Chapter 56 Opportunity
Two days later, Shu Ran went to the company headquarters to submit the teaching progress sheet and happened to run into Secretary Liu and Company Commander Ma, who were worried about something.
It turned out that a notice had been issued from above, requiring each company to strengthen ideological work and care for the families of employees, and ideally, to have a designated person in charge of this work, to reflect the demands of women, and to mediate family and neighborhood disputes.
Secretary Liu rubbed his forehead: "Who should we ask? This work is tedious and easy to offend people..."
Company Commander Ma frowned as well: "Yes, we need to be patient and keep things under control."
Shu Ran's heart skipped a beat, and she casually replied, "Secretary, Company Commander, I think Sister Wang Guilan might be quite suitable."
“Wang Guilan?” Secretary Liu looked up. “She…is not very literate.”
“Just being literate isn’t enough to handle these things,” Shu Ran said. “You have to earn everyone’s respect. The other day, the Sun family and Zhang Guifen got into a fight over clotheslines, and it was Sister Wang who broke them up. She handled it quite fairly. Usually, when someone in the residential area has a problem, they like to ask her for advice. She’s warm-hearted and hardworking.”
Secretary Liu and Company Commander Ma exchanged a glance, both seemingly considering the matter.
"Hmm... Comrade Wang Guilan does indeed have a good foundation among the masses." Secretary Liu pondered, "Old Ma, what do you think?"
Company Commander Ma nodded: "She's an honest person. Let's give her a try and see how it goes?"
Shu Ran was secretly delighted, knowing that there was hope for this matter.
She didn't say anything more, handed in the form, and quietly left.
She didn't think she was scheming. Sister Wang certainly had the ability and needed a position that could better reflect her value and bring her some real benefits.
The company also needs such a female representative, which will only be beneficial to its future work.
It benefits both oneself and others, so why not do it?
Shu Ran walked briskly towards the classroom, already planning in her mind how to casually mention to Sister Wang that the company was considering candidates the next time she saw her, and then give her a boost.
Shu Ran walked briskly towards the classroom, her mind preoccupied with her thoughts.
She wasn't just being overly enthusiastic; if Sister Wang could really become the women's representative, it would only benefit Shu Ran. She'd have someone to speak up for when mobilizing students' parents, organizing activities, or even trying to secure more benefits for the children—a win-win situation.
She figured she couldn't make it too deliberate; she had to make Sister Wang think it was something she figured out herself, something the organization had considered, and that she, Shu Ran, had at most just passed on a message.
In the afternoon, Shu Ran spotted Sister Wang carrying a winnowing basket, drying vegetables in front of the dugout. She looked around and, seeing no one paying attention, slowly strolled over.
"Big sister, are you drying vegetables?" Shu Ran asked with a smile, and helped her pick up a few radish strips that had fallen out and put them back in the winnowing basket.
"That's right, these autumn vegetables need to be dried quickly so that winter will be easier." Sister Wang was busy with her hands and didn't even look up.
Shu Ran squatted down and helped her pick out the bad-looking vegetable leaves. "Big sister, I just came back from the company headquarters to submit the teaching plan. I think I heard Secretary Liu and Company Commander Ma talking inside, and they mentioned your name."
Sister Wang paused in her work, immediately looked up, her eyes filled with tension and inquiry: "Mention me? Why? Did someone say something about me again?"
"Oh dear, look how nervous you are," Shu Ran laughed and waved her hand. "It's not a bad thing. I overheard that the higher-ups are asking us to strengthen our work with family members or something, and Secretary Liu wants to select a women's representative from our company."
She deliberately frowned, pretending to try to remember, "He said, 'Comrade Wang Guilan seems to have a good mass base, and she mediated the dispute quite efficiently last time... Company Commander Ma seemed to agree, saying that you are capable.'"
Sister Wang's eyes lit up, but she pretended not to care and lowered her head to continue fiddling with the dried vegetables: "The leaders were just saying it casually... I'm a clumsy person, how could I do that..."
“Hey, big sister, don’t underestimate yourself.” Shu Ran immediately chimed in, her tone sincere. “I think the leaders have a good eye! Think about it, what’s the use of just being educated when dealing with these trivial matters in the family quarters? You need someone like you, someone everyone respects, someone who listens to you, and someone who acts fairly. Didn’t you handle the dispute well last time? I think the company really needs someone like you.”
