"Mom, can I still visit you at the research institute in the future?"
Li Wen held Qin Nian's hand, his eyes sparkling with curiosity about everything in the laboratory.
Li Wu gazed at Qin Nian with admiration, though he wasn’t as fascinated by the lab equipment as his brother.
"Won’t you find it boring?"
Li Wen shook his head. "I think it’s really interesting. I want to know what all those things are used for."
"You can’t stay in the lab all the time, but when you’re a bit older, we can consider it. How about this—if you get full marks on your exams, I’ll take you to the research institute as a reward?"
Qin Nian’s earlier proposal had only been partially approved. Bringing children into the lab was ultimately too risky, but organizing more activities to expose them to science was a good alternative.
"Really?"
Li Wen’s disappointment instantly turned to excitement, while Li Wu’s eyes widened in alarm.
Full marks! Even Xianjun-gege didn’t always get perfect scores. Oh no!
"Yes, and the same goes for you, Li Wu. Since you’ve been learning English from your grandma, I’ll get you a typewriter to practice with. Typing in both Chinese and English can be quite fun."
Qin Nian had been inspired by Xianjun’s earlier suggestion about the tricycle. She could find an old typewriter—cheaper but just as practical.
"Really?"
Li Wu only caught the words "quite fun," having no idea what a typewriter even was.
"Yes. I haven’t bought you many toys or gifts before. All the things you played with were handmade by your grandma. Before I knew it, you’ve both grown so much."
Childish toys weren’t suitable for them anymore.
Just as Qin Nian was thinking this, Fan Juan arrived.
"Da Bao, Er Bao—oh, I forgot! I should call you by your proper names now. Here, I brought you some treats."
"Aunt Fan, hello!"
The children stood up eagerly to greet her.
"I called the institute and heard you’d left work early, so I came to find you."
Fan Juan smiled as she spoke to Qin Nian.
"Come inside. Li Wen, Li Wu, take Wang Xing to find your cousin."
Qin Nian shooed the children away and invited Fan Juan in.
"Where’s Aunt Yang?"
Fan Juan noticed Yang Yufen’s absence and asked.
"Mom went to the Agricultural Academy with Aunt Wang next door, but she should be back soon."
Qin Nian had left work early today because the children were visiting the institute.
"I see. I came to discuss our washing machine project. After testing, we confirmed the issue was with the circuit board, not the machine itself. I’ve thought of a way to promote it—since washing machines are major appliances, most people hesitate to spend money on them."
Fan Juan laid out her plans and arrangements for Qin Nian.
"Every year, there are social mixers. The military district is easy to coordinate with, but we can’t just have male participants. Your sister-in-law is a department head at the hospital—could you ask her to help arrange something?"
"That’s no problem. Why don’t I take you to see my mentor’s wife? She’s taught many students and knows a lot of people. The research institute probably has eligible young people too."
Qin Nian suddenly realized this was a wonderful opportunity. After all, she and Xianjun had been introduced by their teacher. Now, people could choose for themselves, and everyone attending would have stable jobs and good political backgrounds—ideal matches.
"But what if too many people sign up for the mixer?"
Qin Nian grew concerned.
"The more, the better! I’m hoping for at least a hundred people—that’s fifty potential couples. Our first batch has a hundred units. If we get three hundred attendees, even better!
Not every pair will hit it off, but even if just a dozen couples form, they’ll each get a discount voucher. When they return to their workplaces and spread the word, newlyweds at year-end will think of our washing machines first."
The more Fan Juan calculated, the more excited she became.
"Let’s go. The kids probably just reached their grandma’s place."
The two women agreed immediately and set off.
Professor Wen was highly encouraging after hearing their plan.
"An event like this deserves full support. No need to wait until tomorrow—I’ll make calls right away. We can easily gather seventy or eighty people. Let me call your sister-in-law first—she’s at the hospital and can make quick decisions."
When Zhou Ang answered the phone, she initially thought something was wrong at home. But upon hearing about the mixer, she recalled the hospital director had recently mentioned the same idea.
"Mom, this won’t be a problem. I’ll speak to the director right away. The list should be finalized in about three days, and then I’ll call Comrade Fan Juan."
"Wonderful! We’ll coordinate directly then. Let me give you my number—please note it down."
Fan Juan was thrilled.
Professor Wen made several more calls. Compared to younger organizers like Fan Juan, elders of her generation were far more invested in matchmaking. The moment they heard about a large-scale event with stable, politically vetted attendees, they eagerly agreed—worried about missing out.
Some even feared the best candidates would be snatched up, pressing for details on how many could attend.
Fan Juan gestured a number, and Professor Wen understood—the more the merrier, as long as they were genuinely seeking partners with good character.
With basic requirements set, the pool of candidates grew. Despite the tight timeline, over five hundred people were confirmed on the first day alone.
By the time additional names were added, estimates reached eight hundred—mostly men, with some possibly missing the first round due to limited spots.
"Now I understand why the leadership said they’d hold another event at year-end. I thought it was just to promote the washing machines, but Professor Wen didn’t even mention them. Just listing the participating departments was enough to fill the roster."
Fan Juan marveled as she sorted through the names.
She’d initially hoped for as many attendees as possible, but the actual numbers surpassed her expectations.
With less than five days left, Fan Juan still needed to arrange the venue. This was the Economic Department’s first major event—it had to be impressive.
At the military barracks:
"Reporting—I don’t wish to attend this mixer!"
Liao Yuanjie sought out Hu Jun as soon as the participant list was announced.
"I’m not ready for marriage."
Liao Yuanjie wore a pained expression.
"Are you sure? This is a rare opportunity. Countless others are fighting to join. If not for the tight schedule, other military districts would’ve sent people too."
"I’m certain. Let another comrade take my spot."
Liao Yuanjie saluted firmly.
"Very well, I’ll remove your name. What a shame—I heard Comrade Fan Juan is hosting the event, and she’s unmarried too. Among all those officers, you’d have had a real chance. Who knows? She might’ve taken a liking to you."
