0p0 Chapters 170 and 171: Collateral Damage
Chapters 170 and 171: Collateral Damage
Huang Ju raised an eyebrow as she saw Zhang Zhanhong holding a roll of drawings. "You've already found someone. You're fast enough. It's already finished."
Zhang Zhanhong was quite proud, "That's right, our network of contacts is top-notch."
Huang Ju became interested. "Would you mind if I took a look?"
“Of course.” Zhang Zhanhong handed the sketch to Huang Ju. “I think it’s pretty good. The colors are quite eye-catching, and the people are drawn quite nicely.”
Huang Ju unfolded the chrysanthemum and looked at it for a while. After a long while, she frowned. Zhang Zhanhong's alarm bells went off. "Ju, is there something wrong? Don't scare me."
After pondering for a while, Huang Ju asked, "Who exactly did you get to paint this?"
"It's our affiliated primary school's art teacher, Ding Hongmei. She's a college graduate with a degree in art, so she's quite skilled. What exactly is wrong? Ju, stop keeping me in suspense. I have a weak heart and can't take a fright."
Huang Ju said, "Your painting is really no good. I remember seeing a similar propaganda poster in the newspaper. Many elements in her painting are similar, and the figures are also drawn similarly. I should have some propaganda posters in my office. I'll go look for them."
"Let's go quickly then." Zhang Zhanhong followed Huang Ju to her office.
There were many propaganda posters in the cabinet. Huang Ju took out a few posters from a few years ago. Without even checking them carefully, she could find similar or even identical elements in almost every one of them. The more Zhang Zhanhong looked, the worse her expression became. She pointed at Ding Hongmei's drawing and her hand started to tremble with anger. "I, I can see it all. Look at this character's face. It's one thing that it's drawn exactly the same, but how come they didn't even change the style and color of the clothes? If this drawing is submitted, I don't know if it will be published, but it will definitely make people laugh."
Zhang Zhanhong thanked Huang Ju, took the sketch and left in a hurry. She was a respectable person and, no matter how angry she was, she didn't go to confront the person. Of course, she was also afraid that she would lose control of her temper if she met the person, so she just returned the sketch to the school principal.
The next day, Ding Hongmei was summoned to the principal's office shortly after arriving at the school. "Okay, Director, I'll be right there," Ding Hongmei replied loudly, putting down her bag and going to the principal's office with great enthusiasm.
Teacher Wang couldn't help but curl her lips, "Look at that smug look on his face, it's disgusting."
Ding Hongmei thought the principal had come to praise her, but the smile on her face faded when she saw the drawings on the principal's desk. She hesitated and asked, "Principal, is there something you need me for?"
The principal, unaware of the specifics, returned the artwork to Ding Hongmei and relayed Zhang Zhanhong's words to her: "The Women's Federation isn't going to use this artwork, saying it doesn't fit their propaganda theme and direction. However, we are still very grateful for your kind help."
"Okay, okay." Ding Hongmei's expression twisted for a moment as she walked out of the principal's office. What did she mean by "not in line with their publicity theme and direction"? They had said it was all good yesterday. And why did that sentence sound so familiar? Terrible memories flooded her mind. If Ding Hongmei hadn't been in front of others, she would have definitely torn the painting in her hand to shreds.
The school bell rang, signaling the end of get out of class. The quiet classroom became noisy as the children, like wild beasts released from their cages, rushed out to the playground.
"Hey, wait for me!" a little girl shouted as she ran, not seeing Ding Hongmei coming out from around the corner. Of course, Ding Hongmei was also distraught at the moment and didn't notice the little girl running towards her. By sheer coincidence, the little girl bumped right into Ding Hongmei.
Ding Hongmei wasn't knocked down, but the little girl was bounced back and fell to the ground with a "thud".
Ding Hongmei's face darkened further. The little girl was startled and stammered, "I'm sorry."
Ding Hongmei frowned: "Does saying sorry do any good? Your parents send you to school to study, not for you to play. You run around in school and you bumped into me and hurt me, you know? And you're a girl, how can you be as naughty as a boy? Don't you have any manners? How did your parents raise you? You're embarrassing yourself in public..."
Ding Hongmei's words became increasingly outrageous. The little girl stood awkwardly in front of Ding Hongmei, listening to the scolding with red eyes, sobbing but not daring to argue back with her teacher.
Ding Hongmei got even angrier. "Cry, cry, all you do is cry. What did I say to you and you start crying? Anyone who didn't know better would think I did something to you."
As more and more people gathered around, the little girl cried even harder. Finally, a teacher noticed the situation and rushed over to smooth things over.
