Chapter 9: With the Sewing Machine Ticket in Hand, the Sewing Club Opens for Business

The commune’s commendation meeting was lively and bustling. Secretary Li handed Su Yao a brand-new sewing machine voucher, and the eyes of everyone in the audience widened. In these times, having a sewing machine was more prestigious than getting married.

“Comrade Su, this is the commune’s reward for you,” Secretary Li’s booming voice made ears ring. “You solved the case and helped the team build the greenhouse. This prize is well-deserved!”

Su Yao held the voucher, stamped with the “Shanghai” brand, her fingertips slightly warm. The murmurs from the crowd swept over her like a tide—some envious, some jealous, and some whispering, “City girls really have all the luck.”

She took a deep breath and raised the voucher. “Secretary Li, I can’t accept this voucher.”

Instantly, the noisy crowd fell silent, so quiet that even the dropping of a needle could be heard. Secretary Li was stunned. “What did you say?”

“This sewing machine belongs to the brigade,” Su Yao said clearly. “I want to apply on behalf of the team to open a sewing cooperative with it. The women here are skilled with needlework; making clothes to sell will earn more work points than me using it alone.”

The crowd erupted into a commotion. Widow Wang was the first to shout, “Is what Comrade Su said true? We can also earn work points?”

“How do you earn work points making clothes? Who’d buy them?” someone muttered doubtfully.

Su Yao had already prepared her response. “We’ll make improved workwear—durable and attractive. I’ll go to the county supply and marketing cooperative to take orders. It will definitely work.”

Secretary Li stared at her for a moment, then suddenly slapped his thigh. “Good! Let’s do it your way! The brigade will clear out the west wing of the warehouse for the workshop. Anyone interested in joining the sewing cooperative, sign up now!”

The women swarmed around, encircling Su Yao. Grandma Zhang’s daughter-in-law gripped her hand. “Comrade Su, I can sew shoe soles. Will that work?”

“Of course!” Su Yao smiled and nodded. “Anyone willing to learn can do anything.”

On the way home, Lu Xingchen quietly asked, “Mother, are you really giving up the machine?”

“The machine will be in the cooperative. Can’t I still use it?” Su Yao flicked his nose. “It’s better for everyone to earn work points than just me using it alone, don’t you think?”

Lu Yuxuan nodded, not fully understanding. “Does that mean we can wear new clothes every day?”

“When we earn enough work points, I’ll make new ones for you,” Su Yao’s heart warmed.

That night, after tucking the children in, a system prompt appeared: [To encourage collective income growth, reward: a set of new cutting patterns.] Several pattern sheets unfolded before her eyes—improved work pants, jackets with pockets, and little dresses for children, with clear stitch lines marked.

Su Yao grew increasingly delighted. These designs were more attractive than the current ones and saved fabric. She folded the patterns and tucked them under her pillow, planning to go to the county to handle the paperwork the next day.

Early the next morning, Su Yao set off for the county with the brigade’s travel pass. The dirt road was full of potholes, and the bicycle bell jingled all the way. Director Wang of the supply and marketing cooperative was a slightly plump middle-aged woman. After hearing Su Yao’s purpose, she pushed up her glasses. “Your village can produce qualified workwear?”

“If Director Wang trusts us, we’ll first make ten sample sets,” Su Yao said, pulling out the cutting patterns from her cloth bag. “These are improved designs, with two extra pockets compared to the old style, and tightened cuffs for convenience during work.”

Director Wang’s eyes brightened as she looked at the patterns. “This style is fresh! If they’re well made, the cooperative can order long term.” She picked up a pen and wrote a few notes on the order form. “I’ll approve ten sets of fabric and thread coupons now. Make the samples and bring them for inspection.”

Su Yao stepped out of the cooperative, the sun stretching her shadow long on the ground. She bought two steamed buns and sat by the roadside, munching while thinking about how to teach the women to cut patterns.

Back in the village, news of the sewing cooperative had already spread. The west wing was cleaned spotless. Several rows of nails were hammered into the walls, and baskets of needles and threads brought by the women covered the floor. When Su Yao returned, everyone gathered around, asking questions.

