Ch 80: Bringing a Farming Game System to the 1970s

Lin Chuanbai usually wasn’t so relaxed, but with his recent project coming to a close, he finally had more time to spend at home. Otherwise, at this hour, he’d normally be at school.

“Surprise! Of course, I’m surprised. You should have told me—I could have picked you up earlier.”

“There’s no need to pick me up; it’s not like I’m unfamiliar with this place…”

The two hugged and chatted. “Where are the kids?”

Lin Chuanbai replied, “They’re out playing. It’s perfect for us to have some time alone. Otherwise, if they were here, you’d spend forever talking to them.” He sounded a little aggrieved.

Yu Xiang’an laughed and gave him a gentle shove. “I haven’t showered yet. I’ll go take one first.”

“Go ahead, I’ll make some noodles for you.”

Back at home, Yu Xiang’an relaxed and enjoyed a refreshing shower.

The twins, who would turn ten after the New Year, were now in third grade. With it being winter vacation, they attended extracurricular classes in the morning and played nearby in the afternoons. When they heard someone mention, “Your mom is back,” they immediately dashed home, bringing along a whole group of neighborhood kids they had grown up playing with.

Lin Chuanbai looked at the twins and muttered to himself, Why did they come back at just the right time to ruin the moment?

Yu Xiang’an had brought back a stash of fancy candies from the special district. Seeing so many children, she handed out two pieces to each. The candy was clearly expensive, and the kids thanked her profusely before scampering off, too shy to linger.

Lin Yihong, the elder twin, now displayed a reserved demeanor. Though he looked at Yu Xiang’an with longing in his eyes, he hesitated to take the first step closer. His behavior made Yu Xiang’an chuckle, though it also tugged at her heart. Kids grow up fast. She hugged him instead—he was already sprouting into a tall and upright young boy.

Compared to his brother, Lin Yining was much more carefree. As soon as he got home, he hooked one arm around Yu Xiang’an’s, clinging to her wherever she went.

Just as she returned, Yu Xiangyan, her older brother, came over with his family, eager to hear the full details of their reunion. He’d have taken leave and gone back himself if his job allowed it.

Yu Xiang’an brought out a photo, a family picture from their gathering. The sheer number of people in the image highlighted the size of the family.

Yu Xiangyan studied the unfamiliar faces in the photo. From their appearances, it was evident they were doing well. Their peers of the same age from the old hometown looked almost a generation older in comparison.

It wasn’t just the faces—the clothes told a story too. Cui Yufeng, their third grandaunt, wore a long dress, and the rest of the family sported stylish outfits. In contrast, people from the hometown still wore wide, thick clothes meant purely for warmth, with no regard for fashion. The gap was noticeable, though not overly stark.

Yu Xiangyan felt relieved. If their side were destitute while the other lived a luxurious life, it would’ve made interactions awkward. But as things stood, both sides were comfortable enough to avoid any feelings of taking advantage.

“What kind of people are they?”

Yu Xiang’an replied, “Third Grandaunt is a sharp woman, still very lively. This is her eldest son, our uncle. He took his mother’s surname and doesn’t talk much but is skilled in massage. He gave massages to Grandma and Dad, and they couldn’t stop praising him afterward, saying it made them feel so much lighter.”

Since their ages were younger than Yu Qingbao and Yu Qingshan, the man and his siblings were classified as uncles and aunts.

“This younger uncle is the one we found through the ad. He’s very decisive, articulate, and works as a lawyer. He studied and worked in the UK, so he’s seen the world. The eldest aunt rarely speaks, and when she does, it’s mostly about family. She’s been a homemaker for over ten years, and it suits her. The younger aunt, though, was easy to talk to. She’s a teacher. They left us their addresses and phone numbers, saying we’re welcome to visit if we’re ever nearby. It seems like they want to keep in touch.”

Yu Xiangyan nodded. “That should make Grandma happy.” Their main goal had been to lift Zhang Chahua’s spirits so she wouldn’t lose the will to live and follow Grandpa in passing. She’d been longing for news of Third Grandpa and the younger grandaunt. Now, only the younger grandaunt’s whereabouts remained a mystery. If only they’d left some word back then, she would’ve been much easier to find now.

“Are you going home for the New Year this year?” Yu Xiang’an asked.

