Chapter 140 She promised to wait for him to come back, but...
Over the next few days, Shu Ran spent her days handling the daily affairs of the Education Department and responding to congratulations from all sides, and her evenings in her dormitory compiling and writing her "Standardization Manual for Grassroots Education in Border Areas".
This manual is the culmination of her hard work and her ambition. She wants to systematize and organize the methods she has learned through trial and error in livestock companies, mobile teaching points, and literacy classes, turning them into a guide that anyone can use to understand how to conduct basic education in the special environment of the border region.
There are no profound theories here, just practical tips: how to use abandoned tool sheds and herders' yurts as classrooms, how to collect limestone and fire bone pencils to replace scarce chalk, how to quickly train educated youth with some education to become teachers who can keep the classroom running smoothly, and how to seamlessly integrate literacy and arithmetic into daily production processes so that the benefits of learning can be seen immediately...
She knew that this might seem unrefined to others, but it was effective. In the remote border regions where survival was difficult, education that offered tangible benefits was the only kind of education that could ensure survival.
She was so engrossed in her writing that she almost forgot about the outside world. Until that afternoon, Director Sun called her into his office, his expression somewhat grave.
"Shu Ran, take a look at this first." Director Sun handed over a document, an internal communication issued by the superior, with the words "Study Reference" printed on it.
Shu Ran took the article and quickly skimmed through it. It was an article signed "Zheng Tao." The article was strongly worded, quoting extensively the latest instructions and directives. Its core argument was that the outdated education model must be resolutely broken. It criticized certain regions for unilaterally emphasizing practical skills and literacy, neglecting ideological guidance, using methodological diligence to cover up laziness, and even subtly criticizing that this lowered the quality and political significance of education and failed to fully realize its positive role.
As Shu Ran read through the entire article, her heart sank deeper and deeper. It was as if the article was tailor-made for her. Every point it criticized could be found in her unfinished handbook.
"Director, this article..." Shu Ran looked up at Director Sun.
"Just take a look, don't take it too seriously." Director Sun waved his hand, but his brow remained furrowed. "The wind direction always changes in waves. But, that... manual you're working on?"
"The Standardization Manual for Grassroots Education in Border Areas," Shu Ran added.
“Yes, the manual.” Director Sun nodded. “The idea is good, and it does solve our practical problems. However, we may need to pay more attention to the wording. For example, we should emphasize more that learning cultural knowledge is for better understanding policies and improving ideological awareness, rather than just focusing on specific matters.”
Shu Ran paused for a moment. She knew Director Sun was protecting her, reminding her to avoid risks. But she felt a surge of anger. If even addressing the most pressing needs of the people was considered wrong, then what was the point of education?
“Director, I understand what you mean.” Shu Ran carefully chose her words. “I will pay attention to strengthening the discussion on ideological guidance in the manual. But I believe that in the border areas, letting the masses experience firsthand the convenience and improvement that learning culture can bring to their production and life is the most powerful and direct form of ideological and political work. Only when they understand the principles can they more sincerely support the policies and build the border areas.”
Director Sun looked at her for a while, then sighed: "I understand your point of view, and everyone at the grassroots level understands it. In short, you need to be careful. You can continue working on the manual, but don't rush to take it out, especially don't send it over there."
"Yes, I understand." Shu Ran nodded in agreement. She knew that for Director Sun to go to such lengths was already a great act of protection.
Shu Ran felt somewhat down after leaving Director Sun's office. She walked to the vicinity of the publicity department's office, hesitated for a moment, and then went inside.
Yang Zhenhua was writing something at his desk when he saw her come in. He was a little surprised, but then he smiled and said, "Shu Ran? What a rare guest! Please have a seat."
"Did I disturb you?" Shu Ran sat down in the empty chair opposite him.
"No, no." Yang Zhenhua put down his pen and poured her a glass of water. "I was just looking for you. I read the materials you mentioned last time, and they were very inspiring! Especially the part about combining it with actual production. I think it's entirely possible to extract that and write a substantial report about how our division promotes production development and consolidates border construction through pragmatic education."
Shu Ran's heart skipped a beat. This was an opportunity. She could use the propaganda department's channels to spread the core values of her ideas and seize the initiative in public opinion.
"Does Officer Yang think it's feasible?" She showed just the right amount of delight. "You're an expert in this area. Write it however you think is best. I'll provide any supplementary materials you need at any time."
Yang Zhenhua was even happier to see her support: "I'm so glad you said that! Don't worry, I will definitely write this article well and try to publish it in the Frontier Daily so that everyone can see the innovation and effectiveness of our X Teachers' educational work!"
