Chapter 117:

The newly upgraded space had something rather mystical—a small, grassy hill that wasn’t particularly large or tall. At the top of the hill stood a peach tree about half a person’s height.

The peach tree emitted a faint glow, easy to miss if one wasn’t paying attention. It bore two small peaches and a few flower buds.

At first glance, Yu Xiang’an’s mind immediately conjured a name—simple and straightforward—Spirit Peach.

Eating it would cleanse the marrow, prolong life, and ward off all illnesses.

Looking at the tiny Spirit Peach, Yu Xiang’an felt both joy and frustration.

There were two fully formed peaches and seven buds of varying sizes—nine in total. The quantity seemed decent, and if the peach’s effects were real, it would be priceless!

But how long would it take to ripen?

And once picked, would new peaches grow?

Yu Xiang’an didn’t know.

She tried pouring some Spirit Spring Water and Accelerating Drops, but it had little to no effect—or at least, any change was too subtle to notice. If the Spirit Peach required an extremely long time to mature—like the century-long cycles described in cultivation novels—she might not live long enough to see it.

This was a problem.

Previously, Yu Xiang’an hadn’t made full use of the farm’s resources, like beef, lamb, fruits, and soybeans. Most were stored away, except for personal consumption. But now, with the appearance of the Spirit Peach, she realized she needed to maximize the farm’s potential to gain experience. What other treasures might appear with further upgrades?

Moreover, this area seemed like a blessed land. The air was fresher, and the trees growing here were clearly extraordinary. Breathing here felt more invigorating, and their spirits were lifted.

Yu Xiang’an: “Although the warehouse still has space, some items have been stored for too long and should be cleared out. We need to fully utilize the farm to earn experience.”

They processed fresh meat and fruits in the workshop, turning them into beef jerky, beef sauce, and other preserved foods, preparing to take them out when the opportunity arose.

Lin Chuanbai nodded. Since this was a game farm, harvesting and planting could be done with a single click, requiring little effort. He, too, was eager to see what the next upgrade would bring.

Lin Chuanbai also helped with processing, ensuring the products couldn’t be traced back to them by tweaking the recipes. If familiar people tasted them, they wouldn’t suspect the couple.

He even wondered if, once the Spirit Peach matured, he could analyze its components and replicate it. If successful, they’d never lack wealth and could benefit the world.

However, Lin Chuanbai suspected it might be too difficult.

He had also tried to uncover the secrets of the Spirit Spring Water but gave up due to lack of progress. Tests showed it was just water with slightly more trace elements, yet its effects were undeniable—enhancing the flavor of brewed wine and soy sauce and improving their health.

The couple became highly motivated to farm for experience. They even experimented by placing precious items like jade, diamonds, and gemstones near the peach tree, wondering if any contained spiritual energy to accelerate its growth or if the tree could enhance the stones in return.

Lin Chuanbai even concocted a nutrient solution for the tree, applying it around the roots from a distance to see if it helped.

Still, no visible changes occurred, leaving them anxious and uncertain.

All they could do was wait.

*

Chen Xiaoyang received a holiday gift package as an employee benefit.

The packaging was attractive, and the contents were generous—beef jerky, wine, dried tofu, and fresh fruits.

For Chen Xiaoyang, who had only tasted homemade rice or grain alcohol a handful of times due to food scarcity, the red wine was a novelty. The distributor claimed it was good for women, beautifying and nourishing the skin.

Chen Xiaoyang: “Wow!”

She took the gift home, where her mother proudly displayed it on the table before stepping out—undoubtedly to show off. Soon, a crowd would gather, some praising, others hoping for a taste. Her mother, mindful of appearances, would reluctantly share some, only to regret it later.

Familiar with this routine, Chen Xiaoyang left shortly after her mother to avoid the commotion.

She walked along the smooth cement road leading to Bamboo Mountain. The villagers cherished this road dearly.

At the mountain’s foot, an elderly gatekeeper dozed in the shade, guarding against mischief or vandalism. A gong lay nearby to alert others in case of trouble.

After a neighboring village once set fire to their bamboo grove out of envy, the villagers had assigned elders to watch over it while weaving baskets and other handicrafts.

The gatekeeper woke at the sound of footsteps, grinning toothlessly at Chen Xiaoyang. “Xiaoyang, you’re back.”

He pulled out a small cage from behind his stool. “Caught a bamboo rat. Take it home for your mom to cook.”

Chen Xiaoyang declined, but the old man insisted.

