Ch 34: Bringing a Farming Game System to the 1970s

Yu Xiang’an and Gao Yimei met up after work and followed an address to visit Dr. Lin, who had retired from the city to his hometown.

When they arrived at the destination, Yu Xiang’an silently gave Dr. Lin a mental thumbs-up for his choice of residence. The area had an excellent living environment. Each household had a small villa with a yard, and Dr. Lin’s home was no exception. His house featured a spacious yard, flanked by two two-story brick-and-cement buildings, coated with a layer of whitewash. The yard’s ground was smooth, with pathways paved with pebbles. Two mature osmanthus trees stood near the entrance, one on each side.

In the other open spaces, Yu Xiang’an noticed vegetables and what seemed like medicinal herbs. Behind the two main houses were some lower structures, likely firewood storage or utility rooms.

Yu Xiang’an couldn’t help but exclaim, “The living conditions here are pretty impressive.”

Gao Yimei was even more envious. Back home, she only had a small bed barely big enough for herself. “Didn’t I tell you? He’s a capable man. He went to the city early on to make a living. I heard his son is quite accomplished too, serving in the military with a respectable rank.”

Yu Xiang’an nodded in understanding. Even if some people were envious, with Dr. Lin’s background and his son in the military, it wouldn’t be easy for anyone to create trouble for him.

Gao Yimei added, “We need to be respectful. His family isn’t short on money.”

She was eager to address her menstrual health issues. Each cycle was like a near-death experience for her. It wasn’t always this severe; she had fallen into icy water one winter, and the condition developed after that. Despite seeing many doctors, none had resolved her problem.

“It’s fortunate he moved back recently. Previously, his patients had to go to the city to see him, and even then, there was no guarantee he’d agree to treat them,” she emphasized, worried Yu Xiang’an might say something wrong.

Yu Xiang’an chuckled internally and nodded. “Don’t worry, I understand.”

Only then did Gao Yimei step forward to knock on the door.

A middle-aged woman answered and looked at the unfamiliar visitors. “Who are you looking for?”

Gao Yimei lowered her voice. “We’re here to see Dr. Lin. Does he live here?”

Hearing this, Xu Haili quickly understood their purpose. She opened the door and gestured for them to enter. “He lives here. Follow me.”

Xu Haili was pleased with their visit; patients never came empty-handed. Whether they paid in cash or brought gifts, she would benefit either way.

When they arrived, Lin Duzhong was lounging on a chair, listening to the news on the radio. Seeing two strangers, he turned off the radio and stood up. “What’s the matter?”

Xu Haili said, “Dad, they’re here to see you.”

Gao Yimei approached with a smile. “Are you Dr. Lin? Hello, I’m here to seek your help with a health issue.”

Lin Duzhong studied her for a moment. “Who told you about me?”

“I heard from my cousin-in-law. Her sister-in-law came to see you because she couldn’t conceive. After taking three months of your medicine, she got pregnant. She said you’re very skilled in treating women’s ailments. I work at a textile factory.”

Lin Duzhong nodded. “Come with me.”

He led them to his desk and sat down. “Let me see your work ID.”

Gao Yimei handed it to him, and he examined it briefly. “Take a seat.”

She cautiously sat down and extended her hand.

Yu Xiang’an stood quietly, observing.

Gao Yimei wasn’t shy about her condition and openly described her symptoms, even showing prescriptions from previous hospital visits.

Lin Duzhong asked detailed questions about her diet and lifestyle. Finally, he concluded, “You’ve suffered from cold exposure and didn’t recover properly afterward. I’ll prescribe two treatments—one for oral consumption and another for foot soaks. Use both together. Take the medicine for a week, then come back for a follow-up.”

He looked directly into her eyes. “You should have sought treatment earlier. Delaying only made it worse. If you keep postponing, it might affect your chances of having children in the future.”

Hearing this, Gao Yimei immediately became nervous. At 22, she was still unmarried, an age that already labeled her as a “spinster.” She was very sensitive about her age, and if word of this got out, it would make finding a match even harder. Her voice rose slightly as she asked, “Doctor, I promise to follow your advice. Can this be cured?”

Lin Duzhong reassured her, “Take the medication on time, avoid overexertion, eat properly, stay warm, and don’t let yourself catch a chill. You’ll be fine.”

Her condition wasn’t particularly severe and could be treated effectively.

Only then did Gao Yimei breathe a sigh of relief, her heart settling back in her chest. She was almost moved to tears with relief. For a young woman, the prospect of infertility was a significant worry. Fortunately, her condition was treatable.

