Ch 53: Bringing a Farming Game System to the 1970s

After Yu Xiangyan was reassigned to this area, he began planning to build a new house in the Hongxing Brigade. The conditions were favorable—now that his worker status was official, he could apply for a homestead. The brigade itself produced red bricks, and although he didn’t have work points to exchange for them, he could buy them with money.

There was a queue, but not many people were ahead of him. As a local, he had priority over outsiders.

Manpower for construction wasn’t a concern either. The Yu surname was prominent in the Hongxing Brigade, so finding workers wasn’t an issue.

His grandparents were thrilled about the idea. As soon as he mentioned building a house, they reassured him that they already had timber and other materials prepared, so he didn’t need to worry.

Yu Changyou only had two sons. His younger son had a promising future and was working as a laborer in the county town, where he was likely to settle permanently. But now, by coincidence, his second grandson was returning to the area. Since Yu Xiangyan was working here, it was natural for him to build a house and settle down. This way, there would be another family member close by, and they could see him often.

Naturally, this made him very happy.

After all, the bricks were fired under the supervision of Yu Manchang, so the Yu family was guaranteed to have enough.

The house came together smoothly—a single-story building with plenty of space and multiple rooms.

It needed to be spacious. Yu Xiangyan and Wen Ruzhen already had one daughter, and now Wen Ruzhen was two months pregnant. In eight months, the new baby would arrive, so a room for the child had to be prepared. Wen Yizhen also needed his own room, and if his parents or older brother visited, having extra rooms would prevent everyone from crowding into his grandparents’ or uncle’s place.

As a result, he built six rooms in total, with four designated for living quarters.

Thankfully, bricks were cheaper for locals, but even so, the project nearly drained his savings.

Currently, half of his monthly salary went to Yu Xiang’an. Additionally, since they didn’t earn work points locally, they had to buy grain and other necessities from others, which added to their expenses.

Yu Qingshan and Yu Xianghai went ahead the night before to help with preparations. Meanwhile, Yu Xiang’an and Lin Chuanbai, along with Zhao Qiaoniang, Ye Qijia, and four children—two older and two younger—set off at a slower pace.

Four adults, each watching over a child, ensured that even in a crowded vehicle, they didn’t need to worry too much.

Recently, there had been reports of child abductions in a nearby commune, which had heightened vigilance in the area. Everyone paid extra attention in unfamiliar places.

Zhao Qiaoniang held Yu Xiangju’s hand, staring blankly out the window as the vehicle moved.

It was a good day. Watching the blurry reflection in the glass, she smiled faintly, though her heart was heavy.

For the past two years, they had lived in relative peace. She avoided mentioning Ding Minxiu at home. They knew she maintained contact with her and secretly used her own wages to support her, but they never objected, preserving a delicate balance.

Sometimes, she felt a sudden impulse to break this balance, longing for a day when they could coexist harmoniously—when she could openly bring her son-in-law and grandson to visit without conflict.

This longing grew stronger as Yu Xiang’an’s life improved.

Her daughter had made mistakes in the past, but now, because of those mistakes, her life had become better. If not for what happened, she wouldn’t have found such a good match. In the end, her daughter had benefitted. Wasn’t it time to let bygones be bygones?

Especially since Ding Minxiu’s life wasn’t going so well now.

Yu Xiangju frowned and tugged at her mother’s sleeve. “Mom, you’re squeezing my hand too hard—it hurts.”

Zhao Qiaoniang snapped back to reality and forced a smile. “Xiaoju, I got distracted. Does it still hurt? Let me see.”

“It’s fine, it doesn’t hurt anymore. Mom, what were you thinking about?”

“Nothing,” Zhao Qiaoniang replied, shaking her head. “I was just imagining how lively it’ll be later.”

Her grandson had accidentally eaten something wrong recently and had to be rushed to the hospital. Though he was saved, the medical expenses were high. Most of her secret savings had been used up, and it wasn’t nearly enough—her son-in-law’s family had to cover the bulk of the costs.