After chatting for a few more minutes, Shu Ran casually mentioned, "By the way, Officer Yang, I recently came across an article about the 'destruction and construction' of education revolution. Have you read it? I think the viewpoints are quite novel."
Yang Zhenhua's smile faded slightly, and he pursed his lips: "I've seen it. He's good at writing, he has a whole set of theories. But if you really let him spend two years at the grassroots level, you'll see."
He lowered his voice, "This guy has a powerful background, connections, and I've heard he has some influence. He's very outspoken. You... try to avoid any direct conflict with him."
Shu Ran got the information she wanted and nodded: "Thank you for the reminder, Officer Yang. I was just taking a look and learning something."
Leaving the propaganda department, Shu Ran's initial gloom was replaced by vigilance.
She returned to her dorm and continued revising her manual. Only in the introduction and at the end of each chapter did she deliberately add arguments aligned with the current spirit. It was awkward to write, but she had to.
She finished the last stroke of the pen in the early hours of the morning. Looking at the thick stack of manuscripts, she let out a long sigh. This thing was like her child. Now, it needed to wait for the right moment to be born.
She walked to the window, stretching her stiff limbs. The night was deep, and there were hardly any stars. There was still no news from Chen Yuanjiang.
She stroked the empty kettle on the table. She couldn't wait, nor could she rely entirely on others.
The next day, she went to see Director Sun.
"Director, I'd like to make some preparations in advance regarding the work of the roving guidance team." Shu Ran got straight to the point. "I suggest that we, on behalf of our division, compile a brief report on the mobile teaching points and the integrated production-learning model, attach some typical cases and data, and send it to the other member units of the team in advance. This can also be considered a form of exchange and learning."
Director Sun thought about it and thought it was a good idea. It could showcase the work achievements of Division X and demonstrate a proactive attitude, so he agreed: "Okay, you can take charge of organizing it. Show it to me when it's done."
This is exactly what Shu Ran wants. She can't just throw out the manual directly, but she can use this relatively gentle method to spread the core of her ideas first, test the waters, and see the reaction.
She carefully selected Qiming Primary School in the Animal Husbandry Group and two other mobile teaching sites with remarkable results as case studies, highlighting the practical benefits brought about by the integration of production and learning, with detailed data.
After finishing the report, she specifically asked Yang Zhenhua to polish the text to make it more in line with official document standards and also more persuasive.
"Shu Ran, your report is excellent!" Yang Zhenhua exclaimed sincerely after reading it. "It's well-reasoned and supported by evidence, much better than empty talk!"
"These are all the actual facts," Shu Ran said modestly, but she felt a little more at ease.
The report was sent out in the name of the Department of Education, and Shu Ran waited for the ripples that would spread from who knows where.
A few days later, one afternoon, she was checking the literacy consolidation rate reports of each company in her office when the communications officer, Xiao Zhao, called out from the doorway: "Officer Shu Ran, phone call! Long distance!"
The office fell silent instantly, and everyone looked up at her.
Shu Ran was startled, but quickly regained her composure, put down her pen, and strode out.
Picking up the receiver, a slightly unfamiliar middle-aged male voice came from the other end: "Is this Comrade Shu Ran from the Education Section of X Teachers' College?"
"Yes, who are you?"
"I am Officer Wang from the Preparatory Office of the Mobile Guidance Group." The other party's tone was relatively polite. "We received the report on the mobile teaching points that your division sent. The leaders read it and were very interested, believing that the ideas mentioned were very inspiring and in line with our actual needs for reclaiming and defending the border."
Shu Ran tried to keep her voice calm: "Thank you for your recognition, leader. We are still in the exploratory stage."
"Here's the thing," Officer Wang continued, "The leadership specifically instructed, and after careful consideration, to formally select you to join our unit's literacy and grassroots education roving guidance team as a member. Do you see any problems with that?"
Shu Ran's heart skipped a beat. Was it not a meeting invitation, but a direct transfer?
Officer Wang continued, "The transfer order will be officially issued to your division headquarters soon. Considering the group's work is about to begin in full swing and time is tight, please complete the handover as soon as possible and report for duty within five days. Any questions?"
Five days? So fast! A flurry of thoughts flashed through Shu Ran's mind. Chen Yuanjiang hadn't returned yet, and she didn't even have a mailing address…
"Comrade Shu Ran?" Officer Wang urged from the other end of the line.
Shu Ran suppressed her turbulent thoughts and answered in a calm voice, "No problem. Thank you for the organization's trust. I will obey the arrangements and complete the formalities as soon as possible to report for duty."
"Okay, that's settled then. The specific reporting arrangements will be detailed in the transfer order. Goodbye."
"goodbye."
