Ch 121: Bringing a Farming Game System to the 1970s

Lin Yining fell in love.

It started when she heard people talking about the “campus heartthrob” of the medical department. No one knew who had given him that title, but the reputation had spread.

The more she heard, the more curious she became. She wanted to see what he looked like. But time and again, she missed him. What had begun as simple curiosity turned into stubborn determination after repeated near misses.

If she did not see him, she would not give up.

People praised him endlessly. She only wanted to take a look. Was even that too much to ask?

She knew Gu Shi was busy, a top student in the medical department, the kind favored by professors. Every department had such people. This place gathered geniuses, but among them, some stood out even more. Gu Shi was one of them.

In the end, she managed to get his class schedule. She went to sit in on lectures in his classroom, and finally saw him.

At that first glance, her heart stirred.

A face lover falling in love at first sight.

But looks alone were not enough. She observed him quietly for a while, watching his character. The more she watched, the more she liked him.

She decided to make the first move.

But she could not simply walk up and say she liked him. She had to find a way to get to know him. With his routine limited to classroom, dorm, and cafeteria, the only place they could intersect was the classroom.

So she kept attending his lectures.

She was already busy, and now she made her schedule even tighter for his sake.

Her roommates said she had lost her mind over a pretty face.

Yining did not mind. Yes, she was busy, she was tired, but she found it sweet.

She had no interest in medicine, yet for his sake, she forced herself to study those heavy textbooks. She knew it would not be useful. She had no intention of pursuing that path.

But now she told herself, “Learning more never hurts.”

Drop by drop, like water wearing through stone, she gradually got to know Gu Shi, became friends with him, and eventually, they became a couple.

When they confirmed their relationship, Yining was overjoyed. She called Yu Xiang’an to share the news.

Her roommates were shocked. “Your mom won’t object?”

“My mom said as long as my grades don’t drop, dating is fine.”

She left out the part about not crossing boundaries. Just thinking about it made her blush. In any case, she had no intention of doing anything like that. She was still a student.

Such an open-minded mother made her roommates extremely envious.

They would never dare tell their own mothers. That would only lead to a scolding.

Even though they were dating, they were not constantly glued to each other. Yining had classes, was pursuing a double degree, and also practiced calligraphy under Teacher Shi. She was very busy.

Gu Shi was busy too. Few medical students were not. Sometimes they would go several days without seeing each other.

Later, they agreed to meet in the library.

Each could focus on their own work, while still being together.

Before long, people began to notice them coming and going together. Rumors spread that they were a perfect match, talented and beautiful, made for each other.

Every time Yining heard that, she would cover her face and giggle to herself for a while.

She also told Lin Yihong.

When he heard, his feelings were complicated.

His little sister… had someone she liked?

“Do Mom and Dad agree?”

“Mom doesn’t object. Dad told me to be cautious. Don’t reveal our family situation. Observe him carefully for a few years.”

Lin Yihong nodded in agreement, then realized she could not see it and cleared his throat. “Then stick to that. Don’t forget, some people lose their heads when they fall in love. Don’t be foolish.”

“I’m not foolish.”

At school, she presented herself as coming from a middle-class family. She never revealed what her parents or grandparents actually did.

Wang Lipan knew this and could not help but darken his expression.

Lin Yihong noticed and patted his shoulder, saying nothing.

His sister had no such thoughts, but he knew Wang Lipan liked her. Now that she had a boyfriend…

If it were him, he would have confessed once he understood his feelings. But he could also understand Wang Lipan’s hesitation.

Yining clearly treated him as a friend. A sudden confession might scare her away, and if she did not feel the same, even friendship might be lost. That was why Wang Lipan did not dare cross the line.

As things stood… Lin Yihong naturally hoped his future brother-in-law would be someone reliable. He thought Wang Lipan was a good candidate. But ultimately, a life partner had to be someone she loved.

After hearing about it, Lin Duzhong had someone discreetly investigate.

The young man came from a clean background. Both parents were doctors. No issues. That was enough.

He did not require his great-grandson-in-law to come from a prestigious family. As long as he was a good person and treated Yining well, that was enough.

A doctor was a fine profession. He himself had been one.

So Yining and Gu Shi spent two sweet years together.

Then they broke up.

Gu Shi went abroad to study, which was not a problem. Yining herself had planned to go overseas for further study.

But she had not expected that once he went abroad, he would no longer want to return. He planned to immigrate.