The incident left her acutely aware of how little money she had. At her age, her hands and eyes were no longer as agile. The textile factory hadn’t called her back this year, so she could only earn money at home by assembling matchboxes.

If something else happened, she wouldn’t have the money to handle it. Fortunately, things had stabilized for now, and she just needed to endure this rough patch.

Gathering her resolve, she patted her son’s head. “Xiaoju, stay close to me and don’t wander off when we arrive, alright?”

Yu Xiangju didn’t understand the worry in her mother’s expression and thought she was concerned about him. “Mom, there won’t be any kidnappers where we’re going, and I won’t run around. I’ll just play with my niece and nephew.”

Yu Xiang’an chuckled and patted the little Yu Mingyao in her arms. “Did you hear that? Your uncle said he’ll play with you.”

Little Mingyao, who was just over a year old, wasn’t as sturdy as her twin brothers but was about the same as other children her age. She blew a bubble and, hearing the word “play,” broke into a delighted smile.

Her adorable expression was utterly endearing.

By the time they arrived, the place was already bustling. The housewarming celebration centered around the noon meal, with a larger crowd symbolizing greater prosperity.

The courtyard was packed with people.

After greeting some of the elders, Yu Xiang’an quickly rounded up the little ones and led them to a corner to play so they wouldn’t disturb the adults. Keeping them well-behaved was simple—she had a pocketful of candy. Taking it out, she quickly had them all sitting obediently. Even the toddlers who could barely walk stared at her with eager eyes while sucking their fingers. Once seated, they stayed perfectly still, as well-behaved as could be.

Before her arrival, Yu Xiangqing had been managing the children and was overwhelmed by the chaos. Seeing how quickly she calmed them with her “candy trick,” she breathed a sigh of relief. “You’ve really got a way with them.”

“Just understand what they like, and they’ll behave.”

“You’re patient, generous, and clearly love children. Why not take the opportunity to have one of your own?”

Xu Xiaojuan chimed in, “Xiao An’s not in a rush. Kids come when it’s time, just like for me. I didn’t conceive during the first year of marriage, but then it happened. Now I’m expecting my second. Xiao An only just got married; there’s no hurry.”

Yu Xiangqing laughed along. “I was just asking casually. You’re right—there’s no need to rush.”

Yu Xiang’an looked up at the sky, feeling slightly guilty. It would be strange if she got pregnant now—they were using contraception. Neither she nor Lin Chuanbai wanted to have children immediately after getting married and lose their time as a couple. They wanted to enjoy their two-person world for a while before considering children.

Maybe in a year or so, they’d reconsider?

Meanwhile, Yu Xiangyan was busy entertaining guests. He was a sociable person who had made many friends even while working as a youth sent to a remote village, so back in his hometown, it was no surprise that many came to visit.

Not long after Yu Xiang’an arrived, she noticed people coming over between their tasks to bring gifts, often small and symbolic. Most were young people around Yu Xiangyan’s age, including locals and fellow educated youths.

Even Ruan Chenxi showed up.

Yu Xiang’an still remembered how, at Yu Manchang’s wedding, someone casually picked up a small bundle of twigs from the roadside as a gift. It was similar here—most people brought modest gifts: a handful of dried vegetables, two pounds of sweet potatoes, or, for those closer to the family, eggs, which were considered precious.

Ruan Chenxi’s gift stood out—it was half a pound of White Rabbit milk candy.

Yu Xiang’an was surprised to see her. “You know my brother?”

Ruan Chenxi smiled. “I was also surprised when I found out he was your brother. You two don’t look much alike.”

“Yeah, he takes after my dad. How do you know each other?”

“He helped me once. I went into the mountains and encountered a snake. It scared me so much I climbed up a tree and couldn’t get down. The snake wouldn’t leave and just stayed under the tree. I yelled for a long time, but no one passed by.” She was fine with bugs, but snakes terrified her to the core, leaving her completely powerless to deal with it.

“He happened to be nearby and heard me. He drove the snake away and helped me get down.”

Moreover, he was thoughtful about her dignity, not making a fuss about the incident. To help her down, he found a sturdy vine, tied it into a rope, and hung it from the tree so she could climb down safely.

