Ch 50: Bringing a Farming Game System to the 1970s

These recipes were heirlooms from Lin Chuanbai’s grandmother. Lin Duzhong cherished them deeply, so instead of giving him the originals, he asked him to copy them. Copying even one recipe book required time and patience.

During this period, Yu Xiang’an was busy making a labor-intensive molten chocolate cake.

She had gone out of her way to have someone bring good-quality chocolate from the city. Chocolate was a rare luxury at this time, and the type she requested—higher quality—was even more expensive.

But Yu Xiang’an thought it was worth it.

She wasn’t entirely sure if she had suddenly “clicked” and started seeing him in a romantic light. However, that uncertainty didn’t stop her from taking action. It was better to figure it out sooner. If she confirmed her feelings, then she’d act on them.

She had always been curious about what it felt like to like someone. Until now, she hadn’t been able to experience it. But now, there seemed to be a faint flutter in her heart.

Maybe this was what people called liking. And if it was, she thought, why not seize the moment?

Making a molten chocolate cake was no easy task. Or rather, baking any kind of cake in this era was challenging. Without an oven, she had to rely on a makeshift baking setup. But such obstacles were nothing to her.

When they met as planned, they exchanged gifts almost simultaneously.

“I found a recipe book passed down from my grandmother’s side. It has some unique dishes. Would you like to take a look?”

“A friend helped me source some chocolate, and I made a molten chocolate cake just for you. Want to try it?”

They both paused after speaking, locking eyes, and then burst into laughter.

“Thanks for the recipe book. Let’s set it aside for now and eat the cake while it’s fresh.”

This was Yu Xiang’an’s first attempt at making such a cake. No bakeries offered anything like this yet.

As Lin Chuanbai took a bite of the rare treat, he closed his eyes in bliss. The taste was delightful, but what warmed his heart even more was the thought behind it. It was sweeter than anything he’d ever tasted.

He had mentioned wanting to try something like this before, and now, here it was.

They finished the cake together before turning their attention to the recipe book.

“This recipe book is part of my grandmother’s collection. There are several others I haven’t copied yet. Once I finish, I’ll bring them over to you. For now, you can start with this one.”

Taking the book in hand, Yu Xiang’an was amazed. “This looks like it’s quite old. The phrasing seems dated.”

“Yes, it’s from the Qing dynasty.”

“Was your grandmother’s family in the culinary profession?”

“No, they were embroiderers. But at some point, an ancestor must have collected this book, and it ended up with my grandmother.”

“Well, thank you. I love it.” Yu Xiang’an had a particular fondness for recipe books. Some dishes endured centuries, remaining timeless, and these recipes often sparked her creativity.

“Oh, by the way, I remember you said you’d like a fruit cake. What kind of fruit cake do you want? Mango, apple, peach? Or, if you want, I can make a three-flavor cake with all of them.”

Lin Chuanbai’s heart raced at her words.

This kind of treatment—so thoughtful and warm—was something he’d never experienced before.

“Anything is fine. I’m not picky. Whatever you make, I’ll eat.”

They looked at each other, and, as if burned, quickly averted their gazes.

Both of them could sense the shift in their dynamic.

A simple glance, a fleeting touch of fingers, even the wind carrying the other’s scent—it all felt different now.

Yu Xiang’an searched for a word to describe this phase. After some thought, she landed on one: ambiguity.

It was the phase where neither had yet pierced through the fragile veil between them.

So this is what love feels like? she mused.

Wanting to see him, touch him, and hear his voice.

Even if nothing is said or done, just seeing that person there brings joy.

However, Yu Xiang’an couldn’t help but think about her farm. She had previously considered that if she got married, she would need to use the farm less often to avoid raising suspicion. If she ever decided to reveal the secret, it would have to be after living together for a long time and establishing deep trust. Such a fantastical truth was too risky to test someone’s trust with prematurely.