As she spoke, she carefully observed Sister Wang's expression and noticed that although Sister Wang was still looking down, the corners of her mouth had already turned up slightly.
Shu Ran pressed her advantage, lowering her voice even further, with a hint of candor: "But sister, I'm only saying this to you privately. I reckon that since the leadership is considering this, they might talk to you soon or have you do some work to try out. You'd better be prepared to show your true abilities and let those who are gossiping behind your backs see what's going on!"
Sister Wang looked up, her face glowing, and rubbed her hands on her apron: "Really? The leader really thinks that way? I... can I do it?"
“Why not?” Shu Ran said decisively. “Look at you, you’re skilled in production, manage household chores perfectly, and you’re also well-regarded by your family. Isn’t this women’s work all about putting these strengths to good use? Besides,” she winked, “this is serving all the sisters in the company, it’s an honor! If you do a good job, who won’t look up to you? And if there are any difficulties at home, your words will carry more weight, won’t they?”
These words really struck a chord with Sister Wang. Her husband sacrificed his life early, and she had no children of her own. Although she received preferential treatment as a family member of a martyr, she still lacked a sense of security. If she could really become an assistant, she could do something for everyone and make herself stand taller.
She nodded emphatically, her eyes hardening: "Ran, you're right! If the leaders really trust me, I, Wang Guilan, will definitely work hard and never let you down! I will never... never embarrass you!" She almost let something slip, but quickly stopped herself.
Shu Ran chuckled inwardly, knowing the timing was about right. She stood up, dusting off her hands, and said, "Big sister, you're definitely fine! I was just saying it casually, you know what I mean. I need to go back and prepare my lessons, so I'll be going now."
After she finished speaking, she turned and left, leaving Sister Wang standing there alone, holding a dried radish in her hand, looking in the direction of the company headquarters with a bright look in her eyes, clearly already starting to think about it.
Shu Ran walked back in a cheerful mood. The seed had been planted, and now she just had to wait for it to sprout on its own. From now on, all she needed to do was water it occasionally, perhaps reveal some of the latest developments in the company, or praise Sister Wang's popularity among the masses in front of outsiders.
Sister Wang might be nominated as a women's representative, and somehow the news of her managing women's work quietly spread throughout the company.
Some people support her, praising her kindness and ability to keep things under control. However, there are also many who oppose her and have reservations.
That evening, Shu Ran was squatting by the door washing clothes when she heard the hushed conversation of two women from the dugout next door drifting over.
"...What makes Wang Guilan so special? Just because she's a martyr's family member, does that make her so great?"
"Exactly! He can't even read a single word, how can he be in charge? Don't lead us astray!"
"I heard that she didn't get along with her mother-in-law back in her hometown, which is why she followed her husband to the military corps. Can someone like that handle other people's mother-in-law/daughter-in-law conflicts?"
"I think it's because Teacher Shu is close to her and she's putting in a good word for her with the leaders!"
Shu Ran didn't stop; she knew that this last sentence was probably the key point. Some people were dissatisfied with Sister Wang, and others were targeting Shu Ran herself, feeling that she, an outsider, was overstepping her bounds.
Sure enough, two days later, news came from the company headquarters that the selection of women's representatives needed careful consideration and was temporarily put on hold. It is said that some family members went directly to Secretary Liu to express their concerns.
While getting food at the cafeteria, a kitchen helper at the next window said to someone in a sarcastic tone, "Wow, some people are really capable these days, they can even speak to the leaders. We'd better be careful in the future, so as not to offend anyone."
Shu Ran didn't say anything, but took the half spoonful of food. She knew in her heart that this was for Sister Wang.
Back in the dugout, Li Xiulan quietly told her, "Teacher Shu, these past two days several groups of people have come to chat with Sister Wang, and they've been asking about the women's representative. They even said... that you're too accommodating and want to help your own people."
Sister Wang, also seething with anger, sighed to Shu Ran, "Ran, I think it's better to just let this fall through than to cause any more trouble! It's not worth getting into all this trouble for a job that's not even going to happen!"
Shu Ran put down the lesson plan in her hand and said seriously, "Big sister, it's not a question of whether we want to do this or not. It's that some people think we're easy to bully, that we can't succeed without them. Can you swallow this?"
