Chapter 28: Making a Fire

Meng Yufei said, “Director, I heard that every quarter, the Women’s Committee organizes a general meeting for all the women in the residential compound. The meeting for this quarter hasn’t been held yet, right?”

Director Wang nodded. “That’s right. We originally planned to hold it at the beginning of the month, but with everything going on this month, it kept getting delayed. We have to hold it this week, though, since the month is almost over.”

Meng Yufei suggested, “Director Wang, how about scheduling the meeting for tomorrow? That way, our finance department can distribute the coupons during the meeting. First, it will help me get to know the military families more quickly. Second, it’ll be more convenient for the residents, so they don’t have to make two trips.”

Hearing this idea, Director Wang slapped her thigh and said, “Xiao Meng, that’s a great idea! Once people hear that the coupons are being distributed tomorrow, I’d like to see who dares to skip the meeting!”

The quarterly Women’s Committee meetings mainly focus on educating attendees about women’s rights. Many people find these policy discussions boring, so the committee members always have to go door-to-door urging people to attend.

Even then, attendance was usually sparse.

Now that the meeting was combined with the voucher distribution, it was a brilliant plan. The people who collected the coupons were mostly women, which was the same group that attended the Women’s Committee meetings.

The more Director Wang thought about it, the more she liked the idea. She immediately stood up and instructed a subordinate, “Xiao Cui, we’ll hold the first-quarter Women’s Conference tomorrow morning. Hurry to the Publicity Department before they finish work and ask them to make an announcement using the loudspeakers.”

She added a special reminder, “Make sure to emphasize at the end of the announcement that this month’s coupons will be distributed at the meeting. Tell those who haven’t collected their coupons to come on time tomorrow.”

“Huh? Director, who should I look for at the Publicity Department?” Xiao Cui asked, a little confused.

Xiao Cui had only started working at the Women’s Committee this month and wasn’t familiar with all the procedures yet.

Before Director Wang could respond, Xiao Zhang spoke up. “Director Wang, I’ll take her over. I know the people in the Publicity Department.”

Director Wang nodded. “Alright, please take her.”

Xiao Zhang led Xiao Cui toward the back, heading to the Publicity Department, which was located on the second floor of the cafeteria.

After they left, Meng Yufei said, “Director Wang, I have something else I’d like to ask you about.”

Director Wang smiled. “Go ahead, ask anything.”

Meng Yufei said, “I was wondering—why hasn’t our residential compound built a kindergarten yet?”

Director Wang sighed. “That’s partly the responsibility of both the Logistics Office and our Women’s Committee. According to regulations, our compound should have a kindergarten, as well as an elementary and middle school. But as you can see, the conditions on this island are limited. Building an elementary or middle school is out of the question, and as for the kindergarten…”

She paused before continuing, “When I first arrived, I noticed this problem too. Many young children in the compound stay at home. For families with only one child, it’s manageable, but for those with multiple kids, the parents struggle to take care of them—especially working parents. Their only option is to send their children to the kindergarten in town. Not only is it far, but they have to make four trips a day just to drop off and pick up their kids.”

“Take that mother-in-law and daughter-in-law from earlier—Xue’s family. The daughter-in-law just had a baby last year, and she also has two young children at home—one is five, the other is three—both too young for elementary school. She had no choice but to bring her mother-in-law over to help, and they argue every day because of it.”

Meng Yufei said, “Looking at it this way, building a kindergarten in our compound is absolutely necessary. To be honest, I took Qinqin to visit the town’s kindergarten yesterday. Not only were there too many kids and too few teachers, but they had to walk the long distance four times a day. Qinqin is still so little—I feel bad making her walk that much every day.”

Director Wang said, “I brought up building a kindergarten when I first arrived, but the Women’s Committee had no funds. When I asked the Logistics Office, the previous finance director claimed there wasn’t enough money in the budget, so the plan was shelved.”

