Chapter 65: Sheng Wanyan Takes the Lead
Sheng Wanyan’s blunt response caused Niu Fangli’s face to darken. Was this girl actually showing off to her?
Niu Fangli fumed silently. If I had been the one invited, the factory director would surely have praised me just as much. How did it ever become her turn?
An awkward silence settled over the room as the other clerks felt the tension rising. Niu Fangli really was something else; anyone would feel a sting after hearing such petty, passive-aggressive remarks. You couldn’t simply dismiss Sheng Wanyan’s talent just because someone else had a few more years on the clock.
Niu Fangli clearly hadn’t expected Wanyan to push back. By refusing to play along with the “polite junior” act, Wanyan had embarrassed her right in front of the office.
Without another word, Sheng Wanyan returned to her desk. Seeing the conversation was over, the others followed suit. Wanyan knew that a grudge had officially been cemented between her and Niu Fangli, but she saw no reason to endure constant sarcasm. Niu Fangli wasn’t her superior, nor was she the one signing the paychecks. Who was she to try and “lead” everyone with that condescending attitude every day?
The rest of the department began to view Sheng Wanyan in a new light. Usually, she seemed easy-going and pleasant, but beneath that exterior was a woman with a spine of steel. If you crossed her line, she wouldn’t hesitate to bite back.
When Director Li returned from the executive meeting, he immediately gathered everyone to issue instructions for the new campaign.
“The city is placing immense importance on this publicity work. It must be inspiring!” he announced. “And as a reward for everyone’s hard work, the government has authorized a special welfare distribution: one foot of cloth per person!”
The office erupted in excitement. In these times, fabric was incredibly hard to come by. While a single foot of cloth wasn’t enough for an adult’s outfit, it was perfect for a toddler’s clothes or for patching up old garments. Besides, who would turn down something for free? Only a fool would complain about a gift from the state.
“Comrade Sheng Wanyan will be in charge of this publicity project,” Director Li continued. “I expect everyone to cooperate with her fully. Let’s show the leadership exactly what our Propaganda Department is capable of.”
The department offered no objections, and everyone voiced their willingness to help—except for Niu Fangli.
She pursed her lips, her eyes burning with resentment. This should have been my responsibility, she thought bitterly. This was a city-level event, a golden opportunity. Furthermore, it was technically her month to lead the promotions. Why was she being pushed aside?
Worse yet, projects assigned by the municipal government usually involved inspections from high-ranking officials. If a factory performed well, the person in charge would receive all the accolades. Niu Fangli stared at Wanyan. Why did this newcomer always get to steal the limelight?
“The factory director specifically designated Comrade Sheng Wanyan for this role,” Director Li added, his voice cooling as he noticed Niu Fangli’s expression. “If you have any objections, feel free to take them up with the factory manager himself.”
That effectively silenced her. Niu Fangli didn’t have the standing to challenge a direct order from the top. She rarely even saw the factory director outside of passing him in the halls. To protest now would be professional suicide. Did she want to keep her job or not?
“I… I have no objection,” she muttered, scowling.
“Good. Then make sure you support Comrade Sheng Wanyan’s work. There is no room for error this time. If this fails, the entire department will face the consequences.”
The gravity of his words sunk in. No one dared to cause trouble when the survival of the department was on the line.
“Alright, let’s brainstorm. How do we make this publicity stand out?” Director Li asked, closing the office door to begin the meeting.
Ideas were tossed around, but nothing seemed to land until Director Li turned to Wanyan. “Comrade Sheng Wanyan, what are your thoughts?”
Wanyan took a moment to organize her ideas before speaking. “The government wants to inspire the people. Instead of just using walls of text, why don’t we turn words into pictures?”
Director Li’s eyes lit up. “Go on. Tell me more.”
“We can paint scenes of labor directly onto the propaganda columns,” she explained. “Farmers working the fields, workers sweating at their stations, women caring for their families—images that resonate. We can also create small standing displays of these scenes and place them in the open areas where people walk to and from work. It will catch their eyes and make them stop to look.”
She added a practical touch: “And it won’t be wasteful. Once the campaign is over, the wood and paper can be recycled as firewood.”
“Excellent! Truly excellent!” Director Li nodded vigorously, ready to start immediately. Then he paused. “But… none of us know how to paint.”
Wu Jiaxiu pointed out the obvious flaw. They were clerks, not artists.
“I can do some basic sketching,” Chen Kangming said, tentatively raising his hand. He had practiced a bit as a child, though he was out of practice.
“I can draw straight lines,” Lin Hongjie added. “I have a very steady hand.”
“I’ll handle the lettering,” Niu Fangli offered. She was worried about her standing with Director Li and didn’t want to be left out. If this project succeeded, she needed her name on it.
“I… I can’t do anything,” Wu Jiaxiu whimpered, looking like she was on the verge of tears. She couldn’t sketch, her lines were shaky, and her handwriting couldn’t compete with Niu Fangli’s.
Director Li looked at the group, slightly underwhelmed. He was embarrassed to realize his “expert” department had such rudimentary skills. He turned back to Wanyan for a solution.
“Comrade Chen Kangming can sketch the basic outlines of the people and scenes,” Wanyan directed. “I will come behind him to add the fine details. Comrade Lin Hongjie will handle the borders and structural lines—he’ll just need to coordinate with Chen. Sister Fangli will be in charge of the fonts, adding simple, inspirational dialogue to the characters in the paintings.”
The three nodded, and Director Li beamed at the logical division of labor.
“As for Sister Jiaxiu…” Wanyan smiled at her nervous friend.
Wu Jiaxiu held her breath. She didn’t want to be the office “lazy bum” who only cared about her next meal. She wished she had studied harder instead of just coasting.
“Jiaxiu will be in charge of the coloring. I’ll mark each area with a specific number that corresponds to a numbered pen. You just have to fill it in. It’s a big job, but it’s vital.”
“I can do that! I can definitely do that!” Wu Jiaxiu exclaimed, relieved to have a clear way to contribute.
“And what about me?” Director Li asked, leaning forward.
