Chapter 61

Chapter 61

After returning from the provincial city, Shen Mo'er embroidered a piece and sent it to Chen Jiahua. She used plain fabric and gathered threads bought from the supply and marketing cooperative. Fortunately, the pattern wasn’t complicated and the color scheme was simple, so the final product was fairly satisfactory.

After sending it off, Shen Mo'er let the matter go.

She had done everything she could, and the rest was beyond her control.

The provincial city had been silent for a long time, and Shen Mo'er had almost forgotten about it. She didn’t expect that Chen Jiahua would finally reply.

Shen Mo'er opened the letter on the spot and was surprised enough to raise an eyebrow after reading it.

In the letter, Chen Jiahua explained in detail her efforts to establish a branch factory in Liuqiao Commune.

The original plan they discussed was to try to set up a branch factory in Liuqiao Commune. However, after working on it for a while, Chen Jiahua found that establishing a branch involved too many issues. Not to mention their own factory, if they were to build a new factory, many related departments would want a piece of the pie. It could take forever to coordinate all the necessary relationships and get things done.

Moreover, the Embroidery Factory leadership wasn’t very keen on the idea. After all, it was hard to predict who would benefit in the end. They might end up working hard just to benefit someone else.

In the end, Chen Jiahua asked the factory leadership to follow the model of their first workshop and directly establish a ninth workshop in Liuqiao Commune.

This way, it would remain an internal matter of the Embroidery Factory, and the leadership became much more enthusiastic about promoting the initiative. Finally, there was real progress. A special meeting was held to pass the establishment plan of the ninth workshop, and a leading group was formed. All that was left was to follow the procedures.

Chen Jiahua had her own motives for pushing to establish a branch factory. She had been in the position of first workshop director for many years, and for someone who relied on technical skills, it was extremely difficult to move up.

Establishing a branch factory was a rare opportunity for her. Even becoming the deputy director of the branch factory in the county would be a higher position than workshop director. Moreover, with her skills and abilities, combined with the embroidery designs and techniques demonstrated by Shen Mo'er, Chen Jiahua was confident that she could quickly establish the reputation of the branch factory.

Unfortunately, things didn’t go as she had imagined, and Chen Jiahua eventually gave up the idea of establishing a branch factory.

Although Chen Jiahua had her own motives, her primary concern was still the embroidery factory. Therefore, she didn’t ignore the issue just because a branch factory couldn’t be established. She still worked hard to make it happen. In the letter, she mentioned that she had done her best to speak up for Shen Mo'er with the factory leadership. However, it was still too early to say how the staff for this ninth workshop would be arranged.

The Embroidery Factory would definitely send people down, and it would be quite difficult for Shen Mo'er to become the workshop director. However, since the workshop was built based on Shen Mo'er’s designs and skills, the position of deputy director should not be a problem.

Of course, it was still too early to discuss these matters. The priority now was to get the workshop established.

Chen Jiahua mentioned that the Embroidery Factory would likely send people down to Jiangbei County within two weeks to discuss this matter and asked Shen Mo'er to be prepared.

The discussions between the Embroidery Factory and Jiangbei County would mainly focus on related policies. As for other matters, Shen Mo'er had already made her stance clear. Whether it was a branch factory or a workshop, the Embroidery Factory could have a say in management, but the site selection and recruitment must be done in Liuqiao Commune.

Negotiations at various levels would likely take some time. For now, Shen Mo'er wasn’t in a hurry to do anything and continued to prepare for the regularization exam as usual.

Meanwhile, the rumors in the village about her possibly not being regularized were growing stronger. Even Shen Shaoyuan, who was busy commuting to and from the commune every day, had heard about it.

Currently, there are three teachers at the primary school in Yangliu Production Brigade. Cheng Tao, a founding member and principal of the school, has already been regularized. The remaining two are Shen Lingling and Shen Mo'er.

Previously, Zhou Mancang mentioned that the commune had secured a regularization spot for Shen Mo'er due to the competition award. People thought it was reasonable for the commune to value this honor and give Shen Mo'er a regularization spot since she won an award at the provincial level.

However, when Zhang Junliang brought the news that the county required an exam to determine the regularization spots, many people started to have doubts. Zhang Junliang emphasized that the county was doing this for fairness and to prevent some people from regularizing through questionable means.

Zhang Junliang, being a technical worker at the textile factory, was considered educated and skilled by the commune members. His words were naturally trusted. Additionally, Tian Fang had been boasting outside, saying that her daughter, Shen Lingling, was a high school student. Compared to others, they might not have strong connections, but academically, they were not afraid. At least passing Shen Mo'er, who was only a middle school graduate, should be easy for Shen Lingling.

