Ch 17: Bringing a Farming Game System to the 1970s

Yu Xiang’an was momentarily unsure what was going on. Yan Yuzhen continued, “I’ve already heard about your situation. Xiao An, don’t be too upset. It just wasn’t meant to be. I haven’t known you for long, but I can tell what kind of person you are. Don’t worry, Sister Zhen knows a lot of people. I’ll find you someone thoughtful and to your liking.”

Hearing this, Yu Xiang’an instantly understood what she was referring to.

Yu Xiang’an couldn’t help but laugh. “Sister Zhen, I’m fine.”

Yan Yuzhen didn’t believe her for a second. How could she be fine? There were some people who would feel too ashamed to show their faces for the rest of their lives after going through such a thing. Thinking of this made her heart ache for Yu Xiang’an even more.

While Yu Xiang’an wasn’t particularly bothered by the situation, she couldn’t help but smile genuinely at Yan Yuzhen’s concern.

She had been mentally prepared for the gossip to reach the factory. Stories about two sisters fighting over one man were the kind of juicy tales people loved to discuss. It was inevitable that there would be chatter for a while. However, once this period passed, most people—except for a few—would gradually forget about it.

If she got lucky and another big piece of news came up to overshadow hers, the gossip would fade even faster.

After all, she hadn’t done anything wrong or out of line.

As they chatted, Sun Qingchun arrived. When he saw Yu Xiang’an, his expression turned awkward. Avoiding her gaze, he murmured, “Comrade Xiao An, when faced with difficulties, we must work hard to overcome them and not let them defeat us!”

Yu Xiang’an chuckled. Just as she was feeling amused, Deng Xiahong entered. The moment she saw Yu Xiang’an, her eyes narrowed, and a mocking smile spread across her face. Her gaze, filled with disdain, was enough to irritate anyone.

Yan Yuzhen’s expression darkened immediately. How could this woman still act so petty at her age? she thought. After everything, hasn’t she learned her lesson?

Even Sun Qingchun felt that Deng Xiahong had crossed the line. It was one thing not to offer comfort in such a situation, but mocking someone to their face was simply uncalled for.

When cashier Li Jianguo entered the adjacent office, loud laughter and conversation could be heard: “Did you see her just now? She came in looking so pitiful. You think her sister is a hard-working, diligent, modern woman? That’s probably why he left her—to find someone who shares his revolutionary ideals and can progress together. Honestly, she must have some kind of flaw. Otherwise, why would something like this happen? It’s a good thing they didn’t get married—what a disaster that would have been!”

The tone and words made it obvious to the three of them that Deng Xiahong was talking about Yu Xiang’an.

Yan Yuzhen immediately stood up, but Yu Xiang’an was even faster. She marched toward the neighboring office, her expression resolute. Seeing this, Sun Qingchun quickly followed, afraid that she might resort to violence.

As Yu Xiang’an entered the office, her determined demeanor made Li Jianguo freeze for a moment. Forcing a stiff smile, he nodded in greeting before pretending to busy himself with papers on his desk, clearly avoiding confrontation.

Deng Xiahong was startled by Yu Xiang’an’s sudden appearance, but she wasn’t afraid. Compared to their respective builds, she felt confident she could take Yu Xiang’an in a fight.

Yan Yuzhen hurried to catch up and grabbed Yu Xiang’an’s arm. “What’s going on here?” she asked anxiously, then whispered, “Xiao An, don’t do anything rash. You can’t start a fight.”

Yu Xiang’an smiled. “I’m not here to fight.” She wasn’t foolish enough to get into physical altercations where she’d likely lose. No, she was here to “reason.”

To win through logic.

“What were you just discussing?” Yu Xiang’an asked Li Jianguo.

Li Jianguo’s lips twitched. “I just got here. I don’t know. I don’t know anything.” He immediately denied everything with a triple-layered excuse.

Yu Xiang’an let out a casual “Oh,” and nodded. “I see. I thought maybe someone was gossiping behind others’ backs. Some people, you know, are just narrow-minded, quick to badmouth others, and utterly thoughtless. They believe everything they hear, adding fuel to the fire, and spreading nonsense everywhere. No respect for their words, no decency.

In our country, we emphasize respecting the elderly and caring for the young—it’s a virtue. But not everyone deserves respect just because they’re old. Respect comes from wisdom and experience that guides the younger generation. But some people? They’ve just wasted the years they’ve lived. A bad person who gets old is still a bad person, completely unworthy of respect.”

Her words, full of subtle yet cutting insinuations, left everyone stunned.

