Chapter 116:

It felt like in the blink of an eye, May had arrived, and the college entrance exam was just around the corner. The twins’ academic performance had largely stabilized by now, and the remaining time was all about consolidating their knowledge. Lin Chuanbai and Yu Xiang’an provided them with a stable living environment, paying extra attention to their diet—avoiding excessive seafood and grilled meats to prevent stomachaches or gastroenteritis, which could derail their plans.

While they were busy reviewing, Yu Xiang’an quietly prepared their coming-of-age gifts. Once they got into university, they would essentially be independent, ready to carve out their own lives. She didn’t plan to tell them about the gifts until after they received their admission letters, not wanting to distract them with unnecessary thoughts.

During this period, the twins received plenty of encouragement from family and friends—some called, others wrote letters. Regardless of the method, the message was clear: they were loved and supported. The twins were highly self-disciplined, knowing full well the importance of these final days. They studied relentlessly, almost to the point of burning the midnight oil.

Among their classmates, Zhuo Mingwei planned to study abroad. Though some universities considered college entrance exam scores, he didn’t slack off either. Everyone was on edge.

Yu Xiang’an was just as tense. After raising these two well-behaved and sensible children for so many years, how could she not care deeply? This exam would shape their entire future. A good university meant a strong starting point. Even if they had more choices than most, a prestigious institution would always be an advantage—a platform to meet outstanding mentors and like-minded peers.

Day by day, Yu Xiang’an grew more anxious—more so than she had been for her own college entrance exam. She knew what was at stake.

Lin Chuanbai chuckled wryly, “No wonder so many parents wait outside the exam halls every year. I completely understand now.”

Finally, the day arrived. Yu Xiang’an booked rooms near the exam site so the twins could rest during lunch breaks. She even borrowed a kitchen to prepare their meals herself.

No questions about their performance.

No added pressure.

Just care for their well-being.

Judging by their expressions, they seemed to have done well.

When the last exam ended, even the usually reserved Lin Yihong couldn’t contain his excitement, rushing out of the school like a wild horse set free. Seeing this, Yu Xiang’an and Lin Chuanbai, waiting under a tree, couldn’t help but smile.

At last, it was over.

In the car, Lin Yining’s voice was noticeably higher than usual. “Mom, I want to eat all kinds of delicious food! And I want to travel, go somewhere new. Ugh, I’ve been so cooped up—it’s been exhausting!”

She didn’t seem the least bit concerned about her results.

Yu Xiang’an agreed, “Sure, but first, you need to estimate your scores.”

Back then, students had to estimate their scores before filling out university applications—unlike later years when they could choose schools after knowing their actual results.

Lin Yining groaned, “Ugh, we have to fill out applications first?”

Seeing her reaction, Yu Xiang’an relaxed. “You did well, didn’t you?”

Lin Yining grinned. “I feel pretty good about it. Everything went smoothly—no major hurdles.”

Lin Yihong nodded in agreement. “Same here.”

Instead of going home, Yu Xiang’an took them straight to school to estimate their scores with their classmates.

Their teachers couldn’t hide their smiles. This year, their school’s ranking in the province was bound to improve.

Just as they’d expected, the twins had performed consistently. They could pick any university they wanted.

With that weight off their shoulders, they finally relaxed. Yu Xiang’an gave them each a sum of money to go out, have fun, and shop for things they might need in college—storage boxes, wallets, shoes, and even a few items to make a good impression.

Their daily lives weren’t filled with extravagance. Their home, though spacious, was decorated modestly—comfort was the priority. If they ever craved luxury, they could always stay at a hotel for a couple of days.

The twins spent their days out with friends, returning only in the evenings. Yu Xiang’an didn’t interfere.

Once they’d had their fill of fun, she took them to “inspect” their new properties.

Yu Xiang’an and Lin Chuanbai had prepared four properties for each of them—one in Guangzhou, one in the special economic zone, one in the capital, and one in Changsha. All were spacious apartments over 120 square meters, with the one in the capital being a duplex. The twins’ properties were either next-door neighbors or upstairs-downstairs, already furnished and ready to move in after a quick clean.

Additionally, they each received two commercial properties. Yu Xiang’an made it clear upfront:

“From now on, your dad and I won’t be giving you living expenses. The rental income from these properties will be your allowance. You can choose to keep collecting rent or repurpose the spaces—it’s up to you. These properties are yours. If you sell them, that’s your decision, but don’t expect us to replace them. Consider this a simple division of assets. The only other financial support you’ll get from us is when you get married. As for the rest of our money, your dad and I are still young and healthy—don’t count on inheriting it anytime soon.”

