Chapter 8: Save the Children

Before Lin Anran had traveled through time, although she worked in a big city, she had endured hardship since childhood—she had run night stalls, trying to save every penny and avoid paying extra fees. Urban management officers often chased her, and she had to dodge them constantly. The stalls were rented: remote ones cost 200 yuan a month, prime locations 500 yuan a month. In the 1980s, there were no fees for stalls.

Looking at the middle-aged woman, Lin Anran said, “Sister, did you rent this stall?”

“No,” the middle-aged woman replied, eyeing the plump Lin Anran.

Lin Anran said, “If not, then it must be first-come, first-served, right?” She raised her arm slightly.

Seeing this large woman, the middle-aged woman hesitated, took a step back, and said, “Forget it, I’ll find another spot!” Muttering curses under her breath, she left reluctantly.

Lin Anran smiled at her departing figure, realizing that being plump had its advantages—people generally didn’t bother someone that big.

Nearby, another woman watched and whispered into Lin Anran’s ear, “You’re new here. That woman often bullies others. If she tries it on you, what will you do?” She glanced around before continuing, “Selling eggs out in the open like that isn’t proper—people here buy by ration tickets. I suggest tomorrow morning you go to the black market; you can get cash there.”

Lin Anran thought about it. In the 1980s, people needed ration tickets to buy things, so regular sales wouldn’t work. But she had her space and wouldn’t starve. She asked, “Sister, where’s the black market?”

The middle-aged woman said, “It’s in an alley behind the street. All transactions there are cash.”

Lin Anran thanked her, carried the eggs home, and on the way heard people gossiping:

“Anran, that fool, can’t even watch her own man, always running after Widow Wang…”
“Right! New China promotes gender equality, but she’s making women look bad.”
“She’s so fat now… who knows how much good food she’s eaten? We’re poor and can’t afford meals, while she’s feasting all the time. No wonder she got so fat…”
“Exactly, exactly…”

Seeing Lin Anran return, the two women immediately fell silent. She smiled and said, “Aunt Wang, Aunt Liu, you really are role models for women. I’ll have to learn from you in the future!”

“Well, we are…” they said, though something felt off.

Lin Anran closed the door and saw the house was quiet—Gao Ershan hadn’t returned yet. She went into her space, ate some fruit, and drank a bowl of milk. She decided it was time to lose weight. Thinking exercise alone would be slow, she ate a ginseng fruit. Stepping into the yard, she picked and ate it; after finishing, her skin became radiant, and she lost 20 pounds. Her weight was now 120 pounds.

Looking in the mirror, her round face had turned into an oval, her figure nicely proportioned. She exited the space and took a nap on the bed, not caring about Gao Ershan, enjoying a peaceful sleep.

She woke up in the afternoon, opened the door to check outside, and heard a knock. “Who’s there?” she asked, opening the door. It was Chen Yan, showing up just then. Lin Anran closed the door and said, “You’re not welcome here.”

“Don’t shut the door! Is Gao Ershan home? I need his help. Is he home or not?” Chen Yan looked at Lin Anran, noticing how much slimmer and prettier she had become in just ten days. She could hardly believe this was the same plump woman.

Seeing Chen Yan staring, Lin Anran, annoyed, said, “He’s not home. Aren’t you the one who knows better than I do?” She then slammed the door with a “bang.”

Chen Yan, fuming, got no response and spat in frustration, thinking, My man is always bowing under my charm.

Aunt Wang laughed at Chen Yan coming over to see Gao Ershan: “Oh, going to see your husband, huh? You’re really handy… soon it’ll be in bed too, right?”

Aunt Liu chuckled loudly, “Right! Poor Anran…”

Chen Yan spat at the two women, thinking angrily, and went home, stewing over their remarks. She was determined to get Gao Ershan to divorce and marry her.

Lin Anran closed the door, ignored their chatter, and went back inside. Just after fastening the bolt, there was a sudden knock: “Lin Anran, open the door for me!”

Hearing Gao Ershan had returned, she said, “Coming,” and went to open the door. She was surprised he had come back on time—it was unexpected. She opened the door and turned to leave.

Gao Ershan saw her slim, graceful figure and thought, Is this Lin Anran? She’s lost so much weight in just a few days. It can’t be her! This change is incredible.

He followed her inside and said, “You… you are Lin Anran?”

Lin Anran crossed her legs, smiling, and replied, “If not me, then who? I’ve slimmed down, my mind is clear—are you not used to it yet?”

“You look good like this,” Gao Ershan said, without cursing this time. He felt a strange, indescribable attraction to her.

Lin Anran, seeing him stare in confusion, said, “Tomorrow we’re going to the civil affairs office to get a divorce. Call your parents to discuss it.”

Gao Ershan was surprised. He hadn’t expected her to initiate divorce—he had planned to, so it felt strange that she was the one proposing it.

He stammered, “Th- let’s talk about it tomorrow…” and then shut the door. Lin Anran looked at his puzzled expression and said, “Isn’t it better to run off together with your lover? And now you’re going back on your word!”

In the 1980s, there wasn’t much in the way of entertainment. This backward county didn’t even have electricity, and at night it was completely silent. The sudden quiet made her feel a bit uneasy. Her candles ran out, and she had no money to buy more. She blew out the kerosene lamp on the table and was about to lie down to rest when she heard a sudden urgent shout:

“Ershan, go quickly! Your Aunt Wang’s child has a date stuck in his throat! Take him to the hospital!”

Hearing that a child was choking, Lin Anran quickly got dressed, opened the door, and ran with the others to Aunt Wang’s house. She saw the little boy’s face turning blue, struggling to breathe. She rushed forward, lifted the child from behind, leaned down, and vigorously patted his back, immediately performing the Heimlich maneuver.

After several strong back blows, the date pit flew out of the child’s throat. Aunt Wang watched her child’s color return to normal and his breathing stabilize. She grabbed Lin Anran’s hand and said, “Thank you! If it weren’t for you, this child would have…” Tears filled her eyes. She pulled the child close and said, “Xiaolin, come thank your sister-in-law for saving your life.”

Hearing the child thank her directly, Lin Anran replied, “It was nothing, just a small effort—no need to thank me!”

Aunt Wang noticed that Lin Anran had slimmed down a lot and become beautiful. Earlier that morning, she had even mocked her, but now, seeing her help selflessly, she felt deeply ashamed. She said to everyone, “I heard Anran studied medicine, and it’s true!”

Everyone applauded. Little Xiaolin hugged Lin Anran and said, “You’re kind and beautiful! When I grow up, I’m going to marry you, sister!”