Chapter 32: Registration

On Thursday morning, Meng Yufei took Xia Qinqin by the hand and left for work on time at 7:30.

At the entrance of the courtyard, Mrs. Zhang stood there anxiously. Seeing her, Meng Yufei greeted her with a smile, “Good morning, sister-in-law.”

Xia Qinqin tilted her head, waved, and smiled. “Good morning, Auntie.”

Mrs. Zhang nodded. “Ah, morning.” She seemed to have something to say but hesitated, her expression uncertain.

Meng Yufei asked, “Sister-in-law, do you need something from me?”

Mrs. Zhang replied, “Well… I heard the announcement yesterday, saying they’re building a kindergarten in our residential compound and recruiting staff…”

Meng Yufei said, “Yes, do you want to sign up?”

Mrs. Zhang said, “I was thinking of trying for the childcare worker position, but I don’t know if I’d be qualified.”

Meng Yufei nodded. “Of course, you are! Didn’t they say in the announcement yesterday that they’re looking for patient people with experience caring for children? I think you meet all the requirements.”

Mrs. Zhang clutched the hem of her clothes nervously. “I’m just afraid I won’t get chosen. It’d be embarrassing.”

Meng Yufei encouraged her, “There’s nothing embarrassing about trying. If you don’t even apply, how will you know if you’d be chosen? Besides, you won’t be the only one applying. Even if you don’t get selected, you won’t be the only one.”

Mrs. Zhang smiled. “You’re right. Then I’ll give it a shot.”

Meng Yufei smiled. “Great! Then why don’t you come with me to the logistics office now? I’m heading to work anyway. We can go together and sign you up first.”

Mrs. Zhang waved her hand. “You go ahead to work first. I’ll head home to wash the dishes and change my clothes before going.” She lowered her head and pointed to her patched-up clothing. “If I’m looking for a job, I should at least dress properly.”

Meng Yufei said, “Alright. When you get to the logistics office, just come find me in my office. It’s on the second floor, third room on the left.”

Mrs. Zhang nodded. “Got it.”

After saying goodbye, Meng Yufei took Xia Qinqin to the cafeteria.

That morning’s breakfast was shrimp wonton soup. As usual, Meng Yufei got a large bowl and added two boiled eggs, enough for both mother and daughter.

Since Xia Qinqin’s injured hand hadn’t healed yet, Meng Yufei fed her first before eating herself.

By the time they arrived at the office after breakfast, Xiao Zhang was already at her desk. Seeing them, she greeted, “Good morning, Sister Meng. Good morning, Qinqin.”

“Good morning, Xiao Zhang.”

“Auntie, good morning.”

Xiao Zhang asked, “The cafeteria had shrimp wonton soup this morning. Did you guys eat?”

Xia Qinqin nodded. “We did! It was delicious~”

Xiao Zhang said, “There was a time when the cafeteria had a pastry chef. Every morning, there were small snacks. She even made crystal shrimp dumplings—the wrappers were translucent, soft, and glutinous, and you could see the shrimp inside.”

Meng Yufei asked curiously, “Where did that chef go?”

Xiao Zhang shrugged. “She was reported. The person who reported her believed that the cafeteria didn’t need so many staff members. Since she only prepared breakfast every day, they suspected she got the job through favoritism from the leadership. Because of this, the military’s inspection committee even sent people down to investigate our logistics department.”

“Huh?” Meng Yufei was surprised. “It was that serious?”

Xiao Zhang nodded. “Yeah, the complaint letter went straight to the division commander. How could it not be serious? Even though they didn’t find any issues in the end, the pastry chef resigned on her own.”

Sighing, Xiao Zhang said, “I really miss mille-feuille, shrimp dumplings, and char siu buns…”

Hearing her list all these delicious foods, Xia Qinqin curiously asked, “Auntie Xiao Zhang, are those really tasty?”

Xiao Zhang replied, “They’re delicious! But unfortunately, we can’t get them at our cafeteria anymore. Oh, right! Next time you go to Qiongzhou City, you should visit Fangyuan Restaurant. It’s a century-old establishment. After the liberation, it became a public-private joint venture and is now a state-owned restaurant, but most of the master chefs stayed. Their dim sum is amazing!”

Hearing about delicious food, Xia Qinqin immediately turned to Meng Yufei and asked, “Mom, when can we go?”

Meng Yufei smiled. “We’ll take you on our next day off.”

“When is our day off?”

“The day after tomorrow.”

Xia Qinqin held out her fingers and started counting. “Tomorrow, the day after tomorrow… Oh! Just three more days until our day off!”

