Chapter 69:

Yu Xiang’an and Lin Chuanbai didn’t visit Qincheng very often. The last time they came back was during the summer vacation.

This was also the place where they had lived for two years, so they were familiar with it. After leaving the machinery factory’s residential area, they first wandered around the neighborhood.

In the past, there were people sneaking around selling things nearby. At the sound of footsteps, they would quickly hide their goods and pretend to be just passing by. But now, to their surprise, there were even small stalls set up in the corners!

Yu Xiang’an was pleasantly surprised.

With the New Year approaching, prices were relatively high, but some things still had to be bought. Yu Xiang’an bought two chickens, a large goose weighing over five pounds, and a small bundle of crisp little bok choy.

At this time of year, all green vegetables were expensive. Apart from radishes, potatoes, and Chinese cabbage, where else could you find anything else? This small bundle probably weighed just about a pound and cost fifty cents.

If it were any other time, this little bok choy would cost just a penny for a big handful—proof that scarcity drives up prices.

Yu Xiang’an had some in her warehouse, but she needed to make her purchases look legitimate, so she went ahead and bought a bunch of things normally. Lin Chuanbai acted as her pack mule, helping carry everything. Once they had bought enough, she sent Lin Chuanbai back with the goods while she went to buy seasonings.

These seasonings still had to be purchased from the grocery store.

Just like in the capital, the vegetable and egg counters in the grocery store here were significantly affected, but the rest remained bustling, especially as the year-end approached. Besides seasonings, Yu Xiang’an also bought two pounds of date cake.

Freshly baked and just brought out, she hadn’t originally planned to buy any, but the aroma changed her mind. It would take time to make it herself, so why not just buy some ready-made?

By the time Yu Xiang’an returned, Lin Duzhong had already come back and was playing chess with Lin Yihong.

Lin Yihong knew the rules of chess and could play, though not very well—but that was normal for a five-year-old. Fortunately, he had a calm temperament and could sit still.

Lin Yining, on the other hand, couldn’t sit still. Lin Chuanbai had tried teaching her chess, but she was too restless. Now, she was curled up on a stool reading comic books, while Lin Tiandong and Zhang Ying were doing homework.

They had been on winter break for a while, but besides the break, they also had extracurricular classes and tutoring. Zhang Ying’s grades were weaker, so he attended remedial classes, while Lin Tiandong, who performed better, was in an advanced class.

Yu Xiang’an called out, “Grandpa.”

Hearing her, Lin Duzhong looked up. “Xiao An, you’re back?”

“Yes, I happened to catch the date cake fresh out of the oven. Come and try some, everyone!”

At the mention of food, Lin Yining immediately looked up from her comic book. Reluctant to put it down, she carried it over to Yu Xiang’an. “Mom, I want some!”

Yu Xiang’an cut her two pieces. “Put your book down first and take this to your great-grandpa.”

Lin Yining set the comic book aside and ran over to Lin Duzhong.

Lin Yihong, looking serious, was deep in thought over the chessboard. Yu Xiang’an called his name, but he didn’t respond, so she left him alone. She cut two pieces for Zhang Ying and Lin Tiandong. “How long have you been working? Take a break and have a snack.”

Lin Chuanbai walked over, took a piece, and took a bite. “Not as good as yours.”

Yu Xiang’an smiled. “It’s not bad.” Hers was indeed better. “Are you hungry? I’ll start cooking now.”

Compared to Lin Yihong’s seriousness, Lin Duzhong looked completely relaxed. Hearing that Yu Xiang’an was about to make dinner, he said, “It’s been a while since I’ve had your cooking. I remember we bought ribs today—how about sweet and sour ribs?”

“Sure. I bought two chickens—steamed or braised?”

One had already been slaughtered and plucked by Lin Chuanbai, ready to be cooked.

“Let’s make chicken soup today.”

While Yu Xiang’an was busy in the kitchen, Li Yujiao returned. Before even entering the house, she smelled the delicious aroma wafting from inside and knew they had arrived. A neighbor stopped her to say, “Your second son and his family are back. You’re in for a treat!”

