After being transferred back here, Yu Xiangyan began planning to build a new house in the Hongxing Brigade. The conditions were quite favorable. Once his status as a worker was confirmed, he could apply for his own homestead. The brigade itself produced red bricks, and though he didn’t have work points to exchange for them, he could purchase them with money.
Although there was a waiting list, there weren’t many people ahead of him. As a local villager, he had priority over outsiders. As for labor, there was no need to worry—the Yu family was a prominent surname in the Hongxing Production Brigade, so finding enough hands wasn’t an issue.
His grandparents were thrilled when he mentioned building a house. They immediately assured him they had prepared timber and other materials, so he didn’t need to worry.
Yu Changyou had two sons. His younger son had a bright future, working as a laborer in the county town, where he was expected to settle permanently. Normally, he wouldn’t build a house in their hometown. But now, by a twist of fate, his second grandson was coming back. Since he would be working here, building a home was only natural. Having another descendant within sight, someone he could see regularly, naturally made him happy.
After all, the bricks were produced under Yu Manchang’s leadership. No matter how scarce bricks were, their family would never be short.
Thus, the construction of his house proceeded smoothly—a single-story flat-roofed house with ample space and multiple rooms.
They needed enough space. Currently, he and Wen Ruzhen had a daughter, and Wen Ruzhen was already two months pregnant. In eight months, the baby would arrive, so a room had to be prepared. Wen Yizhen also needed her own room. If his father and others visited, having extra rooms would prevent crowding at his grandfather’s or uncle’s place.
So, he built six rooms at once, with four designated for living.
Fortunately, being a local villager meant he could buy bricks at a lower price, though the expense nearly drained his savings.
Half of his monthly wages now went to Yu Xiang’an. Additionally, since they didn’t earn work points here, they had to use money to exchange for grain and other necessities, which added up to significant expenses.
Yu Qingshan and Yu Xianghai went ahead the night before to help.
Yu Xiang’an, along with Zhao Qiaoniang, Ye Qijia, and the two older and two younger children, traveled more slowly.
With four adults and four children, each responsible for one, they didn’t have to worry much about the crowded bus.
Recently, there had been rumors of child traffickers in a neighboring commune, where several children had been abducted. Since then, people had become more vigilant about watching their children.
Unfamiliar places required extra caution.
Zhao Qiaoniang held Yu Xiangju’s hand and stared blankly out the window.
It was a good day. She faintly smiled at her reflection in the glass but felt a pang of worry.
Over the past two years, they had coexisted peacefully. At home, she never mentioned Ding Minxiu. They knew she maintained contact with her and secretly used her wages to support her, but they never interfered, maintaining a delicate balance.
Occasionally, she felt an urge to break this balance, hoping they could reconcile openly—for her to proudly bring her son-in-law and grandson to visit.
Especially now that Yu Xiang’an’s life was improving.
Her daughter had made a mistake, but because of it, Yu Xiang’an’s life had turned out better. If not for that incident, she might not have found such a well-off partner. In the end, she had benefited. Shouldn’t that grudge be settled by now?
Especially since Minxiu’s life wasn’t going well.
Yu Xiangju frowned and tugged at her sleeve. “Mom, you’re squeezing too hard. It hurts.”
Zhao Qiaoniang snapped out of her thoughts and forced a smile. “Xiangju, I was distracted. Does it still hurt? Let me see.”
“No, it’s fine. Mom, what were you thinking about?”
Zhao Qiaoniang: “Nothing, just imagining how lively it’ll be later.”
Her grandson had accidentally eaten something harmful and was rushed to the hospital in time, but the medical expenses had nearly wiped out her meager savings. The bulk of the cost was covered by the Zhou family, but it still highlighted how little money she had.
Now older, her hands and eyes weren’t as nimble. The textile factory hadn’t called her back this year, so her only income came from assembling matchboxes at home.
If something else happened, she wouldn’t have enough. Fortunately, the situation had stabilized. Once they got through this period, things would improve.
With that thought, she perked up. “Xiangju, don’t run around when we get there.”
Yu Xiangju didn’t understand her worry and assumed she was concerned about him. “Mom, there won’t be any traffickers there. I won’t run off—I’ll play with my nieces and nephews.”