Meng Yufei said, “I reviewed the accounts over the past few days and found that we actually do have enough funds to build a kindergarten. The main issue now is finding a location.”

Director Wang said, “Actually, I do have a place in mind. When I first discussed this with Deputy Director Fu, he said there wasn’t enough space in the compound. If we wanted to build a kindergarten, we’d have to construct a whole new building, which would be expensive and troublesome. After thinking it over, I cleared out two rooms on the west side of our Women’s Committee office. Originally, those rooms were classrooms for adult literacy programs, but no classes have been held there for the past two years. The rooms have just been sitting empty.”

The Women’s Committee building consisted of four large tile-roofed rooms, occupying a significant area, which showed how much importance was placed on women’s work at the time.

She spread her hands and said, “Who knew that after I found a place, the finance department would turn around and say there’s no money in the accounts? Isn’t that frustrating?”

As she spoke, Director Wang pulled her outside to look at the two adjacent rooms. “Originally, we wanted to knock down the wall to create a meeting room for the women’s congress, but later we realized that with over a hundred attendees, the space would be too small. So, we decided to continue holding meetings in the cafeteria.”

Meng Yufei looked around the two rooms. The space inside was indeed quite large, and each room even had a blackboard—perfectly suited for the purpose.

“These two rooms are more than enough for a kindergarten. We recently conducted a survey of the families in the residential compound, and there are thirty-two children under six years old. Dividing them into two classes would be just right.”

Director Wang nodded. “If this kindergarten is successfully built, it will really help the families with children. Since we’ve now confirmed there are enough funds in the accounts, I’ll submit a request to Deputy Director Fu tomorrow.”

Meng Yufei said, “It’s not just a convenience for families with children. Opening a kindergarten will also create job opportunities. I imagine that Deputy Director Fu and Chief Chen from the Personnel Department will have one less thing to worry about.”

Finding employment for military spouses had always been a challenge, and being stationed on an island made job opportunities even scarcer.

Director Wang clapped her hands and laughed. “That’s right! Running a kindergarten will require at least two or three teachers, which means a few family members will have job openings. Deputy Director Fu has been avoiding family members lately because of the job placement issue. This time, I’ll be helping lighten his load—he won’t be able to say no!”

With that, the two happily finalized the preliminary plan for establishing a kindergarten in the residential compound.

Just then, the loudspeaker outside crackled to life, and the announcer’s voice rang out:

“Attention, all family members! Attention, all family members! The first-quarter Women’s Congress will be held tomorrow at 8:30 a.m. in the cafeteria. All female comrades are requested to attend on time.”

“Those who have not yet collected their ration coupons for this month, please stay behind after the meeting to receive them at the venue.”

The announcement repeated three times.

Originally, most residents who heard the first part of the announcement didn’t think much of it. These meetings were usually just about listening to leaders talk, and if it weren’t for Director Wang’s efforts, many wouldn’t even bother attending.

However, the second part of the announcement caught everyone’s attention. A large number of people in the compound had yet to collect their coupons—now they finally had the chance!

No matter what, they had to attend tomorrow’s meeting.

After finalizing the discussion with Director Wang, Meng Yufei took Xia Qinqin to the cafeteria to pick up dinner before heading home.

At the same time, Xiao Zhang came down from upstairs and greeted her with a smile. “Sister Meng, looks like we’ll be able to distribute all the coupons in just one morning tomorrow. The cafeteria has plenty of space, unlike the office upstairs, where it was always crowded and chaotic. It used to take at least two days to finish.”

Meng Yufei replied, “We’re just making good use of the Women’s Committee’s resources. But since it’s all about serving the families, solving everything at once makes it easier for everyone.”

Xiao Zhang nodded. “Sister Meng, you always have the best ideas.”

Tonight, the cafeteria was serving steamed sea bass. The chef was unusually light-handed with the seasoning today. Since the fish had few bones, it was suitable for children. Meng Yufei bought a portion for two dimes and three cents.

