Ch 76: Bringing a Farming Game System to the 1970s

Busy with the factory’s construction, Yu Xiang’an left the restaurant under the management of her team. She prepared the secret recipes and daily proportions, then handed over the operations.

On the construction site, Yu Mansheng handled everything, juggling responsibilities between the work for Clark and the factory. With two construction teams under him, he relied on core members from his hometown for trust and reliability.

Still, Yu Xiang’an occasionally visited the site to ensure any issues were addressed promptly. Some locals recognized her, and she maintained her cover story about being on a work assignment. As for why she was on this particular site? “A personal favor,” she claimed. Who requested it? “That’s confidential.”

Meanwhile, in the capital, Lin Chuanbai finally graduated and got a break. Without hesitation, he packed up and set off with the children to reunite with his wife. After all, nearly half a year had passed, and Yu Xiang’an still hadn’t returned. If the Mount Tai wouldn’t come to him, he’d go to Mount Tai.

Starting a business was demanding, but now that he had time off, he decided to bring the family together. Lin Yihong and Lin Yining were thrilled. Phone calls were no substitute for seeing their mother in person. They longed to hug and kiss her.

Hearing they were coming, Yu Xiang’an was equally excited. Though she had wanted to visit, her workload had kept her tied down. Only once everything stabilized could she enjoy more freedom. For now, their visit brought immense joy. She tidied the modest quarters behind the restaurant, preparing to accommodate her family. While one bed couldn’t fit all four, adding a small one nearby would suffice.

At the train station, Yu Xiang’an held up a cardboard sign with “Lin” written on it to help them locate her in the crowd. Lin Chuanbai traveled lightly, carrying only essentials. Yu Xiang’an had suggested bringing a few personal items and buying the rest locally. Any necessary extras were stored in Lin Chuanbai’s dimensional medicine garden.

Seeing Yu Xiang’an, Lin Yining and Lin Yihong sprinted toward her, wrapping her in a tight hug.

“Mom! I missed you so much!”

“Mom, why didn’t you come to see us?”

Their words of longing felt like a knife to her heart.

“I missed you too,” she said, holding them close. “Once this busy period is over, we’ll never be apart this long again. Please forgive Mommy.”

“Really? That’s amazing!” Lin Yining exclaimed joyfully.

Lin Yihong tightened his little arms around her. “Mom, you’ve lost weight.”

Yu Xiang’an felt a sharp pang in her chest.

Did she miss them? Every single day. She often fell asleep gazing at the family photo on her bedside table. At first, she struggled with the emptiness of sleeping alone after years of sharing a bed.

But she couldn’t stop halfway.

By building this foundation, she ensured that future generations wouldn’t have to worry about money.

Balancing family and career often meant sacrifice, and for now, she had to prioritize her business, even if it meant temporarily putting her family second.

After sharing a heartfelt reunion with the two children, Yu Xiang’an turned to Lin Chuanbai, who stood nearby, smiling warmly at the affectionate scene between their family. His faint smile lingered, but his eyes were bright, fixed intently on her without blinking.

Yu Xiang’an felt a surge of warmth in her heart, and her eyes unknowingly filled with joy.

“You’ve really lost weight,” Lin Chuanbai said. “Even if you’re busy, you shouldn’t neglect yourself. Look at you now—so worn out.”

Yu Xiang’an touched her face and smiled. “Once this busy period is over, I’ll be fine. How long can you stay this time?”

“Twelve days,” Lin Chuanbai replied. “I just finished a project. My mentor knows we’ve been apart for a long time, so he gave me an extended leave.”

“That’s wonderful!” Yu Xiang’an’s smile brightened.

She brought them to her restaurant, Five Flavors. Lin Chuanbai immediately noticed the bustling scene and wasn’t surprised in the least. In fact, seeing the crowd, he instinctively felt a slight ache in his back—years of reflex from running a busy kitchen in the capital.

Compared to the Five Flavors restaurant in the capital, this branch had a more upscale design. The patrons appeared more refined and well-dressed, clearly catering to a different clientele.

However, Lin Chuanbai also spotted boxed meals being packaged for delivery. He raised a thumb toward Yu Xiang’an, acknowledging her ingenuity in expanding into the takeout market.

Yu Xiang’an led them to the back. “You must be tired from the train ride. Take a shower, eat something light, and get some rest.”

Lin Yining clung to Yu Xiang’an’s hand, reluctant to let go. “No! Mommy, you won’t disappear again, will you?”

Yu Xiang’an gently stroked her hair. “Mommy is here. You can call for me anytime, and I’ll respond. Once you’ve had a nap, we’ll talk more, okay?”

