Ch 14: Bringing a Farming Game System to the 1970s

After being reprimanded by Wang Yunlai, Deng Xiahong settled down, while Yu Xiang’an’s life at the factory became increasingly smooth. Then, she rushed to attend her school exams.

For her situation, the teachers wouldn’t say much as long as she showed up for exams and didn’t perform too poorly; they’d issue her a diploma.

Yu Xiang’an didn’t see Ding Minxiu’s figure at the exam.

Without a valid reason, Ding Minxiu might miss out on her diploma. Yu Xiang’an found it a pity but quickly understood. At this stage, Ding Minxiu was likely dealing with severe morning sickness. If it was too much to bear, she naturally wouldn’t attend.

The small number of students ensured the school worked efficiently. They handed out diplomas swiftly.

Yu Xiang’an carefully stored her diploma. At the same time, she finally received her first paycheck: 27.5 yuan, along with several ration coupons.

Twenty-seven yuan and fifty cents seemed like a small amount—perhaps the price of a cup of milk tea—but considering the era’s prices, it was substantial. A jin of pork cost about 70 cents, and a jin of rice only 12 cents. If she spent it all on rice, she could buy over 200 jin, enough to feed a family of four for over a month. In the countryside, where essentials like salt and fabric were the main expenses, 27 yuan could last a family one or two years unless there were major events like weddings or illnesses.

It was a “small fortune.”

Beyond the financial boost, her Xi Xi Farm was thriving.

Each night before bed, Yu Xiang’an entered the farm. The changes were impressive. Initially, she had just two plots of soybeans; now, there was a full acre. The original four fruit trees—apple, chestnut, grape, and pear—had grown, with new apple saplings sprouting and five additional grapevines planted. The chestnut tree was close to harvest, and Yu Xiang’an planned to expand chestnut planting. Chestnuts were starchy, versatile, and stored well.

In the creek, large fish swam leisurely, each weighing 2-3 jin. A separate small pond fenced off for small fish kept them safe from the increasingly numerous ducks. Originally, there were only two ducks, each plump and about 7-8 jin. Now, there were twelve ducklings, three of which were slightly larger—the ones she had purchased.

The farm’s warehouse stored over 200 jin of apples and some soybeans. Near the warehouse, a newly built stove awaited use. While the spot for the iron pot was still empty, a clay pot sat nearby, filled with fish soup.

Satisfied, Yu Xiang’an picked up a bowl and chopsticks. After months of careful testing, she was confident the farm’s produce was safe to eat.

She devoured the entire pot of fish soup and fish meat, feeling utterly content. Thanks to the farm, she no longer woke up hungry in the middle of the night to raid the kitchen for sweet potatoes—a habit that even caught little Ju’s attention, prompting him to ask if she’d lost her appetite recently.

“Lost my appetite? Never!” she thought with amusement.

Picking up a hoe, she got back to work. Her next project was expanding the lower pond to raise more fish.

Planting soybeans and trees could be done with a single click, but raising fish and ducks required manual effort.

Though it was hard work, the sight of carefree fish swimming in the clear water filled her with motivation.

After working for over an hour, Yu Xiang’an carefully selected a grass carp, transferred it to a water jar, and planned to claim the fish was purchased when she brought it out the next day.

Now that she had money, Yu Qingshan wouldn’t accept it for household expenses. So, she contributed through food.

Despite the limitations of her golden finger, Yu Xiang’an was deeply satisfied.

Each of the four fruits had unique uses and could fetch a high price. Soybeans could be turned into soy sauce, tofu, bean paste, and oil, adding variety to their meals. Fish and ducks supplied much-needed protein, while honey was a luxury. Best of all, soybeans and fruit trees could be planted and harvested instantly with a click—her ultimate labor-saving tool. Otherwise, how could one person manage it all?

Yu Xiang’an took an apple from the warehouse. Despite being stored for a while, it still looked fresh.

A few days earlier, she had purposely left two apples near the stove, letting them get slightly wrinkled and dehydrated. They appeared less appealing, making them perfect for a covert sale on the black market. She successfully traded them for fifty cents.

This was her first time doing something “shady,” and her heart raced the entire time.

She considered it a warm-up.

Her next goal was to sell the apples in the city, where she’d be less recognizable compared to her county. It was important to mentally prepare for the venture.

When Yu Xiang’an returned home with a two-jin fish, Yu Xiangju immediately cheered, “Fifth Sister, are we having fish today?”

Yu Xiang’an smiled. “Yes, we are. How do you want it cooked?”

“I want it like last time, with sour pickled vegetables—spicy fish!” Yu Xiangju licked his lips as he spoke.

“Alright,” Yu Xiang’an nodded. “We’ll need some pickled vegetables for that. Go grab two heads from the kitchen.”

Yu Xiangju practically flew into the kitchen to fetch them.

By the time Yu Qingshan and Zhao Qiaoniang returned, the enticing aroma of sour and spicy fish had filled the house, overpowering every other scent.

