Chapter 51.1: Director Zhao goes against the wind and commits a crime

The last house on this road was Wang Yinghui’s home.

Song Wenrui, thin as a twig, sat in the middle of a pile of firewood, holding the illustrated storybook gifted by Fu Zhiqing, staring at it intently.

Even when someone pushed open the courtyard gate and entered, it didn’t pull his attention away.

Zhao Ke, afraid of startling him, made a sound before approaching. “Xiao Rui.”

Song Wenrui looked up, got up with the storybook in hand, and called out, “Zhao Ke Jie,” before glancing cautiously at Zhuang Lan and Su Limei.

Zhao Ke told him to call them Jiejie as well, then asked, “What are you reading?”

Song Wenrui handed it to her. “A picture storybook.”

He had received very few gifts since childhood, so he cherished this one, even wrapping the book in newspaper to protect it.

But he couldn’t read.

To his small eyes, the black-and-white illustrations were exquisite and beautiful, but he wanted to know what the story meant.

Seeing Zhao Ke gently flip through the pages, he cautiously asked, “Zhao Ke Jie, can you tell me what it says?”

Zhao Ke lowered her gaze.

It was a picture storybook about a school sports meet, with a Mongolian child skilled at long-distance running as the protagonist.

Just looking at the pictures, it was indeed difficult to piece together the whole story.

Zhao Ke said softly, “I have something to discuss with your mother. Let Zhuang Lan Jie tell you the story, okay?”

Zhuang Lan immediately stepped forward and began speaking to him in a gentle voice.

Song Wenrui shyly nodded.

The two of them sat on a wooden stool, storytelling, while Zhao Ke and Su Limei went inside.

Zhao Ke had heard Comrade Yu Xiulan talk about their family’s situation many times before.

Wang Yinghui was completely lost in her own world, lying weakly on the bed. Yet, she was extremely dependent on her son, Song Wenrui.

A child like Song Wenrui had to bear the burden of the entire household, constantly catering to his mother’s emotions, unable to leave her sight for too long.

Though no one other than a mother herself had the right to dictate how a mother should be, the way their roles were completely reversed was undeniably irresponsible toward the child.

However, Zhao Ke had always believed that what mattered was not criticizing but solving the problem.

With concern, she asked, “Yinghui Jie, how’s your health? Has my father taken your pulse recently?”

Wang Yinghui lowered her eyes in despondency and gave a bitter smile. “It’s the same as always—won’t die, just a burden to everyone while I’m alive…”

Zhao Ke didn’t go along with her sorrowful words and asked instead, “Did my father prescribe any medicine for you?”

Wang Yinghui shook her head, tears falling. “Where’s the money for that? I’m just enduring it—when the end comes, everyone will be freed…”

Su Limei couldn’t help but show sympathy in her eyes.

Yet Zhao Ke remained calm. “So you haven’t been taking any medicine? Even though you don’t earn work points, your family is classified as a hardship household and gets grain every year. If you never take medicine and eat sparingly, you should be able to save enough for Song Wenrui’s school fees.”

How could she be so cold and heartless?

Su Limei looked at Zhao Ke in disbelief.

Wang Yinghui’s teary eyes widened as she stared at Zhao Ke, as if asking: How can you be so devoid of sympathy?

Zhao Ke countered, “Isn’t that the case? By not taking medicine, aren’t you saving food for your son?”

Wang Yinghui hesitated, then lowered her head, crying. “Xiao Rui is filial. He always tries to save food for me to exchange for medicine. I don’t want to let him down either.”

Su Limei, moved, looked toward the window. “Such a filial child… it’s really rare.”

But all Zhao Ke saw was her contradiction and Song Wenrui’s pitifulness.

Following her logic, Zhao Ke said, “What you’re doing for Song Wenrui is truly touching. I’d like to help you fulfill it.”

Su Limei asked, “How?”

“Give me a clear answer today. If taking medicine is a reluctant effort for you, I’ll go back and discuss with the team leader. The brigade can play the bad guy and only issue enough grain for you two to eat. The rest will be withheld and saved for Song Wenrui’s schooling.”

Zhao Ke locked eyes with her and asked, “You love him so much—surely you wouldn’t mind making this extra sacrifice?”

Wang Yinghui bit her lip until it turned pale, her tears drying up.

