Ch 93: Is There Really Such a Good Thing? [QT]

The reporters, as scheduled, met Shen Yunxuan at Wuyou Food Factory. She was visibly pregnant, wearing a loose dress that, while different from the popular market styles, looked elegant.

When the reporters learned about her pregnancy, they congratulated her and took a few photos. Shen Yunxuan used the opportunity to promote the dress designed by her mother-in-law, saying, “This is a Rainbow-brand dress designed by Ms. Yu Hong, who wanted to ensure my comfort during pregnancy. It’s also flattering for people who are a bit heavier or expectant mothers.”

Surprised, a reporter asked, “Factory Director Shen, your mother-in-law used to have a street stall, and now she owns a branded clothing store?”

Shen Yunxuan smiled and replied, “Yes, my mother-in-law runs the Rainbow Clothing Store, my father-in-law runs the Xiao Family Restaurant, my sister-in-law manages Happiness General Store, and my husband has established the Pengcheng Construction Company. The only one not in business is my brother-in-law, who is a director at City No. 1 High School.”

The reporters were stunned. This family’s success was beyond description. In most families, having one person as accomplished as Shen Yunxuan would already mean prosperity. Yet, in her family, everyone excelled in their pursuits. This dynamic was unusual, as many families would typically rely on a single breadwinner or have members working together. However, the Xiao family each pursued their ventures independently, employing many workers instead.

When the reporters inquired about this, Shen Yunxuan explained, “That’s because each of us has different aspirations and interests. With the best national policies and development opportunities right now, missing out would be such a pity.

I believe everyone should seize opportunities to pursue their passions, achieving personal fulfillment while balancing family responsibilities. With the country encouraging one couple to have just one child, we don’t plan to have more children. This means no one needs to sacrifice their career solely to care for children. Everyone can lead rich, fulfilling lives and make the most of this era.”

A reporter asked, “Do you believe this is a particularly great era?”

“Absolutely! The country is developing at a tremendous pace. This period represents the greatest transformation for our nation, offering its citizens unparalleled experiences and pride. I’m thrilled to be born in this era, to grow alongside the country, and I look forward to witnessing its future prosperity and strength.”

The reporters, inspired, asked about her future plans and thoughts on policy trends. Shen Yunxuan stated that the future would value talent highly, emphasizing the importance of education, whether academic or technical skills. She noted that while many could initially profit from doing business, market saturation would eventually eliminate those unsuited for it. However, as the country developed, more jobs and industries would emerge, providing ample opportunities for everyone. She encouraged experimentation but cautioned against scams.

As a reborn individual, Shen Yunxuan’s predictions were naturally precise, though she deliberately kept her insights vague. The reporters listened intently, finding her foresight as compelling as that of seasoned leaders or experts. Despite their broad knowledge and experience, these university-educated reporters felt humbled by Shen Yunxuan’s wisdom, admiring her as a true phoenix from a humble village.

When discussing her next steps, Shen Yunxuan revealed plans to open branch factories in the provincial capital and the capital city. She intended to recruit a batch of talented graduates during the next round of university graduations to train as factory leaders and oversee the branches. She also planned to launch new products, further expanding the food sector. Additionally, if opportunities arose, she hoped to invest in more films, enriching entertainment options for the public.

The reporters brought up her sponsorship of children’s education. Shen Yunxuan shared her plans to build schools in select locations to help more children access education and broaden their horizons.

At this time, economic liberalization was still in its infancy. Few wealthy individuals pursued philanthropy on a grand scale, making Shen Yunxuan a rare exception. The reporters, hearing her plans to build schools, admired her even more. Many who became rich lost sight of their roots, but Shen Yunxuan consistently sought to help others.

People in Jianlin City spoke of her with pride, likely not just because of her business acumen but because of her kindness and character.

Later, during a factory tour, the reporters discovered a workshop staffed entirely by people with disabilities. Once again, they were astonished. Shen Yunxuan explained, “Each job here has different requirements. Their tasks involve carefully inspecting products, checking quantities, and packing boxes. The work is simple but requires attention to detail, making it suitable for them.”

The employees with disabilities smiled as they spoke to the reporters, expressing their gratitude. “Director Shen is like a second parent to us. We never imagined having such a good job. We’ll work diligently and not let her down.”

The reporters discovered that the factory’s security guards and truck drivers were all injured veterans. These individuals often had shrapnel lodged in their bodies or minor disabilities like limps, making it impossible for them to continue their military careers. Many had struggled to find good jobs after transitioning to civilian life. However, working at Wuyou Food Factory offered them well-paying, stable employment, which they were genuinely grateful for.

