Chapter 64: Class begins, breathing intertwined, ears rubbing

Director Xie nodded in agreement: "Xiao Jiang is right."

Xiao Zheng didn't quite understand: "Xiao Jiang, what do you mean by proceeding from reality?"

Jiang Xueyi smiled and said, "To put it simply, we'll train them in whatever skills can make them money. When the velvet flower and match factories have a lot of orders, they'll often hire casual workers to take the velvet flowers and matchboxes home and paste them, earning some labor fees."

Xiao Jin said disdainfully, "How much money can you make from that?" He added, "It would be better to train them in willow weaving, paper cutting, and homespun weaving. That way you can make money faster."

Jiang Xueyi smiled and said, "They don't make much money, but for them, it's the quickest and easiest job to learn. Willow weaving, paper cutting, and homespun weaving are all good, but they're difficult to master and hard to produce. Most importantly, without a fixed sales channel, people might not buy what they make."

Director Xie said, "That's right. Taking odd jobs at the velvet flower and match factories will at least provide a stable income. It's like what Xiao Jiang said: be practical." She nodded at Xiao Jin. "Your idea is a good one, but it's hard to implement. Don't let your heart wander; you need to be sincere and work for the women."

Jiang Xueyi did a great job in this regard.

Director Xie glanced at Jiang Xueyi with appreciation and said, "Xiao Jiang, I'll teach you this. Write a plan for me later."

"Okay, Director Xie." Jiang Xueyi nodded in agreement.

After the meeting, Jiang Xueyi, Xu Shanshan and Section Chief You chatted and laughed as they left.

Xiao Jin looked at her tall and slender back, her high ponytail swaying with vigor and energy, and curled his lips: "What's so arrogant about it!"

Someone said jokingly, "Of course I'm proud. Director Xie adopted her plan instead of yours. Oh, and your man doesn't hold a higher position than hers." Someone else added, "If it were me, I'd be proud too."

After dinner, Jiang Xueyi started writing at her desk again.

He Chengze saw it and lowered his voice to say to the little bun: "Look, mom is working hard again."

The little bun smiled and shouted, "Work!"

"Shh!" He Chengze made a shushing gesture, "Keep your voice down, don't disturb her."

The little bun nodded, not quite understanding.

He Chengze: "Let's go peel some fruit for her."

Jiang Xueyi stopped writing and was about to stretch when a piece of orange, with the seeds removed, was brought to her mouth.

He Chengze smiled and said, "Thank you for your hard work."

Jiang Xueyi ate it with a smile, the sweet juice overflowing in her mouth: "It's very sweet." She then asked, "Have you and Xiao Baozi eaten it?"

"We ate it." He Chengze said, "We ate it just now while we were peeling oranges in the kitchen. Don't worry about us. Just eat more. You've been working hard lately."

He saw that Jiang Xueyi's face was thin, so he decided to buy an old hen and make soup for her tomorrow to nourish her.

The little boy stood on tiptoe and stretched out his hands: "Mommy, hold me."

Jiang Xueyi picked up the little boy and let him sit on her lap.

He Chengze leaned over to see what Jiang Xueyi was writing: "... Is your Women's Federation planning to organize literacy and skills training classes?"

"Yes." Jiang Xueyi smiled. "I proposed this to Director Xie, and she thought it was feasible. She asked me to write her a detailed implementation plan. If all goes well, we can start the class by the end of May."

"Very good." He Chengze paused, looking hesitant.

Jiang Xueyi saw that he had something to say, and said with a smile: "If you have something to say, just say it directly."

He Chengze carefully considered his words: "I'm thinking about whether to send the little bun to the nursery."

Recently, Jiang Xueyi has been working overtime more and more at night.

Although he didn't ask, He Chengze could sense that she was becoming more and more valued by her superiors in the unit.

If the little kid follows her to the Women's Federation all the time, it will definitely take up some of her energy. At this time, going to the nursery is the best solution.

The nursery's small class enrolls children aged two or three. Enrollment starts in September, and little Baozi's age is just right.

