Ch 55: Bringing a Farming Game System to the 1970s

Li Yujiao stood at the doorway for a long time, watching their retreating figures, before slowly stepping back into the room. She found a chair, sat down, and stared blankly in Lin Houpin’s direction.

So many people.

Including her father-in-law, his sons, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, daughters, sons-in-law, and even grandchildren-in-law, there were already seven people. With the eldest son’s family arriving later, the number exceeded ten.

Old Lin, oh Old Lin, if you don’t pull through, what will become of me and our son? He’s still so young.

The thought of being so outnumbered and powerless made her chest tighten.

Li Yujiao closed her eyes, massaging her temples to ease the tension in her head. Her gaze then shifted to the two guards at the door. Their presence wasn’t standard protocol, but this incident was no ordinary matter.

The guards were there to prevent any further harm to Lin Houpin, who now had no strength to protect himself.

If he made it through, the merit he earned from this incident would ensure an even brighter future for him. It was what she had once wished for.

But now, she no longer cared about his future prospects; she just wanted him to live. Healthy and alive.

---

Lin Duzhong and the others carried their belongings to the nearby guesthouse. With prior arrangements made, they quickly checked in after presenting their IDs and were handed the keys.

Lin Chuanbai’s family of four was assigned a large room where the two adults and two children could comfortably stay.

The children, who had remained silent and well-behaved since arriving in this unfamiliar place, continued their quiet demeanor.

Once in the room, Yu Xiang’an bathed the twins first and then herself.

Afterward, they had a simple meal of plain congee and lay down for a couple of hours. Finally, they began to feel somewhat revived. Sleeping on a proper bed was a completely different experience from dozing on a train.

Yu Xiang’an decided that unless absolutely necessary, she never wanted to travel like this again, especially with two young children. There was no end to the worrying—the constant vigilance drained her.

Raising these two was enough. She had no plans for more children. Raising them well was an achievement in itself.

After changing clothes and resting, everyone looked much better. With their essentials on hand and the rest of their belongings left at the guesthouse, they returned to the hospital.

---

At the hospital entrance, a man in his thirties stood waiting. When he saw them, he greeted them warmly and introduced himself as Lin Houpin’s assistant, Chen Jinde.

“If there’s anything you need, please don’t hesitate to ask me,” he said.

Lin Duzhong asked, “Is he awake yet?”

“Not yet, but it should be soon.”

They took turns going in to see Lin Houpin. He looked the same as he had earlier in the morning—pale and weak, surrounded by medical equipment. Two nurses stood by his side, monitoring him closely.

It was their vigilance that had pulled him back from the brink of death multiple times.

Lin Duzhong asked the nurses, “Is there a quiet place where we can talk?”

The nurse gestured to a corner. “There’s a room around the corner where you can sit and talk.”

The third floor, designated for critically ill patients who could afford the best care, included a waiting room for families. It was an ideal spot for their discussion.

The family gathered in the waiting room, and Lin Duzhong looked at Li Yujiao.

“Eldest daughter-in-law, now tell us what happened. When we got the call, they just said there was an accident. What exactly happened?”

Li Yujiao gave a bitter smile.

“I only found out afterward. I was at work when someone came to tell me he’d been in an accident and was at the hospital. I rushed over and found him in surgery.

“They told me later that he was in a meeting with some provincial leaders when an assassination attempt occurred. The attacker had a gun. Husband, being skilled and brave, shielded the leaders but was shot in the abdomen and the left arm.”

“The two guards accompanying the leaders were also injured—one in the leg and the other in the shoulder. Neither was in critical condition, but Lin’s injuries were the most severe.

“Because this incident involved high-level officials, it wasn’t publicized to avoid causing panic.

“His rank wasn’t high enough for this level of treatment, but the leaders intervened, bringing in top specialists to save his life. Without them, he wouldn’t have survived.

“As for why this happened, I don’t know.”

