“I’ve already eaten, thank you for your concern,” Shen Suyu said. Gu Yanshen nodded, taking it as an acknowledgment. He didn’t sense any hidden meaning in her words; to him, it was just a casual remark.
“The chefs in the mess hall were specially invited from outside by the base. They’re all well-known and highly skilled. You should try their food often,” he continued.
“And the prices aren’t too expensive either. It’s much better than the state-run restaurants outside. Don’t always go out to eat,” he added. He had intended to go back to his room but suddenly remembered something and turned to mention it. He had eaten outside before, usually dining with the soldiers at state-run restaurants. The taste was mediocre, and the price was high—it was more about the atmosphere. Considering Shen Suyu’s current situation, she probably couldn’t afford such meals.
“Don’t worry, Commander Gu. With such great food here, why would I eat out? I barely have time to eat enough meals in the mess hall,” Shen Suyu replied.
“Such a shame! I’ve always valued food so much, and yet I’ve never had anything this good,” she added, sticking her tongue out playfully. She wasn’t as burdened as before, and her mood had improved considerably. Gu Yanshen was momentarily stunned, his heart stirred.
“Is something wrong, Commander Gu? Why did you go quiet? Are you feeling unwell? Did I say something wrong?” Shen Suyu asked, slightly panicked as she saw him lost in thought.
“I… no, no. I was just thinking about something, got momentarily distracted. I should apologize to you—I was supposed to be talking to you, not thinking about other things,” he quickly recovered.
“Don’t make me angry. What did you just say? Could you repeat it?” Gu Yanshen’s ears flushed, though his tanned face, weathered by years outdoors, showed no sign of shyness. Shen Suyu, unaware of anything wrong, assumed he was being honest.
“I didn’t say much. I just wondered if I could do some work on the base, maybe earn some money, though I haven’t figured out how yet,” she admitted shyly, avoiding his gaze. Living here was already difficult, and now she was pushing for more—it felt awkward.
“You want to earn money?” Gu Yanshen was slightly surprised but quickly understood her intentions. A young educated youth (zhishi qingnian) wouldn’t save much in a year; Shen Suyu probably didn’t have much on hand.
“Do you need it urgently? I do have some money. If you really need it, I can lend it to you, though working on the base might not be feasible,” he said, feeling conflicted. “The base has its rules; soldiers handle all tasks—outsiders aren’t needed.”
“That’s too much trouble. I don’t urgently need money. I just want to save a bit more, since what I have isn’t much,” Shen Suyu explained. “Consider it just being cautious. If there’s no suitable work for me here, I’ll figure something else out.” She wanted some distance but didn’t outright ask for money—she wasn’t lacking funds now, and even if she were, she wouldn’t ask Gu Yanshen directly.
“I understand. So you want to do business, right? Is there anywhere I can help you access the outside world, since I brought you to the base?” Gu Yanshen asked, quickly grasping her meaning. Technically, educated youths weren’t supposed to engage in business, but given Shen Suyu’s circumstances, she needed a way to make a living.
“I just want a path forward, that’s why I’m anxious. I haven’t found one yet. Commander Gu, do you have any suggestions?” Shen Suyu said with a troubled expression, shaking her head helplessly. She already had the skills to earn, but lacked the connections to start. Doing weaving business here would be difficult; she hoped Gu Yanshen could offer some help.
“I don’t know exactly what you can do, so I’m not sure if I can help. But think carefully—you’re still an educated youth,” he cautioned.
“You really intend to step out and do business? Aren’t you afraid of people talking or reporting you?” Gu Yanshen invited her into his room before discussing seriously. He didn’t want prying eyes outside to cause trouble for her.
“I can do any kind of work. I don’t mind, but you’re different—you’re a girl and need to protect your reputation,” he said earnestly. “Besides, your main duties aren’t fully completed. Doing extra work could be risky.”
Shen Suyu was momentarily stunned. She hadn’t expected this advice and thought it would be something more serious.
“As you can see, my situation now doesn’t allow returning to the youth point. And the work I can do there is limited. It’s better to use my free time to do business rather than sit idle. What do you think of this idea, Commander Gu?” she asked, meeting his eyes directly. She couldn’t abandon her youth point responsibilities entirely, or she would have.
“I don’t like being controlled. I don’t like being dependent. I really want to do business and pursue something I enjoy. I’ve known weaving since I was a child. Commander Gu, do you think my skills could develop into a business on this island?” she asked straightforwardly, cutting to the chase. It was time to get his opinion—if he could help, great; if not, she would find another way.
“The weaving industry could develop here. The island is hard to access, and new designs and fabrics aren’t available. Some new clothing styles don’t reach here. If your skills are excellent, you won’t struggle to earn, though I don’t know all the details—you’ll have to try yourself,” Gu Yanshen said thoughtfully. He didn’t press further; as long as Shen Suyu understood the situation, it was sufficient.