Ch 91: Is There Really Such a Good Thing? [QT]

At midnight, families lit firecrackers and ate dumplings. During this era, setting off extra firecrackers symbolized a prosperous life. Near the Xiao family’s home, familiar neighbors set off long strings of firecrackers. Many worked in the Xiao family’s shops and had earned considerable income over the past six months. Some had also taken Shen Yunxuan’s advice to sell popsicles or sodas and profited handsomely.

As the Xiao family ate dumplings, neighbors came over, bringing large plates of dumplings, chatting happily, and listening to the radio. The atmosphere was lively and warm.

After the neighbors left, the Xiao family gathered with their drinks. Xiao Zhijun raised his cup solemnly, saying, “Let’s toast Yunxuan. Everything we have now is thanks to her.”

Caught off guard, Shen Yunxuan quickly waved her hand. “Dad, don’t say that. It’s because everyone worked hard, dared to take risks, and seized opportunities that we’ve achieved so much. It’s not just my doing.”

Yu Hong held Shen Yunxuan’s hand, patting it gently. “If not for your vision and example, none of us would have dared to quit our jobs and start on our own. Plus, the advice you gave us has been invaluable. Our shops are thriving because of you. You’re the family’s biggest hero!”

Xiao’s elder brother and sister-in-law beamed, nodding in agreement. They were utterly impressed by their sister-in-law and had resolved to follow her lead. Unknowingly, Shen Yunxuan had become the family’s guiding force, the most influential voice in their decisions.

Xiao Jun laughed. “You should just accept the toast. As long as our family is happy and harmonious, that’s what matters. Let’s hope every year is as joyful as this one.”

Seeing their sincerity, Shen Yunxuan raised her cup with a smile and toasted, “Here’s to our business flourishing and our family’s happiness growing.”

“Cheers to a peaceful new year!”

“To smooth sailing!”

“Cheers!”

The family drank until they were slightly tipsy. Later, Xiao Jun prepared Shen Yunxuan’s bed, warmed the covers, poured her a glass of hot sugar water, and added wood to the stove.

“Stop fussing,” Shen Yunxuan said. “You’ve been busy all day. Take a rest.”

Xiao Jun grinned sheepishly and slid into bed. “My wife cares about me.”

Shen Yunxuan, feeling a little dizzy from the drinks, lay down and asked, “What’s so funny? Did you drink too much?”

“No way! I can hold my liquor! I’m just happy I have such a good wife, one who cares about me.” Xiao Jun chuckled, turned to face her, and said earnestly, “Wife, how are you so wonderful? I never dared to dream I’d marry someone as amazing as you. Are you a fairy from heaven?”

Shen Yunxuan laughed. “That’s right. I’m a fairy. So you’d better treat me well, or I’ll deal with you.”

“I’ll treat you better than anyone in the world.” Xiao Jun reached out to touch her face. “You’re so beautiful…”

Shen Yunxuan tapped his cheek lightly. “You’re the good-looking one. You’re the most handsome man I’ve ever seen, even better than movie stars.”

“What’s a movie star?”

“They’re people in films—very attractive and adored by everyone.”

Xiao Jun’s heart raced. “So… do you like me?”

“Of course,” Shen Yunxuan replied, smiling as she turned to face him. “Marrying you has been wonderful. I wish I’d married you in my past life, too.”

Hearing this, Xiao Jun’s blood surged. He boldly embraced her. “Wife! Yunxuan! Let’s promise to be true husband and wife, the closest of partners, and grow old together. Okay?”

Looking at his strikingly handsome face, Shen Yunxuan joyfully agreed. “Okay.”

That New Year’s Eve, their pretend marriage finally became real. The next morning, Xiao Jun sneaked out to wash the bedsheets, hanging them to dry in the room. He spent the entire day grinning and doting on Shen Yunxuan, his smitten demeanor amusing the rest of the family.

The bond between Shen Yunxuan and Xiao Jun visibly deepened, though societal norms of the time kept them reserved in public. Outside their room, they remained composed, which was an adjustment for Shen Yunxuan, used to the privacy of modern apartment living.

A few months prior, the government had started selling public housing and encouraging private home construction and purchases. On the first day of the Lunar New Year, Shen Yunxuan brought it up during their meal. “We’ve saved quite a bit. How about getting a new house?”

