WRS – Chapter 60

Jin Xiuzhu was scheduled to leave on the 2nd. Before she left, she entrusted Liuliu to Fang Min’s care.

Fang Min was more than happy to help. Liuliu was well-behaved; she only needed to feed her a few times a day and change her diaper. At noon, He Yan and Yanyan would come back to play with her and coax her to sleep. In the evening, Jiang Mingchuan would take the baby home.

She didn’t have to worry about anything else.

On the day of departure, Jiang Mingchuan got up before dawn to take her to the city train station, where she met the people arranged by Wang Ling.

Wang Ling assigned her two long-time factory workers—one man and one woman—named Liu Hongshan and Zhang Mei. They were both around forty to fifty years old, dependable and steady.

When Liu Hongshan and Zhang Mei arrived at the train station, they still felt a bit incredulous. The factory director hadn’t been to the factory for a while and seemed busy with something. Word had it that she might not be able to attend the textile exhibition conference. Several leaders at the factory had been trying all sorts of ways to find out where the director went, hoping to contact her and get themselves sent in her place. If their names ended up in the newspaper, it would greatly help with future promotions.

But Liu Hongshan and Zhang Mei, despite being veteran workers, were not particularly proactive. After working most of their lives, they were still just ordinary employees. They no longer thought about rising through the ranks. They only hoped the factory would keep doing well so they could work until retirement and live peacefully on a pension.

They never expected that two days earlier, the director would suddenly contact them, saying they were to accompany the factory’s mysterious drawing master—who had never once shown her face—to represent the county textile mill at the fabric exhibition conference. Their main job was to follow her, learn whatever they could, and take care of her. Once they arrived, they were to listen to her arrangements.

The two were instantly thrilled when they heard the news. Their families were happy for them too. They spent the last two days preparing and even bought new clothes for the trip.

Following Wang Ling’s instructions, they booked the train tickets and prepared their introduction letters. On the morning of the 30th, they were already waiting at the city train station.

After waiting for a while, they saw a man and a woman walking toward them. The man wore a military uniform, tall and sturdy, carrying two big bags with ease. The woman had a delicate little bag slung over her shoulder. Her outfit was comfortable and attractive—three-quarter sleeve short jacket on top, loose blue trousers below, and black cotton shoes. Her long black hair was pinned up with a dark wooden stick. Upon closer look, it seemed to be chopsticks, yet it wasn’t strange at all—rather, it suited her, giving her a graceful charm.

Especially her face—delicate features and gentle beauty.

She walked toward them and smiled politely. “Are you Master Liu and Master Zhang? I’m Jin Xiuzhu. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Both Liu Hongshan and Zhang Mei were surprised. They hadn’t expected the drawing master the director spoke of to be so young and pretty.

They recovered quickly and greeted her. “Hello, hello! Nice to meet you.”

Jin Xiuzhu glanced at her wristwatch. It was already eight-thirty. “It’s almost time. We can talk more on the way.”

The two nodded. “Alright.”

Liu Hongshan handed her a ticket. She took it and followed them inside.

Jiang Mingchuan escorted her all the way to the train’s seating area. Liu Hongshan had purchased seats—three in a row. The two politely offered her the window seat.

Jin Xiuzhu didn’t stand on ceremony and sat down. Jiang Mingchuan placed the two large bags by her feet and said, “Call me when you arrive.”

She agreed.

Jiang Mingchuan got off the train and watched her from outside.

Jin Xiuzhu leaned out the window to say goodbye.

On the way, she and the other two exchanged introductions. After some modest remarks, she said she had studied painting under her elders since childhood and currently worked for a newspaper.

Hearing this, they dared not underestimate her. They even felt the director was impressive—managing to invite someone so capable to draw designs for their factory. No wonder their factory was doing increasingly well.

They first arrived at the neighboring province’s capital, then transferred trains to S City.

Jin Xiuzhu didn’t know much about the so-called fabric exhibition conference and asked them what it was like.

Neither Zhang Mei nor Liu Hongshan knew much. Truthfully, this was Zhang Mei’s first time leaving the province, and Liu Hongshan wasn’t much more experienced. Both were nervous and timid. They still couldn’t understand why the director had chosen them.