Yu Xiangyan shook his head. “No, I have to work. What about you? Going back to Qin City?”

“Yes, I’ll be heading back to Qin City.”

Before the New Year, there was a major event: Lin Chuanbai’s biological mother, Wu Zheng, came to the capital. Knowing their address, she brought her younger son along for a visit.

This wasn’t Yu Xiang’an’s first time meeting her. Back when she first went to Qin City, they had met briefly—so briefly, in fact, that Wu Zheng only managed to give her a red envelope for changing how she addressed her. That was it. Years passed, and now, for the first time, the twins—almost ten years old—were meeting their biological grandmother.

Wu Zheng hadn’t retired from the military. She was still stationed in the western region, not Qin City, and remained incredibly busy.

This time, her visit wasn’t clear in purpose. Along with her was her younger son, Yan Jin, Lin Chuanbai’s half-brother from the same mother. Yan Jin, around the same age as Lin Tiandong, was already a young man preparing for his college entrance exams next year.

Though their relationship was distant—just a few sparse letters exchanged annually—Wu Zheng was still her mother-in-law, and proper etiquette had to be observed.

Yan Jin didn’t resemble Wu Zheng. His skin was deeply tanned, and when standing next to Lin Chuanbai, few would guess they were brothers. However, he was impressively tall; at sixteen, he was already over 170 cm, promising a tall stature in the future.

While Wu Zheng was reserved, Yan Jin was not. His outgoing personality quickly filled the room.

Upon meeting Lin Chuanbai and Yu Xiang’an, he greeted them enthusiastically: “Brother, sister-in-law, hello! I’m Yan Jin. And these must be my niece and nephew. Hello, I’m your uncle.”

Lin Yihong and Lin Yining took a moment to process what kind of relative this was. Their father’s brother? That made him their uncle.

Wu Zheng’s gaze shifted to the twins, and her expression noticeably softened, which Yu Xiang’an quickly noticed. She seemed unsure of how to interact with Lin Chuanbai—likely because their personalities were quite similar.

Yu Xiang’an stepped in to bridge the gap. “Mom, this is the elder grandson, Yihong, and this is the younger one, Yining. You two, greet your grandmother.”

Wu Zheng nodded, remembering, “They’ll be ten after the New Year, right?”

Yu Xiang’an nodded. “Yes, they will.”

“They’ve grown tall, quite tall. That’s good. If they want to join the military in the future, their height won’t be an issue.”

Yu Xiang’an smiled. “They’re still young. When they’re older, they’ll decide for themselves what path they want to take.”

Of course, if the twins chose to join the military, Yu Xiang’an would find it hard to let go. But if they were determined, she knew she’d have to support them. Pursuing one’s passion as a career was true happiness. Otherwise, even a comfortable life might feel stifling.

She thought about her own experience. Was being a chef not tough? Summers by a stove felt like standing in a steamer. The strength required for kneading dough and the precision for knife skills all demanded constant practice. But nothing could buy her joy. She loved cooking, loved eating, and loved seeing the happiness on people’s faces when they enjoyed her food.

Wu Zheng gave a slight nod in acknowledgment.

Yan Jin, ever the talkative one, jumped in. “So, tell your uncle, what grade are you in now?”

Lin Yihong answered, “We’re in third grade.”

Yan Jin responded with surprise, “Did you start school at six years old?”

“Yes.”

“Can you tell me what you’ve been learning?”

As their conversation continued, Yu Xiang’an took out the high-quality tea leaves she had specially bought, brewed some tea, and placed fruit, snacks, and candies on the table one by one.

“Mom, brother-in-law, try these. The fruit is very sweet.”

Seeing the fruit, both Wu Zheng and Yan Jin couldn’t help but take a second look.

It was the middle of winter, yet these grapes looked incredibly fresh. They must have been refrigerated, and judging by their appearance, they weren’t cheap.

The standard of living here seemed quite good.

Wu Zheng hadn’t known that Yu Xiang’an had quit her job to start a business. Now, seeing the two renovated restaurants next door, bustling with customers, she understood why they were doing so well.

But she still asked with some doubt, “Does your workplace allow this?”

Yu Xiang’an and Lin Chuanbai exchanged a glance before choosing to be honest. “Mom, there’s something we haven’t told you—I quit my job.”

