Chapter 114:

Yu Xiang’an and Lin Chuanbai knew this was a carefully considered decision and expressed their support.

Times have changed. Large-scale wars are rare now, and unless one is assigned to special frontline missions, military service is relatively safe.

Because of his choice, Wu Zheng personally came over to discuss the pros and cons of various military academies with Lin Yihong in detail, along with other military options for him to consider.

She had been in the military for years, and no one understood the armed forces better than she did.

Lin Houpu had also served in the military, but since his discharge years ago, some of his knowledge was no longer up-to-date or comprehensive.

Lin Yihong had already decided on his future path, and Lin Yining had also more or less settled on hers.

Neither of them felt pressured. Their parents and elders had given them the freedom to pursue whatever they wanted without worries.

With their parents’ support, financial burdens were nonexistent. If they chose politics, their grandfather and uncle had connections. If they opted for the military, their grandmother was well-established there, and their grandfather still had some influence.

Lin Yining had once considered becoming a teacher. Why?

Because of the summer and winter vacations.

Though teaching was demanding, and guiding young minds carried great responsibility—she worried about leading them astray—she still believed it was worth trying.

She didn’t want to spend her days in a research lab like her father. While she admired people like him, she didn’t enjoy that lifestyle.

She wanted to be a teacher. She loved calligraphy and painting. Looking further ahead, she could transition into administration or even become a principal. After all, a soldier who doesn’t dream of being a general isn’t a good soldier—she could aim higher.

She was already focusing on calligraphy and painting, making up her mind earlier than Lin Yihong.

When it came time for the college entrance exam, she aimed for the best university in the country, then graduate school, and eventually a teaching position, climbing the ladder step by step.

Plans might change in the future, but for now, this was her vision.

Lin Yining’s exact words: *”I’m going to be a cultured person—my calligraphy and paintings will be so sought-after that people won’t be able to buy them even if they offer money!”*

That said, she never stopped her martial arts training. In times of danger, relying on oneself was better than relying on others.

If she could save herself, she wouldn’t have to depend on anyone else, ensuring she wouldn’t miss an opportunity to escape.

It couldn’t be helped—she often mingled with a security company staffed by veterans who shared stories of dangerous encounters, making her more conscious of personal safety.

Given their family’s wealth, they were prime targets for kidnapping.

Their close friends had also settled on their futures: Wang Lipan would likely attend the same military academy as Lin Yihong, Chen Yi wanted to be a doctor, and Zhuo Mingwei planned to study abroad after the college entrance exam.

One by one, they were strengthening their wings, ready to soar into the future.

Since the twins were in their final year of high school, Yu Xiang’an and Lin Chuanbai made an effort to spend more time at home. Even if they were busy during the day, at least one of them would be home by the time the kids returned.

Having parents at home made a difference. The twins had always excelled academically, but senior year demanded extra effort—there were plenty of prodigies to compete with.

If they slacked off, their grades would slip. Lin Yining still aimed for the best university and couldn’t afford to relax.

Yu Qingshan, their grandfather, had practically moved in with them. If the parents weren’t home, he was always there.

The twins had never felt such attention growing up, but now, in their final year, they were overwhelmed—though touched—by their family’s concern. Motivated, they studied harder. If they were willing to learn, Yu Xiang’an spared no expense in hiring top tutors.

When Yu Mingyao occasionally visited and saw them receiving one-on-one tutoring, she shuddered.

Had she studied like this, she might have gotten into a better school—but the pressure would have been unbearable long-term.

Whenever Yu Xiang’an was home, she stocked the fridge with fresh ingredients, cooking delicious meals infused with spiritual spring water.

Yu Xiang’an was skilled in the kitchen, and the twins had picked up some cooking skills themselves, surpassing most of their peers.

They learned partly to satisfy their own cravings and partly because cooking, like their mother, was a way to relieve stress.

Though they rarely felt overwhelmed, occasionally, frustration struck—like when Lin Yining, irritated by a difficult problem, abruptly stood up, tossed her pen aside, and stormed into the kitchen.

She rummaged through the fridge: tomatoes, carrots, cucumbers, eggs, potatoes… some fruit, and two bags of bread.

She grabbed the bread—time for a sandwich.

She sliced carrots into cubes, diced bell peppers, and shaved corn kernels. She layered ham and bacon on the flattened bread, sprinkled the chopped vegetables, and added crushed seaweed. Finally, she cracked an egg in the center, topped it with cheese, and carefully slid it into the oven.

*”Ding—”*

When the timer went off, she pulled out the sandwich, covered it with another slice of bread, and cut it diagonally.

Her mood improved as she carried it out. Lin Yihong, still scribbling away, grabbed it with his left hand, eating while solving problems.

Lin Yining sipped freshly squeezed watermelon juice, her frustration fading. She picked up her pen and tackled the problem again.

They had participated in competitions for extra credit, but those were just bonuses—their real strength lay in their own abilities.

When Yu Xiang’an returned with beef, she peeked into the study. The twins were deep in their books.

