Chapter 68:

Although Lin Chuanbai didn’t understand why Yu Xiang’an suddenly seemed a bit down, he knew the right thing to do was to cheer her up. He hadn’t yet considered buying his own equipment, as he was well aware of how rare and difficult it was to obtain such items. Even with the government’s involvement in purchasing them, some things simply couldn’t be bought with money alone. The fact that he could occasionally use them privately was already a stroke of immense luck, something many would envy if they knew.

Did he want his own set of lab equipment?

Of course he did. There wasn’t a researcher who wouldn’t. But he also knew how challenging it would be.

Yu Xiang’an’s low spirits didn’t last long. She quickly regained her motivation, pondering what path she should take next. Right now, she didn’t have much energy to spare for other pursuits because she was focused on her studies.

Everyone was pushing themselves hard to achieve good grades. As the vice class monitor, she didn’t want her performance to lag behind. She had her own pride and wanted to maintain her current ranking among such a diligent group of students, which meant she had to put in extra effort.

Just how hardworking were her classmates? They woke up before dawn to study. At night, to avoid disturbing their dormmates, they read under streetlights. Library seats were fiercely contested—arrive late, and there’d be none left. Even searching for reference materials was a matter of luck, as books were limited and often already checked out.

In such a fiercely competitive environment, maintaining her grades required real effort—no shortcuts.

Besides, she also wanted to start her own business in the future. Learning more now could only benefit her later.

Still, frustration was inevitable. Whenever classes became too overwhelming, she would relieve stress by cooking a lavish meal. For her, cooking was both relaxation and enjoyment.

Whenever she developed a new recipe or perfected a dish, she meticulously recorded it for future use. From 1970 to now, her collection of recipes had grown into a thick notebook.

She discussed with Lin Chuanbai how they could accumulate their initial capital after graduation. They couldn’t wait until then to start planning.

She wanted to use hot pot as her entry point. First, she’d perfect the broth and seasonings. That way, even if she wasn’t personally present later, as long as she could supply these two key components and ensure a stable source of ingredients, the business could sustain itself.

Selling braised dishes was another option, with the key lying in the braising liquid—again, a matter of recipe.

As for location, she planned to set up near the university. Their current house could be renovated, or even demolished and rebuilt into a two-story building with small shop spaces of about 20-30 square meters each, rented out to create a food market.

Eventually, they could sit back and collect rent, but first, they’d need to build a reputation. Starting small was the way to go.

As she spoke, Lin Chuanbai nodded. “If you want to do it, go ahead. If you need anything, just let me know.”

He thought about what he could contribute. “If we need a legitimate way to generate funds, I can help. Maybe I can work on extending shelf life and develop some simple cosmetics. That could be quite profitable.”

In the 1980s, after years of suppression, people were rapidly embracing vibrant colors and unique self-expression—bell-bottoms and sunglasses were iconic examples. If he could create affordable makeup, there’d be no shortage of customers.

Yu Xiang’an agreed. “Alright, let’s work hard together. Once we’ve saved enough, we can build our own lab.”

Lin Chuanbai: “!!!”

His heart raced with excitement. Suddenly, he wanted to develop an entire line of cosmetics!

Since they planned to rely on hot pot and braised dishes to launch their business, Yu Xiang’an focused on perfecting these two. She experimented endlessly with recipes, much to the delight of Lin Chuanbai and the twins. Every variation was delicious, and they ate so much that all three of them gained weight.

When Lin Chuanbai noticed his pants getting tight, he started taking the kids on morning jogs around the neighborhood. He refused to let himself develop a beer belly at such a young age. If his body started changing now, it’d only get harder to maintain later.

The twins couldn’t be allowed to grow too chubby either. A little roundness was cute, but unchecked, it could lead to health problems.

Spring passed, and summer arrived. The second national college entrance exams came amid great anticipation. During the exam period, Yu Xiang’an passed by the testing centers and witnessed the spectrum of human emotions outside—elation, despair, tears—all on full display.

In later years, a college degree might become commonplace, but now, it represented a civil service position, a golden ticket to a stable job, the only escape from rural life for many.

Yu Xiang’an cheered on Yu Manwu, the only examinee from their hometown in Baishi County.

