She was dumbfounded by the consumption enthusiasm of urban residents. Their sensitivity to prices seemed to have been reduced to the lowest level. Those commodities that Qin Huixin thought were very valuable were snapped up by people without hesitation, just like ordinary items.
"Cousin, let's just take a look around. If you need anything, just tell me."
Xu Qinghe held Qin Huixin's arm, with a glimmer of exploration in his eyes.
She was still thinking about Sister Feng, whom she had not seen for a long time, and a feeling of worry unconsciously welled up in her heart.
In this era when the status of women still needs to be improved, Fengjie's family background cannot give her much help. If she really wants to break free from the shackles of marriage and seek freedom, it will undoubtedly be a road full of thorns.
Although Qin Huixin didn't understand why, she still agreed meekly, her eyes scanning the surroundings curiously.
For this woman who has lived in a remote mountainous area all year round, everything in the outside world is both new and a little frightening.
If it weren't for Xu Qinghe's guidance, she would probably never have mustered up the courage to cross this threshold.
Just then, a sharp-eyed clerk recognized Xu Qinghe and took the initiative to approach and strike up a conversation.
She thought to herself that this girl was always generous, and perhaps a few simple conversations could bring her unexpected benefits.
However, her enthusiasm was not entirely out of selfish desire, but more out of concern for Fengjie's situation and a kind reminder.
"Hey, little girl, I see you're looking for Sister Feng? She hasn't come to work these past few days. I heard she took a leave."
The clerk's tone was tinged with gossipy curiosity.
Hearing this, Xu Qinghe gently tugged at Qin Huixin's hand. The two of them moved closer, and she whispered, "Sister, do you know why Sister Feng asked for leave?"
Seeing Xu Qinghe affectionately addressing him as "Big Sister," the clerk's smile widened. He lowered his voice and revealed mysteriously, "I heard it's because her husband has someone else outside, and they're clamoring for a divorce these days!"
After saying this, the clerk shook his head, sighing, "I was saying, at this age, why is she still bothering with divorce? She's just too serious about it. This matter has caused such a stir."
In her opinion, men's occasional romantic affairs seem to be the norm, and most women choose to turn a blind eye and let life go on like that.
But Chen Hong refused to give in and insisted on making a big deal out of the matter. She even took leave to go through the divorce procedures.
Xu Qinghe was not surprised by this argument because such views dominated the mainstream at that time.
Traditional concepts are like an invisible net that tightly binds people's minds. Divorce is regarded as a shame, as if once divorced, life is declared a failure and one can only survive under the strange eyes of others.
However, Xu Qinghe responded with a gentle smile, her voice filled with patience and persistence: "Sister, you can't say that. Sister Feng's decision to divorce is a brave one. We are all human beings. Why can men act recklessly while women must endure in silence? Times have changed. Gender equality is advocated, and women can also hold up half the sky. Sister Feng works in the supply and marketing cooperative and can support herself. Leaving that unworthy man will give her the chance to meet a better partner in the future. This is the beginning of a new life and a positive attitude towards life."
The clerk was stunned and his heart was filled with ripples: Could this really be true?
Qin Huixin, who was standing by, was even more astonished. When did this cousin who had never received formal education become so eloquent and her words contained such profound life philosophy?
Xiaoyue's words do make sense. We are all human beings. Why can men do things that women can't? Why should women bear all the pain and grievances when men make mistakes?
"Xiaoyue, you're right, that's how it should be!"
Qin Huixin agreed in a low voice, fearing that her voice was too loud and would anger the clerk in front of her.
I originally thought that only young people like Xu Qinghe would have such avant-garde ideas, but I didn't expect that even Qin Huixin, who is older than me, also agreed that divorce is the right choice.
The clerk was confused for a moment. Xu Qinghe's words seemed to touch a chord deep in her heart, making her vaguely feel that there was some truth in what he said.
"Ah, maybe I'm getting old, and my thinking can't keep up with you young people..."
She laughed at herself awkwardly, trying to hide her inner turmoil.
Xu Qinghe still maintained a warm smile, without the slightest hint of aggression. She said softly, "Sister, we must learn to protect our rights and interests. We must have the courage to stand up in the face of injustice. Perhaps then, we can see a different world."
The clerk was confused by these words, and seemed to have been injected with a new strength in his heart. Although he wanted to refute, he found that he could not find the right words.
Yes, everyone has dignity. She herself is also carrying the burden of the family. Her husband's laziness and irresponsibility make her have to endure his dictatorship in addition to her daily work.
When I return home, in addition to endless housework, I also have to take care of the whole family, young and old, and always observe their words and expressions. What is the meaning of such a life?
"That's right, sister! People with knowledge have a different perspective. I have to let my children study more so that they won't have to suffer this kind of humiliation in the future!"
The clerk smiled so hard that his eyes curved into crescents, and his heart was filled with unprecedented joy and hope.
Xu Qinghe pulled Qin Huixin to continue their journey, completely unaware that her few casual words had quietly brought a turning point in the life trajectory of another person.
Qin Huixin thought to herself that the close relationship between Xu Qinghe and Feng Jie, the salesperson at the supply and marketing cooperative, was beyond her expectations.
The interaction between them is like the reunion of old friends who haven't seen each other for many years. The natural intimacy makes people feel curious.
However, Qin Huixin wisely chose to remain silent, for she was afraid that her inquiries would be seen as meddling and destroy the harmonious atmosphere.
Unexpectedly, Xu Qinghe took the initiative to open the conversation and turned the topic to Sister Feng.
As they walked and talked, Xu Qinghe's voice was gentle and long, as if she was recounting a heartwarming memory: "Actually, my fate with Sister Feng began with a chance encounter at the supply and marketing cooperative. Back then, I was new here, unfamiliar with everything and felt helpless. Sister Feng was not only beautiful and kind, but also extremely helpful. She was like a ray of warm sunshine I encountered in a foreign land, providing me with countless help. It was she who built that precious bridge between our village and the supply and marketing cooperative."
Xu Qinghe's words revealed his deep gratitude towards Feng Jie, but his deeper purpose was to naturally introduce a discussion about cooperation.
Qin Huixin was immediately intrigued. She tilted her head, her eyes gleaming with curiosity and admiration as she asked, "Oh? What kind of cooperation is this? Xiaoyue, I'm really impressed that you're negotiating on behalf of the village!"
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