Chapter 30: Footprints

Meng Yufei returned to her office to grab the lunchbox she had brought in the morning, then headed to the cafeteria to get food.

It just so happened that the cafeteria had made braised pork ribs for lunch—Xia Qinqin’s favorite dish. However, they weren’t sweet and sour, they were braised in soy sauce instead.

Thinking about how her daughter had scraped her hand today, Meng Yufei immediately got a portion of braised pork ribs, which cost 45 cents and two ounces of meat ration coupons.

She also got a serving of stir-fried squid with chives, a plate of stir-fried greens, a bowl of kelp and winter melon soup, and half a pound of rice.

At noon, Xia Junshan returned home and, from a distance, spotted his daughter’s familiar little head at the courtyard gate. Smiling, he walked over and picked her up.

“Our little Qinqin, are you happy today?”

Xia Qinqin raised her scraped palm and pouted, “Dad, I fell today.”

Seeing the small wound on her hand, Xia Junshan’s heart clenched in distress. He quickly asked, “Does it hurt? Is it serious? Where did you fall?”

Qinqin replied, “I fell in the cafeteria. It hurts!”

Hearing this, Xia Junshan was beside himself with worry. He carried his daughter inside and set her down, then crouched to take a closer look at her little hand.

A man who had once taken a bullet on the battlefield without so much as a groan was now anxiously asking, “Does it still hurt? Should Dad take you to the hospital to get it bandaged?”

Meng Yufei, who had just walked out of the kitchen carrying bowls and chopsticks, heard this and said, “It’s just a little scrape. It’ll heal in a couple of days. No need to go to the hospital.”

Still worried, Xia Junshan said, “I heard that if a wound isn’t bandaged in time, it might get infected.”

Meng Yufei set the dishes on the table and explained, “That’s true for deep wounds or large injuries, but Qinqin’s is just a small scrape. Covering it up would actually make it worse. She just needs to avoid getting it wet for the next few days.”

Then she called them over for lunch. “Alright, come eat. The cafeteria made Qinqin’s favorite—pork ribs.”

Xia Junshan carried Xia Qinqin to her seat and gently said, “If we eat well these next few days, you’ll heal faster. Today, Dad will feed you.”

Qinqin took a bite of the pork rib her father fed her and said, “It’s different from Grandma’s.”

Meng Yufei chuckled. “You little foodie, you could tell right away? Grandma makes sweet and sour pork ribs, but these are braised in soy sauce. Do you like them?”

Qinqin nodded. “They’re delicious.” Then, after a moment’s thought, she added, “But Grandma’s are the best.”

Xia Junshan picked up another rib and fed it to his daughter. “If you like it, eat more. This weekend, we’ll take a boat to the state-run restaurant in the city and have sweet and sour pork ribs.”

Hearing that, Qinqin eagerly took a big bite of her rib.

Meng Yufei then picked up some greens with her chopsticks and held them to Qinqin’s mouth. “Now, eat a bite of vegetables.”

Qinqin frowned at the greens. “Mom, I got hurt today. Can I skip the vegetables?”

Xia Junshan chimed in, “If she doesn’t want to eat them, she doesn’t have to. Just let her eat more meat.” To him, meat was far more valuable than vegetables.

Qinqin, hearing her father back her up, nodded enthusiastically. “Exactly, exactly!”

Meng Yufei insisted, “No, you need a balanced diet of meat and vegetables to stay healthy. Come on, be good, open your mouth… ahh…”

With no other choice, Xia Qinqin obediently opened her mouth and ate the vegetables. After she swallowed, Xia Junshan picked up another piece of pork rib and fed it to her. “Here, have another piece of meat.”

And so, the couple took turns—one feeding meat, the other feeding vegetables—until their daughter was full before they started eating themselves.

After lunch, Meng Yufei played the nine-link puzzle with her daughter on the sofa for a while. Then, when Qinqin went to her room for an afternoon nap, Meng Yufei tucked her in, waited until she fell asleep, and quietly left the room, closing the door behind her.

Seeing her come out after washing the dishes, Xia Junshan asked, “Why don’t you take a nap too?”

Meng Yufei walked over to him and lowered her voice. “Didn’t Qinqin fall today? She told me she bumped into Qi Huiying and fell. That Qi Huiying even scared her by saying she’d let a snake bite her.”

“What?” Xia Junshan’s face darkened. “Qi Huiying threatened to use a snake on Qinqin?”

Meng Yufei nodded. “That’s what Qinqin told me. At first, I thought maybe she misheard, but then I noticed that Qi Huiying doesn’t seem very friendly toward me. It’s strange—I haven’t done anything to offend her…”

She barely spoke to Qi Huiying, and the only interaction they had was on the day she first arrived when she gave her family some candy. Although the encounter had been a little unpleasant, it shouldn’t have been enough to make her harm a child, right?

