Chapter 32: Jiang An’an’s Aspirations

Lin Meiru paused, reached out to tap her on the head, and said irritably, “It’s good that you know. From now on, stay honestly in the village and don’t run around all day. Your father and I have thick skin; we can manage without a few pieces of meat from cleaning public toilets. You don’t need to worry about it anymore.”

Jiang An’an smiled slightly, leaning her face against her arm: “This time was an accident. Your daughter is quite capable, but I can’t bear to see you and Dad suffer.”

These words were very flattering, making Lin Meiru unable to close her mouth, and her feigned angry expression couldn’t hold up.

Who would have thought that the next moment, she would hear something shocking: “When Zhou Yinghuai arrives, I’ll give you a surprise.”

Lin Meiru was on high alert: !!!

She was afraid that the surprise would turn into a scare.

Soon, she found out what the so-called surprise was.

“My little girl has become an official!” Lin Meiru exclaimed excitedly, holding the recruitment document with both hands, her eyes almost glued to it. Although she didn’t recognize any of the words, it didn’t stop her from looking at it back and forth.

Jiang An’an corrected her: “It’s an intern position.”

Lin Meiru: “That’s still the first county official to come from our brigade!”

Jiang Degui was equally amazed: “Luo Jiawang’s position as brigade leader is appointed by the commune, which is managed by the county. An’an is now a county Women’s Federation official; doesn’t that make her even more impressive than Luo Jiawang?”

The second family was truly puffed up with pride, feeling like they could walk sideways when they went out.

The couple exchanged a knowing glance, eager to rush back to the brigade to show off, even if it meant working in the fields.

“What does a Women’s Federation official do?” Jiang Shulan asked, puzzled.

Jiang An’an explained, “Mainly to carry out various women’s educational activities and to protect the rights and status of women and children.”

To help them understand better, she gave an example: “For instance, if my sister wants to file for divorce, or if my grandmother wanted to change her marriage, or even in cases of domestic violence where men abuse their wives and children… Any matters related to women and children in the Hongqi Commune need to be addressed.”

The three of them were stunned.

These all sounded like family matters; there was actually a dedicated official to manage them?

Old Wang from the village had been beating his wife for years, and even from afar, one could hear the screams. Luo Jiawang, as the brigade leader, would only criticize him a bit and tell him not to cause any fatalities, but no one had ever thought that there would be a dedicated government department to oversee such matters.

As the saying goes, it’s hard for a just official to resolve family matters; if not handled well, it can lead to unnecessary trouble.

Lin Meiru’s fiery brain instantly calmed down: “An’an, how about we resign?”

In the village, there are many unreasonable women who are even more domineering than Lin Meiru. With Jiang An’an’s small arms and legs, she would definitely be torn to shreds by them.

Unless she was even more aggressive and made them submit.

But if that were the case, Jiang An’an would have to bear the reputation of a shrew, and no one would dare to marry her, leaving her to be a lifelong old maid.

Lin Meiru was born into a family that favored sons over daughters and later married the unappreciated Jiang Degui. To survive, she had to fight, grab, and throw tantrums just to get a meal for the second family from her biased mother-in-law, ensuring they wouldn’t starve.

Later, the second family was forced to split. If she and Jiang Degui didn’t stand up and compete with the villagers, making them dare not look down on them, the second family would have been completely devoured long ago.

Over the years, there have been too many rumors: “Lin Meiru is too tough; Jiang Degui is lazy and useless, no wonder they can’t have a son; when they die, no one will even break a bowl for them,” and “the second family can’t compare to the first; as the old lady, I favor the eldest son”…

Therefore, Lin Meiru didn’t want her youngest daughter to endure the suffering she had experienced.

She raised her hand to push Jiang An’an’s hair from her forehead to the back of her head, gritting her teeth and making up her mind: “Tomorrow, I’ll quit my job. Your father and I will work hard from now on, making fewer trips to the latrine each day. I promise that the reported issues will definitely not happen again.”

Jiang An’an smiled with her eyes curved: “Mom, I really like this job, and I know what you’re worried about. But some things need to be done by someone to change the status quo and help many women become independent and strong.”

Lin Meiru frowned tightly: “But…”

“Mom, not everyone is as reasonable as you and Dad.” Jiang An’an took a piece of candy from her pocket, unfolded it, and held the wrapper up to the sunlight, which refracted colorful light that fell perfectly on the little dimple at the corner of her lips.

“The world for women shouldn’t be limited to family and children; they can also have a broad world and a wonderful life. Yet in reality, most people are still oppressed by feudal remnants. I’m like this candy wrapper, helping them see further and discover countless possibilities in life.”

Every word was powerful and resonant.

Lin Meiru’s eyes suddenly felt a bit warm, her chest swelling with unprecedented pride.

Jiang An’an, bathed in sunlight, was enveloped in a soft glow, shining just like her noble ideals!

Could this be the inheritance of bloodline?

“You’re really amazing, little sister.” Jiang Shulan gave her a thumbs up.

For more than twenty years, she had always believed in supporting her husband and raising children, treating her husband as the center of her world. If it weren’t for her younger sister running around, she would have had to endure being divorced in silence.

Her younger sister had lofty ideals and was set on doing great things, which made people feel passionate just listening to her.

After thinking for a moment, she proudly said, “If you need help, just let me know. Your big sister will always support you.”

Jiang Degui rolled up his sleeves, looking fierce: “I know every household in the area. When the time comes, I’ll be your muscle. If that doesn’t work, I’ll have your mother stand in front of that person’s house and scold them for three days and three nights, I guarantee it won’t be repetitive.”

Jiang An’an imagined the scene and couldn’t help but laugh out loud.

“Alright, alright, no need to praise her so much,” Lin Meiru said sternly, shoving candy into her youngest daughter’s mouth. “There are so many great people in the world who can do these things; missing you makes no difference. Your mother only likes candy; it’s sweet and precious. Listen to me and quit your job tomorrow.”

It was like a bucket of cold water had been thrown over them, extinguishing the enthusiasm of the three.

Jiang Degui opened his mouth to speak but was met with a sharp glare from Lin Meiru, instantly silencing him. He shot Jiang An’an a look of resignation and sulkily squatted down with his arms crossed.

“If you still recognize me as your mother, then listen to me,” Lin Meiru said firmly, forcing her youngest daughter to make a choice.

The atmosphere was tense.

Jiang An’an pouted her lips, showing an expression of great distress: “What should I do? I just represented the Women’s Federation in negotiating a partnership with the quilt factory and secured six part-time positions. If I don’t take this Women’s Federation official role, will the brigade leader still allocate those positions to us?”

She knew how to phrase things to make it easier for her mother to accept.

“What?” Lin Meiru’s eyes widened: “The part-time positions at the quilt factory? Isn’t that just being a worker? You worked hard to negotiate that; why should Luo Jiawang deny us?”

Lin Meiru wished she could grab all the good opportunities for herself; it was fine if others benefited, but not if someone else took advantage of them.