Li Yujiao smiled. “I know. According to the letter, they should be here by now.”

She knew it was a kind reminder.

Not long after, Lin Houpu returned. He hadn’t changed much. Seeing the family of four at home, his expression softened. “How many days can you stay this time?”

“Eight days. We’ll go back a week after New Year’s to continue helping the professor.”

Lin Houpu nodded. “That’s as it should be. Make sure to bring gifts when you go back.”

“Understood.”

The father and son chatted for a while.

Yu Xiang’an brought out the dishes. “Dinner’s ready. Did everyone wash their hands?”

Seeing the spread on the table, Lin Houpu nodded in satisfaction. However, he knew these ingredients hadn’t been at home earlier—they must have been bought by his second son.

He’d have to reimburse them later.

He wasn’t unaware that they had some side income, but they kept it discreet. Having a little extra money was a good thing.

Lin Chuanbai wasn’t fond of socializing, but when necessary, he could be patient.

Lin Tiandong was still young, so naturally, Lin Chuanbai had to step up.

With so many visitors coming to pay New Year’s greetings, it wouldn’t be appropriate for a child to handle the interactions.

Lin Chuanbai and Yu Xiang’an had a relatively low profile in the machinery factory because they rarely went out and wandered around.

But among the higher-ups, their presence was anything but weak.

This was the factory director’s son, who had once been called “unambitious” for becoming a pharmacy assistant. But since he got into university, who wouldn’t look at him differently?

Even if the factory director wanted to arrange a position for him, it wouldn’t have been high-ranking at first. Promotions would have had to come step by step. Now, things were different.

After graduating from university, the job offers coming his way were all excellent.

Without the factory director having to worry, everything would be arranged perfectly.

This was what people called “someone else’s child.”

The happiest of all were the twins.

Here, no one dared to bully them. They could play whatever they wanted, and almost everyone praised them.

They were so pleased with themselves they could hardly sit still.

Yu Xiang’an: “…”

It was bad luck to hit children during the New Year, but if they didn’t settle down afterward, they’d be asking for it.

After the New Year, it was 1979. The year passed quickly, and in the blink of an eye, it was year-end. The government selected two coastal cities as pilot economic zones.

Yu Xiang’an and Lin Chuanbai studied this newspaper for a long time.

It was a witness to the times.

That year, a large number of educated youth returned.

Even if the higher-ups tried to arrange jobs for them, it was impossible to accommodate everyone at once.

Some braved public scorn to make a living on their own, while others turned to petty theft.

Yu Xiang’an’s family was relatively conspicuous.

Their standalone house made it clear they weren’t ordinary folks, which attracted unwanted attention. Someone had been scouting the place, and after Lin Chuanbai spotted them, he went to Zhao Li for help.

Zhao Li sent two men to patrol the area a few times, and after that, those suspicious figures were never seen again.

Yu Xiang’an felt a pang of fear afterward.

With only one adult man in the household, they wouldn’t be safe if someone really targeted them.

After some thought, Yu Xiang’an said, “Let’s get a guard dog.”

The puppy was brought back by Yu Xiangyan. It was all black except for a white spot on its forehead, so Yu Xiang’an named it White Brow. The twins had high hopes for the dog. Though it was still small, they already called it General White Brow.

Yu Xiangyan came to talk about his job.

He had been admitted to a technical college for mathematics. After this semester, he would start his internship next term. His job placement was already arranged, but there was still room for personal maneuvering.

If multiple units took an interest in him and extended offers, he could choose where to go.

Yu Xiangyan had initially wanted to switch majors but found it impossible, so he had no choice but to stick with it.

He wasn’t particularly talented in the subject, scoring average grades, but he had excellent people skills. He had already decided to join the Ministry of Foreign Trade.

With the restoration of diplomatic relations with the U.S. this year, his foreign language skills were decent, and since mathematics was his major, he accepted the olive branch extended to him.