Xiao Zhang gently pinched her little cheek and laughed. “That’s right! Then you’ll finally get to try all those dim sum. Are you excited?”

“Mhm! I’m excited!”

Knock, knock!

Xiao Wu from the Human Resources Department knocked on the office door. “Director Meng, our section chief wants to see you in our office to discuss something.”

Meng Yufei nodded. “Alright, I’ll head over now.” Then she turned to Xiao Zhang and said, “Xiao Zhang, can you watch over Qinqin for me?”

“Of course, Sister Meng.”

After saying that, Meng Yufei left for the HR office next door. However, Xiao Wu didn’t follow her back immediately. Instead, she turned to Xiao Zhang and said, “Sister Zhang, you’re looking after the child here, huh? I heard that Accountant Zheng from the Finance Department will be returning from maternity leave soon. When that happens, I can talk to Section Chief Chen for you and get you transferred back to the Human Resources Department.”

Xiao Zhang glanced at her and said flatly, “Sister Wu, the way you’re talking makes it sound like you have the authority to decide our transfers in the logistics department. ^[1]We’re just like bricks, It’s used to express being assigned tasks or locations without choice, often in jobs, military, or public service — like a brick that gets placed wherever it’s … Continue readingWe’re just like bricks—wherever the leaders need us, that’s where we go.”

Xiao Wu’s expression stiffened, and she said somewhat unhappily, “Fine, fine. I guess I was just being kind but ended up saying something you didn’t like.”

Xiao Zhang sneered. “How do you know I didn’t like it? Ever since I stopped hearing certain people’s flattery, I’ve been having the time of my life.”

Xiao Wu fumed. “You… Who are you calling a bootlicker?”

Xiao Zhang replied, “I’m talking about some people. Why are you so nervous?”

“You…” Xiao Wu couldn’t outtalk her, so she glared at Xiao Zhang, stomped her foot, and walked away angrily.

In the HR Office, Section Chief Chen said to Meng Yufei, “You heard the announcement over the loudspeaker yesterday, right? The director’s plan is to finalize the candidates by today after registration, so the follow-up work can proceed smoothly.”

Meng Yufei replied, “The director really works with lightning speed.”

Section Chief Chen said, “As for the final selection, to uphold fairness and impartiality, the director plans to establish a temporary review committee. He will serve as the team leader, with Director Wang from the Women’s Committee as the deputy leader, and you and me as members.”

“Me?” Meng Yufei asked in surprise.

Section Chief Chen nodded. “Yes, you’re now the head of the Finance Department, so of course, your opinion matters. Once all registrations are completed today, we’ll notify you of the specific time.”

Meng Yufei nodded. “Alright, I understand.”

Section Chief Chen continued, “Director Meng, why don’t you come over today and help us register the applicants? You and I will handle the registration for the teaching positions, while Xiao Wu from our department will be responsible for the childcare positions.”

“Alright, I’ll inform Xiao Zhang first.” Meng Yufei agreed readily.

Back in the Finance Department, Meng Yufei explained that she needed to assist in the neighboring department today, meaning she couldn’t bring Qinqin along. Instead, she would leave her under Xiao Zhang’s care.

Xiao Zhang reassured her, “Sister Meng, don’t worry. I’ll take care of everything here.”

Since the coupons had just been distributed, the Finance Department wasn’t too busy at the moment.

Meng Yufei then turned to Xia Qinqin and said, “Qinqin, Mom has to work in the office next door today. Can you stay here with Auntie Zhang?”

Pouting, Xia Qinqin asked, “Mom, can’t I come with you? I promise I’ll be good and won’t run around.”

Meng Yufei explained, “There will be a lot of people over there today, and there’s no space for children. It’s all adults, and if you’re not careful, you might get knocked over again like yesterday. Look at your hand—wasn’t it really painful when you fell yesterday?”

Xia Qinqin raised her right hand and looked at the scab on her palm. It didn’t hurt anymore, but she still remembered the pain from yesterday’s fall.

She curled her fingers slightly and said, “It hurt! Mom, come back soon, okay?”

“Of course. I’ll come back as soon as I finish work.”

Meng Yufei picked up her water cup, pen, and notebook and was about to head out when she saw someone at the doorway about to knock.

“Sister-in-law, you’re here!” Meng Yufei greeted with a smile.

It was Mrs. Zhang. She had changed out of her old-fashioned, home-worn, coarse cotton jacket and into a slightly newer floral-patterned blouse with navy blue trousers. Her hair was neatly combed and coiled into a bun at the back of her head.

—

Mrs. Zhang nodded. “Yes, I got held up at home for a bit.”