“Don’t rush. We’ll learn cutting first,” Su Yao said, posting the patterns on the wall. “This is the front piece, this is the back. We’ll draw on paper first and practice until we’re confident before cutting fabric.”

Widow Wang’s son was studying in the county and could read a few words. Looking at the patterns, she muttered, “The waist should be taken in a bit to look better.”

“You’re right,” Su Yao picked up chalk and drew on the blackboard. “Take in three centimeters here, and it won’t look baggy when worn.”

The women learned earnestly. Some drew on the ground with sticks; others cut paper into squares to practice. Lu Xingchen came after school to help grind ink, while Lu Shihan played with scraps of cloth, running around inside.

Three days later, the sewing machines arrived. Two burly men carried wooden boxes into the courtyard. The women held their breath. Su Yao unpacked the boxes; the gleaming machines sparkled under the sun. She pressed the pedal once, and the needle flew rapidly, drawing gasps from the crowd.

“Let’s practice stepping on the pedal first,” Su Yao demonstrated. “Keep your foot steady to keep the stitches straight.”

Widow Wang was the first to try but panicked after a couple of presses. “This thing won’t listen to me!” Everyone burst out laughing.

Su Yao stifled a giggle and taught her hand over hand. “Press slowly and count in your head.”

Days passed, and the cooperative began to take shape. The women’s hands grew calloused, and the cut fabric pieces became increasingly neat. Su Yao mixed spring water into the starch. The starched fabric was crisp and well-shaped, and the clothes made were more durable than others’.

One evening, while teaching how to sew pockets, Lu Shihan ran in holding a piece of floral cloth. “Mother, Grandma Zhang gave me this fabric. Can you make me a little dress?”

It was leftover fabric, scraps pieced together just enough for a small dress. Su Yao smiled and nodded, “I’ll make it as soon as I finish my current work.”

At night, under the lamp, she sewed the dress. Lu Zhanye stood silently in the doorway, moonlight casting his shadow on the floor. He carried a cloth bag.

“Commander Lu?” Su Yao was startled, pricking her finger with the needle.

“Sorry to disturb,” Lu Zhanye stepped in and placed the bag on the table. “The communications officer brought this fine fabric from Shanghai. Make clothes for the children.”

Su Yao opened it to find soft, light blue cotton. She hurriedly declined, “This is too precious. I can’t accept it.”

“Take it. The children should have decent clothes,” Lu Zhanye said, his gaze falling on the sewing machine. “What you’re doing is excellent.”

Su Yao’s heart stirred. Just as she was about to reply, Lu Shihan rubbed her eyes and came out, “Mother, is the dress done yet?”

“Almost,” Su Yao lifted her up. “Say hello to Uncle Lu.”

Lu Shihan blinked, then pointed at Lu Zhanye’s uniform. “Uncle’s clothes aren’t as pretty as yours.”

Lu Zhanye was momentarily taken aback, then smiled slightly. “Is that so? Then next time, your mother can make one for me.”

Su Yao’s face flushed, and she quickly changed the subject. “Commander Lu, have you eaten? I have some steamed corn buns.”

“No, I have other business,” Lu Zhanye turned to leave but paused at the door. “The commune’s armed forces need a batch of training uniforms. I’ve spoken with Director Wang; the order will go to your cooperative.”

Su Yao watched his figure vanish into the night, the fabric still warm in her hands. Lu Shihan clapped in her arms. “Mother, Uncle smiled!”

The dress was finished late into the night. Su Yao sewed a ruffled hem, crisp and beautiful. Lu Shihan refused to take it off, twirling in bed like a fluttering butterfly.

The next morning, news of the cooperative’s opening spread throughout the village. Secretary Li specially wrote a couplet and posted it on the door; the golden characters shone on red paper. The women wore newly made workwear with red silk flowers pinned to their chests, grinning ear to ear.

Director Wang hurried from the county and nodded approvingly at the clothes hanging on the walls. “I didn’t expect you to do so well! I’ll take the entire batch!”