Zhang Mei said, “The director told us to listen to your arrangements once we get there. She also told us to bring the factory’s top-selling fabrics. Do you want to take a look?”

Jin Xiuzhu shook her head. “Not now. We’ll look once we reach the guesthouse.”

“Alright.”

Zhang Mei felt Jin Xiuzhu was thoughtful—after all, the train was crowded; if the fabric got stolen, it would be terrible.

Before coming, Liu Hongshan had tried to ask around, but their county was small, and he didn’t learn much useful information. “It seems each participating textile mill gets a booth to display their fabrics. Many people in the industry will come to browse. If they like something, they’ll sign a purchase order on the spot.”

“I see.” Jin Xiuzhu nodded. “That sounds interesting.”

“Yes, even without orders, being able to attend such an exhibition is already a big honor.”

Hearing that, Jin Xiuzhu had an idea.

In her previous life, she dealt with backyard inner-courtyard schemes, where women competed mainly through their clothing and jewelry—expressions of status. She enjoyed the finest clothing among those women. The marquis pampered her and spared no expense. She herself was wealthy and had no children, so she willingly spent money on herself.

The most prestigious tailoring shops in the capital regularly sent their best embroiderers to show her the latest designs and finest fabrics. But after seeing so much, she eventually realized that the “best” fabrics were all similar—only the colors differed slightly.

What truly set those fabrics and shops apart was reputation.

Just like this exhibition—when all was said and done, it was about fame.

Around six in the evening, the three arrived in S City.

According to Wang Ling’s instructions, Liu Hongshan and Zhang Mei were supposed to lead Jin Xiuzhu. But upon arrival, she quickly realized they weren’t familiar with the city at all.

Helpless, she took charge—found a bus stop, asked for directions, and took the No. 11 bus with them to the guesthouse.

They arrived at seven-thirty. Fortunately, there was a state-owned restaurant nearby. After dropping off their things, they went to eat.

Zhang Mei and Liu Hongshan were reluctant—they felt state-owned restaurant meals were too expensive. Their families only ate there during holidays.

Jin Xiuzhu laughed. “You’re not paying. I’ll ask the director to reimburse it.”

Only then did they agree.

They followed her and enjoyed a good meal. That night, Jin Xiuzhu shared a room with Zhang Mei, while Liu Hongshan had a room to himself.

Jin Xiuzhu asked Zhang Mei to take out the fabrics prepared for the exhibition. Since it was their factory’s first time attending, they weren’t sure what to bring, so they selected their ten best pieces—five top sellers, and five newly woven ones not yet sent to the stores.

Jin Xiuzhu examined the fabrics and asked, “How many days will the exhibition last?”

“Three days,” Zhang Mei replied.

Jin Xiuzhu nodded. She picked up several fabric pieces, comparing them. They were all good quality and beautifully patterned. But the exhibition would surely have many fine fabrics. To stand out, they needed something eye-catching.

She asked, “Did the director give any instructions on what we should do there?”

Both shook their heads. Seeing her frown, Liu Hongshan quickly added, “She said to watch and learn from others. Did you have something in mind?”

Jin Xiuzhu shared her thoughts. “Wang Ling said the factories attending are big ones. For them, this exhibition is just icing on the cake. But for us, this opportunity is extremely rare. If we can use it to build a name, we’ll receive an endless stream of orders. We might even surpass the city textile mill. So we shouldn’t just aim to participate—we should aim to stand out.”

Her words stirred both of them. Who didn’t want their factory to grow strong? The county mill paid 28 yuan a month; the city mill paid 35—not to mention all their other subsidies. They could never compare. Last year the factory did well; although wages didn’t increase, bonuses did, and the director even gave everyone two jin of meat for New Year.

Of course they hoped their factory would prosper.

Jin Xiuzhu continued, “This is our first exhibition, but I personally think the first day is the most important. If we want attention, we need to seize the moment. Otherwise others will copy us in the following days.”