As they arrived, Aunt Tian from next door, struggling to manage her wailing grandson, couldn’t help but ask, “Old Yu, what’s cooking at your place? It smells incredible.”

The aroma was driving her grandson to tears and tantrums.

Yu Qingshan swallowed hard and replied, “It’s sour and spicy fish slices.”

Aunt Tian turned to Zhao Qiaoniang, who had just returned. “Is it Xiang’an’s handiwork? Her skills are amazing. Do you think she could teach me sometime?”

Fish was relatively easier to come by compared to meat, making this recipe especially appealing.

Yu Qingshan nodded, “Sure, I’ll ask Xiao An about it later.”

Relieved by his response, Aunt Tian dragged her grandson home. “You heard that, didn’t you? I’ll make it for you next time. Now stop crying—crying won’t get you any.”

As much as she wanted to stay and taste the dish, Aunt Tian wouldn’t impose. Everyone’s food was carefully rationed, and days with meat or fish were special occasions. She wasn’t about to risk being unwelcome by imposing herself.

Back home, Yu Xiangju was already waiting impatiently at the kitchen door. Zhao Qiaoniang washed her hands and joined Yu Xiang’an in the kitchen.

Seeing his father return, Yu Xiangju’s eyes lit up. “Fifth Sister, can we eat now?”

“Not yet. It’ll take a bit longer,” Yu Xiang’an replied.

“…Oh,” Yu Xiangju pouted, clearly disappointed. He was eager to dig in right away.

Even Yu Qingshan entered the kitchen, curious about what his daughter was cooking. As he watched her add ingredients to the pot, he couldn’t help but feel proud.

His daughter, who hadn’t had many opportunities to showcase her skills before, had clearly inherited her grandfather’s culinary talent. If she worked in a state-run restaurant, she’d surely be a hit.

After glancing around, he picked up a bucket. “The water jar’s running low. I’ll go fetch more.”

Their house didn’t have its own well, but there was a communal well about two to three hundred meters away. The water was sweet and refreshing, and all the nearby households drew from it.

“Dad, make sure to come back soon,” Yu Xiangju urged, puffing his cheeks.

Yu Qingshan ruffled his hair with a laugh. “You little rascal! I know why you’re saying that.”

How could he not know? The boy wanted to eat as soon as possible. But it wasn’t just the kids who were salivating—adults had cravings too.

Without delay, Yu Qingshan set off. Fortunately, there was no one else at the well, so he quickly fetched two buckets of water. After filling their water jar, he washed his hands and joined the family for dinner.

Finally, it was time to eat.

The fish slices were tender and flavorful, with the perfect balance of sour and spicy. The pickled vegetables added a lingering taste that made everyone want more. At the table, the family of four ate in silence until the pot of soup was completely emptied. Only then did they start talking.

Yu Qingshan said, “How much money do you have now? Keep saving it and don’t spend recklessly. If you don’t save, you’ll panic when something unexpected happens.”

The debt from his father’s medical treatment would be cleared by next month. With four family members and three earning incomes, the household didn’t feel much financial pressure. He hadn’t taken money from his daughter, but that didn’t mean she should spend freely. Recently, she had bought meat and now fish, all within a short span.

Yu Xiangju sighed dramatically, acting like a small adult. “Dad is right, but… I wish we could eat like this more often. If only we could have it every day.”

Yu Xiang’an nodded obediently. “I understand.”

She decided not to splurge on another feast this month. Next month, she’d add something special again.

---

The neighborhood gossip had subsided slightly after the Yu family insisted that the engagement misunderstanding had been cleared up. However, when the news spread that Ding Minxiu had married Zhou Boyang and officially become a daughter-in-law of the Zhou family, the rumors surged to their peak.

Yu Xiang’an noticed many sympathetic looks directed her way. The usual gossipers avoided confronting her directly, worried they might accidentally touch on a sensitive subject and embarrass themselves.

Take Aunt Tian, for instance. She no longer dared to ask questions. People had pieced together most of the story: the Yu family had once planned to marry Yu Xiang’an to Zhou Boyang, but now Ding Minxiu had taken her place. The Zhou family’s status—five members, four with secure jobs—was enviable, making the situation appear as if Yu Xiang’an had been overshadowed. It must have been a blow to the Yu family, especially since the “fifth son-in-law” had become the “sixth son-in-law.” The whispers grew louder about whether Ding Minxiu was still part of the family.

Sympathy for Yu Xiang’an aside, the gossip about Zhao Qiaoniang was even sharper. People speculated about her role in the situation, assuming she must have favored her biological daughter at Yu Xiang’an’s expense. The whispered remarks made Zhao Qiaoniang wish she could disappear from the textile factory altogether.

The only person bold enough to directly confront Yu Xiang’an was Aunt Chen.

Despite Yu Xiang’an’s cold demeanor, Granny Chen ignored the signs and approached her with a gleam of curiosity. “Xiang’an, I’ve heard all about it. Oh dear, what a mess! Tell me, did your shameless sister steal your fiancé?”