Deng Xiahong’s earlier remarks had implied that Yu Xiang’an was to blame for her fiancé leaving her for her sister—that she lacked diligence or hard work. Yu Xiang’an had no intention of swallowing the insult quietly. If she didn’t stand up for herself now, it would only encourage more trouble in the future. Since Deng Xiahong wanted to escalate things, Yu Xiang’an was more than ready to play along.

Li Jianguo was dumbfounded, his mouth slightly agape. This young woman, without uttering a single curse word, had delivered a verbal masterclass that left Deng Xiahong red-faced with anger.

Deng Xiahong pointed at Yu Xiang’an, trembling with rage. “You—you dare insult me?!”

Yu Xiang’an replied calmly, “Did I? Did you hear me mention your name?”

Yan Yuzhen, recovering from her own shock, quickly stepped in to de-escalate. She pulled Yu Xiang’an aside. “Xiao An, it’s getting late. Time to get back to work.” It was better to end the confrontation here, especially since she noticed Wang Yunlai, their supervisor, heading toward them. If he saw the three accountants in someone else’s office, he might assume they were ganging up on Deng Xiahong.

As for whether Yu Xiang’an’s assertive display had shattered her image of being mild-mannered, Yan Yuzhen wasn’t concerned. She had once been called the “Iron Lady” herself, only softening with age. She admired strong, decisive women who knew how to stand up for themselves. After all, the saying wasn’t “Women are half the sky” for nothing.

Sun Qingchun, unfazed by what had just transpired, turned to Yu Xiang’an, striking up a conversation. “Xiao An, what did you see in the city yesterday? Is it much different from here?”

Yu Xiang’an maintained her usual smile, as if nothing had happened. “Not much different, really. Same people, same factories, but the city is bigger, with more people. On the way there, we were riding in the truck bed when the vehicle broke down. I was so worried when we got out—it was in the middle of nowhere. What would we do if the truck couldn’t be fixed? But the drivers just laughed, grabbed their tools, and fixed it in no time. I couldn’t even follow what they were doing—it was all so fast…”

In the neighboring office, Li Jianguo had his ears perked up, listening intently to the story. He’d never been to the city either, and Yu Xiang’an’s vivid recounting, full of energy, left quite the impression on him.

Meanwhile, Wang Yunlai surveyed the scene, noticing Deng Xiahong hammering away at her desk to vent her frustration and Li Jianguo eavesdropping on the next room’s conversation. He cleared his throat loudly. “It’s still early in the day. Have you all finished your work?”

Deng Xiahong’s simmering anger had to be swallowed down, and she quieted immediately.

She didn’t dare make any more noise. After being reprimanded not long ago, another incident would ruin her reputation completely after all her years at the factory.

She swallowed her frustration for now, thinking to herself: I’ve seen more than enough to deal with her. She won’t outmatch me.

That day, Yan Yuzhen kept Yu Xiang’an inside the office, avoiding taking her out anywhere. It was a deliberate effort to reduce her exposure to gossip and rumors.

Yu Xiang’an stayed quietly in the office, feeling quite content. After dinner that evening, Yu Qingshan mentioned that tomorrow was Yao Cuifen’s birthday, and everyone was going to have a meal together. Yu Xiang’an immediately agreed, “Dad, when I got my job, Grandma and the others helped a lot. Now that I’m earning a salary, I’d like to buy a chicken or a duck for Grandma to make soup and nourish herself.” She planned to add some of the spiritual spring water she had been collecting. Though the water wasn’t miraculous, its effects accumulated over time and were beneficial to health.

Yu Qingshan thought about it and nodded. “It’s a good idea to show your gratitude. But if you run out of money, don’t hesitate to let me know.”

Yu Xiangju, listening nearby, suddenly exclaimed, “Dad, did you tell Big Brother about tomorrow?”

“I did. I saw him at the factory and told him. He agreed.”

Yu Xiangju cheered, “Then I’m going to make a big red flower for Grandma! Dad, do we still have the red paper you brought back last time? I’ll cut one out.”

Yu Qingshan smiled, “Look for it yourself. I gave it all to you.”

With that, Yu Xiangju rushed off to rummage through his things. Meanwhile, Zhao Qiaoniang’s actions—wiping the table—slowed, becoming more hesitant. After the lights were out and everyone had gone to bed, she finally spoke up, “This time, maybe I shouldn’t go.”

After all, she wasn’t related to the Qin family.

Things had been fine before, but now, with the situation involving Minxiu, she felt too awkward to face the Qin family. She thought it would be better to skip Yao Cuifen’s birthday and avoid the embarrassment.

But Yu Qingshan had a different perspective. “If you don’t go this time, then what? Never go again?”

Zhao Qiaoniang hesitated. “…It wouldn’t matter if I didn’t.” Her voice grew smaller with each word.

