Zeng Hongjie looked at Jiang Lin and said, “I don’t have classes this afternoon, but I need to see how things go. I have to stay with Jiang Lin.”

She was going to get lunch, and Tian Ye took her lunchbox. “I’ll help you with that.”

Soon, he returned the lunchbox to Zeng Hongjie and brought some pickled vegetables and sour bamboo shoots for Jiang Lin. “These should help a bit.”

Jiang Lin said, “Thank you, Teacher Tian.”

Tian Ye smiled. “I’m just the canteen’s vegetable vendor now.”

He also greeted Su Xingyun and others, explaining that he’s actually an art academy teacher.

But since the academy was closed and hasn’t reopened, he’s been studying literature and history at the provincial university while painting, and he helps out in the canteen to earn a living.

Zeng Hongjie didn’t eat.

She waited for Jiang Lin to finish and then took the lunchbox to accompany her back to the dorm to rest.

Once they entered the dorm, Jiang Lin saw clothes piled on her bed and immediately knew they belonged to Zhu Caiping and Chen Liying.

Their dorm has eight people, and most are quite tidy, but Zhu Caiping and Chen Liying are a bit unique.

Zhu Caiping doesn’t have many things but likes to spread them everywhere, while Chen Liying has a lot of stuff and, when she runs out of space, invades others’ areas.

Jiang Lin’s bed was taken up by these two when she wasn’t around.

Zeng Hongjie cleared the mess from the bed, placing everything in the middle of the room on the desk, regardless of whose it was, and then helped Jiang Lin arrange the blanket so she could lie down.

Jiang Lin said, “I’m fine. You should go eat. The pickled vegetables from Teacher Tian are really good.”

Seeing Jiang Lin’s weak and tired state, Zeng Hongjie remembered how Jiang Lin had boasted to her a few days ago. Although she was concerned, she couldn’t help but smile. “Can you still attend your class this afternoon?”

Jiang Lin replied, “Yes, I’m not that delicate.”

At this moment, some classmates returned and, seeing Jiang Lin lying there, showed their concern.

Jiang Lin had not previously mentioned her pregnancy as she didn’t have early pregnancy symptoms, but now that it was obvious, she admitted she was pregnant.

Her roommates all congratulated her.

Zhang Qingchun, the oldest in their dorm, already had three children.

She had just given birth in the summer and returned to school before finishing her postpartum recovery.

She told Jiang Lin, “The school started working with the family planning office this year. It seems they’re not allowing pregnancies.”

Zeng Hongjie asked, “When did this happen? I haven’t heard about it.”

Zhang Qingchun replied, “Hasn’t your department mentioned it? Our department head has held several meetings about it.”

Jiang Lin said, “We haven’t heard about it either.”

At that moment, Zhu Caiping and Yao Zhenxia came back together.

Zhu Caiping immediately noticed that her things were mixed with Chen Liying’s on the desk and got upset. “Jiang Lin, why did you mix our things together?”

Although Zhu Caiping and Chen Liying shared Jiang Lin’s bed, they kept their belongings separate.

Their things were messy, but they were always distinct from each other, which was unusual.

Before Jiang Lin could respond, Zeng Hongjie said, “I put them there.”

Zhu Caiping had previously disliked Zeng Hongjie because she attended their class social events.

Although Zeng Hongjie had no interest in her opinions and enjoyed participating, Zhu Caiping shifted her focus when Su Xingyun and Zeng Hongjie didn’t work out and he got a new girlfriend.

Zhu Caiping glared at Zeng Hongjie and said, “Don’t mess with other people’s stuff. It’s hard to sort things out when they’re mixed up. If something’s lost, who’s responsible?”

Zeng Hongjie replied, “Then don’t put it on Jiang Lin’s bed in the future.”

Zhu Caiping said, “Jiang Lin didn’t say anything…”

Jiang Lin interjected, “Alright, just don’t put things on my bed anymore. I end up having to clean up, which is tiring.”

Zhu Caiping noticed Jiang Lin seemed a bit delicate and asked, “Jiang Lin, what’s wrong? Are you not feeling well?”

