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Chapter 6: A Childlike Half

Chen Jiaxin's POV

I had not expected so many children signed up for this afternoon's workshop. Thankfully they were accompanied by their parents, one parent for one child was the company's policy.

"Jiaxin, we atleast have more than fifty parent-child students here," whispered Auntie Xiuling.

I nodded and looked around inside the events hall which was now decorated and equipped by pottery materials and supplies.

"Do you think we can handle all of these kids?"

"It's okay Auntie. They will probably settle later as we go on with the workshop," I assured her.

As I began to discuss the first procedure, everyone turned their focus on me. I'm just glad that these kids were accompanied by one of their parents or else I will find it difficult to catch their attentions since almost all of them were in the ages of six to ten years old.

I started to teach them the process of wedging or mixing and rolling the clay so as to make it consistent and air bubble free. As everyone tried their best mixing their clays, Auntie Xiuling made rounds inside the hall to supervise those parent-child who were having difficulties with wedging. I stayed in front of the hall and observed them.

After everyone were done with the first part, I continued with explaining the second step which is shaping the mixed clay with the use of the potter's wheel. I also did show them how it is actually done so that it would be easier for them to follow.

Well, I actually showed them several outputs in which they can mold and turn their clays into. These included making an ordinary pot for plants, a vase, a mug and even a teacup if they were really in the mood of molding some clay.

"Now kids, it would be now your turn to shape your clays on the wheel but in this one, you need a little help from your parents, okay? Mommies and Daddies, your kids would be needing a little help from you while they use the wheel, okay? Be careful everyone."

"Okay, Teacher Jiaxin," they all enthusiastically answered.

As the parents helped their children on how to use the wheel, I also began making rounds like Auntie Xiuling. I made an effort to stop to every counter to monitor every parent-child pair and even provide some assistance to those who were having hard times with their wheels.

And one of them is this father and daughter pair who introduced themselves to me as Li An and Mr. Liu.

Li An was so talkative that I literally spent more time chatting with her than actually helping her and her dad with their work.

Based on Li An's stories, his dad was the head supervisor of the Finance team of Chengjie. Well, I actually didn't expected him to be one of those considerably high people of the company since I wasn't familiar to him. It turned out that he was actually hired at the time that I left Shanghai.

"My daddy is usually shy Teacher Jiaxin. But I think he actually likes you," Li An suddenly blurted out as I was helping his dad with the wheel.

"Li An!" His dad automatically scolded her. "I apologize Ms. Jiaxin, my daughter is still young so she's very naughty."

"I'm already six years old Teacher, please do not believe my dad!"

I smiled at her.

"She's usually like that to every woman she met. My wife passed away when she was just a baby. She only meant that she actually likes you," Mr. Liu explained looking directly to me.

"It's okay Mr. Liu, no worries."

"Eyy Teacher Jiaxin, can you help me with my clay? Daddy is not really good in this," she said as she ignored her dad and held my hand.