Lin Duzhong started writing a prescription. “I don’t have all the necessary herbs here. You can either pick them up at a pharmacy or get them from me. If you choose my place, you’ll need to come back tomorrow. If you go to a pharmacy, copy my prescription now and bring it to them.”

He didn’t want his handwritten prescription circulating outside.

Without hesitation, Gao Yimei said, “I’ll come back tomorrow. Same time, is that okay?”

“That’s fine.”

“How much is the consultation fee?”

“You don’t need to pay today. Pay when you come for the medicine tomorrow. A week’s supply is six mao.”

“Alright, thank you, Dr. Lin. I’ll come by at the same time tomorrow.”

Turning to Yu Xiang’an, Lin Duzhong asked, “What about you, young lady? Do you have any issues?”

“Doctor, I’m fine. I just came along with her.”

On the way there, Yu Xiang’an had already told Gao Yimei that she wasn’t seeking treatment but just wanted to learn about the doctor in case she needed him in the future.

Lin Duzhong observed her for a moment and offered, “Would you like me to check your pulse? I don’t charge for that.”

Gao Yimei nudged her. “You should give it a try. Opportunities like this don’t come often.”

Yu Xiang’an sat down, feeling confident about her health. Since recovering from a serious illness when she first arrived, she had taken good care of herself. Her complexion had improved, her hair was healthier, and she’d even grown taller.

After checking her pulse, Lin Duzhong smiled warmly. “You’re in good health. Keep it up.”

Healthy individuals like her were rare in these times, with most people suffering from malnutrition.

Yu Xiang’an smiled back. “I had a serious illness before, but I’ve been taking care of myself since then.”

After leaving the Lin household, Gao Yimei exhaled in relief. “Don’t you think Dr. Lin is impressive?”

Without waiting for a response, she continued, “When he asked how I found out about him, I almost couldn’t answer. It feels like he’s very strict, maybe to prevent troublemakers. But that kind of caution is a good thing.”

She added, “And remember what he said—don’t repeat it to anyone outside.”

She was referring to the part about delayed treatment potentially affecting fertility. People might gossip if they overheard snippets of that conversation.

Yu Xiang’an blinked playfully. “I didn’t hear a thing, except the part where the doctor said you’ll be cured if you take the medicine.”

Hearing this, Gao Yimei burst into laughter and held her hand tighter. “Are you free tomorrow? Come with me again.”

She hadn’t realized her condition was that serious until now. If she had, she might not have brought Yu Xiang’an along. But hearing Yu Xiang’an’s reassurances and the doctor’s words that she could be cured, her heart felt lighter. It wasn’t a big issue, and it wouldn’t affect her chances of finding a partner in the future.

“Sure, I’ll go with you.”

“Thank you. The doctor said I need to stay warm and eat well. Before, I didn’t have much choice. A large portion of my salary goes to support my family, and the rest is spent on essentials. I’ll need to start eating better.”

She had taken over her mother’s job under the condition that she wouldn’t marry off too quickly. Her mother wanted her to stay and help the family for a few more years. Most of her wages were taken by her mother, leaving her only a small portion for herself. Even that was spent on clothes and necessities, as she couldn’t afford to dress poorly. As a result, she rarely had any savings.

During her previous discomfort, she had simply endured it until it passed. But now, she realized she needed to prioritize her health over saving for her younger brother’s treats. Her well-being mattered more than a few indulgences for him.

“Xiao An, your sister-in-law works at the supply store. Do you think she could help me buy some brown sugar? I have a half-pound sugar coupon and can give it to you tomorrow.”

As they walked further away, their voices faded. Just as they left the alley, Lin Chuanbai, carrying a cloth bag, entered from another corner. He had been to the post office to send something to his brother, returning home later than usual.

Seeing him, Lin Duzhong handed him a prescription. “Tomorrow, help me gather these herbs. I’ve excluded the ones we already have at home. Can you guess what this prescription is for?”

Lin Chuanbai took it and glanced over. “…Motherwort… It’s for…?”

---

With Gao Yimei consulting Dr. Lin, Yu Xiang’an no longer needed to verify the doctor’s skills herself. If Dr. Lin could treat Gao Yimei successfully—something the county hospital had failed to do—it would prove his expertise. Afterward, she could bring her sister-in-law along for a follow-up, seeking a more definitive treatment plan. For now, she decided not to inform her family to avoid premature excitement in case something went wrong.

While Yu Xiang’an turned her focus back to Ye Qijia’s matters, elsewhere, Ding Minxiu boarded the train to return home.