Fangfang had come along as well. Seeing her, Meng Yufei bent down with a smile and greeted, “Fangfang, you came too!”

Fangfang shyly said, “Hello, Auntie.”

Hearing Fangfang’s voice, Xia Qinqin slid down from her chair and ran over, grabbing Fangfang’s hand excitedly. “Sister Fangfang, why are you here?”

Meng Yufei smiled. “Qinqin, you can play with Fangfang here.” Then, looking up, she said, “Sister-in-law, let Fangfang stay here and play for now. I have to head over to the Human Resources Department, so let’s go together.”

Mrs. Zhang nodded and turned to Fangfang. “Little girl, stay here and play with your sister, okay?”

Fangfang obediently nodded. “Okay.”

Over in the HR office, several people had already arrived to register. Meng Yufei led Mrs. Zhang to Xiao Wu’s desk and said, “Sister-in-law, you can register for the childcare position here.”

Section Chief Chen was busy registering applicants. When he saw Meng Yufei enter, he quickly said, “Director Meng, take a registration book from me and sit at Xiao Zhang’s old desk.”

“Alright.” Meng Yufei then turned to Mrs. Zhang and said, “Sister-in-law, please wait in line here.”

Mrs. Zhang nodded. “Got it, sister. You go ahead and take care of your work.”

Meng Yufei took the registration book and said to the people waiting in line next to Section Chief Chen, “Those registering for teaching positions can also come to me.”

Upon hearing this, the person at the end of the line turned around and approached Meng Yufei. “I want to register for a teaching position.”

Meng Yufei opened the registration book and asked, “May I have your name?”

“Liu Qiuju.”

“Age?”

“30 years old.”

“Education level?”

“Middle school.”

“Do you have any relevant work experience?”

“No.”

“Alright, your registration is complete. Please wait for further notification. Next person, please…”

People continued to arrive to register in the Human Resources Department. Meanwhile, in the Finance Department, Xiao Zhang was organizing documents, while Xia Qinqin and Fangfang lay on the table reading a book together.

Xia Qinqin pointed at an illustration in the book. “Sister Fangfang, look! This little boy is called Xun Ge’er His house has a really, really big yard with lots of trees… and a snake!”

Fangfang asked, “Is it like the snake we saw that day?”

Xia Qinqin shook her head. “Mom said no. This one is red, and it’s really, really dangerous! Kids have to stay far away because it’s super scary.”

Fangfang patted Xia Qinqin’s hand and said, “Don’t be scared! I’ll protect you. I’m not afraid of snakes. I’ll catch it!”

Xia Qinqin’s eyes widened in surprise. “Sister Fangfang, you dare to catch a snake?!”

“Mm-hmm! I saw how Sister Jianhong caught a snake that day. Next time, I’ll do it too!”

“Wow! Sister Fangfang, you’re amazing!” Xia Qinqin praised as she held Fangfang’s hand. The two little girls clasped hands and smiled at each other.

Xiao Zhang caught a glimpse of them from the corner of her eye and couldn’t help but smile. Such a pure and adorable friendship.

By mid-morning, Meng Yufei had already registered over a dozen people. It seemed like there was quite a lot of competition for kindergarten teaching positions.

“I want to register for the kindergarten principal position.”

Meng Yufei looked up and saw a woman standing before her, chin raised high and eyes slanted as she looked at her.

“Comrade Qi Huiying, I’m only handling registrations for teaching positions. If you want to register for the principal position, go to Section Chief Chen.”

“Where is Section Chief Chen?” Qi Huiying asked arrogantly.

Meng Yufei almost laughed out of frustration. Why did Qi Huiying always act like she was looking down on people every time they met? Who did she think she was?

In reality, Qi Huiying behaved this way because she believed she came from the future and had a perspective decades ahead of everyone else. She saw herself as the protagonist of this world, while everyone else was merely supporting characters. Only those with higher status, who could be useful to her, were worth her respect.

As for Meng Yufei, in Qi Huiying’s eyes, she was just a typical cannon fodder character, someone not even worth acknowledging.

“Hey, I’m talking to you! Where did Section Chief Chen go?”

Hearing no response from Meng Yufei, Qi Huiying impatiently asked again.

Meng Yufei glanced up at her and suddenly smiled. “Section Chief Chen went to the Director’s office, probably to discuss the selection of the kindergarten principal. You know, decisions for positions like that are made by the leadership. I heard there’s already someone particularly suitable for the role. Maybe you should consider applying for a teaching position instead? The requirements aren’t as high, and even though the salary is lower, the workload isn’t heavy. You just need to play with the kids.”

