Chapter 311 Opportunity

This day, Chen Lishu took Rui Rui to play with the Wang brothers and headed to the city. Her goal was clear: for convenience in attending school, her living quarters definitely couldn't be too far from the school, so she first targeted two residential complexes near the school. Without an intermediary, and unable to inquire at every single building, Chen Lishu devised a plan: she would stroll through the complexes and approach any elderly gentlemen or ladies she met to ask. Young people were usually at work, and the elders in the neighborhood would surely know more about the local happenings than them. As expected, after asking only a few people, she found a place. On the second floor, a two-bedroom, one-living room unit, it was excellent in terms of layout and natural light, though the price was a bit steep at ten yuan a month, which was the same price as a courtyard in the county town. Chen Lishu noted that the furniture and furnishings were complete; it just needed a good cleaning and then it would be move-in ready. After some haggling, both parties agreed on one hundred yuan for the year, but it needed to be paid upfront. Chen Lishu paid, took the key, did a quick initial cleaning, locked up, and then went out to look at kindergartens for Rui Rui. At this time, there were limited people sending their children to kindergarten; most were cared for informally, and many were also factory-run kindergartens where a couple of yuan a month would suffice for childcare. Chen Lishu wandered around the vicinity, and just as she was about to stop a passerby to ask for information, she suddenly saw the words 'Enrollment Notice' in black on white on a red brick wall. Below it were the opening date, enrollment location and time, and tuition fees. Chen Lishu leaned in for a closer look and found that the tuition fee per semester was only four yuan. Following the address, she was received by a teacher responsible for enrollment. It turned out the tuition was so cheap because meals were not provided. The enrollment teacher, noticing her hesitation, said with a smile, "Although we don't provide meals, we have dedicated staff to heat up food for the children, and we are a literacy class, unlike other childcare classes." Chen Lishu considered it for a moment and finally agreed. The kindergarten was conveniently located, about a ten-minute walk from her newly rented place, making things easier for both mother and son. After enrolling Rui Rui and paying one semester's tuition, Chen Lishu went to the department store again. The mother and son would need two new sets of bedding after moving, and Rui Rui's school supplies also needed to be prepared. She bought quite a few miscellaneous items before taking the bus home. Two days before school started, Chen Lishu specifically went to Chen Yin Chu's house. "You child, how many times have I told you? We welcome you and your teachers to visit. I won't accept any gifts you bring." Han Xiuyun opened the door and was particularly happy to see her. When her gaze fell on the things in her hand, her face immediately showed disapproval. "Teacher's wife, this is some dried mountain goods from my hometown. It's just a small token of appreciation from me, your student. I've taken to heart everything you've said and promise I haven't spent a single penny." Chen Lishu smiled and handed her the bag. "If you don't believe me, open it and see." Han Xiuyun shook her head with a hint of helplessness upon hearing this. "You are truly something, child. I don't know what to say about you; you're good in every way, just too polite. When you come to your teacher's house, there's no need to be so formal; consider it your own home. Don't bring anything next time." Chen Lishu nodded. "With your words, Teacher's wife, I promise to only bring my appetite next time." Han Xiuyun then nodded in satisfaction and invited her in. As soon as Chen Lishu entered the living room, she saw Chen Guoping was also there, and he was currently sitting by the coffee table playing chess with Chen Yin Chu. "Teacher, Uncle Chen." Chen Yin Chu was in a critical juncture of the game and nodded hastily to acknowledge her, then pointed to an empty seat on the sofa beside them. "Xiao Chen, please sit first." Chen Lishu sat down as instructed. She didn't have a deep understanding of chess, only knowing the basics of how to move the pieces, so she didn't interrupt and turned to chat with Han Xiuyun. Despite racking his brain, Chen Yin Chu couldn't hold on much longer and was eventually defeated by Chen Guoping. Seeing that he finally had time, Chen Lishu then informed him about her plan to move out of the dormitory. Chen Yin Chu listened to her situation and didn't object, nodding and saying, "The child can't be left unattended. When school starts, I'll speak to your counselor and have him arrange it for you." Chen Lishu and her cohort were a bit special. The country had suddenly resumed the college entrance examination, and many students were already married with children, some even enrolling while heavily pregnant. If there were genuine difficulties, the school would naturally consider them. "Did you write that song 'Kiss Goodbye'? I saw it reported in the newspaper. I didn't expect you, this young comrade, to be so talented." Chen Guoping looked at Chen Lishu and praised her sincerely. Chen Lishu's face flushed slightly, and she smiled sheepishly at him. "Uncle Chen, you flatter me." "Guoping, weren't you worried about selecting personnel for the Southern Commodity Fair this time and asked me for recommendations? What do you think of Xiao Chen?" Upon hearing Chen Yin Chu's words, Chen Guoping's eyes lit up, and he turned to Chen Lishu. "Before the Eleventh Central Committee's Third Plenum was held, which was of great significance for economic reform, our province's enterprises are preparing to participate in this year's Spring Commodity Fair in Yangcheng. I'm short of two translators. I wonder if you, Xiao Chen, could help Uncle out." At present, the country was rebuilding from scratch and urgently needed to earn foreign exchange. However, to interact with foreigners, a large number of foreign language talents were required. The Northeast provinces were strong in industry and agriculture, but the quota for the trade fair was limited; the province had only secured six spots in total. Chen Guoping had finally selected six relatively strong factories after multiple rounds of inspection, but translators competent for the job were scarce. Therefore, he thought of seeking help from his uncle, Chen Yin Chu. Now, with his reminder, Chen Guoping felt that no one was more suitable than Chen Lishu. Since their last conversation, the young woman in front of him had left a deep impression. Later, he heard a lot about her from his uncle Chen Yin Chu, such as founding an 'English Corner,' even being interviewed as a representative student from a normal university, being able to serve as a teaching assistant, and writing English songs, all of which demonstrated her English proficiency. Chen Lishu's heart filled with excitement upon hearing Chen Guoping's words. That was the Import and Export Commodity Fair in Yangcheng. It wasn't a commodity economy yet, and enterprises couldn't even enter without an admission ticket, let alone private enterprises or individual businesses. If she could attend and experience it, Chen Lishu knew it would greatly benefit the development of her business. "Thank you, Uncle Chen, for giving me this opportunity to learn. I promise not to let you down." Chen Lishu solemnly accepted the task. Chen Guoping smiled. "Then I will thank you on behalf of the provincial enterprises. There is still some time before the exchange meeting. I will send someone to notify you in advance of the specific departure date." Because she was worried about Rui Rui at home, Chen Lishu didn't stay long and took her leave.