On her way back, she encountered a group of boys returning from fishing, soaked and muddy. One offered her two fish, claiming it would spare him a scolding from his mother if he said they were for her.

Chen Xiaoyang sighed, amused.

The more the village benefited, the more they thanked her, though she felt undeserving. Still, it had one perk—her mother had stopped nagging her about marriage.

She believed in finding someone she truly loved, who loved her in return—that was the key to happiness.

When she returned home, the gift box had been opened, but the wine remained. The rest could be shared—she could always buy more.

Apart from employee benefits, some goods were donated to schools and orphanages, clearing out older stock and making space for new supplies from Yu Xiang’an and Lin Chuanbai.

*

Lin Yining successfully became Shi Changtian’s youngest apprentice. Her calligraphy skills impressed him, earning her a long reading list and daily writing assignments. Though grueling, she relished her progress.

Meeting her accomplished seniors—all established in their fields—she received many gifts, expanding her future network.

When Li Yujiao learned of this, she grumbled in bed about favoritism. “Why didn’t the old man find such a mentor for Tian Dong?”

Lin Houpu retorted, “Father didn’t know Shi back then. If he had, he would’ve helped Tian Dong too.”

He then confronted her about her strained relationship with their daughter-in-law.

Li Yujiao turned away, sulking. “I’m the mother-in-law. Can’t I have opinions?”

Lin Houpu scoffed. “If you keep this up, I’ll have them transferred far away so you can’t interfere.”

Li Yujiao sat up, exasperated. “Fine! I’ll stop!”

She fumed, feeling wronged.

Meanwhile, Lin Yining’s frequent absences led her roommates to tease her about a secret lover.

Lin Yining laughed. “If I had one, I’d introduce him to you!”

Their dorm bond was strong, united by similar backgrounds and aspirations—a stroke of fate. Though none were stunning beauties, each had her charm, and academic excellence was the norm.

The only thing we don’t lack here is top students—every year, we get the top scorers from various regions.

They come from four different places, and we have four top scorers among them.

Lin Yihong is no exception—he and his sister swept the provincial top spots in both liberal arts and sciences.

With scholarships from the school, local government, and various other sources, they’ve managed to accumulate a small fortune.

Lin Yining set down a bag: “Come on, let’s eat.”

“What’s inside?”

“There’s milk tea, cold chicken feet, cold noodles, and jianbing guozi.”

Looking at the pile of food, everyone was both delighted and worried.

“…It smells amazing… Oh no… You’re bringing back snacks again? If this keeps up, our weight is going to skyrocket.”

Lin Yining patted her stomach, torn between pleasure and guilt. “I went to my second uncle’s place. Look how much I brought back—I ate a ton too. Ugh, I need to run extra laps tomorrow. Anyone want to join me?”

Staring at the food, the others couldn’t resist either. They all raised their hands. “Let’s all go tomorrow and burn off these extra calories!”

Who doesn’t care about looks?

Being too thin or too heavy isn’t ideal—the best is that perfectly slim, toned look.

As they dug in, one of them let out a blissful sigh. “You’ve been gone for a couple of days, but we’ve been eating well too. The dorm leader’s family sent over some dried meat and stuff—we even shared some with nearby dorms.”

Their dorm had four girls. The dorm leader, the eldest, was from the northwest, where her family raised plenty of livestock. The second eldest came from the southernmost part of the country—if her family sent anything, it was always seafood. The third was from a spicy-food-loving province in the central region, famous for its chili sauces. Lin Yining was the youngest, just a month younger than the third.

This fact annoyed Lin Yining—just a month’s difference, and she ended up as the baby of the group.

Midway through eating, the dorm leader suddenly said, “Oh, by the way, while you were gone, someone came looking for you—a male classmate.”

She smirked meaningfully. “Pretty handsome too, kind of like a movie star. Is he your potential love interest?”

Lin Yining tilted her head. “Who?”

“Dang Da. He came by twice, but I told him you weren’t here.”

Lin Yining thought for a moment. “I think I’ve seen him when I sat in on a class, but I don’t really remember. Does he look like a celebrity? Didn’t notice.”

The second eldest had a childhood sweetheart, though they were now in a long-distance relationship. Seeing Lin Yining’s reaction, she knew there was no spark. “I don’t think he’s the one. No offense, but our Yining deserves someone better.”

Honestly, it’d feel like a waste—like a fresh cabbage being devoured by a pig.