If it weren’t for him, she might’ve had to spend the night in the mountains, waiting until someone found her the next day.

She didn’t go into detail, but even from this brief account, Yu Xiang’an understood: her brother had played the “hero rescuing the damsel in distress.” No wonder she brought a gift of White Rabbit candy.

“So that’s what happened.”

“Yes, and I heard you got married.”

“I did.” After the wedding, she and Lin Chuanbai had returned to visit her grandfather and other relatives, though she hadn’t had the chance to meet Ruan Chenxi then. This was their first time seeing each other since the wedding.

Ruan Chenxi scanned the crowd. “Which one is he?”

“You know my eldest brother, right? He’s the tallest one standing next to him.” Lin Chuanbai’s height of 1.83 meters was impressive in the South and might even increase.

As soon as she spotted him, Ruan Chenxi exclaimed, “Wow, he’s so tall and looks so dignified!”

He was also fair-skinned and had a refined appearance.

Ruan Chenxi sighed inwardly. People she knew were getting married one after another. Some educated youths, after enduring for a while and realizing there was little hope of returning to their hometowns, began finding their way forward. The simplest way was to marry someone local, which would make life easier.

Some had advised her to do the same, but she wanted to wait. She wanted to go back.

She hadn’t been here long. At 19 years old, she still had time to wait.

Hearing her compliment, Yu Xiang’an couldn’t help but smile.

Ruan Chenxi said, “You two make a great couple. Wishing you a long and happy marriage, and may you have children soon.”

“Thank you for your kind words…”

After chatting for a while, Ruan Chenxi returned to work. She had come over during a break. Before she left, Yu Xiang’an gave her a red paper packet containing peanuts and fried beans.

Every guest who brought a gift received one.

After Ruan Chenxi left, Yu Manwu approached hesitantly. “Xiao An-jie, were you just talking to Ruan Chenxi? You two seem pretty close.”

Yu Xiang’an replied, “We get along.”

“What do you think of her?”

Noticing his shy demeanor, Yu Xiang’an understood immediately—he had a crush on her. But based on Ruan Chenxi’s attitude, it seemed one-sided.

Feigning ignorance, she asked, “What do you mean by ‘what do I think’? I don’t understand.”

“I mean, what’s your opinion of her personality and all that?”

Seeing his anxious expression, Yu Xiang’an smiled. “Well, I’ve known her for a while, but we haven’t spent much time together since I’m not here often. Based on my impression, she’s resilient, determined, and adapts well to her circumstances. She’s strong, brave, has her own opinions, and isn’t easily swayed by others.”

Back then, Ruan Chenxi had initiated their acquaintance, summoning the courage to approach Yu Xiang’an for a conversation. Later, when Ruan suspected someone was following her, she immediately sought help from Yu Xiang’an, who arranged for her to stay temporarily with a reputable local family, resolving her safety concerns.

Other than her difficulty with farm work and earning few work points, no one had much to criticize about her. Though her work points were minimal, her family provided financial support, enabling her to get by.

Yu Manwu smiled. “I also think she’s an independent and strong-willed young woman.”

“And her family seems to be in decent financial shape and dotes on her.”

These two qualities were essential—supportive family conditions and their willingness to assist a child living in the countryside.

Yu Manwu had considered this as well. However, since he earned a lot by firing bricks, his work points translated to a good annual income. In the village, his conditions ranked among the better ones.

Thinking about this, he felt a little pleased with himself.

If she was open to settling down here, wouldn’t he have a chance?

“Do you know if she’s considering staying here? I noticed other female educated youths have married men in our village.” He tried to sound subtle.

Yu Xiang’an, keeping her composure, replied, “I haven’t heard her mention it. She’s still quite young.”

Inwardly, she calculated their ages. If she remembered correctly, Ruan Chenxi was a year older than Yu Manwu.

Shaking her head at the thought, she realized there wasn’t much she could do to help. In her view, Ruan Chenxi likely wanted to return to the city.