How could she avoid going forever? If she did, what if someone took advantage of her absence to sow seeds of discord between her and Xiangju?

After a pause, she mumbled, “…I’ll go.”

Yu Xiang’an had suggested buying a chicken or duck for Yao Cuifen’s soup with the possibility in mind that if she couldn’t buy one, she could bring out one of the fat ducks from her farm.

In the original owner’s memories, her relationship with her grandmother’s family was close, and they often visited each other. Otherwise, when Yu Qingshan learned about her troubles, he wouldn’t have gone to the Qin family to discuss things. Now that she had a job and it was her grandmother’s birthday, Yu Xiang’an wanted to show her sincerity with a proper gesture.

When Yu Xiang’an brought home a hefty duck at noon, Yu Qingshan hefted it in his hand, surprised. “Where did you get this? It’s so plump! I haven’t seen such a fat duck in years.”

“Good luck,” Yu Xiang’an replied lightly.

“That’s true,” Yu Qingshan nodded. “The water’s already boiling. I’ll handle the prep, and you can start cooking. Xiangju can stay home and watch over it.”

Yu Qingshan never let the women in the family handle tasks like killing chickens or fish. When the boys were home, they did it. If not, he would take care of it himself. He felt such things were too bloody for girls and didn’t want to frighten them. That day, he had come home specifically to help.

It was a display of fatherly love.

The duck was indeed fat, yielding over half a pound of oil after preparation.

When it was time for them to leave for the factory, Yu Xiangju stayed home alone, keeping an eye on the simmering pot of duck soup. It was pure joy and pain for him. So fragrant, so tempting… but I must behave and not touch it…

After work in the evening, they went home first to fetch the duck and headed to the Qin family’s house. When they arrived, Qin Qiang and Yao Cuifen had already prepared most of the meal and were just waiting for them to start.

Originally, Yao Cuifen hadn’t planned on celebrating her birthday, but hearing that her grandchildren would be coming, she decided to cook a large fish they had kept in the pond. The fish head, tail, and bones were made into soup, while the fish meat was minced, mixed with starch, and stuffed into tofu and bitter melon. She also cooked taro and pumpkin, turning that one fish into four dishes.

Adding the braised pork that Qin Fengmao brought back from the state-owned restaurant, the table was already lavishly set, almost like a New Year’s feast.

But when Yu Qingshan and Yu Xianghai each carried in baskets—one with a pot of soup and the other with a whole fat duck—Yao Cuifen widened her eyes. “You’re so wasteful! You cooked the whole duck for one meal?”

Yu Xiang’an laughed. “Grandma, I was lucky to come across it in a trade. With so many of us here, how could we not finish it?”

She said it was a trade, but it was actually a purchase. Since trading was permissible in these times but buying and selling weren’t, everyone just used the word “trade” instead.

Yao Cuifen chuckled despite herself. “No matter how much food you have, it’s never enough!”

She had three children—two sons and a daughter. The daughter, Qin Fenglan, was the youngest. The two sons had their own families and lived separately but nearby.

Her eldest son had died on the battlefield, and her eldest daughter-in-law worked as a nurse in the army. They had two sons. The eldest grandson lived with his wife and child near the army, while the second grandson’s family of three lived with Yao Cuifen.

Her second son, Qin Fengmao, had taken over Qin Qiang’s job at the state-owned restaurant. He and his wife had three children—two daughters, both married, and one son who had recently started a family. The youngest daughter-in-law was newly pregnant.

All together, their household had nine people.

Adding the seven from the Yu family, there were 16 people total. They needed two large tables just to seat everyone. One duck wouldn’t be enough—two more wouldn’t suffice either.

Qin Fengmao took the duck to the kitchen. After simmering for so long, the meat practically fell off the bone at a gentle tug.

The aroma made everyone’s mouths water. When the dish was brought to the table, Yao Cuifen immediately gave the drumsticks to Yu Xiangju and Yu Mingjie. The duck wings went to the youngest granddaughter and Yu Xiang’an, who couldn’t refuse no matter how much she tried.

Sitting next to Yao Cuifen, Yu Xiang’an eyed the drumstick and quickly picked off some meat to place in her grandmother’s bowl. If she were slow, the meat would disappear.

On her other side was Yu Qingshan, with Zhao Qiaoniang next to him. Zhao Qiaoniang was even quieter than usual, only greeting Qin Qiang and Yao Cuifen upon arrival and not saying another word afterward.

Meanwhile, Yao Cuifen asked Yu Xiang’an, “Are things really going smoothly at the factory? You’re not lying to your grandma, are you? If you run into trouble, don’t hide it. While I don’t have any connections at the food factory, your uncles know some people who might be able to help.”

