Chapter 33

Xia Yunxuan knew that the sponge cakes from this era were particularly delicious because they didn’t contain any additives. Since she had ration coupons, she bought a few pounds and stored them in her space to eat slowly.

She also bought a few pounds of peach pastries and glutinous rice snacks, each kind. The staff were stunned, wondering where this young lady came from and how she could spend so much money.

If their family dared to spend money so lavishly, they would probably be beaten to death. They were so wasteful and didn’t know how to live. They wondered who in the world would marry such a girl.

She also bought a few sets of clothes, a few pairs of shoes and socks. Since she was already here, she might as well buy a few more things and put them in her space. No one would know how much she bought.

After buying everything, Xia Yunxuan left the supply and marketing cooperative and found an empty alleyway. She put everything into her space, otherwise it would be too conspicuous.

Xia Yunxuan walked through several alleys before she saw a bookstore ahead. It also advertised for translators and accepted submissions for publishing articles. This job was something she could try.

Xia Yunxuan entered the bookstore and politely asked, “Comrade, excuse me, do you recruit translators here?”

The clerk, Zhao Qinglan, looked Xia Yunxuan up and down and said, “Yes, comrade, we do recruit translators. Have you translated any books before?”

“Comrade, I haven’t translated anything before. Can I try now?” Zhao Qinglan said, “We need to pass a test before we can translate. Do you know that?”

“I know. I can take the test now. Oh, please wait two minutes, I need to get the materials. If you pass the test, I can tell our director, and he’ll let you translate.”

“Okay, thank you, Comrade Zhao. You’re welcome, this is what I should do. Please wait a moment.”

Zhao Qinglan took a set of English materials and handed them to Xia Yunxuan, saying, “Comrade, this is a simple set of English materials. Try translating it.”

Xia Yunxuan took the materials, skimmed through them, and began translating in fluent Chinese.

Zhao Qinglan listened to Xia Yunxuan’s translation and a look of surprise flashed in her eyes. She didn’t expect this young girl to translate so accurately and fluently.

After finishing the translation, Xia Yunxuan handed the materials back to Zhao Qinglan and asked with a smile, “Did I pass the test?”

Zhao Qinglan smiled and nodded, “Congratulations, you passed. I’ll go tell the director now.”  She turned and walked towards the back office.

A moment later, Zhao Qinglan came out with a middle-aged man. The man’s name was Wang Haisheng, and he was the director of the bookstore.

Wang Haisheng looked Xia Yunxuan up and down, nodded in satisfaction, “Young lady, not bad! You’re so young, yet you translate so well. However, our work here has high requirements, you need to be prepared.”

Xia Yunxuan smiled confidently, “Don’t worry, Director, I won’t let you down.”

Director Wang Haisheng asked, “Little girl, besides English, can you translate other books?”

Of course, Xia Yunxuan could translate other languages, but in this era, being too outstanding would easily attract attention. She hesitated about whether to say it. Director Wang Haisheng probably saw her hesitation and said, “Young lady, just speak freely. We are a legitimate bookstore, and we will issue you a certificate.

“Even if someone checks, you just need to show this certificate, and you’ll be fine. I know the current situation, and I won’t let you get into any danger.”

Xia Yunxuan said, “Director, if that’s the case, you have to issue me a certificate. Otherwise, if someone sees me translating these foreign language books and reports me, what should I do?”

“As for other languages, besides English, I also know German, French, and Russian.” The director was particularly happy, “I didn’t expect to find such a talent today, you know so many languages!”

The director said, “Little girl, I have a few books here that need to be translated urgently. Would you like to take them back and translate them? If your accuracy rate is above 95%, the payment will be very high. Each book will be at least three to four hundred yuan.”

“Okay, Director, you can give me more. I have plenty of time. When I’m done translating, I’ll bring them to you. I’m a villager from Xiangshuiwan Brigade.”

“Okay, young comrade, wait a moment.” Wang Haisheng said, “Comrade Zhao, pack those books that need to be translated urgently and give them to this young comrade.” “Okay, Director, please wait a moment, I understand.”

Zhao Qinglan quickly packed the books and asked, “Director, should we issue the certificate to this young comrade now?”

Wang Haisheng said, “Yes, issue the highest level certificate to this young comrade right now. She is a talent. She knows so many languages, we can’t be too slow.”

“Then, Director, young comrade, please wait a few minutes, I’ll go get the certificate.” Xia Yunxuan said, “Thank you, comrade, I’m not in a hurry.”

Xia Yunxuan waited for about 10 minutes before her certificate was ready. “Wang Haisheng said, “Young comrade, take good care of this certificate, don’t lose it.”

“If someone else picks it up, it won’t be good. With this certificate, you don’t have to worry about anyone checking on you. Just show them this certificate. If someone still makes a fuss after seeing it, I’ll give you my phone number, and you can call me.”

Xia Yunxuan said, “Okay, thank you, Director Wang.”

Xia Yunxuan asked again, “Director, can we also submit articles here? What kind of content do you accept?”

Wang Haisheng said, “Yes, young lady, we also accept submissions here. As for what kind of manuscripts we accept, it depends on the content you write, whether it can move the audience. For example, a story about an educated youth going to the countryside to benefit the villagers and develop the area, or a story about a soldier defending the country. These are all acceptable.”

“Or stories about rural life and customs, that can showcase its unique features. These are all acceptable.” Xia Yunxuan said, “Okay, Director, I understand. If I have time, I’ll also try. I’ll probably have to trouble you again.” Wang Haisheng said, “No trouble, this is our job. I hope you submit more articles and cooperate with our bookstore.”

“Okay, then Director Wang, Comrade Zhao, I won’t bother you anymore. I have something else to do, so I’ll leave first.” Director Mrs. Wanglitely said, “Young comrade, take care. Welcome back anytime.”

Xia Yunxuan saw that no one was around, so she put the books into her space. She felt a little hungry. Didn’t she hear the old people say that the braised pork and pork stew with vermicelli from this era were particularly delicious? She wanted to try them too. Anyway, if she couldn’t finish it, she could take it home.

The town was so small, she walked for about 10 minutes and arrived at the state-owned restaurant. It was mealtime, and all the seats were full. Just then, Xiao Yichen looked up and saw Xia Yunxuan.