Born in the 1980s, she was remarried and became a stepmother; a cold, rough man doted on her, pinchi

Chapter 59 Craft Competition
Qin Yishen took Jiang Man to visit their neighbors.

Qin Yishen gently knocked on the door, which was quickly opened, and Officer Li's warm and smiling face appeared in the doorway.

"Old Qin, come in quickly, come in quickly!"

As he greeted them, he stepped aside to let Qin Yishen and Jiang Man into the house.

Inside the house, Officer Li's wife, Ms. Zhang, was sitting on the sofa knitting. When she saw guests arrive, she quickly put down her work and got up to greet them.

"This must be your sister-in-law! Seeing is believing, she's so beautiful!"

Ms. Zhang's praise made Jiang Man smile a little shyly.

Everyone sat together and began a relaxed and pleasant chat.

Qin Yishen spoke first, saying, "Old Li, we'll be neighbors from now on, so please take good care of me. I just moved here with my family, and there are many things I need to ask you for advice on."

Officer Li laughed heartily: "Old Qin, what are you saying? We're all part of the military region, it's only right that we help each other. Sister-in-law, you're new here, if there's anything you're not used to, just let us know."

Jiang Man smiled and replied, "Thank you. Actually, the environment here is quite nice, but I'm not very familiar with it yet."

Ms. Zhang quickly chimed in, "Sister-in-law, what's there to be unfamiliar with? Our compound has everything—supermarkets, clinics, barbershops—life is so convenient. Besides, we military dependents often get together to do activities and such. You should come along sometime!"

After chatting about everyday things for a while, the topic naturally shifted to life in the military region.

Officer Li vividly recounted some interesting stories from the military region and exciting moments from the training ground, while Qin Yishen occasionally chimed in, sharing his own experiences and feelings.

Jiang Man listened intently, and she began to gain a deeper understanding of this place full of masculinity and discipline.

After leaving Officer Li's house, they went downstairs to Professor Wang's house. Professor Wang was a well-known cultural figure in the military compound, erudite and refined.

When I knocked on his door, Professor Wang appeared at the door wearing glasses and with a smile on his face.

"Comrade Qin, welcome, welcome. This must be your wife."

Upon entering the room, Jiang Man was immediately drawn to the numerous books and calligraphy and paintings that filled the space.

Professor Wang seemed to see through her thoughts and said with a smile, "If you're interested, feel free to take a look. These are my collections from many years, and some of them are quite valuable."

Jiang Man said somewhat reservedly, "Professor Wang, you're too kind. I was just looking around, but your collection is truly an eye-opener."

Before I knew it, it was getting late.

Qin Yishen and Jiang Man got up to say goodbye, and Professor Wang and his family warmly saw them to the door.

On her way home, Jiang Man remarked with emotion, "Yishen, today has been a very fruitful day. These neighbors are all very warm and friendly, and each of them has their own unique characteristics and charm."

Qin Yi smiled and nodded: "Yes, that's the charm of the military compound. Everyone comes from different places and has different backgrounds, but they can all get along harmoniously and learn from each other. The more you interact with them in the future, the more you will adapt to life here."

The next morning, Qin Yishen went to training.

Sunlight streamed through the cracks in the window, gently scattering across the living room floor of Jiang Manjia's house, creating patches of golden light.

Jiang Man was sitting on the sofa, tidying up some clothes, when a crisp knock sounded on the door.

She got up and opened the door, only to see her neighbor, Aunt Zhang, standing there with a beaming smile. "Jiang Man, what are you busy with?"

Aunt Zhang greeted them warmly as she walked into the house.

"Sister Zhang, please have a seat. I just tidied up a bit," Jiang Man quickly replied with a friendly smile. After Sister Zhang sat down, she got straight to the point: "Sister, I came to tell you something today. Recently, the families in our compound organized a handicraft competition, and it's been quite a lot of fun. I thought you were so skillful, you definitely have to participate."

Jiang Man was slightly taken aback and asked curiously, "A craft competition? What kind of competition is it?"

Sister Zhang enthusiastically introduced, "There are so many kinds, like weaving, embroidery, paper cutting, and handmade ornaments. Many of the women in our compound have their own special skills, and everyone wants to take this opportunity to show them off and exchange and learn from each other."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Man felt a surge of interest.

When she lived in the countryside, she often did handicrafts, such as knitting sweaters and making insoles for her family. She would also cut festive paper-cuts for holidays.

These handicrafts are not only a part of her life, but also a way for her to pass on the warmth of family and traditional culture.

"These are all small handicrafts from the countryside, I don't know if they'll be any good."

Jiang Man said modestly.

"Girl, don't be modest. I heard you were really good at it in the village before. If you show your skills, you'll definitely amaze everyone. Besides, this competition is just for fun, to have some fun together. Winning or losing isn't important."

Aunt Zhang quickly offered encouragement. Jiang Man couldn't help but feel a little tempted. She thought that participating in this competition might be a good opportunity to integrate into the compound life, get to know more neighbors, and make her life more colorful.

"Then I'll give it a try, Sister Zhang, but I still need to make some preparations."

"Alright, girl. You have plenty of time, take your time preparing. I'll go to the competition venue with you and cheer you on."

Sister-in-law Zhang patted her chest and assured her.

From then on, Jiang Man began to prepare meticulously.

She rummaged through her sewing box, found yarn of various colors, and planned to knit a beautiful shawl.

Her fingers moved nimbly through the yarn, her needlework skillful and delicate, each stitch reflecting her dedication and anticipation for the competition.

Shi'an and Shi'ning saw their mother busy with crafts and came over. Shi'ning asked curiously, "Mom, what are you doing?"

Jiang Man replied with a smile, "Mom is preparing to participate in the courtyard's handicraft competition. She's going to make a beautiful shawl."

Shi An said excitedly, "Mom, you're sure to get first place!"

Jiang Man was amused by the children's innocence and cuteness: "Baby, Mommy just needs to do her best."

During the preparation process, Sister Zhang would frequently check on Jiang Man's progress, offering her creative ideas and suggestions. Sometimes, they would discuss together which needlework techniques were more suitable and which color combinations were more aesthetically pleasing.

This interaction made Jiang Man feel the warmth and unity among the neighbors in the compound.

Finally, the day of the handicraft competition arrived. Jiang Man brought her carefully woven shawl to the competition venue. Many family members from the compound had already gathered there, and everyone's works were dazzling and unique.

There were exquisite embroidered handkerchiefs, lifelike paper-cutting works, and creatively designed handmade jewelry. Jiang Man nervously showed off her shawl.

The shawl was woven from soft wool, with exquisite patterns and delicate textures, and it shone with a soft luster in the sunlight.

Those around him looked on with admiration.

"This weaving skill is truly excellent!"

"Yes, the pattern is so beautiful, it must have taken a lot of thought."