Wu Zheng was taken aback. “You quit? Why?”

Yu Xiang’an replied, “I wanted to do something I’m more passionate about.”

Surprisingly, Wu Zheng quickly regained her composure. “If you’re happy now, then that’s all that matters.”

Yan Jin, impressed, added, “Sister-in-law, that’s amazing. Making such a decision isn’t easy. One of my classmates’ dads also quit his job to start a business, and now their family even has a car.”

Wu Zheng then turned to Lin Chuanbai. “And you? Did you quit too?”

Lin Chuanbai shook his head. “No, I’m still at the university, working on a project with my professor.”

Wu Zheng asked, “Have you considered joining a research institute? There’s one near the military base, though it doesn’t compare to the conditions here.”

It was clear she was referring to a national research institute.

Lin Chuanbai hadn’t expected this and was momentarily stunned. Then he shook his head. “A research institute approached me, but I declined.”

Wu Zheng frowned. “Why? Is it because they can’t offer better benefits? You shouldn’t focus only on personal gains.”

Lin Chuanbai replied calmly, “… Everyone has their own aspirations.”

Wu Zheng sighed. “But this…”

Yan Jin suddenly interrupted, “Brother, is research really that busy? I heard that in your field, people often forget to eat.”

Lin Chuanbai glanced at him. “Sometimes, yes. During critical moments, we might even sleep on makeshift beds in the lab, just catching a quick nap. But most of the time, it’s manageable.”

Perhaps because of his death from previous life, Lin Chuanbai now prioritized a balanced lifestyle. He made sure to eat three meals a day and avoided excessive late nights. By balancing work and rest, his progress was no slower than anyone else’s.

With Yan Jin’s interruption, Wu Zheng held back the words she was about to say. She glanced at her younger son and fell silent.

She knew well enough that what she deemed good might not align with others’ views, and what she dismissed as unimportant might be someone else’s treasure. Given her distant relationship with them, pushing the issue would only lead to conflict, which would be unseemly.

Yu Xiang’an quickly shifted the topic. “Did you come here for work?”

Wu Zheng replied, “No, I came to visit an old friend. Since you’re here too, I thought I’d stop by. I’ve only seen pictures of my grandchildren, so I wanted to meet them in person.”

“And now you’ve seen them?”

“I have.”

Lin Chuanbai nodded and changed the subject, turning to Yan Jin’s studies. “What major are you planning to choose for the college entrance exams?”

This was indeed a good topic, and the atmosphere quickly became lively.

Yan Jin didn’t answer right away but instead asked, “Brother, which major do you think is good? Should I choose one of the popular ones?”

Lin Chuanbai pondered for a moment. “Whether it’s popular or not, I think any major can shine if you’re willing to dedicate yourself to it. If you lack interest, studying will always be difficult. The most important thing is your personal interest. Do you plan to join the military in the future?”

Yan Jin was honest. “Both Mom and Dad are in the military, and they want me to join too. But I haven’t decided yet. I don’t have a specific career I really want, and I feel like most paths would be fine. The military is an option, and I grew up in that environment, so it’s familiar.”

“Have you considered military school?”

Yan Jin shook his head. “I don’t want to go to a military school. I’ve tried it before, and I’d rather attend a regular university first. After I graduate, I can still enlist if I want.”

“If I were to join the military, I’d want to be in the navy, guarding our maritime borders. If I don’t join, I’d like to study information technology. Communication and information exchange are going to become increasingly important…”

Though Yan Jin claimed he hadn’t decided, his choices all revolved around the military. It seemed his subconscious had already leaned in that direction, even if he hadn’t fully settled on the specifics.

Lin Chuanbai and Yan Jin continued their conversation, while Lin Yining, sitting next to Yu Xiang’an, noticed her grandmother nearby. She pushed the fruit platter closer and said, “Grandma, have some grapes—they’re very sweet.”

Wu Zheng’s lips twitched slightly, almost forming a smile. She reached out, took a grape, and popped it into her mouth. After a moment, she nodded seriously. “They are indeed very sweet.”

Encouraged by this response, Lin Yining grew more talkative. “Grandma, why haven’t we met you before?”

Wu Zheng replied, “Because Grandma is stationed in the west, far away, and it’s not convenient to come out.”

