Ch 57: Bringing a Farming Game System to the 1970s

Aside from her salary, Yu Xiang’an had additional ways to earn extra income openly. She could continue writing, something she had never stopped doing over the years. The accumulated manuscript fees had earned her a considerable sum.

More importantly, Yu Xiang’an had gained significant prestige. In Baishi County, her name was recognizable, and when she went out with others, it was easy to start conversations about her work. Gradually, these conversations often turned into friendships.

Now that she was in the provincial capital, the competition was fiercer, but the rewards of standing out would also be greater. Yu Xiang’an was confident in her abilities.

She also discussed with Lin Chuanbai her plan to make small items for barter in the future. This was something she had been accustomed to in Baishi County. Lin Chuanbai agreed, but he suggested taking it one step at a time instead of rushing into it.

Lin Chuanbai, on the other hand, continued making mosquito repellent ointment. Mosquitoes were a common problem, and his product had sold well before. He was confident that it would still sell well here, though he acknowledged that sales might dip in winter when mosquitoes were less active. He also considered researching other practical everyday items.

The two of them worked together to figure out ways to gradually increase their household income. After calculating their finances, they exchanged smiles and began preparing in earnest.

They didn’t plan to take immediate action but decided to lay the groundwork first. They would wait until they moved into their new house and settled into their new jobs before implementing their plans.

The house’s exterior would remain unchanged, but they intended to make the interior more comfortable. They divided the space into two rooms: their bedroom inside and a living room outside. They built a kitchen and toilet outside the house and surrounded the area with wooden fences. In the spring, they planned to plant greenery for added privacy.

Additionally, the storage room came with a cellar at the back, which was quite common in the area. The cellar would make it much more convenient for Yu Xiang’an to store items in the future.

The two managed their plans in an organized and efficient manner. Lin Houpin, who had been waiting to help them, found himself with nothing to do.

The two young adults were so capable that they had everything under control, leaving Lin Houpin feeling a little disappointed. He hoped they would ask him for assistance or let him help in some way.

Lin Duzhong noticed his son’s disappointment and sighed quietly.

It couldn’t be helped. Since his grandson had grown up without his father by his side, he had learned to stand on his own and didn’t rely on others much. Now, even with such significant changes in their lives, the two young people made decisions swiftly and managed everything themselves. Apart from helping them find a house and finalize their jobs, Lin Houpin’s role was minimal.

People like them, Lin Duzhong thought, could thrive anywhere, which was reassuring for the family. However, parents often wanted to help their children, even when it wasn’t necessary.

Lin Duzhong also understood that his son probably felt the need to make up for the time he had been absent from his children’s lives. There had been regrets, especially after the military university slot was taken from his younger grandson, leading to a severe illness and estrangement.

Now, with the era of peace, the country was stable, though there was still much progress to be made. Lin Duzhong’s three children were all doing well in their own ways. His eldest son, in particular, had excelled as a soldier protecting the nation.

However, being a soldier often meant being separated from family. Unless a military spouse lived on base, children were often raised by relatives. Some children didn’t even meet their parents in person until they were teenagers.

This inevitably affected familial bonds. Blood ties were just a foundation—relationships needed time and interaction to grow.

Given these circumstances, Lin Duzhong didn’t push his grandson to forge a close bond with his father. Now that they were living in the same place, he believed that with time and shared experiences, their relationship would improve naturally.

To comfort Lin Houpin, Lin Duzhong told him to watch and see what the young couple could achieve.

“You didn’t listen to me back then, so now it’s your turn to step back,” Lin Duzhong said with a smile. He had never intended for his son to join the military, but he had done so anyway.

Lin Houpin: “…” He had no retort.

Lin Chuanbai and Yu Xiang’an, unaware of the many thoughts running through others’ minds, were focused on starting a new life in this “new map.”

The bookstore where Yu Xiang’an worked wasn’t exactly small or large. Besides her, there were four other staff members: the store manager Liu Hengbo, two clerks, and a general helper who handled tasks like moving items. Among the five, Yu Xiang’an was the youngest, while the manager, already in his fifties, was the eldest.

Yu Xiang’an spoke fluent Mandarin. In this northern region, the local dialect was quite similar to Mandarin, so communication posed no issues.

Furthermore, people knew a little about Yu Xiang’an’s “background,” so they treated her politely, and there were no incidents of senior staff bullying the newcomer.

Yu Xiang’an worked diligently and had a genuine love for books, handling them with care. The others noticed her respect for the books and treated her even more warmly in return.

