Chapter 38 The Light of Hope for Breaking Free Has Been Illuminated
Chu Yanxi and Lu Zhe are both people with strong initiative. After a deep conversation under the cover of night, the next morning, the two of them went to a breakfast shop near the guesthouse, where they ate hot soy milk and fried dough sticks while refining the blueprint they had sketched out the night before into actionable steps.
Breaking free from the cocoon.
Chu Yanxi wrote these two characters in her notebook, her eyes bright: "Our training company will be called this. Breaking free from the cocoon of difficulties, transforming into a butterfly for a new life. Simple, easy to remember, and meaningful."
Lu Zhe nodded in agreement: "Good name, the meaning is quite in line with our goals." Since it was the book "Breaking the Cocoon" that brought them to another world, let's name our first startup company after it.
What followed was a tense but orderly division of labor.
Leveraging his connections from his previous role as a trade union officer and his familiarity with government procedures, Lu Zhe proactively took on the crucial "external" task: handling business registration, understanding preferential policies for laid-off workers starting businesses and skills training, contacting potential venues, and investigating potential student sources.
Chu Yanxi, with her meticulous thinking and planning abilities, was responsible for the "internal" construction: developing a detailed business plan, designing a core training curriculum system, preparing a budget, and most importantly, finding suitable training instructors.
Starting a business is difficult, especially in Wuhan in the late 1990s. The challenge for two young people with no connections to build a business from scratch is unimaginable. But both of them were driven by a strong will, a drive that combined idealistic passion with a pragmatic spirit.
Lu Zhe worked tirelessly, leaving early and returning late almost every day, shuttling between various government departments and street offices. He had a sincere and sunny face, a quick tongue, and a genuine enthusiasm, patiently explaining the project's initial intentions and potential social benefits to the staff. The process was often bumpy; he encountered many cold shoulders and excuses, but he always quickly adjusted his mindset, visiting again and again, explaining repeatedly.
Persistence pays off. He eventually figured out the process of applying for a small business loan and receiving training subsidies for laid-off workers. With the help of a street office, he found an old, relatively cheap, vacant bungalow in the old city that had previously been used as a community activity center. Although it was old, it was big enough and could be used as a training classroom with some minor repairs.
Meanwhile, Chu Yanxi hunched over the creaking little table in the guesthouse, working day and night to refine her plan. She researched the needs of Jiangcheng's labor market and, considering the characteristics of laid-off workers, especially female workers, meticulously designed several core courses: "Intensive Course in Office Administration and Computer Operation," "Specialized Course in Modern Housekeeping Services and Maternal and Infant Care," and "Introduction to Community Convenience Services and Small Shop Management." The courses emphasized practicality and operability, with a duration of one to two months, aiming to enable trainees to master a skill in a short period.
However, the biggest challenge is finding qualified teachers.
Qualified teachers with practical experience and a willingness to dedicate themselves to adult vocational skills training are hard to find. Regular school teachers don't value them, and experienced masters demand high prices. Chu Yanxi interviewed several people, but wasn't satisfied with any of them. In her anxiety, she thought of Su Wanqing—her mother, who taught at Jiangcheng Normal University.
Chu Yanxi spent an afternoon carefully preparing a project proposal and mustered up the courage to once again enter the faculty and staff residential area of Jiangcheng Normal University.
Standing in front of that familiar door, she took a deep breath before knocking.
It was Su Wanqing who opened the door.
She was wearing a simple sweater. When she saw Chu Yanxi, a hint of surprise flashed in her eyes, which quickly turned into a gentle smile: "It's you, miss. Is there anything I can help you with?"
Chu Yanxi handed over her work ID and a letter of introduction from her company, introduced herself, and presented her project proposal.
Upon seeing Chu Yanxi, who shared the same name as her daughter, and learning that she was a textile factory worker from a northern city who had taken a leave of absence without pay and had come to Jiangcheng alone to start her own business, opening a training company, Su Wanqing's eyes flashed with surprise and admiration: "I never expected that you would have the same name as my daughter! Please come in."
The room was clean and cozy, with the afternoon sun streaming in through the windows, making it feel warm and inviting. Little Yanxi, a few months old, slept soundly in her cradle, her cheeks rosy.
