Ch 41: Bringing a Farming Game System to the 1970s

The first day of the Lunar New Year is traditionally a day for New Year’s visits. As the head of the family, Yu Qingshan stays home to host guests rather than going out. Visitors may include relatives, juniors, or even neighborhood children who come by.

While the elders stay home, most of the younger family members go out. Yu Xianghai, for example, not only visits his maternal grandparents but also pays New Year’s visits to his father’s colleagues and elder mentors from the factory. Similarly, Yu Xiang’an visits her grandmother and also returns to the factory to greet her superiors, such as Deputy Director Wang and Yan Yuzhen, among others.

The youngest two children have even more places to visit. During this festive period, as long as the family isn’t struggling financially, children are warmly welcomed wherever they go—the more visitors, the merrier. They leave home with empty pockets but return with their pockets full. After each round of visits, they head back home to empty their bounty of peanuts, sunflower seeds, or candies into special small boxes before heading out again. The treats collected on this day are cherished and can last them up to two months.

In the morning, Yu Qingshan hesitated for a while when deciding what to wear. This year, he had two new outfits: one gifted by his youngest daughter and another by his second daughter-in-law. After some comparison, he chose the outfit from his daughter-in-law, as it looked more spirited—perfect for the festive season.

Seeing his choice, Yu Xiang’an felt a little guilty, while Yu Xiangyan secretly gave Wen Ruzhen a thumbs-up.

This year, Yu Mingjie and Yu Xiangju also wore new clothes. Yu Xiangju, delighted with his new outfit, admired himself early in the morning. Yu Mingjie’s outfit was made by Ye Qijia, while Yu Xiangju’s was crafted by Zhao Qiaoniang. Normally, they wore hand-me-downs, but during the New Year, if fabric ration coupons were sufficient, they could afford new clothes—a rare treat. They were particularly careful while wearing them, mindful not to get them dirty.

The two were quite popular in the neighborhood. Early in the morning, they practiced reciting auspicious New Year’s greetings and wandered around. By breakfast, their pockets were already full, mostly with affordable snacks like peanuts and roasted soybeans. Candies were rare, usually just one per household, and poorer families often couldn’t spare any at all. There were also some small red envelopes among the loot.

At home, the family had prepared candies for visiting children, but the quantity was limited and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Latecomers would miss out.

Since Yu Xiang’an wasn’t married yet, she also received red envelopes when making New Year’s visits, though the amounts were modest—just a few cents. The standard was one or two cents, with larger amounts being five cents, and the most generous around twelve cents. It was more about the gesture than the money.

Yu Xiangqing went to her grandmother’s house, where she stayed close to Yao Cuifen. As senior family members, Yao Cuifen and Qin Qiang received many visitors, including unmarried young men and women.

Wen Ruzhen and Wen Yizhen, though originally from the county, had no close relatives in the area. Visiting friends during the New Year wasn’t appropriate, so they stayed home to help host guests.

By lunchtime, most visitors had left. Staying too long risked seeming like they were angling for a meal, which was frowned upon unless the relationship was particularly close.

When Yu Xiang’an returned home, she emptied her red envelopes. Many were handmade from red paper, which her family had cut to size and glued together. Among her collection, the envelopes from her leaders were the most substantial—Deputy Director Wang’s stood out with a generous 50 cents.

When Yu Xiangju and Yu Mingjie saw Yu Xiang’an’s red envelopes, they were envious. Though they received far more envelopes than she did, most of theirs only contained a single penny, except for the ones given by close relatives.

Her 50-cent envelope from Deputy Director Wang was equivalent to 50 of theirs, and they hadn’t even received that many envelopes in total.

“It seems he’s very satisfied with your work,” Yu Xiangyan remarked, stroking his chin. “If he wasn’t, he wouldn’t have given you such a generous red envelope during the New Year.”

Yu Xiang’an agreed without any modesty. “I’m very satisfied with myself too,” she said confidently.

“Hahaha…”

Their laughter filled the room, and the atmosphere was warm and joyful.

In those days, there weren’t as many entertainment options as in later years, so the Lunar New Year was the most festive time of the year. The smiles on everyone’s faces were genuine, adding to the celebratory mood.

Yu Mingjie and Yu Xiangju couldn’t sit still after lunch. They excitedly headed out again, as children enjoyed special privileges during the New Year. They could collect lots of treats and, by wishing familiar people a sweet “Happy New Year,” earn a red envelope—even a single penny was enough to buy a small candy.

