The Public Relations Department in the textile factory wasn’t particularly busy, and many of the older employees there were quite laid-back, avoiding work whenever possible.

During the time leading up to the New Year, everyone seemed to be taking time off.

One person would take a few days off today, another tomorrow.

Today, someone had a reason to be absent; tomorrow, someone else did.

Chu Xia wasn’t the first to take leave, nor would she be the last.

After discussing her family situation with the head of the department, he considered it for a while and said, “Two weeks off is too much. At most, I can give you one week during the New Year.”

Chu Xia looked at him with a troubled expression. “Head, if I only have a week off, it’s impossible for me to take An’an to his father’s place. The travel time alone fills up the entire week.”

The distance was a major drawback. Unlike in later years when transportation was advanced, with planes and high-speed trains making travel quick, right now, long-distance travel meant taking trains.

The journey from Liangzhou to Ganzhou wasn’t short, and with the train’s frequent stops, it would take at least two days to get there.

This didn’t even include the time to travel from the train station to the military base in Ganzhou.

The head said, “I can’t approve a long leave on my own. A two-week leave needs approval from the factory director. You go back first, and I’ll discuss it with the director and get back to you.”

With the conversation reaching this point, Chu Xia couldn’t say anything more and had to wait for further news.

However, she wasn’t too worried.

There would be a way to handle things if she couldn’t get the leave she needed.

For now, the most important thing was her final exams, so she focused on studying and didn’t dwell too much on the leave situation.

Chu Xia spent the following days studying diligently, not paying much attention to the leave issue.

She still had questions from the capital and the northwest to complete.

After finishing work each day, she would frantically work through the problems, review the answers, and paste the wrong questions into her mistake notebook.

Instead of copying the mistakes, which was a waste of time and not necessarily helpful, she preferred to cut and paste the mistakes into the notebook, ensuring she could review them later.

The key to the mistake notebook was making sure she wouldn’t repeat the same errors in the future.

When Chu Xia received her test papers, she had them copied by the school to avoid any impact on students at Six Middle School.

While Chu Xia was busy studying, Cen Huai’an faced his final exams.

The exams for the preschool class were very simple, with tests created by the teacher.

Each subject, Chinese and math, had one sheet of paper, front and back, printed from handwritten plates.

During the exam, to prevent cheating, all the children had to sit on stools in the schoolyard, spaced one meter apart. Fortunately, it wasn’t snowing, and the sun was out, although it was still very cold.

To avoid being frozen for too long, Cen Huai’an quickly finished the exam and handed in his paper.

His classmates were still dawdling over the first question, staring at the sky, or looking at ants on the ground.

The teacher glanced at Cen Huai’an’s paper, confirmed it wasn’t blank, and collected it, letting him go home.

Preschool exams were quite casual, and first-grade exams were similar.

Cen Huai’an stood at the school gate, watching his friend Bangzi, who looked troubled over his test paper, while Miaozi and Kuaizi also appeared to be struggling.

It was clear they wouldn’t be finished anytime soon.

Cen Huai’an, with his backpack in hand, left the school without a hint of hesitation.

The elementary school exam was completed in one day.

During dinner that night, Chu Xia asked Cen Huai’an, “How many points do you think you’ll get?”

Cen Huai’an swallowed his meat without hesitation and said confidently, “Full marks.”

To Cen Huai’an, the test was so simple it was just like his regular homework.

He expected nothing less than full marks.

Chu Xia smiled and said, “Such confidence!”

Cen Huai’an nodded firmly.

Chu Xia’s face showed a smile. “If you really get full marks, I’ll grant you a small wish, as long as it’s within my capability.”

Cen Huai’an’s eyes lit up instantly. “Okay.”

He began to think about what he wanted: a new Go set, a complete set of “Journey to the West” comics, or maybe the “Seven Heroes and Five Gallants” series?

With only one wish, Cen Huai’an was torn between choices.

On the first day, with no school, Cen Huai’an still woke up early.

Kids often wake up early, and he couldn’t stay in bed any longer.

Chu Xia, however, lingered in bed until the last moment before getting up.

Cen Huai’an had already bought breakfast and was even boiling her medicine in a pot.

Before heading to work, Chu Xia envied Cen Huai’an, saying, “I wish I didn’t have to go to work.”

Cen Huai’an replied, “Then mom, you shouldn’t go to work. I have plenty of money.”

He seriously counted in his mind and thought that the money he had would be enough to support both him and his mom for a month.

