She won't clear her name; she'll throw away all the scum.

Chapter 565

The next day, Grandma Xia got up very early and specially wore the clothes she had bought when she was sent abroad.

Although her sister is gone, she will carry her longing for her sister into her future life.

Her sister once said that she wants to be a human again in her next life, and she wants to work even harder to create a better environment for women today and for women who haven't been born yet.

After that day, Grandma Xia worked even harder.

Day after day, year after year, Grandma Xia's desk was piled high with work notebooks. She was no longer the newly appointed women's director; she was now adept at handling everything.

In the year she was eligible to retire, she was rehired due to strong calls from the female colleagues in the factory, and she didn't officially retire until she was 60, just like the male leaders.

By this time, their place had changed drastically compared to before.

On the day of Grandma Xia's 60th birthday, which was also the day she retired, Director Song wanted to throw her a big celebration, but she refused. She just wanted to have a simple meal with her close family.

But quite a few people still came to her house.

"Sister Xia, wishing you a long and happy 60th birthday!" Xu Meiyu came over alone, carrying a small jar of wine.

Chen Weimin, that useless fellow, refused to come when he heard it was to celebrate his ex-sister-in-law's birthday. He was still immersed in the grief of his elder brother's death, and even blamed it on Sister Xia, thinking that if she hadn't divorced his elder brother, his brother wouldn't have died so young.

She's getting more stubborn as she gets older; she's really sick. She doesn't even want to take care of him; it's embarrassing.

Old Man Xia accepted the wine and joked, "Our Director Xu, who is often praised in the newspapers, is here! It's an honor to have you here, truly an honor."

Xu Meiyu snorted, "Don't make fun of me. Haven't you ever been in the newspapers? Such scenes are nothing to our Director Xia."

After the two old ladies exchanged compliments, Xu Meiyu was invited into the house by Old Lady Xia.

Soon, Yu Yan also arrived with her child and Qiao Shan. She had given birth to a girl a couple of years ago, which made both sets of parents extremely fond of her.

That child was mischievous and daring, often making Yu Yan furious. It was common for the mother and daughter to fight at home. At these times, the strong and sturdy Qiao Shan would step in and act as a punching bag.

Anyway, being hit a few times by the two of them won't cause him any harm.

"Auntie, happy birthday! Baby, quickly say happy birthday to Grandma Xia." Yu Yan shook the child's hand and waved.

The little girl made a few "ah ah" sounds, then called out in her childish voice, "Happy birthday, Grandma Xia."

The child's unclear words made the adults in the room laugh, and Grandma Xia was also very fond of him, so she took the child in her arms.

Yu Yan patted the child's head and said, "Auntie, look at my daughter, is she destined to be a factory manager?"

Grandma Xia smiled: "With a mother as ambitious as you, your daughter will definitely be able to do well too."

Yu Yan has worked very hard in the past few years and has been promoted quickly, from a temporary worker to a junior manager in the factory. She has put in a lot of effort.

Qiao Shan chuckled good-naturedly, "This kid is a real rascal, very wild."

Grandma Xia: "A wild streak is good. Being lively and active is good for your health. You're brave and clever. You'll definitely do well in the future."

Xu Meiyu said loudly from inside the room, "Who doesn't know that our Director Xia likes bold kids?"

Everyone laughed.

Over the years, this place has produced quite a few female factory directors, and their high proportion has even made the news many times. The women here hold their heads high when they go out, and even when they go to big cities, they don't lose any of their aura when facing the leaders of large factories. They truly embody the idea that women can hold up half the sky.

In the past, many elderly people favored sons over daughters, but now many elderly people say things like, "My daughter is so successful," "My girl might become a factory manager someday," and "Boys and girls have to study, otherwise how can they become leaders?"

Director Yuan brought over a cake from the food factory. "Old Xia, even after you retire, you should come back to the factory often. Old Song misses you a lot. I'll be retiring in a few years too, then I can keep you company."

Grandma Xia placed the cake in the center of the dining table, saying, "The way you're talking makes it sound like I have nothing to do now that I'm retired."

Old Yuan and the others asked curiously, "You have other things to do? What else do you want to do?"

Grandma Xia raised her head slightly. "Our lives are getting better and better. Last year, the newspapers talked about economic reforms. I heard from my second son that the real economy in the further south is developing very well. I, a sixty-year-old woman, would like to go and see it."

Chen Xiangbei couldn't believe it. "Mom, you're going to another city alone? At your age..."

Grandma Xia gave him a disgruntled look. "I have hands and feet, and I can see and hear clearly. I'm not incapacitated. Why can't I go to another place by myself?"

Chen Xianghong frowned. "Mom, where are you going? Let me see if I know any friends who can take care of you. We can't rest easy with you all by yourself."

Grandma Xia: "Go find your second brother, okay? I won't go far, just over there. If anything happens, I'll go find your second brother!"

Chen Xiangnan quit his hospital job as soon as the policy was introduced and went into business. I heard from his letter that he was doing very well. Last year during the Spring Festival, he brought Chen Lingling back. The father and daughter were both dressed smartly and made quite a splash.

He also told Grandma Xia that he would definitely attend the birthday banquet, but he estimated it would be in the evening.

As she said this, Qiao Yi arrived with her husband and children. After offering her blessings, she sat down gracefully.

A few years ago, Chen Xiangbei pursued Qiao Yi passionately, but failed. It turned out she fell for another battalion commander in Yu Hongzhen's unit, and now their child can walk.

In the years after Qiao Yi got married, Chen Xiangbei would glare at Yu Hongzhen whenever he saw him, which made Yu Hongzhen afraid to be alone with him.

The crowd subtly observed Chen Xiangbei, and sure enough, the young man's face darkened again, though only slightly.

If you're not someone who knows them well, you wouldn't be able to tell at all.

I've made some progress over the years; at least I don't cry anymore.

This guy is still single.

After the birthday banquet, Grandma Xia took several children to visit her sister's grave, where she talked about the past few years and her plans.

"Sister, I have done my best. Over the past few years, I can proudly say that I have not let anyone down, I have not betrayed their trust, I have not failed my position, and I have also cultivated an excellent successor."

Before I retired, Director Song applied for an election to select the next women's director. Comrade Xiao Fang has now become a qualified and good leader. She is exceptionally capable, and I believe she can handle the position well...

Sister, I'm about to embark on a new journey. I want to see the prosperity under our new policies and how our hardworking comrades are living a thriving and prosperous life.

I'm only 60 years old. I used to think that 60 was the age to wait for death, but now I feel that I'm still young and I have so many things to experience.

"Sister, don't worry, I can live a fulfilling life on my own."

Grandma Xia offered incense to her sister, wiped away her tears, went home to pack her luggage, and then embarked on her new journey.

Her life as a 60-year-old woman can start anew.