Chapter 47: Yi An’an Is Her Lucky Star

“The barbershop in town!” Yi An’an said with a smile.

“No way. I’ve been to that barbershop before. The perms there look awful, like something a forty-year-old auntie would get!” Chen Yanmei replied.

Yi An’an thought for a moment. Zhan Nanhui’s college entrance exam was just days away, and she needed to prepare the logistics. Someone would have to keep an eye on the barbershop, and since the place where Chen Yanmei worked was near the shop, she could help watch over it. Smiling, Yi An’an said, “Then come take a look with me. I’ll let someone give you a perm for free!”

Chen Yanmei quickly agreed, and the two rode the village ox cart into town.

At the barbershop, Chen Yanmei was stunned by the stylish atmosphere. She hadn’t expected such trendy hairstyles to exist. The six hairstylists each had a unique and fashionable style that was impossible to look away from.

Yi An’an personally arranged for Chen Yanmei to get a perm.

Afterward, Chen Yanmei was very satisfied. As payment for the perm, Yi An’an explained her idea.

Chen Yanmei’s work hours were from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and then from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. During the off hours, she couldn’t return to Chenjia Village anyway, so she usually rested at the shop. Now Yi An’an wanted her to stop by the barbershop during her downtime. Not only would the perm be free, but she’d also be paid ten yuan a month.

Naturally, Chen Yanmei was delighted. The work involved handing out number tickets and helping with checkout in the evening—tasks she was already familiar with. She agreed immediately.

With Chen Yanmei sorted, Yi An’an went to talk to Sister Hua.

“Oh my, your man’s taking the college entrance exam? That’s a big deal! Don’t worry, just go take care of things. I’ll manage everything here—the perms and the bookkeeping!” Sister Hua was beaming. She was now earning an extra five yuan a day, which added up to 150 yuan a month. In a month, once the split with Yi An’an ended, she could make 200 or even 300 yuan on her own. She was on the path to wealth, and Yi An’an was her lucky star. She had to treat her well—after all, Yi An’an had said she knew many more trendy hairstyles, and they might even keep working together.

Yi An’an nodded. With this settled, she could finally free herself up for other things. She just needed to check in at the shop each morning.

That afternoon, Yi An’an wandered around town, looking for a place to stay.

After the college entrance exam, Zhan Nanhui would be leaving the village, so there was no point in her staying behind either. She had over three thousand yuan saved up—enough to live on comfortably for a while. Plus, since Zhan Nanhui would be taking the exam in town, it would be more convenient to stay there during those days.

She looked around and asked for a long time but still couldn’t find a suitable place.

In 1977, housing was still allocated by work units. There was no buying or selling of homes. It wasn’t until 1980 that the idea of “houses can be sold” was officially introduced.

Just as Yi An’an was starting to feel anxious, she looked up and saw Wang Daning about to enter the supply and marketing cooperative.

She quickly called out to him.

Wang Daning turned around, saw Yi An’an, glanced around, and jogged over. “You’re not working today?”

“Day off,” Yi An’an replied, then looked at him. “Didn’t I tell you to find me at the barbershop?”

“I went yesterday,” Wang Daning said, looking at her. “But they said they didn’t know you.”

“I was being cautious,” Yi An’an replied at once. “If you don’t see me, don’t ask around. I’m only there in the mornings these days.”

Wang Daning nodded and handed her two wristwatches. “You did well last time. Here are two more.”

Yi An’an nodded and slipped the watches into her cloth bag. “I’ll be busy with something else for the next few days, so I don’t know when I’ll be able to sell them. But I can pay you first. Come get the money tomorrow morning. If you get more goods, wait until after the college entrance exam. Things are risky right now, so don’t come looking for me in public.”

Wang Daning grumbled, “That guy with the surname Lu has been watching me these days. It’s so annoying!”

Yi An’an looked around. “Then lay low for now. Making money isn’t worth getting caught.”

Wang Daning agreed, arranged to pick up the money the next morning, and left.

Looking at the watches in her hand, Yi An’an thought of someone—Sister Wang. Last time, Sister Wang had mentioned wanting a wristwatch but couldn’t find a suitable one.

Wang Daning really had some skill—the watches he got were the rare small-dial models from Hong Kong and Taiwan. Women like Sister Wang, with her status, liked standing out.

And maybe Sister Wang could help with the housing issue too.

Yi An’an decided to act immediately and went to find her.

At Sister Wang’s home, she welcomed Yi An’an with a bright smile, pulled her inside, and even brought out her coffee pot to make her some coffee.

Yi An’an took a sip and smiled. “Imported beans?”

Sister Wang paused. “You’ve had them before?”

In her previous life, Yi An’an had worked at a coffee shop and knew all about different types of beans.

“I’ve had them before,” she said with a smile. “Some old clients used to keep this kind at home too.”

Sister Wang frowned a little, feeling she’d been upstaged.

“But none of theirs tasted as good as yours,” Yi An’an quickly added with a smile. “Yours are rich and full-bodied, lightly roasted with expert technique that brings out the flavor perfectly.”

Her way of praising—first downplaying, then complimenting—pleased Sister Wang even more. She grew curious. “What kind of clients do you have?”

“That’s confidential,” Yi An’an said as she casually brushed a lock of hair behind her ear. “Just like I keep your information confidential, I do the same for them. Professional ethics.”

Sister Wang was very pleased. Her eyes then fell on Yi An’an’s wrist. “That watch is quite special. I remember the supply co-op only had one of those, and nobody knows who bought it. Even the mayor’s wife wanted one but couldn’t get it.”

So the mayor’s wife liked this style too. Yi An’an took note. “This came from a relative of mine who brought it from Hong Kong. I happen to have one more, and today I brought it just for you, Sister Wang.”

She took off the watch and placed it in front of her. “They’ve been cracking down lately, so I wore it on my wrist to avoid suspicion. The tag’s still on, as you can see.”

Sister Wang was overjoyed. “Oh my, how could I accept such a valuable gift for free…”

Yi An’an smiled. “Sister Wang, could you do me a favor? I’m looking for a place to stay.”

“You’re not staying in the countryside anymore?” Sister Wang asked.

“The barbershop is getting busier, and commuting back and forth is a hassle. Plus, my husband is about to take the college entrance exam. I want to find a place, but I don’t have a proper job, so it’s hard. I was hoping you might help…”

She looked at Sister Wang with wide, pleading eyes.

Sister Wang thought for a moment. “I can arrange something, but you can only stay for half a year. After that, the factory will reallocate housing, and the place will have to be reclaimed.”

Yi An’an quickly thanked her.

That afternoon, Sister Wang took Yi An’an to check out the place.

As soon as they entered the courtyard, a man looked Yi An’an over and suddenly called out her name.

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