After hanging up the phone, Shu Ran stood there. A breeze blew through the corridor, and she felt a chill. She then realized that her back was covered in a thin layer of sweat.
Instead of the expected meeting speech, she was directly promoted. The opportunity came quickly and forcefully, sweeping her up to a higher level without warning.
"Shu Ran, is that a call from above? What's it about?" Director Sun was standing at the door of his office at some point, clearly having heard the commotion.
Shu Ran turned around, trying to keep her expression calm: "Director, I have been transferred directly from above to the roving guidance team, and I am required to report within five days."
Director Sun was stunned for a moment, then his face showed a complex expression, a mixture of relief and disappointment.
He walked over and patted Shu Ran on the shoulder: "Great news! Fantastic news! This means your work has been recognized by the higher-ups! This is an honor for our entire X Division!"
His voice was quite loud, and the other colleagues in the office heard it and gathered around to offer their congratulations.
"Shu Ran, you've risen so fast!"
"You'll be leaders from now on, don't forget about us!"
Congratulations!
Shu Ran maintained a polite smile as she responded to the congratulations, but her heart was far from at ease. She looked at Director Sun: "Director, what about my work..."
"Handover! Handover immediately!" Director Sun waved his hand. "Xiao Zhang, you assist Shu Ran in sorting out the mobile teaching points she's in charge of, teacher training, and the first draft of that manual. Shu Ran, do a good job over there and make us teachers proud!"
"I will, Director." Shu Ran nodded.
Shu Ran spent the entire afternoon in a busy handover. She organized documents, explained the progress and precautions of various tasks, and also made a copy of her first draft of the "Standardization Manual for Grassroots Education in Border Areas," which was not yet fully finalized, for the department to refer to.
During the process, she drifted off into thought several times.
Chen Yuanjiang.
He went to the capital. Did he see that old commander? How is he now? Will the old commander let him stay? Does he know about her situation? Now that she's gone, it'll be even harder for them to see each other again. She promised to wait for him to return, but now…
She didn't even know his address there, let alone his phone number or telegram. In those days, if someone deliberately concealed their whereabouts, or was on a special mission or under protection, contacting them was virtually impossible.
A restlessness gnawed at her heart. She wasn't indecisive, nor was she a vine that couldn't live without a man. But…
"Shu Ran, is the data in this report correct?" Xiao Zhang's voice pulled her back from her thoughts.
Shu Ran composed herself, took the report, and carefully checked it: "Here, the consolidation rate of Red Star Rock in March should be based on the data from the re-survey..."
She forced herself to focus on her work. Relationships were relationships, and career was career. She couldn't, and wouldn't, give up this hard-won upward mobility just because of where a man was going.
Returning to her dormitory after work, looking at the small room she hadn't lived in for very long, Shu Ran felt a sense of emptiness. She began packing her luggage. She didn't have much; a camphor wood chest would suffice.
She spread out a sheet of stationery, intending to leave him a letter. But the pen hovered over the paper, unable to move. What should she write? Tell him she had been promoted and was leaving, so he wouldn't worry? Or should she express her current anxiety and reluctance to part? Neither was appropriate. The former seemed boastful, the latter weak. And where should she send the letter?
Finally, she put away her pen and paper.
The transfer order was officially issued the next day. Shu Ran completed all the formalities and received a new letter of introduction and grain ration coupons. Yang Zhenhua came to see her, his face showing a mixture of regret and blessing.
“You left in such a hurry… I was hoping to wait for you to come back so I could see the proofs of my report.” He handed me a notebook. “Here, take this.”
Shu Ran took it; it was a hardcover interview notebook, very practical. "Thank you, Officer Yang."
"Don't mention it." Yang Zhenhua looked at her, hesitated, and finally said only, "Take care. If you need any help, write back."
"good."
The night before her departure, Shu Ran barely slept. She checked her luggage one last time, carefully placing the final draft of the "Standardization Manual for Grassroots Education in Frontier Areas" in the innermost layer of her backpack. This was her pledge of allegiance.
As dawn broke, the jeep that was supposed to take her to the military corps arrived downstairs.
Shu Ran carried her simple luggage downstairs. Director Sun and several colleagues came to see her off.
Director Sun repeatedly reminded him, "When you get there, be careful in everything you do."
"I understand, Director. Thank you for your continued care," Shu Ran said sincerely.
She took one last look at the row of small buildings; the window of Chen Yuanjiang's office remained tightly closed.
She waved goodbye one last time, opened the car door, and got into the passenger seat.
"Let's go, comrade."
The jeep started and drove out of the division headquarters compound. Shu Ran didn't look back.
She looked ahead at the road leading to the corps headquarters, her eyes filled with a resolute determination.
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