Upon joining, he would be assigned a two-bedroom dormitory. After two years of service, the apartment would be transferred to his name.

His salary would be at the cadre level, with additional allowances.

Hearing this, Yu Xiang’an gave a thumbs-up. “Not bad, not bad.”

Yu Xiangyan was still a bit nervous. “Some classmates are hesitant. In the past, overseas connections were something people hid, afraid of being implicated. Now, we’re dealing directly with them. I’ve studied the newspapers and consulted my teachers. I think even if policies change later, it shouldn’t be too severe. And if they don’t, those of us in the first wave will have more opportunities.”

Yu Xiang’an: “Our country won’t keep its doors closed forever. Second Brother, I agree with you.”

Though he had already made up his mind, hearing Yu Xiang’an’s approval still eased his worries.

As the saying goes, “Men fear entering the wrong profession; women fear marrying the wrong man.”

Career choice was crucial.

“Xiao An, are you going back for New Year’s this year?”

Yu Xiang’an shook her head. “No.”

“I’m going back. I plan to bring my child here. Xi Yi can adjust for half a year and then start elementary school.” Yu Xiyi was his eldest daughter, now seven years old.

“It’s best if you can bring the child. I’ll be spending New Year’s in Qincheng again. Can you take some things back for me?”

“Sure. Also, my father-in-law sent word that some of the Wen family’s property has been gradually returned. Everything’s fine now.” He grinned.

A few months earlier, another group of people had their reputations restored, including Wen Yanjun, who returned from Nanxi Farm to Baishi County. After a period of observation, it was confirmed he was innocent.

But “returning” property was easier said than done. Over the years, many items had been lost. Only real estate remained untouched. At best, they might recover a third of what was taken.

“Has his position been restored?” Wen Yanjun had once been part of Baishi County’s leadership.

Yu Xiangyan shook his head. “One post, one person. The posts are all filled now.” How could he be reinstated?

That made sense.

The siblings didn’t talk for long—they were both busy.

Time always flew when they were occupied. Yu Xiang’an continued her studies at school, and every time she took a break to stroll outside, she noticed changes in the capital.

If the capital was changing this much, she wondered how the pilot economic zones were developing at this point…

When could she go there?

Yu Xiang’an counted the days. It wouldn’t be long now.

After the New Year, Yu Xiangyan and Wen Ruzhen brought their child over.

Wen Ruzhen stayed in the dormitory when her classes were full and went to Yu Xiangyan’s place when they weren’t, so the family could be together.

She had long wanted to bring the child to live with them, but housing and financial constraints had made it impossible. Now, with her husband’s salary, a workplace school and daycare, and her own school stipend, they could make ends meet.

If people in Baishi County had their reputations restored, there were even more in the capital.

With many properties being returned, the market saw an influx of homes for sale. Yu Xiang’an had no legitimate reason to buy those coveted courtyard houses. She had the money, but it couldn’t be openly spent, so she could only gaze longingly at the siheyuan.

However, she did manage to buy an older, 100-square-meter house in a central location. The price wasn’t high, and the opportunity wouldn’t come again.

With Lin Houpu’s salary and allowances as a foundation, they could afford it.

They’d have to wait until after graduation to buy property openly. There was still time—housing prices wouldn’t skyrocket until the 1990s and 2000s.

For now, their student status restricted many things.

Private businesses had already emerged in the capital, with some even obtaining business licenses. Yu Xiang’an was just waiting until she got her diploma to start one herself.

In May 1980, the premier endorsed the household responsibility system, reassuring many regions that had already implemented land reforms.

People worked with even greater enthusiasm. Mid-year, Yu Mansheng secretly called Yu Xiang’an.

“Xiao An Jie, the special zone is close to us. I want to go there and try my luck. I don’t want to live a predictable life in the village. Do you think I’m being unrealistic? What would you do in my place?”

Yu Xiang’an had an answer for him. If he didn’t want a stable, predictable life, he should go to the special zone. At this time, it was easy to make a name for oneself there.