Luckily, he passed.

With teachers and doctors in high demand, he had applied to become a teacher and was accepted. When the congratulatory telegram arrived, Yu Xiang’an felt mixed emotions. This development meant there was still a chance for him and Ruan Chenxi.

But whether they’d end up together remained uncertain.

Still, it was a joyous occasion. Her uncle and aunt must be overjoyed. A college degree meant their son was now an accomplished urbanite, destined for a respectable teaching career. They had seen how hard he worked—though he barely did farm labor this past year, he had lost over ten pounds, worrying them enough to consider urging him to quit.

His efforts had paid off. No matter what, he now had a secure future.

For every success, there were failures.

About 500 meters from Yu Xiang’an’s home, a family of four returned—the second son, who had been sent to the countryside as an educated youth, came back with his wife and children.

Originally, the elderly couple and their eldest son’s family of four had squeezed into a 20-square-meter home. Now, with four more people, ten were crammed into the same space.

Somehow, they managed, solving the housing issue. But food was another problem. Having failed the college exams, the couple’s household registration remained in the countryside, meaning they had no grain rations in the city.

Unwilling to return to farming, they tried for factory jobs, competing against hundreds for one or two positions. Failing that, they had to explore other options.

The second son, Zhong Jianqiang, was resourceful. Using his father’s old bicycle, he began trading goods from the countryside—eggs, fresh vegetables—things that were fresher than state-run stores, required no ration coupons, and allowed customers to pick and choose.

He had a knack for business, often throwing in free scallions or greens as goodwill gestures, earning many repeat customers, including Yu Xiang’an.

Her farm couldn’t grow staple crops or vegetables, so she relied on purchases. Buying from Zhong Jianqiang was convenient. She could even place orders—for example, paying a deposit for a stewing hen, which he’d deliver days later.

He made a modest living off the price difference.

Having spent over a decade in the countryside, Zhong Jianqiang looked older than his brother. Street officials turned a blind eye to his activities. With more and more educated youth returning to the cities and no jobs to absorb them, small-scale entrepreneurship was tolerated.

His wife, also a former educated youth from another province, worked alongside him. Their two young children played nearby, well-behaved and often interacting with the twins after daycare.

Over time, Yu Xiang’an learned more about them. Zhong Jianqiang had endured harsh conditions up north but seized the chance to return with his family. That alone earned him her respect—he wasn’t the type to abandon his wife and children.

As they grew closer, their relationship evolved beyond buyer and seller. Lin Chuanbai, after spending time with him, found Zhong Jianqiang likable and surprisingly easy to talk to.

Seeing how hard the couple worked, Lin Chuanbai proposed a partnership: Zhong Jianqiang would supply eggs, vegetables, and beans from the countryside, which Yu Xiang’an would process into preserved eggs, pickles, and sauces. Zhong Jianqiang would then sell these door-to-door.

The profits were small but steady, providing the family with a reliable income and easing their struggles. For Yu Xiang’an, it was effortless—she simply processed the goods and took a cut without handling sales. A win-win.

By winter, the Third Plenum of the 11th Central Committee announced China’s reform and opening-up policy.

In rural areas, news of “household responsibility systems” and self-managed profits stirred farmers’ hearts.

In Hongxing Production Brigade, where work ethic was strong, the shift was less drastic. But elsewhere, where effort yielded little reward, the new policy promised change.

Yu Shunwen, after much deliberation and consulting family, called Yu Xiang’an (via the university phone) for advice.

Yu Xiang’an asked, “Uncle, what do you think? Are you tempted?”

“Of course, but what if the policy changes again?”

“If it does, you readjust. Have you checked with the commune? If officials don’t oppose it, it’s likely viable. Personally, I think it’s a great way to boost motivation.”

Working for the collective versus working for oneself—the difference was night and day.

Following her advice, Yu Shunwen consulted higher authorities. With no clear directives yet, local leaders decided to trial the system in select brigades, including Hongxing.

Land distribution required household registrations, triggering a wave of marriages and births as people rushed to secure allocations.

Yang Huili fretted over her three sons—only the eldest was married with children. The second was chasing love in Shanghai, while the youngest, still single, refused to marry despite the benefits.