Lin Yining nodded. “I know. Being a soldier is tough, and your schedule isn’t flexible. I’ve seen your photo before, so I recognize you.”

Wu Zheng nodded. “Being a soldier is indeed tough, but it’s also fulfilling. Sharing the same ideals with so many others gives you a sense of purpose.” She looked closely at her granddaughter—her clean clothes, fair skin, and delicate hands. Then her gaze shifted to her grandson, who looked much the same. It was clear they were children who had never endured hardship, unlike her youngest son, who had started training as soon as he could walk and whose hands were calloused from the experience.

These were children raised in comfort. She wasn’t sure if it was because of the generational difference, but while she could be hard on her own son, she didn’t have the same inclination with her grandchildren.

Lin Yining’s curiosity about the west seemed endless. “Grandma, Mom said the mountains over there are very tall, and running there makes it hard to breathe. Is that true?”

“Grandma, is it true there’s a special type of cow there called a yak with really long fur?”

“Grandma, I also heard there are dogs there called Tibetan mastiffs that are fierce and can fight wolves…”

She kept asking, and Wu Zheng patiently answered, one question after another, turning the conversation lively.

Watching this, Yu Xiang’an checked the time on her watch. It was about time to start cooking. She stood up. “I’ll head to the kitchen to prepare dinner. Mom, Little Uncle, do you have any dietary restrictions? Do you prefer sweet or savory flavors?”

Yan Jin laughed. “Thanks for the trouble, Sister-in-law. I can help you with the prep. We don’t have any restrictions or strong preferences.”

Yu Xiang’an waved him off. “No need to help. This is my domain. You just stay here and chat with your brother—don’t feel like a guest.”

Entering the kitchen, she opened the fridge and inspected the ingredients. She had brought back quite a bit from the farm, passing it off as purchases from the market. Besides fruits, there was beef, lamb, and frozen seafood stored in the pantry.

Considering that the family in the west rarely got to eat seafood due to the distance from the coast, she decided to prepare a seafood meal today.

First, she rinsed the rice and set it to steam. Then, she started preparing soup, pulling out some frozen crabs. These crabs weren’t large and looked rather ordinary, but they made for an incredibly flavorful soup.

Next came stir-fried squid with chili slices, a tomato and beef stew, and some blanched greens to round it off.

These ingredients were uncommon but not overly rare—nothing flashy.

As the aroma wafted out of the kitchen, Lin Yihong and Lin Yining came running in. “Mom, what are you making today?”

The days when their mom was home were the best—three meals a day, all different, and far tastier than anything bought outside.

“Help me set the table and bring out the bowls and chopsticks. Did you wipe the table?”

“On it!”

When it came to good food, they were always eager to help.

With four dishes and a soup, there was plenty of food, but the six of them polished everything off completely, leaving the plates spotless.

While picking at his teeth with a toothpick, Yan Jin accidentally let something slip. “If Auntie Cao weren’t sick, she’d love this meal too.”

Lin Chuanbai asked, “Who’s Auntie Cao?”

Wu Zheng’s grip on her chopsticks tightened. “She’s a friend of mine.”

Yu Xiang’an suggested, “She’s in the capital, right? Let’s invite her for a meal tomorrow.”

Yan Jin shook his head. “She’s gravely ill. The doctors said she can’t eat this kind of food anymore.”

“Is it serious?”

“The doctors said she doesn’t have much time left. There wasn’t much hope when she was transferred here, and treatment hasn’t helped. Cancer—there’s no cure.” His tone was calm, but his heart betrayed his emotions.

To survive through gunfire and bullets, only to be defeated by illness—why is clinging to life so difficult?

The conversation grew heavy.

It turned out Wu Zheng had come to the capital to see her one last time.

Wu Zheng said, “Tomorrow, come with me to visit her. We were comrades in arms—she once pulled me out of the line of fire. Without her, I wouldn’t be here today.”

Given such a bond, visiting was the right thing to do.

“How’s your health now?” Lin Chuanbai asked proactively.

Wu Zheng nodded. “Don’t worry about me. This old life of mine can last a while yet. I’ve still got things to do, so I need to hold on.”

Lin Chuanbai didn’t say much, just nodded, then went to fetch a ginseng root.