Qi Huiying’s frown deepened as she listened. She lifted her chin disdainfully. “Who wants to babysit kids? I’m here to apply for the principal position!” With that, she turned and left the Human Resources Department, heading straight to the Director’s office.

Meng Yufei watched her leave, noting that she was once again wearing high heels, the sound of her steps echoing loudly. Narrowing her eyes, Meng Yufei focused on Qi Huiying’s heels and realized that her gait wasn’t outwardly splayed at all…

A person’s walking habits shouldn’t change just because of the height of their heels, right?

Suppressing her doubts, Meng Yufei continued registering applicants.

At the Director’s office, Qi Huiying stood outside the door, faintly hearing voices inside. Recalling what Meng Yufei had said earlier, she figured Section Chief Chen was inside. Were they finalizing the decision already?

With that thought, she knocked on the door.

“Come in.”

Qi Huiying pushed the door open and, as expected, saw Section Chief Chen inside. Upon seeing her, Deputy Director Fu asked, “What do you need?”

“Deputy Director Fu, I’m Qi Huiying, and I’d like to recommend myself for the kindergarten principal position,” Qi Huiying said confidently. “I have a high school diploma.”

In this era, a high school diploma was considered a high level of education. Qi Huiying believed few people in the residential compound had a higher degree than hers. From the vague memories of the original owner, a high school class usually had only two or three girls. Not many families prioritized educating daughters in this time period.

Her attitude made Deputy Director Fu and Section Chief Chen both frown.

Section Chief Chen explained, “Director, this is the wife of Deputy Regiment Commander Chen from the 2nd Regiment. She recently joined as a military spouse.” Then, turning to Qi Huiying, he added, “If you want to apply, just register directly at the Human Resources Department.”

Qi Huiying replied, “I’m applying for the principal position. Talking to them is useless. Leadership makes the final decision on roles like this, after all.”

She smiled and said, “Deputy Director Fu, the kindergarten was built with funding from the Logistics Department. Ultimately, isn’t it up to you to decide who gets hired?”

Deputy Director Fu’s expression darkened.

No leader liked hearing themselves described as the sole decision-maker. Everyone knew that leadership had significant influence in decision-making, but no one bluntly stated it the way Qi Huiying just did. Especially in an era where workers could openly challenge factory directors, leaders had to appear receptive to public opinion.

Moreover, Deputy Director Fu had just formed a selection committee to prevent accusations of favoritism or corruption…

Section Chief Chen glanced at Qi Huiying with a strange expression, then awkwardly looked at the Director’s grim face. He raised a hand to his mouth and gave a heavy cough.

“Comrade Qi Huiying, your education is indeed good, but the kindergarten principal position requires more than just academic qualifications. It also demands extensive teaching and management experience. You’re still young and relatively inexperienced. You need more time to gain experience…”

Qi Huiying looked at Section Chief Chen, thinking, The Director hasn’t even spoken yet. Why are you, a mere section chief, interrupting? So tactless.

She directly cut him off and said, “Deputy Director Fu, I don’t think work ability is necessarily tied to experience. Young people are more innovative and energetic. I believe I’m fully capable of handling the principal role.”

Section Chief Chen looked at her, opened his mouth as if to say something, then hesitated and closed it again. Forget it…

Deputy Director Fu kept a stern expression and said, “Alright, I’ve heard everything you had to say. Our Logistics Department has already formed a selection committee. The final decision on each position will be made collectively by the committee members. You’re applying for the principal position, correct? Section Chief Chen, register her application and have her go home and wait for further notice.”

Section Chief Chen immediately responded, “Understood.”

Qi Huiying was about to say more when Section Chief Chen stood up and said, “Director, we’ll be heading back now so you can continue your work.” As he spoke, he pulled Qi Huiying out of the office.

Qi Huiying protested, “Section Chief Chen, if you want to leave, fine, but why are you dragging me along?” She still had more to say.

Section Chief Chen thought to himself, For the love of—just shut up already!

Taking a deep breath, she said, “The Director has a meeting at headquarters soon. Come with me to the office to complete your registration.”

Qi Huiying reluctantly said, “Fine.”

After thinking for a moment, Section Chief Chen kindly advised, “Comrade Huiying, I really think you should reconsider the position you’re applying for. Although you have a high school diploma, you don’t have any relevant teaching experience. Perhaps applying for a teaching position would be a better fit.”

Hearing this, Qi Huiying lifted her chin impatiently and said, “What kind of qualifications or experience do kindergarten teachers even need? Isn’t it just playing with a bunch of kids? You could grab any two random people for that. I have a high school diploma—wouldn’t being a kindergarten teacher be a complete waste of my education?”