“Stubborn fool!” she fumed. “I must’ve owed him in a past life!”

*

How did reform and opening-up affect daily life?

Immediate changes were subtle, but buying goods became easier. Farmers could now sell surplus produce more freely. Suburban areas saw increased trade, while state-run food stores faced competition.

Returning educated youth brought both instability and vitality to the cities, their entrepreneurial spirit slowly reshaping urban life.

When Zhao Lin and Zhao Mi came to visit, they both brought up the topic of educated youths returning to the city. Both of them failed this year’s college entrance exam, though they weren’t too far from the passing score. Zhao Li’s idea was for them to continue studying for another year—since they hadn’t taken their studies seriously before, they should make up for it now. After all, they were still young.

Zhao Lin and Zhao Mi didn’t want to keep studying, but under their father’s pressure, they had no choice.

They really enjoyed visiting Yu Xiang’an’s place. They never came empty-handed—each time, they either brought meat or something else. Then Yu Xiang’an would turn those ingredients into delicious dishes, allowing everyone to enjoy a good meal and relax.

If they went anywhere else, Zhao Li would ask a lot of questions, worried they might pick up bad habits or become too wild. But when they came here, he was at ease.

Today, one of them brought a two-pound grass carp, and the other brought two heads of pickled cabbage. Yu Xiang’an prepared them into a sour fish soup, and everyone chatted while eating.

Zhao Lin complained, “A lot of educated youths have returned recently, and my dad’s been so busy he hasn’t come home for days—he’s been sleeping in the office.”

Zhao Mi sighed, “Those educated youths can’t find jobs, and they don’t have other ways to get food. It’s tough for them. As long as they don’t take the wrong path, it’s fine. Near my school, there’s a guy who fixes bicycles. Some students who ride bikes to school often find their tires punctured or the air valves missing—it’s all that guy’s doing to drum up business.”

Zhao Lin fumed, “That guy’s terrible! I once had a flat tire, and I suspected it was him!”

Zhao Mi added, “Some have even turned to stealing. Thankfully, our neighborhood is fine—no one would dare target our place.” After all, it was a police compound.

Zhao Mi continued, “One of my classmates had about ten pounds of cured meat drying on their balcony, and half of it got stolen. He was so upset his face turned green.”

Zhao Lin said, “Another classmate of mine had their chicken stolen. Her mom had specifically gone to the countryside to get it for her sister-in-law, who was in confinement. This can’t go on—my dad and his colleagues are already overworked.”

Yu Xiang’an nodded. “It’s unrealistic to assign jobs to so many people all at once.”

Units in the capital were already doing their best to take in people.

Yu Xiang’an had noticed many new faces at the school—all newly hired for odd jobs.

Zhao Lin swallowed a bite of tender fish and said, “So I guess they’ll soon allow them to make a living on their own—maybe let them do small businesses. The fish I brought today was bought from a returned educated youth. I don’t know where he got it, but it was fresh and lively, so I bought it.”

She licked her lips. When she saw the fish, she immediately thought of sour fish soup.

Now that she was eating it, it was just as delicious as she remembered.

Yu Xiang’an nodded. She hadn’t seen any Red Armbands patrolling in a while.

“Has your dad considered hiring more people?” she asked. She remembered the crackdown in the ’80s—why was it necessary? Because society was chaotic. Harsh measures were needed to restore order.

Zhao Lin shook her head. “I don’t know about that. I don’t keep up with his work. I’ve been so overwhelmed with studying that even getting a chance to come here for a meal is a rare break.”

Repeaters faced a lot of pressure. The tutors Zhao Li had hired assigned them piles of homework, which they dutifully completed. It had helped—though they hadn’t passed the exam this year, their scores were close. Neither of them wanted to go through it again, so they hadn’t paid much attention to other things.

Near the end of the semester, Lin Duzhong sent a letter asking when they’d return for the New Year.

Last year, Yu Xiang’an had gone back to her parents’ place in Baishi County. This year, it was her in-laws’ turn—perfectly normal.

But they couldn’t leave right after the semester ended.

Lin Chuanbai still had to spend a few days helping his professor, so Yu Xiang’an used the time to pack and sell goods at the black market.