I thought Jiang Xueyi would strongly object. After all, the mother and son have been inseparable since the little bun was born, and their relationship is very deep. She would definitely not be able to bear it if the little bun suddenly left her side.

He Chengze has already thought of an excuse and is considering it.

Unexpectedly, Jiang Xueyi agreed without even thinking: "Okay."

He Chengze's words got stuck in his throat: "Uh... you agreed so easily?"

Jiang Xueyi rolled her eyes and said, "What else can I do? Why would I keep crying and making a fuss?" She added, "Little Baozi is going to the nursery, not out of town. We can send him to the nursery when we're at work during the day, and pick him up when we get off work in the evening. That way, we can still see each other."

The little girl will have to go to school sooner or later, and she accepted this well.

Nowadays, there are many people like her who bring their children to work. Every family has three or four children, and there are inevitably older and younger ones. Colleagues often help each other take care of the children.

But that is a workplace after all, and the childcare environment in the nursery is relatively much better than that in the workplace.

There are children of the same age with whom you can play hide-and-seek and hopscotch. There are professional teachers who can take care of you. There is even a cafeteria that provides nutritious meals suitable for children. It is actually a very good place for children.

Of course, the price is not cheap. It costs several dollars a month, and most people are reluctant to spend this money.

But for a dual-income family like theirs, it's just a little bit of a relief.

The little boy sat on Jiang Xueyi's lap, blinking his big eyes. He was confused and had no idea that his parents had decided his destination in just a few words.

He Chengze was still a little bit incredulous and repeatedly confirmed: "In this case, after the registration is completed in September, the little one will go to the nursery. Then he won't be able to stay with you. Don't miss him so much that your eyes are full of tears and you come to me crying. I can't do anything about it. You can't drop out easily after you enroll."

Jiang Xueyi raised her head and smiled, "I know."

She said in a deep voice, "I'm also reluctant to leave Little Baozi, but we're both young now, at the age of striving. I want to take advantage of this... to accumulate more... capital, so that Little Baozi can have an easier life in the future."

Once upon a time, she was a full-time housewife, taking care of her little one wholeheartedly and working, and she hesitated between trying to make money.

Neither is easy. Being a full-time housewife means a lot of housework. Going to work and taking care of children at the same time is like burning the candle at both ends, which is even more difficult.

Later I thought about it and thought, what if I put myself in the little bun's perspective.

Would he prefer a mother who takes care of his daily life meticulously every day, or a mother who has her own career, can stand on her own feet, and can provide support when he gets married and has children in the future?

The answer is obviously the latter.

Children do not need company. Many people do not even have any memories of their life before the age of five.

Moreover, if she takes care of Xiao Baozi wholeheartedly, it means that she will pour all her attention into Xiao Baozi. Xiao Baozi will be her career. She will keep an eye on Xiao Baozi's grades, friends, and a series of other things. Xiao Baozi will definitely suffocate.

Instead of focusing all your attention on the little bun, you might as well withdraw your attention and work hard on your career.

In the future, the little boy will definitely be grateful that he has a mother who can stand on his own.

He Chengze made Jiang Xueyi's blood boil and gave her a wink.

Jiang Xueyi understood, picked up the little bun, and coaxed him, "Mommy will read you a storybook, okay?"

The little bun said in a baby voice: "Okay~"

Jiang Xueyi finally coaxed the little kid to sleep, and just as she put the storybook down, He Chengze picked her up by the waist.

Jiang Xueyi pushed his shoulder: "Why are you so anxious?"

"I told you to." He Chengze said with a serious face, "You're right. We are both young and it's time to strive hard. Deputy Brigade Commander is not my end, but my starting point. In the future, I want to be Deputy Division Commander, Division Commander... or even higher positions. Just like you said, I want to lay a solid foundation for the little guy."

Jiang Xueyi nodded: "Yeah, you're right." She added, "But, could you please be more careful with your hands and stop touching me...that place."

It made her feel itchy, like a feather brushing against her, setting fire to wherever it passed.