Yu Xiang’an chuckled and stroked the head of Yu Mingyao, who was in her arms. “Did you hear that? Your uncle said he’ll play with you.”
Mingyao, now over a year old and not as robust as her twin brother but still healthy, blew a bubble and giggled at the word “play.”
The sight was unbearably adorable.
When they arrived, many people were already there. The housewarming feast was held at noon, and the more guests, the better—it symbolized prosperity.
The courtyard was packed.
After greeting some elders, Yu Xiang’an gathered the children in a corner to play, keeping them out of the adults’ way. The trick to keeping them obedient was simple: a few candies in her pocket did the trick.
Even the toddlers who could barely walk sat obediently, sucking their fingers and staring at her eagerly.
Before Yu Xiang’an arrived, Yu Xiangqing had been in charge of the children and found them exhausting. Relieved to see Yu Xiang’an’s candy strategy work, she sighed. “You’re so good with them.”
“If you know what they like, it’s easy to keep them in line.”
“You’re patient and generous. Since you like kids, why not have one yourself?”
Xu Xiaojuan chimed in, “Xiang’an isn’t in a hurry. Children come when they’re meant to. Like me—I didn’t conceive the first year, but then I did, and now I’m pregnant again. Xiang’an hasn’t been married long. There’s no rush.”
Yu Xiangqing laughed. “I was just asking. It’s still early—no need to hurry.”
Yu Xiang’an guiltily looked away. It’d be strange if she were pregnant now—they were using contraception. Neither wanted a child immediately after marriage, preferring to enjoy their time as a couple first.
Maybe they’d reconsider in a year?
Yu Xiangyan was sociable. Even as an educated youth in a distant place, he’d made many friends, let alone in his hometown.
Shortly after Yu Xiang’an arrived, she noticed people constantly stopping by during breaks to drop off small gifts.
Most were young men around Yu Xiangle’s age, including locals and educated youths.
Even Ruan Chenxi came.
Yu Xiang’an still remembered how, during Yu Manchang’s wedding, someone had casually gathered a bundle of twigs as a gift. Today was similar—most gifts were modest: dried vegetables, sweet potatoes, or eggs (the latter reserved for closer relationships).
Ruan Chenxi’s gift was more substantial: half a pound of White Rabbit milk candies.
Yu Xiang’an was surprised. “You know my brother?”
Ruan Chenxi smiled. “I was surprised too when I found out he was your brother. You two don’t look much alike.”
“Right, he takes after our dad. How did you meet?”
“He helped me once. I went into the mountains and encountered a snake. I was so scared I climbed a tree and couldn’t get down. The snake stayed below, and no one passed by no matter how long I shouted.”
She could handle insects, but snakes terrified her.
“Luckily, he was nearby and heard me. He chased the snake away and helped me down.”
He’d also preserved her dignity, keeping it quiet and using thick vines as a rope for her to climb down.
Without his help, she might have spent the night in the mountains, waiting for someone to find her the next day.
She didn’t go into details, but Yu Xiang’an understood—her brother had played the hero. No wonder Ruan Chenxi brought White Rabbit candies.
“So that’s how it happened.”
“Yes. I heard you got married.”
“I did.” After marrying Lin Chuanbai, they’d returned once to visit relatives, but she hadn’t run into Ruan Chenxi then. This was their first meeting since the wedding.
Ruan Chenxi scanned the crowd. “Which one is he?”
“You know my eldest brother, right? The tallest one next to him.”
Lin Chuanbai stood out in the south at 183 cm—and might still be growing.
Ruan Chenxi gasped. “He’s so tall! And handsome.”
He was also fair-skinned and scholarly-looking.
She sighed inwardly. Many of her peers had married—some educated youths, seeing no hope of returning home, had chosen to settle down locally to ease their hardships.
Some urged her to do the same, but she wanted to wait. She wanted to go back.
She hadn’t been here long. At 19, she could afford to wait.
Yu Xiang’an couldn’t help smiling at the praise.
Ruan Chenxi: “You two make a lovely couple. May you have a long, happy marriage and many children.”
“Thank you…”
After chatting awhile, Ruan Chenxi left—she’d come during a work break. Before leaving, Yu Xiang’an gave her a red paper packet containing peanuts and roasted beans.
