Educated Youth in the Countryside: She is the Village's Embroidery Queen!-Chapter 338: Plenty of Bachelors, If Nothing Else
The couple agreed quickly, and Lu Juan was straightforward, unable to keep things to herself.
"Are there any single young men of good character in your unit?"
The couple instantly understood that this was about looking for a match.
However—
"Ms. Juan, I remember you’re already married."
Yi Chichi reminded her, "I heard your husband is a good guy, you shouldn’t make mistakes."
Upon hearing this, Lu Juan realized she had misunderstood, and quickly explained, "It’s for my sister. Her temporary job is about to end. If she doesn’t find someone soon and get married, she’ll have to go to the countryside according to policy."
"Find a permanent job then."
Yi Chichi thought that rushing into marriage just to avoid going to the countryside was not commendable. Marriage is essentially a gamble — if you win, everyone is happy.
If you don’t, it causes physical, emotional, and financial harm, and you end up being an unpaid nanny.
If you’re unlucky enough to encounter a partner who is abusive, it could even be life-threatening.
"Permanent jobs are scarce, and if one opens up, it’s usually given to someone familiar. By the time we hear about it and try to apply, the position is already filled. Now we can’t even find temporary work."
Discussing this, Lu Juan started to worry, then elaborated on the difficulties the family faced in helping her find a job.
"My dad is a skilled worker, but my sister can’t do his job, even if he wanted to pass it on."
"What about your mom?"
If I remember correctly, both of Lu Juan’s parents are working.
If her father can’t help, her mother should step in, which is better than hastily marrying someone.
"The job went to my brother’s wife."
Lu Juan’s expression turned slightly sour as she said this.
Yi Chichi and Wen Shi understood there was more to this story.
Glancing at Wen Shi, and seeing him nod slightly, Yi Chichi decided not to dwell on this issue and instead asked about Lu Juan’s sister’s situation.
Lu Juan genuinely didn’t want her sister to go to the countryside and sincerely hoped to find her a reliable man.
During this time, she reviewed many young men, but her sister didn’t fancy any of them, insisting she wanted to marry a soldier.
He should be tall, good-looking, have some economic ability, and not be heavily burdened by family obligations.
Though these requirements didn’t seem high, they combined into quite a tall order.
Knowing her sister’s conditions, Lu Juan resigned herself to the idea that her sister might indeed go to the countryside.
What she hadn’t anticipated was the arrival of Yi Chichi and Wen Shi.
With the mindset of a blind cat hoping to catch a dead mouse, she set her sights on the soldiers in Wen Shi’s unit.
While excellent young men might be scarce elsewhere, there are many in the military.
If she could find one for her sister, not only would her sister avoid going to the countryside, but her long-term future would also be secured — a perfect scenario.
Most crucially, the island wasn’t far from Yangcheng, making visits feasible.
If she ended up in the Great Northeast, the Northwest, Southwest, or similar places, even a single visit would be hard.
So, the moment Yi Chichi asked about her sister’s situation, she immediately disclosed everything without reservation.
"My sister’s name is Lu Hong. She’ll turn 18 in two months. Currently, she’s working as a temporary substitute at a battery factory. She’s about my height, looks better than me, has a high school education, and she’s saved two hundred yuan."
As she spoke, she asked, "Mr. Wen, do you have a suitable match for my sister?"
Wen Shi squinted slightly, there actually was someone suitable. There are a lot of singles in the military.
But one cannot introduce matches casually.
Matchmaking should bring harmony between two families, not conflict.
When introducing someone, unless you lack a conscience, you have to consider if they truly match.
After all, men fear joining the wrong profession, and women fear marrying the wrong man.
He couldn’t harm his brothers, let alone the women.
That complicates things.
After organizing his thoughts, he spoke under Lu Juan’s expectant gaze, "What are your sister’s conditions?"
Lu Juan was delighted, sensing hope.
She hurried to share her sister’s conditions.
Upon hearing the need for height, Wen Shi instantly thought of several people.
Hearing she also wanted good looks, Wen Shi nodded; the request wasn’t excessive.
Men in the military, regardless of their looks or height, exude an undeniable presence and energy when in uniform.
In his wife’s words, when military men walk out in uniform, they become the most eye-catching figures on the street.
When Lu Juan mentioned a slightly better off condition, he hesitated, "Can I ask, what specifically do you mean by better off condition?"
"Not too many siblings, ideally two or three."
In times before family planning, households had two to three children, at least, if they weren’t having more, some even had seven or eight.
Wen Shi understood; it wasn’t a difficult request.
"And not too much financial burden."
Worried she hadn’t been clear enough and not wanting to deceive, Lu Juan relayed her sister’s wish, "Best if, after marriage, apart from giving a bit to the parents, the rest should focus only on their small family."
With that, Wen Shi didn’t need to think further; he knew it wouldn’t work out.
"Sorry, I don’t have a suitable match here."
Eavesdropping, Yi Chichi sighed; Wen Shi was right. Lu Juan’s sister’s demands didn’t suit military men.
In the military, regardless of rank, the burdens are significant.
Even those without heavy family obligations need to support and assist their comrades.
Especially those like Wen Shi who have been to war, too many have been injured or killed in action.
They are brothers through life and death, and such bonds can’t be ignored.
Supporting them becomes inevitable.
Just this alone would be unacceptable to Lu Hong.
Considering they were only to give parents a bit, others truly can’t expect much.
In marriage, if this is the foundation, the conflicts would be never-ending.
Lu Juan hadn’t thought about this, she exclaimed in surprise, "Not even one suitable match?"
"No."
To ensure she didn’t hold onto false hope, Wen Shi decided to clarify, "Our burdens are indeed heavy, not only considering our parents at home but also our comrades."
Lu Juan suddenly realized, "Brothers who were sacrificed or injured?"
"Yes."
"What about those who haven’t been to the battlefield?"
"Even less suitable, they can’t support her, and she won’t be able to join them."
Moreover, whether they can remain in the unit is uncertain.
"Sis, try asking friends to help seek around again. I truly don’t have someone suitable here."
Given the clarity in his response, Lu Juan could only give up.
"Then I’ll continue looking for her."
If no suitable ones can be found in the military...
Perhaps the countryside is the only option left.
With this thought, she guided the couple to Yi Chichi’s temporary dormitory, explained where to get meal tickets, and bid farewell in a hurry.
Wen Shi and Yi Chichi saw her out, and once she was out of sight, they began inspecting the dormitory.
"It’s a bit small."
"For temporary living, and free of charge, let’s not be picky."
Yi Chichi was quite satisfied; after all, it was a private space, without needing to share a bunk, making it perfect for her.
Wen Shi thought for a moment, finding it reasonable, "I’ll help tidy it up for you."
Rolling up his sleeves, he was about to start working.
Then the issue arose, there were no tubs, buckets, or rags.
Aside from a single bed and a washstand, the room was devoid of everything.
To live comfortably, they would have to spend money to furnish it.
