A
In December, Li Haichao and her 1-year-old boy received a special teddy bear, made from her husband Xu Yuelong's jacket. On the stuffed animal's back, there is a sewn sentence-"My dad is hero".
Born in 1993, Xu, a policeman, lost his life in a car accident in October 2018 while attempting to capture two prisoners. "My son has never seen his father. I hope the bear can build a connection between them," Li says. For Li, compared with a wardrobe of her husband's clothes, the bear is much more vivid.
Li is among hundreds of people who have discovered the healing needlework of Xiao Jie, a 39-year-old craftswoman in Chongqing. Xiao's story took off on Sina Weibo, with related news being viewed 140 million times by April 6. She got the idea from a post, which tells the story of a 21-year-old British woman, Mary Maclnnes, who made teddy bears from the clothing of departed beloved ones to help soothe the pain of loss.
"Everyone will encounter moments of grief for deceased (亡故的)family or friends. It is a good way to help them honor the memory of their departed loved ones," Xiao has been kept busy balancing her work and the teddy production. On average, it takes her at least six hours to design, plan, cut, sew and complete a bear. She only charges about 300 yuan ($ 42.3) for the basic costs. "My mother and some friends suggested that I use a sewing machine to reduce the heavy workload, but as a craftswoman, I insist on sewing every stitch by hand," Xiao says, adding that she believes that hand-sewing can inject soul and life to her work.
"It is not a business, but a lifetime career," Xiao says, adding that, during this extraordinary time, spreading the kindness to others really matters.
21. What do we know about Xiao Jie?
A. She only referred to this business as a hobby.
B. She persisted in sewing the teddy bears by hand.
C. She was the first one to have started this business.
D. She sent a teddy bear to Li Haichao and her son for free.
22. What does the underlined word "soothe" in paragraph 3 refer to?
A. Prevent. B. Avoid. C. Treat. D. Relieve.
23. Which of the following best describes Xiao Jie?
A. Outgoing and selfless. B. Generous and helpful.
C. Skilled and sympathetic. D. Modest and stubborn.