Xia Junshan said, “Do you remember the day Qinqin encountered the snake? When I went to pick her up from Sister-in-law Zhang’s house, she told me that Qi Huiying had passed by at the time. Jianhong even scared her with the snake.”

Meng Yufei suddenly looked up. “Are you saying…?”

Xia Junshan pursed his lips and said in a deep voice, “I’m not sure yet. There’s something I haven’t had the chance to tell you. We suspected that the snake was brought into the family compound by someone, right? That day, it was a water snake, and water snakes typically live in freshwater areas.”

Meng Yufei nodded. “I know, you mentioned that before.”

Xia Junshan continued, “Over the past two days, I’ve surveyed several lakes and ponds on the island. Some are in crowded residential areas where any attempt to catch a snake or a snake moving on its own would likely be noticed. Others are in rugged, hard-to-reach locations. Only one small pond is relatively close to our family compound, and people rarely go there now.”

“Before the family compound had running water, many families used to do laundry there, but after the plumbing was installed, no one really goes there anymore. This morning, when I was jogging, I checked it out. In the northeastern corner of the pond, beneath a clump of grass on damp soil, I found some footprints. Judging by how fresh they are, they appeared within the past week.”

As he spoke, Xia Junshan gestured with his hands. “Based on the length of the footprints, this person is likely between 1.5 and 1.6 meters tall. The depth of the shoe prints suggests a body weight of about 90 to 100 jin (45-50 kg), meaning it’s most likely a woman. Also, the heel of the left shoe print is deeper than the right, indicating that this person tends to walk slightly pigeon-toed outward. And… the tread pattern on the sole looks like it belongs to rubber shoes.”

Hearing his analysis, Meng Yufei widened her eyes in surprise. “You can tell so much just from footprints?”

Xia Junshan replied, “These are just basic scouting techniques.”

Meng Yufei sighed. “A bird leaves traces when it flies, and the wind leaves a sound when it passes. It seems like everything we do leaves behind clues.”

Xia Junshan smiled. He knew there were ways to completely erase traces, but those were classified methods—things he naturally wouldn’t disclose.

He said, “From the estimated height and weight based on the shoe prints, Qi Huiying is a match. But even if she went to the pond, it doesn’t prove she caught the snake.”

Meng Yufei frowned. “If it was her, what would her motive be? Oh, by the way, does her husband, Deputy Regiment Commander Chen, have any grudges against you?”

Xia Junshan shook his head. “Deputy Commander Chen is from the Second Regiment. We rarely interact. From what I know, he has a straightforward personality. If he were unhappy with me, he’d say it outright—he doesn’t seem like the type to seek revenge in secret, let alone target a child.”

Meng Yufei muttered, “Then that’s strange… Could it be someone else?”

Xia Junshan patted her shoulder reassuringly. “I’ll continue investigating. If someone really intends to harm Qinqin, they’ll slip up sooner or later. Don’t overthink it. Get some rest—you still have work in the afternoon.”

Meng Yufei said, “Until we figure things out, I’d better keep a close eye on Qinqin. Fortunately, we didn’t send her to the kindergarten in town, otherwise, I really wouldn’t be at ease.”

Xia Junshan replied, “You’ve worked hard.” As he spoke, he took her hand and led her back to the bedroom for a nap.

—

In the afternoon, at the deputy director’s office.

Director Wang sat in a chair at the desk, arguing persuasively, “Old Fu, you really can’t say no this time. Our military families have traveled thousands of miles to this island to accompany their spouses. They have to handle everything at home, big and small, all by themselves, without any relatives to lend a hand. Especially when it comes to raising kids—this is an island, surrounded by the sea. One careless mistake could lead to a major accident! Our job in logistics is to serve the families, isn’t it?”

Deputy Director Fu handed Director Wang a cup of tea and smiled. “Director Wang, have some tea first. Building a kindergarten is indeed a good idea, and I’ll definitely agree if the conditions allow. But you know, we just had a personnel change in finance. This morning, they only just processed the paychecks. Things have to be handled one at a time.”

Director Wang insisted, “Old Fu, this isn’t just about helping families with childcare—it also solves some of your problems. If we set up a kindergarten, we’ll need to hire at least two teachers, right? That would take care of some job placements at the same time!”

Deputy Director Fu took a sip of tea and smiled. “You’ve really thought of everything, Director Wang. Let me check with Xiao Meng later and see how the finances look.”

Director Wang urged, “Not later—let’s call Xiao Meng over now and ask her directly if we have enough funds for a kindergarten. Don’t keep delaying this, or before we know it, the kids will be old enough to buy soy sauce!”