The twins: “…”

Talk about an overnight windfall.

Previously, Yu Xiang’an and Lin Chuanbai had been strict with money—letting them keep their New Year’s red envelopes but otherwise controlling their allowances. Now, it was like night and day.

Though they didn’t have much cash on hand, their total assets were substantial.

As for the “division of assets,” they didn’t fully grasp the concept yet. For now, they planned to keep collecting rent—managing the properties themselves would be too time-consuming, especially since their chosen universities weren’t in the special economic zone.

Yu Xiang’an also mentioned that once their admission letters arrived, she’d gift them one or two more commercial properties near their schools.

They could explore other ventures if they wanted. After all, college was the time to be bold and adventurous. Once they started working, life would inevitably become more constrained.

For Lin Yihong, those constraints were already set in stone with his military academy enrollment.

Lin Yining, though determined, was still young. She could always change paths if she wanted.

If neither chose to take over the family business, they’d have to see if any future grandchildren showed interest. Otherwise, they’d hire professional managers.

Where there’s a will, there’s a way.

When the admission letters arrived, Wang Lipan indeed became Lin Yihong’s classmate.

Everything was settled.

Once the twins left for college, Yu Xiang’an and Lin Chuanbai were finally free. For years, they’d had to accommodate their children’s schedules. Now, with the twins off to university, they could focus on themselves—no more pretending to sleep early just to sneak into their space.

When it was time to leave for school, the twins learned one last thing: Wang Yongle would escort them—first to Changsha, then to the capital. Their parents wouldn’t be going. They were adults now; they could handle things themselves.

The twins: “…”

Felt like the moment they got into college, they’d turned into weeds in their parents’ eyes.

Yu Qingshan: “…”

Not seeing them off to college was one thing—they were grown-ups, after all. But ever since the twins left, Yu Xiang’an and Lin Chuanbai seemed to have reverted to their youthful selves—dating, traveling, living spontaneously.

It took a while before they settled back into their routines.

Yu Qingshan shook his head. Ah, youth.

Personally, he didn’t agree with giving the twins so many assets at their age.

What if they impulsively sold everything and squandered the money? That would be a disaster.

Though he trusted their character, the sheer amount of wealth involved made him uneasy.

But Yu Xiang’an, Lin Chuanbai, and the twins were all on board. Outnumbered, he could only watch from the sidelines.

—

College life was undeniably vibrant.

Classmates came from all over the country, and dormmates had diverse backgrounds, ages, and personalities. For the twins, this was their first time living in a dorm. Lin Yihong had no choice, but Lin Yining didn’t want to be an exception. If she got along with her roommates, she planned to stay in the dorm all four years—missing out would be a shame. She could always visit her off-campus apartment on weekends, maybe to do laundry or cook.

They adjusted quickly.

Lin Yihong, confined to campus under strict military management, had little freedom. Lin Yining often joked how glad she was not to have chosen a military academy—otherwise, she’d be stuck too.

Another notable development: Lin Yining was soon voted her department’s “campus belle.”

Outwardly, she played it cool, modestly deflecting the title. Inwardly, she was thrilled.

She kept a low profile on campus, describing her family as “small business owners.” Her lifestyle was slightly better than average but never ostentatious. Unlike some wealthy peers who flaunted their status, she blended in seamlessly.

Everyone had their own way of living.

She wanted to be accepted by her classmates. Flaunting wealth would only create a divide.

She often visited her great-grandfather, Lin Duzhong.

At this point, Lin Duzhong was practically a walking advertisement. Thanks to the ginseng tonic wine Lin Chuanbai provided, he remained remarkably healthy—a living testament that tempted many elderly buyers.

The tonic wine was now rarely sold publicly. Even pre-orders couldn’t meet demand, as connections and rising prices only made it more sought-after.

Lin Yining always brought gifts when visiting Lin Duzhong.

With four rental properties funding her lifestyle, her wallet was plenty full!

Li Yujiao, on the other hand, seethed with envy.

What use did a girl have for so many properties? Once she married, they’d belong to someone else.

Such nouveaux riches! And her parents—so wealthy, yet they’d forgotten they had another son!

Her daughter-in-law’s situation wasn’t going well either. Her attempts to bully the girl into divorce had backfired, earning her a reputation as a vicious mother-in-law. Now, whenever she visited her son, her daughter-in-law was conveniently absent.

Her reputation was the girl’s revenge—so effective she could barely even see her granddaughter anymore.