Jiang Lin replied, “It’s nothing serious. I just need to lie down for a bit.”

One of the classmates mentioned Jiang Lin was pregnant.

Zhu Caiping reacted dramatically, saying, “Pregnant? Jiang Lin, you’re going against the rules. The class advisor just said no pregnancies now due to family planning. If you already have a son, you can’t have another. If you have a daughter under five, you can’t have another. Even if you have two daughters, you still can’t have more. And you already have two sons!”

Her voice was already loud, but now her surprise made it almost audible throughout the entire building.

Zeng Hongjie told Jiang Lin, “Don’t listen to her. The policy is like this: it only applies going forward, not to those who are already pregnant.”

It was similar to when they first sent people to the countryside; initially, it was all about publicity, mobilization, and voluntary participation.

Only after a year or two did they start enforcing the policy strictly.

Family planning policies followed the same pattern: first, they promoted and encouraged lower birth rates among salaried workers like government employees, factory workers, and teachers, and only later did they impose strict regulations.

At this time, the family planning office was promoting the policy, but no one took it seriously.

For people with dual careers, especially those who don’t have anyone to take care of their children, and for those who already have two kids, they generally weren’t keen on having more.

Now, with the possibility of university entrance exams and factory job openings, and less strict enforcement for small businesses in urban and rural areas, it seemed like everyone could make money, so who would want to stay home and have more children?

Many people voluntarily chose not to have more kids, and some even opted for sterilization or IUDs.

Even women who had one child often took contraceptives or used IUDs, and the school reportedly even provided free ones.

Thus, implementing family planning in the city was not difficult; after all, everyone relied on their jobs for income and rarely tried to evade regulations to have more children.

Zeng Hongjie, who had a cadre background and was well-informed about various policies, reassured Jiang Lin not to worry.

Jiang Lin wasn’t worried; Cheng Rushan had already checked with the military district and assured her it was fine.

She wasn’t afraid of anything, just didn’t want to hear any more complaints.

Zhu Caiping went to tidy up her things, visibly upset, and slammed things around.

The roommates noticed and wondered why she was unhappy about Jiang Lin’s pregnancy.

They didn’t understand and chose to ignore her.

Yao Zhenxia expressed concern for Jiang Lin and asked, “Jiang Lin, have you submitted your party membership application?”

For those in their first year of university, the class advisor said it was about time to submit their applications.

Each year, a few students were accepted, and by graduation, several more could be developed.

Becoming a party member was considered an honor and was advantageous for job recruitment and placement.

Jiang Lin replied, “Yes, I’ve submitted it.”

About ten applications were submitted from their class, including all four girls.

Yao Zhenxia said, “We don’t know when the results will come out. Jiang Lin, you’re good at your studies, and Teacher Liu likes you a lot, so you’ll definitely get in. We’re not so sure.”

Zhu Caiping sneered, “Jiang Lin is so pretty. During the political review and interview, they’ll definitely pass her.”

Zeng Hongjie was annoyed by Zhu Caiping’s constant focus on Jiang Lin.

She slammed her lunchbox onto the table and said, “That’s not true. I buy groceries and flowers and like to buy pretty things too. Who would want something ugly? Do you think you’re pretty or not?”

Zhu Caiping was taken aback by Zeng Hongjie’s bluntness and blushed.

If Zeng Hongjie had only said the latter part, Zhu Caiping might have joked about being an ordinary person, but with the earlier comment about ugly things, admitting she wasn’t pretty would be implying she was ugly.

Yao Zhenxia quickly interjected, “Being a party member isn’t based on appearance. If that were the case, all party members would be handsome or beautiful.”

Zhu Caiping replied, “Anyway, you won’t get in, so why bother?”

Yao Zhenxia’s expression changed, “I don’t have to get in right now. If I can get in during college, that’s fine.”

---

In the afternoon, there were more classes. Jiang Lin told Zeng Hongjie to focus on her studies. “Go and review seriously.”

Zeng Hongjie asked, “Are you okay now?”

Jiang Lin replied, “I’m fine if I’m not there. Go on and prepare.”

Seeing Jiang Lin’s better condition compared to earlier, Zeng Hongjie said goodbye and went back to the dorm.

