Chapter 111:

Yu Xiang’an went to the northeast. Besides Liu Sanbao by her side, there were also Song Dong and another person named Zhang Wukai, who could be considered Lin Chuanbai’s junior and was skilled in assessing the quality of medicinal herbs.

Qin Shenghua was the local authority there, so they visited him first. His family lived in the military family quarters. Yu Xiang’an and her group arrived at the nearest city to their stationed troops before meeting up.

Yu Xiang’an wasn’t sure if it was appropriate for them to enter.

Qin Shenghua: “There’s no issue at all. Would you like to see what military life is like? I can take you around.”

Tempted by his offer, Yu Xiang’an was genuinely interested.

Qin Shenghua: “If you want to go, then let’s go.”

Qin Shenghua’s family there included Yu Xiang’an’s eldest aunt, her sister-in-law, and Qin Shenghua’s two sons, both boys. Neither was currently at home—the older one had enlisted in the military, while the younger one was studying at a military academy.

Liu Sanbao and Zhang Wukai, who had never been to such a place before, were also very curious.

They bought some gifts in advance.

Visiting the eldest aunt, of course, they couldn’t go empty-handed. Additionally, although the Qin family didn’t have any young children at the moment, since they lived in the military family quarters, there were likely many children from neighboring households. So, they brought candies and nutritional supplements.

Qin Shenghua borrowed a car and drove them directly there. Upon entering the military base, they were surrounded by uniforms.

There were regulations—some areas were accessible, while others were off-limits. With Qin Shenghua accompanying them, they wouldn’t wander into restricted zones. Perhaps because he had given prior notice, many people greeted them warmly.

Yu Xiang’an didn’t have a deep impression of this eldest aunt. Even before she transmigrated into this world, the original host hadn’t interacted much with her. The aunt had followed her husband (Yu Xiang’an’s eldest uncle) to the military early on. After his passing, she stayed with her son and rarely returned home. Yu Xiang’an corresponded more frequently with Qin Shenghua, while her relationship with the aunt was limited to routine pleasantries.

If she wasn’t familiar with the aunt, she knew even less about her sister-in-law.

However, when they met, there was no visible awkwardness—they appeared very warm and welcoming.

The conversation grew even livelier when food was mentioned.

Yu Xiang’an carefully observed the accessible areas.

If either of her twins ever decided to join the military, she might frequently see scenes like this in the future.

The place was filled with young men in their prime, a sight both pleasing and enviable for their vitality.

Yu Xiang’an didn’t stay long. After satisfying her curiosity, Qin Shenghua took them to meet the medicinal herb supplier.

Since Qin Shenghua knew the location, they found the supplier without trouble.

Bai Yan brought out the herbs, and Zhang Wukai inspected them. The supplier wasn’t entirely sure what Yu Xiang’an intended to use them for. “Honestly, very few people buy these. I’ve been losing money promoting them.”

Yu Xiang’an: “But there are still a few who need them.”

Bai Yan: “True, but the demand is too low. If not for maintaining my reputation, I wouldn’t bother—it’s too much hassle.”

Now, with a large order, he wouldn’t have to operate at a loss anymore.

Zhang Wukai nodded—the medicinal properties were satisfactory. Yu Xiang’an extended her hand: “Pleasure doing business. Do you have anything else?”

Northeast China, bordered by mountains, had many valuable resources. Yu Xiang’an wanted to source some local specialties and unique ingredients. Bai Yan took them to Zhangzi Island, where they signed another contract—this time for sea cucumbers.

Yu Xiang’an even joined in the trendy activity of digging for ginseng in the mountains—an unconventional experience.

The ginseng had already been marked with red ropes by the diggers, so they could go straight to the spot and start excavating.

Digging ginseng was meticulous work—the roots couldn’t be damaged, requiring slow and careful effort.

Yu Xiang’an watched as they spent over two hours digging.