The reporters were at a loss for words. This factory, which had undergone multiple expansions, had created countless jobs and supported numerous families in the region. Yet, Shen Yunxuan went beyond profits, considering ways to employ and care for people with disabilities and wounded veterans, solving their employment challenges. It was said that the canned goods she supplied to the military brought in minimal profits—her contributions to society were heartfelt and selfless.

The journalists struggled to express their admiration adequately. Their initial curiosity about Shen Yunxuan had evolved into genuine respect, accompanied by a deep sense of emotion. They felt compelled to write fervently, assembling all the most beautiful words they could muster to describe her. She deserved every bit of praise.

Shen Yunxuan inspired a profound love—for the country, as if one’s heart should be fully committed to supporting its growth, and for life itself, living every moment with purpose and joy. This passion was something everyone could learn from.

In an era that cherished stories of remarkable individuals, Shen Yunxuan’s life already carried a legendary aura. The reporters had an endless stream of ideas for their article. However, they wanted their coverage to be comprehensive, knowing that this story from the capital would capture nationwide attention. This meant not only featuring Shen Yunxuan but also interviewing her family.

With notebooks in hand, they quickly outlined their thoughts and headed to interview the Xiao family. They visited Xiao Family Restaurant, which was bustling with customers. The reporters captured photos of Xiao Zhijun skillfully working in the kitchen. Delving deeper, they learned that he was once a master chef at a state-run restaurant. Encouraged by Shen Yunxuan to follow his culinary dreams, he had left his stable job to sell food at a street stall.

“At first, everyone thought I was a fool,” he said. “Some even mocked me openly. But Yunxuan told me customers were the most important and that doing business required a cheerful demeanor. Even when faced with unpleasant people, I stayed polite. Over time, my hard work paid off. Now I have my own restaurant, and I’m even planning to open branches. I’m deeply grateful to Yunxuan.”

The reporters then visited Yu Hong’s Rainbow Clothing Store, where they were struck by its welcoming ambiance. Customers lingered, reluctant to leave. Yu Hong’s sharp eye for fashion allowed her to recommend outfits, accessories, and shoes that suited each customer. Fitting rooms and alteration services added to the experience, as did the complimentary tea and sweet water. Customers loved buying complete outfits, and business thrived.

Through their interview, the reporters learned that Yu Hong had once been a textile factory supervisor—a position many would cling to. However, Yu Hong explained that Shen Yunxuan had advised her about the influx of college graduates into factories and the limited room for promotion in her role. After hearing Yunxuan’s encouragement to pursue her passion for designing and selling clothes, Yu Hong took the plunge, and everything went smoothly. “Following my daughter-in-law’s advice was the best decision I ever made,” she said.

Yu Hong praised Shen Yunxuan’s intelligence, attributing much of the store’s success to her advice. The reporters were amazed at the close relationship between mother- and daughter-in-law. Yu Hong spoke about Yunxuan like a cherished daughter. “She’s so good to everyone she meets. How could anyone not love her? I wish she were my biological daughter. I must have accumulated a lot of good karma in my past life to have her in this one!”

Next, the reporters interviewed the eldest daughter-in-law of the Xiao family, who wasted no time showing off a gold necklace given to her by Shen Yunxuan. “She gave this to me for protection,” she explained, “and since following her lead, I’ve had the happiest days of my life. Even the child I prayed for over years has finally arrived.”

The reporters learned that she had once been a sales assistant at a supply and marketing cooperative, a role known for its prestige and attitude toward customers. It was a sought-after job, yet she left it after Shen Yunxuan predicted that competition would rise with more people entering the workforce post-college, potentially disrupting the job security once guaranteed by state jobs.

“I didn’t know what I wanted to do, but Yunxuan encouraged me to think about my passions. She explained that many items could be sold, and that’s when I realized how much I love selling everyday goods. As a child, I thought a store filled with household items was the epitome of happiness. Starting with a small stall, I eventually saved enough to open Happiness General Store. Now, just being in the store makes me feel content, and it’s all thanks to Yunxuan. She’s the person I’m most grateful for in this life!”

The reporters interviewed each member of the Xiao family and were struck by how each had their own fascinating story. Individually, they were all outstanding examples of entrepreneurial success, even by national standards. Slowly, the reporters began to understand what Shen Yunxuan meant when she said that everyone should strive to realize their personal value. Each member of the Xiao family lived such fulfilling lives because they were chasing their dreams, driven by passion, energy, and happiness.

