Ch 124: Bringing a Farming Game System to the 1970s

Today is Lin Duzhong’s 110th birthday.

A centenarian may be rare in their country, yet not entirely so. There are always places blessed with longevity, like certain well-known “long-life villages.” Yu Xiang’an had even invested in one such place. The mountains and waters there were genuinely excellent. She built a resort hotel, and in that village it was common to see people in their eighties and nineties, even those over a hundred.

Naturally, many people liked the idea of retiring there, believing the feng shui was exceptional.

Within their own circle, Lin Duzhong also had quite a reputation.

He himself was not a particularly famous physician, but his descendants were accomplished.

His grandchildren had done well.

His great-grandchildren were growing up, and though the younger generation were still mostly in school, judging by their past behavior, none seemed like wastrels who would squander the family legacy.

More than once, people had wanted to interview him about the secrets of his longevity.

Some people live long but suffer for many of those years. Lin Duzhong was different. His aging was natural. He could still walk, eat, and sleep. His eyesight had declined, so he wore reading glasses. His hearing wasn’t as sharp, so he used a hearing aid. With these, he looked much like any ordinary elderly person.

To live long without suffering, that was true good fortune.

So even though his birthday celebration was not a grand public banquet, many people still wished to come and share in the blessing.

In the end, no outsiders were invited. A family gathering was enough, and it spared the old man from exhaustion.

Even so, the number of relatives alone was considerable.

Lin Duzhong had three children. Over the years, they had children and grandchildren, generation after generation.

Take Lin Houbai for example. He had four children and six grandchildren.

Everyone came.

Lin Yihong and Wang Lipan adjusted their leave to attend.

People might skip other banquets, but for someone who had reached such an age, everyone wanted to partake in the blessing.

After all, who wouldn’t wish for a long, healthy life and the chance to witness more of the world’s prosperity?

As the eldest son, Lin Houbai would normally have handled the arrangements. But he was nearly ninety now.

His health was not as good as Lin Duzhong’s. While the latter could still move about freely, Lin Houbai had difficulty walking and relied mostly on a wheelchair.

Looking down the generations, the one with the most time and ability was Lin Chuanbai, so he took charge of organizing everything.

The banquet was not held at home. It would have been inconvenient, and cleaning up afterward would be troublesome. Instead, it was arranged at a hotel.

Everyone only needed to arrive on time.

Lin Duzhong’s wish was simple: to have a meal together and take some photos as keepsakes.

He rarely mentioned his birthday. After turning one hundred, he had stopped celebrating it, feeling it was too much trouble. Every extra year lived was already a blessing.

Now ten years had passed since that centennial.

In those ten years, more children had been born, and new members had joined the family.

Since he proposed holding a celebration this time, everyone came.

The host was thoughtful and replaced the stage steps with a ramp.

Standing on stage, Lin Duzhong smiled broadly, revealing a full set of teeth.

They were dentures, but for today’s occasion, he wore them.

His voice was no longer strong, so he spoke into a microphone.

“Today is my birthday. Thank you all for taking the time to come. I have lived a full life. I retired in my sixties, and have lived another forty or fifty years since. By then, my children were grown and heads of their own households, so I no longer needed to manage your affairs. And you did not disappoint me. Each of you has built a prosperous life. I am very happy, very proud. You have surpassed me. That is a good thing. But those of you born after the 1990s—you did not experience the hardships your parents went through.”

As he spoke, his gaze drifted to the twin sisters, Wang Yushan and Wang Yuyan.

He had watched them grow up.

In terms of money, they had been raised with some restraint, but in every other aspect, they had been given the best.

From birth, they had advantages others did not.

While others stood at the starting line, they were practically at the finish.

Even if they chose not to strive and simply lived comfortably, what their family had given them would ensure a lifetime without worry.

He had never imagined such a day.

His descendants were thriving across the military, politics, culture, and economy.

Back then, he had only hoped that one of his three children would inherit his medical skills and surpass him.

In the end, only his daughter studied medicine.

Later, when his second grandson Lin Chuanbai expressed interest in medicine, he had been overjoyed.

Though Chuanbai eventually chose pharmaceutical research over practicing as a doctor, Lin Duzhong was still satisfied.

Their family had passed down medical knowledge for four generations.

With such a skill, no matter what upheaval came, they would never lack a way to make a living.