Chu Yanxi couldn't help but lean down and greedily look at her as an infant.
She had never experienced the hardships and vicissitudes of life; she was carefree and so lovely.
After a long while, Chu Yanxi forced herself to look away from the baby, opened the business plan of the "Breaking the Cocoon" training company, and explained in detail to Su Wanqing the project's original intention, target group, and curriculum.
Su Wanqing listened attentively, nodding as she listened.
Yanxi looked up at her mother, who was listening attentively, and said with a hint of apology, "Teacher Su, I know you have a heavy teaching load and children to take care of, so I shouldn't have bothered you."
Su Wanqing, a university teacher, has a natural affinity and fondness for ambitious young people. She didn't find Chu Yanxi's arrival abrupt and smiled, "It's alright."
Countless times, Chu Yanxi had resisted her smiling, gentle mother like a hedgehog, mistaking all her attempts at kindness for something she felt guilty about. But now, looking at her young, beautiful mother, Chu Yanxi felt a pang of bitterness in her heart, and wished she could slap her ungrateful self across the face.
However, now was not the time to vent her emotions. Chu Yanxi continued with her prepared remarks: "Our project really needs a caring, responsible, and knowledgeable teacher like you to oversee it, especially in curriculum design and teacher recommendations. What we want to do is not just teach skills, but also give some confidence and hope to those laid-off workers who are lost and helpless."
Su Wanqing carefully reviewed the project proposal, occasionally asking questions in a gentle yet incisive tone. When she heard Chu Yanxi describe the female workers in their forties and fifties who had no skills other than working on factory assembly lines and were now struggling to make ends meet, genuine sympathy and concern appeared in her eyes.
"This is a good thing, a great thing." Su Wanqing closed the plan, looked at Chu Yanxi, and said with admiration in her eyes, "Many state-owned enterprises are not doing well now, and there are many laid-off workers, especially women who have families to support and find it difficult to find new jobs. It is very thoughtful and courageous of you to think of doing this."
She pondered for a moment and said, "At the teachers' college, I know several retired teachers who are experienced and enthusiastic. Perhaps we could ask them to contribute their expertise and tutor the basic cultural courses. Also, some students at the teachers' college have connections and are tutoring. Some of these students come from disadvantaged families, and if courses need teaching assistants, we could perhaps provide them with some work-study opportunities. As for more specialized skills teachers..."
Su Wanqing frowned slightly, pondering to herself: "I need to inquire about it for you. However, I think we can broaden our thinking. For example, we could invite some outstanding working professionals to teach part-time, such as excellent clerks from large companies teaching office software, or head waiters from large hotels teaching service etiquette. This might be more practical than pure theoretical teaching."
Su Wanqing's suggestions were specific and pertinent, demonstrating that she not only has a kind heart, but also a clear mind and practical abilities.
Chu Yanxi listened quietly, watching her mother's focused and wise profile as she discussed serious matters, and a strange emotion welled up inside her. For the first time, she realized so clearly that her mother was not only a gentle wife and mother, but also a knowledgeable woman with professional competence, a sense of social responsibility, and independent insights.
In the past, I was narrow-minded and selfish, and full of prejudice and hostility towards my mother.
"Thank you, Teacher Su, your advice is invaluable!" Chu Yanxi said sincerely.
"Don't mention it, I'm glad I could help." Su Wanqing smiled and got up to pour tea for Chu Yanxi, her movements elegant and composed.
Su Wanqing looked at Chu Yanxi. Although she was only a few years older than Chu Yanxi, her eyes held the care of a teacher for a student: "It's not easy for young people to start a business, especially doing something with a public welfare nature. You have to be steady and cautious. If you need any help, just ask."
Chu Yanxi took his leave, and Su Wanqing picked up her daughter who had just woken up, handed her to Chu Yanxi, and said with a smile, "Come on, say hello to this sister who has the same name as you."
Little Chu Yanxi opened her big eyes, babbling and waving her little fists, her face beaming with smiles.
Chu Yanxi hesitated for a moment, then gently hugged the tiny "herself." The soft, fragrant touch made her heart race. She had fantasized countless times that if she could go back in time, she would definitely hug that poor girl who was drowning in the pain of her father's death.