In any case, none of them wanted a colleague who didn’t value books. They’d had someone like that before, who treated books carelessly, even tossing them to the ground. It had pained them to watch.

Moreover, Yu Xiang’an was eager to learn. During quiet times without customers, she would read. She also mentioned that she was working on writing articles. Manager Liu Hengbo, knowing she had submitted works in the past, encouraged her to continue and even helped her find local newspapers and magazines that matched her style.

This became a natural starting point for their camaraderie.

As they got to know each other, Yu Xiang’an discovered that the bookstore wasn’t as simple as it appeared. The manager was a university graduate with an extensive knowledge of history. Though she didn’t know why he ended up as a bookstore manager, his insights often provided helpful perspectives when she had questions.

Yu Xiang’an and Lin Chuanbai had graduated from university not long before transmigrating here. Still immersed in an academic mindset, they learned that although this world’s development differed in some ways from theirs, the overall trajectory was similar. They knew the national college entrance examination would resume in the future, so they never completely put their studies aside.

However, continuing to study and mastering the material were two different things.

While they had no issues with English, mathematics, physics, or chemistry, they would need to relearn subjects like politics and history from the ground up, as those topics were entirely different here.

A small mistake in those areas could lead to significant consequences.

The manager, with his history expertise, could easily reference classics and offer insights. What luck!

Yu Xiang’an felt incredibly fortunate, as did Liu Hengbo.

The bookstore had once unintentionally crossed paths with a troublemaker. Some of the books, rare and valuable, were supposed to be destroyed. Unable to bear seeing such treasures destroyed, they secretly hid a few. Somehow, this caught the attention of a local thug, who began lingering around the area, suspicious and looking for evidence of wrongdoing.

The constant presence of this threat left the staff on edge.

Although they had hidden the books, thorough or prolonged searching might eventually uncover them.

Yu Xiang’an didn’t know all the details, but she was aware of the thug’s presence and the potential danger he posed. After learning about the situation, she arranged for two young men in uniforms to help her deliver some items to the store. Their mere appearance was enough to scare the thug away, and he didn’t dare show up again.

For Liu Hengbo, having a newcomer like Yu Xiang’an resolve the situation so effortlessly was impressive. Besides being diligent, meticulous, and refined, she also happened to be an excellent cook.

She gifted everyone a small jar of homemade doubanjiang (fermented bean paste). Though it wasn’t a particularly expensive item, everyone accepted it without hesitation. Once they tasted it at home, their reaction was unanimous:

“!!!”

Her skills were extraordinary!

While doubanjiang wasn’t rare, hers was so flavorful that it left them craving more. She mentioned that besides her passion for learning, she also loved cooking and experimenting with different recipes.

Apart from doubanjiang, she could also make chili sauce, soybean paste, and meat sauce. When she brought her own lunch and shared it with colleagues, they were unanimously impressed.

Before long, Yu Xiang’an received her first “order”—from the store manager himself. He asked her to make him a jar of doubanjiang and a jar of meat sauce. As a widower living with a young grandson and no other family nearby, he usually cooked simple meals. With these sauces, even the plainest dishes would become flavorful.

Instead of paying her with money, he provided the ingredients and gave her a bag of red dates sent by his son from the border region.

Yu Xiang’an cheerfully replied, “Manager, just wait—I promise it’ll be delicious!”

With the manager leading the way, other colleagues soon started bartering items in exchange for her sauces. Yu Xiang’an happily accepted, seeing it as an opportunity to build connections.

Through these exchanges, relationships that had been distant grew warmer. With this as a starting point, her “business” gradually expanded.

She adhered to a principle: no money involved, only bartering. This avoided any potential trouble, like being reported. In this barter system, even if someone reported it, there was nothing much to criticize. After all, if bartering wasn’t allowed, no one could interact with friends or family anymore.

While Yu Xiang’an settled smoothly into the bookstore, Lin Chuanbai also found his footing. His expertise was evident—no one was better at identifying or handling medicinal herbs during their assessments. If he weren’t selected, it would only mean foul play was involved.

His skills earned him respect, even though he wasn’t talkative. His reserved nature made him more trustworthy, and others were inclined to share their thoughts with him.

When people learned that he was introduced by Chen Jinde, it was no secret. Knowing his background, his humility left a good impression.

He also mentioned having some “family recipes,” which a few people tried and found effective and affordable. They began seeking his help, offering items in exchange rather than money.

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As they started working, the twins followed the same routine as before, attending a daycare run by the machinery factory, which even had its own primary school. With Lin Duzhong nearby to supervise, the twins adjusted quickly, despite needing to get used to new teachers.

