"Qu Chuning, what are you doing? Let go of me! You're new here and know nothing. When I assign you work, it's because I think highly of you. Don't be ungrateful…"
"Oh, so according to you, I should thank you? You just said you're the Workshop Boss. How about I call Director Hou over to properly thank you as well? How does that sound?"
Shi Zhenzhen was fuming, trying to break free but unable to. Qu Chuning's hand was like a vise, gripping hers tightly.
When Director Hou arrived, he saw the two female comrades tangled together.
Qu Chuning was half a head shorter than Shi Zhenzhen. She was thinner, while Shi Zhenzhen was taller and appeared much more robust. Yet it was Shi Zhenzhen who was being dragged along by Qu Chuning, who held her hand and pulled her outside.
"Hey, hey now, you two female comrades, whatever you have to say, can't you discuss it calmly? Qu Chuning, let go first!"
Director Hou was extremely frustrated, reduced to anxious fretting on the sidelines. When he first met Qu Chuning, he thought she seemed plain, simple, and gentle—definitely easy to get along with. As for Shi Zhenzhen, he'd long been aware of her, but given her background, nobody usually complained about who did more or less work.
Upon hearing this, Qu Chuning immediately released Shi Zhenzhen's hand. She smiled gently and asked Director Hou, "Director, Comrade Shi Zhenzhen said she's the boss of this workshop. She assigned me a lot of work. Well, I'm used to working and can't stand being idle, but I have just one request: could Shi Zhenzhen's salary be given to me from now on? She can rest during work hours, and I'll do her job!"
Director Hou didn't pay attention to the part about the salary; it was the phrase "Workshop Boss" that caught his ear.
Shi Zhenzhen's father was an influential figure, and Director Hou knew it. Shi Zhenzhen had been working here for two years and was practically a shoo-in for the workshop director position, just waiting for him to leave so she could take over.
But this had never been openly discussed. Now that Shi Zhenzhen had boldly declared it, Director Hou felt offended.
In fact, Director Hou wondered if Shi Zhenzhen was planning to use some underhanded tactics. Naturally, his expression darkened. If he were to leave, it would have to be for a promotion. Otherwise, there was no way he'd willingly hand his position over to Shi Zhenzhen!
Shi Zhenzhen hurried to explain, "That's not how it is, Director! Qu Chuning is new to our workshop, and I was teaching her how to work. I never said that—with you here, how could I be the workshop director? Qu Chuning made it all up! Director, I'm going back to work now!"
Shi Zhenzhen tried to leave, but Qu Chuning wouldn't let her go. She held onto Shi Zhenzhen's hand tightly until Shi Zhenzhen's wrist was nearly swollen before finally releasing her. Shi Zhenzhen dashed away in a flash.
Only after Shi Zhenzhen had left did Qu Chuning smile and ask Director Hou, "Director, I've finished reading all the books and newspapers you lent me last time. Could I borrow some more?"
They worked in a printing factory, which had an abundance of books and newspapers. He agreed almost without hesitation. Finally, he couldn't resist adding, "Um, Comrade Qu Chuning, comrades in the workshop should be friendly and supportive, and get along harmoniously, right?"
Qu Chuning wholeheartedly agreed. After a moment's thought, she added through gritted teeth, "Director, I'd like to foster camaraderie too, but someone's trying to take your position—that really rubs me the wrong way!"
Director Hou was immensely pleased to hear this. The more he looked at Qu Chuning, the more favorably he regarded her. Waving his hand cheerfully, he said, "Comrade Chuning, keep up the good work. I have high hopes for you!"
Seizing the opportunity, Qu Chuning immediately replied, "Then, Director, since I've already sorted and categorized all the booklets bound yesterday, would it be alright to assign Comrade Shi Zhenzhen to fetch the staples?"
Director Hou nodded promptly, "Absolutely, go ahead!"
Upon returning to the workshop, Qu Chuning directly informed everyone that fetching the staples was the director's instruction for Shi Zhenzhen.
This clash between Qu Chuning and Shi Zhenzhen ended with Qu Chuning emerging victorious.
In the afternoon, while Qu Chuning had no specific tasks, she occupied herself organizing books and reading. Meanwhile, Shi Zhenzhen was busy chatting with several women who usually followed her around.
Back home, Qu Chuning prepared dinner and waited for Xi Muzhou's return. As soon as he arrived, she eagerly recounted her achievements of the day, ending with an expectant gaze fixed on him.
Puzzled by her intense stare, Xi Muzhou hesitated for a moment before reaching out to pat her head.
Qu Chuning was stunned. Without another word, Xi Muzhou went to cook. He preferred stews, while Qu Chuning favored stir-fries and spicy food. Glancing at the ingredients she had bought—bean sprouts and green beans—he noted the difference.
Snapping out of her daze, Qu Chuning hurried to join him in the kitchen.
Since she had noticed that Xi Muzhou now waited for her when walking together, Qu Chuning had become increasingly attentive to small details in their daily life. For instance, though Xi Muzhou loved stews, he mostly cooked stir-fries for her sake. Even when preparing stews, he only made one dish.
"Let me do it, let me!" Qu Chuning wanted to learn how to make stews. Since they were married and Xi Muzhou was a man of few words, she realized she needed to observe more closely. For a couple to thrive, they must share the same goals and efforts.
Placing the bean sprouts and green beans in a basin, she poured in several ladles of water and asked Xi Muzhou with a smile, "The stewed green beans you made last time were delicious. Can you teach me? I'd like to try!"
In stark contrast to the harmony in Xi Muzhou's household, Lin Dongguo's home was in utter chaos.
"Oh my god, you're bleeding! Let's go to the clinic for some medicine!"
Lin Dongguo covered his eye, retorting, "Haven't I been humiliated enough? Stop shouting, or everyone will find out. I bet that bitch Qu Chuning has already sent the letter back. Give me some money—I'll make a call in town tomorrow."
"She sent it back? So, were you beaten up by Xi Muzhou?"
Lin Dongguo remained silent. How could someone like Xi Muzhou stoop to dealing with him directly? His injuries weren't from Xi Muzhou's hands, but Lin Dongguo knew that even if Xi Muzhou hadn't personally intervened, his influence was behind it. Earlier that day, the Inspection Team had singled him out for a minor mistake. Despite his arguments, he was penalized.
Later, during training, he was targeted again, leading to his injuries.
"This is too much! I'm going to report this to the superiors!"
Shi Zhenzhen was about to storm out to find someone when Lin Dongguo stopped her. "Enough, going won't help! The urgent matter now is the situation back in my hometown. I need to inform my mother in advance. I wonder if something happened to Qu Chuning there that made her come to our garrison."
Lin Dongguo had taken leave to go to town. When his mother spoke those words over the phone, he was utterly dumbfounded. Stunned, he asked, "Mom, how did she find out? She's already sent a letter to the newspaper. If this spreads, my reputation will be ruined. What should I do? Mom, my promotion has already fallen through, but there are two training slots next year. If this affects my chance to attend…"