Li Yujiao regretted marrying her son into such a powerful family. A less influential daughter-in-law would’ve been easier to control.

Occasionally, Lin Yining overheard Li Yujiao’s complaints at Lin Duzhong’s place. She inwardly sighed.

Why must women make life harder for each other?

Her aunt had the worst luck—married into this family, then treated like an enemy for not bearing a grandson. As if gender were something she could control!

If anyone was to blame, it was her uncle—he was the one who’d fathered a daughter.

Lin Yining kept these thoughts to herself, careful not to get dragged into the drama.

She knew Li Yujiao coveted their properties.

Lin Duzhong had tried reasoning with her, but she wouldn’t listen. As her father-in-law, there was only so much he could say.

Since her granddaughter’s birth, Li Yujiao had visibly aged. Once meticulous about her appearance—always well-dressed, consuming black sesame for glossy hair—she now had streaks of white and deeper wrinkles.

Her demeanor had grown even sharper.

That day, Lin Yining brought some freshly baked sponge cake. “Great-Grandpa, try this! It’s from a new shop near campus. Their stuff is amazing—always a long line.”

Lin Duzhong happily took a bite. “Delicious!”

Lin Yining smiled. “I’ll get more next time.”

Lin Duzhong beamed. “Lucky me! Last time, you mentioned an old classmate got in touch. How’d that go?”

Since returning to the capital, Lin Yining had reconnected with childhood friends—former neighbors, classmates.

Some were in college, others working, a few abroad.

This particular friend had left for overseas after middle school. They’d grown up close and played together often.

Lin Yining nodded. “We’re in touch. He’s a freshman now too. Said he wanted to come back for university, but his parents wouldn’t let him.”

Their school has quotas for government-funded study abroad programs, and every year there’s fierce competition for them.

However, some people are too attached to home and don’t want to live abroad.

Lin Duzhong laughed: “That’s rare. Do you plan to go abroad for graduate studies in the future?”

Lin Yining was considering a double major for her undergraduate degree. As for graduate school, she hadn’t made up her mind yet.

“Great-grandpa, I’ll think about it later. Some things abroad are indeed more advanced than ours, but there’s a lot I’m not used to.”

She frowned.

She had visited many countries before, and short stays were fine, but she couldn’t adapt to long-term living abroad.

The biggest issue was the food.

Her palate had long been spoiled.

Lin Duzhong: “Then take your time to think. No rush. By the way, come fishing with me tomorrow—I’ll introduce you to an old friend of mine.”

One of his frequent fishing buddies happened to be a renowned professor in the Chinese Literature Department at Lin Yining’s university.

Lin Yining needed a mentor—not just a teacher who instructs many students, but one who would take her on as a personal disciple.

Yu Xiangan had previously taken her to visit several prestigious and accomplished teachers, but after assessments, she had been rejected.

Lin Duzhong: “I’ve known him for a long time. Since you want to continue practicing calligraphy in college, I’ll help make the connection. If the two of you click…” He didn’t need to finish the sentence.

Lin Yining grew excited—who wouldn’t want a great mentor? “Which professor is it?”

Lin Duzhong: “His surname is Shi.”

“I know him!” Lin Yining’s eyes lit up.

“I’ve even practiced his calligraphy copybooks—his style has a unique elegance. But when I try to imitate it, I can capture the form but not the spirit.”

Just then, the sound of a car pulling up was heard. It was the weekend, and Lin Tiandong had called ahead to say he’d be bringing his wife and daughter home. Because of this, Li Yujiao had been busy shopping for groceries since early morning.

“Uncle, Auntie, and Xuanxuan~” Lin Yining greeted them cheerfully.

The little girl, now just over a year old, was chubby and fair-skinned, her words still unclear—utterly adorable.

Li Yujiao had wanted a grandson, but faced with such a granddaughter, she couldn’t muster any frustration.

Seeing Lin Yining, Yao Yuyan, the aunt, smiled warmly—she liked this niece.

They just clicked.

Lin Yining leaned in front of Xuanxuan. “Hey, Xuanxuan, remember me? I’m your Ningning sister!”

Xuanxuan beamed and called out in a sweet, childish voice, “Sister!”

Lin Yining’s heart melted. The little one was just too cute—impossible to resist. “So well-behaved! I bought some sponge cake—want to try it? It’s super yummy!”

Lin Duzhong chimed in, “Yeah, it’s really good.”

Yao Yuyan asked, “Xuanxuan, do you want some?”

Xuanxuan was practically drooling. “Yes!”

Yao Yuyan prompted, “Then what should Xuanxuan say?”

