Chapter 7: 1970s Lucky Koi, Figure 7

After submitting the thick stack of documents, Chen Ying found herself with nothing to do for the next year. Of course, that is a story for later; the timeline was still back when she had just become a worker at the machinery factory.

Because she wanted to legitimize the family’s newfound wealth, the news had been intentionally publicized. As a result, many people came to ask if it were true, and Chen’s parents proudly confirmed it. In reality, they knew their daughter’s true position, but for the sake of safety, it was better left unsaid. The public role was quite impressive in its own right, and they had the spring-powered handheld fans provided by the factory, along with the wooden one Chen Ying had made earlier, which served as even more convincing evidence.

The villagers were amazed by the fans. They were compact, portable, and required no electricity; once wound up, they would run for five minutes. Though five minutes was short, the breeze was surprisingly strong, making them quite desirable.

Liu Li found Chen Ying with a look of admiration: "Sister Ying, did you really make those fans? You are truly amazing."

"It’s thanks to your reminder," Chen Ying replied, feeling quite happy. Their family situation had improved significantly, and she could see that her younger brother and sister had even put on a bit of weight.

"That’s only because you have the talent to pull it off, Sister Ying. I wish I had your skills." Liu Li genuinely admired her; after all, even though she had once suggested the idea, she never imagined Chen Ying could actually realize it.

"If you want to learn, I can teach you." Before she knew why, Chen Ying blurted this out. She was surprised by her own words, yet seeing Liu Li’s stunned expression only firmed her resolve.

"Ah, no need, I’m not cut out for this," Liu Li said, waving her hands in a panic.

"How would you know if you don't try?" Seeing her refusal, Chen Ying became even more determined. "Starting tomorrow, come and study with me."

"Huh?" Liu Li was left speechless, wondering how things had taken such a turn. Chen Ying patted her head and turned to leave.

She pondered what path she should guide Liu Li toward. A merchant? A merchant was definitely out of the question. She firmly rejected this thought, though she didn't know why. For some reason, she felt that Liu Li should not become a merchant. She didn't know the cause, just as she didn't know why she possessed her current knowledge, but she decided to follow her intuition.

Reflecting on it, her own current path was quite good. Perhaps Liu Li had a hidden talent for it; the idea seemed quite feasible. Just then, a person walking unsteadily in front caught her eye. It was Liu Xin. Chen Ying glanced at her, then immediately lost interest.

"Are you really that angry? It’s been so long, yet you still won't forgive me?" Liu Xin stepped forward to block her path, her face full of accusation, as if Chen Ying were a heartless lover.

Chen Ying immediately stepped back, feigning shock: "I'm sorry, I had no idea you felt that way about me, but I am very sorry—I am not interested in women. You should try to be more open-minded."

"What nonsense are you spouting!" Liu Xin, who had prepared a retort for whatever Chen Ying might say, was rendered speechless by this response.

"Oh? You're not? That scared me," Chen Ying said, patting her chest.

"You're doing this on purpose! You're just trying to provoke me because you're still angry, aren't you?" Liu Xin bit her lip, her voice trembling with tears.

"I told you, there is no chance for us. Give up, and stop coming to find me," Chen Ying said, raising her voice before pushing past her. As Liu Xin moved to follow, she noticed several village women watching with wide-eyed shock. Her face turned pale; she realized exactly why Chen Ying had spoken so loudly.

"That... that's not what she said," Liu Xin stammered, knowing that if this rumor spread, it would be disastrous for her.

"Oh," the women replied with nods, but Liu Xin knew these village gossips all too well. Any story would be twisted beyond recognition by the time it left their lips. She could only offer weak explanations, all the while burning with hatred for Chen Ying.

Chen Ying was in a good mood. She believed Liu Xin wouldn't dare bother her again. As for the rumors, she didn't care; she had no intention of finding a partner in the village. It wasn't that she looked down on the villagers—well, actually, she did. None of them caught her eye. Zhao Linjun was decent, but she had no desire to be with him.

For some reason, she just didn't want to. Humming a tune, she returned home. Her parents were out, and her siblings were at school. With nothing to do, she thought about teaching Liu Li the next day. Since she was already teaching one, why not teach a group? Perhaps she should ask the educated youth if anyone else wanted to learn.

The next day, Liu Li was forcibly brought to the new compound by two newly arrived female educated youths. The compound had been built quite large, funded by the youth themselves, so the villagers raised no objections.

Chen Ying had acted on her impulse the day before, speaking to the four educated youths at the compound. They immediately contacted the authorities—going out of the village to the county town to make phone calls. Chen Ying felt that communication equipment should be developed sooner rather than later.

As for how to teach Liu Li before the others arrived, it didn't matter. Liu Li had no foundation, so they could start with the basics. To avoid unwanted attention, their study sessions would definitely not be held in the village.

Because Chen Ying had insisted that Liu Li join, no one else objected, and they didn't even hide Chen Ying’s current status from her. Learning the truth, Liu Li felt like crying, knowing she was trapped in this arrangement now.

Half a month later, Chen Ying took Liu Li to work. That was the story for the village: Liu Li had found a job, and they were holding their classes elsewhere. Her student body had grown from one to thirty.

Most of her students were much older than her, with the youngest being in their twenties. At first, Chen Ying lectured without notes, but finding it cumbersome, she simply wrote textbooks and had them printed. She even led them in conducting experiments.

Liu Li, initially reluctant, gradually became interested and then obsessed. Three years passed in the blink of an eye. Last year, the Great Man passed away, followed by the downfall of the Gang of Four. The country began to implement new policies; first, the college entrance examination was restored, and then, the focus turned to economic development.