Both of them began increasing the frequency of their meetings without explicitly discussing it. Yu Xiang’an was cooking for him nearly every day, making all sorts of delicious meals—far more often than before. Over time, the results were apparent: Lin Chuanbai gained weight.

Startled, he immediately extended his morning runs, determined to keep his figure in check. He worried that gaining weight might make him less appealing to her. What if she stopped liking him?

One day, Lin Chuanbai learned from Wang Zhi that a truck carrying seafood from the coast was passing through town. The driver had brought along some seafood to sell on the side. He invited Yu Xiang’an to join him to check it out.

Delighted, Yu Xiang’an changed into fresh clothes and went with him. The seafood her cousin had sent her was already used up, and the next batch was still on the way. If she could restock locally, it would be a welcome surprise.

The truck was only stopping temporarily at the outskirts of the county, parked in an open area with clear visibility. This way, they could spot any approaching people and leave quickly if necessary.

When they arrived, two burly men, likely in their thirties, were standing near the truck. Their thin clothing barely concealed their muscular builds. Two other buyers were already there, examining the goods. As Yu Xiang’an and Lin Chuanbai approached, the men glanced at them with visible caution.

Lin Chuanbai raised his hand and said calmly, “We’re just here to take a look.”

Noticing that Yu Xiang’an was a woman, the men relaxed slightly. After all, anyone coming to arrest them was unlikely to bring along a woman.

Keeping a respectful distance, they waited for the other buyers to complete their transactions and leave before approaching the truck. Inside the truck bed were two large burlap sacks filled with various dried seafood: seaweed, dried ribbonfish, shrimp, salted fish, dried squid—and even a dried starfish.

Yu Xiang’an asked for the prices, and one of the men quickly listed them. Each item had a different price, but they were reasonable, and the quality looked good. Satisfied, she bought quite a bit, nearly a third of the goods.

She leaned in slightly and explained softly, “I’m also buying for my family. Everyone at home loves seafood.”

Seeing that they had purchased so much, the seller threw in some seashells as a gift, suggesting they could use them for decoration or crafts.

Yu Xiang’an gratefully accepted and mentioned that she’d love to buy from them again if they ever returned. The men chuckled, saying it was unlikely they’d come this way again.

Between the two of them, Yu Xiang’an’s share was much larger. Lin Chuanbai only bought a small portion to take back to his grandfather. However, after walking only a short distance, he insisted on carrying the entire bag himself. It was heavy, and he wouldn’t let her strain herself.

But they hadn’t walked far before a group of people began approaching. Lin Chuanbai recognized their faces immediately, even though they weren’t wearing red armbands. He quickly grabbed Yu Xiang’an’s hand and turned to run in the opposite direction.

The drivers, noticing the commotion, wasted no time. They jumped into their truck, started the engine, and sped away. They had no intention of getting caught.

Lin Chuanbai, a regular runner with excellent stamina, sprinted effortlessly despite carrying the heavy bag and pulling Yu Xiang’an along. She, too, was in good shape. Her work often required her to travel with Deputy Factory Director Wang, and she frequently drank the spring water from her farm. With Lin Chuanbai leading and supporting her, she kept up without slowing him down.

Realizing they’d been recognized, the men shouted after them. One of them bellowed, “You two, stop running! Stay where you are!”

“You’re conducting illegal trades—don’t run! If we catch you, you’re finished!”

“Stop right there!”

The more they shouted, the faster Yu Xiang’an and Lin Chuanbai ran.

Only a fool wouldn’t run in such a situation.

This wasn’t their first time encountering trouble like this. They had learned from experience: never panic. The open, flat terrain worked in their favor—no obstacles meant the pursuers couldn’t corner them easily. If they had been in a tight alley, blocked on all sides, escape would’ve been impossible.

After sprinting for some distance, Yu Xiang’an pointed ahead at a nearby mountain. “Let’s head there.”

