Chen Lishu, Jiang Yuwei, and two other translators were assigned to the same compartment. As soon as the female teacher named Liu Yun entered, she immediately claimed one of the lower bunk beds.
"I'm truly sorry, I'm not very accustomed to climbing up and down. Little Chen, you can take my upper bunk. I see Little Jiang seems about my size, why don't we give the other lower bunk to her?"
Liu Yun said, smiling as she arranged things.
Although she felt annoyed, Chen Lishu didn't want to waste time arguing with her over such a small matter in this situation.
Gu Lichun, a male teacher from the Industrial University who taught German, was the only man in the compartment. He seemed a bit reserved. Upon hearing Liu Yun's words, he took his briefcase and went to the upper bunk across from them.
"Thank you, Sister Liu," Jiang Yuwei said to Liu Yun with a smile and then went to sit in the lower bunk opposite.
"Little Jiang, you seem quite familiar with Minister Li?"
Jiang Yuwei paused her actions of taking things out of her bag. "He was a colleague of my parents, so our families have a good relationship."
Though it was just a short sentence, it implied a great deal.
Being a colleague of Li Tingliang meant he must also hold a position in the municipal or provincial committee. Moreover, given Jiang Yuwei's attire and demeanor, her family background was undoubtedly exceptional.
Liu Yun couldn't help but consider forming connections.
There were no entertainment facilities at this time. After putting away her luggage, Chen Lishu climbed to the upper bunk and took out a book from her shoulder bag, beginning to read with concentration.
There was no direct train from the province to Yangcheng; they had to travel for a day and a night to another province before transferring to another train.
After everyone had settled their luggage, Chen Guoping's secretary arrived, carrying a thick stack of documents and placing them on the table.
"These are the company profiles and product details for this exhibition. Director Chen said you can review them in advance to get acquainted with the situation when you have time."
"This is perfect, I was just about to ask about the situation. Director Chen is very thoughtful." Liu Yun said, picking up the documents from the table and proactively distributing them to everyone.
"Let's speed things up. Let's try to finish reading these materials before dinner tonight. After exchanging insights, we'll compile a report for Director Chen."
Chen Lishu looked up and happened to catch a fleeting glimpse of impatience on Gu Lichun's face.
"Little Jiang, if there's anything you don't understand, you can ask me. Although we study different languages, I did some work in factory-university collaboration a few years ago, so I understand a bit."
Jiang Yuwei nodded at Liu Yun's words.
The document Chen Lishu was holding was from the electric meter factory. The highlight of their exhibition this time was a newly developed single-lens reflex camera.
Previous cameras used 120 film, with each roll allowing only 12 shots. This new camera used 135 film, which could produce 36 shots per roll.
Chen Lishu was very tempted after reading the detailed specifications.
With Ruirui at home now, the child grew quickly, changing almost yearly. If they had a camera at home, they could capture more memories.
As there were materials from six factories, encountering unfamiliar words required consulting the dictionary and making notes. By the time dinner arrived, everyone had only managed to read through the materials of three or four companies.
The train's dining car had limited seating, so they ate in batches, taking turns.
When Chen Lishu, Jiang Yuwei, and the other two left, Chen Guoping, accompanied by his secretary, also headed to the dining car.
"Hello, Director," Since they were outside, Chen Lishu, like everyone else, addressed him as Director Chen.
Chen Guoping nodded with a smile. "How is your preparation going? Please don't hesitate to ask if you need anything. You are the absolute focus of this exhibition."
"We've already read a portion of the materials Secretary Zhang brought. We'll finish reading everything, even if we have to stay up all night. Director, please rest assured, we will definitely do our utmost to help everyone ensure the smooth success of this trade fair," Liu Yun interjected before Chen Lishu could speak.
Chen Guoping waved his hand. "No need to rush, just familiarize yourselves first. After all, there are still several days on the journey."
"Given the limited time on the journey, everyone should make the most of it and finish all the materials with quality and quantity guaranteed. We will definitely not let down your expectations, Director."
Chen Guoping: "Just don't wear yourselves out."
The food on the train was somewhat questionable. Chen Lishu had little appetite and simply ate a steamed bun, considering it enough.
Not long after returning to the compartment, Zou Liang came looking for her, holding a manila envelope.
"I noticed you didn't eat much tonight. This is some pastry I brought from home, I'll share some with you."
Chen Lishu smiled and waved her hand. "I'm not hungry, thank you for your kindness. You should keep it for yourself."
"Why be so polite? I'll leave it on the table for you." Seeing that she wouldn't accept it, Zou Liang placed the item on the table and turned to leave.
In the evening, Chen Lishu lay on the bed, covered by the quilt, and was about to sleep when Liu Yun got up and patted her bunk.
"Little Chen, you haven't finished the materials yet, have you?"
Chen Lishu looked up. "I haven't finished, but it's too late, so I plan to sleep first and read them tomorrow if I have time."
"How can that be? Work isn't approached with that attitude. Besides, I've already promised Director Chen that we'd finish the materials today, and we need to compile a summary afterward. You're young, you can't be so unmotivated! Especially since you're good-looking, you should work harder, otherwise, people will think you got in through connections."
Liu Yun's tone of reproach grew increasingly severe as she spoke.
"Moreover, we can't let you alone affect everyone else's progress, can we?"
Chen Lishu finally sat up from her bunk and looked down at her. "I'm not sure what progress Teacher Liu is referring to. If it's about finishing and summarizing the materials tonight, that was something you said yourself, wasn't it? I never said that."
Liu Yun was surprised that she would talk back and became angry.
"So what if I said it? I'm doing it for everyone's benefit. The organization has given us this opportunity, and we should cherish it more. With your current attitude, are you dissatisfied with the organization?"
Wow, what a heavy accusation.
"Sister Liu, forget it. She's always been willful even at school, she's probably used to it by now." Jiang Yuwei seemed to be mediating but was actually fanning the flames.
As expected, Liu Yun looked at Chen Lishu and said angrily, "You're not my student. If they had this attitude, I guarantee they wouldn't graduate."
"Forget it, maybe Little Chen, you could just bear with it," Gu Lichun interjected, trying to mediate.
Although he was also displeased with Liu Yun's assertiveness, he was a man, and they were all teachers, considered half-colleagues. Even though he was unwilling, Gu Lichun chose to review the documents together.
"Teacher Liu, you might have a misunderstanding. I am honored and value the opportunity the organization has given me by selecting me. However, I believe there is no need to stay up all night when there is clearly time, nor is it wise. If you insist, I won't object, but I absolutely will not participate."