Sun Zhewen stroked her hair. "Zhiyan, what's wrong? Tell me what's bothering you."
Li Zhiyan shook her head, tears soaking his chest. "Nothing."
Sun Zhewen didn't believe her. He grasped her shoulders and said earnestly, "If nothing was wrong, you wouldn't be like this."
She finally raised her head, her eyes filled with fear and helplessness. "Zhewen, the child in my belly determines my life or death."
Hearing this, Sun Zhewen sat up abruptly, asking anxiously, "What's going on?"
Li Zhiyan took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. "Today I overheard Liu Qingfeng and Liu Jing talking. Liu Jing told Blackie Liu to kill Fang Shaolin, the holdout in the shantytown. They also said that if the child in my belly isn't his, they'll get rid of me. Zhewen, I'm really scared, I don't want to die. Sob, sob."
Sun Zhewen's heart felt as if it had been struck by a heavy hammer. He held Li Zhiyan tightly, his voice low and firm. "Zhiyan, don't be afraid, we still have time."
Li Zhiyan's tears continued to flow, her body trembling slightly in his arms. "But they're so powerful, how can we fight them?"
Sun Zhewen didn't know how to answer.
The next morning, the sky was shrouded in a thin veil of rain. Fine drizzle, like silk threads, fell onto the earth. Sun Zhewen arrived at the office early. Rainwater slid down his raincoat, and his shoes made a soft "pat-pat" sound on the wet ground. He went straight to his office, pushed open the door, and saw Fang Ping organizing files.
"Morning, Sister Fang," Sun Zhewen greeted with a smile.
"Morning, Xiao Sun. Be careful today, I heard the roads aren't great," Fang Ping said, looking up and handing him a set of car keys, a concerned expression on her face.
"Don't worry, Sister Fang, I'll be careful," Sun Zhewen replied, taking the keys and nodding before leaving the office.
He went downstairs, parked the car at the entrance of the office, and waited quietly for Liu Ruyue to arrive. Raindrops tapped on the car roof, making a soft "drip-drip" sound, as if playing a prelude to the day.
Before long, Liu Ruyue hurried over, holding a flowered umbrella, her steps quick. As soon as she got in the car, she complained, "This awful weather is really annoying."
Sun Zhewen smiled and teased, "Chairwoman, your umbrella is really unique, just like you, all flashy."
Liu Ruyue rolled her eyes at him, but the corners of her mouth turned up slightly. "Stop the nonsense, let's go, don't waste time."
The two of them set off together towards Linshui Town. The car drove out of the city and entered a country road, and the road conditions gradually became complicated. The bumpy road was like a ragged cloth riddled with holes, and the car bounced violently on it.
"Xiao Sun, drive slower, my stomach is about to turn over," Liu Ruyue said, clutching her stomach, her face pale, with a hint of helplessness in her voice.
Sun Zhewen nodded and slowed down, but the road conditions were really bad, and the car was still bumping. Suddenly, a sharp turn appeared in front of them, and the car skidded violently, almost sliding off the road. Sun Zhewen hurriedly turned the steering wheel, his heart racing, and cold sweat pouring down his back.
"I was scared to death!" Liu Ruyue patted her chest, still frightened. "Your driving skills are really..."
"Don't say it, I was also scared," Sun Zhewen shook his head with a wry smile and continued to drive cautiously.
Finally, they arrived at Linshui Town. The scene in the town was completely different from the city, simple and tranquil. The two of them immediately met with the local Women's Federation and began to understand the work situation. The comrades of the Women's Federation warmly received them and introduced in detail the various activities carried out recently and the difficulties they faced.
"We have recently carried out many skill training classes to help women master some practical skills, such as sewing, embroidery, planting techniques, and so on," Director Zhang of the Women's Federation said, while taking them to visit the activity venue.
Liu Ruyue listened attentively, nodding in approval from time to time. "These activities are really excellent. They provide women with more employment opportunities and improve their quality of life."
"However, we've also encountered some difficulties, such as insufficient funds, outdated equipment, and the inability of women in some remote villages to participate in the training," Director Zhang sighed, his brow furrowed.
Sun Zhewen and Liu Ruyue exchanged glances, both having some ideas. Afterwards, they went to several villages to conduct on-site investigations. In the villages, they had cordial conversations with the women, learning about their living conditions, employment situations, and family relationships.
"What kind of work do you usually do?" Sun Zhewen asked, making notes in his notebook.
"We mainly farm, and do some handicrafts during the off-season," replied an older woman, a sincere smile on her face.
"And what about your income?" Liu Ruyue asked with concern.
"It's alright. After participating in the Women's Federation's training, the handicrafts we make can be sold for some money, and life is much better than before," another woman chimed in, hope shining in her eyes.
Sun Zhewen and Liu Ruyue listened carefully to the women's voices, making notes and occasionally offering suggestions and solutions. They saw that although the Women's Homes in the villages were simple, the activities were carried out with great enthusiasm, and many women had found ways to increase their income through skills training.
"The Women's Federation here is really good. Although the conditions are limited, everyone is very enthusiastic," Liu Ruyue praised.
"Yes, everyone works very hard," Director Zhang nodded with a smile. "However, we also face some problems, such as inadequate medical保障 for women in some impoverished families, and some women still face unequal treatment in their families."
Sun Zhewen frowned, pondered for a moment, and then said, "These problems do indeed need attention. We can consider working with some social organizations to provide more support and assistance."
Liu Ruyue also nodded in agreement, "Yes, especially in terms of medical保障. We can contact some hospitals and try to get more medical resources."
After a whole day of visits and understanding, although the situation here was generally not bad, there was still much work that needed to be further promoted and improved. As dusk fell, they ate a simple dinner in the company of the Women's Federation in Linshui Town.
"Although the food is simple, it tastes very homely," Liu Ruyue said with a sigh as she ate.
Sun Zhewen smiled, "Yes, sometimes the simplest things are the most touching."
After dinner, they prepared to return to the city. Looking at the darkness outside the window, Liu Ruyue couldn't help but complain, "Why is this road so terrible?"
Sun Zhewen's clothes were almost soaked with cold sweat. He sighed and said, "This is one of the poorest towns in Jiang City. What good roads are you expecting?"
....
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(End Chapter)