Gu Mingyue originally thought that not many people would care about the clothing-making competition at the textile factory, since it was just an internal event within the factory.

It wasn't until she went to the supply and marketing cooperative to buy brown sugar that she realized she was wrong.

As soon as Gu Mingyue walked to the brown sugar counter of the supply and marketing cooperative, she heard several aunties chatting idly around the corner, their topic revolving around the garment-making competition at the textile factory.

At the counter, two women in blue overalls were chatting together, their voices not loud but clear enough.

"You think Master Zhang will definitely win first place in this competition? She has been making clothes for more than ten years, and her styles are both traditional and proper."

Another woman shook her head: "That's not necessarily true. I heard that Xiao Li from Workshop Two also signed up, and he even asked someone to bring him some new fabric from Shanghai. It's very stylish!"

"I heard there are a lot of people participating this time, even Cai Hua has signed up!"

An auntie wearing a blue cloth shirt said, "A few days ago, she went door to door asking about styles. Several aunties taught her a few tricks, saying that no matter whether she was accepted or not, the clothes she submitted would eventually be returned, so she wouldn't lose out either way."

Cai Hua was known in their neighborhood for being lazy; she was usually at the bottom of the sales charts at the factory. This time, however, she unusually mustered up the energy to participate in the competition.

Another auntie laughed and said, "That's right! I heard from a relative at the factory that if you're really lucky enough to get hired, the reward is quite substantial."

Not only were there bonuses, but also ten kilograms of grain coupons, plus daily necessities such as soap and towels—all truly good things.

Gu Mingyue paused for a moment as she picked out brown sugar.

She was surprised to find so many people preparing to compete, including experienced masters and opponents who had prepared new fabrics. Her previous confidence suddenly wavered.

Just then, I heard one of them say, "I heard that some people from the family compound have also signed up. I wonder how good their skills are. Compared to us who make clothes every day, I'm afraid it's unlikely."

Zhao Xiulan stood to the side and sighed. Gu Mingyue picked out a piece of brown sugar, placed it on the scale, and asked with a smile, "Sister Xiulan, what's wrong?"

Zhao Xiulan turned her head and saw her, waving her hand: "What else can I do? I just heard those aunties talking about the competition in the garment factory. One of them has good skills, and the other has the director backing her up. With my skills that I learned halfway through, how can I have any hope?"

As she spoke, she glanced at Gu Mingyue again, then suddenly realized, "Hey? Mingyue, did you participate?"

Gu Mingyue nodded and replied with a smile, "I've participated. I just sent the finished clothes over a few days ago. Whether I can make it to the finals depends on what the factory says."

Zhao Xiulan waved her hand confidently: "Of course he can get in! Need I say more about your skills? Last time I saw the work clothes you mended for your Lu Lin, the patches were sewn so neatly that they looked even better than before they were torn."

She leaned close to Gu Mingyue's ear and whispered, "Besides, I heard that the judges value practicality the most. The clothes you make are all made with people's needs in mind, which is much better than those fancy ones."

Gu Mingyue felt a warmth in her heart from Zhao Xiulan's words. Just as she was about to speak, Zhao Xiulan patted her shoulder again: "Just wait patiently, I guarantee you'll receive a notification! When the finals come, I'll come cheer you on. Our family compound needs someone presentable!"

Gu Mingyue smiled as she looked at her: "It's a competition, participation is what matters. It's already very good that you're willing to put your heart into it."

Gu Mingyue responded to Zhao Xiulan's words with a smile, but as soon as she turned the corner, the smile on her face faded a little.

The bag of brown sugar in her hand felt heavy, but she had no time to think about what to do with it that night.

Zhao Xiulan spoke with certainty, but she knew in her heart that there were experienced masters and the director looking after them in the finals. Although her work clothes were practical, she really had no idea whether she could compete with them.

Gu Mingyue carried the bag of brown sugar home and sat down on a chair as soon as she entered the door, her usual energy gone.

Seeing that something was wrong with her, Lu Lin put down the newspaper he was holding and came over: "What's wrong? You're not happy about buying brown sugar."

"I thought there wouldn't be many people in the competition, but I heard from people in the supply and marketing cooperative that there were craftsmen who had been working for more than ten years, and people who had asked someone to bring new fabric from Shanghai. Even they said that it was very unlikely that people from the family compound would be able to participate."

As Gu Mingyue spoke, she pointed to the two ready-made garments on the table, her tone tinged with frustration, "Are these two pieces of clothing of mine really not good enough?"

Lu Lin sat down next to her and gently patted her shoulder. "They're talking about other people. Your designs reflect your understanding of people, and that's what's most valuable. What are you afraid of?"

Looking into his earnest eyes and touching the clothes she had made, Gu Mingyue's unease slowly dissipated.

Yes, her design shows consideration for pregnant women and care for workers. This genuine care is probably exactly what the judges wanted to see.

Gu Mingyue touched her lower abdomen and muttered to herself, "When I used to make clothes, whether I was altering styles for the neighbors or figuring out new designs for myself, I always did it without hesitation. Why did I have so many concerns?"

Now, after hearing just a few idle words, I've lost my confidence and become so sentimental. Is it really the pregnancy hormones at work?

She got up, walked to the table, and picked up the maternity dress again.

"No, I can't be so lacking in confidence." She whispered to herself, encouraging herself, "Even if there are many competitors, my design has its own merits, and I have to let the judges see my dedication."

As soon as she finished speaking, the baby in her belly kicked her gently, as if in response.

That day.

Gu Mingyue was sitting in the courtyard embroidering the lace for a maternity dress when she heard Qi Juanjuan and Xia Qinghe's voices coming from outside the courtyard gate.

The two walked in, and Qi Juanjuan spoke first: "The cows on the mountain behind the military base were accidentally killed by rocks falling from the mountain. The meat is still fresh. Would you like some?"

Qi Juanjuan works in logistics, so she gets the news quickly. As soon as she received the news, she rushed to the family compound to ask them.

Xia Qinghe added, "It's freshly processed, all genuine high-quality beef, much fresher than what you get at the supply and marketing cooperative, and the price is reasonable. Several families in our compound have already placed orders, and I'd like to buy some too."

Lu Lin had just returned from outside and nodded upon hearing this: "Yes, weigh out three jin (1.5 kg). It'll be good for Mingyue to nourish her body. She's pregnant and needs to eat something nutritious."

Gu Mingyue smiled and agreed, "Thank you so much! Fresh beef is hard to come by, so this is a good opportunity to improve Lu Lin's meals."

Qi Juanjuan waved her hand: "No need to thank me. We're all from the same compound. When there's something good, we'll definitely think of our neighbors first. You guys better remember to line up at the military canteen entrance first thing tomorrow morning. This beef is fresh, and a lot of people want it. If you go too late, it might be gone."

Xia Qinghe nodded in agreement: "I plan to go before dawn to reserve a spot in advance, so we don't have to wait in line. Mingyue is pregnant and can't afford to get up so early."

Lu Lin quickly waved his hand: "How can I trouble you all the time? I'll go queue up myself tomorrow. It's enough that you help me ask for the news."