Lin Yining pouted. “You’re really not leaving?”

“When have I ever lied to you?”

It was true; she never had.

Though exhausted, the children didn’t seem interested in exploring their unfamiliar surroundings. After a shower and a few sips of porridge, they fell asleep almost immediately.

Yu Xiang’an’s heart ached as she watched them. They must have been truly worn out.

She urged Lin Chuanbai to rest as well. “You’ve been looking after the kids on the train without anyone to relieve you. You must be exhausted. Get some sleep, and we’ll talk later.”

Lin Chuanbai took her hand, playfully tracing her palm with his finger before heading off to shower. Yu Xiang’an chuckled, shaking her head, then turned her attention to the twins, already sound asleep on her bed. After months apart, she noticed they had grown taller.

By the time they woke up, it was already evening, and their stomachs growled loudly after over four hours of deep sleep.

Yu Xiang’an brought out a pot of golden chicken soup, its rich aroma filling the room.

Lin Chuanbai sipped the soup and shook his head. “No matter how much I follow your instructions, I can’t replicate this flavor. It’s like I’m always missing something.”

Yu Xiang’an used the chicken soup to cook noodles and prepared a large plate of dumplings—half stuffed with cabbage and pork, the other half with corn and pork. The three of them ate heartily, with Lin Chuanbai consuming twice his usual portion.

After the meal, the family chatted in their cozy space, listening to the lively sounds of the restaurant outside. Amid the bustling voices and laughter, their family found warmth and belonging in the glow of the city’s lights.

Once the twins were asleep again, Yu Xiang’an and Lin Chuanbai finally had some time to themselves. Though mindful not to make any untoward noises that might disturb others, their longing for each other made their reunion especially passionate. Their intimacy was tender yet fervent, blending into one another with unspoken affection.

Afterward, both covered in a light sheen of sweat, they silently laughed together in the moonlight before getting up to wash and finally settling into restful sleep.

The next morning, Lin Chuanbai accompanied Yu Xiang’an to meet her staff, familiarizing himself with the people and routines of her bustling business.

Sun Dongsheng and Zeng Wang were curious about Lin Chuanbai. They knew their boss was impressive, so they assumed her husband must be equally remarkable. Now that they had met him, they realized he was indeed extraordinary—but in a different way.

He was a postgraduate, a researcher, and a highly educated intellectual. In their eyes, even college students were impressive, and here he was, a level above that!

The two of them seemed like a perfect match.

What surprised them even more was that Lin Chuanbai and Yu Xiang’an already had children this big, despite looking so young. When their boss mentioned she had two children, they had assumed the kids were only toddlers!

Lin Chuanbai visited the branch restaurant and the factory under construction with Yu Xiang’an. He also openly met with Yu Mansheng and other hometown acquaintances. The reason? Simple and convincing—since their children’s mother had been away for a long time on work trips, and now he had a vacation, along with their children’s summer break, they had come to reunite as a family. It made perfect sense—at least to everyone except Yu Mansheng, who silently thought, Really?

You two are too good at spinning stories! And so calm about it!

Yu Xiang’an, however, had already planned to reveal the truth to Yu Qingshan—just not yet. She intended to wait until the factory was complete, the production line operational, and everything running smoothly. Once there was something tangible to show, she could invite him to see it all for himself. She believed that seeing the results would put his worries to rest. After all, the appeal of the “iron rice bowl” was its stability and security. Now, she could provide an even better life for herself.

After his internal grumbling, Yu Mansheng brought up a serious matter. “So, I’ve been thinking. I’ve saved up some money here, and seeing how well you’re doing, I’m wondering if I should set up my own company. With a company name, it’s easier to hire people and gain their trust. I also want to build a dormitory and warehouse. The dormitory would be for us to live in, and the warehouse for storage. What do you think?”

“I support it!” Yu Xiang’an and Lin Chuanbai said in unison.

They exchanged a smile before Yu Xiang’an added, “You’re still in the early stages, so you don’t need a large space right away. Start small, and expand later when you can afford it. Keep everyone living together, hire someone for cleaning and reception, and your costs won’t be too high.”

Lin Chuanbai nodded. “And the building will be a real, tangible asset you can use for other purposes later.”

Encouraged by their agreement, Yu Mansheng clenched his teeth and decided. “Alright, I’ll do it!”

He had been hesitant and needed a push to finalize his decision. After all, he had mulled it over for quite some time before bringing it up.

“What will you name your company?” Yu Xiang’an asked.