Feeling thirsty, Yu Xiang’an went into the kitchen to get a drink of water, only to be intercepted by Zhang Chahua. “Xiao An, don’t go just yet. I saw you talking to Ruan Chenxi earlier. What were you discussing?”

As the saying goes, age brings wisdom. While Zhang Chahua wasn’t omniscient, her sharp eyes saw through most things. Her grandson’s infatuation was apparent to her, even if he thought he was hiding it well.

“We didn’t talk about much—just a casual chat. She asked about my wedding and offered her congratulations, then left.”

Zhang Chahua looked a little disappointed. “I see. Xiao An, what’s your impression of this educated youth? Tell Grandma what you know—I’m curious about her.”

By now, Yu Xiang’an fully understood. Zhang Chahua had never shown such interest in someone before. “Ask away, Grandma. I’ll tell you what I know.”

“Does she have any intention of settling down here and marrying someone from our village?”

“She’s never said so, but I think she’s more inclined to return to the city.”

“Which educated youth doesn’t want to return to the city? But it depends on whether they can. Look at your second brother—it took so much effort for him to come back here.”

“What do you think of her personality and character?”

Zhang Chahua’s impression of Ruan Chenxi was positive. She was undeniably attractive, which explained her grandson’s interest. She was also educated, and if she had children in the future, they’d likely inherit her intelligence. Their family conditions weren’t bad, either.

Yu Manwu’s new house was already under construction and would be ready next year—a brand-new, spacious three-room house not far from the family’s main home. The eldest son was a factory worker, and the eldest grandson, while not a worker, earned just as much through brickmaking.

Still, Zhang Chahua had learned to be cautious. If Ruan Chenxi insisted on returning to the city, it would mean her heart wasn’t here. A temporary stay wouldn’t last, and such relationships weren’t worth pursuing. Only if her heart was in it could the two live harmoniously together.

“Grandma, why are you asking me? I’ve only spent so much time with her.”

“Ah, people show different sides of themselves to different people.”

“That’s true. My impression of her is positive. She’s rational, organized, and methodical.”

---

As lunchtime approached, fewer visitors remained. The meal was served to just the close relatives, filling three lively tables. The family gathered, enjoying a warm and bustling celebration.

At the dining table, Yu Shunwen shared some good news—indeed, it was exciting. Wen Yizhen had figured out a way to produce new paper that could be used for writing, a step up from the coarse grass paper they were currently making.

Now, they could produce their own notebooks.

They had tried different methods before but had never succeeded. Wen Yizhen, however, discovered the key to making it work.

This accomplishment, if nothing else, could secure him a formal worker position.

Moreover, Yu Shunwen had even bigger ambitions.

Currently, their production relied on manpower, with the occasional use of animal power and some rudimentary tools. They lacked proper equipment.

His goal was to bring in a set of machinery—no matter how old, as long as it worked.

If that happened, the factory would truly take off.

Hearing this, Wen Ruzhen was stunned, then immediately stood up, her voice trembling with excitement. “Thank you so much for this.”

“Hahaha, don’t thank me. It’s his own ability. If he weren’t capable, I couldn’t have helped. I only heard about this today, so I thought it’d be a great way to add to your double celebration.”

Wen Ruzhen beamed with joy as she looked at Wen Yizhen.

Her younger brother had always been frail since birth. Back when their family was still doing well, they took extra care to nurse him. During their time in the countryside, she worried constantly about his health, especially when he stubbornly pushed himself to do farm work. It broke her heart. But now, things had finally turned around, and she could feel at ease.

Wen Yizhen was smiling, too.

He poured a drink for Yu Shunwen. “If it weren’t for you giving me this opportunity, I wouldn’t have what I do today.”

Yu Qingshan observed Wen Yizhen closely. He was tall, good-looking, but far too thin—so thin it seemed a gust of wind could knock him over. No wonder his sister was so concerned. And from what he’d heard, the Wen family had only one son.

Now, at least, things were looking up.

Yang Huili, however, had another thought. “Does this mean the factory will be hiring again?”

Yu Shunwen replied, “Yes, there will be more positions, but they’re still temporary ones.”

