Rebirth in the 1970s: Refusing to Be a Side Character

Chapter 14: Someone is Feeling Jealous

◎I think you two are quite well-matched◎

Chen Yuanjiang felt that today was definitely his lucky day, thanks to his friend Ding Zhiming. Although he was two years younger, at 21, he was at the stage where he could start a family. Additionally, he was the youngest senior engineer at the machinery plant, with a promising future and decent looks. In the matchmaking market, his credentials were top-notch.

Chen Yuanjiang adjusted his work uniform, which was freshly changed this morning—no stains, no patches, looking sharp. After giving himself a mental pep talk, he walked confidently over.

Dong Jiaojiao had just taken out her second rice ball and was about to start eating when she noticed a man approaching her with a somewhat silly grin.

"Comrade, are you... eating?" Chen Yuanjiang asked nervously, his palms sweating.

Dong Jiaojiao, with a rice ball in hand and a box of rice balls beside her, thought the question was rather unnecessary. The man's apparent lack of intelligence made her suspect he might be a fool.

Silently, she put the rice ball back in the box and prepared to leave. Chen Yuanjiang, though not foolish, noticed her guarded reaction and awkwardly said, "Sorry, I mean no harm. I'm an engineer from the machinery plant, my name is Chen Yuanjiang. See, my work badge is here. I'm not a bad person."

Chen Yuanjiang showed her his work badge, which eased Dong Jiaojiao's apprehension. The machinery plant was the largest in Lingnan City, and the badge marked him as a senior engineer, indicating he was no ordinary worker.

Deciding to engage, Dong Jiaojiao smiled warmly and said, "Hello, Comrade Chen. Nice to meet you."

Chen Yuanjiang was somewhat dazed by her smile and responded with a goofy grin. Dong Jiaojiao wondered if he was truly from the plant or if he was an impostor.

"Are you really an engineer at the machinery plant?" Dong Jiaojiao asked skeptically.

"Of course," Chen Yuanjiang replied, eager to prove himself. He offered to take her to the plant for verification.

Dong Jiaojiao agreed, feeling safe with her space as a backup. At the plant, she could always call for help if needed. Chen Yuanjiang led her through the gate, where the security guard, Uncle Zhang, greeted them warmly.

"This is my friend," Chen Yuanjiang said, leading Dong Jiaojiao inside without any issues. Although outsiders typically needed to register, those accompanied by someone familiar with the plant did not.

Chen Yuanjiang was well-known in the plant due to his high position, so the security guard recognized him.

As they walked through the plant, many employees greeted Chen Yuanjiang. Dong Jiaojiao's doubts eased, and she became more friendly.

"Comrade Chen, you must not have eaten yet. I made some rice balls myself. If you don't mind, I'd like to treat you to a meal," Dong Jiaojiao offered.

Chen Yuanjiang felt foolish for not taking Ding Zhiming's advice to take her to a better place. However, he was touched by her offer and stammered, "No, no, I should be the one treating you. I... I don't even know your name."

"I'm Dong Jiaojiao," she replied with a bright smile.

"Jiaojiao," Chen Yuanjiang said softly, his heart fluttering at the sound of her name.

They went to the plant's cafeteria together. Dong Jiaojiao treated Chen Yuanjiang to her rice balls, while Chen Yuanjiang insisted on buying her lunch from the cafeteria—pork ribs.