Yu Mansheng wasn’t too particular. “Most of us are from Red Star Brigade, so let’s just call it Red Star. It’s a good name—‘a red star heading toward the sun.’ The meaning is excellent, and I hope our company will thrive like the sun.”

After spending a day at the seaside for leisure, Yu Xiang’an pulled Lin Chuanbai into her busy schedule. Together, they handled food sourcing, researched packaging materials, and prepared to hire new staff.

Recruitment was straightforward, but the new employees needed training. Hygiene was critical in the food business, so she established a comprehensive framework. She also needed to hire a manager capable of handling operations smoothly.

Finding the right manager was challenging, but with a generous salary offer, she succeeded. Jian Fangdan, a former manager at a state-owned factory, joined her team. He had been sidelined in a factional struggle and decided to take early retirement. After helping his child secure a position in the same company, he found himself idle at home. Restless, he came to the Special Economic Zone and was drawn to Yu Xiang’an’s lucrative offer.

Yu Xiang’an asked many questions about Jian Fangdan’s background and found him to be a truly experienced talent. At just over forty, he was in his prime, and retiring so early seemed like a waste. Jian Fangdan, too, was pleased with the arrangement and eager to contribute. If things went well, he would become one of the founding members of this enterprise.

With his assistance, Yu Xiang’an no longer had to handle every detail herself, running around endlessly. She wasn’t worried about being taken advantage of either. Her years as a factory manager’s assistant had taught her well. While Jian Fangdan took on much of the work, she stayed involved and oversaw operations closely.

Their collaboration was smooth and efficient, quickly setting the foundation for the business.

Raw materials were easy to secure. Most of the produce came from local farmers. Yu Xiang’an struck agreements with various villages through their brigade leaders, ensuring a regular supply of crops on a set schedule. This decentralized approach minimized risks.

The villagers welcomed the arrangement. To them, growing one crop or another made little difference, and guaranteed monthly income was a blessing. Many hoped to supply even more so they could earn more.

For ingredients that served as medicinal herbs, Lin Chuanbai stepped in to ensure quality and authenticity.

During the day, Lin Chuanbai helped with the business, but evenings were reserved for quiet family time. Whether reading, taking walks, or simply sitting together, their time felt fulfilling, even in silence.

Yu Xiang’an took the family to a photo studio for a special session. The options for backdrops and costumes had grown more diverse. Lin Yining instantly fell in love with a pink princess dress. Wearing it, she looked like a little princess, her figure now showing the first hints of a young lady. Watching her daughter, Yu Xiang’an felt a pang of motherly nostalgia—her child was growing up.

Lin Chuanbai picked out a matching dress from the same collection. “Mother-daughter outfits—you’re both my princesses,” he said.

Lin Yihong chimed in, “Dad, can we wear knight costumes? Dad and I are knights!”

Their visit brought a wave of joy and energy to Yu Xiang’an, reinvigorating her amidst the grind of her work. Ten days passed in the blink of an eye. When it was time for Lin Chuanbai and the children to leave, Yu Xiang’an, suppressing her reluctance, packed them off with bags full of gifts, many intended for the kids.

After they departed, she threw herself back into her work. She believed in enduring hardship first to enjoy sweetness later.

Amid this busyness, her factory was finally completed.

“It’s ready for inspection. If anything isn’t up to your standards, let me know, and we’ll fix it immediately,” Yu Mansheng assured her.

Since the factory had been built according to her plans, there was nothing to change. Once the furnishings were in place, the equipment was moved in, and previously hired staff were called to start work. Production officially began!

Yu Xiang’an started with four sauces: sesame paste, peanut butter, sandwich spread, and barbecue sauce. She also produced pre-packaged hot pot base. Sealed in plastic bags, these bases could be poured directly into a pot and heated to make an instant hot pot broth.

Her focus was clear—exporting the products. Though she was confident they would sell domestically, exporting promised higher profits and government support, as foreign exchange earnings were highly valued.

Clark was equally motivated. Expanding business in the Special Economic Zone was a calculated risk. Success would establish him as a key player and grant him significant influence. Failure, on the other hand, would send him back home in disgrace. His collaboration with Yu Xiang’an was integral to proving his capabilities in this new market.

Yu Xiang’an put a lot of thought into the packaging, adopting a distinctly Western style. If not for the “Product of China” label, one might think the products were foreign-made.

Once the first batch of products passed inspection, they were immediately shipped and handled by Clark to be sent to the United States. This first shipment wasn’t large; it was just a trial to test the waters.

The waiting period was nerve-wracking. Even though Yu Xiang’an had confidence in herself, the uncertainty kept her on edge.