He Chengze touched it again: "It's just a matter of convenience."

He said seriously, "I think that with the hard work we put in, the little one will definitely not be able to enjoy everything on his own. Why not give him another brother or sister to share the burden? What do you think?"

Isn’t this the key point?

Jiang Xueyi glared at him.

They both fell onto the bed.

Men go up, women go down.

Jiang Xueyi blinked her big eyes that seemed to be filled with stars as she looked at He Chengze. Her black hair was scattered on the pillow, making her fair little face look only the size of a palm.

Their breaths blended together and their ears rubbed against each other.

When two people have the same goal and work towards the same direction, what they do in bed will be particularly coordinated and enjoyable.

He Chengze hadn't felt so refreshed in a long time. He was like a wild horse, running freely and happily on the grassland.

The wild horse raised its front hooves, jumped over the cliff, and landed steadily.

He Chengze closed his eyes, buried his face deeply in Jiang Xueyi's hair, and sniffed the fragrance.

Jiang Xueyi could no longer open her eyes and mumbled vaguely, "...sleep."

The next day, the morning light was bright.

Jiang Xueyi yawned, got up from the bed, and went to the bathroom to wash up.

He Chengze brought out porridge and side dishes from the kitchen.

After Jiang Xueyi finished washing up, she sat on a stool, took the cup handed to her by He Chengze, and took a sip of tea.

He scooped up another spoonful of boiling hot porridge, blew on it, and brought it to He Chengze's mouth, and he swallowed it.

Every move shows their tacit understanding.

The little boy put his two little hands on the railings of the crib, looked at his father, then at his mother, and always felt that something was wrong, but he couldn't put his finger on it.

On Thursday, Jiang Xueyi went to work at the Women's Federation.

The first thing to do is to submit the proposal written last night to Director Xie.

Director Xie had just arrived at the office and hadn't even sat down when he heard three knocks on the door.

She raised her voice and said, "Come in."

Jiang Xueyi pushed the door open, holding the proposal. Director Xie asked, "Xiao Jiang, what can I do for you?"

Jiang Xueyi smiled and put the proposal on the table: "Director Xie, I have already written the proposal you asked me to write about literacy and skills training. Please take a look."

Director Xie was stunned for a moment. She had assigned this task to Jiang Xueyi on Monday and thought she would not be able to hand in the results until next week or even the week after. Unexpectedly, she was able to hand in the proposal on Thursday.

Could it be that they were just trying to fool around? Director Xie couldn't help but feel a little suspicious.

With this doubt, she took the proposal and opened it.

Jiang Xueyi first talked about why literacy and skills training classes should be set up, and then from the practical implementation, she wrote clearly how to start the class, what to teach in the class, the teaching content design, and the teaching method selection.

For example, the literacy classes focused on common characters in daily life, teaching concepts closely related to production and daily life, such as names, food coupons, and work points. They also included simple numerical calculations, using work point conversions and material distribution calculations as examples and exercises, truly grounded in reality.

Moreover, each major point is divided into five smaller points, which is very logical and organized, making it easy to understand at a glance.

Even if this proposal is shown to the leaders of the provincial party committee, no flaws can be found.

Director Xie couldn't help but praise: "Good! Well written!"

She paused: "That's it..."

Jiang Xueyi's expression was stern: "Director Xie, please speak."

Director Xie smiled and reached out to push down: "Don't be nervous. Oh, and don't stand. Sit down first."

Jiang Xueyi sat down, still feeling nervous. This was the first time she had written such a proposal, and she wasn't sure if there would be any mistakes.

Director Xie asked, "Do you have any recommendations for teachers responsible for skills training? Who do you think is suitable for this skills training in our Women's Federation?"

Jiang Xueyi felt relieved and thought for a while before saying, "Director Xie, I recommend Section Chief You from our department and Section Chief Han from the office."

"Oh?" Director Xie said, "I'd like to hear more about it."