Looking further back, their ancestor had been a mere apprentice to a doctor, secretly learning medicine. With a few books and experience, he became a barefoot doctor. At that time, being a physician already commanded respect.

The second generation inherited the craft and worked even harder, eventually settling in Baishi County after years of wandering like rootless duckweed.

His grandfather had told him these stories to inspire him to study hard, and he had not disappointed.

He had even left the county and gone to the city.

If not for that turbulent period, he would have settled there permanently instead of returning with his grandson.

As for Lin Houbai, he had been an exception.

Lin Duzhong had wanted him to study medicine, but he could not manage it and later joined the army.

Fortunately, he returned safely and built a family.

Lin Duzhong had hoped that someone among his grandchildren would carry on the tradition, but none did, until Lin Chuanbai came along.

Strictly speaking, the most accomplished was his eldest grandson Lin Guangbai, who governed a region.

But in his heart, Lin Duzhong favored Lin Chuanbai the most.

Though he did not prescribe medicine, the drugs he developed had helped countless people.

Most of them were derived from traditional Chinese medicine.

He had seen people disparage Chinese medicine as inferior or even as superstition.

Yet his grandson’s work had proven them wrong.

If they truly believed Chinese medicine was inferior, then they should not use it at all.

The highly effective diabetes treatment developed in his grandson’s lab was also rooted in traditional medicine.

So many medicines in daily life came from it.

What right did people have to look down on what their ancestors had passed down?

Lin Duzhong knew that some did not truly believe these criticisms. They were driven by foreign capital trying to seize a share of the market, deliberately spreading discrediting narratives.

That, to him, was even more detestable.

They knew the truth, yet distorted it for profit.

His gaze shifted to his youngest son, Lin Jiqing.

Among his descendants, some were outstanding, and some were not.

Of his three children, the least accomplished was this youngest son.

He was honest but dull, content with mediocrity, staying in the same position for decades without change.

Fortunately, his son did not take after him.

Before the wave of layoffs hit, the family had already built up a children’s clothing business. It was not enough to make them truly wealthy, but it was enough to send their child abroad for study.

Studying overseas was expensive, but judging by how easily they managed it, the cost was within their means. That was enough.

Compared with those who were truly well-off, their life might seem worlds apart.

But Lin Duzhong had never believed in forcing equality among his descendants. If he had, the capable ones would only feel disheartened.

He also never insisted that the successful must support the less successful, and that was why the family could still live together in harmony.

Those who felt dissatisfied were kept in check by others.

Looking back on his life, Lin Duzhong felt, just as he had said, that it had all been worthwhile.

After saying a few words the younger generation might not have liked to hear, he prepared gifts for everyone.

Regardless of generation or gender, each person received a set.

There were gold and silver ornaments, along with stamps and old books he had collected over the years.

Yu Xiang’an received a pair of gold locks engraved with auspicious cloud patterns, heavy in the hand, along with two books about ingredients.

Other items varied, but everyone received gold ornaments. With so many people, it must have cost a great deal.

Lin Duzhong laughed. “I haven’t had many expenses all these years. Gold wasn’t as expensive before, so I saved some for you all. Gold holds its value. As for the other things, they may or may not be useful. You can decide what to do with them.”

He had a pension, and with the support of his children and grandchildren, he had indeed saved a considerable sum over the years. But after giving out all these gifts, his savings were nearly gone.

Receiving gifts was a joyful thing.

They, in turn, also prepared gifts for him. But he had made it clear beforehand that it was the thought that counted, and nothing expensive should be given.

So what they brought were practical things, food, clothing, and daily necessities.

Nothing costly.

Xu Haili received a pair of heavy gold bracelets. She loved such things.

Lin Duzhong had taken everyone’s preferences into account. Though all were gold, each piece was different in style. Not a single one was repeated.

Li Yuqiao received a pair of antique-style gold hairpins, exactly to her taste.

Lin Chuanbai received a gold plaque, similar to a gold bar. It was something to keep at home, not to wear, as it would be too heavy.

While Lin Duzhong was speaking with others, Lin Guangbai pulled Lin Chuanbai aside.

Frowning, he said, “Doesn’t Grandpa seem a bit off to you?”

The things he said, the gifts he gave, it all felt like he was leaving something behind.

“Is there something wrong with his health?”

Lin Chuanbai fell silent for a moment. “He’s been sleeping more and more. His energy is declining. The doctors checked and said it’s just the natural course of things.”

