Ch 49: Bringing a Farming Game System to the 1970s

Upon reflection, Lin Chuanbai felt he might be overthinking. If Yu Xiang’an were in a relationship, she likely wouldn’t keep silent about it.

But someday, she probably would find someone. When that happened, her priorities might shift toward family, as was common for many people.

In that case, the things she currently shared with him might instead be confided to her significant other.

Would he slowly lose this friend?

After all, people tend to instinctively maintain a certain distance from the opposite sex once they’re in a relationship, which could lead to growing estrangement.

Lin Chuanbai decided to investigate the situation.

Rumors were often unreliable; he needed to determine the truth for himself.

When he went to find Yu Xiang’an, he happened to stumble upon a scene. From a distance, he saw a young man about his age standing in front of Yu Xiang’an at the factory gate, seemingly talking to her.

At their current distance, Lin Chuanbai couldn’t hear what they were saying. Some factory workers passing by noticed the two and smiled knowingly.

“These two young folks must be dating. Look how close they’re talking.”

“They must have a great relationship.”

“Yeah, yeah.”

“But even if they’re a couple, they should still be mindful in public.”

At the time, even married couples kept their distance in public. Holding hands on the street? Unthinkable.

Hearing this, Lin Chuanbai’s steps faltered. It felt as though something was holding him in place, preventing him from moving forward.

Then he noticed Yu Xiang’an’s expression sour as she said something, pushed her bicycle, and looked ready to leave.

He knew that look well—it wasn’t a happy one.

They couldn’t possibly be what others assumed.

With this thought, a sudden burst of impulsive courage drove him to approach. He called out to her, “Xiao An, there you are. I’ve been looking for you. Is this your friend?”

Yu Xiang’an immediately clarified, “No, I’m not familiar with him. He’s not my friend.”

Lin Chuanbai’s face visibly brightened at her response, but Chen Jingkun noticed the shift and his internal radar went off. He scrutinized the newcomer.

This man was taller than him, but he didn’t think he looked as polished. Lin Chuanbai’s patched clothing suggested a humbler background, while Chen Jingkun’s own attire bore only a token, inconspicuous patch, meant to follow societal norms.

Confident, Chen Jingkun puffed out his chest.

“Comrade Xiao An, I know you’re just shy. You can introduce me openly to your friend. Tell him who I am to you.”

Yu Xiang’an smiled faintly. “Which eye of yours sees me as shy? I’m perfectly open. The truth is, you’re nobody to me—just an acquaintance who happens to know my name.”

Feeling a headache coming on, Yu Xiang’an added, “I’ve told you countless times already. Did you not graduate from elementary school? How else could you fail to understand plain language?”

Yu Xiang’an considered herself to have a decent temper, but dealing with someone who only heard what he wanted to hear, twisting everything to fit his own narrative, was truly testing her patience.

Honestly, how had someone like him managed to grow up unscathed? It was a miracle he hadn’t been beaten senseless by now.

“Comrade Chen,” Yu Xiang’an said firmly, “I’ll say this one last time: if you keep showing up unannounced, saying these inexplicable things and tarnishing my reputation, I’ll report you to the public security bureau. I have every reason to suspect you have ulterior motives.”

Hearing her mention the authorities, Chen Jingkun was visibly shaken. His gaze darted suspiciously between Yu Xiang’an and Lin Chuanbai. His expression darkened—she had never threatened to call the authorities before. Was her sudden escalation because of him?

Could it be that these two were…?

Anger and indignation flickered across his face. “Are you two in a relationship?”

Yu Xiang’an: “???”

What kind of convoluted logic was this?

Lin Chuanbai, on the other hand, was taken aback by the accusation. Us, in a relationship? Why doesn’t that sound entirely unappealing?

Yu Xiang’an, however, was genuinely furious now. “I’ve seen it all today. Some people speak entirely based on their own assumptions. If their minds are dirty, they assume everyone else is too. Fine, let’s go to the public security bureau and have them decide.”

Chen Jingkun immediately took a step back, his gaze lingering reluctantly on Yu Xiang’an and Lin Chuanbai. He had finally found someone who moved his heart, only to discover she already belonged to someone else. He couldn’t accept it. Hesitating, he blurted, “Alright, I won’t bother you anymore. But… do you have any sisters who look like you?”

