Ch 118: Bringing a Farming Game System to the 1970s

Beyond Yu Xiang’an’s plan to build a high-end residential area, she had another idea, to organize a competition together with others in the industry.

It would be a competition among high-end hotels in the Special Economic Zone, with respected chefs and food critics invited as judges.

This would boost visibility and create buzz for everyone involved.

She would not compete herself. She was no longer just a professional chef. Instead, she planned to film it. Competitions in this format existed abroad, but were still rare domestically.

Television was becoming more widespread, and more people were watching programs.

As soon as Yu Xiang’an brought it up, Lu Anran felt it was feasible. “If we’re going to do it, we should do it professionally. Hire proper hosts and cameramen. If this can become a long-term event, the benefits will be obvious.”

Liu Sanbao followed Yu Xiang’an around constantly, feeling like the few extra pounds she had gained were being worked off. Her salary was high, but it was not easy. Whenever she felt tired, she would look at Yu Xiang’an. With all that wealth, she still worked so hard. It made Liu Sanbao feel she had no right to complain.

Yu Xiang’an could not participate as a chef or judge, since her own hotel was involved.

Even so, her enthusiasm did not diminish.

She loved tasting different cuisines. Before starting her business, she had experimented with many new dishes in her space and even compiled her own recipes. After founding her business, she gradually put all that accumulation to use.

Looking back, her innovation was no longer as prolific as before. Now, watching chefs from all over wield their pans on stage, she felt an itch in her hands.

Ideas kept popping into her mind, things she wanted to try.

Yu Mansheng sat beside her and leaned over. “Sis, when you get back, are you going to show off your skills too?”

Yu Xiang’an replied, “Of course.”

Yu Mansheng laughed. “You haven’t changed at all.”

Yu Xiang’an said, “I’m still me. Of course I haven’t changed.”

The competition took place in an open-air venue. On stage, chefs and their assistants worked in separate stations. Judges sat in front, while a crowd gathered below, industry professionals and passersby alike.

Everyone wanted to see something new.

The dishes were varied. One day featured main courses, another desserts. Categories ranged from seafood to poultry, all different.

At this stage, there were fewer hidden manipulations. Whoever cooked better scored higher.

The chefs from Yu Xiang’an’s side performed well, taking second place overall.

She had tasted the first-place winner’s dishes and accepted the result wholeheartedly. That chef came from generations of imperial chefs and even had a family recipe book passed down.

Her own chefs had been recruited at great expense and were no less capable.

After the results were announced, their hotel’s customer flow increased by thirty percent.

Yu Mansheng said, “This competition really works. Should we do it again next year?”

They had not decided yet.

Once a year might be too frequent. Perhaps every two or three years?

If it happened too often, it would lose novelty.

Too short an interval would not work.

She wanted to keep it going for a long time. That way, as the initiator, her name would also endure.

*

It was job-hunting season again.

Wang Xiaoya, as a top student from Capital University, had no trouble finding work, nor finding good work.

Several institutions and companies had already reached out to her, but she was not satisfied with their conditions.

She also had senior classmates in such workplaces who had complained about rigid hierarchies. Newcomers were stuck doing menial tasks for a long time before gaining a foothold.

She did not want that kind of life, nor to waste her time. In such systems, positions were limited, and the best ones were already taken.

So she shifted her focus to private enterprises.

Many of these companies were not state jobs, but their待遇 were extremely attractive.

A fellow townsman had gone into private enterprise and, within a few years, had bought a house and major appliances, living comfortably. Wang Xiaoya felt both envious and inspired. Her own school was even better, so why shouldn’t she succeed?

As a woman, she also felt she would fare better in an environment with fewer gender barriers.

While she was weighing her options, she heard news that a notable alumna would be coming to recruit at their university.

This time, the company was hiring a personal assistant.

This senior alumna was well known. Her photo hung on the achievements wall. Continue at HololoNovels .com for the rest. Her company recruited there every year, but this time was different, she was looking for someone to work directly under her.

How much could one learn by working beside a company head?

Many people were tempted.

The salary was not listed, but it was known to be generous. Former students working under her had already made that clear.

However, the requirements were strict. Proficiency in at least two foreign languages and organizational experience were basic qualifications.

Wang Xiaoya was interested. She submitted her resume.

She was the student council president of her department, fluent in English and Japanese, with some German as well. She ranked at the top of her class and received scholarships every year.

