Chapter 17 The Gloomy Little Darling of the 1970s

"Setting: After Shen Ci painfully left Zhoujia Village, she did not succumb to despair."

With her tenacious perseverance and rare courage, she worked her way up from the bottom, starting with odd jobs, seizing opportunities, and gradually venturing into small businesses.

She is good at learning, daring to take risks and work hard. She has grown her business from small to large, from small towns to cities, and eventually even took her trade overseas. She has lived and worked abroad for many years, accumulating considerable wealth and an international perspective.

Until recently, because of her deep concern for her only child in China, she resolutely decided to return to China to find and make amends to her son, using his identity card!

The moment she thought of it, the card in the system's inventory turned into specks of light and disappeared.

"Ding! Your self-selected identity card has been activated."

Current host identity updated: [Patriotic Overseas Chinese, Successful Businesswoman, Shen Ci]

Corresponding supporting documents and rationalized experiences have been generated and integrated into the information flow of this world.

Please note: The system only provides identity settings and necessary documents; the mountains of gold and silver that the host fantasizes about without working are not generated simultaneously.

Your start-up capital remains the initial capital and rebate amount provided by the system.

The system's notification once again extinguished Shen Ci's unrealistic fantasies, but it also made her nod in satisfaction. That's good!

She immediately got up and rummaged through the drawer where important documents were kept.

Upon opening it, sure enough! The identity documents inside had been subtly altered.

Several brand-new, beautifully printed certificates were prominently displayed, including certificates for overseas Chinese, certificates related to foreign investment, and even several business qualification certificates written entirely in English.

"Very good!"

Shen Ci picked up the overseas Chinese certificate with its dark cover, a smile spreading across her face. With this identity, many things would be much more convenient.

For example, she can now freely enter and make purchases at the Friendship Store! Those high-end venues and special channels that were previously only open to foreign guests, diplomats, and overseas Chinese are now also open to her!

This new overseas Chinese identity perfectly fills the huge gap in her life, from that desperate village woman to who she is today.

Everything that seemed illogical now has a logical explanation.

"Madam, someone has delivered an invitation."

With nothing to do, Shen Ci lay on a rocking chair under the osmanthus tree, smelling the fragrance of the osmanthus blossoms. In front of her was a small red clay stove with two oranges simmering on it.

Aunt Fan brought over an invitation. Now that there were few people at home and it was quiet, with only two people in the household, Shen Ci felt that she didn't need too many servants to take care of her. She picked up the invitation that Aunt Fan had placed on the small table.

"Overseas Chinese Federation?"

The red satin envelope had several large gold-embossed characters on it. Upon closer inspection, it became clear that it was an invitation from the local Overseas Chinese Association. How did they get her address?

Shen Ci thought about it. Her identity had just changed, so to make it plausible, there must be relevant information. In that case, it would be reasonable for the Overseas Chinese Federation to know about it.

The invitation from the Overseas Chinese Federation stated that they had just learned of her as a new member and had specially invited her to attend the Federation's gathering.

Those who can join the Overseas Chinese Federation are all overseas Chinese. If she goes, she can expand her avenues of communication. Shen Ci made a firm decision! She must go! Even when the system has no tasks, she needs to have something to do!

This was a banquet, but the venue was not the usual state-run restaurant lobby. Instead, it was chosen to be the small banquet hall of the Friendship Hotel, the only hotel in China that caters to foreign guests. Few people in the federation were short of money, so being able to hold a banquet in this place required not only money but also status.

Shen Ci secretly parked his bicycle a little further away; riding a bicycle over here would be too tacky.

After showing my invitation, I stepped into the warm and inviting hall, a stark contrast to the chilly autumn air outside. The floor was covered with a thick, deep purple-red wool carpet that made no sound when I stepped on it.

The hall was filled with blue and white porcelain vases containing seasonal chrysanthemums and silver willow. In the center of the banquet hall was a large table, just like in foreign paintings. Instead of fresh flowers, the table was covered with baskets of fruit, which surprised Shen Ci.

These fruits are all imported from all over the country: mangoes, apples, oranges...

These days, it's not easy for ordinary locals to even get an apple. Fruit is expensive, and the quality isn't always great. But these people are displaying imported goods. Wow, this shows her the life of another social class. No matter what era you're in, there are always people who enjoy life.

After finding my seat, I sat down. The tableware was all delicate white porcelain, paired with heavy silver-plated cutlery. There was also a black piano next to the stage. It was all very proper. Anyone who saw it would say that this was the life of a capitalist.

However, above the banquet hall hung several rows of banners, their red color almost sinister.

Supporting the construction of the motherland

"Connecting Overseas Chinese"

This extravagant style, which would have been universally condemned if taken out into the world, suddenly became reasonable.

"Since everyone's here, this must be Ms. Shen, right? Welcome, welcome!"

The leading man stood up and applauded, while the others sized up Shen Ci, this new face. She wore a well-tailored dark navy blue double-breasted wool coat with a silk satin turtleneck underneath, and a small, exquisite all-steel Shanghai brand watch on her wrist.

At least in terms of their attire, they sensed a connection with their kind.

Her long, wavy hair was completely out of step with the times. She had a good demeanor and a gentle, beautiful face, yet she possessed an undeniable presence. Very good, she's one of us.

"Thank you everyone, I'm Shen Ci, sorry I'm late."

Shen Ci rose gracefully to express her gratitude. As these people sized her up, she was also sizing them up.

There were both men and women. Some were decked out in designer brands, covered in logos from head to toe, looking like nouveau riche. Some even had typical Chinese features. Of course, there were also people who looked low-key and cultured.

"Ms. Shen is a new member who has joined our association this time."

Gradually, everyone will realize that we are all Chinese, all compatriots. No matter where we are in the world, we should help each other. This is also the purpose of our association: to unite every compatriot…”

After rattling off a bunch of platitudes, the chairman of the joint conference abruptly changed the subject, his expression turning somber.

"It's a pity that the domestic situation has been severe and the crackdown has been intense in the past two years, making it difficult for organizations like ours to cope."

Our activities cannot be as active as before, and many businesses and developments have been hindered. However, there is no need to worry. I have received accurate information that this situation will be resolved in less than two years.

Everyone must maintain good relations with the local government and avoid doing anything that could negatively impact the federation…

Shen Ci was getting sleepy. Did every leader have such a strong urge to talk? Did they have to wait until he finished speaking before the food was served?

"Ding-dong!"

A time-limited mission has been triggered!

Spend 500,000 yuan within ten minutes! Reward for completing the mission: a Cadillac Fleetwood Broougham!