Lin Chuanbai, driven by some unexplainable impulse, stepped forward. “That’s enough, Comrade. You aren’t even friends. Don’t you think you’re overstepping?”

Their exchange attracted the attention of passersby. Seeing Lin Chuanbai’s protective stance and Chen Jingkun retreating, a few people began speculating.

“Did we misunderstand earlier? Could it be that Xiao An boyfriend isn’t Manager Chen’s nephew but this young man?”

“Look at how he stepped in—it’s like he couldn’t sit still hearing his girlfriend being harassed.”

The more they thought about it, the more plausible it seemed. Some even stopped to watch, curious to see how things would unfold.

Their scrutinizing eyes flickered between the two. While Lin Chuanbai’s attire wasn’t as polished as Chen Jingkun’s, he exuded a calm and steady demeanor. He might not fit the popular beauty standards, but he wasn’t unattractive either, and he seemed to have a stable job.

It’s just a pity, some women thought. If it were them, they’d undoubtedly choose someone from the pharmaceutical factory, where benefits and salaries were top-notch.

Chen Jingkun, however, was more convinced than ever. These two were definitely a couple.

Realizing his behavior might have crossed a line, he awkwardly glanced at Yu Xiang’an and muttered, “If you have a boyfriend, you should’ve said so earlier. I wouldn’t have pursued you if I’d known!”

Yu Xiang’an: “???”

You call that pursuing? That’s just being annoying!

And when did she get a boyfriend?

Unless… Yu Xiang’an glanced at Lin Chuanbai, suddenly feeling drained.

Chen Jingkun sighed dramatically. “Where is my other half? But I’m sure that when she appears, I’ll know it’s her, and we’ll meet, get to know each other, and come together. It’s not your fault—I just came too late. If you’d met me first, this wouldn’t have been the outcome.”

With that, he strutted off, clearly thinking he’d left a lasting impression.

Yu Xiang’an felt like she had a fishbone stuck in her throat—neither swallowable nor spit-outable. The frustration was overwhelming.

Watching Chen Jingkun’s retreating figure, she sighed deeply. She felt as though she had aged several years in just one encounter.

If she had to deal with him regularly, she’d probably grow old prematurely.

Lin Chuanbai broke the silence. “What happened here?”

“What happened?” Yu Xiang’an echoed bitterly.

How had it all come to this? Because of his so-called love at first sight? If she could go back in time, she’d find a way to avoid that fateful moment and location where he’d supposedly fallen for her.

He hadn’t done anything illegal or even immoral—just consistently showed up to confess his feelings. But to her, it felt like harassment, a violation of her peace of mind.

Her spirit felt utterly drained.

At this moment, Yu Xiang’an was feeling irritated and wasn’t paying much attention to the growing number of onlookers nearby. Normally, when she and Lin Chuanbai talked, they chose quieter spots, away from prying eyes.

This was the first time they’d been seen speaking so openly in public, and their evident familiarity caught the attention of those who knew her, like Yan Yuzhen.

Yan Yuzhen, having stayed late to finish some tasks, stepped outside and saw Yu Xiang’an talking to a man about her age. The distance between them and the expressions on their faces were telling. Yan Yuzhen was familiar with how Yu Xiang’an handled unfamiliar men, especially those with ulterior motives.

Her demeanor with Lin Chuanbai was markedly different—this wasn’t someone she kept at arm’s length.

This wasn’t her brother either; she’d seen him before. So who was he?

Recently, someone had asked Yan Yuzhen to help connect them with Yu Xiang’an. Knowing her reluctance toward such arrangements, she had initially declined. But this time, the person owed her a favor, and she felt compelled to ask. Now, seeing this interaction, perhaps there was no need.

With this thought, Yan Yuzhen approached. “Xiao An, you’re still here? Haven’t gone home yet?”

“Mm, Sister Zhen, I’m just about to head back.”

“Who’s this? A friend? He looks unfamiliar.”

Yu Xiang’an replied, “Yes, he’s my friend, Comrade Lin Chuanbai. He works at the county hospital.”

Yan Yuzhen’s eyes lit up. “A doctor?”