Although their lucky money would eventually be “safeguarded” by the adults under various pretexts, the joy of receiving it was irreplaceable.

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The second day of the New Year was traditionally reserved for married daughters to return to their parental home. Since Yu Qingshan’s two daughters were still unmarried, there were no daughters returning, so the family went to visit the Qin household instead.

Although Qin Fenglan had passed away, her children still lived there, and it was natural for them to visit their maternal grandparents.

Zhao Qiaoniang could have returned to her own family, but her parents were no longer alive, so she had no natal family to visit. Ding Minxiu, if she had married under normal circumstances, would have returned, but her situation was different.

This day was generally when families accompanied their wives and children back to their natal homes, leaving only those without married daughters at home.

Yu Qingshan’s eldest uncle had two sons, while his second uncle had two daughters and a son. The elder daughter had been married for years and was currently pregnant, so she couldn’t visit. The younger daughter had been abducted as a child and remained missing.

When they arrived at the Qin household, only Qin Qiang and Yao Cuifen were there.

Yao Cuifen eagerly spoke to Yu Qingshan about a young man who had visited the day before. “The boy who came to pay respects yesterday seemed like a good match. His name is Li Yuming, two years older than Xiaoqing. He works at the supply and marketing cooperative, though not at the counter like Xianghai’s wife—he’s in the warehouse…” She shared the details enthusiastically.

Yu Qingshan listened attentively, while Yu Xiangqing, standing nearby, looked helpless. “You’re making it sound like something’s happening already. He just came to pay respects and greeted me, that’s all.”

Yao Cuifen added, “There is one issue. He’s already a worker, but his family has another son, and it’s likely his mother’s job will go to his younger brother in the future. His father is the family’s breadwinner and unlikely to retire anytime soon.”

She explained the implications of such a situation. When a parent retires, their job could be passed down to a child, but the position’s level and seniority wouldn’t transfer. Starting anew would mean a significant drop in income, making early retirement a poor choice for most families.

Yu Qingshan sighed. Families with stable jobs were hard to come by. Matches had to be practical, and he knew they couldn’t aim for those with significant resources or connections.

Yu Xiangqing reassured them, “Dad, Grandma, don’t be too hasty. No, wait—don’t rush. I’ll work hard. These things can’t be forced.”

Yu Qingshan remained silent. She was right—this couldn’t be rushed. Even after she returned to the countryside, they could still keep an eye out for suitable matches.

On the third day of the New Year, the Yu family returned to their countryside home to visit Yu Qingshan’s parents. They carried large bags filled with gifts.

Although their life in the county wasn’t extravagant, it was much better compared to rural standards. In the countryside, a large family might earn just 30 to 40 yuan a year after deducting the grain they received for their work points, while Yu Qingshan’s monthly salary alone was over 40 yuan.

Despite having to buy their own grain, as long as the grain store’s supply was stable, they didn’t need to resort to high-priced black-market options, and they could even save a little each month.

The third day of the New Year was always lively for the Yu family. They consistently returned to the countryside on this day to celebrate a family reunion, which meant that Yang Huili, if she wanted to visit her own family, would either do so on the second or fourth day of the New Year. On the third day, she stayed home to host the second uncle’s family.

Her two married daughters also chose this day to visit. It was an ideal time to meet not only their grandparents and parents but also their second uncle and cousins. For the Yu family, the third day felt even more like a reunion than New Year’s Eve.

When the Yu family arrived, the house was already bustling. Yu Manrong and Yu Manhong had returned with their husbands and children. The house suddenly felt too small; turning around inside was nearly impossible, so they had to gather outside in the courtyard, where there was more space to talk.

This was only the second time Yu Xiang’an had met her two cousins. The first was at Yu Manchang and Xu Xiaojuan’s wedding.

Both women were married nearby, in the neighboring brigade, with husbands carefully chosen by Yang Huili. She had selected matches she deemed ideal: hardworking men capable of supporting themselves and their children, with reasonable in-laws who wouldn’t mistreat their daughters-in-law, no overly troublesome sisters-in-law, and families that weren’t too poor. She wouldn’t send her daughters into a family that couldn’t even keep out the rain—it would only harm them.