When the reporters finally caught up with Xiao Jun for his interview, their questions were cautious but direct. Everyone was curious about why he gave up being the factory’s deputy director to engage in the hard work of building houses. Seeing Xiao Jun’s sun-darkened face, his clothes covered in dust, they wondered why he chose this path and if it had anything to do with being overshadowed by his wife.

Xiao Jun chuckled, waved them off, and took a big gulp of water before responding with a grin. “We’re a couple—does it matter who is more capable? What we value is whether the other finds joy in life. When I was the deputy director, I handled many tasks at the factory, but I felt lost, like I was just going through the motions.”

The reporters exchanged puzzled glances. “What’s wrong with working? Isn’t everyone doing that? Or are you saying you also wanted to pursue a dream? Is your dream to build houses?”

Xiao Jun nodded with a smile. “Exactly. Yunxuan noticed my uncertainty and encouraged me to try new things. She said our family has her as a safety net, so we could all explore our interests without fear of failure. Her support gave us the courage to take risks, which is why we’ve managed to succeed so quickly.

“When we visited Haishi during the New Year, we admired the two-story buildings there and hired a master craftsman to help us build one at home. I got involved in the process and found it fascinating. By thinking creatively, you can design houses with layouts that suit each family’s needs. There’s so much to explore—traditional, modern, Chinese, Western styles, and various materials. It’s incredibly rewarding.

“So, I gathered a group of friends to start building houses. I even went to the capital twice to learn more. Now, I’m the best house-builder in Jianlin City. Just recently, I secured a contract to build a two-story home in the provincial capital. I love the feeling of constructing homes for families and helping my team earn a living. This truly is my passion and the dream I want to realize.”

The reporters came to understand that Xiao Jun’s dream wasn’t just about building houses—it was about creating homes that people could cherish. Growing up in a loving family and witnessing the efforts couples made to build happy homes in this era, Xiao Jun had channeled those values into his work. His goal was to craft homes that reflected his clients’ ideals, a meaningful aspiration.

What stood out in their interviews with the Xiao family wasn’t their pursuit of wealth but their focus on finding fulfilling careers and achieving their dreams. Shen Yunxuan was the unwavering foundation that allowed them to soar, making them one of the happiest families the reporters had ever encountered.

This realization sparked genuine admiration in the reporters. Who wouldn’t envy the Xiao family? Their sentiments were echoed by other Jianlin City residents—vendors, workers, and townsfolk alike—who all expressed their envy and praised the Xiao family’s fortune in having Shen Yunxuan as part of their lives.

When the reporters visited Shen Yunxuan’s hometown village, the villagers eagerly recounted her life story, from childhood to her current success. Many regretted that she had moved to the city instead of staying in the village, where her prosperity might have directly benefited them. Nevertheless, they were grateful for the three-year contract she signed, guaranteeing that her factory would purchase all their produce. This agreement was seen as a lifeline, and the villagers spoke of her kindness with heartfelt gratitude.

Inevitably, discussions about the Shen family arose. Villagers were eager to share anecdotes about their questionable behavior, from stealing vegetables to spreading gossip and being stingy. They also mocked Shen Xuewei’s scandalous marriage tactics, which had caused two children to run away from home.

Even baseless rumors about the Shen family gained traction, tarnishing their reputation. The Xiao family’s success and the village’s admiration for Shen Yunxuan only highlighted the Shen family’s shortcomings. Even Shen Xuewei’s husband’s family started blaming her for their misfortunes, calling her a jinx. Her strained relationships with her stepchildren and in-laws worsened, and her behavior as a stepmother was deemed harsh and inappropriate.

Shen Xuewei hadn’t anticipated that an interview with Shen Yunxuan would indirectly damage her reputation. It strained her relationship with her in-laws further, making her feel that Shen Yunxuan was somehow destined to overshadow her. In her mind, her marriage to a commander and her plans to have a family should have secured her success. But in comparison to Shen Yunxuan’s accomplishments, she felt like nothing at all.

She started to regret her choices. She thought it might have been better not to marry at all and instead focus on making money. Although she wasn’t as skilled as Shen Yunxuan in creating food products, she did know how to sew clothes and had a good sense of future fashion trends. Wouldn’t her designs have amazed everyone? Maybe she could have even started her own clothing factory.