“A new house or rebuilding this one?” Xiao Zhijun asked, surprised. Most families would rebuild their existing homes rather than move. Their current setup—three spacious rooms and front and back courtyards—was already decent. “What do you mean by ‘new house’?”

Shen Yunxuan explained, “The government has been encouraging home construction and sales. Eventually, the practice of allocating housing through workplaces will decline, and private real estate transactions will become the norm. More people from the countryside will move to cities, driving up demand and prices for urban housing. Over time, private constructions will increase, and cities will likely impose regulations, perhaps standardizing buildings and selling them to the public.

“So, why don’t we take advantage of this period before restrictions start? Let’s build homes we truly like—spacious ones. Besides, our family will grow in the future. Who knows how many children there will be? Our current house won’t be enough. If we prepare now, the next generation won’t have to worry about housing when they grow up.”

This idea was something no one had considered before. Just a few years ago, owning multiple houses or too much land would have branded a family as landlords, risking public denunciation and ridicule. However, thinking practically, when the previous generation of the Xiao family divided their estate, they had only been given a small adobe house. It was only through the hard work of the couple, who earned more than average, that they managed to build brick houses and provide homes for their two sons.

That said, after the sons grew up and built their homes within the original courtyard, the available space was halved. Now, with six people living there, it was clear the space was insufficient. If there were future generations—grandchildren or even great-grandchildren—there definitely wouldn’t be enough room.

Considering this, it became evident that more housing was necessary. Besides, with the government encouraging housing construction, there was no issue with building new homes. After all, three households constructing three houses seemed reasonable and justified.

The family’s natural trust in Shen Yunxuan helped them overcome their lingering fears from the past when landlords were targeted. They reasoned that the government had praised their businesses and their role in leading local commerce. A few years ago, hiring so many workers as a private individual would have been akin to employing long-term laborers and could have resulted in serious consequences. Now, however, the policy changes were clear.

With this confidence, the family decided to build houses and began discussing the location and size. Shen Yunxuan brought out a large sheet of newspaper and sketched a rough layout with charcoal.

“We can either build the houses in different locations or next to each other. Since everyone knows our family is doing well, we must guard against theft. The perimeter walls should be high, with broken glass or wire mesh on top to deter intruders. This will also ensure privacy so we can relax in our own space.

“The main gate can have storage rooms on either side, with a covered entryway for parking bicycles conveniently. The courtyards should be spacious. For the main house, I want to apply to the relevant department to build two stories. With large glass windows, the house will be bright and well-ventilated from north to south. We could also make the backyard large enough to grow vegetables, plant trees, or even set up a swing.”

The Xiao family was initially stunned. Wasn’t this essentially a small villa? And a swing? That sounded like something from the lifestyle of capitalist elites! Was this even possible? For the first time, they realized how bold Shen Yunxuan truly was.

Smiling, she reassured them, “This is just my vision. We need approval from the relevant authorities to know if it’s feasible. If they approve, then there’s no issue. We can even hire skilled builders from big cities to ensure the houses are well-constructed and long-lasting.”

Realizing her logic, the family’s initial doubts turned into excitement. If the government approved, they could live in what was essentially a villa—a dream they had never imagined. Their anticipation grew, and they began discussing where to source the best bricks and furniture to match such a fine house.

According to Shen Yunxuan’s plan, one of these new homes would be larger than their current combined living spaces. If the three houses were built side by side, it would be incredibly grand and impressive.

During the New Year holiday, with little else to do, the family locked up their house and traveled to the capital and Hai City for a vacation. Shen Yunxuan bought a new camera and plenty of film, capturing moments from their trip. In Hai City, they visited several small villas and successfully found an experienced builder skilled in constructing such homes, whom they brought back with them.

Once government offices reopened, Xiao Jun immediately applied for the land they had selected and secured building permits. With everything in place, Shen Yunxuan worked closely with the builder to design the layout. Her priorities included practical features like bathrooms, heating systems, and good ventilation.

Though the design was different from a typical villa, it shared similarities in style. The builder quickly understood her vision and began gathering workers and materials to commence construction.

Xiao Jun took on the task of overseeing progress, frequently visiting the site to ensure everything was on track.