Her sons-in-law met these criteria well enough, and now her two daughters were each mothers of two. Though not much older than Yu Xiang’an and Yu Xiangqing, they looked significantly more mature due to their daily labor under the sun.

Their husbands were quiet and sat nearby, listening as Yu Manchang discussed plans for the brick factory.

After two more months of work, Yu Manchang planned to return and fire bricks in the brigade, intending to build a large house. The family’s younger sons, Yu Manwu and Yu Mansheng, hadn’t married yet. Without their own house, it would be difficult for them to find spouses.

They hadn’t built a proper house earlier because finances were tight. Now, with plans to build a brick house, their family’s living conditions would improve, making it easier to find matches.

In the countryside, obtaining land for a house wasn’t difficult. Once approved, they could build as they pleased. Yu Manchang wanted a house like Yu Xiang’an’s, with a dedicated kitchen and bathroom. Since he could fire bricks himself, they wouldn’t need to pay for materials, just labor. The countryside had no shortage of strong, willing men, and timber from the mountains was free with a note from the team leader. The only costs would be for tiles for the roof and providing food for helpers.

This would save a significant amount of money, and they were more than willing to put in the effort if it meant earning a sturdy brick house.

Yu Xiangyan was intrigued. If possible, he also wanted to contribute something to his assigned countryside location, improving their lives and fostering good relations with the locals—a strategy that could benefit him in the future.

While the men enthusiastically discussed these plans, the women gathered in another group to chat.

Wen Ruzhen became the center of attention. As the new bride, everyone was naturally curious about her.

Her family background was only known to the grandparents and the eldest uncle and aunt, but not to the others.

Yu Manrong and Yu Manhong spoke highly of her, offering many compliments.

This pair of siblings was truly good-looking—far better than the educated youths in the area.

Their compliments were straightforward, leaving the siblings blushing.

Yu Mingjie, standing beside Ye Qijia, listened to everyone’s praise and, with a serious expression, looked up and said, “I think not just Second Aunt is beautiful—Mom, Aunt, you’re all beautiful.”

His words immediately delighted everyone.

“Mingjie, you really know how to talk!”

After all, what woman doesn’t enjoy being complimented on her looks?

Yu Mingjie’s pockets were soon filled with even more treats.

---

After the laughter, Yu Xiang’an went to the bathroom. Yu Manrong and Yu Manhong exchanged a glance, and Yu Manrong followed her.

“Xiao An, was it you who helped Manchang get the temporary job? Are there any other openings?”

Feeling a bit embarrassed, Yu Manrong explained, “Your brother-in-law and I still live in the same room as the kids. We want to save some money. If there’s no opening, it’s fine—I know these jobs are hard to come by.” City folks coveted such jobs, let alone those from the countryside.

Yu Xiang’an paused before smiling. “Sister, I understand.”

Even if Yu Manchang managed to set up a brick kiln in the brigade, the benefits would mostly go to the people in Red Star Brigade. At best, those nearby could save a little on transportation or brick prices, but their incomes would remain unchanged.

Yu Xiang’an thought for a moment and said, “Temporary jobs aren’t easy to find. Does Brother-in-law have any particular skills?”

For instance, Zhao Qiaoniang’s dexterous hands got her into the textile factory, and Yu Manchang’s strength landed him a job at the brick factory.

Yu Manrong gave a bitter smile. “Your brother-in-law is an honest man. He’s not very talkative, but he’s hardworking and never complains about long hours. He didn’t have much schooling, just learned basic literacy in an adult education class and can write his own name.”

“That’s tough,” Yu Xiang’an admitted. “I can’t promise anything, but I’ll keep an eye out.”

“That’s already very kind of you,” Yu Manrong replied with a smile, nodding. “There’s no rush. If something comes up, great. If not, we’ll just keep saving—eventually, we’ll get there.”

---

When they returned, more people had arrived—a relative Yu Xiang’an only vaguely remembered.

This man wasn’t a distant relation; he was the son of Yu Changyou’s cousin. Yu Changyou had passed away young, leaving behind this only son. Now in his thirties, he was spoiled and lazy, indulged by his mother. If he could sit, he wouldn’t stand; if he could lie down, he wouldn’t sit. Since the work points earned by doing little versus a lot weren’t vastly different, he shirked work as much as possible. Every year, he earned just enough to feed himself.

If not for his brief diligence in his younger years, he might never have found a wife.