But now, with a child born and plans to follow her husband into military life, tying herself to Xing Kai and enjoying the status of an officer’s wife seemed like the safer option. After all, raising her son as a second-generation officer seemed more prestigious than as a second-generation entrepreneur. Who knows? Perhaps her son could become an officer someday, giving him connections in the military that even Shen Yunxuan couldn’t rival.

Yet, Shen Xuewei remained unsatisfied on both fronts, trapped in her indecision. She frequently felt conflicted, sticking to the status quo but feeling a pang in her heart every time she heard about Shen Yunxuan. Now that she learned Shen Yunxuan was pregnant, she was even more frustrated. How could Shen Yunxuan have such good fortune, without a single flaw? Instead of seeing her fall into despair, Shen Xuewei watched helplessly as she soared even higher.

The journalists had wrapped up most of their interviews and were eager to return to the hotel to start drafting their articles. On their way through the village entrance, they saw a seven- or eight-year-old girl practicing her writing in the dirt with a stick. Curious, they approached her.

“Little girl, are you in school? We heard Factory Director Shen Yunxuan is sponsoring your schooling and providing notebooks and pencils. Why are you writing on the ground?”

The girl answered matter-of-factly, “Those notebooks and pencils are so nice. Director Shen sponsored them for us, so we can’t waste them! Besides, if I practice on the ground first and then write neatly in my notebook, my writing will look beautiful and tidy. Someday, I want to show my homework to Director Shen and let her know I’ve been working hard on my studies!”

The journalist crouched beside her. “Do you admire Director Shen a lot?”

The girl nodded vigorously. “I used to get beaten often, and my parents only cared about my little brother. It was Director Shen who sponsored my education. After she became famous, my parents realized girls can be successful too and started treating me as well as they treat my brother. I’m now the top student in my grade, just like Director Shen was. I’m even better than my brother!

“So, I want to be like Director Shen—someone who’s a thousand times more successful than my brother and becomes the golden phoenix that flies out of the village!”

Her eyes shone with hope, filled with a strong yearning for the future and unshakeable confidence. Shen Yunxuan’s example had shown her that hard work could lead to success. Such hope was rare among rural children, and it was Shen Yunxuan who had given it to her.

The journalists were struck with inspiration. They talked to more children in the village and found that the preference for boys over girls had significantly diminished. Younger generations were already experiencing a much more equitable upbringing. This was all thanks to the fact that the most successful person from their village was a woman, Shen Yunxuan, who had been mistreated due to gender bias, severed ties with her family, and achieved success that her family couldn’t claim as their own.

The contrast was stark, particularly when comparing Shen Yunxuan to Shen Jie, whose mediocrity was glaring in comparison. This realization hit the villagers hard—women could truly achieve greatness. Even older women in the village began to hold their heads higher, frequently quoting, “Women can hold up half the sky.” Their status within their families visibly improved.

When the journalists visited Jianlin City, they noticed that the city, too, had seen a shift in attitudes toward gender equality. It wasn’t just Shen Yunxuan’s success; her mother-in-law Yu Hong and her sister-in-law Xiao had become shining examples of capable women, running thriving businesses. They had shown that women could pursue their dreams and careers just as men could—and often with even greater success.

The journalists realized they had overlooked an important aspect of the story: Shen Yunxuan’s impact on women. As the first female entrepreneur in the country, she was a trailblazer for the rise of women’s empowerment.

Eager to include this angle in their story, the journalists returned to their hotel and began drafting their article, brimming with excitement. Soon, the story was published in major newspapers and even in one of the country’s most influential magazines, which featured Shen Yunxuan on the cover in front of her factory.

Once again, Shen Yunxuan’s name became known nationwide. This time, people not only learned about her achievements but also about her family, her struggles, and her broader influence.

Some girls, moved to tears by the story, said, “If only I’d been born in Jianlin City, I wouldn’t have had to suffer so much in a family that favors boys over girls.”

Others offered words of encouragement: “Just endure for a few more years, like Director Shen did. When you grow up, you can work at her factory and escape your family! Don’t be afraid—if Director Shen can break free from her parents, so can we!”

Even girls who weren’t academically inclined found inspiration in Shen Yunxuan’s message about the abundance of opportunities in this era. They began focusing on honing practical skills, finding new directions for their lives, and setting clear goals and aspirations.

Some workers who had been considering starting their own small businesses for a long time but hesitated finally took the plunge after reading Shen Yunxuan’s predictions about the future. They quit their unfulfilling jobs and boldly tried street vending, only to be pleasantly surprised to discover that they were well-suited for it.