Section Chief Chen: “…”

Great. I should’ve just kept my mouth shut.

When Section Chief Chen returned, his face was visibly tense.

Behind him, Qi Huiying followed, her chin raised arrogantly the moment she spotted Meng Yufei.

Section Chief Chen sat down, opened the registration form, and said to Qi Huiying, “Fill it out yourself.”

From his tone, Meng Yufei could hear the impatience in his voice. This Qi Huiying really has a talent for making enemies—she’s managed to offend yet another person in just a few minutes…

“Sister Meng, my friend is here to apply for a teaching position.”

The voice of Xiao Zhang pulled Meng Yufei from her thoughts. She looked up to see Xiao Zhang smiling at the doorway, with a young woman standing behind her. The woman had delicate features, pale skin, and a slender, fragile figure that gave off a sense of vulnerability.

Xiao Zhang gestured toward the woman and introduced her, “This is my friend from the arts troupe I mentioned yesterday—Zhou Wenqian, the wife of Battalion Commander Zhao from the 1st Regiment.”

Zhou Wenqian smiled and said, “Hello, Director Meng, I’m here to apply for a kindergarten teacher position.”

Meng Yufei returned her smile. “Hello! My husband is also in the 1st Regiment. You can just call me Sister Meng like Xiao Zhang does. Come, I’ll register your information.”

She picked up a pen and recorded Zhou Wenqian’s name in the registry before asking, “Wenqian, how old are you, and what’s your education level?”

“Twenty-four, middle school diploma.”

“Do you have any relevant work experience?”

“No, I used to work in the arts troupe. I can dance… and I can sing, too.”

Meng Yufei smiled and said, “Those talents are actually perfect for a kindergarten teacher.”

After completing the registration, Xiao Zhang took Zhou Wenqian back to the finance office and pulled her back when she tried to leave. “You finally got a chance to come out for a bit—take in some fresh air! Don’t rush home. Have lunch with me! Since you arrived, we haven’t had a meal together, just the two of us.”

Zhou Wenqian said, “He’s bringing lunch home at noon.”

“So what!” Xiao Zhang suggested, “Here’s what we’ll do—I’ll borrow an internal phone from the publicity department and tell him not to bring you lunch today.”

With that, she pulled Zhou Wenqian into her chair and turned to Xia Qinqin, saying, “Qinqin, I’m stepping out for a few minutes. Keep an eye on this auntie for me—don’t let her leave!”

Mrs. Zhang had just finished registering and taken Fangfang home, leaving Xia Qinqin sitting alone, flipping through picture books in boredom. Hearing Auntie Xiao Zhang’s instructions, she nodded seriously, “Mhm, okay!”

She slid off her chair, ran over to the unfamiliar auntie, looked up at her with wide eyes, and exclaimed, “Wow~ Auntie, you’re so pretty!”

Zhou Wenqian looked down at the delicate little girl in front of her, unable to resist reaching out to touch her tiny braids. She smiled and said, “You’re very pretty too.”

Blushing slightly, Xia Qinqin hugged the auntie’s arm and earnestly said, “Auntie, you can’t leave, okay? I have to help Auntie Xiao Zhang watch over you.”

Seeing the little girl’s bright smile, Zhou Wenqian felt her heart soften. She nodded and said with a smile, “Okay, I won’t leave.”

Seeing that they were getting along well, Xiao Zhang felt reassured and left to make the call at the publicity department.

Meanwhile, Zhao Zhengliu had been in a great mood all morning, ever since noticing the change in Zhou Wenqian’s attitude last night. He finished his work early, planning to go to the cafeteria at noon and pick up a few extra dishes to celebrate. Wenqian had gotten too thin lately—she needed proper nourishment.

Besides, it had been a long time since the two of them had sat down and shared a good meal together. Just thinking about finally having a peaceful meal with her again made Zhao Zhengliu unconsciously smile.

“Battalion Commander Zhao, there’s a call for you from the logistics department.”

“The logistics department?” Zhao Zhengliu was a bit puzzled as he took the phone. “Hello, this is Zhao Zhengliu. Who is this? What’s the matter?”

On the other end of the line, Xiao Zhang’s voice came through. “It’s me. Wenqian’s not going home for lunch today—she’s eating with me, so don’t bring her any food.”

She rattled off the message in one breath, then hung up without waiting for a response.

“Beep… beep… beep…”

Only the busy tone remained on the line.

For a moment, Zhao Zhengliu was stunned. He stared at the phone, blinking. A few seconds later, he slammed the receiver down in frustration!

That Xiao Zhang!

Why did she have to take my wife to lunch?!