"Mom, do you know what I've been doing these days?" Chen Xianghong asked.
Old Lady Xia: "How would I know? You are all grown up and have your own things to do."
Chen Xianghong: "A few days ago, Xiangbei approached me and said there was an internal job opening at a factory run by a woman he knew, and he pushed me over. He said he didn't want my in-laws to look down on me because of my job. He said I was marrying up and relying on Brother Yu for everything, and I wouldn't have a say in the family. During arguments, someone could shut me down with a simple 'I found you a job, what are you capable of?'"
I've been preparing for this interview these past few days. Xiangbei has given me the opportunity, and I can't let him down. He said that these are the most important days for me, and I absolutely cannot let you be criticized for holding us kids back.
Every time he talked about you, he was so proud. He told me, "Mom, when you're studying hard and helping people solve their problems, your whole body glows." Every time he went out to chat with people and they mentioned you, he would proudly say, "Yes, Comrade Xia Yue'e is my mother. She's very capable, very capable. As your son, I want to be just as capable as you."
Old Mrs. Xia's face turned red. Fortunately, it was dark, otherwise her daughter would have seen it. She said shyly, "Xiangbei, this kid, why is he talking nonsense everywhere?"
Chen Xianghong's lips curled up. "He also warned me not to bring shame to Mom, and not to be the one in the family who has to wait on everyone else after marrying Brother Yu. Because you're fighting, Mom, and as your daughter, I can't hold you back. I have a job and abilities, and my work and abilities don't depend on my husband. So as long as I don't let old ideas hold me back, I won't have a bad life."
"Mom, Xiangbei is right. He's not talking nonsense. Are the women in your factory who followed your footsteps and divorced worse off after the divorce?"
Old Lady Xia: "How is that possible? I heard that Director Wang, who used to have a bad temper, has become more gentle recently, and Supervisor Sun, who was abused at home, has also been smiling at work every day. Anyway, they are in much better shape than before. I ran into them both on my way home from get off work today, and they said they would definitely vote for me."
Chen Xianghong: "Yes, Mom, you don't have to be afraid. Even if you become the director of the Women's Department, you won't be the only one doing things. There are already many people standing behind you. If you are afraid of doing something wrong or saying something wrong, always discuss it with others and ask for their opinions.
Mom, you're a female worker who came from the countryside. You're the first woman here to get divorced. You're such a courageous person. And the people you're trying to help just lack that kind of courage. Your appointment as director of the Women's Affairs Department alone is a great example.
Mom, if you really become one, show all those who lack courage that even a lesbian like you can carve out your own path, live well, and live well without relying on men. This includes me. Xiangbei and I only began to realize our truth when we saw you.
Old Mrs. Xia felt as if her throat was blocked by something and she felt like crying, "Xiang Hong~"
"Mom, the way you are now is very attractive. You will attract others to you and want to do the same thing as you. They are not pushing you to get closer to the goal, but following you to get closer to the goal. That goal may not be just yours, it may also be theirs. The people in your factory, my third aunt, me, and many people who have come into contact with you must feel the same way as I do."
After Chen Xianghong persuaded her to return, Old Lady Xia felt energized. One truly shouldn't dwell on one's own shortcomings; sometimes, one needs to engage in conversation. Old Lady Xia had always feared that others wouldn't support her as the Women's Director. She felt that with her children's upbringing and her marriage in tatters, she felt that someone like her still dreaming of guiding others was simply asking for ridicule.
But when this announcement was posted on the bulletin board, many people came to encourage her and expressed their support clearly. Some even said that it was she, Old Lady Xia, who should take this position. Old Lady Xia was deeply touched.
Just now, her daughter had specifically told her that she was slowly changing. Her youngest son, who once treated her like a nanny with no respect, now said he was proud of her. Suddenly, Mrs. Xia felt a little more confident. If what she was doing could bring positive meaning to so many people, then it meant that what she had been doing during this period was not wrong.
Old Lady Xia stepped into her own courtyard. Yu Yan came towards her and shouted, "Comrade Xia is back."
Then, Old Mrs. Xia saw many people coming out of her house, including Director Yuan, Director Wang, Manager Sun, Qiao Yi, her parents, brother, etc., all of whom came. Even Jiang Wenhua stuck his head out of his window.
Yu Yan: "Comrade Xia Yue'e, although my mother and I are not workers in the textile factory, we both support you."
Old Mrs. Xia was touched and took out a bottle of soda from her bosom and handed it to her.
Chen Xianghong: ...How many bottles of soda did her mother buy?
Old Mrs. Xia was surrounded by everyone, who were worried and anxious. She was even hit several times by her own sister, who said she was too scary.
Mrs. Xia apologized sincerely and felt that her behavior today was too childish. She actually hid because she was afraid of her. She was almost fifty years old, and she could still do such a thing. Seeing so many people worried about her, Mrs. Xia felt warm in her heart.
The crowd dispersed, and Chen Xianghong was left holding a basket filled with several empty bottles. Old Lady Xia had instructed her to return the bottles. One, two, three, four, five, a total of five bottles. Her mother's coat could actually hold five bottles of soda. It had to be said that this coat was truly impressive.
"Sister, do you know, Xiangbei actually said that I was a very powerful person, and Xianghong also said that she was watching my back change." Only Old Lady Xia and her sister were left in the room, and Old Lady Xia began to talk about this matter.
If there's one thing Old Lady Xia can't let go of, it's the children who are at the top. She always believes she didn't raise them well, didn't set the right example for them from a young age, and that when they grow up, they won't listen to her anymore. This is the biggest reason for Old Lady Xia's fear; she truly lacks confidence.
But now... she knew that because of what she had done, the children had also begun to change. Although only the youngest child and daughter Xiang Hong were changing for the time being, this also gave Old Lady Xia a lot of confidence.
As long as she keeps doing the right and meaningful things, everyone will be influenced by her.
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