The gap between temporary and formal workers was significant.

“It’s fine, temporary is still good. It means earning money every month. Do you think our family’s Mansheng could apply? He’s strong and capable.”

Yu Mansheng was sixteen this year, old enough for temporary work.

Papermaking was hard labor, but was it harder than working the fields?

Yu Manwu was already helping Manchang at the brick kiln. Since Yu Mansheng wasn’t as strong, working at the paper mill seemed like a suitable option. If he could eventually secure a formal position, she wouldn’t have to worry about him anymore.

After the meal, those who needed to work returned to their jobs or the fields. With fewer people around, Yu Xiang’an and the others had a chance to relax.

Yu Xiang’an tugged Lin Chuanbai’s arm. “Come on, let me take you to see the natural sea of flowers.”

The nearby hillside was covered in wild chrysanthemums, stretching as far as the eye could see. In this season, it was a breathtaking sight.

While the locals had grown used to it, newcomers like the educated youths often marveled at its beauty.

Lin Chuanbai had seen it once before, but it hadn’t been as vast as it was now. Spreading his arms wide, he breathed in the fresh air. “It’s beautiful!”

Yu Xiang’an looked out over the sea of flowers. “Yes, nature’s charm is amazing.”

Lin Chuanbai took her hand. “Doesn’t it feel like we’re in a scenic park? Let’s go in for a closer look…”

They exchanged smiles and walked into the flower field together.

---

Time flew by, and soon it was autumn of 1975.

At this point, five years had passed since she arrived in this world.

It had been three years since she married Lin Chuanbai.

And a year and a half had passed since she gave birth to her two adorable little ones.

Now, her twin son and daughter, both over a year old, were at the cutest stage, babbling as they learned to talk.

During the workday, they stayed at the food factory’s daycare, and after work, their parents would pick them up and bring them home.

For some families where the grandparents couldn’t help, and parents had to work full-time, daycare was the only solution.

Daycare services emerged to meet this need, allowing employees to drop off their children for a small monthly fee, sparing them the worry of childcare during work hours.

For the factory, the fees covered the costs, so it was a win-win situation.

When Yu Xiang’an had her twins, she didn’t have anyone to help with childcare either. Lin Chuanbai’s grandfather wasn’t someone who could take care of children, and he was already quite elderly. As for Yu Xiang’an’s side, Yu Qingshan had to work, and her relationship with Zhao Qiaoniang was… delicate. Asking her for help was not an option.

After her postpartum confinement period, Yu Xiang’an initially sent the children to Yao Cuifen’s care. However, since Yao Cuifen and Qin Qiang were also older, taking care of toddlers was exhausting. So, Yu Xiang’an hired a clean and responsible nanny to help. Leaving the children with their grandmother was mainly a precaution to ensure they wouldn’t be mistreated when out of sight.

As the children grew older and could talk, they joined daycare, where they played with other kids.

One day, after finishing her tasks and working past regular hours, Yu Xiang’an quickly packed up and headed to the daycare. Lin Chuanbai was already there, holding the hands of their twins and chatting with them.

“Mommy!” Lin Yining, their daughter, spotted her first. Letting go of her father’s hand, she dashed forward like a little cannonball, hugging Yu Xiang’an’s leg and chirping sweetly.

Inspired by his sister’s enthusiasm, Lin Yihong also ran over, wrapped his arms around her leg, and looked up at her with wide eyes. “Mommy, I’m hungry!”

“Alright, let’s go home and eat something,” Yu Xiang’an said.

Lin Chuanbai walked over, squatted down with a helpless sigh, and pretended to be heartbroken. “You two, the moment you see Mommy, you forget all about Daddy. Daddy is so sad.”

Seeing this, their little girl patted his cheek comfortingly. “Daddy, don’t be sad.”

“Alright, I’m not sad anymore. Let’s go home.” Lin Chuanbai smiled, instantly cheered up by his daughter’s sweet words. He picked her up and stood.

Yu Xiang’an took Lin Yihong’s hand, and the family walked to the bike shed near the door.

