Ch 29: Bringing a Farming Game System to the 1970s

Every place has its local specialties.

Here, besides the “cloud mushrooms” Yu Xiangqing mentioned, the area is also known for its fragrant taro, renowned for its soft, sticky texture and lingering aroma. Additionally, the glutinous rice here is of excellent quality, though it is grown in small quantities, mainly reserved for making New Year rice cakes.

Yu Xiangqing and her family had already tasted the taro and cloud mushrooms the previous night and agreed they were delicious. However, she had no glutinous rice left, having consumed her share during last year’s New Year celebrations.

When Yu Xiang’an showed interest in the local food, Yu Xiangqing didn’t find it odd. Food is a universal priority, and asking a few questions about it is natural. She explained everything in detail until her sister expressed an interest in getting seeds for the local vegetables and trading for some glutinous rice. Only then did Yu Xiangqing give her an admiring look. “Your cooking skills improving wasn’t without reason. Look at how much attention you pay to ingredients now.”

Yu Xiang’an: “…”

What a delightful misunderstanding.

She simply thought the ingredients were excellent and wanted to try them back home. If it worked out, she could exchange items with the locals through her sister in the future—something entirely reasonable.

The village leader was very courteous to them. As city folk with formal jobs, they were considered people worth knowing, even if they weren’t from around here. Who could say what might happen in the future? Seeing how much they cared for their daughter, the village leader was inclined to show goodwill.

While he wouldn’t overstep, within his responsibilities, looking out for a young female educated youth was an easy task.

When Yu Qingshan brought out some biscuits, the village leader’s smile grew even warmer as he listened to the concerned father.

“There’s an old saying: ‘While parents are alive, don’t travel far.’ It’s not as relevant now, but there’s still some truth to it. Kids leaving home at such a young age to venture out on their own—parents are bound to worry. That’s why the ancients said that, to keep their parents from fretting. Of course, times have changed now, and under the Chairman’s wise leadership, life is getting better and better. Sending kids to the countryside is part of national policy and beyond question. Still, as a father, it’s hard to feel completely at ease. You know how it is—no matter how old they get, they’re still our children in our eyes, and we can’t help but worry.”

The village leader nodded in agreement.

Yu Qingshan added, “My other daughter works at a food factory, and this is part of the welfare they distributed. It’s a local specialty from our area. Please try some.”

The gift had been chosen with care—not too lavish to raise concerns of bribery, but not too modest to risk seeming insincere. It struck the perfect balance.

Hearing this explanation, the village leader felt he couldn’t refuse. After all, it was a factory-distributed welfare item, not something they spent money on.

“I appreciate it,” he said. “And don’t worry, I’ve kept an eye on Comrade Yu Xiangqing since she arrived here. She’s an excellent worker—diligent, resilient, and eager to improve. That’s exactly the kind of talent we need.”

His praise was genuine. Among the educated youth, Yu Xiangqing’s performance had stood out. While she had struggled initially, which was understandable given her lack of farming experience, her attitude had been earnest. She asked questions when she didn’t understand and had made significant progress. Moreover, her family’s support meant she occasionally had items that could help others. For instance, when a village child fell ill and the village lacked medical supplies, it was her donation of medicine that saved the child in time. Without it, the outcome could have been far worse.

Overall, the differences between Niu Jiao Brigade and Hong Xing Brigade are minimal. Being in the same province, they share more similarities than differences, including climate and crops.

After making a round, they ended up at the Youth Camp. They visited during lunchtime when most of the young workers gathered. At other times, everyone was busy working in the fields, leaving the camp empty.

Yu Xiangqing intended to thank the members of the Youth Camp for their care and, in particular, to express her gratitude to Zheng Ke, who had taken half a day off to drive the ox cart to pick them up.

Zheng Ke was taken aback by the gesture. “Uncle, there’s no need to be so formal. We’re all away from home in an unfamiliar place, and it’s fate that brought us together. I came here earlier, so I’m a bit more familiar with the area. It wasn’t a big deal—besides, Comrade Yu Xiangqing has helped me before too.”

When Mo Wenwen saw them arrive, she thought things had taken a turn for the better. The sharp words in the morning had come from Yu Xiang’an, her sister, and she assumed their father wouldn’t agree with such bluntness.

But to her shock, Yu Qingshan’s words were nothing like she expected. Turning to her, he said:

“Comrade, I know you came by this morning. Ordinarily, I wouldn’t say this, but since I live far from my daughter and she may hesitate to speak her mind, I’ll say it for her. In the past, you borrowed ration tickets from her and shared her meals under various pretexts. I’ll let that slide because you were friends. The fault lies with me—I raised her to be kind and naive, not teaching her how to deal with people who don’t have the best intentions.

“Let me make myself clear: you and my daughter are not a good match as friends. If you have any issues, you can come to me, but don’t bother my daughter anymore. As her father, I don’t want her associating with you.”

Mo Wenwen was dumbfounded.

Wasn’t he outright saying she had bad intentions? That she was manipulative? That she shouldn’t approach Yu Xiangqing again?