His laziness naturally meant a meager household, and when it came time to marry off his son, he couldn’t afford the bride price. But his thick skin led him to believe that since Yu Qingshan’s family was so “wealthy,” they should naturally help him out.

After all, Yu Qingshan had worked for years as a factory worker, his eldest son and daughter-in-law were official employees, and even his youngest daughter had secured a stable job. Only two of his children were sent to the countryside, but they didn’t need much support since they had rural household registrations and could grow their own food. With no major expenses, surely lending a bit of money wouldn’t hurt.

However, Yu Qingshan didn’t want to lend him money.

He had already lent him five yuan once before—for his eldest son’s bride price.

At the time, he didn’t want to lend it either, knowing full well what kind of person he was. But seeing his mother toil so hard for her son, especially when she didn’t have much time left, and knowing she wanted to see her grandson marry before passing, Yu Qingshan had reluctantly handed over the money out of pity for her.

He’d written off that five yuan as lost.

And now, this was the second time?

When Yu Shijian heard the mention of the five yuan he had borrowed previously, he chuckled awkwardly. “Oh, that matter? I’d forgotten about it. My apologies. But now I remember, and I’ll return it to you next time.”

Yu Qingshan replied calmly, “If you repay what you borrow, it’s not hard to borrow again.”

Yu Shijian, slightly defensive, responded, “We’re family—are you really afraid I won’t pay you back?”

Unfazed, Yu Qingshan nodded, unapologetic. “Yes, I am afraid you won’t.”

The blunt response, delivered in front of so many witnesses, embarrassed and angered Yu Shijian. “How can you be so stingy? Your family is so well-off! Lending me ten yuan is nothing to you—it’s just a few days’ wages. If you don’t lend it to me, my son’s wedding will fall through, and who knows how long it’ll take to find another match? Are you really willing to ruin this marriage?”

Yu Changyou, speaking with a stern tone, interjected, “You chose your own path. If you’re unwilling to work hard to earn a living, who can you blame? You’re their father. It’s your responsibility, not someone else’s. When you were lazing around, you should have thought about this day.”

His family, notorious for borrowing matches from others, bought only two or three boxes of matches per year. Other basic necessities were similarly scarce.

Yu Changyou sighed deeply. “That’s enough. Go home and stop talking. I disagreed with lending you money before, and I still do. If you’re angry, blame me for not correcting your lazy habits when you were younger. And if you keep insisting, then return the money you borrowed last time right now.”

He added, “I still have children to support—my second son and those sent to the countryside. Do you expect me to empty my savings for you? I’ve already spent so much on medical expenses. I won’t allow this to happen again.”

Yu Shijian had thought choosing this family reunion would be the perfect time to ask for money. Instead, he left dejected and humiliated.

---

It wasn’t uncommon for people to ask for loans, but the audacity to pick a reunion day to make the request was baffling.

Yu Shijian wasn’t the first to ask Yu Qingshan for money. With rural incomes so low—an entire family’s year of hard work yielding what he earned in a single month—Yu Qingshan occasionally lent money within his means. But his principle was clear: help in emergencies, not with chronic poverty. For someone like Yu Shijian, who refused to put in the effort, it wasn’t worth it.

It was a shame for his children, though.

At present, Yu Qingshan truly didn’t have much money to spare. His savings had been drained by Yu Changyou’s serious illness and the subsequent weddings of his two eldest sons. He had ensured that the bride prices for both weddings were fairly equal, to avoid resentment between the brothers.

As for his youngest daughter, Yu Xiang’an, while she earned a salary, she had to repay the housing loan, maintain her appearance and wardrobe for her job assisting the factory director, and occasionally supplement the family’s meals. After all her expenses, she could save very little each month.

Meanwhile, Yu Qingshan’s own wages were divided between household expenses and saving for dowries for his two daughters. When the time came for them to marry, the dowry would serve as their support and confidence in their new homes.

---

Yu Xiang’an and the others returned to catch the tail end of the drama. Yang Huili, noticing the sour mood, quickly stood up to liven things up.

“Guess what? We’ve got a special dish for lunch today!” she announced with a smile. “Just a few days ago, some wild boars came down from the mountains. The team leader organized a hunt and took down the whole family. Every household got a share of the meat. We were lucky enough to get a pig’s stomach, so we’re making pig stomach chicken soup today. I promise it’ll be so fragrant you’ll be smacking your lips!”