Now, the dream has come true.
However, this little "self" is not pitiful. She is now loved by her parents and has never experienced the pain of separation in this world. That's wonderful.
Chu Yanxi handed the child back to Su Wanqing and said softly, "Teacher Su, please make sure you keep that brocade pouch safe. Have your husband put it in his left pocket. Consider it a lucky charm, just for peace of mind, okay?"
Su Wanqing softly hummed in agreement, "Thank you."
As I left Su Wanqing's house, the sunlight shone on me, warming me deeply.
For the first time, Chu Yanxi felt that after letting go of her prejudices against her mother and trying to understand, connect with, and perceive her, her mother's image in her heart became more three-dimensional, fuller, and... more worthy of respect.
With Su Wanqing's help, a breakthrough was found in addressing the teacher shortage issue. Chu Yanxi then immediately visited several retired teachers and potential collaborators recommended by Teacher Su, and initially established a pool of part-time lecturers.
Just as Chu Yanxi was busy recruiting teachers, good news came from Lu Zhe's side. The business license was finally approved, and the "Breaking the Cocoon Vocational Skills Training Center" was officially established. He posted enrollment brochures in several large areas where laid-off workers lived and also promoted the center through the neighborhood committees.
Recruitment didn't go smoothly at first. Laid-off workers were generally hesitant and skeptical, harboring doubts about the fees and the effectiveness of the training. Lu Zhe and Chu Yanxi set up a consultation desk outside their rented bungalow, patiently explaining the course content and employment prospects time and time again.
Lu Zhe persuaded his mother to calm down. At first, she was very timid, keeping her head down, clutching the hem of her clothes tightly, and not daring to look at anyone. Lu Zhe and Chu Yanxi were very patient and tailored a "Household Service Specialized Class" course for her, and encouraged her to audit the "Basic Computer Operation Class" at the same time.
Chu Yanxi taught her how to recognize the keyboard and type step by step; the senior domestic service trainer she invited affirmed her meticulousness and patience in handling housework, systematically taught her modern home cleaning, clothing ironing, nutritional meal planning and infant care knowledge, and even took her to simulate on-the-job scenarios.
At first, she always sat in the corner during class, her voice barely audible. But with encouragement from the teacher and other students, she slowly began to raise her head and occasionally ask questions. When she completed a standard cleaning procedure independently for the first time and received praise from the teacher, a long-lost, slightly shy smile appeared on her face. When she typed her first complete sentence on the computer with a single finger, her eyes shone with disbelief.
More importantly, within this group, Chen Jing was no longer isolated and helpless. She exchanged parenting experiences and life tips with the other female workers, encouraging each other. Sharing similar struggles, they found it easier to understand and empathize with one another.
She gradually became more talkative, and although she still habitually shrank back when facing Lu Youkun, her eyes held a new firmness she hadn't shown before. She started paying attention to her appearance, ironing the white shirts required during training until they were perfectly smooth. Lu Zhe and Chu Yanxi watched her transformation, their hearts filled with an indescribable sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.
The power of role models is boundless. Seeing how the timid and quiet girl transformed after the training into a cheerful and confident person, and how she quickly found a part-time nanny job in a dual-income family through the training center's recommendation, with a stable income, flexible hours, and the ability to take care of her family, some laid-off workers who had been observing the situation were tempted.
The number of people signing up for the "Breaking the Cocoon" training center is gradually increasing.
As the classroom filled with students and the teacher began lecturing, Chu Yanxi and Lu Zhe, standing at the back door, were filled with a complex mix of emotions. There was the hardship of starting a business, the joy of seeing hope, and a profound sense of value—a feeling that transcended personal gain—of helping others change their destinies.
These busy and fulfilling days were, for the two of them, a way to make up for past regrets and a form of self-redemption. In the process, they not only tried to change their parents' fate, but also gained a deeper understanding of their parents' struggles and greatness, and reached a certain degree of reconciliation with their own inner pain.
Sunlight streamed through the clean glass windows into the somewhat simple but vibrant classroom, illuminating the faces of every student who was listening attentively.
The road to breaking free from the cocoon is long and arduous, but the light of hope has already been lit.
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