Lin Chuanbai clarified, “Not quite, I work in the pharmacy.”

“Oh, I see. Then you must know a lot about herbs.” Her tone carried genuine admiration.

Anyone involved in saving lives deserved respect. Even if he wasn’t a doctor, he was half a doctor in her eyes.

“How long have you known each other?”

Lin Chuanbai responded, “For quite a while.”

“How did you meet? Did she go to the hospital for something?”

“More or less,” Lin Chuanbai answered vaguely.

After a few more questions, Yan Yuzhen did some quick math. Yu Xiang’an was twenty years old—old enough to think about these things seriously.

Satisfied with her initial inquiry, Yan Yuzhen decided to ask more later when there were fewer people around. The man seemed decent enough; he wasn’t a bad match.

Later, when she had the chance to dig deeper, Yu Xiang’an firmly reiterated, “We’re just friends, Sister Zhen.”

Yan Yuzhen remained skeptical. “Really?”

A purely platonic relationship between a man and a woman? She knew it was possible, but judging by how Lin Chuanbai acted, it didn’t seem entirely platonic.

Soon after, the rumor about Yu Xiang’an and Chen Jingkun being a couple disappeared, replaced by a new one—that she was actually dating Lin Chuanbai. People pointed to “evidence,” such as Lin Chuanbai confronting Chen Jingkun after hearing about the rumors, which led to Chen Jingkun ceasing his advances. The story was so vivid that even Yu Xiang’an, had she not been involved, might have believed it.

Yu Xiang’an: These are all misunderstandings! Can everyone focus on their work instead of speculating about other people’s private lives?

The rumors eventually reached Yu Qingshan’s ears.

“What’s going on?” he asked.

Had his youngest daughter quietly found herself a boyfriend?

First, they said it was someone from the pharmaceutical factory, then that was clarified as a misunderstanding, and now it was someone from the county hospital. It sounded like a lot had happened, and he knew nothing about it.

He decided to ask Yu Xiang’an directly—it was better than hearing it secondhand.

Hearing her father’s question, Yu Xiang’an wasn’t surprised. When rumors spread far enough, it was only a matter of time before they reached her family. She explained, “The situation with Manager Chen’s family is tricky. Back when I took the entrance exam to join the factory, Manager Chen helped me. Our families have been neighbors for so long that it’s important to maintain cordial relations. His nephew is a bit of a fool, but I couldn’t afford to make things awkward publicly.”

Otherwise, she would’ve loved to give that nephew a proper scolding.

Yu Qingshan cleared his throat lightly. “You can’t just say someone isn’t very smart; that’s impolite.”

Yu Xiang’an immediately rephrased. “He’s too stubborn, stuck in his own world, and unwilling to listen to others.”

“Alright. So, you’ve got nothing with him. But what about the one from the county hospital?”

“We’re just friends, not romantically involved. If I were dating someone, you’d be the first to know.”

“Fine, you say you’re just friends. But tell me, how do you plan to put an end to these rumors? If this keeps dragging on and people think you’ve been with several men when you look for a match later, what will you do?”

“If someone can’t distinguish truth from gossip, I wouldn’t consider them anyway,” Yu Xiang’an replied confidently.

Yu Qingshan: “…”

For a moment, he was at a loss for words. Suddenly, he felt that his youngest daughter had become quite adept at counterarguments.

---

After that, Lin Chuanbai started meeting Yu Xiang’an more frequently, always choosing places where fewer people were around to avoid fueling further rumors.

He wasn’t entirely sure what he wanted anymore.

Sometimes, he thought about what it would be like to approach her openly. But reason would quickly pull him back.

He told himself to follow his heart. And right now, his heart told him to stay close to her and see her smile.

---

Meanwhile, Gao Yimei, now married and busy with her own life, learned about the situation much later than usual. Concerned, she asked Yu Xiang’an, “Between those two men, which one do you like? You should decide soon.”

Both families were decent; it just depended on which type Yu Xiang’an preferred.

Gao Yimei herself had married a retired serviceman, and they were doing well. Feeling secure in her life, she started worrying about her close friend’s prospects.

“Decide quickly so people stop talking. If the rumors persist and someone who doesn’t know the truth hears them, they might think you’ve been involved with multiple men. That’s not a good reputation to have.”