Both their bicycles were parked there, each equipped with a child seat made from a custom-made rattan chair that was sturdy and comfortable for the kids.

With each parent carrying one child, they rode home.

This was the twins’ favorite time of the day—sitting on the bicycle, feeling the wind rush past as they squealed with joy from the back seats. No matter how many times they did it, they never got bored.

At home, Lin Yining immediately ran to the refrigerator, patted the door, and tugged it open. She looked up at Lin Chuanbai with hopeful eyes. “Ice cream!”

Lin Chuanbai gently tapped her little nose. “No way, it’s too cold. Did you forget how you got a stomachache last time?”

Lin Yihong chimed in eagerly, “I didn’t! I can eat!”

The refrigerator was stocked with plenty of treats that Yu Xiang’an had prepared, including mung bean popsicles and milk ice pops. In the sweltering heat of summer or the lingering heat of autumn, the refrigerator was practically magical, and the kids couldn’t resist its allure.

Lin Chuanbai patted his son’s head. “Your sister can’t have any. Do you think it’s fair for you to eat it alone? Besides, you just had some yesterday—none today.”

Hearing this exchange, Yu Xiang’an called from the kitchen, “Take the green bean soup stored in the bottom cabinet—cooled with well water—and give them each a small bowl. They’re hungry, aren’t they? Grab the cookies from the top of the fridge too. But only two pieces each—they’ll spoil their dinner if they eat too much.”

As soon as she heard there was green bean soup, Lin Yining cheered and, with her sweet little voice, looked eagerly at her father. “I want green bean soup! I want cookies!”

“Alright, Daddy will get them for you. But first, you both need to wash your hands. Remember, clean hands before eating.”

He led them to wash their hands, then brought out the cookies and green bean soup to feed them.

Since they were still young, letting them handle something as messy as soup on their own would surely result in soiled clothes.

Meanwhile, Yu Xiang’an opened the kitchen cabinet and looked at the noodles and rice vermicelli inside. “Do you want noodles or rice vermicelli for dinner?”

“Noodles!” Lin Yihong declared confidently.

His sister immediately echoed, “Noodles!”

“Alright, noodles it is.” The little ones had made the decision, and Lin Chuanbai was fine with anything.

Yu Xiang’an took out some noodles and decided to make cold noodles—perfect for the weather, as no one felt like eating something hot.

After finishing the green bean soup, Lin Chuanbai came into the kitchen to help, but there wasn’t much to do, so he left again. Outside, he played with the twins, building structures with blocks in a corner.

Lin Yihong especially loved building things, particularly houses. “Daddy, look! A big house!”

Lin Yining clapped her hands enthusiastically. “Brother! A house!” Her excitement was contagious.

Seeing his sister’s delight, Lin Yihong knocked it down and started over. “Sister, look! A car!”

Having a playmate was wonderful; the two of them could entertain each other without constant adult supervision.

Lin Chuanbai picked up a newspaper to read while keeping an eye on them.

When Yu Xiang’an came out with a pot of cold noodles, the twins immediately abandoned their blocks. Delicious food was here!

Taking a bite, Lin Yining exclaimed, “Mommy, it’s so good!”

Her little sweetheart regularly showered her with compliments.

What could make a cook happier than genuine praise?

Yu Xiang’an leaned down and kissed her on the forehead.

“Thank you. Mommy will keep working hard to make even tastier food.”

The family was enjoying a warm and joyful dinner together when Lin Duzhong suddenly ran in, his eyes red and his voice choked. Grabbing Lin Chuanbai’s hand, he said with urgency, “Chuanbai, someone just called from your father’s side. There’s been an accident. Your father is severely injured, and the doctors say he might not make it. Hurry and pack your things! Call your sister too, and let’s go together! Your father… he hasn’t even seen these grandchildren in person yet.”

As he spoke, tears streamed down his face. Was he really about to face the tragedy of a white-haired man sending off his black-haired son?

🌱🌿 🫧🍃

Thingyan: Ok, but what’s with this 3 year time jump all of a sudden, author?