and we're leaving here tomorrow."
"The city we took the boat to is pretty good. Your father and I will see if we can settle down there. It will be convenient for us to come visit you then."
"If it really doesn't work out, going back home wouldn't be bad either."
After a pause, he pretended to be relaxed and said, "This beach is nice, but your dad and I are still not used to it..."
She kept muttering about how uncomfortable she felt, but the disappointment in her eyes was unfakingable.
Xu Zhixia felt a pain in her heart. In her previous life, her parents had always chosen to give in for her.
She straightened her expression and interrupted Xu's mother: "Mom."
"Political Commissar Zhou wants to run a literacy class, and I recommend you to be the teacher."
A hint of surprise flashed across Xu's mother's eyes, and then she showed an expression of surprise after she reacted.
What Xu Zhixia could think of, she could naturally think of as well.
If she becomes a teacher in a literacy class, then the rumors will naturally not matter.
After all, no one dared to openly doubt the decision of the military leaders.
She said somewhat helplessly: "I have never taught anyone before, is this really okay?"
"Should I prepare something? But I don't have anything right now..."
Xu Zhixia noticed her nervousness and comforted her, "Mom, I can be an elementary school teacher, so of course you can do it too."
“Since we are promoting literacy, we must start with literacy.”
"The aunts are kind-hearted, there will be no problem."
What Xu Zhixia said was not wrong. She was not a bad person, but she was too gossipy.
But her mother is gentle and kind, which should be very much to their liking.
As for what Political Commissar Zhou said about going back and waiting for news, in her opinion it was a foregone conclusion.
By then, no one on the island will gossip about their family.
As Xu Zhixia expected, by the evening, Political Commissar Zhou asked Zhou An to bring back the news.
The literacy class is ready. Let Xu's mother go to the one-hour class at 6 o'clock tomorrow evening, and then he will bring others to watch it together.
Xu Zhixia understood that this was an alternative trial class.
She told the news to Xu's mother and helped her prepare.
As the name suggests, the literacy class is prepared for aunts who have never been able to read.
Therefore, the more important thing in the first class is to arouse the aunts' interest in learning.
Xu Zhixia had an idea and whispered into Xu's mother's ear.
Xu's mother's eyes became brighter and brighter, and she couldn't help but sigh: "Xia Xia, you are really different now."
Xu Zhixia smiled but did not continue the topic.
After a good night's sleep, the mother and daughter got up early the next day.
Perhaps because of the anticipation, time passes especially quickly.
Soon it was evening, and Xu Zhixia brought her mother to the bungalow that Political Commissar Zhou had mentioned.
When the two arrived, quite a few people were already there.
Two or three gathered together, whispering.
"If you ask me, we're doing pretty well now, why do we have to fight against illiteracy?"
"That's right. Not knowing how to read doesn't really hinder anything. If you ask me, the people above are just idle."
"Political Commissar Zhou is such a jerk! He didn't even mention who was giving the lecture when he announced it."
"I think it should be Comrade Xu. She's the only one who has time now."
"What qualifications does a capitalist lady have..."
"Don't say this casually. If the higher-ups find out, you'll get into trouble."
These words were clearly heard by Xu Zhixia and Xu's mother, and Xu's mother looked at Xu Zhixia worriedly.
Xu Zhixia turned a blind eye, opened the door and walked in.
Suddenly the whole place fell silent and everyone quieted down.
Xu Zhixia walked to the last row and sat down calmly.
Wait...sitting down?
A hint of doubt flashed in everyone's eyes. Shouldn't Xu Zhixia come to teach them?
Just when they were puzzled, Xu's mother walked up to the podium.
She looked around and mustered up the courage to speak: "Everyone, my name is Xia Chunxiao, and I'm honored to be your teacher for the literacy class."
As soon as the words fell, the whole audience was in an uproar.
No one expected that it was not Xu Zhixia who came to class, but Xu Zhixia's mother.
Mother Xu's heart was beating fast, and she forced herself to calm down.
Following the words I had prepared yesterday, I slowly began, "I know everyone is confused or resisting the idea of literacy."
"We are doing fine the way we are now, why do we need to learn to read?"
"Now I'm telling you the answer. It's to make our lives more convenient, to prevent us from being cheated by others, and to make our husbands and children respect us more..."
The more Xu's mother spoke, the more confident she became, and she seemed to be shining.