Su Limei glanced at Zhao Ke, feeling something was off, but unable to pinpoint what, so she turned her gaze back to Wang Yinghui.

Outside, Zhuang Lan’s storytelling voice drifted in:

“With a ‘bang,’ the starting gun fired… The young athletes dashed forward like galloping horses, like soaring eagles… The finish line drew closer and closer, and the announcer, teachers, and classmates all cheered excitedly… Then, an accident happened—the second-place runner suddenly fell… The first-place runner turned back to help him up, and together, they crossed the finish line hand in hand to the sound of thunderous applause…”

Inside, silence.

A deep quiet… yet it felt like the beating of war drums.

Wang Yinghui pulled up a difficult smile, as if her heart had already died. “Fine. Let’s do as you say, Zhao Ke.”

Su Limei wanted to say something but opened her mouth, only to find herself at a loss.

Zhao Ke looked at her for a long moment, then suddenly smiled. “Yinghui Jie, the brigade isn’t so heartless. I have another idea.”

Wang Yinghui’s emotions swung like a pendulum, pushed high and low. “W-What idea?”

Zhao Ke said, “The brigade is organizing a literacy class for women. If you’re well enough, you can take Song Wenrui along to attend. It won’t be as comprehensive as school, and there won’t be a diploma, but at least he can start recognizing words.”

How had she forgotten this? Su Limei’s eyes lit up. “Yes, yes! Take Song Wenrui to learn to read first, so he won’t fall behind when he starts school later.

The literacy class is free, and you can continue taking your medicine—it’s truly a win-win!

Wang Yinghui didn’t want to go out and meet people, but if she could accept not taking medicine, yet refused a more well-rounded solution, it simply wouldn’t make sense.

She could only force a stiff and reluctant smile. “Th-There’s such a good thing?”

Su Limei nodded enthusiastically. “Then I’ll sign you up!”

Wang Yinghui worried, “It’s just that with my health, I don’t know if I can endure it…”

Zhao Ke cut off her thoughts, speaking calmly, “That’s fine too. Let Song Wenrui go and listen, then he can come back and tell you. You’ll surely be very happy, right?”

Wang Yinghui couldn’t bring herself to smile. “…Yes.”

Zhao Ke and Su Limei stepped outside and shared the good news with Song Wenrui.

Song Wenrui was pleasantly surprised. “Really?! I can learn to read?!”

Zhao Ke glanced back at the window and nodded. “Your mom feels guilty toward you. Being able to do something for you makes her very happy. If she knew that because of her health, you couldn’t focus on learning and improving yourself, she’d definitely get even sicker. You mustn’t let her down.”

Inside the house, there wasn’t a single sound.

Zhao Ke raised her voice. “Isn’t that right, Yinghui Jie?”

After a moment, Wang Yinghui’s weak voice came through, though oddly hesitant. “Yes…”

Song Wenrui didn’t catch the hesitation and firmly promised, “Mom, don’t worry, I’ll study hard!”

A few coughs came from inside the house.

Zhao Ke twisted the meaning. “See? Your mom is too happy.”

Song Wenrui’s eyes reddened with emotion. “Mom~”

Zhao Ke patted his shoulder, treating him like the little master of the household, and told him directly, “In a couple of days, I’ll bring people over to fix your roof.”

Song Wenrui thanked her.

“No problem.”

The three of them left Song Wenrui’s house. As they walked, Zhuang Lan and Su Limei sighed, “That mother and son are just too pitiful.”

Their suffering was a fact, so Zhao Ke didn’t say anything to affect the two’s emotions.

Wang Yinghui would only repeat over and over in Song Wenrui’s ear how pitiful she was, how unfortunate her life was… using motherly love to tie Song Wenrui to her side.

If she refused to budge no matter what, Zhao Ke’s words wouldn’t hold weight, and unconventional methods wouldn’t be an option—after all, the brigade leader Zhao Xinshan would never approve. That would leave them completely out of options.

But this was fine too. Zhao Ke would weld the image of a “gentle and good mother” onto her, locking it in place.

………….

It was still early in the afternoon, so Zhao Ke and the others continued their visits.

At Old Qian’s house, the old man glared at Zhao Ke with puffed cheeks, making it clear she wasn’t welcome. Meanwhile, their daughter-in-law, Li Mei, harbored resentment toward Zhao Ke for not letting her sign up as a livestock caretaker and kept throwing daggers with her eyes.