Lin Chuanbai didn’t hesitate and immediately adjusted course.

Seeing them running toward the mountain, the pursuers became more frantic. One of them picked up a rock and hurled it with considerable force. If it hit, it would surely leave a nasty bruise.

The rock struck Lin Chuanbai’s left leg.

Thankfully, Yu Xiang’an quickly steadied him, and after regaining balance, they kept running deeper into the forest.

The terrain here was dense with trees and tall grass, and they both knew the area well. Yu Xiang’an often came here with her younger siblings to forage for wild vegetables, while Lin Chuanbai frequently ventured here to collect medicinal herbs.

Taking multiple twists and turns, Yu Xiang’an led the way from one mountain to another. They finally stopped at a natural hollow in the side of the hill.

Their pursuers, unfamiliar with the terrain, lost sight of them during the chase. Frustrated, the group wandered aimlessly, shouting threats about confessing and the consequences of resisting.

Inside the hollow, Yu Xiang’an and Lin Chuanbai listened to the fading voices and exchanged a knowing glance, both breaking into quiet laughter.

“How’s your leg?” she asked.

Lin Chuanbai touched it with his free hand. “It’s fine, probably just bruised.” His other hand, however, still held onto Yu Xiang’an firmly.

Even after reaching safety, he didn’t let go. In fact, his grip tightened.

Neither of them spoke for a moment. They were standing so close that they could smell the faint scent of soap on each other.

Distracted by the closeness, Lin Chuanbai tried to focus on their surroundings instead. Speaking softly, he asked, “When should we leave?”

“When they’re gone. We can’t risk them doubling back. We’ll take another route down.”

“Alright.”

Yu Xiang’an glanced at their joined hands. “We’re here now. Aren’t you going to let go?”

Lin Chuanbai hesitated before replying, “I don’t want to.”

There was a brief silence. She finally asked, “Why not?” Her breath hitched as she stared at him in the dim light, waiting for his answer.

She noticed the faint red on his face. Was it from running? Or something else?

Lin Chuanbai met her gaze, and suddenly, a surge of courage overcame him. “Because… I like you. Will you be my girlfriend? I promise to treat you well for the rest of my life.”

He added earnestly, “I’ll hand over all my wages, and whatever decisions need to be made—big or small—you’ll have the final say.”

Yu Xiang’an felt her face heat up as well. He liked her, truly liked her. But what about her feelings? If she didn’t like him, why did the corners of her mouth lift uncontrollably? In that instant, she realized her own heart was moved. However, the part about handing over his salary and letting her make all the decisions—big and small—didn’t sound like something one would say to a girlfriend. It felt more like a marriage proposal.

This was something Lin Duzhong had taught him, recounting his own successful courtship. Lin Chuanbai had connected it to some modern “good husband guidelines” he’d read and found it made sense. Clearly, some principles transcended time, and he was confident he could live up to them.

Yu Xiang’an felt her throat go dry. Softly, she replied, “…Alright. From today on, you’re my boyfriend.” She wanted to give this a try.

Lin Chuanbai’s heart raced. “And you’re my girlfriend now.”

A broad grin spread across his face, a hint of silliness making him seem utterly endearing.

Neither said much more after that. Holding hands, they listened to the faint calls of the pursuers outside. When the voices finally faded, they waited a little longer before sneaking down the mountain under the faint moonlight, taking a different route back to the county town.

The town’s old walls were crumbling, offering multiple unguarded ways in. As long as their faces weren’t recognized, there wouldn’t be any issues. However, they both agreed to lay low for a while; their pursuers might remember their builds and keep an eye out.

Carrying the goods back to the factory wasn’t a viable option, and Yu Xiang’an couldn’t just stash everything in her farm without arousing suspicion. Instead, she decided to bring it back to her family’s place.

Naturally, Lin Chuanbai insisted on escorting her. There was no way he’d let her walk alone in the dark.