She was an outstanding candidate.

After rounds of interviews and assessments, she made it to the final stage, meeting this senior, Yu.

Liu Sanbao opened the door and led her in, smiling politely while sighing inwardly.

At first, Yu Xiang’an had only one assistant, Liu Sanbao. Later there were two more, and now another would be added. Their roles did not overlap. Liu Sanbao herself had already transitioned into a life assistant.

Being a life assistant did not mean she was unimportant. It showed trust. But deep down, Liu Sanbao still wanted to expand into more significant responsibilities. Unfortunately, her abilities had limits.

Education was her weakness. There were many things she did not understand, and she had to learn on the spot. As she grew older, adapting to new knowledge became harder.

Still, she had one advantage. Assistants came and went, but she remained by Yu Xiang’an’s side the entire time.

Some assistants were promoted to positions of authority elsewhere, managing entire operations. Others who failed were reassigned or demoted.

What Liu Sanbao envied were those who advanced. They now held significant power, some running companies independently, commanding authority.

Looking at this young woman with a high ponytail, black-framed glasses, and a confident, composed demeanor, Liu Sanbao felt a flicker of anticipation.

In three years, might she become a leader as well?

It seemed very possible.

As expected, this would be her new colleague starting tomorrow.

Liu Sanbao extended her hand. “Hello. Please take care of me in the future. I’m a bit older, so I’ll take the liberty of calling you younger sister. If there’s anything you don’t understand, feel free to ask me.”

Wang Xiaoya nodded. “Sister Liu, then I won’t hold back. Don’t mind if I ask too many questions.”

Her name sounded plain, even rustic, but she herself was anything but, confident and composed.

Liu Sanbao looked at her and had a feeling that this girl would rise very quickly.

*

Yu Xiang’an recruited quite a number of talents from her alma mater again. Her operations had expanded widely, so she was naturally short on manpower. Restaurants, hotels, clothing, real estate, food products, health supplements, pharmaceutical factories, security…

With so many sectors, assigning just a few people to each quickly absorbed the dozens of new hires.

The university teachers were already very familiar with her. They saw her every year, and she was generous, often donating books or equipment to the school.

It was hard for anyone to have a negative impression of her.

With recruitment handled, she temporarily assigned the new assistant to Liu Sanbao for training, then went to see her daughter. Since she was already here, of course she would visit.

She brought along bags of food.

When Lin Yining’s three roommates saw Yu Xiang’an, they were stunned, staring at her from all angles.

The dorm leader looked suspiciously at Lin Yining. “Isn’t this your sister? You’ve been lying to us, saying she’s your mom? I… I really can’t call her aunt.”

Yu Xiang’an was dressed in slim-fit jeans and a silk flared-sleeve blouse, with no makeup, her hair tied in a high ponytail, radiating youthful energy.

She looked like an older sister just a few years ahead of them.

Anyone would doubt Lin Yining at this point.

Lin Yining was also wearing jeans and a white shirt that day. Standing together, the resemblance as sisters was even stronger.

Lin Yining laughed so hard she bent over, and Yu Xiang’an’s mood soared.

It had been worth dressing younger today.

Normally at work, she would not dress like this. It looked too youthful and lacked authority. But jeans really did make one look younger. With a loose sweatshirt, she could probably pass as a college student.

Yu Xiang’an said, “I really am her mother, I’m not lying. Thank you for taking care of my daughter. Let’s all go out for a meal later, I’ve already made a reservation. Are you free?”

It was her first time meeting her daughter’s roommates, so treating them to a meal was natural.

The other girls’ parents had done the same when they visited.

Nothing unusual.

Still, the three of them were only half convinced.

“Really?”

“You’re not just joking with us?”

“Of course not,” Lin Yining said, suppressing laughter. Yu Xiang’an took out her wallet and showed them a family photo of the four of them.

Only then did they believe it.

Immediately, they crowded around her.

“Auntie, what skincare do you use? Teach me, my skin looks so rough.”

“Auntie, what do you usually eat? Bird’s nest? Red dates? Goji berries?”

Lin Yining pointed at the skincare products on her desk. “My mom and I use the same brand.” Though hers were actually custom-made.

She had asked her father for custom ones too, and he had waved her off.

But in truth, hers were also specially made by him.

Yu Xiang’an had made a reservation at a restaurant that was not her own. Their own establishments could be visited anytime, but others offered a different experience.