When she learned this, she felt uncomfortable. Her attitude toward him cooled. In turn, when Gu Shi learned that she did not plan to settle abroad, his attitude cooled as well.

Separated by countries, their relationship relied on calls and letters. Now, even those grew infrequent.

When they next spoke, Gu Shi suggested breaking up.

She agreed immediately.

She had not expected him to say it so easily, so lightly, as if it meant nothing.

As if their relationship meant nothing.

After the breakup, she bought alcohol and a lot of food, went back to her own apartment, and drank alone.

She did not want to get drunk in the dorm.

That would make her look too pitiful.

As she drank, she wiped away her tears.

Two years of feelings, gone after one year abroad. It could not withstand the allure of life overseas.

She had misjudged him.

She shut herself away for two days. After that, her personality became steadier, and she worked even harder than before.

Even Shi Changtian said her calligraphy had improved greatly.

Lin Duzhong was both pleased and worried. Improvement was good, but he feared she had not truly moved on.

When Lin Yihong found out, he hesitated, then told Wang Lipan.

Wang Lipan immediately flew over.

He had not given up.

Lin Yihong sighed and let it be. Whether Wang Lipan could become his brother-in-law would depend on himself.

As for Yining dating, Lin Chuanbai and Yu Xiang’an had no objections. She was an adult. What was wrong with dating?

Later in life, she might not so easily meet someone who made her heart move.

Yu Xiang’an also did not think her daughter was the type to lose all sense in a relationship. If things went badly, it would be a lesson learned.

Yining only told Yu Xiang’an about the breakup six months later.

After graduating from university, she went abroad for an exchange. Less than a year after returning, she announced that she wanted to get married.

Yu Xiang’an: “???”

Daughter… didn’t you skip an important step?

The person she was with was Wang Lipan.

This was someone both Lin Chuanbai and Yu Xiang’an knew well. They understood his background clearly, and the two families could be considered well matched.

Since the matter had reached the stage of discussing marriage, it naturally had to be brought to Lin Duzhong and the elders. Wu Zheng also came in person. Compared to her son Lin Chuanbai, she actually kept in closer contact with this granddaughter.

Now that Lin Yining was getting married, she naturally had to come and take charge.

Yu Xiang’an and Lin Chuanbai had little room to step in.

The elders above them were all eager to take the lead.

The Wang family also had a solid foundation.

Yining planned to stay in the capital after graduation, while Wang Lipan’s work required transfers. He might be moved again in a few years. So the marital home was set in the capital.

The old patriarch on their side held a rank similar to Lin Houpiao’s. They were not excessively wealthy, because too much wealth would attract trouble, but they did own inherited property in the capital.

It was a siheyuan in a decent location, passed down from Wang Lipan’s maternal family.

The couple themselves would not earn very high salaries, but they both had family assets to rely on. Back when the twins were admitted to university, Yu Xiang’an had given them commercial properties. One of Yining’s shops had already been demolished and compensated with two larger units.

Even without working, just from rental income, Yining could live very comfortably.

With her daughter getting married, Yu Xiang’an and Lin Chuanbai prepared many things.

They had started preparing for both children long ago.

The houses and shops had already been given, so there was no need to add more.

Instead, they provided a car, jewelry, antiques, and some shares.

All of this was laid out openly. When her “dowry list” was revealed, the Wang family remained composed, showing no greed or covetousness. Yu Xiang’an nodded in satisfaction. Wealth could tempt anyone. Being able to remain steady in front of it was rare.

Li Yujiao, however, could not quite hold herself together. The houses, shops, cars, cash, and jewelry added up to a staggering sum. She felt her breathing grow tight. Lin Yining would never have to worry about money in her life. Even her future children would be set. How could anyone even spend that much?

Thinking of it, she felt a bit resentful.

Lin Houpiao’s pension was generous compared to ordinary people. More chapters are available on HololoNovels dot com. Medical expenses were covered. The household barely had expenses, especially with a son and daughter-in-law who lacked nothing and would replenish anything missing. Lin Yining also visited often and filled any gaps.

So their own money could be freely spent, but the key was that it was only their own money. After retirement, they dared not accept extra income, and now even that was gone. She could not spend freely like Lin Yining, and neither could her granddaughter Xuanxuan.

Her expression slipped.

Lin Houpiao noticed immediately and shot her a look, telling her to restrain herself.

What was she doing?