She also got a serving of scrambled eggs with chives, a bowl of seaweed soup, and half a pound of rice.

At noon, Xia Junshan hadn’t come home for lunch. Instead, a young soldier had been sent to inform them that he was out on a mission and wouldn’t be back until the evening.

Not knowing exactly when he’d return, Meng Yufei decided not to take the food out of the lunchbox after arriving home. She left the lid on to keep it warm for as long as possible.

When Xia Qinqin got home, she glanced around the living room, then ran to check a few rooms.

Meng Yufei, following behind her, asked, “Qinqin, what are you looking for?”

Xia Qinqin turned around and asked, “Mom, where’s Dad?”

Meng Yufei smiled. “Do you miss Dad?”

Xia Qinqin pouted. “Did Dad leave again?” He wasn’t home at noon either.

Meng Yufei walked over, crouched down to meet Xia Qinqin’s eyes, and said, “No, Dad had Uncle come tell us at noon that he’s on a mission. He’ll be back tonight.”

As she spoke, Meng Yufei took Xia Qinqin’s hand and said, “Come on, let’s clean up the yard together, okay? In a few days, Dad is going to start planting grapes.”

“Okay!” Xia Qinqin nodded obediently and followed her mother outside.

Yesterday, Xia Junshan had already cleared out the weeds they had pulled, but the yard still looked a bit bare. There were patches of dirt and stray weeds scattered around, along with small pits left from pulling out the grass, making the yard look a little messy.

Meng Yufei picked up the shovel Xia Junshan had brought back the day before and began filling in the pits. Meanwhile, Xia Qinqin gathered the scattered weeds into a pile. Working together, mother and daughter soon had the yard tidied up, making it look much neater.

Wiping the sweat from her forehead, Meng Yufei took Xia Qinqin to wash their hands and asked gently, “Are you tired?”

Xia Qinqin shook her head. “Not tired.”

Meng Yufei used a towel to wipe the fine sweat on her daughter’s forehead, then reached out to touch her back—she was sweating there too.

“Let’s take a bath first, so you don’t catch a cold if the wind blows on you,” Meng Yufei said.

Xia Qinqin asked, “Mom, do you know how to heat the bathwater?”

Even though she was young, Xia Qinqin was very aware of how household chores were divided. Mom bought groceries and wiped the tables, while Dad washed the dishes and heated the bathwater. The bathwater was always heated in that big, big pot—only Dad knew how to use it.

“Uh…” Meng Yufei paused, then thought for a moment and said, “I should be able to.”

In the kitchen.

Meng Yufei sat in front of the stove, holding a matchbox. She turned to Xia Qinqin and said, “Mom is about to start the fire now. It’s dangerous, so you must not come in, okay?”

“Mm-hmm, got it.” Xia Qinqin stood seriously at the kitchen door, watching her mother intently.

With a scratch, Meng Yufei lit a match and placed some dry grass above the flame. Remembering that the outer flame was the hottest, she lifted the dry grass about two centimeters higher.

With a whoosh, the flame grew bigger, and the dry grass successfully caught fire.

Meng Yufei quickly placed the burning grass into the stove and added another handful of dry grass.

Then… the fire went out.

The flames disappeared, leaving only smoke rising from the dry grass.

Meng Yufei tried blowing on it, just like she had seen others do before.

Immediately, a thick puff of black smoke billowed out of the stove.

“Cough, cough! Cough, cough…”

Meng Yufei was choked by the smoke and started coughing uncontrollably.

At the kitchen door, Xia Qinqin hurriedly called out, “Mom! Mom! Are you okay?”

Meng Yufei quickly replied, “Mom is fine! Don’t come in, the smoke is too strong in here.”

She got up from the stove, opened the kitchen window as wide as possible, then went outside to open the main door. Since the kitchen was right next to the entrance, the smoke could disperse quickly this way.