If he had to use it, he’d be reluctant, but if his mom really didn’t want to work, he’d be willing to use it.

Chu Xia felt a sweet warmth in her heart and couldn’t help but ruffle Cen Huai’an’s hair. “You should keep your money for yourself! Focus on your winter vacation homework and don’t run around.”

She had already told Cen Huai’an the night before to finish his holiday homework before doing anything else.

As she stepped outside, a cold wind hit her, making her shiver.

She wrapped her scarf tighter and walked towards the factory.

Not long after she arrived at the office, the head of the department called her into his office.

Chu Xia thought he might have agreed to her leave request, and with a smile on her face, she knocked on the head’s office door.

“Comrade Luo, do you know why I called you in here?”

Chu Xia immediately asked, “Did the director approve my leave?”

The head’s expression stiffened. “Well, not exactly.”

Chu Xia looked at him, puzzled.

If it wasn’t about the leave, then why did the head call her in?

There didn’t seem to be any urgent work in the department recently, and she wasn’t one of the most important employees.

The head cleared his throat. “It’s like this. Someone reported that you’ve been reading non-work-related books in the office.”

Chu Xia’s brow furrowed, and she quickly began to suspect who might have reported her.

The only person with whom she had conflicts was Huang Tingyue, but Chu Xia thought Huang Tingyue would be too direct to make such a report.

If Huang Tingyue had a grievance, she would make it obvious and not resort to behind-the-scenes complaints.

Furthermore, Huang Tingyue had tried to see what Chu Xia was reading last time, so it didn’t make sense for her to report it now.

Besides, since the last time Huang Tingyue had been curious about her books, Chu Xia had only reviewed what she had already studied, focusing on reviewing and memorizing content.

So why was someone reporting her for reading non-work-related books now?

She reasonably suspected that she had inadvertently blocked someone’s path and, most importantly, that the head believed the report.

Chuxia looked at the department head with a frown. “Minister, did the person report me for what I’m currently reading or something from the past?”

The department head was taken aback by her question and cleared his throat. “You shouldn’t be asking about that. Regardless of when it was, reading idle books is not appropriate. Even if we’re not busy, we should always find something productive to do. If the factory director happens to come by and sees us reading non-work-related materials, it would reflect poorly on our department.”

“Understood,” Chuxia replied.

She knew that the department head viewed her reading as a frivolous activity and was unlikely to believe any defense she offered.

It was better to admit fault and assure him it wouldn’t happen again.

That’s what leaders wanted to hear.

“Minister, has the factory director approved my leave request?”

The department head hesitated. “It’s a bit difficult to grant you leave right now. You’ll have to wait.”

Chuxia understood.

The department head likely hadn’t even consulted the factory director.

Two weeks was too long, and he was using the excuse of a recent complaint as a reason not to approve her leave.

He probably didn’t want to deal with her dissatisfaction either.

Chuxia didn’t argue further.

She nodded and left the department head’s office. If her leave wasn’t approved, her plans to visit the northwest for the New Year would be thwarted.

She sighed and started thinking of alternative solutions.

Back in the office, Chuxia maintained a neutral expression, masking her frustration.

The employees were busy with their tasks, and it was hard to tell who might have reported her.

It was difficult to pinpoint the informant, but Chuxia felt uncomfortable knowing there was a colleague constantly watching her, possibly ready to undermine her.

This made her feel uneasy and suspicious of everyone in the office.

That day at the factory, Chuxia felt emotionally drained and far from her usual relaxed self.

She was exhausted.

“An’an.”

When she got home, seeing Cen Huai’an sitting in a chair watching TV, her fatigue hit her all at once.

Cen Huai’an, sensing his mother’s distress, quickly got up and ran to her, his small brow furrowed in concern. “Mommy…”

Chuxia crouched down, holding Cen Huai’an in her arms and letting out a deep sigh. “I’m fine. I just need a hug from you.”

Cen Huai’an, with his arms wrapped in a puffy winter coat, gently patted her back with his little hands. “Mommy, I’m here.”

After a while, Chuxia’s emotions stabilized, and she asked, “An’an, what if I lost my job?”

“I have money,” Cen Huai’an replied with unwavering certainty, something he wouldn’t have said six months ago.

Chuxia felt a warm sensation in her heart.

The weariness she felt earlier vanished, and she made a decision.

Two days later, Chuxia went to the department head again regarding her leave request, but it was still not approved.