The gossip could easily tarnish her image, with others labeling her as fickle without caring about the facts.

“I’m already steering the conversation to clarify things. In a while, people will stop talking,” Yu Xiang’an assured her.

Though she said this, Yu Xiang’an couldn’t deny that the situation was exhausting.

At twenty, she was still young, but in this era, the moment someone hit their twenties, the pressure to find a partner doubled. If she didn’t marry in the next few years, people would inevitably start calling her an old maid.

Only finding a partner would put an end to the incessant pestering.

“So, you’re not interested in Dr. Lin either? I think you two are a great match. You get along well and understand each other.”

The idea of being with Chen Jingkun was out of the question. But when Gao Yimei suggested Lin Chuanbai, Yu Xiang’an hesitated.

Dating wasn’t part of her current plans, but it would be someday. And if she had to find the most suitable person, Lin Chuanbai was undoubtedly the top choice.

Why?

They’d both lived over twenty years in the modern era, sharing many similar values and perspectives. Issues that might seem significant to people in this time were often non-issues in their world.

When it came to choosing a partner, aside from attraction, compatibility in values was key.

For the first time, Yu Xiang’an realized she might have been too rigid in her plans. Adjustments could always be made. She decided to see if they could develop something more. If there was no spark, they’d remain friends. But if there was…

As someone who’d never dated, she felt a little flustered at the thought. But the idea of pursuing shared goals, like preparing for university, made the prospect of being with Lin Chuanbai even more appealing.

The next day, she decided to test the waters. She made a molten lava cake—Lin Chuanbai’s favorite. If she was going to explore the possibility of romance, she’d start with something sweet.

Looking at him through the lens of a potential future boyfriend, Yu Xiang’an realized he had quite a few good points.

First, his height. He must be at least 1.8 meters tall now. She hadn’t asked before since he was still growing, but looking up at him now, he was undeniably tall. At 1.68 meters herself, she was considered tall, especially in this era and region. Many men hesitated when they saw her height, given that most men here barely reached 1.6 meters. Even Chen Jingkun, considered tall at 1.75 meters, didn’t match Lin Chuanbai’s stature.

Chen Jingkun’s height had likely fueled his boldness in “pursuing” her.

Second, Lin Chuanbai had a stable job and hobbies that complemented her own strengths.

Third, his relationship with his parents seemed distant. She hadn’t heard much about them, suggesting that if she married him, there wouldn’t be significant in-law drama. They might only see each other every few years, making the potential mother-in-law relationship much simpler.

…

Lin Chuanbai, sensitive to her gaze, grew increasingly self-conscious while eating the cake. He wondered if perhaps he’d gotten some frosting on his face.

He swallowed the bite in his mouth, lifted his head, and asked, “What’s wrong?”

“I just wanted to ask you something.”

“What is it?”

“Do you get pressured to find a partner?”

“Yes, from my grandfather and my coworkers at the hospital. They keep saying they’ll introduce someone, but I always refuse.”

“You refuse? What’s your type?” Yu Xiang’an immediately regretted her bold question and quickly backtracked, laughing nervously. “Haha, sorry, I’ve just been asked that question so many times myself that it slipped out instinctively.”

Lin Chuanbai pressed his lips together. Somehow, the cake didn’t taste as sweet anymore.

He didn’t want to hear her talk about these things.

Meeting her eyes directly, he said, “Don’t pay attention to what others say.”

Yu Xiang’an met his gaze but didn’t respond. One second, two seconds, three seconds… she quickly looked away.

She had heard that one way to tell if you liked someone was to hold eye contact for over ten seconds.

The thought made her inhale deeply. She looked back and started silently counting. One, two, three, four, five…

She noticed details she hadn’t before: his clear skin, the sharp bridge of his nose, and the way the wind lifted his bangs slightly, revealing deep, captivating eyes.

When she reached ten, her heart was racing. She felt… flustered.

“What’s wrong?” Lin Chuanbai asked again, his own heart beating faster. Why was she looking at him like that? He shifted his gaze for a moment but then felt uneasy and looked back. She… was staring at him.

Yu Xiang’an chose to strategically retreat. She needed time to think about her next steps.