Yu Xiang’an: “…”

Though the ginseng grew in a different environment, the digging process was all too familiar to her.

Lin Chuanbai often dug them up in the medicinal garden.

They still had some stock left. Yu Xiang’an bought all the mature ginseng available—as a major buyer, she saw no reason to pass them up.

She also placed a long-term order: whenever they unearthed ginseng, she would purchase it at market price.

The Changbai Mountains were rich in treasures. Even for items not on her original list, Yu Xiang’an couldn’t resist buying them.

Given her large purchase volume, she secured wholesale prices, saving significantly. Qin Shenghua and the others also stocked up on some goods.

A generous farmer gifted each of them a sack of pine nuts—the large burlap kind.

Pine nuts weren’t scarce in the northeast, but these were carefully selected. Yu Xiang’an mailed hers to the twins.

There was also an unexpected find: Yu Xiang’an bought a tiger pelt from a former ginseng digger who had switched professions.

It came from a tiger that had once terrorized the mountains before being hunted down by their grandfather, a hunter. The pelt had been kept as a trophy for over thirty years but remained well-preserved.

The moment Yu Xiang’an saw it, she wanted to buy it.

Tigers were now protected animals, but this one had been hunted before such protections existed. Yu Xiang’an didn’t plan to make a habit of buying such items—no demand meant no harm. However, since this tiger had been killed after attacking people, she had no qualms about purchasing it.

She intended to gift it to Lin Chuanbai.

Qin Shenghua didn’t say much, but his longing gaze at the tiger pelt was unmistakable. Even the seller’s family was reluctant to part with it, but their child had been admitted to university and needed funds to settle in the city.

The tiger pelt was a rare treasure. Yu Xiang’an also acquired two wolf pelts and one bear pelt—these she bought deliberately. If she brought back the tiger pelt without something for Lin Duzhong and Lin Houpu, it might be awkward. So, she got one for each of them, with the extra wolf pelt going to Yu Qingshan.

All were high-quality items. She didn’t buy anything else—she wasn’t particularly interested. While she owned fur clothing for formal occasions, she was more intrigued by the meat beneath the pelts.

When she brought them back, Lin Duzhong and Lin Houpu were predictably enamored with the tiger pelt. Lin Duzhong even remarked, “Chuanbai is too young to make proper use of this tiger pelt—it’d just be for display. At my age, I can carry its presence better. Why not leave it with me?”

Lin Chuanbai, over the phone: “…Grandfather.”

Lin Chuanbai was also fascinated by the tiger pelt. In both his current and past life, he had never seen one. Tigers were rare, and many pelts either couldn’t be used or were kept as heirlooms. A complete, well-preserved pelt like this was a rarity. The thought of sitting on it like a throne thrilled him.

Lin Houpu had seen tiger pelts before—his unit had once killed one long ago during a mountain encounter with a starving tiger. Armed, they still suffered injuries: two men had their legs bitten, one had broken ribs, and all were wounded. They nearly lost lives before subduing the beast.

That tiger’s pelt, however, hadn’t been intact—it bore cuts and was smaller than this one. Even among tigers, this pelt was exceptional.

Under Lin Duzhong’s reluctance, Lin Chuanbai had to “lend” him the pelt for the time being.

Lin Houpu: “…”

He stayed silent, but as long as it remained there, he could enjoy it too.

—

The competition results hadn’t been announced yet when Yu Xiangju called Yu Xiang’an with exciting news. His voice brimmed with joy: “Fifth Sister, I’m getting married! Do you have time to come for the wedding?”

Yu Xiang’an: “You’re getting married? Who’s the lucky one? This seems sudden.”

Yu Xiangju sounded bashful: “I just knew she was the one—the person I want to spend my life with. We’re not young anymore, so we decided to marry. I’ve already called Dad—he said he’d come tomorrow.”

His voice was giddy with happiness.

Yu Xiang’an couldn’t help but smile: “Congratulations! How did you two meet?”