Li Yujiao not knowing the specifics was expected. Lin Duzhong nodded. Earlier, he had quietly taken Lin Houping’s pulse, confirming the situation was still critical but had stabilized. He allowed himself a more optimistic outlook.

The worst seemed to be over; there was no reason Lin Houping wouldn’t pull through now.

“Where’s Tiandong?” Lin Duzhong asked about his youngest grandson.

Speaking of her son, Li Yujiao’s expression softened slightly. “He’s being cared for temporarily by someone I trust at the factory.”

“Is the doctor available? Can we visit him?”

Although the gap between traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine was significant, Lin Duzhong still had insights he wanted to share.

Li Yujiao stood up. “I’m not sure if he’s free right now. I’ll take you to find him.”

Dr. Zhao, who had been specially called in for this emergency, was incredibly busy, not just with Lin Houpin but with other patients as well.

While the medical discussions went on, Yu Xiang’an listened quietly, but the others—Lin Duzhong, Lin Yunling, and Lin Chuanbai—paid close attention.

The conclusion was cautiously optimistic: Lin Houpin remained in danger, but his condition had improved. If his recovery continued on this trajectory, his life could likely be saved.

---

Lin Guangbai arrived shortly after them, his timing coinciding with a brief moment of lucidity from Lin Houpin.

Although he couldn’t speak, he managed to glance at his father and family, his eyes crinkling faintly with joy. After being fed some liquid food, he quickly fell back asleep.

Having all the family present seemed to lift his spirits, even for that short while.

Lin Guangbai arrived disheveled from travel, and Lin Duzhong, who hadn’t seen his eldest grandson in a long time, took him back to the guesthouse for some much-needed rest and refreshment.

Lin Yunling and Fu Heqi stayed behind at the hospital to take over for Li Yujiao, allowing her a chance to rest and care for Lin Tiandong.

While their presence might not directly aid Lin Houpin’s recovery—his fate ultimately rested with Dr. Zhao—having family nearby was a source of comfort and reassurance.

---

Back at the guesthouse, Yu Xiang’an helped care for Yuanyuan, who had returned with her. While Lin Guangbai’s family washed up, Yu Xiang’an borrowed the kitchen to prepare a meal.

Lin Chuanbai scouted the nearby area, returning with groceries and some pancakes.

“There’s a supply and marketing cooperative nearby. They have everything we need.”

Before their trip, they had exchanged some vouchers for universal use across the country, so shopping was convenient.

“What do you think? Congee or noodle soup?” Yu Xiang’an asked the twins.

Still too young to fully grasp the seriousness of their grandfather’s condition, the children stayed close to their parents, needing them within sight to feel secure. Hearing the question, they both nodded, saying, “Both are fine.”

“Congee,” Lin Chuanbai suggested. “It goes better with pancakes.”

“Alright.”

Once dinner was ready, the family gathered for a meal, taking the opportunity to relax and reconnect.

Lin Guangbai bore some resemblance to Lin Chuanbai, though not entirely. As Lin Duzhong observed, “Guangbai looks more like his mother, while Chuanbai has a bit of both his parents—and some of his grandmother as well.”

They brought their son along, who was about Yuanyuan’s age. Their daughter, only a few months old and less than a year, was too young to travel and was left with her maternal grandmother.

This trip wasn’t just about visiting the hospital; it also served as a family reunion. None of the three siblings’ spouses had been met in person before—only photos had been exchanged. Even between the siblings, so many years apart had created a sense of unfamiliarity. Yet, their shared blood and frequent correspondence quickly rekindled their bond, and the conversation naturally became more comfortable.

Yu Xiang’an’s first impression of her eldest sister-in-law was that she was capable and efficient. With her neatly cropped short hair, Yun Jing gave off a professional and competent vibe. She worked in the government, like Yu Xiang’an, though in a different department.

Yun Jing’s first impression of Yu Xiang’an was equally positive. Her warm smile and friendly demeanor made her seem approachable, and her cooking skills were genuinely remarkable—not just exaggerated in letters. What seemed like a simple pot of congee turned out to be so delicious that she couldn’t resist having more.