“You can leave me at the intersection. It’s not the right time for a house visit,” she said.

Lin Chuanbai didn’t argue. He wasn’t prepared to meet her family either—empty-handed and wearing patched clothes, no less. That wouldn’t do.

“Alright, I’ll see you tomorrow after work,” he promised.

“Okay.”

At home, Yu Xiang’an found her father, Yu Qingshan, just about to turn in. Seeing her arrive with such a large bag, he asked, “What’s all this?”

She didn’t mention their narrow escape, casually explaining, “A friend brought it from elsewhere. I thought everyone could share.”

The short trip had given her enough time to move what she needed into her farm. The remaining goods were for her extended family—her grandmother, her older brother, and those in the countryside like her grandfather and Yu Xiangqing. With so many people to distribute to, there wouldn’t be much left.

“How much did it cost?” Yu Qingshan asked.

“Not much. I have money,” she deflected.

Her father, however, chipped in some money to cover the cost. “We can’t let you shoulder it all. These are dry goods—they’ll keep for a long time. Worth the expense.”

“Staying here tonight?”

“Yes, I’m not heading back.”

“Showered?”

“I have.”

“Then get some rest.”

The next morning, Yu Xiang’an got up earlier than usual to allow herself time for the walk. That afternoon, she returned home after work to change her outfit. Tonight was their first official date since they’d started their relationship the day before. She didn’t want to go in her factory uniform, opting instead for a dress. She also dabbed on some face cream and lipstick. If not for the attention it might draw, she would’ve done the full routine before work. For now, she wasn’t quite ready to be so open about their relationship.

Previously, she had adamantly insisted they were just friends. To suddenly say they were a couple—it felt a little too abrupt.

During their first outing, Lin Chuanbai didn’t dare to hold her hand. They simply talked and walked. The next day, however, he grew bolder, shyly taking her hand in secluded spots. Whenever they neared others, he would quickly let go, only to take her hand again once they were alone. He found this secretly thrilling.

Every evening after work, Lin Chuanbai came to meet her. They always seemed to have endless things to talk about. One day, he brought up the topic of housing.

“My house is a bit far from the food factory,” he began, “and I really don’t want to live near my second aunt. Sharing a courtyard with her would just invite endless petty conflicts. I’m thinking of finding a place somewhere between the county hospital and the factory.”

Living separately would allow them more privacy. Currently, living in the Lin family home left little room for personal space. His second aunt, an avid gossip, had even entered his room while he was away under the pretense of “cleaning,” despite his room always being tidy and organized.

As for Yu Xiang’an’s situation, her residence in the factory’s two-room unit could technically accommodate Lin Chuanbai, but the implications wouldn’t be well-received by others. Moreover, the proximity to neighbors on both sides made it less ideal for a couple seeking a quiet, private life. A small courtyard house, independent and secluded, would be much more comfortable—a place they could truly call their own.

While Yu Xiang’an thought Lin Chuanbai’s plans were a bit fast-paced, she also understood the practicality of it. Relationships in this era often progressed quickly, and she too preferred the idea of living independently. Even a small yard would be enough for a cozy home, with the added bonus of planting flowers and trees to create a natural barrier for privacy.

“What about your grandfather? Does he mind?” she asked.

“Our family tradition has always been this way,” Lin Chuanbai explained. “The ancestral home is passed down to the eldest son. My older brother currently holds it, and when my younger brother gets married, he’ll inherit it. I’m already expected to move out eventually—this is just a bit earlier than planned.”

The main challenge, however, was finding a house in the county. Available homes were scarce, as most families were packed into small spaces with multiple generations under one roof.

“I’ve already asked someone to keep an eye out,” Lin Chuanbai reassured her. “Once I find a suitable place, I’ll let you know.”