Sitting in the cramped seat, surrounded by the hustle and bustle of people, Ding Minxiu felt a mix of emotions. She was finally on her way back, but reflecting on her recent experiences left her bewildered.

Back then, she had been smug, enjoying Yu Xiangqing’s misfortune. But soon after, trouble came her way. Her money was stolen—everything except the cash was untouched. Clearly, this was deliberate. Who else could have done it but an insider?

The hidden money was all gone, leaving her with only the little she had on her. She caused a scene, shouted, and argued, but it was no use. They didn’t seem to care and even restricted her movements, likely to prevent her from spreading the word.

At that time, Ding Minxiu had nearly lost her mind. She hardly knew anyone there, struggled with the local language, and had never bothered to learn since she didn’t plan to stay long or interact with the “rural bumpkins.” This left her with no one to turn to for help. Confined to a room, she could only gather snippets of information from the family’s conversations.

Fortunately, Hu Chunyu didn’t push her to the brink. His daughter valued the child she was carrying, so she was provided with food and drink. As her departure approached, the provisions became more generous, allowing her to recover some of her lost vitality.

For a while, her appearance had been alarming—her body thin except for a protruding belly. Reflecting on it now, Ding Minxiu felt a heavy weight in her chest.

It was over now.

She placed her hand on her stomach. Having been away for several months, the weather had grown cooler. With thicker, looser clothing, it was easier to conceal her growing belly from prying eyes.

From now on, she wouldn’t leave home again.

She didn’t want to recall the past, but her thoughts were uncontrollable.

When she first took the train, Ding Minxiu looked at it with disdain. Now, surrounded by the crowded passengers, she smiled faintly. This meant she was finally going home.

Turning her head to watch the scenery retreating steadily outside the window, Ding Minxiu avoided looking at Hu Chunyu sitting beside her. She didn’t want her to see the darkness in her eyes.

For what they had done to her, Ding Minxiu vowed to find an opportunity to repay them in kind. At her lowest, she thought she would die in that rural place.

Now wasn’t the time to openly confront the old woman. She had been in the Zhou family for too short a time. She needed to wait—wait until her position was secure.

Hu Chunyu had her own concerns, but it wasn’t Ding Minxiu’s potential retaliation. What was there to fear? She was Zhou Boyang’s biological grandmother. How could this blemished girl, married into the Zhou family, possibly stand against her?

She didn’t even know her own worth.

What Hu Chunyu worried about was her daughter noticing the state of the pregnant woman and demanding back part of the food allowance she had provided. In her letters, she had already written to her daughter, explaining that Ding Minxiu had been dealing with severe morning sickness, had poor appetite, and hadn’t been well-nourished. But she insisted she had done her part in caring for her. If her daughter dared to ask for compensation, she wouldn’t hold back.

Deep down, Hu Chunyu also harbored resentment. If not for Ding Minxiu, how could she have ended up back in the countryside, enduring such hardship for so long? And she had done it to help Ding Minxiu. If her pregnancy timeline were exposed, it wouldn’t end well for anyone.

Months later, when Zhou Boyang saw Ding Minxiu again, he was surprised. How had she become so frail after just a short absence? Before he could ask, his grandmother interjected, “What do you expect from train travel? And she was too excited about coming back, so she didn’t sleep well. She’ll recover after resting for a few days.”

Ding Minxiu, who had been on the verge of tears, had to swallow her emotions. Lowering her gaze, her grievances grew even deeper. Just wait. She didn’t believe her time to turn the tables would never come.

Fang Rong, seeing Ding Minxiu’s thin and fragile state, felt a pang of pity—not for her but for the child in her belly. How could the baby be healthy with a mother in such a state? Now that the morning sickness was gone, it was time to properly nourish her, ensuring she delivered a chubby, healthy grandson.

Seeing their concern for her, Ding Minxiu quietly sighed in relief. It seemed they still cared about her and the child she was carrying.

After returning, Ding Minxiu’s diet and rest improved, and she regained some weight. However, she still refused to go out. Before, it had been because she was forced to stay in. Now, it was by choice.

If she went out, people would inevitably ask questions, and she didn’t want to answer them repeatedly. Staying home allowed her to avoid gossip and curious stares.

She hadn’t informed the Yu family of her return—not even Zhao Qiaoniang, who didn’t yet know she was back.

---

Meanwhile, on Yu Xiang’an’s side, a week passed. Gao Yimei diligently took her medication. After finishing the prescription from Dr. Lin, she returned for a new one and continued treatment for another week. When her period arrived, it still hurt, but it was far better than the excruciating, life-draining pain she used to endure.