Zhang Mei was quick-witted. She realized Jin Xiuzhu already had a plan and quickly asked, “Do you have an idea? We’ll listen to you. Whatever you say, we’ll do.”

Jin Xiuzhu pulled out the three fabrics she had chosen. “Cut each piece in half. Make three outfits from them—for us to wear on the fifth. The other fabrics should also be made into finished garments to display on that day.”

“Also, we should hang a sign with our factory’s name, address, and contact information. That way people can find us easily.”

Zhang Mei and Liu Hongshan exchanged looks when they heard this. Liu Hongshan was the more old-fashioned one. These fabrics had been specially selected by the factory for their exhibition. Cutting them up now and turning them into clothes for themselves felt wasteful to him.

Zhang Mei was a bit bolder, but even she hesitated. She hesitated because she felt Jin Xiuzhu’s idea was too ambitious. “We’re not familiar with this place. Where would we find someone to make clothes for us? And with only two days, how could it be done so fast?”

But Jin Xiuzhu believed her plan was feasible. Every year in Dajing during the Dragon Boat Festival, both sides of the river would be lined with all kinds of small vendors with banners and signs showing their names and special dishes. If nobles liked the food, they would send someone later to buy from the shop.

Fabric and food weren’t the same, but similar in principle—only when worn on the body would it stand out from the rest.

Jin Xiuzhu said with a smile, “It’s fine. I can make clothes. Two days is enough. Tomorrow morning I’ll draw out the designs for you. You two cut according to the pattern in the morning, and leave the rest to me.”

Between them, Zhang Mei and Liu Hongshan had been working in the textile factory for decades. Cutting clothing was no problem for them.

Jin Xiuzhu took a pair of scissors, a ruler, and drawing pens out of her bag and told them to start. She herself took a pen and began recalling the styles she had seen last year in the department store. They were all long-sleeved tops and long trousers anyway; she could adjust the details a little.

Zhang Mei glanced at Jin Xiuzhu, who was already focused on drawing. Seeing Liu Hongshan’s conflicted expression, she decisively said, “Let’s listen to Master Jin. She knows more than we do.”

Liu Hongshan could only nod.

The next morning, Jin Xiuzhu gave the finished sketches to Zhang Mei, then headed out after greeting them.

She first went to the state-run restaurant to buy a few steamed buns. Eating as she walked to the bus stop, she caught a bus to the city department store. She paid special attention to the clothes on each counter, and then realized they actually weren’t very distinctive. So she went to observe the ready-made clothing section carefully and memorized several unfamiliar designs.

After shopping, she went downstairs to buy writing brushes, ink, and white paper, and then returned.

Back at the guesthouse, Zhang Mei and Liu Hongshan were cutting fabric. Their movements were swift and practiced—no need for repeated measuring, just following the lines smoothly.

Seeing Jin Xiuzhu return, they finally realized how much time had passed.

When Jin Xiuzhu saw they hadn’t eaten yet, she handed them the buns and steamed bread she brought. She picked up the fabric to check. “Not bad. Keep going. I’ll work on my part.”

She spread the paper on the table, moistened the brush with water, flicked it dry, dipped it in ink, hesitated briefly, and then wrote several large bold characters on the paper.

When she finished, she wrote a row of smaller characters beneath—the contact information of the textile factory.

Zhang Mei took a quick glance and was instantly shocked. Even though she didn’t quite understand such things, she could tell at a glance that it looked impressive.

Steadying herself, she sped up her cutting, convinced that Jin Xiuzhu was truly capable.

When Jin Xiuzhu finished, she told them, “By the time you two finish, it’ll be about noon. Go out and eat something good. Don’t save money. Have the factory reimburse it later. If it’s not enough, tell me. I’m heading out now. I’ll be back this afternoon. You don’t need to wait for me. Just leave the paper there—the ink isn’t dry yet. Don’t put it away.”

Zhang Mei nodded. “Go ahead. We have money.”

“Alright. I might come back a little late this afternoon.”

“Okay.”

Jin Xiuzhu picked up a big bag from the corner and left. This time she went straight to the bus stop and, after asking around, boarded Bus No. 19.