Without hesitation, Xuanxuan replied, “Thank you!”

Yao Yuyan praised, “So clever!”

Lin Yining: “…” The sheer cuteness of this well-behaved baby was lethal!

She felt utterly defeated.

Yao Yuyan invited Lin Yining to join them for a meal the next day. “An old classmate of mine is opening a private kitchen—tomorrow’s the grand opening. Let’s go support her.”

Lin Yining regretfully shook her head. “I can’t make it. I’m going fishing with Grandpa.”

As for the mentorship matter, since nothing was confirmed yet, it was better not to mention it.

This was also Lin Duzhong’s intention. “We already made plans for a fishing competition, and I promised to introduce my granddaughter to my friend. Next time—we’ll join you for a meal another day.”

Yao Yuyan sighed. “Alright, next time then. There’ll be plenty of chances.”

Li Yujiao seized the opportunity to scoop her granddaughter into her arms. The little girl resembled Tiandong a lot—likely taking after her father more as she grew. With a father like that, she was bound to be a beauty.

Li Yujiao genuinely doted on this granddaughter. Every time they met, as long as her hands were free, she’d want to hold her.

In stark contrast was her attitude toward the girl’s mother.

In public, Li Yujiao wouldn’t do anything outright hostile—just cold indifference, emotional neglect.

Luckily, Yao Yuyan didn’t mind, or it would’ve been unbearable.

Lin Tiandong was caught in the middle, helpless.

He rarely let Li Yujiao and Yao Yuyan be alone together, fearing their relationship would worsen.

He knew his mother was at fault, but no matter how much he tried to reason with her, she refused to change. What else could he do as a son?

Lin Tiandong truly had no thoughts of replacing his wife.

When he first learned they’d only have a daughter, he wasn’t without disappointment—many couldn’t shake the traditional preference for sons.

But as his daughter grew, he found himself unable to look away.

She was his child too. Her tears pained him; her smiles made him smile unconsciously.

She was his precious treasure.

Xuanxuan, who had been in her mother’s arms earlier, was soon whisked away by her grandmother.

Lin Yining silently pitied her uncle—being the “sandwich generation” was tough, but there was no solution unless Li Yujiao had a change of heart.

The next day, everyone set off separately.

Lin Yining and Lin Duzhong had breakfast, gathered their gear, and headed out.

Lin Duzhong was in high spirits. “This spot we’re going to was hard to find—barely anyone fishes there. The fish aren’t skittish, and they’re big. Even if you’ve never fished before, you’ll catch something. We’ll make fish stew together later!”

When they arrived, an elderly man was already there, sitting on a small stool, intently watching the water.

Lin Duzhong peeked into his bucket—empty.

He stifled a grin before quickly schooling his expression.

Shi Changtian was as obsessed with fishing as he was, but Shi had one flaw—terrible luck.

Same spot, same bait, same gear—if Lin Duzhong caught three fish, Shi might get one, sometimes none at all.

This wasn’t occasional; it was the norm.

Yet Shi never gave up. He’d tried different gear, different bait—still persisting.

That was true dedication.

Shi Changtian greeted them. “You’re here.”

Lin Duzhong huffed. “Yeah, and you came early again—not playing fair. We agreed to start together for the competition!”

Shi defended, “I didn’t come early. Just a little ahead of you.”

Lin Duzhong glanced at the indented mud under Shi’s stool and let it slide with an “Oh.”

“Hold off on fishing for now. Let me introduce you—this is my granddaughter. Just got into your university this year. Well? My great-granddaughter’s quite the looker, huh?”

Shi Changtian glanced at Lin Yining and coughed. “Seems like a fine girl. You’re lucky.”

There was a hint of envy in his tone.

When it came to descendants, he really couldn’t compare to Lin Duzhong.

He could’ve once boasted many children, but now only one daughter remained.

The third generation was sparse too—just one grandson and one grandson-in-law. That was it.

Lin Yining smiled brightly. “Professor Shi, I—”

While Lin Yining was striving to find a mentor, Yu Xiangan in the Special Economic Zone was making progress of her own.

Her space had upgraded again.

This was good news.

The first upgrade had added a ranch next to her farm, allowing her to raise cattle and sheep.

During times of meat scarcity, the ranch had significantly eased the pressure.

The second upgrade introduced a processing workshop—a cheat-like tool that Lin Chuanbai adored.

He often used it for experiments.

In reality, some experiments took months or years, but in the workshop, nothing exceeded twenty-four hours.

Some failed paths could be identified much sooner, saving untold time and resources.

Now, the space had upgraded for the third time.