This improvement made Gao Yimei take Dr. Lin’s advice more seriously. Initially, she had been skeptical, wondering if the treatment would work. Now that her symptoms had improved, she didn’t hesitate to follow his plan, even if it meant months of drinking bitter herbal concoctions. The medicine was unbearably bitter, but she knew she had to endure it.

Seeing Gao Yimei’s progress, Yu Xiang’an was genuinely happy for her.

They weren’t very close yet, and Yu Xiang’an didn’t fully know what kind of person Gao Yimei was. However, she was well aware of the pain Gao Yimei had been suffering due to her condition. Now that she saw her improving, Yu Xiang’an naturally felt relieved for her.

At the same time, she felt reassured herself and decided to make time to visit Dr. Lin with Yu Xianghai and Ye Qijia.

Ye Qijia and Yu Xianghai were more than willing to go. Even though they weren’t currently experiencing any issues, Dr. Lin was a retired doctor from the city. If there was any hidden problem that hadn’t surfaced yet, this doctor might detect it, saving them from future trouble.

Yu Xianghai, touched by the gesture, patted Yu Xiang’an on the shoulder. “Thank you for thinking of your sister-in-law.”

If she hadn’t cared, she wouldn’t have gone out of her way to find a doctor.

Ye Qijia didn’t say anything but was already planning in her mind. Their supply store had recently received a batch of new hairpins, a style they hadn’t carried before. She decided to pick one to gift to Yu Xiang’an, thinking that a young and pretty girl deserved to dress up more.

Yu Xiang’an felt a bit embarrassed. “We’re family, after all.”

Yu Xianghai laughed heartily. “Of course we are. If you ever need help, don’t hesitate to ask your big brother, alright?”

---

The factory housing had been completed, and since the day construction was finished, countless people had come to visit. The doors and windows weren’t installed yet, as those were left for the homeowners to handle themselves.

With no barriers, anyone could enter and take a look. The walls were freshly painted white, the floors were cement, and the rooms were bright and spacious. Many visitors, after seeing the units, regretted not purchasing one when they had the chance.

Yu Xiang’an also went to check them out. She toured the one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom units.

The one-bedroom unit was essentially a large studio. The two-bedroom units had a partitioned front area as a living room, with two rooms in the back. The three-bedroom units were the most spacious. If space wasn’t an issue, the balcony in the back could be converted into a fourth room, making the total area nearly 70 square meters. Such a size was a rare find in apartment buildings of this era.

The two-bedroom units were slightly smaller, around 40 square meters, while the one-bedroom units were about 20 square meters. All were larger than the housing provided by the factory.

But there was no comparison. One was paid for, while the other was distributed for free.

As soon as the construction was completed, those who had purchased units couldn’t wait to draw lots for their specific apartments and start moving in.

Deputy Director Wang, who was also among the buyers, was eager to move in with his family. After visiting the units, he couldn’t wait any longer. Wasting no time, the announcement came the day after the completion, and by noon, a meeting was held for the lot drawing.

This round of housing construction had involved most of the food factory’s senior leadership, so the process was swift and efficient.

Yan Yuzhen wanted a unit on the first floor. With no stairs to climb, it was convenient for households with elderly or young children. Yu Xiang’an, on the other hand, preferred the second floor, where it was harder for others to see in, offering slightly more privacy. She also hoped not to end up near the communal toilets or kitchens. The toilets had a distinct smell, and the kitchen could be noisy from cooking activity. The ideal spot was somewhere in the middle of the building.

To improve her chances, Yu Xiang’an made a small ritual of washing her hands and drinking a drop of spring water, hoping its mystical properties would help her wishes come true.

To avoid any suspicion of favoritism, the leaders allowed the employees to draw lots first. Everyone held their breath as the lottery box was brought out.

The more senior employees drew first, with Yan Yuzhen among the earliest.

She drew Building 2, Unit 103 on the first floor.

First Floor.

The unit was two apartments away from the communal restroom.

When it was Yu Xiang’an’s turn, the slip she drew read 2-205.

She would also be in Building 2, on the second floor, in Unit 205, far from the restroom. A smile naturally appeared on her face.

Yan Yuzhen laughed, “We’re in the same building! It’ll be easy to visit each other in the future.”

Building 1 had a mix of one- and two-bedroom units, while Building 2 had a mix of two- and three-bedroom units.

Living in Building 2 had its pros and cons. The good part was being close to the leadership, which made communication easier. The downside was, of course, being close to the leadership, which could be inconvenient.

Yu Xiang’an only hoped her immediate neighbors wouldn’t be senior leaders.