Sometimes, the simplest dishes test true skill, and Yu Xiang’an’s cooking clearly surpassed expectations—a sharp contrast to Yun Jing’s own abilities in the kitchen.

---

After dinner, Lin Chuanbai suggested taking the first night shift at the hospital.
“I’ll stay at the hospital tonight,” he said. “You all should rest here. I’ll bring some food to my sister while I’m there. Big Brother, you’ve just arrived, so take tonight to recover. Yu Xiang’an, stay here with the kids. Grandpa, you shouldn’t stay up late.”

Lin Guangbai nodded after some thought. “Alright, I’ll rest tonight and take the night shift tomorrow.”

Although there were nurses at the hospital, it was crucial for family members to be present. In case of any emergency, they needed to respond promptly.

At the hospital, Lin Yunling insisted on staying with Lin Chuanbai. “If anything unexpected happens, one of us can stay while the other reports back,” she reasoned. Fu Heqi returned to the guesthouse to care for their child, ensuring the little one had a stable night.

---

That night, Yu Xiang’an managed the two kids alone. Perhaps due to the unfamiliar surroundings and the absence of their father, the twins—despite being clearly tired—struggled to fall asleep.

“Alright, time to sleep. Daddy’s busy tonight and won’t be back, but you’ll see him tomorrow,” she reassured them.

“Why isn’t Daddy coming back?”

“He’s staying with Grandpa. Grandpa is sick and needs someone with him.”

“He’ll be back tomorrow?”

“Yes, tomorrow.”

With that reassurance, the twins quickly drifted off.

---

The family took turns watching over Lin Houpin at the hospital while a steady stream of visitors came to check on him. Most were stopped at the door to ensure he had sufficient rest.

Yu Xiang’an didn’t take any night shifts, as she needed to care for the children. Instead, she prepared meals for the family every day.

After a few days of this routine, good news finally came: Lin Houpin’s life was no longer in danger.

Just as Dr. Zhao had predicted, Lin Houpin’s condition stabilized, and he regained consciousness for longer periods. With time and rest, he could recover gradually.

However, his health would never return to its original state. This incident had weakened him significantly. Still, the fact that he had survived was already a blessing.

When the news of his recovery spread, several high-ranking officials, whose lives he had saved, came to express their gratitude. Yu Xiang’an, already prepared for such an event, was unsurprised to hear titles like “Secretary So-and-So” or “Director So-and-So.”

For these leaders, Lin Houpin had been a lifesaver. Visiting him personally and bringing gifts—items that the family couldn’t decline—was their way of showing deep gratitude.

Apart from the officials, people from the machinery factory, including the deputy director and production supervisor, also came to visit.

Yu Xiang’an: “…”

Her father-in-law certainly had his ways.

She could easily tell who was genuinely concerned about his recovery.

Most of these visitors sincerely wished him a speedy recovery.

Lin Houpin had even started handling some urgent work, assisted by his secretary, Chen Jinde.

However, his work hours were strictly limited. His health was still the top priority.

After his condition improved, Lin Guangbai and Lin Chuanbai became the primary caretakers. With his current physical state, it was more practical for the sons to assist him with tasks like going to the bathroom—something that was challenging for the women.

During this period, the father-son tensions seemed to dissipate temporarily.

Lin Guangbai was articulate and sociable, handling visitors with ease. In contrast, Lin Chuanbai was quieter, his presence more subdued. Still, when Lin Guangbai was absent, Lin Chuanbai managed visitors just fine.

Lin Houpin observed the differences between his two sons and formed a clearer understanding of their personalities. He was confident in his eldest son’s career path, but the younger one—who remained a modest employee at a county hospital—seemed too honest for his own good.

During one of Lin Chuanbai’s shifts at the hospital, Lin Houpin dismissed the nurses, closed the door, and asked, “Would you consider working here? This isn’t our hometown, but it’s the provincial capital. As a factory director, I can help pave the way for you to move here with your family.”