Shen Lingling was somewhat insecure deep down. She had barely made it into high school and her academic performance was average. However, thinking that Shen Mo'er hadn’t even attended high school, Shen Lingling began to feel that her mother was right. Comparing herself to others might be difficult, but compared to Shen Mo'er, who was only a middle school graduate, it should be simple.

After being influenced by Tian Fang’s constant praise, Shen Lingling became somewhat arrogant. For several days in a row, when she encountered Shen Mo'er at school, she looked down on her with her chin raised, as if victory was already in her grasp.

Shen Mo'er couldn’t be bothered with Shen Lingling. She was too busy studying to have time for such nonsense.

The county likely wanted to resolve things quickly. They released a notice and within just three days, they added candidates to the list. They gave the applicants two days to prepare and then immediately held the exam.

Shen Mo'er focused her energy on filling in the gaps in her knowledge. She had no major issues with language, but since she hadn’t finished studying the high school-level math and science, she concentrated on strengthening her foundation. The more difficult parts at the back were deemed less likely to be tested by Fu Mingze, so she focused her main efforts on consolidating the basics.

On the day of the exam, Fu Mingze and Shen Shaoyuan both took the day off specifically to accompany Shen Moer to the county.

When they left the village, they bumped into Shen Lingling at the village entrance. Zhang Junliang was riding a bike and taking her to the commune. They gave Shen Shaoyuan a half-hearted greeting and quickly rode away.

When they arrived at the commune, Shen Moer and the others ran into the same pair again at the bus stop.

This wasn’t surprising, as there was only one bus from the commune to the county town. Not just them, but the three qualified private teachers from Liuqiao Commune also took this bus.

"As a high school graduate, you already have an advantage, and you’ve been studying hard recently. You’re fully prepared. Just relax, don’t be nervous, and do your best," Zhang Junliang glanced at Shen Moer and encouraged Shen Lingling with a good mood, while also taking a subtle dig: "I think the county’s decision this time is excellent. By using exams to keep truly capable people in the teaching staff, it’s a wake-up call for those who are just filling the numbers. It’s a wise decision."

Shen Moer paid no attention to his chatter: "The bus is here, let’s get on."

Seeing Shen Moer and the others board the bus, Shen Lingling showed a hint of jealousy and couldn’t help but say, "It’s just an exam. The whole family is going, as if they’re off to take the imperial exams."

Zhang Junliang’s eyes gleamed, and he nodded, "You’re right. This exam is important, but I’m sure you’ll do well. You’re a seasoned teacher. If students aren’t afraid of exams, how could you, as a teacher, be afraid? I believe you can handle it maturely and independently. There’s no need for all that drama. Bus tickets cost money, and eating in the county also costs money. Wouldn’t it be better to spend that money on a good meal in the county and face the afternoon exam in a more refreshed state?"

Shen Lingling actually envied Shen Moer. When she took her high school exams, her family never paid any attention, let alone accompanied her.

But Zhang Junliang was right—bus tickets and meals cost money. When he suggested she eat well in the county, Shen Lingling felt a bit moved.

She didn’t consider that whether she ate well or poorly in the county, it was her own money.

After they got married, Zhang Junliang gave her a savings book with 500 yuan he had saved over the years. He didn’t hand over his monthly salary to her, saying that since he worked in the commune, there were occasional social interactions, like treating colleagues to meals, so he needed to have some cash on hand. If he saved more, he would naturally deposit it into the passbook. Shen Lingling didn’t push the issue since the passbook was in her hands.

Shen Lingling, swayed by Zhang Junliang’s words, got her confidence back. When she boarded the bus and found no seats in the front, she marched to the back with confidence.

Shen Shaoyuan glanced at her and sighed, relieved that his daughter was smart and clever, unlike this distant niece of his, who looked shrewd but was actually quite foolish.

Shen Moer sat by the window and, taking advantage of the bus starting and no one paying attention, rested her head on Fu Mingze’s shoulder and mumbled, "I’m going to nap."

She had gotten up too early and was still a bit sleepy.

Fu Mingze shut his eyes quickly before the passengers in the aisle could notice.

Although young men and women were expected to maintain a proper distance in those days, if both of them were so tired that they fell asleep as soon as they got on the bus, no one could complain if they accidentally leaned close, right?

But he underestimated some people’s audacity. An older woman in the aisle, carrying a live chicken, had been looking around for a seat. After scanning the bus, she set her sights on Shen Moer and Fu Mingze.

These two young people, so young and yet so inconsiderate. They didn’t know to respect their elders or care for the young. Seeing an elderly person, they didn’t even offer their seats. And here they were, leaning on each other and sleeping in public—how shameless!