Granny Chen’s excitement was so poorly concealed that her face was almost flushed. The potential scandal seemed to thrill her more than anything.

Yu Xiang’an nearly rolled her eyes. The woman didn’t even bother to hide her glee. She shot back, “Granny Chen, who’s been spreading such disgraceful rumors? I have no idea where you’re hearing this nonsense. If someone’s talking behind my back, I’ll find out who they are and give them a piece of my mind. They’d better watch out for karma!”

Caught off guard by the harsh retort, Granny Chen faltered, laughing awkwardly. “Oh, no need to get worked up! You know me—I’ve always looked out for you. If someone’s badmouthing you, just tell me, and I’ll scold them until they don’t dare show their faces again.”

Seeing Granny Chen persist, Yu Xiang’an smiled slyly. “Granny Chen, I remember your grandson came home recently for a visit. Didn’t he go back to the countryside? Or… am I mistaken?”

At the mention of her grandson, Granny Chen became visibly uneasy, forcing a laugh. “Oh, no, no. He went back ages ago! Anyway, I just remembered I have to cook. We’ll chat later!” She quickly scurried away, clearly unwilling to pursue the conversation further.

Among her three grandsons, Granny Chen cherished her youngest the most. But regulations left her no choice—he had to return to the countryside. When he first left, their household’s resources flowed toward supporting him. During his recent visit, his darkened, thin appearance broke her heart. She desperately wished to keep him home, but the risk was too great. If he overstayed his leave, he’d be labeled a vagrant and forcibly sent back, leaving a black mark on his record.

Now, with Yu Xiang’an’s seemingly casual remark, Granny Chen couldn’t afford to take any chances. If someone reported them, her entire family would be implicated. No matter how painful it was, she resolved to send her son back without delay.

Being the target of gossip, receiving sympathetic looks, and being discussed behind her back was far from a pleasant experience for Yu Xiang’an. Whenever it got to her, she would humor herself by thinking about Zhou Boyang and Ding Minxiu. If she was dealing with this, they, being in the eye of the storm, must have it far worse. This perspective lifted her spirits a little.

Yu Qingshan was relieved to see her emotions stable. However, it was clear that Zhao Qiaoniang wasn’t handling things well. She looked worn out, with dark circles under her eyes. She forced a smile when asked about her state, trying to appear composed.

It wasn’t just Ding Minxiu’s actions weighing her down—there was also the issue with Yu Xiangju. She had treated him like her own son, doting on him as if he were her flesh and blood. But, at the end of the day, he wasn’t her biological child. Now, with the current circumstances, some people even suggested things to him to sow doubt, claiming she must have ulterior motives as his stepmother. She found herself repeatedly explaining the situation in ways that a child could understand, swearing on her life that she had no knowledge of what happened, even going as far as saying she’d be struck by lightning if she was lying.

Yu Xiang’an felt tired just watching her, but there was nothing to be done. After all, Ding Minxiu was her daughter.

Yu Qingshan also understood why Zhao Qiaoniang was distressed but offered no comforting words. He harbored his own resentment toward Ding Minxiu. This wasn’t a one-sided issue—both parties bore responsibility.

At first, the gossip hadn’t reached the food factory where Yu Xiang’an worked, as it was far from her neighborhood—a half-hour walk. Additionally, she hadn’t been there long and only had a few acquaintances. However, there’s no such thing as an impenetrable wall when it comes to rumors, and Yu Xiang’an knew it was only a matter of time before they arrived.

That day came soon enough. Deng Xiahong, who had recently been chastised by Wang Yunlai, seemed to have regained her vigor after catching wind of the story. She eagerly shared the gossip with another cashier, Li Jianguo.

“Do you know about the new accountant?” she started. Deng Xiahong never referred to Yu Xiang’an by name, always using “the new one” or “the new accountant.”

Li Jianguo paused his work, playing along. “What about her?”

Deng Xiahong chuckled. “You probably don’t know this. I was surprised when I first heard it, but the more I thought about it, the more it made sense.”

Li Jianguo’s curiosity was piqued. “Come on, Sister Deng, what’s the story? Don’t keep me hanging.”

Deng Xiahong leaned in, her voice dripping with intrigue. “She’s eighteen this year—not too young anymore. Most people her age would be looking for a partner by now, right? Have you ever heard her mention anything about it?”

Li Jianguo shook his head. “No, not at all.”

Deng Xiahong clapped her hands, triumphant. “Exactly! She wouldn’t say anything because she used to be engaged. The guy’s family? All workers. An only son, with a stable job and a house. It was all set for them to get married. But guess what? Her younger sister married him instead. Can you believe that?”

Li Jianguo’s jaw dropped. “So, her sister stole her fiancé? That’s… awful!”

Deng Xiahong’s gossiping eyes sparkled with satisfaction as she watched the story sink in.

🌱🌿 🫧🍃

Thingyan: I really enjoyed this novel that’s why I picked it up. But since ratings are so bad and thus, few readers, releases will be sporadic from now on 😔