Chen Qian

Biodata

Background and History

Chen Qian met Li Yang through the circumstances surrounding her blind date and added him on WeChat after they had spent time together 10 98. At nineteen, she stated that she was not ready to marry, wanted a stable life in Heyang, and planned to wait until passing the civil-service examination before considering marriage 13.

After learning more about Liu Wu and his family, Chen Qian chose to cut contact with Liu Wu by deleting his WeChat and blocking his number in front of Li Yang 14. She then began dating Li Yang; the two traveled in Linhai, visited the zoo and beach, and eventually lived together in Li Yang's villa 19 22 30.

Determined to maintain a career outside the home, Chen Qian prepared seriously for the government job examination and later passed the selection process for an office position 54 84. She moved into an apartment near her workplace to protect her professional image and establish more independence 84. Her connection to Li Yang led Yu Xiaohua and other officials to give her unusual attention, including an improved office assignment and rapid promotion 98 227.

Chen Qian temporarily stopped living with Li Yang because of concerns over his promiscuity and the effect their relationship could have on her image at work 98. After reflecting on the separation, she apologized and sought reconciliation; Li Yang ultimately accepted her back 135 136. By the time of Li Yang's return two and a half years later, Chen Qian and Yu Xiaohua had become successful at attracting outside investment to Li Yang Village 318.

Appearance

Chen Qian is portrayed as youthful and lively, with fair skin, a slender figure, and long legs. Her clothing shifts from casual, colorful outfits during her early dates with Li Yang to more formal attire after entering government work 10 12 318.

• First appears in a red shirt, blue socks, and white sneakers 12.
• Has slender, “jade-like” fingers and an energetic, youthful bearing 10.
• Frequently wears professional clothing for examinations and office work, including black suit pieces and a white shirt 54 318.
• Was visibly shy and nervous when first meeting Li Yang's relatives and neighbors in Wang Family Village 43.

Personality

Chen Qian values stability, dignity, and professional advancement. Although she enjoys the comfortable life Li Yang offers, she wants a government career and worries that depending entirely on him would leave her without status or independence 13 60.

She is polite and accommodating with people she trusts, but can be decisive when pressured. She immediately severed her contact with Liu Wu, later hung up on him when he demanded compensation, and showed impatience toward another aggressive blind-date caller 14 20 21.

Her work experience makes her increasingly aware of political maneuvering and social influence. She recognizes that Yu Xiaohua's preferential treatment is tied to Li Yang rather than ordinary workplace merit, and later works alongside Yu Xiaohua in investment attraction 98 135 318.

Career

Government Examination and Office Work

• Took the government job examination with unusual seriousness, arriving early in formal attire despite Li Yang's indifference 54.
• Continued interview training after the written examination and was selected for an office position 73 84.
• Received preferential treatment from department head Yu Xiaohua, including reassignment to a better office 98.
• Was promoted three levels in a single day amid Li Yang's growing influence 227.

Investment Attraction

• Worked with Yu Xiaohua to attract investment to Li Yang Village; investors later approached them directly with proposals 318.
• Handles investor communications and assesses proposed projects, including a plan to provide care and housing for animals in the village 318.

Relationships

• Li Yang — Romantic partner and later referred to as his wife. Their relationship begins after her break with Liu Wu, becomes strained when she prioritizes work and reputation, and resumes after her apology 12 76 98 136.
• Liu Wu — Former blind-date match. Chen Qian rejected him, blocked his contacts, and refused his later demands for reimbursement and compensation 14 20 21.
• Chen Na — Younger sister. Chen Qian supports Chen Na's interest in Li Yang, encourages her self-improvement, and introduces her to him during Chen Qian's reconciliation 135 136.
• Yu Xiaohua — Department head and later professional partner. Yu Xiaohua favors Chen Qian because of her connection to Li Yang; the two later collaborate in investment attraction 98 227 318.
• Liu Lili — Connected to the failed blind-date arrangement through Liu Wu. Chen Qian distances herself from the Liu family after recognizing their behavior 13 14.

Notable Quotes

“I just want to live a peaceful and stable life in Heyang.” 13

“I plan to wait until I pass the civil service exam before getting married.” 13