Among the collection he had, there were quite a few hundred-year-old roots, with the oldest being over 130 years. The one he selected was a freshly matured hundred-year ginseng.

After carefully retrieving it, he handed it to her. “Take this. It might come in handy if something happens.”

Wu Zheng didn’t know how to gauge its age, but from its size, she could tell it wasn’t cheap. She wanted to refuse but thought of her friend’s condition. Realizing it might be useful, she couldn’t bring herself to give it back. Her grip tightened. “Consider it borrowed. If I can’t find anything similar to replace it, I’ll think of another way to repay you.”

Lin Chuanbai shook his head. “What I’ve given you is yours. Don’t talk about borrowing or repaying. Can I call the care and nurture I’ve received a loan?”

Their relationship wasn’t close, but Wu Zheng had fulfilled her responsibilities. When he was young, she sent money. When he got married, she sent funds and ration tickets. She even wrote twice a year to check in. Though distant, she had done her part. As her child, he needed to do the same.

---

The ginseng wasn’t for Wu Zheng herself—it ended up being shown to the doctors. When they saw such a valuable item, their eyes lit up, but her friend’s condition was beyond help. Counting her remaining days, she refused to waste such a precious thing and insisted Wu Zheng take it back.

She lay in bed, emaciated like a mummy, tormented by illness.

It was a harrowing sight that made people instinctively shrink back.

Lin Yihong and Lin Yining, the twin siblings, remained silent, clearly shaken by what they had seen. On the way home, they cautiously asked Lin Chuanbai and Yu Xiang’an, “Mom, Dad, please don’t get sick, okay?”

Their timid question was heartbreaking.

The children were scared. Yu Xiang’an gently stroked their hair to comfort them. “Don’t worry. Mom and Dad will take good care of ourselves. We’ll stay healthy.”

Her spiritual spring water didn’t boast miraculous powers, but over the years, it had proven its worth. Minor colds were rare, and none of them had ever suffered a serious illness. At worst, a stuffy nose or some sniffles would arise, easily cured with ginger tea, plenty of water, and a good sweat. As a result, their family of four rarely fell ill.

What they had just witnessed was a stark contrast—seeing someone reduced to such a state, tubes and machines surrounding her, the sharp smell of disinfectant mixing with the stale air of terminal illness. The overwhelming presence of death had clearly unsettled the twins.

Wu Zheng noticed this as well. She realized she had been thoughtless and should have prepared the children beforehand. Having seen everything imaginable on the battlefield, she was unfazed. Yan Jin, too, was raised in a military environment and had courage far beyond his years. But the twins, pampered and protected, couldn’t help but be frightened by such a scene.

She gently patted her granddaughter’s hand. “Don’t be scared. Everything will be fine.”

When they returned home, Wu Zheng handed the ginseng root back to Lin Chuanbai. She had learned from the doctors just how rare and valuable it was. “I can’t use this. You should keep it—it’s a treasure you can’t find on the market. Save it as a family heirloom.”

Lin Chuanbai refused. “I’ve already said it’s yours. Take it. I have more.”

Wu Zheng didn’t believe him. A hundred-year-old ginseng wasn’t like a head of cabbage—it couldn’t possibly be available in bulk.

Lin Chuanbai: … Actually, it could.

After some back-and-forth, Wu Zheng finally accepted it. Still, she didn’t feel right about taking it without giving something in return. Paying directly would feel too distant, but she couldn’t think of another way to reciprocate for now.

Wu Zheng and Yan Jin had taken leave, planning to stay for two or three days. Coincidentally, Lin Houpin, who was on a business trip to the capital, decided to visit Lin Chuanbai. He had some spare time and thought he’d check in on his grandson and granddaughter and see if they had plans to return to Qin City for the New Year. If so, they could travel back together.

But when Lin Houpin stepped into the house, he immediately spotted Wu Zheng sitting in the living room, eating fruit and watching TV with his granddaughter snuggled up beside her. His expression darkened, and he asked in a cold tone, “What are you doing here?”

Hearing his voice, Yu Xiang’an, startled, quickly came out of the kitchen. She glanced at Wu Zheng, then at Lin Houpin. Seeing the two ex-spouses unexpectedly together, she couldn’t help but worry—would this escalate into a confrontation?

🌱🌿 🫧🍃