Ch 8: Bringing a Farming Game System to the 1970s

Yu Xiang’an, seeing their eager faces, felt a small swell of pride in her cooking skills. If not for limited ingredients and the need to keep a low profile, she could have made it even more delicious! She smiled, “It’s ready, let’s eat!”

That sentence was like flipping a switch. Yu Xiangju and Yu Mingjie cheered, while Yu Xianghai took a deep breath, giving her a thumbs-up. “Little Sis, your cooking is amazing!”

The aroma was irresistible.

“Aunt Qiao, please serve it. I’ll quickly stir-fry another dish in the same pot so the oil isn’t wasted,” Yu Xiang’an said.

That evening’s meal was especially rich. The main dish was braised rabbit, complemented by pan-fried fish, fried tofu, bone soup with dried vegetables, stir-fried taro brought by Yu Xianghai and Ye Qijia, and an extra stir-fried vegetable dish by Yu Xiang’an.

Although Yu Mingjie and Yu Xiangju were impatient, they held back until everyone was seated—well-mannered despite the temptation.

Yu Qingshan took his seat at the head of the table and even brought out a small bottle of precious yellow wine, pouring a little for himself and Yu Xianghai before putting it away. As Yu Xiang’an sat down with the vegetables, Yu Qingshan cleared his throat and said, “Today, thanks to Xiao An’s find, we’re having meat. Xiao An, now that you’re working, focus on doing your best for the factory. Here’s to better days ahead for our family!” He finished and started eating, wasting no time with lengthy speeches.

Once he moved, everyone else dove in, their eyes fixed on the fragrant, glistening rabbit dish. The plate of rabbit was half-empty within moments.

The younger boys, Yu Mingjie and Yu Xiangju, may have been small, but their hands were quick, grabbing pieces of rabbit and gnawing enthusiastically. The meat looked appealing, smelled divine, and tasted incredible—instantly winning everyone over.

The initial scramble gave way to slower, savoring bites as the rabbit was cleared, leaving the plate spotless—clean enough to skip washing.

Yu Xiang’an managed to eat three pieces, feeling utterly content. With these three bites as her base, she thought, tonight, she might finally sleep without waking up from hunger.

Yu Qingshan looked at the empty plates, his belly full and his taste buds satisfied, and sighed, “If only your second brother and younger siblings were here to taste this.”

Yu Xianghai echoed his sigh. It was a bitter reality. Due to the current policies, unless someone was an only child, they were required to go to the countryside unless they had a job in the city. Their second brother, third sister, and fourth sister had all been sent away. The third sister passed away after just a year, and the others’ return to the city seemed impossible.

Ye Qijia glanced at Yu Mingjie beside her, worried. She couldn’t help but wonder when this policy might change. If it didn’t, any future child she had might also be sent away—it felt like cutting off a piece of her own flesh.

Yu Qingshan added, “Everyone thought Xiao An would marry into the Zhou family, but things have changed. We should write to the others and send some things their way.”

Yu Xiang’an’s heart stirred. The Yu family’s bond was strong in her memories. If she had the ability, she should help them. However, writing letters wasn’t feasible yet—her handwriting differed from the original Yu Xiang’an. She had started practicing with a calligraphy guide and needed more time before it would match seamlessly.

Yu Xianghai agreed, “Definitely. We should also inform Grandpa and Uncle about this.”

Yu Qingshan nodded. “Let’s visit on our next day off. We haven’t seen your grandfather since he came home from the hospital. I wonder how he’s doing now.” He turned to Ye Qijia. “If you see any malted milk powder at the supply store, grab a bag for me.”

Malted milk powder was expensive and hard to come by.

Ye Qijia naturally agreed.

When the family returned home, Zhao Qiaoniang went to wash the dishes.

Yu Xiang’an said, “Dad, once I start getting my salary, I’ll set aside ten yuan every month to improve the family’s meals.”

Yu Qingshan waved his hand dismissively. “Keep your money. You don’t need to give it to the family. Now that we’re debt-free, my salary is enough. Save your money properly, don’t waste it. In a while, I’ll find you a good match, and you can use it for your dowry.”

Yu Xiang’an hesitated. “…Dad, I don’t want to get married.” She was only eighteen, and in her eyes, it felt akin to early dating in her previous life.

Yu Qingshan assumed her reluctance stemmed from her recent heartbreak and decided not to push the matter further. He nodded. “Alright, we don’t have to talk about this now.”

With her job secured, Yu Qingshan wasn’t worried about her future prospects. Even if finding someone excellent might be challenging, finding a decent match would be manageable.

Since he wasn’t keen on taking her money, Yu Xiang’an didn’t press the issue. After all, if she wanted to support the family, it was simple—just like today. She could bring back some good food, and no one would refuse to eat it.

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Workers typically had three to four rest days a month. On a day when the entire family was off, they decided to visit their hometown.

The hometown was in a commune under the county town, formerly called a township. The villages had been restructured into production brigades, and their old home was in the Hongxing Production Brigade, about a half-hour’s walk from the commune. The family took a vehicle to the commune and then walked to Hongxing.

They left early in the morning and arrived with the sun high in the sky. At this time, most adults were working in the fields, older children were helping with light tasks to earn work points, and only younger ones were either playing outside or doing chores at home.

Yu Changyou and Zhang Chahua, the grandparents, were elderly, but Zhang Chahua was still strong and continued working in the fields. However, due to a recent illness, Yu Changyou remained home, weaving ropes. When he saw the family arrive, he stood up in delight and asked, “You’re here! Have you eaten breakfast yet?”

Yu Xiangju cheerfully called out, “Grandpa!” and answered enthusiastically, “Grandpa, we’ve already eaten. Where’s Grandma and Uncle?”