She leaned closer and lowered her voice: "The more they act like this, the more we have to get this done. We have to silence them. Otherwise, no one will listen to me in the company anymore, and it will be even harder for you to help the sisters."
Sister Wang was taken aback by what she said, then gritted her teeth and asked, "Then what do you suggest we do?"
"Wait." Shu Ran's eyes were calm. "Wait for an opportunity, an opportunity that they can't handle, an opportunity that they can't do without you. When that time comes, we won't even need to fight for it; someone will come begging to you."
The opportunity came soon.
That afternoon, halfway through class, a sudden commotion erupted from the east end of the company, accompanied by women shouting, cursing, and things being smashed, along with the occasional crying of children, creating a huge uproar. This immediately drew all the students' attention away.
"Teacher! There's a fight outside!" Stone, who was sitting by the window, was the first to shout, straining his little head to look out.
"It looks like Grandma Zhao and Li Xiaoqin's house!" another child added.
The classroom suddenly buzzed with excitement; the children lost all interest in studying and craned their necks, straining their ears.
Shu Ran frowned and walked to the window.
Grandma Zhao and Li Xiaoqin are notorious rivals in the village, always bickering, but it's rare to see them cause such a commotion.
"Quiet! Keep writing!" She tried to maintain order, but to little avail.
Just then, the company's communications officer appeared at the classroom door, panting, "Teacher Shu! Teacher Shu! Secretary Liu and Company Commander Ma want you to come over right away! The Zhao family mother-in-law and daughter-in-law are fighting like crazy, and the leaders can't separate them. They specifically asked you to go and help persuade them!"
Asking her to mediate a fight? That's unusual. Are the leaders desperately grasping at straws, or do they have some other intention? Shu Ran didn't have time to think it through. She told the class monitor, Shi Tou, "Maintain order and continue the class!" and quickly followed the communications officer towards the scene of the incident.
Shu Ran thought to herself, "Even the leaders have been alerted, so this must be quite serious." She instructed the class monitor, Shi Tou, "Lead everyone to continue reading aloud, and don't go out!" Then she quickly walked towards the scene of the incident.
Granny Zhao was a notorious shrew in the company, known for her sharp tongue and meanness; Li Xiaoqin was her daughter-in-law, with a fiery temper and a notorious troublemaker. The two of them argued every three days and had a major fight every five days, a notorious problem known throughout the company.
The closer they got to the Zhao family's house, the louder the noise became. The employees' families had gathered in layers, and the sounds of discussion, attempts to break up the fight, and children crying were all mixed together.
Shu Ran squeezed through the crowd and saw a scene of utter chaos: a broken earthenware pot lay on the ground, pickled cabbage scattered everywhere, and half a pot of murky oil spilled onto the soil. Granny Zhao, disheveled, sat on the ground, wailing and pounding her thighs, "I can't live like this anymore—leaders, you have to do me justice! This jinx is trying to force this old woman to her death—"
Li Xiaoqin, her arm held tightly by her husband, still stubbornly refused to move, her eyes red as she cursed, "You old bastard! Always causing trouble! I'll fight you to the death! I can't live like this anymore!"
Secretary Liu and Company Commander Ma stood in the middle, their faces ashen, clearly at a loss, their clothes torn and wrinkled.
Secretary Liu tried his best to maintain his authority: "Stop it! What kind of behavior is this! Let's talk this out!"
Company Commander Ma frowned as well: "Aunt Zhao, get up first! Little Li, you should also keep quiet! We're all family members of revolutionaries, so be mindful of your behavior!"
Grandma Zhao grabbed Secretary Liu's leg and cried out, "Secretary! You be the judge! Isn't she unfilial? Isn't she a wicked daughter-in-law? Aren't you leaders going to do anything about this?"
Li Xiaoqin yelled at Company Commander Ma, "Company Commander! Listen to what she's saying! Is that even human language? I work myself to the bone all day long, and she still finds fault with everything! This old hag deserves to be taught a lesson!"
The two leaders were pulled and tugged around in a sorry state, and no one listened to their attempts to mediate. Instead, they were treated like referees and forced to take sides. The scene became even more chaotic.
Shu Ran watched from the crowd. She knew that the leaders were good at managing production and explaining policies, but they were complete novices when it came to handling conflicts between these feisty women, and might even make things worse.