The Wang family noticed too, but did not mind. They already understood the Lin family situation. This was a step-grandmother, known for mistreating her daughter-in-law, with a bad reputation. She had no authority over the main branch.

After Yining married, Yu Xiang’an and Lin Chuanbai felt little change. Marriage was just marriage.

But when she had children, and they became grandparents, Yu Xiang’an reacted instinctively by touching her face, checking for wrinkles.

In her mind, she was forever eighteen.

But her daughter would not stay eighteen.

The moment she became a grandmother, the title itself brought a sense of age and time.

Yu Xiang’an: “…”

She felt both happy and a little unsettled.

She was already of the grandmother generation.

It was hard to accept.

After returning home, she felt down for quite a while.

When Yining was due, both Yu Xiang’an and Lin Chuanbai stayed by her side. As the pregnancy advanced, Yu Xiang’an came early to support her. Wang Lipan could not always be there because of work, and childbirth was inevitably nerve-wracking, especially since she was carrying twins.

When the time came, Yining gave birth to twin daughters. Mother and children were safe.

Seeing the two tiny babies, Yining, pale from childbirth, burst into tears. Holding Yu Xiang’an’s hand, she said, “Mom, giving birth is so hard. You and Dad raised my brother and me all these years. It must have been so difficult. I’ve only just had them, and I’m already scared. They’re so small, so fragile, like blank sheets of paper. I’m afraid I might hurt them by accident, or teach them the wrong things. There’s still such a long way until they grow up. What should I do?”

Yu Xiang’an gently held her and stroked her hair. “It’s okay. You won’t, because Mom will teach you. If you don’t know how, you can learn. You’ve studied early childhood education before. Don’t worry too much. If I could do it, you can too. Don’t be afraid. Everyone has a first time. When I had you and your brother, I was just as anxious. But didn’t we raise you well?”

Thinking back to those early, chaotic days with Lin Chuanbai, Yu Xiang’an smiled more deeply.

“So don’t be afraid. Mom is here.”

Wang Lipan’s mother was a military doctor, very busy. She came briefly to help for two days, then had to leave, repeatedly asking Yu Xiang’an to take good care of Yining.

Yining understood. Yu Xiang’an understood too.

Privately, Yining preferred her own mother’s care during postpartum recovery rather than that of a mother-in-law she barely knew.

Since she could not stay, Wang Lipan’s mother contributed financially, covering two months of maternity nurse fees. She also brought many gifts: piles of baby clothes, silver bracelets, Guanyin charms, toys, and more, filling two large suitcases.

Both Wang Lipan and Lin Yihong missed the birth and the baby’s one-month celebration. Yining felt some regret, but this had been expected from the beginning.

She was not alone. Her mother stayed with her. Her uncle and great-grandfather were also there. Many family members surrounded her.

Step by step, Yining learned how to hold the babies, bathe them, and change diapers. Though the maternity nurse said she did not need to learn, she insisted.

She might not be skilled yet, but she could not afford not to know.

Yu Xiang’an agreed. She might not have to do everything herself, but in case of necessity, she could not be helpless.

The maternity nurse would stay for two months, after which they would hire additional help.

Yining was young and recovered well. After her confinement period, she moved in with Lin Duzhong.

Lin Houpiao did not stay in one place. Sometimes he lived at the retirement compound, sometimes at home. The home was a siheyuan under Lin Chuanbai’s name, spacious, well-equipped, and comfortable.

Lin Houpiao preferred the retirement compound. Lin Duzhong preferred the siheyuan.

As he said, it felt more alive.

The house had been chosen with his preferences in mind. Within a few hundred meters he could find people to play chess with, and there were fishing spots nearby. The area also had schools and shopping.

With family around, Yining could work without worrying about a nanny mistreating her children out of sight.

The children grew quickly, almost overnight. Before anyone realized it, they were already three years old.

Because they were fraternal twins, the two sisters did not look very alike. One resembled her father more, the other looked more like her uncle, with softer features. Sometimes when Lin Yining looked at them, she would complain, “They look like my brother and his kids. I’m not even in the picture. That’s too much.”

Every time she said that, Yu Xiang’an would laugh, while Yu Qingshan could only smile helplessly. “What nonsense are you talking about?”

Yining sighed. “It’s not nonsense. It’s true.”

Yu Qingshan shook his head. “You…”

To him, this granddaughter was very much like his daughter in the past, both a bit “hard-hearted,” handing their children over to others while they were still young.