She arrived at 11:20. According to her agreement with Bai Jingzhi, she went straight to the school cafeteria entrance. It wasn’t dismissal time yet; there weren’t many people eating inside. She waited at the door for a few minutes. About five or six minutes later, the bell rang, and soon many students rushed out.

Very quickly, she spotted Bai Jingzhi.

Even in the crowd, Bai Jingzhi stood out. She was tall, fair-skinned, and beautiful, looking somewhat out of place among the others.

Bai Jingzhi had been looking around, and when her eyes met Jin Xiuzhu’s, they widened for a moment and then curved into a bright smile. Her cool, aloof expression instantly melted into joy.

She hugged her books and ran over. Once close, she said happily, “Sister-in-law.”

Jin Xiuzhu pinched her cheek. “Come on, let’s eat. I’m starving.”

Bai Jingzhi took the large bag from her hand, smiling brightly. “Our cafeteria’s chicken drumsticks are delicious. You have to try them.”

Jin Xiuzhu took her books and casually flipped through them. They were filled with dense notes that were dizzying to look at.

Bai Jingzhi led her into the cafeteria and found a seat. She told Jin Xiuzhu to wait while she queued for food.

Jin Xiuzhu glanced at the window counters—crowded with people holding money and meal tickets.

Bai Jingzhi picked a line with fewer people. After waiting nearly ten minutes, she returned carrying two large blue enamel bowls piled high with food, especially a big chicken drumstick on one.

She urged Jin Xiuzhu to eat.

Jin Xiuzhu took a bite and found it indeed delicious.

After they finished, they went to Bai Jingzhi’s dormitory together.

The girls’ dormitory was behind the teaching building, a fair walk away. It had five floors; Bai Jingzhi lived in a sunny room on the second floor.

Someone was already inside. The door was open. As Bai Jingzhi pushed it, she bumped into a girl coming out. Seeing it was her, the girl immediately darkened her face. “Do you walk without using your eyes? Didn’t you see someone behind the door?”

Bai Jingzhi truly hadn’t seen her. She froze for a second, then apologized sincerely, “I’m sorry, I didn’t see you.”

The girl’s expression didn’t improve. She rolled her eyes and stood blocking the way. Only when Bai Jingzhi stepped aside did she move. After two steps, she realized someone else was behind Bai Jingzhi. She instinctively looked up to scold them—and met Jin Xiuzhu’s icy gaze.

“You didn’t notice you were blocking Jingzhi’s path?”

Frowning, she asked, “Who are you?”

Jin Xiuzhu: “Apologize.”

The girl’s face darkened. “What did you say?”

Jin Xiuzhu’s tone turned colder. “I told you to apologize.”

The girl snapped, “I won’t! What can you do? Who do you think you are?”

There were still two other girls in the dorm. Hearing the commotion, they turned to look.

Bai Jingzhi hadn’t expected her sister-in-law to confront her roommate at the door. She grew flustered—wanting to say something, yet touched that her sister-in-law was standing up for her, but also afraid that speaking would upset her.

Jin Xiuzhu nodded. “Alright, so you won’t apologize? Fine.”

She turned to Bai Jingzhi. “Go get your teacher. I want to ask him in person how he manages his students.”

Bai Jingzhi hesitated and whispered, “Sister-in-law…”

Jin Xiuzhu cut her off, “Go. You’re not listening to me now?”

Bai Jingzhi thought for a moment, then ran toward the stairs.

The girl across from Jin Xiuzhu finally panicked. She looked between Jin Xiuzhu and the disappearing Bai Jingzhi, unsure who this woman really was.

She remembered vaguely that Bai Jingzhi had mentioned her real sister-in-law coming to visit. But she hadn’t cared at the time. Parents or siblings—none of that mattered much, right? So afterward, although she hadn’t bullied Bai Jingzhi openly, she hadn’t shown her any kindness either.

She hadn’t expected to face the woman herself today. And judging by Jin Xiuzhu’s clothing and bearing, she was clearly from a well-off family.

She grew visibly uneasy.