Every evening after work, Lin Chuanbai would come to see Yu Xiang’an. They strolled the streets near the food factory, went to watch movies where they’d hold hands in the dim, noisy theater, and even visited a photo studio. Though photography was expensive, they splurged on several photos, ordering double prints so each could keep a set. They imagined looking back at these memories with fondness in their old age.

Once, they obtained recommendation letters to travel to the city and watch a performance. They checked off every typical date activity for young couples of the era.

Naturally, their frequent outings didn’t go unnoticed. The first to catch on was Yan Yuzhen. Being from the same factory, she often saw Yu Xiang’an. She noticed her increasingly refined appearance, her careful choice of outfits, and even a faint, pleasant scent when she passed by. The clincher was when she spotted Yu Xiang’an holding hands with Lin Chuanbai, the two laughing and chatting with unmistakable joy.

Finally, Yan Yuzhen asked directly, “Are you two dating?”

This time, Yu Xiang’an admitted it cheerfully, “Yes, we are.”

Yan Yuzhen laughed. “So when am I getting your wedding candy?”

“When the time comes, you’ll definitely be the first to know.”

Dating was enjoyable, but was it time to rush into marriage? Two months of being together felt too soon for such a big step.

But then, Yu Qingshan caught wind of the relationship and confronted her. “Didn’t you say you’d tell me if you started seeing someone? Why am I hearing from someone else that they saw you holding hands with some boy?”

Yu Xiang’an: “…”

Caught off guard, she quickly explained, “I wasn’t sure how to bring it up yet. We’ve only been dating for a short time. I planned to tell you once things were more stable.”

“Stable? What’s your situation now? How far have you two gone? Have you done anything you shouldn’t have?” His furrowed brow reflected his concern.

Yu Xiang’an blushed. “No, we haven’t.”

Their relationship was innocent, mostly holding hands. While she was curious about what kissing felt like, she didn’t have the courage to initiate it yet. Some mental preparation would be necessary before taking that step.

Hearing this, Yu Qingshan’s expression softened slightly. He spoke earnestly, “There are certain things that shouldn’t be done before marriage. You understand that, right?” His youngest daughter was about to leave the nest, a thought that filled him with a mix of emotions.

These were the kinds of conversations a mother would typically have with her child, but in their case, it fell to him. Once she nodded her understanding, he was satisfied. “As long as you know your boundaries. Now, can you tell me more about him?”

Yu Xiang’an dutifully provided the details. “His name is Lin Chuanbai. He’s the same age as me and works as a formal employee in the pharmacy at the county hospital. His father is a retired soldier and now a factory director in a northern city. His mother is a military officer. However, his parents divorced and remarried, so they aren’t very close. He currently lives with his grandfather, who is a retired doctor from the city hospital, now enjoying his retirement. When Sister-in-law was pregnant with twins, she went to him for check-ups.

“He also has a second uncle and aunt who live in the same compound. They share two two-story buildings. The house he lives in with his grandfather belongs to his older brother, following family tradition. His elder brother works in a government office in Shanghai, and his elder sister is a doctor at the city hospital.”

Hearing this comprehensive background, Yu Qingshan frowned. The disparity in family backgrounds was significant. Lin Chuanbai’s family had high-ranking professionals and military personnel, while theirs was a modest working-class household. His side boasted a factory director, a government employee, and a doctor—respectable and stable professions. Though such families could face political scrutiny, their established reputation and professional skills made them less vulnerable.

Yu Qingshan sighed. “His family’s conditions are excellent. Does his family know about you two?”

Yu Xiang’an anticipated the question. “His grandfather knows. As for his parents, they’re not close. You know how rare divorces were among military families back then. The separation caused a significant rift, and they barely interact now. His achievements, including his job here, were entirely his own. He returned to this area after graduating from high school in the city and passed the recruitment test on his own.”

Yu Qingshan considered this for a moment. “So you met through your sister-in-law’s check-ups?”

“No, I met him earlier when I accompanied a friend to see Dr. Lin. We didn’t interact much back then.”

