Under normal circumstances, drawing a detailed facial feature sketch would take at least 30 minutes to two hours.
But Jiang Si had practiced enough that, on average, she could finish one in no more than 40 minutes.
Calculating an 8-hour workday, she could complete about 12 sketches a day.
Factoring in time for observation and refining details, 150 sketches would take roughly thirteen days.
However, she needed to produce four versions, so the fastest she could finish would be around 50 days.
To be safe, Jiang Si added an extra week to that estimate.
But she likely wouldn’t be staying in Capital City for that long.
Jiang Si said, "I’ll complete two versions in advance. The rest will have to be mailed over once they’re finished."
Drawing was meticulous work, and Huo's fourth uncle didn’t impose strict deadlines.
"No problem at all, just handle it as you see fit."
Noticing Jiang Si staring at the sketch paper in her hand, he couldn’t help but ask,
"Is there something wrong with the paper?"
"Not exactly wrong, but these sketch papers are all under 120 grams. They’re fine for practice," she explained.
"But for professional facial feature templates, it’s best to use specialized sketch paper weighing at least 150 grams."
"Otherwise, the paper might wrinkle during revisions later."
Huo's fourth uncle wasn’t very familiar with this, so he noted down her requirements.
"Aside from this, is there anything else you need prepared?"
Jiang Si didn’t hold back, requesting a full set of drafting tools and also asking Huo's fourth uncle to prepare an official letter of introduction for her.
If she needed anything else later, she could just buy it herself from the state-run stationery store.
That way, she wouldn’t have to trouble them with back-and-forth errands.
Huo's fourth uncle acted quickly, sending over everything Jiang Si had asked for the very next morning.
Before leaving, the young officer delivering the items handed her a thick, bulging envelope.
"Comrade Jiang, our director asked me to give this to you. If you run into any issues during your work, we’ll stay in touch."
"Thank you," Jiang Si replied politely.
After the young officer left, she opened the envelope and took a look.
Inside, aside from a few stationery vouchers and ten ten-yuan bills, there was even a temporary work ID with a red plastic cover.
For a moment, Jiang Si was surprised—until she opened the ID’s inner page.
Her basic information was printed inside:
[Name: Jiang Si]
[Age: 21]
[Hometown: Hu City]
[Position: Capital City Public Security Bureau’s Special Technical Illustrator]
[Task Description: Participate in facial feature database template illustration]
[Authorization Notice: This ID permits official procurement, document access, and departmental assistance within the scope of duties. Valid from November 18, 1968, to January 18, 1969.]
[Additional Note: During the validity period, the holder is entitled to all benefits granted to public security personnel.]
At the bottom were the handwritten signatures of the issuing authority and the issuer.
Reading this, Jiang Si couldn’t help but smile.
She had to admit, Huo's fourth uncle really thought of everything.
This temporary work ID would make her job much more convenient.
Meanwhile, Grandpa Huo and Grandma Huo were thrilled when they learned their beloved granddaughter-in-law had taken on work for the Capital City Public Security Bureau.
In no time, Grandma Huo cleared out the old man’s study.
"The lighting here is good, and it’s quiet. Perfect for drawing."
She didn’t forget to remind her husband, "Tell Little Ding later—we need to raise the household’s meal standards for a while. Drawing takes a lot of brainpower; she needs proper nourishment!"
"Oh, and we haven’t used this month’s special supply coupons yet. Give them to Little Ding so he can exchange for some things."
"I heard from Little Zhou that Si likes that bitter drink—what’s it called again? Oh, right, coffee!"
"Have Little Ding get a can of that, and two bags of milk powder too."
"Got it, I’ll go now," Grandpa Huo agreed cheerfully.
That evening, Little Ding prepared a feast of six dishes and a soup for everyone.
The Huo family usually ate well, but meals typically consisted of one meat dish, two lighter meat-and-vegetable dishes, and the rest all vegetables.
A spread like today’s, with half meat and half vegetables, was usually reserved for holidays.
Second Brother Huo, who handled procurement, noticed something as soon as he took a bite of rice.
This wasn’t ordinary rice—it was the premium Jingxi rice from the Capital Employees’ Grocery Store.
Located at 33 Donghuamen, this store distributed goods strictly based on rank and required special supply coupons for certain items.
But shopping there meant long lines and strict ID checks.
Grandpa Huo found it too troublesome and didn’t want Little Ding running back and forth every day, so the family usually bought groceries locally.
Just as Second Brother Huo was wondering about the change, Grandpa Huo happily explained the situation.
"Really?" Yang Meina praised sincerely, "Third Sister-in-law, you’re amazing!"
After speaking, she didn’t forget to remind her two children.
"Your third aunt has been tasked with creating sketches for the Capital City Public Security Bureau recently."
"During this time, you must behave and not disturb her in the study, understand?"
"Got it, Mom~"
Jiang Si couldn’t help but laugh at this.
Before she could even speak, Old Fourth and his wife chimed in, "Third Sister-in-law, if there’s anything you need help with, just say the word."
Mentioning this, Jiang Si did have a rather tricky matter at hand.
After receiving her drawing tools today, she hadn’t rushed to start working. Instead, she spent the afternoon organizing her thoughts.
Upon reflection, she realized that relying solely on imagination and memory to sketch 150 detailed facial feature illustrations would be quite challenging.
So, she needed a few days to observe people up close.
Fortunately, the residential compound had a senior activity center, and nearby, there were elementary, middle, and high schools.
The elderly and children wouldn’t pose much of a problem.
As for the female colleagues, Jiang Si already had a plan in mind.
She intended to finish sketching the facial features of the elderly and children first, then head to the Capital City Textile District in the eastern suburbs.
Besides the First, Second, and Third Capital Cotton Mills, the Capital City Printing and Dyeing Factory and the Loom Factory were also nearby.
These factories were predominantly staffed by female workers.
At most, half a day would be enough to gather all the facial feature types she needed.
She could sketch the details on-site and refine them later after returning to Qiongzhou Island.
The real challenge lay with the male subjects.
There were plenty of male soldiers in the military zone on Qiongzhou Island, but even family members couldn’t enter the area freely.
Jiang Si’s initial idea was to visit the Capital City Steel Mill, but it was located in the distant suburbs, making the trip quite inconvenient.
Moreover, in this era, it wouldn’t be appropriate for a young woman to stare at male strangers.
She might need a couple of police officers to accompany her.
After some thought, Jiang Si decided to ask Old Fourth and his wife for advice.
Both of them worked at the Chinese Academy of Sciences. If it was feasible, she wouldn’t have to travel so far.
Old Fourth and his wife didn’t see it as a big issue.
However, according to regulations, they had to report it to their superiors first.
Jiang Si understood—after all, it was a research institution, and caution was necessary.
Guan Xue said, "Sister-in-law, the department head overseeing this matter is on a business trip to Lanzhou. He won’t be back for about half a month."
"Once he returns, I’ll bring it up with him. It shouldn’t be a problem."
But the moment she finished speaking, Yang Meina abruptly set down her chopsticks.