Teachers Zhang and Wang watched the commotion for a while and couldn't help but mutter to themselves, "They were all smiles just now, but after going to the principal's office, they're acting like they've swallowed a powder keg."
“I knew her painting wouldn’t do. Look at what she’s holding; it must have been returned.”
The two exchanged a knowing smile, their eyes filled with mockery.
Ding Hongmei was still in a bad mood after returning to her office, but Teacher Zhang and Teacher Wang were not going to tolerate her. They were more senior than Ding, and it was Ding Hongmei who should be the one to humble herself.
They moved a large stack of documents and files in front of Ding Hongmei. "Teacher Ding, you're free now, right? These are all the teaching tasks you've fallen behind on. Take advantage of this free time to catch up. After all, you don't have any big tasks assigned by the principal anymore, so you can focus on your regular work."
"Oh, we didn't ask you to do anything recently. We even taught several of your classes. How come? It shouldn't have affected your performance. You must have made a name for yourself and shocked everyone. It seems that our small town is going to lose a talent like Teacher Ding."
"Of course, Teacher Ding is a phoenix."
The two teachers took turns speaking, while Ding Hongmei glared at them with hatred in her eyes, her hands clenched into fists, as if she was about to start a fight at any moment.
The classroom bell rang, signaling the start of class. It was Ding Hongmei's class. She picked up her presentation slides, pushed past the two students, and walked out.
Upon entering the classroom, Ding Hongmei, with her sharp eyes, immediately spotted the little girl with red eyes, who in turn turned pale upon seeing her.
Afraid of her? Ding Hongmei snorted coldly. She hadn't expected it to happen in the class that Ding Hongmei taught. Hadn't she just run into Ding Hongmei?
Ding Hongmei made up a reason during class and made the little girl stand at the door and listen to the lesson in front of the whole class. Seeing the girl's timid expression, Ding Hongmei finally felt a little better.
……
After two days in the hospital, the baby's fever subsided. Since the baby didn't like staying in the hospital, Shu Yun checked the discharge procedures early and took the child home.
"Comrade Shu, there's a package for you, and it's from the publishing house again."
Shu Yun would receive packages every few days, and this time she took a large bag of packages home.
Since her comic books became popular, she has received letters from readers from the publisher from time to time. Each time, it would be a big package. Over time, it has filled an entire bookshelf. Although it takes up space, it is all from the readers' sincere feelings, and Shu Yun is reluctant to throw it away. She keeps each and every letter carefully.
The baby watched Shu Yun unpack the package with great interest, reaching out her little hand to help. She picked up a letter from the ground and handed it to Shu Yun, exclaiming, "Ahhh!" as if she wanted Shu Yun to read it.
Shu Yun took it; it wasn't a reader's letter, but one from the publishing house.
Chapter 171
Shu Yun opened the letter and found that her comic book had done well, and the publisher had decided to reprint it. Shu Yun did some mental calculations and seemed to hear the crisp sound of coins clinking. Ding! 2000 yuan had been deposited into her Alipay account!
Overjoyed, Shu Yun picked up the baby beside her and gave him a big kiss on the little face. "Mwah, you're such a little darling, a lucky star! You can bring good news to Mommy from any letter you pick up."
The baby loves being held by mom, giggling and making little noises with his mouth, "Pfft, pfft pfft."
Shu Yun's smile froze on the spot. The baby spat on her face several times, and her expression immediately became indescribable. Even though the baby was hers, she still found the saliva disgusting.
She wiped her face with the baby's bib, but it wasn't enough, so she washed her face again. When she turned around, she saw the baby sitting in the little chair still spitting out saliva, as if this was some new and exciting way to play.
Shu Yun gritted her teeth and gently pinched the baby's chubby cheeks. "Where did you learn such bad habits? Get rid of them quickly, or Mommy will spank your bottom."
Her words had no effect whatsoever, and the baby pouted at her again. Shu Yun closed her eyes, picked up the child, and gave his little bottom a few pats.
The baby's bottom was chubby and bouncy. Shu Yun tried to scare the baby by not using too much force, but the baby started crying loudly. Shu Yun had no choice but to pick the baby up again and try to soothe him for a long time, but to no avail. She said with a stern face, "You're still crying? You spat at Mommy, and Mommy hasn't even cried yet. You're not a good baby anymore, you're a bad baby."
"What's going on here?"
When Shu Yun saw that it was the child's father who had returned, her eyes immediately lit up, as if she had seen a savior. She placed the child in Gu Jun's arms and said, "You can comfort him. I can't comfort him."
After saying that, Shu Yun went to wash her face again.
The baby was changed into another person's arms while crying. The crying stopped for a while, and the two looked at each other. The baby's mood improved again, and he pouted his little mouth. Gu Jun thought the baby wanted to kiss him, but he was met with a spit attack.