Jin Xiuzhu sneered. “If you’ve got the nerve, wait here for the teacher. If you’re scared, go ahead and run. Jingzhi knows you, and all these students watching know you.”

More and more curious students had gathered in the hallway.

The girl flushed bright red and stiffened her neck. “Who’s scared? I’m not scared! You’re making a fuss over such a small thing. Is Bai Jingzhi a child?”

Jin Xiuzhu said, “I don’t know if Jingzhi is a child, but I do know you’re worse than one. Children at least have parents to teach them. Do you have parents? You don’t even know basic manners.”

“You—who are you calling names!”

Jin Xiuzhu ignored her and walked into the dorm. She scanned the room and quickly found Bai Jingzhi’s bed. It was easy to recognize—bottom bunk by the door, neatly arranged, books lined up at the head, shoes tucked under the bed—shoes she herself had bought for Jingzhi.

But soon her gaze landed on another girl. Her clothes looked familiar. If she wasn’t mistaken, those were clothes she had made for Bai Jingzhi.

The girl met her eyes, panicked, and quickly turned away.

Jin Xiuzhu frowned and sat on Bai Jingzhi’s bed, her mind already made up.

Before long, Bai Jingzhi returned with her teacher—a middle-aged man. When he saw the girl at the door and Jin Xiuzhu sitting inside, he paused before greeting politely, “Hello, I’m their teacher. My name is Guan Ye.”

“Hello, Teacher Guan. I’m Bai Jingzhi’s guardian—Jin Xiuzhu. I’m here on a work trip, and I came to check on my sister-in-law. Originally I planned to visit her first and then speak with you properly. But I hadn’t even stepped inside before something happened, which made me realize her life here may be much worse than she’s been telling me. So I called you here.”

Teacher Guan wanted to ask what happened, but Jin Xiuzhu didn’t give him the chance.

“You’re responsible for their daily matters. I assume dorm conflicts fall under your management, correct? My sister-in-law has been in college for years. Don’t tell me you’re unaware she’s been bullied by her dormmates. Isn’t that negligence on your part?”

Teacher Guan immediately said, “I’ve heard about it. I addressed it before.”

“You did? Then how? Tell me.”

He was speechless. He had only hinted during a class meeting that certain students shouldn’t pick on others.

Jin Xiuzhu sneered. “When my sister-in-law walked in just now, she bumped into a roommate because neither saw the other. Yet she apologized first. Why? Because she’s used to being bullied. And even then, the other party didn’t show her a pleasant face. If this is how she’s treated in front of me, how bad must it be when I’m not around?”

“And my sister-in-law was once locked out of her own dorm—are you aware? If you knew, why didn’t you intervene? Why is she still living in this dorm? What punishment did you give the others? Is this dorm theirs to lock as they please? We paid tuition—why can’t she live here?”

“If you say you didn’t know—even worse. You’re supposed to manage student affairs. If you really ‘managed,’ then why is someone in her dorm wearing my sister-in-law’s clothes? I made those with my own hands. She couldn’t bear to wear them herself. How did they end up on someone else?”

Realizing what this meant, Bai Jingzhi rushed into the room. Seeing her roommate wearing the clothes, she turned red-eyed with anger. “Qin Zhenzhen! Why did you steal my clothes?”

Qin Zhenzhen felt all eyes on her. Her face alternated red and white. Enraged, she tore off the clothes with rough movements and threw them to the ground. “Who wants your lousy clothes? Take them!”

Bai Jingzhi picked them up, heart aching. “You’re going too far!”

Jin Xiuzhu looked coldly at the teacher. “Teacher, do you have nothing to say? If you don’t, I’ll speak with your principal next.”

Teacher Guan panicked. He could tell this guardian was not someone to provoke. “Ms. Jin, what do you want done?”

Jin Xiuzhu stated clearly, “My request is simple. Give Bai Jingzhi a single dorm room. And punish these students.”

Jin Xiuzhu: Today, you’ll learn what it means to be not-to-be-messed-with.

Jiang Mingchuan: My wife is formidable.

He Yan: Mom is amazing.

Fu Yanyan: I’ve learned something today.