Yu Xiangju was always lively and affectionate, maintaining a close bond with his grandparents despite not living with them. His warmth brought great joy to Yu Changyou, who ruffled his grandson’s hair with affection, though he noticed it was a bit brittle. “Your grandma and uncle are in the fields. I’ll have them come back soon. Later, I’ll make you some sugar water.”

Yu Xiangju’s eyes lit up. “Thank you, Grandpa!”

“I want some too!” Yu Mingjie, having overheard, ran in from outside, unable to resist joining the fun. He had lagged behind earlier and almost missed out on the treat.

Seeing his only great-grandchild, Yu Changyou’s smile grew even brighter. “Of course, of course. Everyone gets some. Go call your grandma and uncle. If you don’t know where they are, just ask someone nearby. Don’t be shy.”

Yu Xiang’an set down her things. “Grandpa, I’ll go with them.”

Yu Qingshan also put down his belongings and asked, “Dad, how’s your health? Are you still feeling unwell?”

Facing his son, Yu Changyou’s expression grew more serious. “Stop worrying. Why waste money buying all these things? The family doesn’t lack anything. I’m fine now. The doctor said I shouldn’t work in the fields for a while. Once I finish this course of medicine, I’ll be even better.” Though even when recovered, his tasks in the field would have to remain light.

Zhao Qiaoniang and Ye Qijia entered the house, greeted him softly, and then took the meat to the kitchen.

When Yu Xianghai came in, Yu Changyou looked around and asked, “Where’s Minxiu? Why didn’t she come?”

It was unusual for everyone to gather without her, especially when the whole family was present. There was no reason for her to stay back alone.

In the hall, it was just Yu Qingyou and his two grandsons. Yu Qingshan shared the situation regarding Yu Xiang’an.

Yu Qingyou’s face darkened, and he stood up angrily. “How could such a thing happen? Shameless ingrate! That Zhou family boy is no better!”

Yu Qingshan helped him sit down. “Dad, don’t get worked up. Xiao An is now a formal employee at the food factory. We pulled some strings, and she’s not tied to the Zhou family’s position, so it’s harder for others to make trouble for her.”

Yu Qingyou exhaled in relief, recalling his granddaughter’s calm demeanor earlier. “Has Xiao An moved on from this?”

Yu Xianghai jumped in, “Grandpa, my little sister is sharp and sensible. She’s doing well at the factory, and she’s even picked up some skills.” He lowered his voice. “She made braised rabbit once—it was incredible!”

He intentionally emphasized the positives to ease his grandfather’s worries.

Yu Qingyou remained quiet for a moment. “Xiao An is broad-minded. But what about that other girl? Did she just marry into their family? And your wife? She only has one daughter—did she have any part in this?”

Yu Qingshan replied, “She didn’t know about it beforehand. She’s aware of who’s at fault and hasn’t said much. As for Ding Minxiu, it’s over. The Zhou family didn’t even hold a wedding banquet. I made it clear she’s not to set foot in our home again. Whatever her future holds, it’s on her.”

His tone was indifferent.

“She went empty-handed, and given the circumstances, her biological father is unreliable. She’s essentially without a family. Losing that formal work position has made things harder for the Zhou family. If she gives birth to a son, things might improve for her, but if it’s a daughter, her life will be difficult.”

Yu Qingyou asked sharply, “You didn’t give her a dowry, did you?”

Yu Qingshan shook his head. “Not a thread or needle from the Yu family. At most, Qiaoniang might have given her a bit of pocket money, but even that wouldn’t be much.”

Yu Qingyou nodded in approval. “Good. Leave it at that for now. When the time comes, we’ll find Xiao An a suitable match. She has a city household registration and a job; she won’t lack prospects.”

He had seen Zhou Boyang before and never imagined he’d be such a person. And Ding Minxiu, who had always seemed obedient and well-behaved—how could she have done something so bold and disgraceful? Worse, she plotted to have his granddaughter sent to the countryside. The very thought enraged him.

Looking at his son, Yu Qingyou decided they’d have to let his wife, Zhang Chahua, talk some sense into Zhao Qiaoniang. The Yu family had never mistreated her or her daughter. Whatever his granddaughter had, they made sure Ding Minxiu had as well. What kind of stepfather would be so generous as to support her through high school? And yet, she had repaid their kindness with betrayal.

If it hadn’t been discovered in time, and the Zhou family had spread the good news, how would Xiao An have maintained her reputation? Worse, if they’d added her name to the relocation list, who knows where she might have been sent?

Yu Qingshan took out a bag of brown sugar. “Dad, let’s not dwell on it for now. This is from the eldest daughter-in-law. She bought it specially to help you and Mom recover your strength. Have some every day.”

Yu Qingyou smiled faintly and nodded. “Alright, I’ll accept it this time. But tell your eldest daughter-in-law not to spend so freely. Save up. With only Mingjie as her son, it’s too thin. They should have one or two more kids. In the future, if anything happens, it’s good to have extra hands to help. Save the money for formula when the next one comes along.”

His recent illness had drained both his eldest and second sons financially. The eldest’s family could still rely on work points, but the second son had to support two grandchildren sent to the countryside, regularly sending them money and supplies.

Yu Qingyou then asked cautiously, “Do many neighbors or friends around you know about this matter?”

Yu Qingshan shook his head. “We never made a formal announcement, but most people probably assume the engagement was set. We visited each other during the holidays, and everyone knew there were talks. Now, we’re framing it as the Zhou family repaying a favor from when Qin Fenglan helped them. For now, that’s holding up, but over time, there will inevitably be rumors.”

He sighed. “For now, we’ll stick to this narrative and keep things under control. Luckily, Ding Minxiu and the Zhou family are even more desperate to avoid letting this get out.”

🌱🌿 🫧🍃