Lin Guangbai understood. For a moment, he did not know what to say. His feelings were tangled.

In the face of life and death, no matter how capable one was, there was nothing to be done.

Lin Houbai had sensed it too.

Even at such a celebratory banquet, there was little joy in him. But he had long grown used to keeping a stern face, so few noticed anything amiss.

After the banquet, those who had come from afar stayed at the hotel. Lin Chuanbai took the rest home.

Once home, Lin Duzhong held Lin Chuanbai’s hand and said, “You have the character of a good physician. That makes me very happy. I hope you will carry it forward and never forget your original intentions.”

There were medicines Lin Chuanbai could have priced high for great profit, but he chose instead to keep them affordable.

Not common cold remedies, but treatments for serious illnesses, drugs that were typically very expensive. Yet what he developed remained at the lowest end of that price range.

“What you do will bring you merit. In your next life, things will go smoothly.”

Next life?

Would that mean returning to their original world?

Or simply living out another life here and then disappearing completely?

Lin Chuanbai’s thoughts drifted.

There were already things about them that defied logic, but as for something even less tangible, like spirits, neither he nor Yu Xiang’an had ever encountered such things. This seemed to be an ordinary, material world.

So perhaps after death, there was simply nothing.

Did merit and blessings truly exist?

If their own chance to live again in this world came from saving others and doing good deeds, then what of those who had done even more good? What kind of reward would they receive?

The unknown inspired awe.

They did not realize that after they became wealthy and capable, their charitable work had become widely recognized. The public might not see it often, but those in higher circles were well aware.

The day after his 110th birthday, during his afternoon nap, Lin Duzhong slept longer than usual.

When someone went in to check on him, he had already stopped breathing.

His expression was peaceful.

He had long made arrangements for after his death. He wished to be cremated, and his ashes returned to his hometown to be buried with his wife. She had waited so long.

At his funeral, wreaths were sent from many sectors of society, including from figures who often appeared on national news.

Gu Shi also came to pay his respects.

He had known Lin Duzhong through the hospital where he worked.

They had grown familiar over time, speaking only of health, never mentioning Lin Yining.

Lin Duzhong knew Gu Shi had sought Yining out again after returning to the country.

Gu Shi had asked the questions that had long lingered in his mind. After that, he never came again, maintaining only a polite acquaintance with her.

He was not without regret, but there was no turning back.

If he persisted, the Lin and Wang families had countless ways to make things difficult for him.

—

Less than half a year after Lin Duzhong passed, Lin Houbai followed.

His health had never been as strong. Old injuries from the battlefield had taken their toll. Still, nearing ninety was a long life.

Li Yuqiao wept bitterly, her eyes swollen. It was hard to tell whether she mourned him or herself.

She had hoped her son would inherit most of Lin Houbai’s political influence, but in the end it went to Lin Guangbai.

Her son Tian Dong was doing well, holding a leadership position, but he could not compare. The two brothers could not both rise to the top.

His future was set. His authority would remain limited, and financially he would only have his pension.

Worse, she had no grandson.

Without a grandson, the family line would end.

Though she loved her granddaughter, it was not the same.

She was also on poor terms with her daughter-in-law. Now that Lin Houbai was gone, she would have to live with them.

Given how things had been between them before, would her daughter-in-law treat her well?

The more she thought about it, the harder she cried.

After a lifetime of effort, this was not the ending she had wanted.

After handling two funerals in succession, Lin Chuanbai and Yu Xiang’an became even more attentive to Yu Qingshan’s health.

He seemed in good condition for now.

But they would not take that for granted.

Yu Qingshan’s daily routine now included many more medical checkups. He knew it was because the younger generation worried about him, but he said nothing. In his own view, he could still eat well and sleep well, so he probably wouldn’t be meeting the King of Hell anytime soon.

Physically, he was fine. But it was also true that he lacked energy and motivation.

That was what made Yu Xiang’an start thinking.

If one had to point to a reason why the three elders had lived such long lives, there was one key contributor, the spiritual peaches from the space.

These peaches took a long time to ripen, and given Lin Duzhong’s age, he likely would not have lived to see them fully mature. So they had picked one early for study. In the end, Lin Chuanbai used the unripe fruit to produce a kind of juice. Experiments showed that rabbits who consumed it lived longer.

It did not extend their lifespan beyond natural limits, but the effect was real.

