After school, Xinhua Primary School was quiet until Principal Lin Zheng heard arguing between fifth-graders Hua Xiaochuan and Fang Mingzhu. Fang was supervising Hua, who was late, as he did chores. Hua’s friend Zhang Chen wanted to help, but Fang refused, causing an argument. Principal Lin believed labour as punishment was ineffective and should be replaced with work-study programs, as instructed by the municipal party committee. He assigned Hong Dawei to lead the program, but Teacher Jiang opposed it, emphasising classroom education. Despite initial resistance, students participated in tire-moving labour, training teachers, parents, and students. Three students took sick leave, fueling Teacher Jiang’s objections. Principal Lin and the academic director found some parents were overly indulgent. Secretary Liu commended their efforts and encouraged them to continue.
as Zhen Lin
as Teacher Jiang
as Ying Meng
as Secretary Liu
as Dawei Hong
as Grandma Fang
as Father of Fu Jin
as Master Zhang
as students' parents
as students' parents
as students' parents
as Teacher A
as Railroad worker
as Haiyan Liu
as Han Meng
as Mingmin Fang
as Xiaochuan Hua
as Dakui Jin
as Chen Zhang