After everyone finished drawing lots, the room filled with chatter. People discussed whether their units matched their expectations, and opinions about the locations varied.

Once the employees were done, it was time for the leaders to draw their lots.

The leaders were composed, their reactions revealing little. Finally, Deputy Director Wang announced that everyone should register their assigned units. He also mentioned that if anyone voluntarily wanted to swap units, they could arrange it themselves.

Yu Xiang’an was satisfied with her unit and immediately registered it.

She stayed nearby after registering and learned who her neighbors were.

To her left was a three-bedroom unit, drawn by a leader with the surname Chen. She remembered that her entry exam was possible due to his connections. To her right was a two-bedroom unit, assigned to an experienced workshop master with the surname Bao.

Most people kept their assigned units. Once finalized, they quickly began arranging for door, window, plumbing, and furniture installations.

The craftsmen in Baishi County suddenly found themselves very busy, and so did the Yu family.

The Yu and Qin families came to inspect the unit and asked Yu Xiang’an how she wanted to set things up.

Yu Xiang’an had already planned it out.

“I don’t need anything fancy for the door—just make it sturdy. I want the balcony half-enclosed and a water pipe installed here. That way, I won’t need to carry water back and forth for daily use.”

Although it was close enough to manage without a pipe, Yu Xiang’an wanted everything done properly from the start. Infrastructure like this should be set up well.

There were still many years before 1978. She expected to live here for a long time.

“I plan to use the enclosed part of the balcony as a kitchen. I’ll build a stove here, and the other half can be for drying clothes.”

Qin Shengsong measured the door and windows with a soft tape measure he pulled from his pocket. “I spoke to a friend earlier. He can help me find glass. As for the door, your sister-in-law works at the furniture factory and knows a good craftsman. We’ll have them come measure everything properly.”

“The bed is almost finished. I’ll also keep an eye out for used furniture. When you have time, come take a look and pick what you like.”

Most used furniture came from confiscated households, much of which had already been broken down into lumber. Items still usable would be repaired and sold cheaply at recycling stations. However, truly good items rarely ended up there unless they slipped through the cracks. The rest were either worthless or considered taboo.

Yu Qingshan, who previously didn’t think much of used furniture, now looked at the pristine white walls and felt it was a shame to waste old furniture.

But new furniture sets were expensive. He could only sigh inwardly.

Yao Cuifen inspected the house from every angle and was very pleased. “Install the water pipes and fix up the kitchen, and this place will look just right. Using secondhand furniture is fine—it gives the place more warmth.”

A young girl just starting work shouldn’t have a home filled with all-new furniture; it would be too ostentatious.

Qin Shengsong added, “Repaint the used furniture, and it’ll look almost like new.”

Yu Xianghai stroked his chin. “I can build the stove, but we’ll need to hire someone for the water pipes.”

Yu Qingshan shook his head. “No need to hire anyone—I can handle it. As for the balcony enclosure, it’s simple. Just buy some bricks and cement.”

Qin Qiang chimed in, “We still have some leftover bricks in the yard. I’ll bring them over with a cart…”

Everyone contributed their ideas, quickly coming to an agreement.

After work, they would gather at the new house with tools in hand, ready to hammer and build.

Yu Xiang’an went to the recycling station to check out the used furniture Qin Shengsong had set aside for her.

After selecting the pieces she liked, she paid for them but left them at the station for now, as her house wasn’t ready, and there was no need to move the furniture in just yet.

Meanwhile, Yu Qingshan quickly got acquainted with the neighbors on both sides who were also working on their homes. He asked about their progress and ideas, quickly building rapport.

By the time the house was fully prepared, Yu Qingshan had a good understanding of his daughter’s neighbors.

On the side of the Chen family, led by a manager with the surname Chen, his wife frequently visited. She seemed friendly but was overly particular about cleanliness. Workers inevitably dirtied the floors while fixing up the house, leading to frequent complaints. She didn’t seem easy to get along with, but her remarks were fair and logical. As long as they didn’t provoke her, things should be fine.

On the other side was Master Bao, responsible for machinery. He was talkative and approachable, and he didn’t seem like someone with ill intentions.

Yu Qingshan felt somewhat reassured.

When Yu Xiang’an first moved in, her family planned to stay with her for a while. During this time, Yu Qingshan believed he could further observe and understand the neighbors’ characters.

As the empty house gradually transformed—with the addition of doors, windows, a kitchen, electric lights, a bed, furniture, bowls, and other daily necessities—Yu Xiang’an’s sense of belonging to the place grew stronger.

This was the little home where she would live for the foreseeable future.

🌱🌿 🫧🍃