Jobs in town were scarce these days, and many parents retired early just to pass their positions to their children. A coveted office job like hers—protected from the elements, with good benefits—was bound to attract jealousy.

Thinking of Deng Xiahong, Yu Xiang’an smiled. “Don’t worry, Grandma. I wouldn’t lie to you. Do I look like someone with trouble?”

After all, she wasn’t really 18. She had already graduated from college and had single-handedly run a private dining restaurant. Her family had opposed the restaurant idea, thinking it was too tiring, and preferred she find a less strenuous job.

“Good, good.” Seeing that her granddaughter’s face had filled out a bit, Yao Cuifen relaxed. “You’re looking better and better. Eat more.” She added a piece of braised pork to Yu Xiang’an’s bowl and said warmly, “In a year or two, Grandma promises to find you a perfect match.”

If her biological daughter were still around, she would naturally handle such matters herself. But now with a stepmother involved, things are different. A stepmother and stepdaughter ultimately don’t share the same bond. If the match turns out well, everyone’s happy. But if it doesn’t, both sides would end up resenting each other. To avoid such issues, Yao Cuifen decided to step in herself, ensuring that Zhao Qiaoniang wouldn’t sabotage her granddaughter out of bitterness over her own daughter’s situation.

Yu Qingshan immediately agreed. “That would be a big help, Mom.”

Yao Cuifen added, “Don’t rely entirely on me. If you and your son come across any good young men at the factory, keep an eye out. Our Xiao An is such a good match; we can’t let her settle for less.”

“She has a formal job, so the man must too. Ideally, he should have his own home, even if it’s small. Living separately avoids a lot of issues. After all, even teeth can bite the tongue when they’re too close. It’d be best if his family isn’t too far from ours, so we can hear about any problems early.”

The two of them enthusiastically discussed Xiao An’s future partner’s criteria. Meanwhile, Yu Xiang’an sat there feeling surreal: “…”

She was only 18, not 28! Internally, she groaned in protest. Besides, she had absolutely no interest in relationships or finding a partner at the moment.

Yao Cuifen had three granddaughters. The eldest had passed away from illness after being sent to the countryside. The second was also sent down, but she went with her childhood sweetheart, and her future was essentially settled. Normally, the youngest wouldn’t need her involvement either, but given recent events, Yao Cuifen felt she had to step in. With little else to do at home aside from babysitting, she eagerly chatted with Yu Qingshan about matchmaking.

Yu Xiang’an wanted to interrupt but couldn’t find an opening. She cast a pitiful glance at Yu Qingshan, hoping he’d change the subject. Unfortunately, he either didn’t notice or pretended not to.

With a sigh of resignation, Yu Xiang’an reflected on the era’s differences. In her previous life, being in a relationship at this age would have led most parents to break it up, fearing it would affect schoolwork. Times really had changed.

Finally, Qin Qiang noticed her helpless expression and cleared his throat. “This soup is excellent today. Who made it?”

Yu Xiang’an immediately perked up, seizing the opportunity. “Grandpa, I made it. How does it taste?”

Qin Qiang looked at her with some surprise. “You made it? Not bad.”

He had assumed it was Zhao Qiaoniang’s doing.

Yu Xiang’an quickly flattered him in return. “Grandpa, your longevity noodles are also amazing. You must teach me your secrets!”

Hearing this, Zhao Qiaoniang was momentarily lost in thought. Longevity noodles… birthdays. She realized that Minxiu’s birthday was approaching too. Last year, she had promised to make her a bowl of noodles this year. Now, that was clearly impossible. She didn’t even know where Minxiu was or how she was doing. She could only hope that, for the sake of the baby, Minxiu was living well.

While this side was warm and harmonious, over at the Ding household in Shangshui Commune, Ding Fahai was throwing a fit.

After overhearing the news at the brick factory, he had held his anger back to avoid public ridicule. But once he got home, he erupted, shouting furiously. “Where is everyone? Do you all think I’m dead? My daughter got married, and no one told me! She’s my blood, my flesh! I’m her real father!”

Having raised her for so long, he believed he had every right to claim the bride price.

“That damned Zhao Qiaoniang! She dared to hide such a big matter from me? She must’ve colluded with the Yu family to pocket the bride price!”

Had he not overheard it at work, he would’ve remained in the dark. Clearly, they had intended to keep it from him until it was too late, waiting until he was already a grandfather. A done deal?

No way! He was going to the county town to settle this. He’d show them that he—Ding Fahai—was Minxiu’s father and had the final say. If he didn’t approve, they could forget about a peaceful marriage!

🌱🌿 🫧🍃