Yu Xiangju: “She’s the daughter of a department head in the office next to mine, a year younger than me. She’s great—a bit like you, actually. She’s a middle school teacher, assigned the job after graduating from technical school.”

It sounded reliable.

For the wedding, Yu Qingshan traveled there. Certain matters needed addressing beforehand: meeting the in-laws, discussing the couple’s circumstances, and planning the wedding banquet.

Since both Yu Xiangju and his fiancée had jobs, the banquet would be held there, with a visit to their hometown during the New Year for formal introductions.

Yu Qingshan used his savings, combined with Yu Xiangju’s, to secure a home and furnish it with essentials.

Barring any job transfers, Yu Xiangju would likely settle there permanently.

For their youngest brother’s once-in-a-lifetime event, all the siblings attended.

Yu Xiangyan also took leave to come.

Before the banquet, Yu Xiangqing asked if the bride knew about their family history.

It wasn’t a big deal, but she had the right to know.

Yu Xiangju nodded: “I told her. Aunt Zhao raised me for a while. If she’s doing well, I won’t interfere. But if she’s ever cast out, I’ll provide for her.” Yu Xiangju deeply distrusted Ding Minxiu’s character—most people wouldn’t do what she did. He feared she might abandon Zhao Qiaoniang at his doorstep if she knew where he was.

“Maybe because I heard Aunt Zhao talk about supporting her in old age so often, I’d feel guilty if I didn’t help when she had no one else.”

Yu Xiangqing was silent for a long moment: “It depends on whether Ding Minxiu and her son have any conscience.” If they did, they’d care for Zhao Qiaoniang. If not…

Yu Xiangju: “I made it clear—I won’t do much. If Aunt Zhao still favors Ding Minxiu and her grandson and expects me to support them, that’s not happening.” He refused to be exploited.

Supporting one person wasn’t difficult nowadays.

Yu Xiangju grinned: “I think leaving home back then was the right choice. Life’s good now—except I can’t be there for Dad.” He sounded guilty.

Yu Qingshan waved it off: “Nonsense. I’m in good health. When I’m too old to move, then we’ll talk about you being there. With so many children, do you really think I’ll lack company?”

Yu Xiang’an: “Of course not…” Currently, she was the one primarily supporting him.

At the banquet, Yu Qingshan got drunk. Unlike some who became talkative, he simply smiled at the newlyweds and the lively scene.

Yu Xiang’an monitored his drinks to prevent overindulgence—excess was harmful.

The wedding wasn’t large but was lively, held at a local restaurant. Aside from the groom’s family, there were the bride’s relatives and colleagues—around five or six tables in total.

Yu Xiang’an’s new sister-in-law had a bright, energetic demeanor. Her speech alone radiated vitality.

Yu Xiangqing took her aside: “My brother’s the youngest and hasn’t experienced much. He needs a wife like you to keep him in line. Live well together, and if he ever mistreats you, tell us—we’ll straighten him out.”

Yu Xiangju feigned offense: “Fourth Sister, what are you saying? I’d never do that!”

Yu Xiangqing presented them with a pair of gold rings. She and her husband had profited from trading treasury bonds.

“These rings are from an old goldsmith in our hometown. His shop was closed during the bans but recently reopened. He and his wife have been married over sixty years without a single quarrel. These are the first rings he made after returning to work. I hope you two can share a lifetime of harmony like them.”

Yu Xiangju’s eyes reddened: “Thank you, Fourth Sister. We will—we definitely will.”

Each sibling had prepared gifts.

Back home, the newlyweds unpacked them and found their savings had grown substantially.

Yu Xiangju reassured his startled wife: “My siblings are all doing well. Being the youngest has its perks.”

She laughed: “Then we’ll repay them through our nieces and nephews over time. There’s no rush…”

After the wedding, Yu Xiang’an returned to the special economic zone before the architectural designs were finalized.