At first, locals only knew the Xiao family was building new homes. But as time passed, they noticed the large footprint of the construction and, later, the second story taking shape. Word spread quickly, and curious onlookers gathered to watch in amazement. People remarked on the Xiao family’s success, noting how they had dared to quit their jobs and start businesses. What once drew ridicule now earned admiration for their foresight and courage.

The Xiao family’s three two-story homes, each with front and back courtyards and high walls, were built as neighbors to one another. The area had originally been open land, with roads surrounding the property. This setup, separated from other residents, gave the houses the feel of a budding villa district.

When the houses were completed, their town had officially transitioned to city status, and the Xiao family’s homes stood out as unique in the entire area. On moving day, many curious locals came to observe from a distance. However, out of respect and the Xiao family’s preference for privacy, no one ventured too close or was invited inside.

When the Xiao family moved into their two-story houses, it became evident to everyone that they had truly risen to a different social class—they were now wealthy.

While some were envious, most felt inspired. If the Xiao family could succeed in business, why couldn’t they? Opportunities were everywhere, and those willing to try were bound to succeed! Many who had hesitated before finally decided to take the plunge. Not everyone was suited for business, but in this era of opportunity, choosing the right path was often more important than raw ability. Most who gave it a shot managed to turn a profit, though whether they could keep that wealth depended on their character and diligence.

Although the Xiao family members still lived close to each other, they had essentially become three independent households. Sometimes they ate together; other times, they ate separately. While the structures of the three houses were identical, the furnishings and decorations reflected their personal styles. The old Xiao couple preferred traditional redwood furniture and a simple, classic aesthetic. Eldest brother Xiao and his wife opted for leather sofas and mirrored wardrobes—the most fashionable choices of the time. Shen Yunxuan’s home leaned more toward modern practicality, featuring fabric sofas and soft, cozy colors reminiscent of future trends.

Though they hadn’t formally discussed dividing the household, the arrangement effectively served that purpose. The elderly couple initially felt a bit disappointed, but they soon realized that having their sons nearby made life just as convenient. They could call for them anytime, and the quieter, more relaxed atmosphere improved their mood.

For Shen Yunxuan, creating a home like this was about embracing the life she wanted. Having been reborn, she wasn’t here to suffer but to enjoy life. While the era prioritized simplicity, she saw no reason not to enjoy the comforts her circumstances allowed. Properly showcasing her success could establish her authority and elevate her reputation as a leader in the community, which wasn’t a bad thing at all.

Moreover, these well-built two-story homes were effectively small villas that would last for decades. During the site selection, safety was a priority—the houses were just a street away from the local police station, significantly reducing the risk of theft. To further enhance security, Shen Yunxuan kept two wolf dogs as guard dogs, which added liveliness to their home and made it truly feel like their own.

After touring the house from top to bottom, Shen Yunxuan felt a deep sense of joy. This was her home—a place she could completely call her own, free from anyone’s influence or judgment.

Xiao Jun accompanied her on the tour, marveling at the design and craftsmanship. “I never realized how different quality construction could be. A few years ago, we built that brick house with help from neighbors. We used good materials and thought it was already great. But this… the master builder you hired has completely changed my perspective.

“If we need more space in the future, I’ll add a side wing myself. I think I’ve learned enough to build it!”

Surprised, Shen Yunxuan asked, “You’ve learned to build? When did that happen?”

“During construction! I came by so often, and it seemed interesting, so I started helping out. The master builder even taught me a lot. I’m pretty skilled now!” Xiao Jun grinned mischievously, clearly proud of himself.

Shen Yunxuan laughed but then had a thought. “Have you considered becoming a builder like him? The government is encouraging housing construction, and there must be others like me who want their dream homes but don’t know how to build them. If you develop strong skills, you could make a lot of money.

“Think about it—when we visited the capital and Hai City, we saw all those apartment buildings. As people’s lives improve, the demand for quality housing will increase. You could even buy land, build apartments, and sell them. Imagine being the first to build an apartment building in our city—your name would be remembered!”

This suggestion opened a new door for Xiao Jun. As he reflected on Shen Yunxuan’s vision for the future, he realized there was a high chance it could happen. His excitement grew.