Just then, she saw that Sister Wang had also arrived after hearing the news. She was standing on the outside with her hands on her hips, watching the farce unfold, looking like she wanted to intervene but was also a little hesitant.
Shu Ran quietly squeezed next to her and said quickly in a voice that only the two of them could hear, "Big sister, the opportunity has come! Now it's up to you! Even Secretary Chang is embarrassed. Whoever solves this problem will have real ability!"
Sister Wang glanced at her, her eyes still showing some hesitation.
Shu Ran gently pushed her, "Besides you, who else can handle this situation? If you don't step in, things won't end well today! Who will dare to let you manage things in the future?"
At this moment, Secretary Liu noticed Shu Ran and, as if seeing a savior, hurriedly waved: "Teacher Shu! Come quickly! You are an educated person, you understand reason, please help persuade her! What kind of behavior is this!"
Company Commander Ma quickly added, "Yes, yes, Teacher Shu, you should try to talk to them! They won't listen to us at all!"
Shu Ran understood perfectly well that the leaders hadn't asked her to mediate the fight at all. They clearly thought that as a female teacher, she might be able to speak to the family members and at least ease their current awkward situation. She had become a stepping stone for the leaders to save face.
But she didn't show it at all, standing on the outside without moving: "Aunt Zhao, Sister Li, calm down first, don't get angry and hurt yourselves, or frighten the children."
Grandma Zhao stood on tiptoe and pointed at Shu Ran: "Teacher Shu! You've come at the perfect time! You be the judge! She..."
Li Xiaoqin immediately turned her attention to Shu: "Teacher Shu! Don't listen to her nonsense! She..."
Shu Ran immediately realized that she had almost become the referee who was being pulled along as well.
She raised her voice, interrupting the accusations from both sides, and said in a guiding tone: "Aunt Zhao, Sister Li, look, the Party Secretary and Company Commander are here, and so many neighbors are watching. If we make a scene like this, won't we just make our company a laughing stock in front of outsiders? Can't we talk things out calmly?"
Then, his gaze swept over Sister Wang, "Besides, even an upright official can't settle family disputes. Leaders are good at managing production and handling major issues, but how can the trivial matters and conflicts between mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law in these households be resolved by just talking about grand principles? Only someone with rich experience like Sister Wang can truly understand the ins and outs and get to the heart of the matter."
As soon as these words were spoken, everyone's eyes turned to Sister Wang.
Sister Wang was taken aback by the sudden attention, but Shu Ran's words undoubtedly struck a chord with her and stirred her desire to resolve disputes peacefully.
Shu Ran immediately pressed her advantage, speaking to the two leaders in a sincere yet somewhat helpless tone: "Secretary, Company Commander, it's not that I don't want to advise you. It's just that it's difficult for outsiders to get involved in these kinds of family matters, and they can't really get to the bottom of things. I think we really need to ask Sister Wang to come out and uphold justice. Aunt Zhao and Sister Li might be able to listen to her words."
Secretary Liu and Company Commander Ma, who were just wondering how to get out of the situation, almost simultaneously said upon hearing this:
"Yes, yes, yes! Comrade Wang Guilan! Please come and help persuade them!"
"Comrade Wang Guilan! You have more experience in this matter, you handle it!"
After being singled out by her superiors and put in this position by Shu Ran's words, Sister Wang no longer hesitated.
She puffed out her chest, pushed through the crowd, and walked in, saying, "Have you all made enough of a scene? Aren't you ashamed yet!"
Her voice was powerful and instantly drowned out the noise in the room. Everyone was stunned and stared at her.
Sister Wang walked to the center of the field in a few steps. Without saying a word, she pried open the hand that was holding onto Secretary Liu's arm, and then pushed Li Xiaoqin, who was stubbornly trying to rush forward, a step away.
"What kind of behavior is this, pulling and tugging! Let go of the leader!" She first forcibly separated the two sides, then turned to Granny Zhao sitting on the ground, glared at her, and said sternly, "Aunt Zhao! You're a veteran military dependent and a long-time employee! Can't you act like an elder? Who are you trying to impress by rolling around on the ground and throwing a tantrum? What problem does that solve? Aren't you afraid the younger generation will laugh at you?"
Before Granny Zhao could retort, she abruptly turned to Li Xiaoqin: "And you, Li Xiaoqin! Shouting for violence, even if you were in the right, you've become unreasonable! Do you want the whole company to laugh at you?"