Deputy Director Fu sighed and nodded. “Alright, let’s call Xiao Meng over right away.”

When Meng Yufei was summoned to the office, she wasn’t surprised. She asked Xiao Zhang to keep an eye on Qinqin and make sure she didn’t wander off, then grabbed her notebook and headed to the deputy director’s office.

The door was open, and she could see everything inside at a glance. The deputy director sat behind his desk, with Director Wang seated in front of him.

She knocked on the door and said, “Director, you called for me?”

Deputy Director Fu looked up and smiled. “Xiao Meng, come in and have a seat.”

As soon as she sat down, Director Wang eagerly asked, “Xiao Meng, does the logistics department have enough funds right now to build a kindergarten?”

Meng Yufei glanced at the deputy director, and seeing him nod, she replied, “Last month’s funding just arrived, and we haven’t had any major expenses in the past two months. If the family compound need a kindergarten, the current funds are sufficient.”

Director Wang turned excitedly to Deputy Director Fu. “See? The finance department says we have money! You’ve got no reason to refuse now. The location should still be the one I mentioned last time—those two rooms on the west side of the Women’s Committee office.”

Deputy Director Fu thought for a moment and said, “That location works. It was originally built to classroom standards, so it would be perfect for a kindergarten. But having so many kids next to your office—won’t that disrupt your work?”

Director Wang waved it off. “Disrupt us? You know how busy the Women’s Committee is—we’re never quiet anyway. We’re used to it.”

Meng Yufei suggested, “We could put up a fence around those two rooms. That way, it separates the kindergarten from the Women’s Committee office to avoid disruptions, and at the same time, it ensures the children’s safety so they don’t run around.”

Director Wang clapped her hands. “That’s a great idea, Xiao Meng! A fence wouldn’t cost much, and it’d be quick to put up, so it won’t delay anything.”

Deputy Director Fu picked up his teacup, blew on the tea leaves, took a sip, and asked, “If the kindergarten is built, Director Wang, how many teachers do you think we should hire?”

Director Wang smiled. “I’d say two or three should be enough, but the exact number is up to you. My job is just to push for building it—how it runs and who gets hired, that’s all on your logistics department. The one paying is the boss, after all.”

Deputy Director Fu chuckled and turned to Meng Yufei. “Xiao Meng, what do you think? Are there any regulations from the finance department?”

Meng Yufei thought for a moment and replied, “According to our financial report on the family compound, there are currently thirty-two children under the age of six. If we divide them into two classes, that would be just right. Based on kindergarten staffing standards, each class typically needs two teachers and one childcare worker. In special cases, an extra teacher can be assigned, but the total number of teachers shouldn’t exceed four.”

Director Wang said, “Oh, so a kindergarten class actually needs this many people? I saw that the elementary school in town only has two teachers per class—one for Chinese and one for math, and some even handle multiple classes.”

Meng Yufei replied, “Kindergarten kids are younger, so taking care of them is much more tiring.”

Deputy Director Fu nodded in agreement. “That’s true. We’ve all raised kids before—three- and four-year-olds, once they start walking, they just want to run around. The younger they are, the more demanding they are. Since we’re setting up this kindergarten, we need to do it properly. Hiring one or two more people won’t make much of a difference.”

His words implied that they should hire as many people as possible, as it would also help solve employment placement issues.

Director Wang naturally understood his meaning and smiled. “Our director is always generous. Unlike our Women’s Committee, which is always penny-pinching because we have no money. Alright, since you’ve agreed to the kindergarten, I can rest assured.”

Saying that, she got up to leave. “I have things to take care of at the Women’s Committee, so I’ll head back now.”

Deputy Director Fu and Meng Yufei also stood up. Deputy Director Fu said, “Let me walk you out.”

Director Wang waved her hand. “No need, Old Fu. Just remember to act quickly!”

Deputy Director Fu replied, “Don’t worry, I’ll report to the regimental commander right away. As soon as he agrees, we’ll get started. Xiao Meng, go see Director Wang off for me.”

Meng Yufei followed Director Wang out of the office. Director Wang let out a long breath and said, “Finally, this is settled.”

But Meng Yufei remarked, “Didn’t the director just say he still needs the regimental commander’s approval?”

Director Wang replied, “We’re building this kindergarten for the families—it’s a good thing. The regimental commander will definitely approve.”

That afternoon, Deputy Director Fu called Division Commander Li to report on the kindergarten plan.

Division Commander Li was in his office, scolding someone. When he picked up the phone, his tone still carried traces of anger. Feeling a bit uneasy, Deputy Director Fu reported the plan.