Fortunately, she wasn’t disappointed. She received a letter from Paul placing a large order. Clearly, the first step had been a success.

Su Sanbao, Yu Xiang’an’s assistant, was a few years younger than her. When she first started working for Yu Xiang’an, she wasn’t sure what her role entailed. She received her salary and simply followed instructions, doing whatever she was told.

Initially, she trailed behind her boss, running errands and accompanying her everywhere. It wasn’t until she observed more of Yu Xiang’an’s actions that she realized the boss was building a network, even spending considerable money to do so.

At first, Su Sanbao thought the expenses were wasteful. Although it wasn’t her money, it was still painful to see such sums seemingly vanish into thin air. However, she later realized the value of these expenditures.

As long as one connection paid off, the return would be worthwhile.

When the restaurant was established, Yu Xiang’an was the head chef, and Su Sanbao naturally worked in the kitchen as well. She mentally prepared herself for the hard work—it was a job, after all, and her salary remained the same.

But soon, she was freed from kitchen duties to accompany Yu Xiang’an in preparing the branch restaurant.

Seeing the rapid pace of development, Su Sanbao began dreaming—if she worked diligently, could she one day manage a branch restaurant?

Yet, reality soon took another turn. Watching her boss comfortably negotiate with foreigners, purchase equipment, and build a factory, she suddenly found herself in a new role: assistant to the factory director.

She never imagined she would reach such heights!

The position of factory director’s assistant had always seemed so lofty to her—a role she would never dare to approach. Yet here she was, holding that very title. Although the factory was small, it was anything but ordinary.

The products they produced were high-quality, destined for export. The fact that foreign countries, with their vast array of goods, were purchasing from them spoke volumes about the quality of their products.

With the increase in orders, the factory had to implement three shifts, keeping the machines running around the clock. Though exhausting, the workers were filled with joy amid the hustle—this was a blessing. As the factory thrived, so did their prospects.

Now, when Su Sanbao walked through the factory, people respectfully greeted her as “Sister San.”

When she left her village, she never imagined she would have such a future.

Her family encouraged her to cherish her current situation and work hard. Naturally, she intended to.

She even began planning to bring her children to live with her. Back in the village, while her parents helped care for them, the gossip of villagers wasn’t good for their upbringing. Moving them to her side would shield them from such judgment.

In a new environment, no one would know their father had abandoned them, and there would be no pointing fingers. Once they were with her, she could enroll them in elementary school, giving them a fresh start.

Every time she thought about this, Su Sanbao felt an endless surge of energy, ready to tackle any pile of paperwork.

Her boss had mentioned that if the factory performed well, a new dormitory would be built by the end of the year. When that happened, she would be assigned a private room, where she could live with her children.

---

Yu Qingshan had no idea what was going on.

He received a call from his daughter, asking if he had any vacation days and, if so, to visit her in the Special Zone for a couple of days. She even asked him to specifically request time off.

Yu Qingshan was reluctant to take leave, but no matter how he pressed her, she wouldn’t explain the reason. Worried that something might have happened to his younger daughter, he ended up requesting two days off, combining them with his regular day off to make three days. He then purchased a train ticket and headed over.

Upon arrival, he ate at a nearby restaurant and rested briefly before his daughter took him to a factory building.

“Why are you bringing me here?” Yu Qingshan asked, utterly perplexed.

Yu Xiang’an didn’t answer directly. “Dad, what do you think of this place?”

Yu Qingshan looked around. “It’s a small factory. Judging by the workers’ demeanor, it seems like they’re treated well here.”

Yu Xiang’an cautiously continued, “What do you think about the person who founded this factory?”

Yu Qingshan was puzzled. “…They seem capable.”

“Dad, don’t you think going into business is a bad idea?”

Yu Qingshan frowned. “You can’t generalize like that. Did someone you know start this factory? Turning a patch of barren land into a functioning factory, employing workers, and generating income is no small feat. It takes a skilled and resourceful person to accomplish that. It’s not about whether it’s good or bad. Every profession has its outstanding figures. The right path varies for everyone. Don’t let anyone’s opinions cloud your judgment.”

His daughter visibly relaxed. “That’s good to hear. Dad, I need to tell you something, but please stay calm and let me explain everything.”

At that moment, a million thoughts raced through Yu Qingshan’s mind.

She had been in the Special Zone for over half a year and hadn’t returned to the capital. Had something gone wrong? Was this about her husband? Or had her boss made things difficult for her?

He considered so many possibilities but never imagined the revelation his daughter was about to share.

His hands began to tremble as he pointed to the factory building. “You’re telling me this is yours? What’s going on?!”

🌱🌿 🫧🍃