“Alright. When are you bringing him home for us to meet?”

Yu Xiang’an hesitated. “I’ll discuss it with him first.” Bringing him home for a formal visit would likely mean setting a wedding date soon after. Even if they delayed, it wouldn’t be for long. Thinking about marriage, however, didn’t evoke any discomfort—it felt natural.

Meanwhile, Lin Chuanbai’s late evenings hadn’t gone unnoticed by his grandfather, Lin Duzhong. Sensing progress, Lin Duzhong felt a smug satisfaction. “I told you, with my guidance, my grandson finding a wife would be a sure thing.”

Drawing on his own experiences, Lin Duzhong raised the topic directly. “When are we meeting her family? You two aren’t young anymore. I’ve checked the almanac—there are plenty of auspicious dates in the latter half of this year. We can take our time choosing. But next year? There aren’t many good dates available.”

Lin Chuanbai agreed readily, “Alright, I’ll discuss it with her.” Before visiting her family, he thought he should probably propose first.

He also told his grandfather, Lin Duzhong, about his plan to find a new house. Their current home had available rooms, but once his brother’s family returned, there wouldn’t be much space left. Technically, the house belonged to his older brother. Besides, the current house was far from the food factory. A closer home would be more convenient for both of them during workdays, allowing them to live there and return to the family home for rest on weekends.

Hearing his reasoning, Lin Duzhong fell silent for a moment. “Is this your idea?”

“Yes. She has a two-room apartment in the factory’s housing, and I could technically stay there with her, but that wouldn’t be seen well by others.”

“That won’t do. It would make you look like a live-in son-in-law. That’s unacceptable,” Lin Duzhong muttered disapprovingly. In his view, live-in sons-in-law rarely amounted to much.

“We could stay here and commute by bicycle. It’s not too inconvenient.”

“But it’s still a daily grind of commuting, exposed to the wind and sun. Living closer would save time and energy. Besides, I’d like a quieter place,” Lin Chuanbai added, sharing another reason. “Living separately might also help us get along better. Distance breeds fondness.”

Thinking about his second daughter-in-law’s personality, Lin Duzhong sighed. He preferred having his family close, but he also understood the challenges of living with difficult in-laws. “Fine, I’ll keep an eye out for a suitable place.”

“Thanks, Grandpa. I’d appreciate your help.” Lin Duzhong had plenty of connections in the area.

“What about other arrangements? Has she mentioned anything about a dowry or bride price?”

“She hasn’t. Neither of us care much about it. We’ll prepare what’s appropriate. Our family has the means, and knowing her family, whatever we give will likely be returned as part of her dowry.”

Lin Chuanbai already owned a bicycle and a watch. To complete the “four essentials,” he just needed a sewing machine and a radio.

“Grandpa, do you have a radio coupon?”

“I do for a sewing machine.”

Lin Chuanbai calculated his savings and decided he would soon head to the city to sell two ginseng roots. That should provide enough funds.

When they met, Yu Xiang’an said, “My dad wants to meet you.”

Lin Chuanbai replied, “My grandpa asked when we’re visiting your family.”

They exchanged looks before Lin Chuanbai broke the silence. “Xiao An, I think we’re at an age where we should settle down. Let’s finalize our plans.”

He took a deep breath and pulled out a pair of gold rings from his pocket. “We don’t have diamonds right now, but I had these custom-made.”

Looking at her with a mix of nervousness and hope, he said, “Xiao An, I love you and want to build a life with you. Will you marry me?”

He continued, speaking slowly and deliberately, “I feel that us ending up here, in this world, wasn’t random. Out of so many people, only we both ended up here. We’ve had the same education, share similar values, and understand each other. I believe we’re meant to be together. I don’t know how to be a perfect husband, but I’ll learn. I’ll treat you well, just like I do now. I hope we can support and understand each other for a lifetime, walking this journey together.”

🌱🌿 🫧🍃