*”I bought beef—steak or hot pot?”*

Lin Yining: *”Steak.”*

Lin Yihong: *”Hot pot.”*

Yu Xiang’an grinned. *”Both it is.”*

The beef was from her space—premium cuts reserved for family.

When Lin Chuanbai came home, the aroma of food filled the air.

*”What’s cooking? Smells amazing.”*

Lin Yihong, taking a break on the couch with a newspaper, replied, *”Steak and beef hot pot.”*

He folded the paper and headed to the kitchen. *”Dad’s back—dinner’s ready.”*

At the table, they chatted between bites.

Lin Chuanbai asked Yu Xiang’an, *”How’s the renovation going?”*

She had repurposed the old factory site. The land, bought cheaply years ago, had been relocated to a more remote area, freeing up the prime location for development.

Now, it housed a hotel, a shopping mall, a food court, a fashion district, and a European-style garden for photos and leisure. Once smartphones became widespread, it would attract crowds.

For now, the hotel and food court were open, while the mall was still under renovation—yet businesses were already lining up to lease space.

Once completed, it would be a goldmine.

Yu Xiang’an: *”Almost done. Just some finishing touches—about ten more days.”*

The twins had visited similar malls before—shopping, arcades, everything in one place. Lin Yining loved the convenience.

In Guangzhou, there was already a food court. On weekends, she’d try new dishes there—affordable and diverse.

*”I’ll check it out once it’s done.”*

She’d seen the blueprints and models, but reality might differ.

Yu Xiang’an: *”The real thing’s a bit different.”*

Lin Yining: *”Better or worse?”*

Yu Xiang’an: *”I think it’s fine. Your grandpa doesn’t like it.”*

Yu Qingshan shook his head. *”I prefer plain, square buildings.”*

The others: *”…Not surprised.”*

Suddenly remembering something, Yu Qingshan glanced at the twins but waited until after dinner, when they’d returned to studying, to ask Yu Xiang’an:

*”Did you find out who was causing trouble? Was it someone from back home? Who was it?”*

During renovations, someone had sneaked in at night—splashing dog blood at the entrance, littering, and vandalizing freshly painted walls.

After two incidents, Yu Xiang’an increased security. The third time, the culprit was caught red-handed.

Yu Xiang’an: *”We got them.”*

Yu Qingshan: *”Who? A competitor?”*

Yu Xiang’an sighed. *”No. Someone we know.”*

Yu Qingshan frowned. *”Who?”*

Yu Xiang’an: *”Ding Minxiu.”*

Yu Qingshan blinked. *”Who?”*

Yu Xiang’an repeated, *”Ding Minxiu. Yes, that Ding Minxiu.”*

Lin Chuanbai frowned. *”Why?”* He remembered her—but they hadn’t interacted in years. What was her motive?

Yu Xiang’an: *”I didn’t recognize her at first. She’s the one who called me out.”*

They hadn’t seen each other in decades, with no prior conflicts. Yu Xiang’an was baffled. *”What did I do to her?”*

Yu Qingshan: *”What did she say?”*

*”Nonsense—about justice, ill-gotten gains. First, dog blood. Then trash and graffiti. The third time? A dummy to scare people.”*

If rumors of hauntings spread, business would suffer.

Yu Xiang’an: *”I didn’t know it was her. I called the police. She panicked when they arrived. I didn’t listen—let the law handle it. She needs a lesson.”*

Delays cost money. No leniency—just consequences.

Private settlement?

Not a chance.

Even a light punishment was better than a meaningless apology.

Yu Qingshan’s expression soured. If he hadn’t just eaten, this news would’ve ruined his appetite. *”Let the police teach her a lesson. Was she alone?”*

Yu Xiang’an: *”Yes. Her mother probably didn’t know. She showed up after the arrest, but I avoided her.”*

She could imagine Zhao Qiaoniang begging for mercy—but why should she oblige?

They’d stayed out of each other’s way for years. Now Ding Minxiu caused trouble, and she was supposed to be magnanimous?

No. She wasn’t that forgiving.

Even if they were strangers, such actions were unacceptable.

Yu Qingshan sighed deeply. *”What was she thinking? Some things just shouldn’t be done.”*

Lin Chuanbai: *”Who knows? People are unpredictable. Don’t dwell on it, Dad.”*

Yu Xiang’an also nodded, “That’s right, Dad. Look at how furrowed your brows are. We cut ties ages ago, and I still remember exactly what happened back then. I’ll remember it for the rest of my life.” This was something she could never forget—if it weren’t for Ding Minxiu and Zhou Boyang, the original owner wouldn’t have died from illness.

Yu Qingshan nodded. “I understand the logic, but it just doesn’t sit right with me. Do you know how they’re doing now?”

Yu Xiang’an shook her head. “Not well. Ding Minxiu’s son is a freeloader—talks a big game but refuses to do any actual work. Now, the whole family is still working to support him.”

Yu Qingshan had heard bits and pieces about this. Whenever he went back, people would update him on the Zhou family’s situation. He knew they doted on their only grandson, spoiling him rotten until he became unwilling to lift a finger. The boy married young, had kids, and now his whole little family leeches off the elders.