In front of everyone, she felt utterly humiliated.

Yu Qingshan continued calmly, “Don’t take this as an accusation. Out in the world, being shrewd can help you lead a better life. My daughter, however, lacks that trait and needs improvement in this regard. I feel that, for now, it’s best for the two of you not to remain friends. As her father, I have to step in and say these unpleasant words. She might not know how to refuse, so I’ll do it for her. Let everyone here bear witness. If you’re upset, blame me for being strict in managing my daughter, including her friendships.”

With these words, Mo Wenwen had no choice but to retreat. Yu Qingshan’s clear directive in front of witnesses made it impossible for her to play the victim or attempt any further manipulation. If she tried to show up crying or pretending to be aggrieved, it would only confirm what he had implied.

Yu Xiangqing was overjoyed.

“Finally, I can have some peace of mind! Dad, you handled it perfectly. She’ll never bother me again.”

She laughed, recalling how Mo Wenwen had cried when they had their falling out, as if she were the one being bullied.

“She might cry in front of others, but she wouldn’t dare do it with you around. Now, I can just ignore her if I see her.”

Feeling slightly embarrassed, she added, “Sorry to trouble you again, Dad.”

Yu Qingshan shook his head. “Some people are simply thick-skinned. You need to learn from your younger sister—speak up when you need to. If you don’t, how will others know you’re in the right or that you’ve been wronged? Did you really think just saying, ‘We’re not friends anymore,’ would be enough?”

Yu Xiangqing was left speechless.

She sighed in frustration. “Why are some people so shameless?”

Yu Qingshan replied, “People are all different. You just haven’t encountered many bad ones yet, so you assumed the best in everyone.”

Shameless people may disgust others, but truly malicious individuals will take lives and bleed others dry.

Yu Xiangqing: “…”

After lunch, it was time for them to leave. Yu Xiangqing appeared deeply reluctant, wishing the meal could last a little longer, just a bit longer.

“This year, try to come home for the New Year. Don’t worry about travel expenses—I can afford those,” Yu Qingshan reassured her.

Tears welled up in Yu Xiangqing’s eyes as she nodded. “Okay, Dad, I understand.”

Yu Xiang’an added, “Second Brother said he’s trying to come home for the New Year too. If you can make it back, the whole family can reunite.”

Yu Xiangqing broke into a smile through her tears. “Second Brother is bringing Second Sister-in-law too?”

Yu Qingshan nodded. “Yes, he is.”

Yu Xiangqing sighed with relief. “Second Brother finally got what he wished for.”

In some ways, she and her second brother were similar—at least at the beginning. But while he ended up with his true love, she and Liang Yong had parted ways.

Yu Qingshan said seriously, “I don’t want you rushing into another relationship. The country won’t keep you all in the countryside forever. You’re still young, and I’ll always be looking for opportunities for you back home. If any work positions open up, they’ll be yours. Your brother and sister-in-law are settled and fine, but as a young woman, you need this work even more. If you marry someone here, it’ll be much harder to return to the city.”

Yu Xiang’an chimed in, “Sister, I’ll also help think of ways. There’s no rush to find someone—waiting until thirty is completely fine.”

Hearing this, Yu Qingshan’s expression twitched.

“Thirty?! Are you serious? That’s way too late! Twenty-five at most! Personal matters need to be considered seriously.”

Noticing his expression, Yu Xiangqing couldn’t help but laugh. “Thirty is too much. By then, can you even get married?”

“Of course! And it’s better to wait than to marry the wrong person. Regretting later is worse—better to marry once than go through a second marriage, especially if kids are involved.”

Yu Xiangqing laughed heartily. “Alright, alright, I get it. I won’t consider marriage anytime soon. I’ve got articles to write—where’s the time for dating?”

Her goal was to live better than Liang Yong, to make him regret. She didn’t have the leisure to dwell on other matters now.

If she could return to the city, his face would surely be something to see.

---

No matter how much Yu Xiangqing wanted them to stay, the time for their departure inevitably arrived.

They had arrived carrying bundles of luggage and were leaving with just as many—this time, filled with specialties Yu Xiangqing had exchanged with others. Most items weren’t of high value but appeared plentiful and impressive.

Once again, they relied on Zheng Ke, who drove the ox cart to take them to the station.

On the ride, as Yu Xiangqing’s figure grew smaller in the distance, her smile grew brighter, but tears streamed down her face.

On the train, both Yu Qingshan and Yu Xiang’an felt a sense of relief. They had done all they could for her. How she lived from now on was up to her.

Yu Qingshan remained optimistic. His children had strong hearts—they could face challenges and overcome them. Whether it was Xiaoqing or Xia’an, he believed they’d persevere.

Life is long, filled with countless twists and turns. As long as one has life, anything is possible.

Failing to judge people correctly can be fixed over time; eventually, one’s eyes will open.

The real tragedy is when there’s no chance left to change anything, like with his eldest daughter.

🌱🌿 🫧🍃