“Wild boars?!”

The mood instantly brightened, and the questions poured in:

“How big were they?”
“How many were there?”
“Did they really have long tusks?”

---

With so many people, the family had to set up three tables for lunch. Though there weren’t many dishes, each one was hearty and served in large portions.

By the end of the meal, everyone was full and satisfied, their bellies round with good food and laughter.

Yu Xiang’an thought the soup was delicious and unintentionally drank too much, making her uncomfortable. She got up to walk around the side of the house to aid digestion.

After a couple of laps, someone called her name. She looked up and saw Ruan Chenxi.

Surprised, Yu Xiang’an asked, “You didn’t go back home?”

They had talked a few times, not close enough to be friends, but she knew about Ruan Chenxi’s family situation—it didn’t seem like she would lack the money for a trip.

Ruan Chenxi forced a smile. “Happy New Year. Shanghai is too far. I plan to go back next year instead.”

Yu Xiang’an nodded. “That’s fair. It is quite far.”

In terms of policies, Yu Shunwen, the brigade leader, was open-minded. For families far away, he issued extended leave without creating obstacles. There must be another reason behind Ruan Chenxi’s decision.

Moreover, coming here today couldn’t have been a coincidence. She must have come specifically to find her.

Ruan Chenxi complimented Yu Xiang’an’s new clothes, asked about her holiday plans, and finally, after some hesitation, got to the point. “I have a favor to ask. I know it’s sudden, but I have my reasons.”

Yu Xiang’an listened attentively.

Ruan Chenxi looked at her with hope. “Your eldest uncle’s family seems to have a spare room. Could you ask if I could stay there temporarily?”

Yu Xiang’an hadn’t expected this and politely declined. “There’s no spare room. The unused room is for our family when we visit.”

Even if there were space, it wouldn’t be appropriate. Yu Manwu was about her age, and sharing a house, even with other people present, could lead to gossip. If there were no mutual intentions, such situations were best avoided.

Ruan Chenxi looked a bit disappointed but not surprised—she had expected this answer. After a pause, she continued, “Do you have any other relatives nearby? I can clean, pay rent, and buy my own food. I won’t take advantage.”

“Can I ask why? Isn’t the educated youth dormitory suitable?” Yu Xiang’an asked.

Ruan Chenxi hesitated before explaining, “You know we female educated youths live in one building, and the male youths in another. The dorms are converted old houses, so there’s some distance—about 500 meters—between them.

“For the past two weeks, I’ve noticed someone secretly following me. I haven’t dared to go anywhere secluded. The closer I get to someone else, the further the person stays. But when I’m alone, they keep coming closer. The moment others appear, they hide.

“I’m scared, but no one else has noticed anything. The other girls think I’m overreacting, but I know what I’ve seen. I’m sure this person is targeting me.”

Yu Xiang’an’s expression turned serious. This wasn’t a minor issue. Female educated youths were often vulnerable targets—strangers in a new place with no family around, generally wealthier and better dressed, making them easy prey for ill-intentioned individuals.

“This is something you can’t ignore,” she said. “Are you sure you’re not mistaken?”

Ruan Chenxi nodded firmly. “Absolutely. Look at my dark circles—I haven’t slept well for days.”

“Come with me to see the brigade leader,” Yu Xiang’an decided.

Hearing this, Ruan Chenxi visibly relaxed and quickly explained, “I thought about going to him before, but I didn’t have any evidence. I was worried he wouldn’t believe me. None of the other girls noticed anything unusual, so I felt unsure. When I heard your family would be back today, I decided to take a chance and see if I could meet you. I thought you might believe me and help me explain the situation to him.”

“If I hadn’t run into you, I was planning to go to the brigade leader anyway—I can’t take this anymore.”

Yu Xiang’an could see how drained Ruan Chenxi was but felt no discomfort about helping her. In the adult world, relationships were often more complex. When someone says they want to be your friend, it isn’t always purely out of friendliness.

Still, Yu Xiang’an felt a pang of sympathy. This place was as unfamiliar to Ruan Chenxi as Niujiao Brigade was to Yu Xiangqing.

Helping her a little now wasn’t a big deal. After all, she hoped that someday, if Yu Xiangqing needed help in Niujiao Brigade, someone would step up to lend a hand too.

🌱🌿 🫧🍃