Retirement in the 1950s: The System Helps Me Lie Flat at the State Council

In 1955, Wen Shuyan, a top student in Yenching University's Chinese Department, was assigned to the North China Bureau Archives through her family's ties to an “old revolutionary.” She became the most laid-back female cadre in the entire office, spending her days copying old documents and organizing archive cabinets, then clocking out on time without ever working overtime.

On her first day, the [Retired Cadre System] suddenly activated: “Ding! Task complete: ‘Organize the First Cabinet of Archives.’ Reward: ‘Physical Enhancement Solution’ + three jin of fine-grain ration coupons!” Wen Shuyan's eyes lit up. A “secure job” in this era, plus a golden finger from the System: her laid-back retirement was assured!

Her coworkers mocked her for “wasting her college degree,” but she used the System's “speed-writing skill” to help the office efficiently prepare meeting minutes. Her neighbors envied her “easy job,” while she quietly used “nutritious recipes” to help elderly people living alone improve their health.

Gu Jingheng, an official in the Municipal Policy Research Office and the only son of a family with impeccable revolutionary credentials, first met Wen Shuyan when he went to the archives to look up some materials. She was leaning over a table piled with ancient books, writing annotations. Sunlight fell on her hair, and even the way she turned the pages seemed leisurely. Later, he discovered that this supposedly “laid-back” female cadre could find the original text of a decade-old policy in ten minutes and turn dull archival records into delightful little stories.

From “wasting her days” to becoming a “walking encyclopedia,” from exchanging smiles amid piles of archives to compiling local histories side by side, Wen Shuyan improved her life with the System and warmed the passing years with her sincerity, all in an era of calm and quiet.

“Officer Gu, I found that old policy for you.” “Comrade Wen, my mother made braised pork. I brought you a bowl.” Retirement in this era is tucked between the pages of the archives, and its sweetness is found in everyday life.