Lin Yining felt the same way. She had already eaten most of her family’s dishes. Unless there was something new, they no longer felt fresh. Dining elsewhere brought a sense of anticipation.

Having a family in the food business did not mean they could not eat outside. They could simply enjoy being ordinary customers.

While Yu Xiang’an and Lin Yining were bonding with the roommates, Yu Qingshan was strolling around the Special Economic Zone.

Not far behind him followed a man.

He was there in case anything happened, given Yu Qingshan’s age. Yu Qingshan did not want the trouble, insisting he was still healthy. But Yu Xiang’an said the assistant position existed specifically for him. If he refused, the young man would have to be dismissed.

If that happened, Li Dazhu would not find a better job. His family was poor, and he looked pitiful enough that Yu Qingshan could not bring himself to refuse.

So he reluctantly accepted.

Besides, they were from the same hometown, Baishi County.

Li Dazhu was not particularly capable and could barely read, only able to write his own name. But he was honest, strong, and hardworking, never complaining, and he could chat with Yu Qingshan to pass the time.

As they wandered, Yu Qingshan went to the newly opened hotel.

No one there recognized him. He was just an ordinary guest.

He called a server to place an order smoothly, then watched the time from ordering to serving.

Soon, someone came to ask what tea and side dishes he wanted.

There were several options: cold cucumber, cold kelp, spicy-sour radish, and fried peanuts. Two dishes were complimentary.

He chose fried peanuts and spicy-sour radish.

For tea, he picked luohan guo tea.

Before long, everything was served. The two of them ate and chatted.

Li Dazhu mentioned something. “My mom arranged a blind date for me.”

He was nearly thirty. Because he was not good at talking and his family was poor, his father was chronically ill, his mother barely managed household expenses, and they could not afford a bride price, his marriage had been delayed. Now that he had a job, things had improved, and marriage was finally being considered.

Yu Qingshan asked, “What does the woman do?”

“She’s a primary school teacher. She was married before, but her husband passed away early from illness. No children. She’s a year younger than me. My family’s not well off, and she’s remarried. We’re seeing how it goes.”

He spoke honestly.

Yu Qingshan said, “That’s great news. You should have told me as soon as you got back. Be diligent, and don’t be stingy. Buy gifts when it’s time to buy gifts.”

Li Dazhu’s dark face flushed. “What should I buy?”

Yu Qingshan paused. “…Maybe skincare, or clothes, dresses. Women like beauty. But don’t buy randomly. If it doesn’t suit her, it’d be a waste. No rush. I’ll ask around for you.”

Even he did not really know what women liked.

In the past, it was simple. Taking a woman out for meat or buying her candy was enough.

But those things were no longer rare.

Back then, meat was a rare treat a few times a year. Now, with a job, even being frugal, one could afford it several times a month.

Li Dazhu scratched his head shyly. “Thank you, Uncle Qingshan.”

Just then, their matsutake mushroom soup was served. Yu Qingshan glanced at his watch and nodded to himself. A server ladled the soup into bowls and placed them in front of them.

This kind of service impressed him every time.

In the past, when they splurged to eat at a state-run restaurant, would they ever get this kind of treatment?

Dream on.

The staff would slam the dishes down and shout for customers to come get them. If you ordered too little, you might even get a cold stare.

He took a sip of the soup. It was rich and fragrant.

Li Dazhu, not one for many words, simply said, “Delicious!” and quickly drank two bowls.

Yu Qingshan did not stop him. Li Dazhu was tall and big, with a good appetite. Two bowls of soup might sound like a lot, but the bowls were small, just enough to whet the appetite.

Soon, the next dish arrived, steamed sea bass.

Just then, someone walked in. The two of them were seated in the main hall, right by the entrance, where the view was wide. So when people entered, Yu Qingshan noticed them at once.

He glanced over reflexively, then fell silent.

The people who had come in were two he recognized.

Though they had aged, and their clothing had changed quite a bit, he still recognized them.

They were Zhao Qiaoniang and Ding Minxiu.

Zhao Qiaoniang looked uneasy, while Ding Minxiu was dressed elegantly, holding a baby in her arms. Beside her stood a middle-aged man, close and intimate, their arms linked. The posture made them look like a family of three.

But Zhou Boyang did not look like that.