After a few more days, her final exams ended, and there wasn’t much time left before the New Year.

She needed to resolve the factory issue quickly.

Chuxia decided to call Cen Zhengnian.

He didn’t answer immediately, which wasn’t surprising given his busy schedule.

That evening, Cen Zhengnian returned her call.

“Zhengnian, I don’t want to work at the textile factory anymore,” Chuxia said as soon as the call connected.

Cen Zhengnian noticed the distress in her voice and furrowed his brow. “Chuxia, what’s wrong?”

Chuxia didn’t explain the details of what happened at the factory but simply asked, “If I quit, would you support me?”

Without hesitation, Cen Zhengnian replied, “Of course. If you’re unhappy working at the factory, then leave.”

He didn’t press for details, knowing Chuxia wasn’t an emotional person and had likely made her decision after careful consideration.

“Okay.” Chuxia smiled, feeling a sense of relief.

She felt fortunate to have a husband like Cen Zhengnian, who never imposed his views on her and supported her choices.

Chuxia then explained her plans to Cen Zhengnian: “I want to find someone to take over my position, but I don’t know who at the moment.”

Taking over her position wasn’t free; someone would need to be compensated for stepping in, as a job at the factory was highly sought after.

Cen Zhengnian pondered for a moment and asked, “Does it have to be right now?”

Chuxia, with a smile in her voice, replied, “If no one takes over now, I won’t be able to go to Gan Zhou with An’an before the New Year.”

Cen Zhengnian was initially stunned but quickly realized what Chuxia meant. His heart raced with excitement, and he almost dropped the phone.

“I have a friend in Liangzhou. I’ll ask him if he can help with the position.”

Chuxia felt a wave of relief. “Great. If no one can be found, I’ll go to Gan Zhou first and find someone later.”

Cen Zhengnian wanted to tell Chuxia to bring An’an over immediately but restrained himself.

It was clear that such a request was impractical.

Just knowing that Chuxia was willing to bring An’an to Gan Zhou for the New Year was enough to make him extremely happy.

After hanging up with Chuxia, Cen Zhengnian called his mother.

Although Jiang Shengnan was busy, she answered the phone promptly in her office.

“Mom, Chuxia will bring An’an to Gan Zhou for the New Year.”

As soon as Cen Zhengnian hung up the phone, Jiang Shengnan’s voice came through with excitement, “Really? That’s the best news I’ve heard in days! Son, you’re amazing! I knew I didn’t trust you in vain!”

Jiang Shengnan immediately began listing all the preparations she needed to make: what she still needed to buy, how she had to get the room ready, and that new bedding and blankets were required for Chu Xia and An’an.

Cen Zhengnian could barely get a word in edgewise.

After Jiang Shengnan finished her lengthy list, she hung up, saying she was going shopping.

Listening to the busy signal on the line, Cen Zhengnian chuckled to himself and called a colleague who worked at Liangzhou University.

After Cen Zhengnian and Chu Xia’s call ended, Chu Xia set aside her work concerns.

She didn’t care about who had reported her; after all, she would soon be leaving the factory and wouldn’t have to deal with these people anymore.

She fully focused on the upcoming exams.

She had thought that finding a replacement before the New Year would be difficult, but she was ready to handle it later.

She intended to take leave to go to Ganzhou, regardless of the factory’s decision.

During her last exam, Chu Xia had been the top student in her class.

She hadn’t yet surpassed Wang Chaoxi, but the difference in their scores was minimal, just one point.

When Chu Xia entered the exam room, Wang Chaoxi was already seated in front of her, looking tense with her lips pressed tightly together, obviously nervous.

However, Chu Xia could see the determination in Wang Chaoxi’s eyes.

It seemed she saw Chu Xia as her rival.

Chu Xia gave her a smile and a nod before taking her seat and preparing for the exam.

The first exam was Chinese.

Chu Xia received the paper, glanced through it as usual to get an overview, and then began answering questions with focus.

Compared to her previous mid-term exams, Chu Xia felt much more confident in her final exams, especially in politics and Chinese, which were the most noticeable improvements.

The final exams lasted for two days, and by the end of the first day’s last exam, English, Chu Xia felt a sense of relief.

She could finally relax and give herself a short break without the constant pressure of studying.

Just before the English exam, Wang Chaoxi suddenly turned to Chu Xia with a complex expression.

“You…”

She started to speak but stopped, then continued after a moment, “Thank you.”