She still disguised herself.

If it were discovered that a university student—and a cadre at that—was engaging in business, she’d at least face criticism.

In this era, such activities were seen as improper, even if she wasn’t stealing or cheating.

With the return of educated youths, the population had grown, but the market had also become more vibrant—especially with the New Year approaching. Things that were usually kept hidden were now being traded for food and clothing to improve living conditions.

Yu Xiang’an’s warehouse had grown a little fuller.

When they arrived at the Qin City Machinery Factory’s residential area, they ran into Lin TianDong, who was about to leave. He looked quite different.

During summer break, Lin Houpu had sent him to a military family compound, where he underwent training with other boys his age.

Li Yujiao had been heartbroken but couldn’t object.

When he returned two months later, she cried—he was so much darker, almost unrecognizable from his former fair-skinned self.

But the results were clear. He had matured, and as Lin Houpu put it, “People need discipline—it makes them grow up.”

If the twins hadn’t been so young, Lin Houpu would have sent them too.

Seeing his second brother and sister-in-law, Lin TianDong greeted them. “Second Brother, Second Sister-in-law, you’re here.”

Lin Chuanbai: “Yeah. You heading out?”

“Nothing important. I was just going to play hide-and-seek.”

“Oh. Is Grandpa home?”

Lin TianDong: “No one’s home. Grandpa’s visiting someone. Mom and Dad are at work. Zhang Ying was kept after school—he got his homework wrong.”

Noticing the twins staring at him curiously, he smiled.

Lin Yining grinned back. “Uncle!” she called out brightly.

Lin TianDong’s smile deepened.

Feeling his friendliness, Lin Yining ran over and touched his hand. “Uncle, you’re darker now. Not as pretty, but still good-looking.”

She had been trying to remember—he didn’t used to look like this.

Lin TianDong took after Li Yujiao in looks—strikingly handsome. When fair-skinned, he was eye-catching. Now that he was tanned, his features still stood out.

Yu Xiang’an thought that with his looks, he could easily have been a child star. If he kept growing like this, he could make it on appearance alone.

She and Lin Chuanbai weren’t bad-looking either, but Lin TianDong’s features were even more refined.

Lin TianDong touched his face, unconcerned. “I’ve already gotten a lot fairer.”

Lin Yining couldn’t imagine it. “How dark were you before? Uncle, don’t get tanned! Dark isn’t pretty.”

Yu Xiang’an had noticed her daughter had a bit of a thing for looks—if she saw a handsome boy or girl on the street, she’d eagerly strike up a conversation.

Everyone loves beauty, so Yu Xiang’an didn’t forbid it. But she did tell her more cautionary tales about appearances being deceiving, just to be safe. She also made sure the twins knew never to talk to strangers without an adult around.

What if they ran into a kidnapper?

Yu Xiang’an put away her things and took out a small bag of cookies. “We had these on the road. There’s still half left—want to try? They’re chocolate cookies.”

Lin TianDong: “Thanks, Second Sister-in-law.”

Hearing his gratitude, Yu Xiang’an glanced at Lin Chuanbai. The change was noticeable—she hadn’t heard such a sincere “thank you” from him before.

If Lin Houpu ever wanted to send the twins for training, she wouldn’t refuse. It seemed to do good.

Then she checked the kitchen cabinets to see what was there. Had the New Year ingredients been bought?

Aside from rice and flour, there were eggs, cured meat, and sausages. Hanging above were slabs of salted pork belly—about five or six pounds—and a plate of ribs.

In the corner were potatoes, radishes, and cabbage.

For New Year’s, this wasn’t enough. Too little meat—probably saved for when they returned.

She had brought over ten pounds of beef from the capital. She set it outside to freeze, then checked the time. It was still early—she could go shopping.

The only seasonings left were oil, salt, and soy sauce. She needed to restock.

She asked Lin Chuanbai to go shopping with her, leaving Lin TianDong to watch the twins and make sure they didn’t run off.

The factory’s residential area was safe—outsiders couldn’t get in.

Lin TianDong looked at the twins and agreed. “Want to come play hide-and-seek with me?”

The twins exchanged glances and chorused, “Yes!”