Chapter 18

Luo Hongying was shocked. No matter how hard she tried, she just couldn’t connect the clean and delicate-looking girl in front of her with the image of a car mechanic.

She thought this must be Xin Qi’s last resort, something she had to do because she couldn’t find any other job. After all, even street-sweeping or manure-hauling jobs were being fought over these days.

Luo Hongying disapproved and said, “Even though revolutionary work shouldn’t be judged by status, a young girl like you really isn’t suited for car repair work.”

“I still suggest you come work at the Women’s Federation. Though you’d start as a temporary worker, as long as you do well, I can guarantee you’ll be fully employed with a secure position in three to five years.”

Xin Qi knew Luo Hongying meant well, but she had no intention of working at the Women’s Federation.

“Director Luo, I do agree with you that revolutionary work shouldn’t be divided by status.”

“But I don’t think I’m unfit for car repair work.”

“I also don’t believe there are tasks inherently meant for men or women.”

“Gender has never been the standard for division of labor — ability is.”

“You mentioned I passed the recruitment exam, but actually, I got this job after a three-day trial period at the repair shop. My skills earned me the position.”

“I like this job and believe I can shine in this role.”

“So I won’t take the job at the Women’s Federation.”

Luo Hongying fell silent. Gender equality was a slogan she often repeated, but some deeply rooted, old-fashioned ideas — like the belief that women should only do clerical work — weren’t so easily erased with a few slogans.

The liberation of women first required the liberation of thought.

Luo Hongying began reflecting on the future direction of her work. Xin Qi didn’t want to disturb her and soon took her leave.

That evening at the Xin household dinner table, Xin Liyi hadn’t come home yet.

Xin Guoping had been having a rough time lately and was in a foul mood. He frowned at Li Huilan and snapped, “Liyi hasn’t shown his face these past few days. He’s starting work next week, and yet he’s never home. What kind of behavior is that?”

Xin Liyi was Li Huilan’s precious son — no one could speak a word against him.

Li Huilan had been holding back her dissatisfaction for days, and now she snapped, “He’s about to start working. Once that happens, how will he have time to hang out with his friends and classmates? What’s wrong with enjoying himself a few days now?”

“Besides, it’s not like he has a room to stay in at home. That’s why he doesn’t come back.”

“Xin Qi, your brother is about to start working, and it’ll be a tough job. Give him your room. You’re not doing anything anyway. You’re free all day.”

Xin Qi replied, “Mom, I’m not free. I start work next week too. Remember to give me the household registration book on Monday so I can register for my job.”

“As for the room, it used to be shared by the three sisters. I’ve been away for five or six years, and now that I’m back, I just want to sleep in the bed I grew up in.”

“Besides, I won’t be staying here for long. Sooner or later, I’ll get married and move out. Once I’m gone, Liyi can have the room.”

Everyone at the table was stunned. Only Li Huilan’s face turned green with rage. She had been planning to force Xin Qi to give up the room once Liyi started working.

But she didn’t expect that Xin Qi had quietly found a job herself and had no intention of giving up the room.

Hmph! Want to stay until you get married?

After raising her all these years, now that she could earn money, of course she should contribute to the family first — work for a few years, then marry her off. The bride price would help pay for Liyi’s wedding.

Li Huilan gritted her teeth with hatred. She was already planning: once Xin Liyi came home, she’d wait for Xin Qi to be out at work, then smash the lock and take over the room.

And she hadn’t forgotten that 500 yuan Xin Shan had given Xin Qi last time. When the time came, she’d just secretly take it — as long as she insisted she hadn’t seen it, no one could do anything to her.

Why should Xin Qi be the only one allowed to say money was lost? For all she knew, the money in Xin Qi’s pocket was hers to begin with.

Li Huilan had been momentarily intimidated by Xin Qi’s bold lying before, but now that she’d come to her senses, Xin Qi’s tricks didn’t seem all that impressive. She could easily outmaneuver her.

Li Huilan’s expression shifted constantly before settling into a scheming, sly smile. Xin Qi saw it all without a word.

Just after dinner, an unexpected guest arrived.

Director Ma from the neighborhood committee had personally come to introduce a blind date for Xin Qi.

Xin Qi had originally been planning to approach Director Ma to help with her household registration, but later, with Xin Shan’s help, she had settled it.

So she gave up on trying to get close to Director Ma — in fact, she’d already forgotten about the man until he popped up again tonight.

Director Ma couldn’t say enough good things about the suitor. He came from a good family and held a decent position — a department head at the Water Resources Bureau.

Li Huilan, who had just been planning to make Xin Qi stay home and earn money for a few years, immediately beamed with joy when she heard Xin Qi might marry a department head.

She eagerly agreed, “Don’t worry, Director Ma. Xin Qi will definitely be there on time tomorrow.”

“Director Ma, you’re so thoughtful. You didn’t have to come in person — a message would’ve been enough.”

“There aren’t many officials these days who care so much about the people. You must be tired. Come in and have some tea before you go.”

Director Ma waved her off. “No need, I still have work to do.”

“Xin Qi, don’t forget to dress up a bit tomorrow.”

From beginning to end, no one asked Xin Qi’s opinion — they just made the decision for her.

Li Huilan was overjoyed, but Xin Qi wasn’t naive.

For Director Ma to go out of his way at night to introduce such a well-matched suitor to an ordinary returning educated youth like her — there had to be a catch.

She didn’t know if Li Huilan didn’t notice or just didn’t care.

Xin Guoping said nothing, but the look on his face said he was tempted too.

He was eager to marry off Xin Qi as soon as possible — ever since she came back from the countryside, she’d embarrassed him multiple times.

Xin Jianjun, the eldest son of the family, never had much say, and Zhang Lan, as the daughter-in-law, wasn’t in a position to comment on her sister-in-law’s marriage.

At first, Zhang Lan had hoped Xin Qi would marry quickly and move out, but now, she’d changed her mind.

Xin Qi seemed like a completely different person since returning — no longer the submissive pushover she used to be. After causing a few uproars, now the whole family walked on eggshells around her.

Even Li Huilan had quieted down, and Zhang Lan’s days had become much easier.

Now, she genuinely didn’t want Xin Qi to get married — without her around, no one would keep Li Huilan in check, and Zhang Lan would be back to suffering.

After Director Ma left, Li Huilan escorted him all the way downstairs and came back grinning from ear to ear.

Xin Qi stared at her silently, and though she was smiling too, there was something chilling in her gaze.

Li Huilan suddenly felt uneasy — it hit her that Xin Qi hadn’t said a single word just now.

Feeling flustered under her stare, Li Huilan finally snapped, “Don’t go out tomorrow. Stay home and wait for Director Ma. And remember to dress up properly.”

Xin Qi kept smiling, but her eyes were cold as ice. Her red lips parted slightly, and she slowly said two words:

“I won’t.”