Lin Chuanbai had already received the first batch of herbs from her northeast trip: “The quality is excellent.”

Yu Xiang’an: “Zhang Wukai said the same. But whether we’ll find herbs this good years from now is uncertain.”

Like with modern farming—growth accelerants shortened cultivation times but compromised taste. Medicinal herbs, used for healing, were even more sensitive. If their potency declined, formulas would need adjustments.

Yu Xiang’an: “I stressed that point. If quality drops later, we reserve the right to terminate the contract or return shipments.”

Lin Chuanbai sighed: “True. I’ve already rejected one batch.”

This issue didn’t just emerge in the twentieth century—it was already present in the nineties.

There’s no way around it.

Some companies might collude and use such tactics to deceive consumers. The best they can do is to cut profits and treat customers honestly.

You can’t control others, but you can control yourself.

Lin Chuanbai asked, “When is the ribbon-cutting ceremony?”

Yu Xiang’an had returned to the special economic zone to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony for an office building, which was about to officially open.

“Next week.”

They chose a weekend, when most people were off work.

Ding Minxiu and her family happened to be among the onlookers. The ceremony was lively, featuring a lion dance performance.

She and Zhao Qiaoniang had been drawn in by the excitement.

Many others, like them, had come just to watch the spectacle.

Zhou Changshou was also there.

It was a day off, and a rare chance to see something lively.

Zhou Changshou chuckled as he watched the energetic lion dance. “This is quite the grand opening! It’s been two years since I last saw a lion dance. The skills here are even smoother than our county’s troupe, though the style is a bit different. Look at the patterns—I still think ours look better.”

Zhao Qiaoniang studied the designs. “The patterns are indeed different. I also prefer our county’s—they look more majestic.”

On the raised stage, two lions sparred back and forth, competing to “pluck the greens.”

Occasionally, a particularly impressive move would draw cheers from the crowd.

“Bravo!”

When one lion successfully grabbed the greens, the crowd erupted in applause.

Ding Minxiu clapped along.

Two elderly men beside her clapped enthusiastically.

One remarked, “I wonder where they hired this lion dance troupe. The one I saw last month wasn’t nearly as good.”

The other replied, “Of course! Look at this office building—it’s much more impressive than last month’s. They must’ve spent a fortune.”

“They’re hiring cleaners here. Someone from my village got in. Apparently, most of the units are already pre-leased. Do you know how much the rent is?”

“How much?”

He held up a finger. “This much.”

The other man gasped. “That much—for one floor?”

“No, for one unit. A single floor is divided into multiple units.”

The other man marveled, “Are they all leased out?”

“How would I know? They probably kept some for themselves. The construction costs must’ve been huge. Who knows how long it’ll take to recoup the investment?”

“Rich people don’t care about that.”

“Times have changed. Wealth used to be a bad thing, but now, the more money, the better.”

“Yeah, it’s been over a decade since reform and opening up.”

“Back then, we couldn’t even imagine private ownership—wasn’t that considered capitalist? Now it’s all about letting some get rich first to help others, market economy and all that. I don’t really understand, but life has definitely improved.”

“It’s all thanks to good national policies.”

“True, we should be grateful to the country.” Zhou Changshou couldn’t help chiming in. “Life is much better now than before.”

Back in the day, someone his age would’ve retired with no chance of finding extra work. Now, he could still earn a little on the side while drawing his pension. “The only downside is inflation—money’s losing value fast.”

The two men nodded in agreement. “Exactly. Wages have gone up, but prices rise even faster. Back then, twenty or thirty yuan a month was enough to live on. Now? That barely covers anything.”

The other man laughed. “You’re exaggerating. Twenty or thirty yuan can still buy plenty. It’s just that you can buy more things now, so money doesn’t stretch as far.”

Ding Minxiu smiled as she watched the festivities—until a woman stepped onto the stage, holding scissors for the ribbon-cutting.

Her smile vanished.