His daughter had made something of herself. It seemed this granddaughter would too.

Lin Yining, accused of being hard-hearted: “…”

Hard-hearted?

Not really.

She could not spend every day revolving around her children like a traditional devoted mother.

In the mornings, she fed them before heading out, then sent them to an early education center. The fees were extremely high, more than her salary could cover, so she used rental income. But it was worth it. The center was close to her university and run by her classmate’s older sister, so she trusted it.

At noon, she picked them up, brought them home for lunch, and in the afternoon left them with the nanny and Lin Duzhong while she went back to work. In the evenings, they had dinner together, but even then she did not spend all her time focused solely on them.

More than once, she had sighed to Yu Xiang’an, “Women really have it hard.”

Even in her situation, where someone else handled most household matters, the children still quietly consumed her time.

Thinking about this, checking on that, talking to them, then playing with them for a bit… before she knew it, one or two hours would be gone.

Someone once suggested she quit her job. She refused without hesitation.

After all these years of effort, she felt it would be a waste.

All those years of studying, of practicing calligraphy, only to stay home and raise children?

It was not that children were unimportant. But her life could not revolve entirely around them.

She had classmates who married soon after starting work, then quit to become full-time wives and mothers. More chapters are available on HololoNovels dot com. Clinging to Yu Xiang’an’s arm, she said, half pouting, “I don’t want to become like that. Back when we studied together, life was tiring but fulfilling. Now when I meet her, all she talks about is her child and her husband. If I bring up anything else, she doesn’t know, doesn’t care, doesn’t understand. It feels like she’s completely cut off from the world. It’s scary. I don’t want to become like that.”

Yu Xiang’an laughed softly and patted her hand. Even after becoming a mother, Yining had not lost her ability to act spoiled.

“Do what you like. If I had stayed home back then to be a wife and mother, I wouldn’t have built what we have now.”

Her businesses had already spread far and wide.

She did not know others’ wealth, only that she herself was now one of the major taxpayers in the Special Economic Zone, receiving government recognition. To her, the size of her assets was just a number.

Money generated more money. The total kept growing.

Yining thought about all the businesses her family had stakes in and stuck out her tongue.

During the floods two years ago, her mother’s donation ranked first.

Not just cash, but supplies as well. Together, it made national headlines and was even reported by CCTV.

Seeing it, she felt a surge of pride.

That was her mother.

So impressive.

This time, Yu Xiang’an and the others had gathered together not only for the twins’ birthday, but also for a rare family reunion. Wang Lipan and Lin Yihong both had leave, so they planned to spend time together as a family.

As Wang Lipan and Lin Yihong were about to arrive, Yu Xiang’an was already in the kitchen preparing ingredients.

Some things had to be readied in advance.

Lin Yining and Lin Chuanbai were helping her.

Dinner tonight would be hot pot, one seafood broth and one tomato beef brisket broth.

Yu Xiang’an alone prepared five or six different dipping sauces.

Yining washed the tripe, set it aside, and glanced over to see her mother slicing fish with swift, precise movements. Each piece was evenly sized and perfectly cut, pleasing to the eye.

She turned back to her work. The floor was filled with ingredients: sliced beef, knotted kelp, tofu skin, shrimp, spinach, lettuce, and more.

The seafood broth emphasized freshness.

Lin Duzhong, who usually ate lightly at night for health, looked at the feast and had a feeling… tonight might not be so restrained.

Everyone gathered around a large round table.

Wang Lipan and Lin Yihong sat upright, their military bearing unmistakable.

Lin Houpiao was delighted, pulling them to sit on either side of him, asking questions he was allowed to ask.

The three-year-old twin sisters were completely absorbed in watching the bubbling hot pot, ignoring the unfamiliar men who kept glancing at them.

Lin Duzhong smiled as he ate tofu that Lin Chuanbai had picked for him, happily watching the lively scene.

Lin Yihong enjoyed his mother’s enthusiasm, eating the various dishes she kept placing into his bowl.

Then suddenly, he heard a familiar name.

He turned toward the television, where the financial news was playing.

The anchor spoke clearly:

“…the stock price of xx company has surged by 387% compared to three days ago. This news has delighted shareholders, while many who missed out are full of regret. Next is an interview with the company’s CEO, Ms. Wang Xiaoya…”

🌱🌿 🫧🍃

Previous