Granny Qian carried two small grandsons on her back, moving around silently like a hardworking old ox.

The one who spoke with Zhao Ke was their son, Qian Jun.

“Director Zhao, can you just stop coming to my house? Please? Every time you come, my whole family can’t get a moment of peace.” Qian Jun looked at Zhao Ke like she was a bringer of misfortune and begged her, “Our family was doing just fine. Don’t meddle in our affairs or cause trouble for us, okay?”

To them, literacy classes were unnecessary trouble, and fixing people’s houses was meddling.

As the Women’s Director, Zhao Ke couldn’t show favoritism. Since they had this attitude, she just made a token effort, counted it as a visit, and didn’t push any further.

Zhuang Lan and Su Limei were fuming, still complaining about the Qian family after they left. “We’re just working hard and getting no thanks for it.”

Zhao Ke comforted them, “Follow me—deep breath in… relax… don’t get worked up… it’s fine… the problem isn’t that big… we can solve it.”

Zhuang Lan and Su Limei followed her in deep breathing, and after a few rounds, they finally calmed down a little.

“Aren’t you angry?” Zhuang Lan looked at her with some admiration.

Of course, she wouldn’t admit that while comforting them, she was also comforting herself.

Zhao Ke cleared her throat and put on a serious face. “Don’t just focus on the failures. Look at how many households we successfully persuaded—we’re still doing great.”

Of the families they visited, half had agreed to enroll in the literacy class. Most of the remaining ones were tempted by the enamel basins and jars and were considering it. Once the class started, the numbers would likely increase.

As for house repairs, the success rate was a bit lower, with only five additional families signing up.

Zhao Ke was very satisfied, constantly reminding herself to be happy about the successes rather than anxious about the parts that didn’t work out.

After adjusting their mindsets, the three of them continued their visits. Regardless of the outcome, they did their best to shift their focus away from success or failure and instead noticed other things.

For example, at Zhao Jianfa’s house, they had adopted a son from another family to carry on the family line, but Zhao Xiaocao was like a little chili pepper—sharp and fierce, and the whole family couldn’t handle her.

Zhuang Lan couldn’t help but sigh, “Though the adults think she’s disobedient, immature, and inconsiderate, the way she bravely fights for herself is really impressive.”

Then there was He Dongsheng, the storekeeper’s adopted daughter, He Bailing. She was thirteen years old this year, just like a little oriole—delicate, beautiful, and likable, completely different from Zhao Xiaocao.

He Bailing loved to sing and dance and was confident in showing off her voice, moving freely to the rhythm.

The neighbors around them would unconsciously poke their heads out to watch and listen. Next door, He Dongsheng’s elder brother, He Dongqiang’s wife, stood behind the fence and scoffed, “Flirting with men, so improper!”

He Bailing’s dance moves froze, and her singing stopped as well. Her expression turned dejected.

Without a second thought, Zhao Ke raised her hands and clapped enthusiastically.

Zhuang Lan and Su Limei also joined in the applause, along with the two boys from the Mo family across the street. Together, they encouraged and praised He Bailing.

That woman shot them a glare before turning around and heading back inside.

Zhao Ke clapped even louder.

Only then did He Bailing smile again and resume her graceful dancing.

How wonderful.

But if this village remained forever closed off, conservative, and backward, no matter how unique they were, they would never be able to bloom into diverse flowers. In the end, they would still get married, give birth over and over again, and become one of those “loud and shrewish wives.”

And the boys—

They were still so pure now, but in the future, would they also become part of that same closed-off, conservative, and backward world?

·

Zhao Ke spent two days visiting every household in the village.

Some were persuaded by her words, some remained unmoved, and some deliberately opposed her just to be difficult.

Regardless of what others thought, Zhao Ke set the literacy class to start in five days, instructed Zhuang Lan and Su Limei to prepare the teaching materials, and efficiently organized the villagers into groups, assigning them to different houses to begin repairing roofs.

Since Wang Yinghui’s family couldn’t afford to feed workers, Zhao Ke called Zhao Feng and a few village boys to help with the repairs.

Zhu Jianyi wouldn’t stop grumbling, but the moment Zhao Ke’s gaze landed on him, he worked harder than anyone else, not daring to get caught slacking.