---

Back home, Lin Chuanbai was stopped by Lin Duzhong.

“I received a letter from your father today. There’s something I need to discuss with you.”

“What is it?”

Lin Chuanbai’s relationship with his parents was distant. In his grandfather’s letters, his father’s only message to him was always the same: Stay safe, don’t miss me.

“Your father mentioned a comrade who passed away during a mission, leaving behind a son and a daughter. The daughter is about your age, just two years younger, and a high school graduate. Your father has met her and thinks she’s a good girl. He’s hoping you two could meet and see if there’s a connection…”

“No,” Lin Chuanbai interrupted without hesitation.

Lin Duzhong was taken aback. “Rejecting so quickly? You haven’t even met her yet. Why not give it a chance?”

Lin Chuanbai looked away toward the door. “…Who says I don’t already have someone?”

Lin Duzhong was startled, then scrutinized his grandson, noticing his reddened earlobes.

… Having pale skin did have its drawbacks—it couldn’t hide emotions.

Suppressing a smile, Lin Duzhong asked, “Who’s the lucky girl?”

Lin Chuanbai didn’t answer.

Lin Duzhong coughed lightly. “If you don’t tell me, how can I help you? Good girls don’t stay single for long.”

Lin Chuanbai waited for the warmth in his face to subside before turning back. “I’m not even sure myself.”

Looking at his grandson’s uncertain expression, Lin Duzhong thought back to his own youth—he had been just as clueless.

He rubbed the old red ribbon tied around his wrist, a relic he’d worn for years. Whenever it wore out, he simply repaired it and continued wearing it.

This was something she had personally woven for him in the past.

“Now, imagine this: a young man shows up by her side, being close to her—talking, laughing, holding hands, and even hugging.” As Lin Duzhong described the scene, Lin Chuanbai’s face darkened with every word.

He subconsciously visualized Chen Jingkun’s face in that role.

In his mind, it was now a thoroughly detestable face.

Lin Duzhong noted his reaction. “Now, imagine yourself by her side—walking together, chatting, laughing, holding hands, hugging.”

Lin Chuanbai’s face turned progressively redder.

A man who had been single his entire life, he suddenly found himself picturing holding Yu Xiang’an’s hand, hugging her, and even…

His cheeks felt like they were burning.

“Can you confirm it now?” Lin Duzhong sighed internally—young people were always so easy to read.

Lin Chuanbai remained silent.

Not pressing him further, Lin Duzhong chuckled. “Alright, tell Grandpa—who’s the lucky girl? I’ll help you propose a match!”

“It’s not at the marriage proposal stage yet… I’m not even sure how she feels.”

Lin Duzhong immediately perked up. What? She doesn’t like my grandson?

“Don’t worry, Grandpa will teach you how to win her heart. My grandson is such a fine man; she’ll surely fancy you. Now spill it—who is she?”

At this point, he’d completely dismissed the girl mentioned in his eldest son’s letter.

When it comes to marriage, it’s best to marry the one you like. Otherwise, it’s just a recipe for misery.

Lin Chuanbai hesitated before finally taking a deep breath. “She works at the food factory. You remember the girl from the textile factory? The one who fell into the water and was sick for months afterward? She had a friend from the food factory who accompanied her back then.”

Lin Duzhong thought for a moment. “…Wasn’t she the one who later brought her pregnant sister-in-law expecting twins?”

“Yes, that’s her.”

Lin Duzhong finally recalled. “I remember now. She’s quite a remarkable young lady, and her family seems harmonious.” His impression of her was vivid—sister-in-law pairs that got along so well were rare.

“What does she like? Do you know her interests?”

“She loves cooking.”

Lin Duzhong nodded in realization. “So all those sauces and braised meats you’ve been bringing back were made by her?” If she became part of the family, wouldn’t that mean he could enjoy her cooking anytime he wanted?

Seeing things in this light, he realized his grandson had been interacting with her for quite a while—keeping it well-hidden, indeed. He gave Lin Chuanbai a meaningful glance. “If she likes cooking, then she must appreciate recipes. I remember your grandmother had a collection of old recipe books. I’ll find them, and you can copy a few to give her. But don’t give them all at once—take it slow and steady, understand?”

🌱🌿 🫧🍃