The house was soon renovated. Its exterior remained the same, but the interior was transformed. The walls were painted white, the floor was freshly cemented, and the space was divided into a front living room and a back bedroom with a heated kang bed—a necessity for surviving the harsh winter.

The left side housed the toilet, the right side the kitchen, and the back featured a cellar. Most furniture came from second-hand markets and was repaired by a craftsman, with the kang bed being the only new piece.

Once the smell of the renovation dissipated, they moved in.

Their new home was close to their workplaces, though they still had to spend time taking the twins to daycare. Lin Chuanbai took on this responsibility.

To this, Li Yuqiao commented, “They’re bringing this on themselves. Why bother?”

Although she didn’t mind seeing it, she couldn’t understand their choices.

Given Lin Duzhong’s standing at the factory—one of the top three in the region—he had considerable influence, and even the leadership owed him a significant favor. With such a powerful father, why would they choose such an independent path?

Li Yuqiao saw them as naive, attributing it to their upbringing in a small town. They didn’t realize the opportunities they could access if Lin Duzhong intervened.

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Meanwhile, Yu Xiang’an quickly became close to Liu Qing, another female staff member. Liu Qing, a local from Qin City, often gave her advice. For example, she reminded Yu Xiang’an to buy coal in advance since the area heavily relied on coal for heating. Without it, a sudden snowstorm in winter could make life unbearable.

They also advised stocking up on pickled vegetables, salted vegetables, potatoes, and Chinese cabbage, as the weather was already cooling down and snow would soon arrive.

Yu Xiang’an and her family had warm clothes, but not enough for this region. Back in their hometown, snow was rare, occurring maybe once a year, while here, temperatures could drop to as low as -20°C at the coldest.

Since Yu Xiang’an wasn’t skilled at making clothes and no longer had anyone like Yao Cuifen to help her, she opted to buy materials instead. Following Liu Qing’s recommendation, she went to a tailor.

The tailor made stylish yet warm clothing at reasonable prices. While the department store had attractive options, they were expensive. It was far more economical to buy fabric and have an experienced tailor craft a custom outfit based on precise measurements.

Yu Xiang’an first had a coat made for herself. When it turned out well, she brought Lin Chuanbai and the two children to the tailor to have thick winter jackets, cotton shoes, and padded pants made for them. She even prepared a full outfit for Lin Duzhong, head-to-toe.

With the clothes sorted, pickled vegetables and salted vegetables posed no challenge for Yu Xiang’an.

She prepared everything systematically, finding the experience refreshing.

Before coming to this world, she had been from the south and had only visited the north briefly as a tourist. Now, she was deeply immersed in northern life, down to its everyday nuances.

In this region, buying beef and lamb was convenient. Taking advantage of the opportunity, Yu Xiang’an used some of the supplies stored in her space to improve the family’s meals.

She turned some of the meat into jerky, which the children loved to nibble on whenever they had nothing else to do.

Meanwhile, Lin Houpin, who had been in the hospital for a long time, was finally discharged. Concerned about the risk of relapse, the hospital had been strict. In the past, Lin Houpin would have insisted on leaving as soon as he could stand, but after this severe incident, he valued his health more. He understood the hospital’s precautions were for his benefit, so he stayed and even worked from his hospital room.

When the doctors finally approved his discharge, he maintained a calm demeanor but felt relieved inside.

To celebrate his return, Lin Houpin invited the family to a meal together. The chef from the factory cafeteria prepared the dishes, which were then brought home.

Li Yuqiao’s cooking wasn’t bad, but it couldn’t compare to the chef’s.

The round dining table was packed to the brim, seating Lin Duzhong, Lin Houpin, Li Yuqiao, Lin Tiandong, Zhang Ying, and Yu Xiang’an’s family of four—nine people in total.

Lin Duzhong was delighted that his son had fully recovered and been discharged from the hospital, easing his worries.

Li Yuqiao was genuinely happy as well. If something had happened to him, her young son would have been left without a father, and their future would have been bleak. Her face was noticeably brighter with relief.

Lin Houpin was equally pleased. His life had been spared, and soon his factory would be receiving new equipment to expand its operations. His second son’s family was also in the city, and his clever, lively grandchildren brought him joy.

Even Zhang Ying felt a weight lifted. Though young, he understood that if something had happened to Lin Houpin, he would have been sent to live with his sister, where he wasn’t welcome.