Looking across the whole village, Zhao Ke’s authority wasn’t quite enough, but among the younger generation, she wasn’t called the “kid leader” for nothing.

With heavy rains, just fixing roofs wasn’t enough…

Standing in Wang Yinghui’s yard, Zhao Ke slightly narrowed her eyes as she watched the boys working on the roof, lost in thought.

Zhu Jianyi felt a chill on his back. He climbed over the roof ridge, squatted on the southern slope, and complained to Zhao Feng, “Why does your sister seem so scary? Let’s switch spots—you fix this side.”

Zhao Feng stuck his head out to glance at Zhao Ke. Her expression did seem like she was plotting something ominous.

But to show he wasn’t afraid, Zhao Feng tossed him a “look at your cowardice” and swapped to the northern slope.

Even while thinking, Zhao Ke didn’t forget to remind them, “Be careful up there, don’t fall.”

Zhao Feng immediately responded, “Got it, we’ll be safe.”

“Jie!”

Hearing someone call her, Zhao Ke turned around.

At her courtyard gate stood her two younger cousins from Third Uncle Yu’s family, Yu Ling and Yu Jun, carrying a table.

She had almost forgotten—it was Fu Zhiqing’s birthday today.

Zhao Ke walked over.

Yu Ling asked, “Jie, the table’s done. How is it?”

Zhao Ke glanced over it. “Looks good. Help me carry it over.”

The two cousins lifted the table and followed her toward Fu Zhiqing’s house.

Fu Hang had been home whenever he wasn’t working, so he had noticed Zhao Ke moving around next door.

This morning, almost everyone in the village woke up, looked up, and saw people working busily on roofs.

Fu Hang was no exception.

But today was his birthday.

He knew Zhao Ke had been busy visiting households these past two days, so when he woke up and saw the entire village bustling with activity, he thought:

They weren’t that close anyway. It was normal for her to forget his birthday.

Of course, there was some disappointment, but it wasn’t unbearable.

In fact, watching the village come to life under her efforts, he felt something swelling in his chest, as if something long suppressed was about to break through.

Fu Hang had a vague feeling—

Maybe coming here hadn’t been a mistake after all.

Zhao Ke appeared at his courtyard gate and waved at Fu Hang. “Fu Zhiqing.”

Then, she called her two cousins to bring the table inside.

Fu Hang strode out, looked at the table, and asked, “Is this for me?”

Zhao Ke nodded. “I only found out it was your birthday at the last minute, and since I already accepted your return gift, I had my cousins rush to make a table for you. Can we bring it inside?”

Fu Hang had wanted a gift from her, so he really couldn’t refuse. He simply replied, “Sure.”

The two Yu cousins carried the table inside without complaint, placed it under the window, and adjusted its position.

Zhao Ke took a glance from outside the window. The house was empty, so she said to Fu Hang, “If you need a kang cabinet, I can have my third uncle make one for you. It’s cheaper than getting one from the commune. Young couples from other villages also come to him for furniture—his craftsmanship is top-notch.”

Fu Hang responded obediently, “Okay.”

Such an agreeable customer made Zhao Ke feel the need to clarify, “I’m giving you the table as a gift, not trying to get business for my uncle. If you don’t need a cabinet, don’t feel pressured.”

Fu Hang said, “I’m not forcing myself. I do need one.”

After speaking, he turned directly to the older cousin, Yu Ling. “Can you make me a kang cabinet with a lockable door?”

Yu Ling glanced at Zhao Ke and nodded. “It’ll take about a month.”

“That’s fine.”
Fu Hang took out money on the spot to pay the deposit.

Yu Ling held the money, scratched his head, and asked, “Then, Jiejie, if there’s nothing else, we’ll get going?”

Zhao Ke asked them, “Do you guys have any work lately?”

“Just helping out my dad.”

Zhao Ke wanted to rope them in for work, so she quickly bid farewell to Fu Zhiqing and left with them.

Fu Hang called out to Zhao Ke, “Is there anything I… or Lin Zhiqing can help with? We came to the countryside to assist with rural development—we want to contribute to the brigade.”

Zhao Ke was very tempted.
Her third uncle always said, “Giving gifts isn’t for asking favors; asking favors isn’t for giving gifts.” But since Fu Zhiqing was so eager to contribute to the village, turning him away would be too cruel.

So Zhao Ke said to her cousins, “You two go help over there first. I’ll come find you later.”