Unexpectedly, as soon as Division Commander Li heard about it, his expression shifted from gloomy to bright, and he said, “This is a great idea! Get it done as soon as possible. I hadn’t even realized we didn’t have a kindergarten in the family compound—Old Fu, you should’ve built this a long time ago!”

“As for the standards? Go with the highest standards. However other kindergartens are set up, we’ll do the same. Our division’s soldiers are just as good as anyone else—there’s no reason our benefits should fall behind!”

“Old Fu, make sure this gets done quickly!”

After hanging up, Division Commander Li looked at the two soldiers standing in front of him and snapped, “I was just boasting about how my men are as good as anyone else’s, and yet look at you—do you deserve that praise? These last two training sessions—what kind of garbage were they?!”

After finishing his reprimand, he let out a breath and waved them off. “Alright, go back and review what went wrong today.”

Once they left, Division Commander Li sat in his chair, hands clasped together in deep thought. After a moment, he picked up the phone and said, “Get me Regiment Commander Xia Junshan.”

A few seconds later, Xia Junshan’s voice came through the line.

Division Commander Li said in a heavy tone, “Same problem as last time—how many times has this happened this year?”

Xia Junshan replied, “Three times.”

Division Commander Li sighed. “…Come to my office.”

—

Back in the office, Xiao Zhang asked curiously, “Sister Meng, was Director Wang here to talk about the kindergarten? What did the director say?”

“The director has already approved it. Once the regimental commander responds, we’ll start building the kindergarten.”

“That’s great! Now the kids in the residential compound won’t have to go all the way to the town’s kindergarten. Plus, it’ll save a few bucks each year.”

The town’s kindergarten charged a tuition fee of ten yuan per year, but the kindergarten run by the residential compound would definitely be free.

Xiao Zhang smiled at Xia Qinqin and said, “From now on, Qinqin won’t be able to come here and work with us anymore.”

Xia Qinqin, who was lying on the desk reading a book, looked up and smiled when she heard Auntie Xiao Zhang mention her. “When I grow up, I can work with my mom.”

Xiao Zhang laughed. “Oh? Qinqin is already thinking about working? Have you decided what job you want to do in the future?”

Xia Qinqin tilted her head, thought for a moment, and said, “I haven’t decided yet, Auntie. I’ll tell you when I figure it out.”

Xiao Zhang replied, “Alright, Auntie will be waiting.”

Talking about work, Xiao Zhang turned to ask, “Sister Meng, how many people is the kindergarten planning to hire?”

Meng Yufei said, “It’s not certain yet, but judging by the deputy director’s intentions, he probably wants to hire more people.”

Xiao Zhang said, “That’s the best! It’ll give more family members job opportunities. Sister Meng, can I ask you for a favor? If you find out when the hiring starts, let me know.”

Meng Yufei nodded. “Sure, no problem. Do you have someone you want to recommend?”

Xiao Zhang nodded. “Yes, there’s someone…”

Knock! Knock!

A knock on the door interrupted her. Both of them looked up and saw Section Chief Chen standing at the door.

Meng Yufei quickly stood up and smiled. “Section Chief Chen, what brings you here? Please, come in.”

Section Chief Chen said, “Xiao Meng, the director sent me over to discuss the kindergarten hiring process with you.”

Xiao Zhang brought over a chair and said, “Chief, please have a seat.”

Section Chief Chen sat down and asked, “Xiao Zhang, how are things going here these past few days?”

Xiao Zhang smiled. “I’m still getting familiar with the work, but I’ve learned a lot from Sister Meng.”

Meng Yufei poured a cup of water for Section Chief Chen and said, “I should thank you for sending Xiao Zhang to me. She’s been a huge help with organizing the family compound’s coupon records these past few days.”

Section Chief Chen took the water and smiled. “Xiao Zhang really is a capable worker. If it weren’t for the director’s orders, I wouldn’t have let her go.”

Meng Yufei laughed. “Section Chief Chen, you just mentioned discussing the kindergarten hiring process?”

Section Chief Chen nodded. “Oh, right. The director just went over the general plan with me. For now, the kindergarten plans to hire one principal, three teachers, and two childcare workers—six people in total. Their salaries will be covered by the logistics department, so I came to check with you to see if finance can support this.”

Meng Yufei said, “For just six salaries, the logistics department’s current budget can definitely handle it. Plus, the Women’s Committee is providing the venue, and there aren’t many other expenses.”

Section Chief Chen nodded. “Looks like salaries will be the biggest cost.”

Meng Yufei said, “I’ll include this in next quarter’s financial budget report and submit it to the military logistics headquarters along with everything else.”

Section Chief Chen said, “Since you’ve confirmed that, I’m relieved. I’ll go back and finalize the hiring process. The director said that the regimental commander has already given the order—we need to get this kindergarten up and running as soon as possible.”