Shu Yun saw this scene as soon as she came out. "Hahaha." She laughed at Gu Jun without any politeness. "You should control your son. I don't know where he learned to spit."
Helpless, Gu Jun covered his son's mouth with a bib, saying, "Isn't he your son too?"
Shu Yun snorted, "It's the father's fault if the son is not taught properly. You're the father, so come here. I'm going to cook dinner."
Gu Jun and the baby stayed in the yard, staring at each other. How could he teach such a young child? Would the child even understand what he was taught?
The package also contained a letter from Wang Xiuwen, who had safely returned home.
Wang Xiuwen's eldest daughter-in-law has already given birth to a chubby baby girl weighing less than 7 pounds. You can feel Wang Xiuwen's joy at becoming a grandmother from her words. She also asked Shu Yun and Gu Jun to bring the baby home to visit when they have time.
The next day, Shu Yun packed a bag full of baby bottles, diapers, and clothes for her baby, and went to work with the bag in one hand and her baby in the other.
Are you going out?
"Director Zhang? You wanted to see me?" Shu Yun was puzzled. The Women's Director wanted to see her? She couldn't help but recall the last time the Women's Director had seen her, and decided to reflect on her recent behavior.
Slap the baby's bottom n times, pinch Gu Jun's soft flesh n times, kick Gu Jun n times, twist Gu Jun's ear n times...
Hmm...life seems pretty harmonious! No need for help.
Zhang Zhanhong smiled and said, "Would it be convenient for me to come in and talk?"
Shu Yun: "Sure, but I'm going to be late for work..."
Zhang Zhanhong: "Hi, I just came to talk to you about this. Don't rush to work. I've already spoken to Director Huang."
"Oh, okay, then please come in, Director." Shu Yun let Zhang Zhanhong in, put the baby on a small chair, and then brought her a cup of hot tea.
Zhang Zhanhong took a sip of tea before saying, "I heard your child was sick the other day, and you took leave from work? Has the child recovered now?"
Shu Yun held the baby in her arms and squeezed his little paws. "It's all better now."
"Oh, I see. Well, I happen to have something I need your help with. The Women's Federation is preparing to publish a series of posters to promote our work with women. We hope to expand the reach of our message and raise awareness among women about combating domestic violence. I heard from Director Huang that you have solid professional skills, so I wanted you to do the design. I've already spoken to Director Huang, and she completely agrees."
Since the Publicity Department had agreed, Shu Yun naturally had no objections. "However, Director Zhang, I only have a superficial understanding of the Women's Federation's work. Since we're going to draw on this theme, it would be best to have a deeper understanding of the work. If you don't mind, could you invite me along next time you work so I can go and learn more about it in person?"
Zhang Zhanhong nodded, "Of course." Compared to Ding Hongmei's immediate agreement followed by working behind closed doors, Shu Yun's request made Zhang Zhanhong feel much more at ease. However, she added, "You can go, but you still need to be careful about the privacy of the parties involved. Whatever happens on site must not be spread outside."
Shu Yun: "That's for sure."
Zhang Zhanhong thought for a moment, "Perfect timing. This afternoon, Xiao Ma is going to Pingjia Village Brigade to do mediation work. Some women have reported domestic violence by their husbands. We'll go over tomorrow morning to find out more. If you're free, you can come along."
After all, Zhang Zhanhong wanted to get the propaganda poster done as soon as possible, as a lot of time had already been wasted because of Ding Hongmei.
Shu Yun then asked a question that she was particularly concerned about, "Director, do I still need to go to the publicity department these few days while I'm helping out?"
Zhang Zhanhong: "Hey, you're on secondment to our unit, but our unit is small, with only one office, and it's full. We can't free up space for a while. Otherwise, you can stay at home or go to the propaganda department to draw. But don't worry, Comrade Shuyun, if you need anything, just ask us."
At this point, Zhang Zhanhong glanced cautiously at Shu Yun, as if failing to prepare an office for her was a grave sin.
Shu Yun could only say that people in the 1970s were simple and honest and loved to work, but she was different. Being able to work from home was such a blessing, something she couldn't ask for.
Before leaving, Zhang Zhanhong reminded him, "This matter is quite urgent. It would be best if it could be delivered this week. Thank you for your hard work, Comrade Shuyun."
Shu Yun: "It's okay, I'll hurry up."
Zhang Zhanhong patted Shu Yun on the shoulder and left, unaware that Ding Hongmei had witnessed the whole scene. Her gaze swept back and forth between the two, as if she had caught them in the act, and her eyes seemed to burn with intense anger as she looked at Shu Yun.