Lin Yining shrugged. “Didn’t you say he looks like a celebrity? My standards are high. To catch my eye, he’d have to be as good-looking as an actual star. After all, I’ve got a face like a celebrity too. If he’s with a beauty, I want to be with a hottie.” She shamelessly boasted.

The other three chorused, “Ugh! So full of yourself!”

“Hahaha…” The four of them burst into laughter.

The third eldest grinned. “But it’s true. I wouldn’t want someone unattractive either. I’m not bad-looking myself.”

The dorm leader nodded. “Exactly! And he’s gotta be tall—at least taller than me. Like Yining’s brother. If he were at our school, I’d totally chase him and make you call me sister-in-law!”

Lin Yining smirked. “Too many girls want to be my sister-in-law. Get in line.”

The third eldest chuckled. “Honestly, compared to your brother, I’d prefer someone like your dad. Got any younger, single versions to introduce? I’m curious about your mom—she must’ve been a beauty too.”

Lin Yining rolled her eyes. “Dream on. My mom was definitely a beauty—just look at me!”

At the start of the semester, they’d all been polite and ladylike. Now? That image was long gone.

Lin Yining’s dorm life was lively, but Lin Yihong’s days were far more routine.

Classes, training, classes, training—his life revolved around campus.

On the rare occasions they went out, everyone acted like unleashed huskies, bouncing around, refusing to return to school early.

Those with girlfriends camped out at phone booths, spending all their pocket money on calls.

Lin Yihong, however, was single—no girlfriend, and no prospects in sight.

Wang Lipan was in the same boat.

Yu Xiang’an and Lin Chuanbai, as his parents, had initially kept a close eye on the spiritual peach. But seeing little change, they gradually relaxed.

It clearly wasn’t going to mature anytime soon, so they adjusted—checking in once or twice a day while tending to the space’s other produce.

With their focus shifting, they started sending care packages to the twins—food, supplies, and plenty of books.

Before their attention shifted, Yu Qingshan had noticed something odd about his daughter and son-in-law.

He hesitated, unsure how to bring it up. At their age, why did they keep emerging from their room looking exhausted?

Weren’t they just taking naps? Why did they look like they’d been laboring in the fields?

Were they trying for another child? It was possible at their age, but hadn’t they mentioned something about “advanced maternal age” being risky?

After much internal debate, he quietly added some kidney-nourishing dishes to the family menu.

Lin Chuanbai: “……”

Yu Xiang’an: “……”

They *had* been laboring—just not the way he thought.

Entering one space made them think more often of the other. Unlike Yu Xiang’an’s game-like farm, where harvesting and planting were one-click tasks, Lin Chuanbai’s herb garden required real manual labor.

No shortcuts.

Even with modern machinery, most medicinal herbs needed meticulous care—automation wasn’t an option.

This was another reason they stayed so fit. Constant physical work, good food, and ample exercise kept them healthy.

After all, they couldn’t outsource this work—it had to be done themselves.

Yu Mansheng, meanwhile, felt his health declining. Frequent business dinners and endless toasts had taken a toll. Less mindful of his figure now, he’d developed a modest beer belly.

Lu Anran was adamant: “I signed you up for a gym.”

Yu Mansheng: “…”

Honestly, among his peers in business, his physique was still decent.

Lu Anran: “I don’t care. If you let yourself go any further, I won’t want to see you anymore. It’d hurt my eyes.”

Yu Mansheng clutched his metaphorical wounded heart.

He glanced enviously at Lin Chuanbai, zeroing in on his waistline. “Brother-in-law, how come you don’t have one?”

Lin Chuanbai smirked. “I’ve got abs. Why don’t you?”

Lu Anran looked at Yu Xiang’an with envy. Their banter had been playful, but hearing Lin Chuanbai still had abs made her genuinely jealous.

“Brother-in-law, how do you stay in shape? Sister keeps fit too, but I’ve never seen you at the gym. Do you work out at home?” She pinched her own slight belly—despite her efforts, her figure had softened.

Yu Xiang’an had actually lost a bit of weight recently. She knew why—all that extra farming—but she simply nodded. “Maybe it’s all the mental work lately. Home workouts are a great idea—just convert a spare room into a gym. No need to go elsewhere.”

Lu Anran knew what Yu Xiang’an had been busy with—she’d nearly invested too.

Yu Xiang’an had acquired prime land at a high price, planning an upscale residential area—half villas, half townhouses.

The 90s were the time to capitalize on soaring real estate. She’d dabbled in property before, but this was her biggest move yet—millions spent on the land alone.