Chapter 160

Liu Caixia guessed that even if the First Battalion Commander was older, he couldn’t be more than thirty.

Someone like that, holding the rank of Battalion Commander, and not newly promoted at that, either had a strong background or outstanding military achievements.

Such a person was worth befriending.

With this thought, she smiled and said, “So you’re the First Battalion Commander’s wife. I didn’t get to meet you earlier because you were on family leave. Now that I see you, I’m truly impressed. I’ve never met such a beautiful comrade since I was born.”

While complimenting her, Liu Caixia added, “Why don’t we go together? I’m still new here and not very familiar with the area.”

Mrs. Zhang was closer to Shi Tingyu, but since Liu Caixia suggested it, she wouldn’t refuse.

Shi Tingyu, knowing Mrs. Zhang was a warm-hearted person, agreed with a smile.

On the way, Liu Caixia mostly asked questions, Mrs. Zhang answered, and Shi Tingyu occasionally added a few comments. The atmosphere was quite pleasant.

After this encounter, the three women became more familiar with each other.

As they parted in the family quarters, Liu Caixia invited them, “In a few days, we’re having a dinner party at our house. I hope both of you can come.”

In their community, it wasn’t customary to invite family members to such gatherings, but it was different if the host extended the invitation.

Both women accepted the invitation.

Shi Tingyu realized Liu Caixia was a sharp person with her own little schemes, but she wasn’t a bad person.

After returning home, Liu Caixia began to organize things.

In the evening, when Li Dongsheng returned, she told him about meeting the First and Second Battalion Commanders’ wives and inviting them over for dinner.

Li Dongsheng praised her, “That’s good. You’re always thorough. Since I’m new here, I need to establish good relations with them.”

Liu Caixia said, “I thought the same. But if we only invite them, the other families might have opinions. I plan to invite the other wives as well tomorrow.”

Their family’s financial situation was decent. Although not as extravagant as Shi Tingyu’s, they could afford to host a dinner.

Li Dongsheng smiled, “I knew my wife had a good understanding. Some people might be reluctant to spend their rations.”

Liu Caixia gave him a playful look, “I’m not that narrow-minded.”

Meanwhile, Lu Weiguo returned home after a day’s training and saw the unplanted vegetables in the yard. He changed clothes and planted the remaining vegetables.

Shi Tingyu busied herself in the kitchen.

During dinner, Shi Tingyu told Lu Weiguo about meeting Liu Caixia.

Lu Weiguo said, “I heard from Captain Han today that Li Dongsheng is a bit competitive. Otherwise, there’s not much to say. His family has some military background.”

Having connections in the military was advantageous. Captain Han mentioned this to him on his first day of training.

“If she invited you for dinner, then let’s go together.”

Shi Tingyu smiled, “No need. I’ll go with Mrs. Zhang. We’ll go early to help out.”

Lu Weiguo frowned slightly, suddenly reluctant for his wife to go.

Shi Tingyu ignored his hesitation, quickly finished eating, and went to bed.

She had to start work the next day.

On the first day of school, Shi Tingyu arrived early.

The students had already helped clean up a couple of days ago.

The older students were even asked to bring small shovels to clear the weeds on the playground.

These pre-school activities were a routine everyone was used to and enjoyed.

As long as it wasn’t class time, the students were happy to help.

When Shi Tingyu entered the office, she found that Han Wei had arrived even earlier.

He had already cleaned the place.

Seeing Shi Tingyu, Han Wei’s eyes lit up, “Teacher Shi, you’re here.”

“Good morning,” Shi Tingyu greeted him with a smile.

Han Wei took some candies from a drawer and handed them to Shi Tingyu, “Teacher Shi, have some candy.”

Shi Tingyu was a bit surprised by Han Wei’s sudden enthusiasm, but she accepted the candy.

As time passed, Han Wei looked increasingly hesitant and his face flushed.

Shi Tingyu raised an eyebrow and looked at him, “Xiao Wei, do you have something to say to me?”

Han Wei, not being an outgoing person, felt embarrassed as if offering candy was just a way to ask for help.

He hesitated, unsure if he should speak up.

Seeing his dilemma, Shi Tingyu said, “If you have something to say, just say it. It’s alright.”

Finally, Han Wei spoke.

“Teacher Shi, I saw an announcement about a clay sculpting competition in the Jingling Daily. I want to try, but I’m afraid I won’t do well. Could you guide me if you have time?”

Shi Tingyu was a bit surprised. She didn’t expect such competitions to be held during these special times.

“Do you have the newspaper with you?”                       

“Here it is.” Han Wei excitedly handed Shi Tingyu a neatly folded newspaper from his bag.

Shi Tingyu glanced at it; the clay sculpture competition required human figures.

Speaking of clay sculptures, she suddenly recalled some things about Jingling clay figures from later times.

Back then, Jingling clay figures were a provincial-level intangible cultural heritage.

She remembered reading an article about it; in the early 1960s, several art editors at Xinhua Daily used exaggerated compositions and stylings based on Liangxi clay figures to create Jinling colored sculptures, which were later known as Jingling clay figures.

After being exhibited in Beijing, Jingling clay figures received widespread acclaim.

In the 1980s, Jingling clay figures were highly popular and were exported overseas.

Could Jingling now be planning to promote these clay figures again?

Shi Tingyu pondered for a moment but quickly decided. She looked at Han Wei with earnest eyes and said, “Alright, if you have any uncertainties when you’re working on it, I’ll take a look.”

Han Wei couldn’t contain his excitement. In his eyes, Shi Tingyu was an expert in this field, and with her guidance, his work was sure to improve significantly.

Immediately, he began sketching the figure on paper.

In fact, he had a vague idea in mind inspired by the three-dimensional murals outside the school.

The image of the soldier emerging from the flames of war had left a deep impression on him.

He wanted to create a clay sculpture related to a soldier.

Two days later, Han Wei showed Shi Tingyu the sketch.

It depicted a running soldier covered in wounds but with a hopeful expression.

“Teacher Shi, what do you think of this?”

“It looks good.” Shi Tingyu affirmed his concept.

“In this era, this is very appropriate.”

Han Wei smiled, “I’ll show you once I finalize the design.”

Shi Tingyu nodded, taking a pen to slightly adjust the eyes and mouth on his sketch.

“The eyes and mouth are crucial for conveying facial expressions. You can refine them further. Pay attention to the direction of the facial muscles…”

Han Wei carefully listened, nodding occasionally.