Chapter 41:
Chen Xinghe successfully convinced his father to go to the countryside to teach.
Before leaving, I went to his room to see him packing: "Brother, take me with you." Chen Xinghe naturally didn't agree, saying that the countryside is too difficult.
But I was also stubborn.
"Brother, women can do many things too.
I can too." I am not someone whose perspective is limited to what's in front of me, I can also support a towering tree.
Women may be weak, but they also have their own power.
I said, "I also want to do what you want to do, brother.
I can endure any hardship.
I cannot rely on you and our parents' protection for the rest of my life.
Women's independence makes the world wider."
"I went to the mountain village to teach with Chen Xinghe.
We brought books and knowledge to the children in the village.
The girls feel ashamed about menstruation and are not allowed to buy sanitary pads.
They can only use old cloth as makeshift pads.
Chen Xinghe made a donation, and I also donated all my scholarships from these years.
As Chen Xinghe said, I hope to use my little power to help every 'little fish' who cares.
But there are even bigger challenges waiting for us ahead.
The sanitary pads we donated with Chen Xinghe were brought back by the parents of one of the girls.
'How can she afford to use such expensive things? Can't you give something practical?' The girl was being dragged by her hair by her parents and dared not speak.
Chen Xinghe stood in front of me and said, 'We should also pay attention to girls' physiological problems!' The middle-aged woman suddenly spat and said, 'Mind your own business, we have always lived like this! Instead of buying sanitary pads, it's better to buy something delicious for my son, who is the root of our family's continuation! Daughters should be married off when they grow up!' Sons! It's always sons! I was protected by Chen Xinghe and felt confused.
What's the difference between sons and daughters? Who pays the price for continuing the family line? Should women be ignored and sacrificed? I remembered everything in the past.
Before my younger brother was born, I was also a child raised with love.
After my younger brother was born, I was abandoned.
What did I do wrong? Just like the girl in front of me, she is already infected from using cloth as a pad.
Can't she even have a clean sanitary pad? Was she born as a tool for reproduction? I suddenly grabbed the girl and said, 'I tell you, the money is mine, and I can buy whatever I want for whoever I want!' That middle-aged woman replied unreasonably, 'You fool! You should just get married!' She reached out to grab me.
Chen Xinghe protected me and said fiercely, 'Touch her and your son will never go to school!' The little boy looked at his mother pulling the girl in confusion.
The middle-aged woman calmed down when she heard that her son could no longer go to school.
She scolded me and then ran away.
Chen Xinghe patted me to calm me down and said, 'You were scared.' I shook my head and said, 'Chen Xinghe, it's so difficult to change people's minds.
Can we really help others?' Chen Xinghe remained silent.
He came over and sat in front of me, his voice gentle, 'There are people who care.' The girl's eyes when she was taken away were filled with numbness.
Will there really be people who care?