Jiang Xueyi deliberated, "Section Chief You is very experienced in handicrafts, so she's the most suitable person to teach the students how to weave velvet flowers. Section Chief Han is kind and approachable, and he easily gets along with others. I think both of them are very suitable for this skills training."

She paused and said, "I'm just making a suggestion. The final decision is up to you."

Director Xie said with a half-smile, "You're recommending your leader. Aren't you afraid that I'll think you have ulterior motives?"

Jiang Xueyi smiled generously and said, "In my mind, Section Chief You is indeed a suitable candidate. I can't stop recommending her just because you think I have selfish motives. This goes against the idea of our Women's Association to run this literacy and skills training class successfully."

Director Xie smiled and said, "Okay, I understand. You can go back first." He added, "By the way, I almost forgot to tell you that I've already applied for your request to provide lunch for students participating in the literacy and skills training classes, and it's been approved."

"That's great," Jiang Xueyi said with a smile. "They can learn to read, make velvet flowers, and paste matchboxes to earn money, and they even provide meals. I'm afraid the number of people who come to sign up will break down the threshold of our Women's Federation."

Director Xie laughed, "You're such a clever talker." He added, "Okay, I'll borrow your good wishes. I hope that there will be a constant stream of people signing up, and that we can sincerely and wholeheartedly do something for these women."

Director Xie quickly reviewed the plan and finally decided on Section Chief You as the teacher to conduct the skills training.

When Section Chief You learned about this, he was shocked and asked Jiang Xueyi, "Did you recommend me to Director Xie?"

Jiang Xueyi smiled but said nothing.

Section Chief You said angrily, "This really stumps me. How can I make velvet flowers or paste matchboxes? I can't even do it myself, so how can I train others?"

Jiang Xueyi smiled and said, "If you don't know how, you can learn. How can this be difficult for you? You can even knit sweaters so well." She picked up the sweater that Section Chief You had knitted for the little bun. "Look at the stitches and the pattern. Making velvet flowers or pasting matchboxes is definitely not difficult for you. You can learn it easily."

Section Chief You smiled and shook his head. "You really know how to give me a difficult problem. I guess I have to go find the people at the match factory and the velvet flower factory and ask them how to make these two things."

Xu Shanshan raised her hand: "Sister You, I'll go with you."

It is true that Section Chief You is the main teacher of the skills training. Director Xie also selected Section Chief Han, Xu Shanshan, Xiao Zheng and other colleagues from the Women's Federation to be teaching instructors to help teach.

However, they have to wait until Section Chief You finishes learning and teaches them before they can teach others.

Everything is being arranged in full swing.

In mid-May, bulletin boards on the streets were filled with enrollment flyers for literacy and skills training classes run by the Women's Federation.

There were not many people who could read at that time, so the Women's Federation specially sent someone to give explanations next to the bulletin board.

People were also sent to the communes below to carry out propaganda.

As a result, quite a lot of people came to sign up, especially when they learned that students who joined the class would receive a free lunch, even more people came to sign up.

However, the literacy and skills training classes run by the Women's Federation are naturally aimed at women, and men are not accepted.

And the age requirement is between 18 and 55 years old. Those who are too young or too old will not be admitted. Young people can go to school to learn, and older people have limited understanding ability, so it is better to give the opportunity to those who need it more.

Many members of the communes below failed to register themselves, so they urged their wives to register. After all, they would get a meal provided.

Food is so precious. After finishing classes at the Women's Federation on Saturday, I eat my meal. The food I save can be fed to other adults and children.

After excluding some people who did not meet the registration requirements, the final number of students admitted was sixty, just enough to fill a class.

At nine o'clock sharp on Saturday morning, Jiang Xueyi entered the classroom on time.

She was wearing a light yellow dress, like a blooming forsythia, fresh and lovely.

The classroom was full of people, and some still remembered her: "You are Secretary Jiang!"

"I remember you. I came to listen to your lecture on menstruation knowledge!"

"I recite those jingles you made up every day."

Of course, there were also people who didn't know Jiang Xueyi, and they whispered to each other, "Who is this beautiful female teacher?"