She staggered back three steps, as if struck by lightning.

How could it be her?!

Though at a distance, Ding Minxiu recognized her instantly.

Why was Yu Xiang’an here?!

Right, she was in the special economic zone, but… Ding Minxiu stared up at the grand office building. Surely, the ribbon-cutting couldn’t involve someone unrelated.

She strained to recall what the emcee had just announced.

…So this building belonged to Yu Xiang’an?

The realization made Ding Minxiu’s eyes burn with fury. How could this be?!

She’d heard Yu Xiang’an was doing business in the special economic zone, but how had she grown it this big? Where did she get the ability?

If she was this capable, why hadn’t anyone in Baishi County mentioned it?

This had to be fake!

“She must know someone who asked her to help,” Ding Minxiu hissed, gripping Zhao Qiaoniang’s arm. “Right? Tell me I’m right!”

Zhao Qiaoniang opened her mouth but said nothing. She knew the truth—this was Yu Xiang’an’s building.

The Wuwei Restaurant was hers. The food plaza was hers. This office building being hers was no surprise. But she also knew her daughter didn’t want to hear that.

Ding Minxiu wanted denial.

But her outburst drew the attention of the chatting elderly men. One turned and chuckled, “Hey, missy, you really think that’s possible? If this belonged to someone else, who’d be foolish enough to let someone else cut the ribbon? And you don’t even recognize her? You must not follow local news. She’s been in the papers—a well-known entrepreneur here.”

Zhou Changshou’s smile faded. “What entrepreneur?”

A child nearby was snacking on instant noodles. The man pointed. “That’s from her factory. And over there—see that Wuwei branch? Also hers. Think about how many Wuwei locations there are. Those noodles sell nationwide, even overseas. She earns foreign exchange and pays hefty taxes.”

With every word, Ding Minxiu’s face darkened. Zhao Qiaoniang held her arm, fearing she’d lose control and cause a scene. In this setting, any outburst would only humiliate them, not Yu Xiang’an.

There she stood onstage, polished and poised, surrounded by security.

What could they do?

Nothing.

And what right did they have to make trouble?

Zhao Qiaoniang was terrified. What was her enraged daughter planning?

She tightened her grip on Ding Minxiu.

Ding Minxiu, hearing Zhao Qiaoniang’s hoarse plea, fell silent.

What justification did they have?

They’d only look unreasonable.

How was this fair?

Ding Minxiu stared at the woman onstage—elegant, confident, speaking into a microphone. The words barely registered, as if filtered through some unreal haze.

They existed in separate worlds.

She watched Yu Xiang’an from below, while Yu Xiang’an didn’t even know she was there.

They’d started from the same place.

How had their lives diverged so drastically?

In Zhao Qiaoniang’s anxious eyes, Ding Minxiu saw her own reflection.

So old.

So ugly.

Yet once, they’d been equals—she’d even been prettier. Why else would Zhou Boyang have chosen her?!

Now, she resented Zhou Boyang. If not for him, if she’d just gone to the countryside, she could’ve found a better man. She could’ve been a wealthy lady by now.

Those who’d endured past hardships had mostly rebounded, living better than most. If she’d seized that chance, she too could’ve thrived.

In that moment, she even blamed Zhao Qiaoniang.

Why had she given birth to her? If only she’d had a different father—or none at all. A stepfather who cared only for his own blood. She had nothing.

It was all her fault.

Zhou Changshou took her other arm. “Let’s go.”

Making a scene would only bring shame. Before leaving, he cast a complicated glance at Yu Xiang’an onstage.

So close. Just a little different, and she could’ve been his daughter-in-law.

If things hadn’t gone wrong, their family would’ve lived in luxury, enjoying the highest comforts. At his age, he’d be relaxing in style.

But his son had thrown it all away, letting this golden phoenix slip through his fingers.

Maybe the truth had been clear the moment she got into university.

Now, regret was too late.