Chapter 104:

Lin Chuanbai returned from the capital. Yu Xiang’an asked, “What was it about this time?”

Lin Chuanbai replied, “My professor wanted me to join one of his projects, but I turned it down. I just helped out for a couple of days. How did the fight turn out?”

Yu Xiang’an smiled, “It’s all settled. Your son and the boy he fought with, Zhang Tufei, actually became friends afterward. Adversity makes strange bedfellows.”

Lin Chuanbai nodded knowingly, “Boys’ friendships.”

Yu Xiang’an chuckled, “I took them out to sell baozi. Oh, and I have some good news for you.”

Lin Chuanbai raised an eyebrow, “Selling baozi—was that to teach them a lesson? What’s the good news?”

Yu Xiang’an explained, “I went to check on the Changyao Pharmaceutical Factory. It’s struggling right now, barely holding on. If the management doesn’t change soon, it won’t last much longer.”

Lin Chuanbai also had good news: “The new oral solution I developed works well for children’s fevers. It’s almost ready for clinical trials.”

Mass layoffs in state-owned enterprises weren’t common yet, but poorly managed factories had been struggling since the 1980s. Thanks to government support and bank loans, many had managed to limp along.

Lin Chuanbai wanted to establish an affordable pharmacy. He didn’t focus on drugs for serious illnesses—his private research was all about everyday medicines like cold remedies, fever reducers, iodine tinctures, and herbal teas. He only participated in major disease research projects at the university institute.

This focus on everyday medicine was a personal mission for him. Before his transmigration, the old Taoist who raised him once fell ill. Expensive hospital treatments didn’t help, but a cheap, little-known Chinese patent medicine eventually cured him. That left a deep impression, and he hoped to make more such medicines accessible to ordinary households.

Yu Xiang’an fully supported his idea: “If you want to do it, go for it.”

Profit wasn’t the main goal—breaking even would be enough.

Soon, a woman named Wang Yongle appeared in Guangzhou. She came from a martial arts family but had to seek work after some personal setbacks. Yu Xiang’an hired her to accompany the children. Since Lin Yining was a girl, having a female companion made conversations easier. At their age, no one would gossip.

—

Li Quanfu was a fifty-something farmer who had tilled the land his whole life. Before the founding of the People’s Republic, he and his parents worked for a landlord. After liberation, he farmed collective land under government directives. Later, the household responsibility system was implemented, and he farmed his own plot.

Farming for oneself was different from farming for the collective. The same land that once yielded 100 jin now produced 120 jin.

Li Quanfu was content, but his children didn’t want to farm. More and more people left to find work in cities, earning monthly wages. His children did the same, leaving their kids behind and only returning during busy farming seasons.

That was fine—he and his wife could manage. He thought life would continue this way, but then, at his age, he unexpectedly became a salaried worker.

A wealthy entrepreneur leased a vast area—farmland, hills, and even marshland. The hills had recently suffered a wildfire, and the charred land was now leased long-term. Workers were hired to clear and cultivate it.

Seeing the job offer, Li Quanfu tentatively applied. He might not be good at much, but farming was his forte.

To his surprise, he was hired. Now, he earned a monthly salary—right near his home. His wife and grandchildren could tend their own land while he worked nearby.

Many others like him were hired. The leased land spanned three villages, and workers from other areas were also recruited—some skilled in fish farming, others in raising turtles, sheep, or rabbits.

After a few months, Li Quanfu urged his children to return. Why work far away when they could earn wages close to home?

Yu Xiang’an invested gradually, avoiding financial strain. The hills were cleared step by step, with plans for fruit trees and timber. Some woods were prized for furniture-making.

These were long-term projects. Fruit trees and timber wouldn’t yield immediate returns, but Yu Xiang’an aimed to create a reliable supply chain. With so many questionable additives in food, homegrown produce was safer.

—

“Attracting investment” was a hot topic. Local governments sought outside capital to boost their economies. Incentives ranged from tax breaks to free or cheap land.

Bai County wanted foreign investment, but its lack of transportation hubs or natural resources made it a tough sell.

Meanwhile, Yu Shunwen and Yu Manchang, inspired by a trip to a special economic zone, sought investors for their village. They had a paper mill and a brick factory, making their village enviable—local men even found it easier to marry city girls.

But they wanted more. Their first approach was to Yu Mansheng, a successful construction businessman who had taken many village youths under his wing.

Yu Mansheng consulted Yu Xiang’an, who advised, “Invest if you want, but separate charity from business. Business is about profit—the approach is different.”

Lin Guangbai, Lin Chuanbai’s elder brother, managed a development zone and invited Yu Xiang’an to invest there. The incentives were tempting, but the distance made it impractical for now.

As for investing in her hometown, Yu Xiang’an was ambivalent. If she did, she’d focus on fruit—their local peaches were excellent—or a cannery. Otherwise, improving schools and roads would be her charitable contribution.

Yu Mansheng nodded, “I’ll think it over.” He needed to assess his finances first—he wasn’t as well-off as Yu Xiang’an.