Every guest received one.
After Ruan Chenxi left, Yu Manwu shuffled over. “Xiang’an, you were talking to Ruan Chenxi. You two are close?”
Yu Xiang’an: “We’re acquaintances.”
“What do you think of her?”
His awkward demeanor made it clear—he had a crush. But from Ruan Chenxi’s demeanor, it seemed one-sided.
Pretending not to notice, Yu Xiang’an feigned confusion. “What do you mean?”
“Like, what’s she like? Her personality, things like that.”
Seeing his eagerness, Yu Xiang’an smiled. “Well, though we’ve known each other for a while, we haven’t spent much time together. You know I don’t visit often. But from what I’ve seen, she’s resilient, adaptable, strong, brave, and independent—not easily swayed.”
They’d met because Ruan Chenxi had taken the initiative to approach her. Later, when Ruan Chenxi suspected she was being followed, she’d sought Yu Xiang’an’s help, moving in with a respected local family for safety.
Apart from struggling with farm work (and thus earning fewer work points), Yu Xiang’an hadn’t heard any complaints about her.
Her family’s financial support kept her afloat.
Yu Manwu grinned. “I think she’s independent and strong too.”
“And her family seems well-off and caring.”
Temporary support was one thing, but long-term subsidies required both means and willingness.
Yu Manwu had considered this. Working in brick production earned him plenty of work points and a decent yearly income.
In their village, he was among the better-off.
The thought made him giddy.
If she considered settling here, he might have a chance?
“Do you know if she’s thought about staying? Some female educated youths have married locals.”
He phrased it carefully, but Yu Xiang’an remained neutral. “She hasn’t mentioned it. She’s still young.”
She mentally calculated their ages—if she recalled correctly, Ruan Chenxi was a year older.
Shaking her head inwardly, she knew she couldn’t help. Ruan Chenxi likely still hoped to return to the city.
Thirsty, she went to the kitchen for water but was stopped by Zhang Chahua. “Xiang’an, don’t go. I saw you talking to Ruan Chenxi. What did you discuss?”
As the saying goes, age brings wisdom. Though not a sage, Zhang Chahua’s sharp eyes missed little. Her grandson’s infatuation was obvious, despite his attempts to hide it.
“We just chatted. She asked about my marriage, wished me well, and left.”
Zhang Chahua looked disappointed. “I see. What do you know about her? Tell me.”
Yu Xiang’an hesitated. “Grandma, I don’t know her well. We’ve only talked a few times.”
Zhang Chahua sighed. “Never mind. If you hear anything, let me know.”
Yu Xiang’an nodded, though she doubted she’d have anything to report.
The feast was lively, with laughter and chatter filling the air.
Yu Xiang’an watched the scene, content.
Life moved forward, step by step.
Yu Xiang’an now understood everything. She hadn’t heard her mention wanting to know about anyone before. “Grandma, ask away. I’ll tell you everything I know.”
“Does she have any intention of settling down here and marrying someone from our village?”
“She hasn’t said so, but from what I can tell, she wants to return to the city.”
“Which educated youth doesn’t want to go back to the city? But they have to be able to go back first. Look at your second brother—how much effort it took for him to come back here.”
“So, what do you think of her character-wise?”
Zhang Chahua thought this educated youth was quite good. Her looks were undeniably attractive—no wonder her grandson had taken a liking to her. She was also cultured. Any grandchildren born from her would likely inherit some of that refinement, ensuring they’d be educated too. Their family’s conditions weren’t bad.
The new house was already under construction and would be completed next year—three spacious, brand-new rooms not far from their home. The eldest son was a worker, and though the eldest grandson wasn’t, his year-end brick kiln dividends were no less than a worker’s salary.
For now, they might have to wait. If she insisted on returning to the city, it would mean they weren’t fated to be together. If her heart wasn’t here, it was useless—Zhang Chahua saw this clearly.
She’d heard stories before—like one educated youth from another commune whose family suddenly found a way to bring her back. She abandoned her husband and child here without a second glance.
If the heart isn’t in it, even if you keep someone for a while, they won’t stay forever. Only if she truly wanted to could they live happily together.