Sometimes, Yu Qingshan wondered—was this karma?

Back then, the Zhou family had sided with Zhou Boyang and Ding Minxiu for the sake of their unborn child, Zhou Tianyou. But after he was born, they spoiled him into uselessness.

Was that love? No, it was harm.

They would grow old and die. Without them, how would Zhou Tianyou survive?

Even an “iron rice bowl” wasn’t guaranteed forever. He’d seen plenty of people forced into early retirement—who could predict the future?

In stark contrast, his daughter had weathered the storm of gossip, met her current husband—who was far more capable than Zhou Boyang—and built a happy life together. They soon had twins, a boy and a girl, blessed with good fortune.

Now, in the blink of an eye, his grandson was about to take the college entrance exams. Over a decade had passed—why couldn’t they let go?

The harassment—throwing trash, vandalism, even pretending to haunt them—was all just petty attempts to stir up trouble for his daughter.

Why?

Yu Qingshan figured it was simple: Ding Minxiu’s life was miserable, and seeing his daughter thrive made her bitter. Envy had turned her eyes red, driving her to lash out.

But what was the point?

Their lives had long since diverged like parallel lines.

Yu Xiang’an studied her father’s expression. “Dad, if I’d known it’d bother you this much, I wouldn’t have brought it up. Look how upset you are.”

Yu Qingshan forced a lighter tone. “I’m just sighing over how much has changed. I’m fine.” Age made the past feel heavier.

Before his daughter had told him about Zhou Boyang and Ding Minxiu’s affair—and the pregnancy—what had been weighing on him?

Arranging for Ding Minxiu to be sent to a nearby rural area instead of some remote backwater. Preparing his younger daughter’s dowry for her marriage into the Zhou family. His father’s serious illness, which had drained the family savings. Making sure his second son and fourth daughter in the countryside weren’t neglected…

Life had been full of problems, but his heart had been light.

Yu Xiang’an remembered that time too—freshly arrived in this world, discovering the original owner’s suffering, and facing the looming threat of being sent to who-knows-where. She knew herself well enough: farming wasn’t for her. The uncertainty had been terrifying—until she met Yu Qingshan.

A father with strong morals and clear judgment. With him by her side, many worries faded. She’d finally felt secure.

Seizing the moment, Yu Xiang’an brightened. “Let me share some good news—Yuhong’s pregnant! You’re going to be a great-grandfather. Happy?”

Yu Mingjie and Meng Yuhong had been married for years without children. Now, at last, they were expecting.

Yu Qingshan perked up instantly. “Really?”

“Really,” Yu Xiang’an confirmed. “They went for a checkup, and a friend at the hospital tipped me off. They’ll probably tell you tomorrow—I’m just leaking it early.”

Genuine joy spread across Yu Qingshan’s face. His eldest grandson and wife had been anxious, even suspecting fertility issues after years of tests and treatments. Now, finally—a baby!

A baby was good. A baby was wonderful.

Boy or girl, it would be a blessing.

……

Li Yujiao was growing anxious. Lin Houpu was nearing retirement. His age had helped her son, Tiandong, but some resources had also shifted to Lin Guangbai—higher-ranked, more experienced, with achievements to his name. With extra support, Guangbai’s rise was smoother, like a tiger gaining wings.

But Tiandong? His career was still young. Though Lin Houpu’s influence shielded him from outright sabotage or credit theft, he had to climb step by step.

Asking Lin Houpu to pull strings for a promotion? Impossible.

Lin Houpu had his biases, but not enough to break rules. Tiandong would have to earn his way up.

Time wasn’t on his side.

He hadn’t fully grown before his father’s retirement loomed—youth, for once, was a disadvantage.

Worse, his wife—finally married after much effort—had given birth to a daughter. To Li Yujiao, this meant no son to carry on the family line.

Both parents had government jobs. Violating the one-child policy would cost them their positions.

No son? Only a daughter? Unacceptable.

After her granddaughter’s birth, Li Yujiao’s satisfaction with her daughter-in-law soured.

She’d considered secretly having another child, but the era of denunciations had taught her caution. Pregnancy couldn’t be hidden forever.

The only legal way to have a second child was if the first died. But harming her granddaughter was unthinkable—she wanted a grandson, yes, but not at that price.

Her daughter-in-law had already gotten an IUD and refused more children, content with one.

Out of options, Li Yujiao began plotting divorce. If the couple split, her son could remarry—and try for a son with a new wife.

The idea was cruel. She kept it to herself, scheming quietly.

After much deliberation, to avoid damaging Tiandong’s career, Li Yujiao resolved to play the villain—making her daughter-in-law’s life unbearable until she demanded a divorce.

But reality proved stubborn.

Her daughter-in-law—daughter of Lin Houpu’s old comrade—was no pushover. Both had jobs and lived apart, visiting only monthly. Enduring a few days of nagging was manageable.

Moving in together wasn’t an option either. Li Yujiao had to stay close to Lin Houpu—lest his other sons sway him in her absence.

Sacrificing the big picture for petty gains? Unthinkable.