He clarified that he wouldn’t hand out favors directly, but with their qualifications, taking an exam to secure a position should be straightforward.

“I can persuade your grandfather to stay here as well,” Lin Houpin added.

Lin Chuanbai was caught off guard. “Grandfather wanted to return home for a peaceful life. But given the situation, he might agree to stay here out of concern for your health.”

“That’s what I’m counting on,” Lin Houpin said. “Your sister and brother-in-law are settled in the city, so they’re not likely to move, but you’re different. You could work in the machinery factory, which has its own clinic, or your wife could join another factory—her high school education and skills should qualify her. If you’ve reconsidered your stance on higher education, I can secure a spot for you at a workers’ university.”

He was earnest in his desire to keep his son nearby. After everything he’d been through, he didn’t want to risk losing this connection.

Lin Chuanbai hesitated but didn’t reject the idea outright. “I’ll think about it carefully, but I’m not interested in university.”

“Take your time,” Lin Houpin replied.

He understood the difficulty of uprooting their lives, especially with both of them holding stable jobs. Still, after this near-death experience, he couldn’t ignore the need for a more secure family setup.

He had many children, but only the youngest stayed by his side. If something happened to him, the little one would be too young to handle anything. While his eldest son was capable, his life in Shanghai and his wife’s influential family meant his path was set.

His second son, however, could use some support. Without intervention, the disparity between the brothers might grow too wide, straining their bond. Having him close by would also mean better opportunities for the family.

After returning to the guesthouse, Lin Chuanbai shared the conversation with Yu Xiang’an.

The couple exchanged glances before Yu Xiang’an asked, “What do you think?”

“There are pros and cons. What about you? If we move here, can you leave your family behind?” He didn’t have much attachment to worry about in this regard.

Yu Xiang’an thought about her family and blinked. “I care about them, but wasn’t separation always part of the plan?”

Strong bonds didn’t mean they had to stay together forever.

Her plans involved taking the college entrance exam, starting a business, and opening a restaurant—none of which confined her to her hometown.

“Shall we weigh the pros and cons together?”

“Alright.”

The advantages of moving here: it’s a provincial capital, much more developed than their small county, with abundant resources. It’s also just two to three hours away from the capital city, making access to news and opportunities easier. Additionally, the nearby university, though currently inaccessible through the halted college entrance exams, still had students, a library, and teachers. They hadn’t completely abandoned their studies and had been self-studying since the start of the year.

In their world, the political campaign was expected to end in 1976. Even if this parallel world’s timeline differed slightly, any deviation would likely be minor—possibly ending earlier or later. Once the campaign concluded, the entrance exams would resume. They both aimed to participate, with Lin Chuanbai setting his sights on Capital Medical University and Yu Xiang’an on Qingmu University.

They had a strong chance of success. They hadn’t put their books down for long and had been preparing rigorously. If they avoided any major mistakes, they could achieve excellent results. Even if they didn’t reach their target schools, they wouldn’t fall far short.

Beyond grades, their backgrounds posed no obstacles. They were clean enough to pass any political screening.

The downside was leaving their hometown and being far from familiar relatives. Visits would become difficult, and their current job positions would need to be resolved since they were only on extended leave.

After careful consideration, they found the idea increasingly appealing.

They weren’t asking Lin Houpin for any favors to secure work. They didn’t want to owe him anything.

Although he was Lin Chuanbai’s biological father…

They could use the simplest method: purchase a dilapidated house eligible for local residency. This would grant them a household registration, enabling them to take exams and silencing any critics.

Temporary work was a necessity. For the two years until the exams resumed, they would need stable jobs to support their family.

Over the past three years, they had been cautious. They avoided entering the space when they were together. However, while Lin Chuanbai was at the hospital and Yu Xiang’an at the food factory, they would occasionally manage it discreetly.