Jiang Lin got up to tidy up, folded her blanket, and wrapped it in a blue bundle to prevent others from making her bed dirty.

Zhu Caiping watched her roll up her bedding and reveal the mattress, feeling displeased and thinking Jiang Lin was doing it just to show off.

Jiang Lin didn’t care about whether others were happy or not; it was her bed, and she wasn’t going to let anyone dictate what she should do with it.

She specifically reminded them, “Don’t mess up my bed, I still need to check the cleanliness.”

After that, she ignored Zhu Caiping and went off to class with her backpack.

When she arrived at the classroom, she was surprised to find that many people already knew about her pregnancy, and several congratulated her.

The news spread quickly.

Yang Lu even made a point to tell Jiang Lin, “Jiang Lin, I didn’t spread the news.”

Jiang Lin replied, “It’s okay.”

After all, it would be obvious sooner or later, and there was nothing to hide.

Two students in their class had had babies in the summer and fall.

As the second class ended, just as Jiang Lin was packing up her things to go home, a student told her that Teacher Liu wanted to see her in the office.

Jiang Lin went to the office building and found Liu Jianwu, who was with a female official.

Liu Jianwu said to Jiang Lin, “This is Comrade Sun from the family planning office at our school.”

Jiang Lin frowned slightly. “Hello, Comrade Sun. Is there something wrong?”

Comrade Sun was a woman in her thirties, with short hair and dressed in a uniform with a belt.

She had a serious expression. “Student Jiang Lin, we received a report that you are pregnant?”

Jiang Lin asked, “Is this illegal? Why report it?”

Liu Jianwu quickly explained, “It’s not illegal. Comrade Sun is just here to understand the situation. Our school has started promoting family planning and encouraging fewer and healthier births.”

Jiang Lin said, “Teacher Liu, I was already pregnant before the promotion began.”

She wasn’t opposed to them asking, as many modern women are often questioned about pregnancy by employers when looking for jobs.

Pregnancy has become something that can’t be kept private for women.

Liu Jianwu said to Clerk Sun, “Our school’s family planning policy will be announced later, starting from New Year’s Day. This isn’t the students’ fault; it’s just a coincidence.”

Clerk Sun was still somewhat dissatisfied.

He looked at Jiang Lin and opened his notebook, “Your first child was in 1971, and you have two sons. Why didn’t you have more children before?”

Jiang Lin replied, “Clerk Sun, it’s not that I didn’t want to have more children; I just didn’t get pregnant.”

“Then why is it that as soon as family planning is mentioned, you become pregnant?”

Clerk Sun responded with suspicion, “You didn’t actively try for about ten years, but now you suddenly are? It raises doubts about your attitude toward the family planning policy. Such an attitude isn’t suitable for a party member.”

Jiang Lin realized the situation.

So, the family planning office is involved in party membership too?

Besides, whether I was pregnant before or now isn’t under my control.

I used contraceptive methods before and didn’t get pregnant; now I still use contraceptives but still got pregnant. What’s the issue?

“Clerk Sun, is this a final decision or can we defend ourselves? If self-defense is allowed, I can write a paper on reproductive health after the final exams to make my case.” She was really getting annoyed.

Clerk Sun was taken aback by her response. “You college students always stir up trouble! Just get an abortion; you’re still early in your pregnancy, and it won’t have much impact. After the abortion, get a sterilization procedure. That way, you won’t have to worry about it in the future.”

Jiang Lin had been a bit sensitive since getting pregnant, usually only with Cheng Rushan, but she was never sensitive with classmates or teachers.

However, Clerk Sun’s remarks made her angry.

“My family is so happy; why should you decide to terminate the pregnancy? Are you some kind of deity? Just because you’re a clerk doesn’t mean you’re in charge of my decisions!”

Seeing her angry expression, Clerk Sun continued, “If you don’t want a sterilization, you can use other methods like an IUD. You already have two sons; there’s no need for more children. This is the best solution. No need to buy contraceptives or condoms, saving resources for other women who need them…”

“I haven’t said I want an abortion! It’s my child, and I’ll decide. I want to clarify again: my child was conceived before the school’s announcement, not after New Year’s Day.”