He knew he was seen as a burden—a “tagalong” who couldn’t yet fend for himself. Lin Houpin, however, had never treated him that way. Now that Lin Houpin was back, Zhang Ying felt reassured.

In high spirits, Lin Houpin, who rarely drank, brought out a bottle of liquor. “Let’s all have a drink to celebrate today.”

Watching him pour the alcohol, Lin Yining’s big, round eyes sparkled as she clapped her hands. “Grandpa, I want some too!” Her grandfather’s attitude made it seem delicious, and she didn’t want to miss out.

Laughing heartily, Lin Houpin took her small spoon and dripped a single drop onto it. “Alright, my granddaughter wants to try. Taste it and see if you like it.”

The children weren’t allowed to drink alcohol, but this was mild rice wine, and it was just a drop. Lin Chuanbai and Yu Xiang’an didn’t object.

Seeing this, Lin Yihong extended his spoon. “Grandpa, I want some too.” He wanted a taste as well.

Lin Houpin obliged and gave him a drop.

Lin Tiandong, who had secretly sipped his father’s liquor before, frowned. Alcohol tasted terrible—why were they so eager to try it?

The atmosphere was warm and harmonious when there was a knock at the door. Since Yu Xiang’an was closest, she went to answer it.

It was Zhang Yue, who had just visited the hospital and learned of Lin Houpin’s discharge. She rushed over with a gift but felt awkward upon seeing the table full of people. “I just went to the hospital and found out Uncle Lin was discharged today.”

Lin Houpin nodded. “You’re thoughtful. Have you eaten yet?”

Zhang Yue shook her head. “Not yet.”

Li Yuqiao immediately said, “Then join us. Come, have a seat. I’ll get you a bowl and chopsticks.”

Though Li Yuqiao didn’t think much of Zhang Yue, she had to maintain appearances. Zhang Yue’s father had been Lin Houpin’s comrade-in-arms and had died in service. Given the circumstances, she treated Zhang Yue with courtesy.

Zhang Ying was excited to see her. “Sister!”

The others were familiar with Zhang Yue, as she had frequently visited during Lin Houpin’s hospital stay. She sat in the only empty seat, smiled at Zhang Ying, and then glanced at the table laden with dishes. Swallowing hard, she took in the sight of lamb chops, bone soup, sauerkraut stewed meat, and ginger-braised ribs—all hearty dishes.

It had been a long time since she’d eaten meat.

At home, any rare meat was reserved for the men and children. At best, she could sip some broth.

She looked at Zhang Ying and thought to herself, My brother is living the good life here.

If only she had waited a few more years before getting married.

After the meal, Yu Xiang’an helped clean up and didn’t linger long before leaving. Zhang Yue, however, stayed behind, seemingly wanting to discuss something. Yu Xiang’an and Lin Chuanbai didn’t ask, as it wasn’t their business.

Later, they heard about it from Lin Duzhong.

Zhang Yue was looking for a job she could start immediately and intended to pass it on to Zhang Ying when he was older.

Yu Xiang’an: “…”

She was speechless.

Leaving aside how she planned to get the job, would her in-laws even allow her to pass it on later? People’s minds change, and who could say for sure she’d still be willing by then?

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It was a rest day, and it started snowing—the first snow of the year.

At first, the snow fell gently, barely noticeable. But by morning, it had transformed into a heavy snowfall.

Both adults and children were amazed.

Lin Chuanbai cleared the snow from the roof while the twins, bundled up like little balls, played in the snow, running and catching flakes with their gloved hands. Worried they might get cold, Yu Xiang’an adjusted their scarves and then joined them.

She wanted to build snowmen—lots of them!

Big ones and small ones lined up neatly along the side.

The pristine white snow was soon trampled and scattered, their excitement mirroring that of southerners seeing snow for the first time.

The snow lasted two days.

To counter the chill, Yu Xiang’an prepared a hot pot meal. The family gathered around the table, enjoying lamb slices, fish fillets, meatballs, radishes, cabbage, tofu, bean sprouts, rehydrated wood ear mushrooms, seaweed, and shiitake mushrooms, all dipped in her specially prepared hot pot sauce.

Lin Chuanbai, thoroughly satisfied, kept eating nonstop.

With snow falling outside and the family warm inside, enjoying hot pot, Yu Xiang’an remarked, “All that’s missing is a hot spring.”

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The tides of history continued to flow. While some branches reached in different directions, the main trunk followed the same path.

By 1975’s winter, Yu Xiang’an received two unusual letters—one from Lan Wangshan and the other from her second sister-in-law, Wen Ruzhen.

🌱🌿 🫧🍃