Su Yao dressed Lu Shihan in the new skirt to show everyone. The little girl ran around the courtyard, drawing praise. Grandma Zhang wiped tears away. “In all my years, I’ve never seen village girls wear such beautiful dresses.”

Amid the lively scene, Lu Zhanye appeared quietly at the door. Dressed in a crisp military uniform, his gaze rested on Su Yao. She was explaining neckline measurements to Widow Wang, sunlight gilding the tips of her hair. The tape measure moved skillfully and swiftly through the fabric.

“Commander Lu is here!” someone called out.

Su Yao looked up. As their eyes met, her heart fluttered like a captive rabbit. Lu Zhanye’s eyes scanned the tape measure in her hands, then the clothes hanging on the walls, and he slowly nodded.

Director Wang quickly stepped forward to shake his hand. “Commander Lu, you’ve arrived just in time. This cooperative is thanks to Comrade Su. From now on, all our workwear will depend on them!”

Lu Zhanye said nothing but pulled a notebook from his pocket and handed it to Su Yao. “Here’s the size chart for the armed forces. Come pick up the order next Monday.”

Su Yao took the book, and when her fingertips accidentally touched his hand, she pulled away as if shocked. Lu Shihan suddenly ran up and tugged on Lu Zhanye’s sleeve. “Uncle, Mother should make you a coat, prettier than what you’re wearing!”

Everyone laughed. Lu Zhanye’s ears reddened slightly, and he bent down to pat Lu Shihan’s head. “Alright, once you’re not busy.”

On opening day, the cooperative received an order for fifty sets of workwear. The women calculated the work points they would earn and were full of enthusiasm. Su Yao watched the busy figures in the courtyard, feeling both grounded and warm.

At day’s end, Widow Wang handed her two boiled eggs. “Comrade Su, my husband works at the mine and wants to order two sets of durable jackets.”

“No problem. We’ll make them tomorrow,” Su Yao said, handing the eggs to Lu Yuxuan. “Share them with your siblings.”

On the way home, the three children hopped and skipped. Lu Xingchen suddenly said, “Mother, when Uncle Lu looked at you, his eyes were bright.”

Su Yao blushed again and scolded, “What would a child know?”

Lu Shihan waved her skirt. “Mother, next time make Uncle a coat with pockets, like ours.”

Su Yao said nothing but thought of Lu Zhanye wearing the new clothes and couldn’t help but smile.

That night, while counting accounts by the oil lamp, the system prompted: [The sewing cooperative is operating smoothly. Reward: a secret recipe for fabric dyeing and twenty yuan in cash.]

Reading the recipe, she saw how to use plants to dye fabric in various colors. Her eyes lit up. Now they could not only make clothes but also dye fabric to sell, earning even more work points.

Moonlight streamed through the window, falling on the twenty yuan. Su Yao wrapped the money in cloth and hid it in the kang’s hollow. She would save it carefully, and once enough was gathered, buy new shoes for the children.

Lu Shihan’s little dress hung on the line, gently swaying in the breeze. Su Yao recalled how Lu Zhanye stood at the door earlier, her heart warm as if holding a piece of jade. Life, like the patterns on the skirt, would become ever more vibrant.

The next morning, just as the cooperative’s door opened, a customer came to place an order. Su Yao stood at the sewing machine; the sound of the pedal and the women’s laughter mixed into a lively song. Sunshine filtered through the window, casting mottled light on the floor—everything was full of hope.

Lu Zhanye stood on a distant dirt slope, watching smoke curl from the west wing’s chimney, a faint smile tugging at his lips. The communications officer quietly appeared behind him, smiling. “Commander, Comrade Su is truly capable.”

Lu Zhanye said nothing, turning toward the commune. The wind lifted his coat’s hem, revealing the gun holster at his waist. His steps were steady and resolute.

Inside the cooperative, Su Yao was teaching the women to make jackets from freshly dyed blue fabric. Widow Wang was the quickest learner; her needle flew. “When we earn enough work points, I’ll make a floral dress for my girl!”

Their laughter, like silver bells, echoed long in the courtyard.