Down to the Northeast: The Educated Youth Becomes the Group Favorite with a Spatial Dimension

Shen Qingyu is an ordinary woman living in modern times who suddenly finds herself visited by the spirit of a fictional character named Shen Qingyu from a novel she was reading. The spirit informs her that in seven days, she will cross over into the story world to live a new life. Initially dismissing it as a dream, Shen Qingyu experiences physical pain and discovers a time-stagnant spatial dimension within her consciousness, confirming the reality of the situation. With only a week to prepare, she liquidates her assets, selling her properties at a discount for quick cash, and begins an intense period of stockpiling supplies. She purchases vast quantities of food, medical supplies, tools, and era-appropriate clothing, storing them in rented warehouses before transferring them into her spatial dimension, which appears to be infinite and preserves items indefinitely. She also studies the dialects, customs, and historical context of 1970s China to ensure a smooth transition.

On the seventh day, Shen Qingyu crosses over and awakens on a train heading to Heilongjiang Province in 1975. She finds herself among a group of educated youth, including Jiang Muxue, the reborn female protagonist of the novel, and Ji Yiqing, the male protagonist. Jiang Muxue, having lived this life before, remembers Shen Qingyu as a tragic figure who suffered greatly, and she intends to use her foresight to secure a better future for herself while undermining Shen Qingyu. However, she quickly realizes that the new Shen Qingyu is different—calm, strategic, and unyielding. During the journey, Jiang Muxue attempts to trap Shen Qingyu by offering her food and commenting on her background, trying to label her as delicate and out of place. Shen Qingyu deftly counters each move, using political correctness and logical reasoning to maintain her reputation and expose Jiang Muxue’s subtle manipulations without appearing aggressive.

Upon arriving at the Hongqi Production Brigade, the conditions are harsh. The educated youth are housed in a dilapidated warehouse with moldy walls and sagging roofs. While Jiang Muxue immediately begins performing acts of diligence to win favor with the local leaders, Shen Qingyu assesses the situation pragmatically. She requests to rent and repair an abandoned house at her own expense, arguing that it will not burden the collective and will allow her to rest better, thereby working more efficiently. Despite Jiang Muxue’s attempts to label this as individualistic and a departure from collectivist values, Shen Qingyu’s logic appeals to the practical needs of the team leader, Wang Dashan, who approves the request. This decision allows Shen Qingyu to secure independent living quarters, avoiding the crowded and unsanitary dormitory.

Shen Qingyu’s first day of labor involves thinning corn seedlings, a task that requires precision and physical endurance. She performs the work with skill and composure, aided by the restorative properties of the spatial spring water she brought with her. Jiang Muxue, struggling with the physical demands and trying to maintain her image, feigns dizziness to gain sympathy and avoid work. Shen Qingyu remains unfazed, continuing her tasks steadily while observing the dynamics around her. She forms a tentative alliance with Mu Yue, another educated youth who suffers from neurasthenia and appreciates Shen Qingyu’s quiet competence. As the story progresses, Shen Qingyu navigates the complex social landscape of the production team, using her modern knowledge and spatial resources to build a secure foundation while anticipating further schemes from the reborn Jiang Muxue.