Yu Xiang’an’s warehouse seemed limitless in storage capacity, with exceptional preservation abilities. She stored numerous items there, taking advantage of business trips to the city to discreetly sell some. The resulting money and goods were safely stored within her farm space.

If something was needed, like apples, duck, beef, or mutton, she would claim to have purchased it from others on the black market. To avoid arousing suspicion, she would also sell some items in bulk through intermediaries, ensuring she wasn’t the only one benefitting.

Their salaries, combined with the extra income from selling sauces, lipsticks, and tinted creams, were mostly spent on food. Their meals were so lavish that, if known, it might shock others.

Lin Chuanbai didn’t object to her approach. They had the means, and before raising children, they had emergency savings. If needed, they could pull together a sum of money quickly.

Unlike Yu Xiang’an, who had frequent reasons to travel for work, Lin Chuanbai had fewer excuses to leave. However, he would occasionally go to the city to visit Lin Yunling and his nephew. If he needed extra money or materials, he would discreetly sell a couple of the ginseng roots stored in his space.

The ginseng he had now was highly valuable, with some over 50 years old. However, he only sold roots aged up to 30 years, keeping the older ones for himself. These sales provided more than enough for their needs.

Before marriage, they had little in the way of savings. Their combined income was largely spent on food and essentials. If they were to move to Qin City and purchase a house, they would need at least a few hundred yuan.

Both recognized the challenge: How could they justify producing this amount of money?

Lin Chuanbai suggested, “Do you remember the ginseng I sold to you before? I actually kept two more, both 50 years old. One we’ll keep for ourselves, and we can sell the other. Also, when I was acting as a middleman, some people paid me in gold instead of cash. To avoid trouble, I buried it somewhere. If I retrieve it, that should cover the cost of the house.”

Yu Xiang’an replied, “I also have a sum of money from previous deals and private commissions. One time, I stumbled upon a great deal at the city’s purchasing station—gold and jade. I buried those as well. Adding this to what we already have, settling down here won’t be a problem.” She knew her farm space held several thousand yuan in reserves.

They exchanged a slightly awkward glance, realizing the web of half-truths they were spinning. Neither wanted to delve deeper, knowing it would require further explanations. Unspoken but mutual, they decided to move on quickly from the topic.

Lin Chuanbai asked, “So it’s settled? We’ll resign from our jobs and move here?”

“Alright. I’ll also sell our factory housing. If I’m no longer working at the food factory, keeping that house might raise questions. Someone has already expressed interest in buying it, so that’s another source of funds.”

“We can seal up our old home for now and revisit it later.”

“Right. My dad can check on it occasionally and keep it maintained.”

As expected, Lin Duzhong agreed to stay in Qin City for a while after some persuasion from Lin Houpin. He wasn’t fully recovered yet and wouldn’t feel at ease going home.

When Lin Chuanbai mentioned their decision to settle in Qin City, Lin Houping was overjoyed. Lin Duzhong couldn’t argue either—clearly, staying here would benefit his grandson and family’s future. To oppose this would be to hinder their progress.

Lin Chuanbai explained, “We plan to look for a suitable house here, buy it, and transfer our household registration. Then we’ll gradually find jobs that fit.”

Lin Houpin offered, “You can just move in here. There are three rooms, and we can renovate the largest one to create four smaller rooms.”

“It’ll get crowded as the kids grow older. Right now, it’s just right for Grandpa to stay here. When the children are bigger, they’ll need their own rooms,” Lin Chuanbai politely declined. “We don’t need a big place—just enough to live comfortably. The money we have should be sufficient.”

The house would only be temporary.

Lin Houpin relented, “Alright. I’ll have Xiao Chen inquire about available houses.”

As always, housing was scarce. Few people were willing to sell, and having local connections would be crucial to finding something suitable.

🌱🌿 🫧🍃

Thingyan: What’s with sacrificing your own life for some political leaders. Like if they were someone very important for the wellbeing of the citizens, sure. It smells bootlicking.