“How has work been recently?” Chen Yin Chu didn't stand on ceremony with Chen Li Shu. After she sat down, he turned to ask about his nephew's job.
The entire country was in the process of rehabilitating and removing political labels. Chen Guo Ping had just been transferred back to a provincial position last month from where he had been sent down.
Chen Guo Ping nodded, "It's alright, but you know, although the turmoil has passed, its ripples are still felt. Honestly, I often feel anxious, after all, there were quite a few people who were labeled '翻烙饼' (turnover pastry, meaning persecuted and rehabilitated multiple times) back then."
This was also one of the purposes of his visit. Besides seeing the elders, he also wanted to hear Chen Yin Chu's opinion.
He was a pragmatic person. Especially his years of grassroots work had made him deeply feel the nation's urgent need for recovery and development, and his strong desire to achieve results. However, his family's past experiences were still vivid in his memory. He was still hesitating between going with the flow or facing the challenges head-on.
After listening to him, Chen Yin Chu pondered for a moment before saying, "I don't know much about politics. From the perspective of education alone, since the decision was made to resume the college entrance examination last year, most people feared that the country would only open up this one session. But the school has already started preparing for the autumn enrollment work this year."
Chen Yin Chu paused and smiled at his nephew, "Actually, no matter what choice you make, your Uncle will definitely support you."
Chen Li Shu didn't know much about politics either, but she had the experience of living several decades longer than others. Naturally, she had also seen the country's rapid development in the future. Looking at Chen Guo Ping, who was deep in thought, she considered for a moment and then said, "Uncle Chen, I think reform and opening up are inevitable. As for the '翻烙饼' you mentioned, I don't think it will exist. I firmly believe that the country will usher in a tremendous change in the near future."
"Oh?" Chen Guo Ping's spirits lifted upon hearing her words, "Little Chen, what are your thoughts?"
Chen Yin Chu also smiled and urged, "Yes, Little Chen, quickly tell us." His student's ideas were always refreshing, perhaps this time it could also offer some inspiration to Guo Ping.
"I wouldn't call them insights."
Chen Li Shu smiled and said, "I just feel that Uncle Chen might be too close to the situation to see clearly. Take the resumption of the college entrance examination, for example. From the official document release to the examination itself, it took less than two months. This shows the determination of the top leadership to change the current situation."
"That's true." Chen Guo Ping nodded. Seeing her pause, he encouraged her, "Little Chen, please continue."
"Another point is that the authorities are no longer placing as much emphasis on background and political ideology as before, otherwise, they wouldn't be rehabilitating and removing labels from everyone. Change takes time, and it naturally requires good cadres like you, Uncle Chen, who dare to think and act."
Chen Guo Ping was deeply moved by her words. Yes, he had been too rigid.
Wasn't his transfer back now a testament to the higher authorities' attitude? He had already been sent down once; what could be the worst-case scenario this time?
With newfound clarity, Chen Guo Ping's entire demeanor changed. His eyes became resolute, and his smile became genuine.
"You two will talk endlessly. Are you thirsty? This is dandelion tea that I dried myself. It's best for cooling down in this season."
Han Xiu Yun came out from the kitchen, holding a large enamel mug. Chen Li Shu quickly got up to take it and then poured a cup of dandelion tea for Chen Yin Chu and Chen Guo Ping each.
"Teacher, guess what good thing I brought for you this time?" Suddenly remembering the purpose of her visit, Chen Li Shu said to Chen Yin Chu with a smile.
"You child, what are you bringing again? Didn't I tell you last time that you only need to bring your appetite when you visit? If you keep doing this, your teacher and I will get angry," Han Xiu Yun said, scolding her displeasedly as soon as she heard this.
"Teacher, Teacher's wife, since you've said so, I'll return this book to them." Chen Li Shu opened her shoulder bag, revealing the newly acquired book for Chen Yin Chu to see.
Upon seeing the book he had been searching for a long time, Chen Yin Chu's eyes lit up, and he quickly got up from his seat, "Of course, you can bring a book."
After taking the book and examining it carefully, Chen Yin Chu asked curiously, "Little Chen, where did you get this book? I've been to several bookstores and even asked people for a long time without any luck."
Chen Li Shu pursed her lips and smiled, "I went to a scrap metal recycling station."
Then Chen Li Shu roughly recounted how she found the book.
When Chen Yin Chu heard that she had bought the book he had painstakingly sought for only twenty cents, he felt a mix of amusement and exasperation.
"That old gentleman was very enthusiastic, and I really couldn't bear to refuse him. So, on my way out, I also picked this up." Chen Li Shu then took out the object that was neither a cup nor a pen holder.
Chen Guo Ping was surprised to see the item in her hand and quickly took it to examine it carefully, "Little Chen, you might have found a treasure!"
Chen Li Shu exclaimed in surprise, "A treasure?"
Hearing Chen Guo Ping's words, Chen Yin Chu also quickly picked up his reading glasses and put them on to get a closer look.
"There's too much dirt on it to see its original appearance. It needs to be cleaned first, but I can be sure that this item is definitely an antique."
Although Chen Guo Ping said so, Chen Li Shu still didn't quite believe it. She had just casually picked it up. If it were truly a treasure, it would have been discovered by someone else long ago, and it wouldn't be her turn.
While she was lost in thought, Chen Guo Ping had already found tools and started cleaning.
Gradually, the object in his hand began to reveal its original appearance. The dark red surface was carved with simple bamboo patterns, which Chen Li Shu didn't find particularly special.
"Is this rosewood?" Chen Yin Chu leaned in and said.
"Yes," Chen Guo Ping said, nodding as he had nearly finished cleaning. "It's rosewood. Judging by the style and patterns, it's likely from the Ming or Qing dynasties."
Chen Guo Ping returned the pen holder to Chen Li Shu, smiling, "Little Chen, you've stumbled upon a great treasure this time. Be sure to keep it well; it's probably worth a lot of money."
Hearing him say that, Chen Li Shu thought of the ancient artifacts that fetched exorbitant prices in later generations, and her heart fluttered with excitement. She nodded repeatedly, "Yes, thank you for the reminder, Uncle Chen. I will definitely keep it safe."
Soon, Han Xiu Yun began preparing dinner, and Chen Li Shu went to help. The four of them made four dishes in total. Chen Li Shu was very supportive and ate half a bowl of rice more than usual.
After having dinner at Chen Yin Chu's home, Chen Li Shu went straight back to her dormitory.
"Li Shu, you're back." Zhang Xue's eyes lit up when she saw her enter, and she immediately climbed down from the upper bunk opposite.
"I guessed you'd be back tonight. The hot water is ready for you. Have you eaten? I have some fried dough twists here."
"Thank you, Xue'er. I've eaten." Chen Li Shu said, bending down to get the washbasin and then going to fetch the kettle. Zhang Xue went out with her.
"Hey Li Shu, I heard from the people who saw him that your husband looks very spirited?"