Ch. 1Fixing Cars, Watches, and Computers
Key Plot Points and Events
- The story takes place four hundred years after a global disaster, in the city of Yacheng, part of the Northern Federation.
- Ji Jue, a 19-year-old auto repair youth, is approached by a female car owner with various car issues, but she's more interested in Ji Jue himself.
- Ji Jue's boss, Lu Ma, a burly woman, intervenes and scares off the car owner.
- Ji Jue works on his university thesis on a old computer at the shop.
- Ji Jue wears an old, unusual watch left by his parents, which he can't figure out how to wind or set.
Character Developments
- Ji Jue: A hardworking, responsible young man who values education and self-improvement. He's humble about his skills and appreciates the kindness shown to him by his boss and others.
- Lu Ma: Ji Jue's boss, a strong-willed, no-nonsense woman who runs the repair shop. She's protective of Ji Jue and treats him like family.
- Lu Feng: A mechanic at the shop, he enjoys watching Ji Jue's misfortunes but is also friendly and supportive of Ji Jue's academic pursuits.
Significant Themes
- The importance of hard work and self-improvement, as seen through Ji Jue's dedication to his studies and his job.
- The impact of global disasters on society and the economy, reflected in the collapse of empires and the rise of small city-states.
- The changing nature of technology and its impact on daily life, such as the shift from watches to smartphones for telling time.
Character Interactions
- Ji Jue interacts with various car owners, including a flirtatious woman who tries to get his attention.
- Ji Jue and Lu Feng have a friendly rapport, with Lu Feng often teasing Ji Jue but also showing support for his academic pursuits.
- Ji Jue and Lu Ma have a boss-employee relationship, but it's clear that Lu Ma cares for Ji Jue and treats him like family.