Because the substance could not be fully analyzed, Lin Chuanbai could not determine how much of Lin Duzhong’s longevity, reaching 110, was due to the “peach juice.” He could only conclude that its effects varied by individual constitution.

After all, Lin Duzhong, Lin Houbai, and Yu Qingshan had all consumed the same amount, yet their lifespans differed.

The reason lay in their physical condition. Lin Duzhong had always been robust. Lin Houbai had old injuries and a weaker foundation, which eventually confined him to a wheelchair and led to an earlier passing. Yu Qingshan, on the other hand, had maintained his health well and could likely live into his nineties without issue.

Even though she herself was no longer young, the thought of Yu Qingshan passing away still unsettled Yu Xiang’an.

When other people lost their parents, one could say “my condolences.” But when it happened to oneself, hearing those words often came with a sense of numbness. Only later, in everyday moments, would it sink in that the person waiting at home for dinner was gone, that the one sitting in front of the television watching the evening news and scolding her for spending too freely would never appear again.

Just imagining that sense of grievance and grief, Yu Xiang’an shook her head and refused to think further.

Because if she did, she would inevitably think of her parents in her original world. Original translation at HololoNovels dot com. 
So much time had passed, they might already be gone. Had they forgotten their daughter who had left so early?

No matter how old one was, having parents meant still being someone’s child. It gave a sense of security, a place of refuge.

Now, Lin Chuanbai was still working to analyze the composition of the spiritual peach. If it could be applied broadly, even if it did not extend lifespan, simply helping people reach eighty or ninety would already be an extraordinary achievement.

At present, the country’s average lifespan was only in the seventies. An extra decade could change many things.

Lin Chuanbai’s medicinal garden was now filled not only with ginseng but also with various instruments. He also had a private laboratory in the real world, one that moved with him. Wherever he went, the lab followed. He could enter it whenever he wished.

After returning, he went back into seclusion to continue his research.

Meanwhile, Yu Xiang’an looked at Yu Qingshan, who seemed listless, and began to think of ways to give him something to focus on. Simply put, she wanted to give him something to do, something light, not too tiring, not mentally exhausting.

Yu Qingshan spent most of his time in the Special Zone. He was not used to living elsewhere. He preferred the southern climate.

Summers were hot, but there was air conditioning, and one could travel to cooler places. Winters, however, barely felt like winters anymore. There were only a handful of days cold enough for heavy coats.

Traveling far was no longer appealing to him. He lacked the energy and had no interest in long trips.

These days, when he went out, it was mostly to buy breakfast and take a walk, or occasionally, with Li Dazhu, to check on their shops. But even that took effort. And if Li Dazhu drove him, the car’s license plate could be recognized, making it impossible to conduct quiet, unannounced inspections.

After some thought, Yu Xiang’an said, “Dad, there are people managing things already. Even if you don’t go check, it’s handled. How about this, what do you think about opening an exhibition hall?”

Yu Qingshan: ???

Over the years, Yu Xiang’an and Lin Chuanbai had turned over certain items that could not legally be privately owned to the state, while keeping the rest.

If they opened an exhibition hall, these items could be displayed publicly. They could say they had been exchanged for food long ago and buried underground when private ownership was not allowed.

Some of these items were of little value. Others could fetch millions at auction.

Because the collection was vast and varied, they had hired multiple experts to appraise, classify, and catalog everything.

There were antiques, as well as more recent items.

For example, currency issued before the second set of RMB in 1955, like the old ten-thousand-yuan notes, which were equivalent to one yuan in the later system.

The denomination had decreased, but purchasing power remained real.

There were also old marriage certificates, once styled like award certificates, unlike the small booklets used today.

Then there were ration coupons, grain coupons, sugar coupons, cloth coupons, things that had once been essential to daily life. The younger generation, like the twin sisters, had never used them. They had only seen them occasionally in books and had no real understanding of how they worked.

Ancient items were displayed in one section, modern ones in another.

Seeing these things stirred Yu Qingshan’s memories.

He would point to them and explain, “One catty of grain coupons, half a liang of sugar coupons, one chi of cloth coupons…”

Young people did not understand, but he would patiently explain.

When visitors of his own age came, they had even more to talk about. They would reminisce about borrowing cloth coupons, calculating purchases after payday, and all the little struggles of that time. There was no end to their stories.

Gradually, Yu Qingshan regained his spirit.

Every morning, he would set out with a thermos in hand, and he would not return until mealtime.

🌱🌿 🫧🍃