Her words, which were equally unfair, inexplicably dampened the arrogance of both men.
Sister Wang didn't give them time to react. Her tone softened a bit, but it remained firm: "Why are you arguing? Turning things over and over, it's all about that little bit of oil, that little bit of vegetables, who did a little more work, who did a little less work, right? It's such a trivial matter! Is it worth making such a fuss over?"
Neither of them uttered a sound, clearly indicating that she had guessed correctly. Both Granny Zhao and Li Xiaoqin instinctively avoided her gaze.
Sister Wang began to offer a way out: "Aunt Zhao, your daughter-in-law is a capable worker in the fields during the day, and she still has to take care of you all when she comes home at night. Adding an extra half spoonful of oil to the stir-fry is to let the people who work hard eat a little better, what's wrong with that? Li Xiaoqin, your mother-in-law was afraid of the hardships of the past, afraid of poverty, and she's very frugal. Whatever she saves up, she ends up supporting your little family, doesn't she? But instead of thinking about this relationship, you make a huge fuss over an extra spoonful of oil and a bite of food! It's a spectacle for outsiders to watch!"
Her words immediately elevated the debate from personal attacks to a matter of sentiment and reality, even suggesting a united front against a common enemy.
Grandma Zhao and Li Xiaoqin were both stunned, their anger replaced by a complex mix of emotions.
While the iron was hot, Sister Wang began assigning tasks: "Stop making a scene here! Aunt Zhao, get up! I'll bring some of the wild vegetables I dried, and some tofu that Xiulan gave me. Go and stew a dish for your grandson! Xiaoqin, go and fetch a bucket of water and clean up this oil stain on the ground! What kind of mess is this! It looks disgusting!"
She gave the order so naturally, as if it were a matter of course.
Grandma Zhao subconsciously stopped crying and muttered, "All you do is order me around..." She had obviously heard something good, so she stopped making a fuss, stood up by supporting herself with her hands, brushed the dirt off her body, and really turned around and walked home.
Li Xiaoqin pouted, still looking indignant, but didn't argue back. She turned to the man holding her and said irritably, "Let go! Didn't you hear me tell you to go get water?"
Sister Wang quickly defused a conflict that seemed destined to escalate. Although the underlying conflict may not have been resolved, at least the immediate situation was calmed down.
The onlookers were stunned, then began to whisper among themselves, their gazes towards Sister Wang changing.
"My God, it has to be Sister Wang!"
"Wow, impressive! They settled it with just a few words!"
"The leader's long lectures were useless, but Sister Wang got it all sorted out right away..."
"This skill is something not everyone possesses..."
Secretary Liu and Chief Ma finally breathed a sigh of relief and wiped the sweat from their foreheads.
Throughout the process, Shu Ran stepped back and watched quietly, then sighed at the right moment: "Sigh, these kinds of family disputes are so difficult that even an upright official would have trouble deciding. It really takes someone like Sister Wang, who is experienced and can keep things under control, to manage them. Leaders have it tough too."
These words immediately reached the ears of those around them.
"Yes, yes, lecturing them won't work; leaders don't know how to handle this..."
"The leaders had no choice but to rely on Sister Wang from the start; she really has real skills."
"It seems I'll have to ask her for help with these kinds of things again in the future..."
After the commotion subsided, Secretary Liu said to Sister Wang, "Comrade Wang Guilan, we are so grateful to you today! You'll have to put in a lot more effort in these matters in the family quarters in the future!"
Shu Ran chimed in softly, as if casually remarking, "Yes, some things really are like mountains between different fields. Leaders handle big matters, but for these mundane family matters, we really need capable people like Sister Wang."
Secretary Liu and Company Commander Ma nodded in deep agreement.
A few days later, at a company meeting, the proposal to appoint Comrade Wang Guilan as the women's representative was unanimously approved.
The official notice was posted quickly. This time, there were no more whispers or gossip; almost everyone felt that the position was rightfully Wang's.
When the official appointment notice was posted on the bulletin board at the entrance of the company, Sister Wang's hands trembled as she looked at her name. She found Shu Ran, her eyes a little red: "Ran, I..."
Shu Ran smiled and took her hand, saying sincerely, "Big sister, this is what you earned yourself. From now on, these sisters will all be relying on you for their daily lives."
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