When people learned that Jiang Xueyi had once given a popular science lecture on menstruation, even those who had never heard of it were filled with awe.

Everyone stared at Jiang Xueyi intently, afraid of missing every word she said.

Of course, there are also some who are not so serious.

Forty-five-year-old Aunt Huang, who was sitting in the last row on the right corner of the classroom, was forced to come by her husband in order to save food.

She was mending shoe soles with her head down, mumbling, "I'm already this old, why should I learn to read? If I have the free time, I might as well mend more shoe soles."

"That's right." Aunt Chen, who was sitting next to her with a hunched back, said, "When will school be over? I'm hungry and want to eat. I haven't finished my farm work yet. Can I finish my meal? I won't have classes this afternoon. I need to go back to my farm work!"

The classroom was very quiet, and the voices of Aunt Huang and Aunt Chen seemed particularly loud.

Everyone looked at Jiang Xueyi, but there was no trace of embarrassment on her face.

Jiang Xueyi smiled and said loudly: "Huang Xiuhua, Chen Cui!"

Aunt Huang and Aunt Chen were frightened. Aunt Huang didn't dare to sew the soles anymore. She stammered, "Teacher, I was wrong. I don't dare to do that."

Aunt Chen also said, "I was wrong. Teacher, please don't be angry and don't withhold my food."

Being called "teacher" by two women who were at least twenty years older than her, Jiang Xueyi felt a bit amused and helpless: "I'm not angry."

"Oh, oh." Aunt Huang was stunned for a moment. "Teacher, how do you know our names?"

Jiang Xueyi pointed to the roll call book on the table: "I remembered it when we called the roll."

Aunt Huang didn't believe it and asked Jiang Xueyi: "Do you remember the name of that classmate over there?"

Jiang Xueyi said: "Hu Huan."

"The one on the far right in the first row."

Jiang Xueyi: "Liang Xiaoli."

Everyone was shocked. They didn't expect that Jiang Xueyi really remembered each of their names and was not just fooling them.

Jiang Xueyi coughed and everyone quieted down.

Jiang Xueyi said, "Let's get back to the topic we were discussing. Huang Xiuhua, didn't you just say, 'You're already this old, why would you even learn to read? If you have that much free time, you might as well be making more shoe soles.'"

Huang Xiuhua replied hesitantly, "...Yes."

I thought Jiang Xueyi was going to criticize her, but unexpectedly Jiang Xueyi smiled and said, "You're not wrong."

Huang Xiuhua was dumbfounded.

And all the students in the classroom were dumbfounded.

Jiang Xueyi asked, "Let me ask you, how much can you earn by sewing a shoe sole?"

Huang Xiuhua: "One cent."

Jiang Xueyi nodded. "What if I told you that after learning to read, you could go to a factory and work as a factory worker, easily earning a dozen or twenty yuan a month, which is equivalent to sewing a thousand or two thousand shoe soles? Would you believe it?"

Huang Xiuhua was stunned.

Jiang Xueyi continued, "Even if you can't be a laborer, if you can read and do math, no one can deceive you. A female member once came to us crying. When she went to work, the team leader recorded one less work point than she earned. Because she couldn't read, she had no idea. At the end of the year, when they reconciled the accounts, the whole family was short of 200 work points. How much food could that buy?"

She said loudly, "You can continue to mend shoe soles, but your purpose is to make money. Learning to read and write will also help you make money and avoid unnecessary losses. Which do you think is more cost-effective?" She continued, "Whether it's the morning literacy class or the afternoon skills training, our Women's Federation offers these classes to help you learn more, avoid being scammed, and earn more money so that you can stand up straight at home in the future. If you think these are not more important than a meal, you can continue to mend shoe soles and chat. Just don't disturb other students in class."

Huang Xiuhua silently put away the soles of her shoes and said nothing.

Everyone stared at Jiang Xueyi intently, afraid of missing every word she said.

Seeing that her goal had been achieved, Jiang Xueyi raised the corners of her mouth and opened the book: "Now, let's have our first lesson."