Yu Xiang’an wasn’t opposed to investing elsewhere, but her current ventures needed consolidation. There was no rush—she’d wait a couple more years.

—

Lin Chuanbai and Yu Xiang’an received a package from Wu Zheng—a 60-year-old ginseng. Years ago, Lin Chuanbai had given her a century-old ginseng, which she used. Unable to find an equivalent replacement, she finally sourced this one.

Lin Chuanbai was touched but amused—he had plenty of ginseng. He’d have preferred rare herbs like saffron.

Yu Xiang’an teased, “If you released your ginseng stock, the market would crash.”

Lin Chuanbai grinned, “Not a bad thing. It’s a valuable asset.”

High-quality aged ginseng was becoming scarce—priceless for those who could afford it.

—

Lu Anran set up a meeting. Her friend Liang Yuan, a cosmetics entrepreneur, needed funding for a new line of bath products.

On the way to the spa, Lu Anran introduced Liang Yuan: “She’s my high school classmate, studied in the U.S., married a Chinese-American businessman, and recently returned to Hong Kong. She’s strong-willed but open-minded. Even if business doesn’t work out, she’d make a great friend.”

Liang Yuan, waiting at the spa, wore a chic pantsuit, her wavy blonde hair and bold red lips striking. She shook Yu Xiang’an’s hand, surprised by her youthful appearance.

Yu Xiang’an noticed Liang Yuan’s impeccably soft hands.

Liang Yuan smiled, “I played piano for years—I take hand care seriously.”

Lu Anran added, “She trained under a master. You should hear her play.”

Yu Xiang’an laughed, “I’ll look forward to it.”

As they relaxed, Liang Yuan asked about Lu Anran’s kids.

Lu Anran sighed, “They wanted the zoo. Their dad took them.”

Liang Yuan envied, “Your husband spends time with them? Mine’s always busy.”

Yu Xiang’an, noting Liang Yuan’s slim figure, asked, “How old’s your son?”

“Nine,” Liang Yuan replied.

Yu Xiang’an grinned, “Mine are older—twins, but not identical.”

Liang Yuan sighed, “I wanted a daughter, but childbirth was too painful. One’s enough.”

Yu Xiang’an joked, “I’m not ready to be called ‘Grandma’ yet!”

Her philosophy? Stay young at heart—forever eighteen.

—

(Note: Some cultural references and idioms have been adapted for natural English flow while retaining the original meaning.)

Lu Anran: “Your son is smart and capable, one child is worth several others. If you don’t want to have more, then don’t.”

Lu Anran knew how much she had suffered back then. Everyone’s pregnancy reactions are different. She was fine, but Liang Yuan had such severe reactions during her pregnancy that, without exaggeration, giving birth once nearly took half her life.

Yu Xiang’an also had a smooth delivery. When she went to the hospital to give birth, even the doctor couldn’t help but say, “That was fast!” It didn’t leave any psychological scars, so she could have more children if she wanted. But she and Lin Chuanbai didn’t want too many—two were enough.

Liang Yuan: “There’s no way to explain body constitution. You two are lucky.”

Yu Xiang’an: “Where are your children studying now?”

Liang Yuan: “In the U.S., with their grandparents. What about you? Are your two kids with you?”

Yu Xiang’an: “Mine are in Yangcheng, with their father…”

They chatted back and forth, getting to know each other better. If there were any major clashes in values or opinions, then the potential partnership would obviously fall through—that was part of the process.

An unreliable business partner is like throwing money into the water.

After getting massages there, Liang Yuan had a hand treatment. The three of them then moved to the jewelry store Lu Anran had mentioned.

Gold, gemstones, diamonds, jadeite, nephrite, amber…

This store had strong financial backing, and Yu Xiang’an saw many high-quality pieces. The staff also had sharp eyes—after a quick glance at their attire, they warmly approached them. “Welcome! Our store has a full range of jewelry. What would you like to see? Gold or jade?”

Lu Anran: “Let’s look at jadeite first.”

“Of course, this way please. This is the jadeite section. Here are our designer’s latest pieces this year—a full set made from high-grade ice-glass jadeite, including a necklace, bracelet, earrings, and brooch.” The salesperson noticed Liang Yuan’s focused attention and addressed her, “You can try them on. They’ll surely make you shine even brighter.”

This set happened to be Liang Yuan’s favorite—high-grade ice-glass jadeite. After a glance, she immediately asked to try it on. “Alright, help me put them on. Let me see.”

Meanwhile, two other staff members attended to Lu Anran and Yu Xiang’an. Yu Xiang’an said, “I’d like to see some elegant designs. I also want to buy a pair of pendants for my son and daughter. Any recommendations?”

The salesperson smiled warmly. “If we’re talking elegance, I’d recommend this set first. Take a look at its purity—I guarantee you won’t find many better in other stores.”

This emerald set caught Yu Xiang’an’s eye the moment she saw it—literally dazzling her.

“May I take a closer look?”

“Of course.”