Yu Qingshan clutched his chest. Fortunately, they were talking among themselves and did not notice him, so he was not discovered on the spot.

He overheard a bit of their conversation. The man was saying, “This hotel just opened. I’ve eaten here once, and it’s quite good. Especially the roasted suckling pig, you must try it…”

Looking at the smile on Ding Minxiu’s face, Yu Qingshan felt his heart pounding harder. The shock was too much.

How could she do something like this?

And Zhao Qiaoniang was not stopping her either, just watching her daughter go down the wrong path?

Dish after dish was served, but Yu Qingshan had no appetite anymore.

He also did not want to run into them.

So he booked a private room.

Li Dazhu stayed outside to keep watch, while Yu Qingshan went upstairs to make a phone call.

He called Yu Xianghai directly. His son was still in Baishi County, making him the easiest person to ask.

As soon as the call connected, Yu Qingshan went straight to the point. “Have you heard anything about the Zhou family recently?”

Yu Xianghai sounded confused. “No… what’s wrong? Did something happen to them? I haven’t heard anything.”

“Nothing at all?”

Now Yu Xianghai felt uncertain. “Dad, I haven’t really paid attention… how about I ask around and call you back?”

“Alright. Go find out. Right away. You don’t need to go to work, do you? Ask quietly. Don’t attract attention.”

This kind of scandal, Yu Qingshan did not want to get himself involved.

So Yu Xianghai went off in confusion to ask Ye Qijia. She found it strange too. “I haven’t heard anything. But I’ve been busy. Let me ask around.”

There were always people who loved gossip. Even the smallest incident in the county would spread quickly.

She went out and came back shaking her head. “Nothing unusual. Same as always.”

She clicked her tongue slightly.

Zhou Boyang was still in Baishi County. He had set up a small shop at home selling stationery. Because it was near a school, he could make a modest living. Beyond that, nothing had changed. He was the only one working properly. As for his son and daughter-in-law, people could only shake their heads when talking about them.

After hearing this, Yu Qingshan fell silent.

So it seemed Ding Minxiu had separated from Zhou Boyang and found another man here. And this new man likely had good financial standing. This hotel was not cheap, and their clothing reflected that.

On the other end of the phone, Yu Xianghai asked, “Dad, why are you suddenly asking about the Zhou family? Did something happen?”

Yu Qingshan felt troubled. The Special Economic Zone could be big or small. Today he had run into them. What about tomorrow?

If others found out, that was none of his business. He did not want to get involved.

“Nothing. Just thought of it suddenly. If there’s nothing, I’ll hang up.”

Yu Xianghai stared at the phone after the call ended, baffled. What was going on with his father?

Since he could not figure it out, he let it go. After all, the Zhou family had nothing to do with them.

Yu Qingshan knew that too, but it still bothered him.

Back then, Ding Minxiu had even called him “Dad.” Then she had secretly been involved with Zhou Boyang, and now this…

It was enough to make one sigh.

Yu Qingshan kept the matter to himself. Li Dazhu followed his instructions and did not tell anyone either.

When Yu Xiang’an returned, Yu Qingshan asked her, “Dazhu wants to buy a gift for his partner. What should he give?”

This was Yu Xiang’an’s area of expertise. “Skincare, clothes, small jewelry. Do you have her photo? Let me see her figure and temperament. I can recommend what suits her, and you can just buy accordingly.”

Such thoughtfulness deserved encouragement.

In no time, she had come up with a plan. Li Dazhu left happily.

Yu Qingshan had managed not to tell Yu Xianghai, but once Yu Xiang’an returned, he could not hold it in anymore and told her what he had seen.

Yu Xiang’an: “…”

Everything had changed beyond recognition.

If true love existed, then what Ding Minxiu and Zhou Boyang had once shared could have been called that. They had taken such risks back then.

And now it had turned out like this.

And clearly, the Zhou family had no idea.

If this came to light, Zhou Boyang would not let it go.

Had Ding Minxiu even thought about how to deal with the aftermath?

After saying it, Yu Qingshan felt a bit regretful. “I didn’t tell anyone else. Don’t spread it either. We shouldn’t be the bad ones.”

Yu Xiang’an nodded. “Don’t worry, Dad. I won’t say anything. This was probably just a coincidence that you saw it. The chances of others finding out should be low.”

That was what she thought.

But the truth came out faster than expected.

And it ended up affecting them as well.

🌱🌿 🫧🍃