“Grandma, why are you asking me? I haven’t known her for long.”
“Ah, people can show different faces to different people.”
That was true.
“My impression is decent—she’s rational, organized…”
By mealtime, fewer people were around. The meal began, leaving only relatives gathered around three lively tables.
Yu Shunwen shared good news at the table—genuinely good news. Wen Yizhen had developed a new type of paper suitable for writing. The paper they currently produced was just rough straw paper. Now, they could make their own notebooks.
They’d tried before but failed. Wen Yizhen, however, had discovered the trick.
His contribution guaranteed him at least a permanent worker position, if nothing else.
And Yu Shunwen had even bigger ambitions.
Right now, they relied on manual labor, supplemented by animal power and a few simple tools—no proper equipment.
He wanted to introduce a set of machinery.
No matter how old, as long as it worked.
Once that happened, their place would truly take off.
Hearing this, Wen Ruzhen was stunned. She immediately stood up, her voice trembling with excitement. “Thank you so much for this.”
“Ha ha ha, don’t thank me. He earned this himself. If he hadn’t been capable, I couldn’t have done anything. I only found out today—perfect timing for a double celebration.”
Wen Ruzhen was overjoyed, looking at Wen Yizhen with pride.
Her brother had always been frail since birth. Even before their family’s misfortunes, he’d needed careful nurturing. When they were sent to the countryside, she worried endlessly about him—especially his stubborn insistence on working in the fields despite his weakness. It pained her to watch. Now, at last, she could rest easy.
Wen Yizhen was smiling too.
He poured Yu Shunwen a drink. “If you hadn’t given me this opportunity, Captain, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
Yu Qingshan studied Wen Yizhen carefully. He was tall and handsome but painfully thin—so thin a strong breeze might blow him away. His frail physique explained his sister’s concern. And reportedly, the Wen family had only this one son.
Now, he’d finally overcome the odds.
Yang Huili, meanwhile, was preoccupied with something else. “Does this mean the factory will be hiring again?”
Yu Shunwen: “Yes, but only temporary workers.”
The gap between permanent and temporary workers was vast.
It wasn’t that he didn’t want to, but the quotas from above were limited.
“Temporary is fine—temporary is good too. They still earn money every month. Do you think our Mansheng could qualify? He’s strong enough.”
Yu Mansheng was sixteen now—old enough for temporary work.
Papermaking was hard labor, but was it harder than fieldwork?
Manwu was already working with Manchang at the brick kiln. The younger one wasn’t as strong, so the paper factory would suit him. If he could secure a permanent position someday, she wouldn’t have to worry about him anymore.
After the meal, those with jobs—like Yu Manchang—left for work or the fields, leaving Yu Xiang’an and the others free.
Yu Xiang’an took Lin Chuanbai to see the chrysanthemums. “Come on, I’ll show you a natural sea of flowers.”
The mountainside was covered in wild chrysanthemums, a breathtaking sight in this season.
Locals were used to it, but new arrivals like the educated youth couldn’t help but marvel.
Lin Chuanbai had seen them before, but not in such abundance. He spread his arms, breathing in the air. “So beautiful!”
Yu Xiang’an gazed at the floral expanse. “Yes, the charm of nature.”
Lin Chuanbai took her hand. “Feels like we’ve wandered into a scenic spot. Let’s go explore…”
They exchanged a smile.
*
Time flew, and autumn of 1975 arrived.
Five years had passed since she came to this world.
Three years since she married Lin Chuanbai.
A year and a half since she gave birth to two adorable children.
Now, their twins were over a year old—babbling, toddling, at their most delightful stage.
While they worked, the children stayed at the food factory’s daycare. After work, they took them home.
Some families had no elders to help, leaving parents to manage alone. But with jobs to attend to, where could the children go?
Thus, daycare emerged.
Employees could leave their kids there for a small monthly fee, lifting the burden.
For the factory, it was cost-neutral—fees covered expenses.
When Yu Xiang’an had her twins, she had no one to rely on. Lin Chuanbai’s grandfather was too old and unused to childcare. Her own father, Yu Qingshan, worked full-time. As for Zhao Qiaoniang… their relationship was complicated. Yu Xiang’an wouldn’t ask her.