Though Xiao Jun had been good at managing business and negotiating deals, selling food had never been his passion. Initially, he focused on helping Shen Yunxuan expand her food business, but as the enterprise grew, his responsibilities shifted to overseeing operations while others managed the details. He often felt his work was functional but lacked personal meaning.

Seeing how others in the family had turned their passions into careers—whether it was Xiao Zhijun opening a restaurant, Yu Hong running a clothing store, Eldest brother Xiao’s wife operating a general store, or Eldest brother Xiao pursuing education—left him feeling out of place. Even Shen Yunxuan loved experimenting with food and had built a thriving factory around her interest. He, however, had no such connection to his work.

But now, Shen Yunxuan had given him a direction. Building homes was something he genuinely enjoyed, and if he could master it and grow, he could turn this newfound passion into a fulfilling career, just like the rest of his family.

Xiao Jun gave Shen Yunxuan a kiss, his excitement palpable. “Wife, you’re brilliant! I’m going to find people to discuss this right away!”

Building houses required a team, so Xiao Jun began reaching out to his brothers and former neighbors.

This task turned out to be surprisingly smooth. Half a year ago, Shen Yunxuan had inspired some to start small businesses, and more recently, her lead in home construction encouraged those with savings to upgrade their houses.

Within three days, Xiao Jun secured his first job—to build a house similar to the Xiao family’s, though without a second floor, with a smaller yard, and a more traditional layout. He drafted a simple blueprint, found it feasible, and led his team to complete the project efficiently. The clients were thrilled with the result!

One job led to another, as many in the city built their own homes but lacked creativity in design. Xiao Jun offered multiple blueprints for clients to choose from, adapting his ideas flexibly and delivering quality work quickly.

The real appeal, however, was Xiao Jun’s reputation. Everyone saw him as a significant figure, and hiring him to build their homes was a source of pride. Many would boast, “This house was personally built by Xiao Jun!” For those with the means, this status symbol made him the obvious choice.

Curious onlookers, however, struggled to understand why Xiao Jun—a deputy factory director—was doing laborious construction work. Some speculated he had been overshadowed by Shen Yunxuan, and rumors circulated that having a wife as the boss must cause friction in their marriage. Yet Xiao Jun frequently and warmly spoke of Shen Yunxuan, showcasing a deeply affectionate relationship.

When asked about being “overshadowed,” Xiao Jun would laugh. “Are you jealous of me having such an incredible wife? I’m lucky to have her—without her, I wouldn’t be free to pursue my passion like this.”

His response stunned many, especially in a male-dominated society where men leading their households was the norm. Initially, they saw him as less “manly” for being under his wife’s influence. But upon reflection, they envied his situation. Unlike them, tied to unfulfilling jobs, Xiao Jun had a capable wife who supported his happiness. This shifted perceptions, and talk of discord in their marriage quickly died down.

One particularly superstitious individual even approached Shen Yunxuan, suggesting she consult a spirit medium to “cure” Xiao Jun of what they believed was a strange obsession. Shen Yunxuan could only laugh. Many new ventures faced skepticism, much like when she first sold eggs and was looked down upon. Similarly, internet celebrities in the future initially faced ridicule, only to become a thriving profession.

By staying attuned to societal shifts and boldly exploring opportunities, the Xiao family capitalized on the era’s advantages. Their true strength lay in their skills and passions, guided occasionally by Shen Yunxuan’s future insights. They consistently found the right paths, thriving on the era’s opportunities.

Meanwhile, Shen Yunxuan’s ambitious new project was finally coming to fruition. She invested in two movies in the capital—films she knew from memory would become massive hits. Her condition? That her factory’s products be subtly featured in the films.

Rather than blatant product placement, she requested the cans appear naturally: as gifts brought to a hospital, or as items on a kitchen shelf in the background.

This unusual request puzzled the filmmakers. It seemed such subtle placement wasn’t worth the investment. But after confirming her minimal demands, they eagerly signed the contracts.

What they didn’t realize was that in an era devoid of ads or product placements, wildly popular films shown nationwide would make even fleeting appearances of her brand iconic. Whether it was clothing or canned goods, what appeared on-screen would influence trends, making this the ultimate advertising strategy for her era.

🌸˚˖𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒✧🩷˚⋆