"You two…" she started to speak, but Shen Shaoyuan, sitting on the other side of the aisle, spoke first: "Madam, please be quiet. My daughter is going to the county today for her official exam. She stayed up late last night studying, and my son-in-law also stayed up late reviewing with her. They got up early this morning and are exhausted, so they’re taking a nap on the way. Please be quiet and don’t disturb them. We’re all out and about, so let’s be considerate of each other. You’re carrying a live chicken, and it’s been clucking non-stop. Its droppings even landed on that man’s shoe, but we didn’t say much, did we?"

The older woman: "…"

Wait, she hadn’t even started speaking yet. Why was she being told to be quiet?

There were so many people on the bus, chattering away, and no one was telling them to be quiet.

While she was still organizing her thoughts, the man whose shoe had been soiled by the chicken droppings shouted in shock: "Comrade, what’s going on here? You’re carrying a live chicken, why didn’t you put it in a sack? My brand-new shoes, worn only a couple of times, are ruined! Ah, my shoes, my new shoes!"

Nearby passengers also backed away: "Hey, madam, this isn’t right. It’s fine to bring live animals, but you can’t do it like this!"

"Conductor, comrade conductor, you need to handle this. The road to the county is bumpy. What if the chicken’s droppings get shaken onto us?" This came from passengers sitting nearby.

The older woman, holding the chicken, retorted confidently: "What can I do if the chicken needs to relieve itself? I can’t stop it. If you’re afraid of getting dirty, stay away from me. Or give me your seat, and I’ll put the chicken under it."

"You really have a nice dream!" the passenger exclaimed. "Ticket seller, comrade ticket seller, you need to handle this! It's completely unreasonable! Please do something!"

In those days, there were few buses, and it was common to cram forty or fifty people into a thirty-seat bus. It was also normal for passengers to bring sacks and baskets onto the bus. Generally, no one would question what others were bringing aboard, but bringing a 'biological weapon' that endangers others was a whole different story.

The passengers were causing a commotion, and the ticket seller had a headache. If the chicken droppings fell on the bus floor, it would be a problem. If someone stepped on it… well, the scene was unimaginable.

The ticket seller stood up and shouted, "The auntie who brought the chicken, please move forward. Everyone, make way for her. I have an old cardboard box here. Put the chicken in it."

The ticket seller was very distressed. This old cardboard box was kept on the bus for emergencies, and even though it was quite old, it could still be exchanged for some money at the recycling station.

The aisle was very narrow, but after the ticket seller said this, the other passengers quickly cleared a path. The auntie was glared at by the ticket seller and the other passengers and had no choice but to push her way forward. Once she reached the front, the crowd closed in again.

Naturally, the auntie couldn't make her way back with the cardboard box. She ended up standing in front of the ticket seller's seat, not daring to talk back. In those days, ticket sellers were quite authoritative. If you really pissed them off, they might just leave you stranded on the road.

Shen Shaoyuan smirked.

From across the aisle, Fu Mingze also smiled with his eyes closed.

Fu Mingze sometimes found it strange. Given his father-in-law's capabilities and his wife's cleverness, it was unbelievable that they had almost been starved to death when Cao Mei took their food. It seemed like Cao Mei wouldn't have stood a chance against them.

However, as a young man of China growing up under the red flag, Fu Mingze, as a firm materialist, didn't entertain any superstitious thoughts. He suspected that his father-in-law and wife might have had some unspeakable hardships. Since they didn't mention it, Fu Mingze naturally wouldn't inquire.

The rest of the trip went smoothly. Half asleep, Shen Moer was nudged awake by Fu Mingze and realized they had already arrived in the county.

The family hurried to the exam venue. After her nap, Shen Moer entered the examination room feeling refreshed.

With nothing else to do, Fu Mingze and Shen Shaoyuan headed to the department store.

Fu Mingze had brought some money vouchers, but as a poor man who had already spent his 'wife savings' on the marriage, he had no reason to spend. Shen Shaoyuan also had some money vouchers, though not many. Their family had used up most of their savings on wedding preparations, so purchasing additional items was secondary.

Having his son-in-law, the pretty boy, around was inconvenient.

The two men browsed the department store with different agendas. One had money vouchers but couldn't find anything to buy, and the other had something to sell but was silently observing the surroundings.

On the second lap, Shen Shaoyuan noticed a man in glasses and a liberation suit secretly observing them. He thought for a moment, then took out five yuan and gave it to Fu Mingze. "Why don't you buy some candies and pastries that don't require vouchers?" he said. "I'm going to the restroom."

Fu Mingze accepted the money and secretly breathed a sigh of relief. "Okay, I'll buy them and wait for you at the entrance."

Shen Shaoyuan said, "Take your time, no rush."