Just as Yu Xiang’an picked it up to examine it, a voice suddenly came from behind. “This set is beautiful. Do you have more?”

The voice sounded familiar. Yu Xiang’an turned around and saw a face that was both familiar and strange.

Ke Manyun.

Her college classmate.

They hadn’t seen each other in years—the last time was at Wuwei Restaurant in the capital, where she and Liu Mingyue had gone for a meal and ended up in an unpleasant scene. After that, Yu Xiang’an had put her out of her mind.

She worked at a state-owned enterprise in the capital—what was she doing here?

And she was holding a man’s arm.

Had she gotten married?

Seeing Yu Xiang’an, Ke Manyun’s expression flickered before she beamed brightly. “Oh, it’s you, Vice Monitor. Long time no see.”

There was no point in being hostile to someone who was smiling. The past unpleasantness wasn’t anything too serious—just her jealousy acting up. Yu Xiang’an didn’t show any reaction. “Long time no see. Weren’t you in the capital? When did you come here?”

Ke Manyun: “Not long ago. I didn’t expect to run into you here.”

Lu Anran walked over and glanced at them. “Ran into an acquaintance?”

Yu Xiang’an smiled. “A college classmate.”

“College classmate”—a rather distant response. It had been so long since graduation, implying they had no other connection beyond that.

Lu Anran understood. So did Ke Manyun.

Her face fell slightly, and she lowered her eyes. “Yes, we were college classmates. It’s been so long, and being apart for years has made us strangers. Time changes everything.” The implication was that they had once been close, but distance and time had eroded their bond.

The man beside her cleared his throat. “Aren’t you going to introduce us?”

Ke Manyun: “This is my college vice monitor, Yu Xiang’an. This is my husband, Li Zhimu, from Hong Kong.”

Yu Xiang’an nodded. “Hello.”

Li Zhimu: “You’re all classmates? Is this lady also a classmate? I’m curious—was your entire class full of beauties like you? What a shame I missed out. I should’ve gone to your school back then—might’ve met you all sooner.”

His sincere praise made Yu Xiang’an study him more closely. He was of average height, slightly thin, wearing silver-rimmed glasses, giving off a scholarly vibe. The watch on his wrist—Yu Xiang’an recognized it—cost tens of thousands.

Clearly well-off.

Few women dislike being called beautiful. Lu Anran smoothed her hair. “Well, I’ll take your word for it. I’m Lu Anran, her cousin. Nice to meet you.”

Liang Yuan returned from trying on the jewelry and, upon seeing Li Zhimu, hesitated before saying, “It’s you?”

“Mrs. Chen, what a coincidence. When did you arrive in the Special Zone?”

They knew each other.

And Li Zhimu was being unusually attentive to Liang Yuan—so much so that Ke Manyun’s expression grew strained.

Liang Yuan was the kind of woman who instinctively put others on guard.

Li Zhimu smiled warmly. “What a coincidence. It’s almost mealtime—let me treat you all to dinner. I know a hotel with excellent food. How about we try it?”

Coincidentally, it was the same hotel Yu Xiang’an co-owned with Yu Mansheng.

Upon arriving, Yu Xiang’an couldn’t help but laugh. “If you mean this place, then it’s another coincidence—this hotel is jointly run by my brother and me.”

Li Zhimu and Liang Yuan were both surprised.

Li Zhimu: “What a small world. I’ve eaten here twice—the food is truly outstanding. Now, dining with the owners is an honor. Any chance of a special menu?”

Yu Xiang’an: “Of course—we’ll bring out our best dishes…”

Originally, this outing was meant for Lu Anran to introduce Yu Xiang’an and Liang Yuan and explore potential collaboration. But with Li Zhimu’s unexpected appearance, the conversation took a turn.

Watching Li Zhimu’s overly attentive behavior toward Liang Yuan, Ke Manyun struggled to maintain her smile.

Though he kept addressing her as “Mrs. Chen”—implying nothing improper—his attitude…

Feeling uncomfortable, Ke Manyun grew quiet, but Li Zhimu didn’t seem to notice.

He continued chatting with Liang Yuan and Yu Xiang’an.

With the owners present, the kitchen went all out—dishes arrived swiftly, and they ate while talking.

Li Zhimu: “It tastes even better than the last two times.”

Liang Yuan also approved. “I’ll definitely come back.”

Near the end, Liang Yuan finally brought up the main topic: “A friend sent me some research data on shower gel and shampoo formulas she developed. I’ve tested them—the results are decent. Since I’m back in Hong Kong, I’m considering setting up a factory in the Special Zone to produce them. What do you think?”

Hearing this, Li Zhimu adjusted his glasses, unable to suppress a smile. “What a coincidence—I recently acquired a plot of land that’s still vacant. If you need it, don’t hesitate. I’ve been wanting to enter this industry. If Mrs. Chen could give me this opportunity, that’d be wonderful.”

Liang Yuan looked at Yu Xiang’an. “And you? What are your thoughts?”

Yu Xiang’an glanced at Li Zhimu. “Profitable ventures always interest me, but I have a question…”