Xia Qinqin said worriedly, “Mom, let’s wait for Dad to come back before heating the water. I’m not in a hurry to take a bath.”

Meng Yufei: “……”

At this moment, a noise came from the courtyard gate. Looking through the open door, Meng Yufei saw Han Jianhong standing at the entrance.

She quickly smiled and said, “Jianhong, you’re here! Come in and have a seat.”

Han Jianhong curled her lips into a smile and walked in. As soon as she reached the doorway, she smelled the smoke and asked, “Aunt Meng, what are you burning in the house?”

Feeling a little embarrassed, Meng Yufei said, “I was trying to heat bathwater, but I’ve never used this kind of clay stove before. Not only did I fail to light it, but I also ended up with all this smoke.”

Han Jianhong said, “Let me help you with it.”

As she spoke, she went straight to the kitchen and sat down in front of the stove.

Meng Yufei quickly followed and said, “Oh, no need! If you sit down like that, your clothes will get dirty.”

Han Jianhong replied, “It’s fine, I’m wearing old clothes.”

With that, she skillfully struck a match, grabbed a handful of dry grass, ignited it, and placed it inside the stove. Then, she added another handful of dry grass. The flames grew larger, and this time, no black smoke came out.

Meng Yufei exclaimed, “Wow, you lit it just like that!”

Xia Qinqin clapped her hands excitedly. “Big sister is amazing!”

Han Jianhong lowered her head, a little embarrassed, and smiled. “I grew up in the countryside, so I’ve been using clay stoves since I was little.”

After adding a few dry branches into the stove, Han Jianhong clapped the dust off her hands and stood up. “Once these branches finish burning, the water in the pot will be hot enough. Since it’s for bathing, you don’t need to heat it too much.”

Meng Yufei nodded repeatedly. “Yes, yes! Thank you, Jianhong! Come, let’s go wash your hands.”

She took Han Jianhong to the faucet to wash up.

Afterward, she led her to the living room and had her sit on the sofa. Pouring her a glass of water, she then told Xia Qinqin to fetch some candy from the cabinet.

Han Jianhong quickly said, “Aunt Meng, there’s no need to be so polite. I’m not a child anymore, I don’t eat candy.”

Meng Yufei chuckled. “You call me Auntie, so in my house, you’re still a kid.”

Xia Qinqin skillfully opened the candy box. There were only a few pieces of White Rabbit milk candy left from their trip to Haishi. She grabbed all of them in one handful and stuffed them into Han Jianhong’s hand.

“Big sister, have some candy!”

Han Jianhong took the candy, patted Xia Qinqin’s little braids, and said softly, “Thank you.”

Meng Yufei sat down on the other side of the sofa and asked, “Jianhong, did you come over for something?”

Han Jianhong replied, “I came to thank you… about that pair of shoes…”

Meng Yufei waved her hand and said, “It’s nothing. Sister-in-law Zhang made the shoes from start to finish—I just provided some leftover fabric.”

Han Jianhong said, “It’s not just about that. There’s also…” She paused for two seconds before continuing, “the recent rumors about me in the family compound. I know that you and Aunt Zhang were helping me in this way. Thank you both.”

Meng Yufei said, “What Wei Shufang did was wrong in the first place. If she dares to do it, then she shouldn’t be afraid of people talking about it. If she keeps doing these things behind your back in the future, just call her out directly. If you stay silent, you’re only letting yourself suffer in silence.”

Han Jianhong lowered her head and said, “But what’s the use of speaking up? People will just gossip behind my back, and nothing will change.”

Meng Yufei held her hand and said, “Have you ever heard the saying ‘words can be terrifying’? In this world, some people can truly ignore what others think, but most are just ordinary people who have to interact with others in daily life. That’s why maintaining your reputation is still important.”

“Take Wei Shufang, for example—she’s worked hard to maintain a good reputation on the island, which shows she cares about how people see her. Now that her ‘good stepmother’ act has been exposed, it must be a huge blow to her.”