After her maternity leave, she sent the babies to Yao Cuifen’s care. But Yao and Qin Qiang were elderly—childcare was exhausting. So, she hired a clean, trustworthy helper, keeping them at her grandmother’s mainly to prevent mistreatment out of sight.
Once the children could talk, they joined daycare to play with others.
Finishing her tasks past quitting time, Yu Xiang’an hurriedly packed up and headed to daycare. Lin Chuanbai was already there, holding both children’s hands as he spoke to them.
“Mommy!” Sharp-eyed Lin Yining spotted her first, breaking free from her father’s grip and darting over like a tiny cannonball. She hugged Yu Xiang’an’s legs, calling out brightly.
Not to be outdone, Lin Yihong mimicked his sister, latching onto her other leg. “Mommy, hungry!”
“Alright, let’s get you something to eat when we get home.”
Lin Chuanbai approached, crouching down with a mock sigh. “Oh, so it’s like that? The moment Mommy appears, Daddy’s forgotten. How sad.”
His little “cotton-padded jacket” patted his cheek consolingly. “Daddy, don’t be sad.”
“Okay, not sad anymore. Let’s go home.”
Instantly cheered, he scooped her up.
Yu Xiang’an held Lin Yihong’s hand as they walked to the bicycle shed by the gate.
Both their bikes were parked there, each fitted with a child seat—a specially crafted wicker chair for safe, comfortable rides.
Then, each parent took one child, cycling home.
This was one of the twins’ favorite moments—feeling the wind rush past as they whooped with joy from their seats, never tiring of it.
Back home, Lin Yining made a beeline for the fridge, slapping the door before yanking it open. She fixed hopeful eyes on Lin Chuanbai.
“Ice.”
He tapped her nose. “No, too cold. Remember your tummy ache?”
Lin Yihong piped up, “Me! I no sick!”
Yu Xiang’s fridge was stocked with homemade treats—mung bean popsicles, milk ice, and more. In summer and autumn’s lingering heat, the fridge was a godsend.
The kids couldn’t resist.
Lin Chuanbai ruffled his son’s hair. “You’d eat alone while sister watches? And you just had some yesterday—not today.”
Overhearing, Yu Xiang’an called, “Check the bottom shelf. There’s mung bean paste cooled in well water. Give them each a small bowl. And since they’re hungry, pass them two biscuits each from the fridge—no more, or they’ll spoil their dinner.”
At “mung bean paste,” Lin Yining cheered, tugging at her father with pleading eyes. “Want paste! Want biscuits!”
“Okay, Daddy’ll get it. Wash your hands first—no eating without clean hands.”
After handwashing, he fed them biscuits and the chilled dessert. At their age, letting them handle soupy foods solo meant messy clothes.
In the kitchen, Yu Xiang’an looked over the noodles and rice vermicelli. “Noodles or rice noodles?”
Lin Yihong: “Noodles!”
His sister echoed, “Noodles!”
“Noodles it is.” With the kids’ decision made, Lin Chuanbai was easygoing.
Yu Xiang’an prepared cold noodles—perfect for the sweltering weather.
Once the children finished their snack, Lin Chuanbai offered to help, but there wasn’t much left to do. Instead, he played blocks with them in the corner.
Lin Yihong loved building, especially houses. “Daddy, look! Big house!”
Lin Yining clapped. “Brother, house!”
Pleased, Yihong knocked it down to rebuild. “Sister, car!”
Having each other meant the kids entertained themselves, freeing the adults.
Lin Chuanbai skimmed the newspaper until Yu Xiang’an brought out the noodles.
Abandoning their blocks, the twins cheered. “Mommy, yummy!”
Lin Yining’s daily praise warmed Yu Xiang’an’s heart. What chef wouldn’t love genuine compliments?
She kissed her daughter’s head. “Thank you. Mommy will keep making delicious food.”
Mid-meal, Lin Duzhong burst in, red-eyed. Gripping Lin Chuanbai’s arm, he choked out, “Your father—there was an accident. He’s critically injured. The doctors say… he might not make it. Pack your things, fetch your sister—we’re leaving now. He’s never even met his grandchildren.” Tears streamed down his face. Was he really about to bury his own son?
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage