The 1970s: The Lazy Little Girl's Thoughts Are Exposed

Lyu Mianmian, 27, is a laid-back receptionist whose life goal is to lie flat.

One day, after payday, she goes to a food street and gets jostled into a utility pole. When she opens her eyes again, she's a baby about to be born in 1977.

The good news: Her father is a grade-eight worker, her mother works in finance, and her three older brothers and one sister-in-law all dote on her.

Even better news: Whenever her family holds her, she can hear their thoughts.

The bad news: She can't keep anything to herself.

"Big Brother's just an ordinary worker at a food factory? When state-owned enterprises reform, he'll be among the first laid off!"

"Second Brother's an apprentice at a steel mill? When mechanization arrives, ordinary workers will be in the most danger!"

"Sister-in-law works at a state-run store? That job will be gone in ten years, too!"

"At least Third Brother's going to take the college entrance exam, but what's the point if he's the only one who passes?"

Lyu Mianmian: This is it. I can't lie flat anymore.

And so...

Big Brother works during the day and studies at night, while his little sister's thoughts constantly correct him.

Second Brother apprentices by day and studies at night, while his little sister roasts him.

Sister-in-law memorizes political theory at the counter, earning her little sister's approval.

Third Brother goes to school by day and tutors three "older examinees" at night, taking orders from his little sister.

The neighbors sneer, "Workers? What would they want with college?"

The factory bosses make snide remarks: "Reading on the job? If you want to go to college, quit."

The state-run store's section chief scoffs, "A married woman going to college? What's the point?"

But the Lyu family is determined to take the exams.

Not to become officials or get rich, but to have something to fall back on when the wave of layoffs hits ten years later.

The news comes out in 1977: the college entrance exams are being reinstated.

Results day in 1978: all four candidates pass!

From that day on, Lyu Mianmian's laid-back life officially begins.

After all, is it really too much to ask four college graduates to support one little girl?