Others took advantage of opportunities for further training. Initially, they felt that continuing their education while already employed was a waste of time. However, after reading Shen Yunxuan’s insights, they felt a sense of urgency and quickly enrolled in courses to become more competitive talents.

University students, hearing that Wuyou Food Factory was recruiting graduates and selecting talents for management positions, eagerly prepared to move to Jianlin City upon graduation to seize these opportunities.

Unbeknownst to Shen Yunxuan, her influence had extended to countless people.

Alongside promoting herself and Wuyou Foods, she also advertised recruitment opportunities. She didn’t even need to specifically target universities for promotions. Meanwhile, the dress she wore in her photo gained attention. People found it comfortable, stylish, and well-suited for plus-sized individuals and pregnant women, prompting many to inquire at local supply cooperatives about where to buy Rainbow-brand dresses.

Yu Hong received a surge of orders, expanded her shop by purchasing the adjacent two units, and hired several additional workers.

Sister-in-law Xiao’s general store, though focused on daily necessities, thrived due to her thoughtful vision. With a name like “Happiness Store,” it attracted many customers who appreciated its “wedding packages” and “graduation packages,” which carried auspicious meanings. In Jianlin City and surrounding villages, buying a “Happiness Package” from her store had become a standard part of wedding dowries and gifts.

Xiao Zhijun’s restaurant business grew more popular than ever, while Xiao Jun received even more construction orders, including many from out-of-town clients. Even Eldest Brother Xiao gained more respect at his school as he was the only teacher from Jianlin City featured in national news!

The Xiao family was stunned by the unexpected fame and fortune. Over dinner, they voiced concerns about whether their high profile could lead to trouble. “Isn’t this too much attention? What if the policy changes? Won’t we be the first to be targeted?”

Knowing the direction of future developments, Shen Yunxuan reassured them, “The fact that this has been allowed to be widely reported shows that the government wants to use merchants like us as an example to prove that economic reforms are effective. It’s about giving people nationwide confidence and encouraging economic growth.

“We have nothing to worry about. I’ve done so much good, like providing high-quality food to the military. If they were to target me, it would hurt public morale.”

The Xiao family reflected and agreed. “You’re right! Doing good deeds doesn’t just bring peace of mind; it builds goodwill and fortune. From now on, we’ll focus on doing more good deeds. Otherwise, earning so much money will just feel unsettling.”

Shen Yunxuan also shared news articles about national policies and explained the country’s rapid development, emphasizing that it would continue to support economic growth for many years. She encouraged them to seize the opportunities ahead boldly.

She highlighted that as people’s living standards improve, there will be increased demand for high-quality products across all sectors. If they stayed ahead of the curve and captured the market early, they could achieve even greater success in the future.

Her insights, rooted in her journey from selling eggs to establishing a factory and gaining national recognition, carried great credibility. The Xiao family’s anxieties turned into aspirations, and each member began planning for a brighter future with a more long-term perspective.

Shen Yunxuan couldn’t help but feel grateful for having such supportive family members—no one dragged her down! Now she only hoped her child would be just as wonderful, which would make her life truly perfect.

The Xiao family started engaging in philanthropy, donating goods to welfare institutions and funds to women’s federations to help those in need.

The former town mayor, now city mayor, personally presented the family with a plaque inscribed “House of Good Deeds” and ceremoniously hung it outside their home. Such plaques were traditionally reserved for families of martyrs or those worthy of great respect. This was the first time one bore the inscription “House of Good Deeds,” signifying the Xiao family’s esteemed reputation. While the plaque might not have practical utility, it symbolized immense honor for the family.

Jianlin City also gained national recognition as a model city for economic development, receiving a share of resources and prestige thanks to Shen Yunxuan’s contributions.

Shen Yunxuan’s prominence now seemed almost unattainable to ordinary people. Alarmed by her growing success, the Shen family turned to Shen Xuewei for advice on how to reconnect with her.

Consumed with jealousy, Shen Xuewei sneered, “You’re her biological parents. She’s making a name for herself with media interviews, and you can’t do the same? Just claim she doesn’t support her parents and take her to court for alimony. The court will definitely rule in your favor! I’ve told you before, publishing announcements in newspapers has no legal effect.”

Shen Weiguo and Fang Fang exchanged uneasy glances. “S-sue her?”

“Use the media!” Shen Xuewei smirked. “Once it’s public, she’ll be forced to acknowledge you as her parents. She won’t be able to escape you.”

🌸˚˖𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒✧🩷˚⋆