Han Jianhong listened and slowly lifted her head. She murmured, “No one has ever told me this before.”

Meng Yufei smiled and said, “Smart people only need to hear things once, but for those who refuse to understand, no matter how many times you tell them, it won’t make a difference. I believe you’re a smart kid.”

Han Jianhong thought for a moment and asked, “So from now on, should I act weaker at home? Will that make my… my dad stand up for me?”

Meng Yufei patted her hand and said, “When two people have a conflict, most people’s first instinct is to sympathize with the weaker party. Showing a bit of vulnerability can indeed help gain more support. But when it comes to parents, some will favor the weaker child, while others will give their resources to the strongest one.”

She looked into Han Jianhong’s eyes and said, “It depends on what you want.”

Han Jianhong was stunned for a moment, then nodded and said, “Thank you, Aunt Meng. I understand now.”

Meng Yufei smiled and said, “You’re still young, and your future is long. If you can’t change certain people, then focus more on yourself and think about what kind of life you want to live.”

“The future?” Han Jianhong shook her head and said, “I’ve never thought about it.”

Meng Yufei said, “It’s not too late to start thinking about it now. You have a long life ahead—take your time.”

Han Jianhong nodded seriously, feeling grateful. “Thank you for your words today. I’ll think about it carefully when I get back.”

After seeing Han Jianhong off, Meng Yufei went to the kitchen to check the bathwater in the pot. The temperature was just right, so she quickly grabbed their pajamas and took Xia Qinqin for a bath.

By the time mother and daughter finished bathing, Xia Junshan finally came home.

Xia Qinqin immediately ran over and hugged her father’s leg. “Dad, you’re finally back!”

Xia Junshan bent down, picked up his daughter, and smiled. “Dad was on a mission today, so I got back late.”

Meng Yufei took a meal box from the kitchen and placed it on the dining table. “Have you eaten yet?”

Xia Junshan shook his head. “Not yet. Why didn’t you two eat first? It’s already so late.” He looked down at the little girl in his arms. “Qinqin, are you hungry?”

“Mm-hmm.”

Meng Yufei laughed. “How come your commander sends you on a mission but doesn’t even provide a meal?”

Xia Junshan sat at the dining table with his daughter in his arms and chuckled. “Next time, let’s all go to his house and make him treat us.”

As he spoke, he finally noticed that both mother and daughter had changed into their pajamas and asked, “You two already took a bath?”

Meng Yufei nodded, but Xia Qinqin eagerly chimed in, “Dad, Mom boiled the bathwater today! She made so much smoke—it filled the whole room! Then, the amazing big sister came to help and got the fire going.”

She babbled excitedly, and from her words, Xia Junshan pieced together what had happened. He asked in confusion, “Who’s this ‘amazing big sister’?”

Meng Yufei explained, “It was Jianhong. I tried to light the fire, but it kept going out once I put it into the stove. Then, when I blew on it, all the smoke rushed out at once! Fortunately, Jianhong came by and helped me get it started.”

Xia Junshan asked with concern, “Did you inhale any smoke?”

Meng Yufei replied, “No, I’m fine.”

Xia Junshan said, “Next time, just wait for me to come back.”

Meng Yufei set the table and said, “I carefully watched how Jianhong did it today and picked up some tricks. Next time, I’ll definitely get it right.”

Xia Junshan took the chopsticks from her and smiled. “If you want to learn how to start a fire, I’ll teach you after dinner.”

Meng Yufei nodded. “Alright.”

Xia Qinqin chimed in, “Dad, I want to learn how to start a fire too!”

Meng Yufei quickly said, “No way. Kids can’t play with fire.”

Xia Junshan nodded in agreement. “That’s right. Children shouldn’t play with fire.”

Xia Qinqin puffed up her cheeks in frustration. “Why are there so many things kids aren’t allowed to do?!”