Clerk Sun was displeased that Jiang Lin dared to argue back. “According to our family planning regulations, children born in 1978 are allowed, but those born in 1979 need to be planned and cannot exceed the limit!”

Liu Jianwu quickly intervened, “Comrade Sun, we’re just here to understand the situation.”

Clerk Sun gave Jiang Lin a disapproving glance. “Teacher Liu, your student’s attitude is not good. Other classes have been very cooperative. For pregnancies under five months, I’ve been advising termination, and they’ve all cooperated. But this student from your class is holding things back!”

Liu Jianwu was angered, “Comrade Sun, you’re being unreasonable. Work needs to be done progressively; we can’t start with strict measures right away.”

Clerk Sun snorted, “If it were up to me, I’d send you all away. You’re just causing trouble!”

She turned and stormed off, “I will report this to the city family planning office. The enforcement of family planning policies will be tied to party membership, scholarships, and job placements!” With that, she angrily walked away.

Liu Jianwu was furious. “This is just the old, unreasonable way of doing things. Don’t worry, Jiang Lin. Focus on your exams. I will clarify things with the school office. No one will bully our students. Even though the four-person group has been dismantled, they won’t get away with this.”

Jiang Lin thanked him, “Thank you, Teacher.”

After school, she went to the library to review for a while.

Soon, Zeng Hongjie, Sun Qinghui, Su Xingyun, and others came to find her.

They had heard a lot about what was happening.

In the past two months, those who were pregnant and had children at home were basically pressured into “voluntarily” terminating their pregnancies, because not cooperating would affect their jobs, promotions, and salaries.

Jiang Lin said, “I have a hospital certificate proving that my baby was conceived last year.”

The school had only started implementing the new requirements from New Year’s Day, so they couldn’t apply them to pregnancies from the previous year.

Zeng Hongjie said, “We’ll write a joint letter to the municipal government, requesting that the family planning office issue a clear document. They shouldn’t use regulations arbitrarily and impose a one-size-fits-all approach. All entities, whether factories, schools, or government offices, should be treated equally.”

Sun Qinghui added, “Yes, the policy should start from the day it’s implemented, not be applied retroactively. We didn’t know about the family planning policy, so how can we be forced to have an abortion if we’re already pregnant? It’s such a cruel thing.”

They all comforted Jiang Lin, “Don’t be afraid. Just focus on your exams. They can’t prevent you from studying because of this.”

“Exactly. The rule was that those who were married could enroll, but those who enrolled couldn’t get married afterward. It never said that those who enrolled while married couldn’t have children!”

Su Xingyun said, “But if that’s the case, Jiang Lin will be labeled as a backward element in the future. No matter how well she studies or how hard she works, she won’t get any good opportunities.”

Zeng Hongjie asked, “So you think to be recognized as advanced, we should abort a living child?”

Su Xingyun replied, “Don’t rush to conclusions. I’m not talking about Jiang Lin specifically, but about society as a whole. When this policy comes out, it could cause a lot of issues.”

Jiang Lin said, “Let’s do what we can. The policy should be clearly defined, not left to the discretion of family planning office staff.”

That Clerk Sun didn’t even bring a copy of the policy and just came to criticize her. It was really infuriating.

People like him seem to be used to making decisions during past movements, and it’s frustrating that things haven’t been corrected properly.

Zeng Hongjie was also angry about who might have reported them. “Usually, students just know things. Who would go out of their way to report? This kind of reporting is malicious.”

She asked Jiang Lin, “Was Zhu Caiping here this afternoon?”

Jiang Lin replied, “Yes.”

Su Xingyun added, “She was out during the break.”

But everyone goes out during breaks to stretch, use the bathroom, or walk around. Since the classes are in different rooms, there’s no solid evidence, and Jiang Lin didn’t want to accuse anyone without proof.

Zeng Hongjie said, “I’ll go check with the school office and family planning office this afternoon. We’ll list out the suspects and ask about them. If I find out who reported this, I’ll make sure their name gets published in the school newspaper!”