Once Fu Mingze left, Shen Shaoyuan looked back at the man in the liberation suit and slowly walked outside.

Although the man looked like a cadre, Shen Shaoyuan guessed correctly. This man was indeed a 'goods collector.'

In those days, buying things required tickets and vouchers. For big items like watches and bicycles, ordinary people found it hard to get these tickets. But people needed them for weddings. If they couldn't get them from relatives and friends, they had to buy them.

These tickets didn't just appear out of thin air. There were people who specialized in 'collecting' them.

The man in the liberation suit was in this business.

Of course, he collected tickets, but he also collected physical goods, though usually watches and bicycles. Gold rings were rare for him.

After the 'Smash the Four Olds' movement, jade and antiques were worthless, but gold still held value. The state had been acquiring gold from the public to boost its reserves. The black market also traded in gold, but their region wasn't wealthy. There were few people with gold, and after the state's acquisitions, there were even fewer.

The man in the liberation suit was very pleased to see Shen Shaoyuan's two plain gold rings. These were rare on the market and easy to sell.

Both men knew they couldn't easily fool each other, so no tricks were played. They both knew the price, and a quick exchange of money for goods took place.

"Brother, if you've got more goods, come back next month at this same time." The man in a Mao suit spoke sincerely, with a bit of a gangster vibe in his voice despite his scholarly appearance. "You can ask around. People call me Old Shao. I'm the most honest in my dealings. Others would definitely try to lowball you."

Shen Shaoyuan's expression changed slightly and he said with a smile, "These items were part of my wife's dowry. If it weren't for the tight financial situation, we really don't want to sell them if we can help it."

He didn’t say whether he had more, and the man in the Mao suit smiled without asking further, only saying, "Alright, just contact me if you need anything." With that, he quickly turned and left.

Shen Shaoyuan emerged slowly from the other end of the alley, looked around for a bit, and then returned to the front of the department store, only to see his son-in-law waiting there with big and small packages.

"...Why’d you buy so much stuff?"

Fu Mingze smiled and said, "I just got lucky. I happened to come across some items that didn't require ration tickets. Moer’s been working hard lately, and I thought I'd buy extra to help her regain her strength."

Shen Shaoyuan was surprised. "In that case," he said, "should we go back and buy some more?" After all, he had just gotten some money.

Fu Mingze's smile faltered slightly but quickly responded, "I've bought quite a lot already. It should be enough for now. If we buy too much, it might go bad. Also, it's getting late, and Moer will probably be coming out soon."

Shen Shaoyuan always put his daughter first, so hearing Fu Mingze's logic, he immediately nodded and said, "You're right. Let's go quickly so Moer doesn't have trouble finding us."

Fu Mingze secretly sighed in relief. Some of the things he bought indeed didn’t need tickets, but others did. If they went back to buy more, they might get found out.

The two quickly got there, and as soon as they arrived, they heard the ringing sound coming from inside.

Shen Shaoyuan said, "Luckily you reminded me. Otherwise, if we went back to buy more, Moer would have definitely come out by then."

Nothing was more important than his daughter.

Fu Mingze knew that nothing mattered more to his father-in-law than his daughter, so he wasn't surprised.

They waited a few more minutes before candidates started coming out one after another.

"Weird things happen every year, but this year’s been extra strange. It's strange enough that we already have to take an exam for our promotion, but someone even tore up a test paper during the exam."

"What's so strange about that? She didn't tear her own paper; she tore someone else's."

"And she claimed it was an accident. That's ridiculous. Who accidentally tears the previous person's paper when handing in their own? If it weren't for the woman’s quick reflexes, she would have succeeded."

"Isn't it strange that she claims not to know the other person? Actually, quite a few people should know her. She is Shen Moer from the Yangliu Production Brigade of the Liuqiao Commune. She recently coached two students to a second-place finish in a provincial art competition. The teachers and students present at the commendation meeting should know her, right?"

"Oh, now that you mention it... I've heard that the Liuqiao Commune secured a regularization spot for her?! That makes this situation even more complicated."

As the teachers walked and talked, they were suddenly stopped by two exceptionally handsome male comrades. "Hello, comrades. Were you just talking about Shen Moer from the Yangliu Production Brigade of the Liuqiao Commune? What happened?"

The teachers looked at each other, and one of them replied, "Comrade Shen Moer had a little accident while handing in her paper. The comrade behind her accidentally pulled on her paper, almost tearing it. But don't worry, it was only torn at the edge and shouldn't affect the grading."

"Where is she now?" Shen Shaoyuan asked.

"The examiner is still gathering details, but she should be out soon."

Fu Mingze said, "Thank you."

The father-in-law and son-in-law waited a long while, and by the time most of the candidates had left, they finally saw Shen Moer coming out.