So she said, “If I hadn’t gotten into university, I’d go to the special zone to start a business. You know I’m good with food—no matter where you are, if your skills are solid and prices reasonable, you can make it work. But have you thought about how you’d make a living? Think it through before acting. Also, go with friends for support. Bring enough money, but don’t keep it all in one place—there are pickpockets. And don’t just disappear without telling your family. That’s heartless…”

Yu Manwu got the answer he wanted. “I understand. Thanks, Xiao An Jie. I’ll think carefully.”

Yu Xiang’an: “Over there, everything is waiting to be rebuilt, and many industries are short of people. You probably have some money saved up. Go there, look around, and think carefully about what you want to do and what you can do. You know my number—if anything comes up, just call me.”

Two months later, she received a telegram from Yu Manwu. He and a few childhood friends from the Red Star Brigade had packed their bags and left.

He promised to send another telegram once he arrived to let her know he was safe and not to worry.

Yu Xiang’an smiled.

The tides of the era were rising, and many of the wealthy and influential figures of the future would emerge during this time.

She had originally thought she was the only one in the Yu family who wanted to venture into business, but it turned out she had a cousin who shared the same ambition.

When Lin Chuanbai heard the news, he also smiled. “That’s good. Going out to explore won’t leave regrets.”

After a moment of thought, Lin Chuanbai added, “Today, my advisor asked me if I wanted to pursue a master’s degree.”

Yu Xiang’an: “Do you want to?”

Lin Chuanbai nodded honestly. “There’s still so much I haven’t learned. If I do, I’ll continue studying under him.”

Yu Xiang’an made the decision for him: “Then go for it!”

Lin Chuanbai: “What about you?”

“I won’t. I’ll follow the job assignment first, then find a chance to resign later.” Yu Xiang’an had no intention of furthering her studies—she was already eager to make her mark.

By this time, many people had begun forming vague inclinations about their futures.

Liu Mingyue’s husband had been transferred to the capital earlier that year, so she naturally didn’t want to move to another city. She wanted to stay.

She had been approached by government departments, state-owned enterprises, and large factories, but she leaned toward the government.

She asked Yu Xiang’an, “Where do you want to go?”

At her question, the surrounding classmates perked up their ears.

Yu Xiang’an rubbed her nose. “I also lean toward the government.”

Ke Manyun didn’t quite understand and muttered softly, “Why do you all want to go into government? I’d rather work at a big factory—the benefits are great.”

Liu Mingyue didn’t catch it. “Huh? What did you say?”

Ke Manyun quickly shook her head and raised her voice slightly. “N-Nothing.”

Liu Mingyue let it go and turned to Xu Keke behind her. “Are you planning to return to Shanghai?”

Xu Keke was silent for a long moment before answering vaguely, “It’s not really up to us. It depends on the job assignment. We’ll see when the time comes.”

During the first semester of their senior year, Wu Zhusheng approached Yu Xiang’an. “Do you have any thoughts about your future? Your excellence hasn’t gone unnoticed—you’re in high demand. Several people have already reached out to me. I wanted to hear your thoughts.”

Wu Zhusheng was very satisfied with his deputy class monitor.

Her grades were among the best, and she had worked well with the class monitor to maintain harmony among the students, making his job much easier.

She had also published numerous articles in the school newspaper, bringing prestige to their class. Having such a student reflected well on him.

Yu Xiang’an: “Can I know what the options are?”

“One is a steel factory in the northeast. They want to expand exports and are offering a management position with a three-bedroom apartment if you join.”

“Another is from a neighboring city. They want you to help boost the local economy and promise immediate assignment to a single dormitory, with priority for housing allocation later.”

Finally, he chuckled. “The last one is an assistant position in the Ministry of Commerce. They also promise a single dormitory, but they didn’t give a firm commitment on housing allocation.”

At the mention of the last option, Yu Xiang’an nearly gasped.

Even though she knew college graduates were highly valued at this time, she hadn’t expected such a meteoric opportunity.

But upon reflection, it wasn’t entirely surprising. Wu Zhusheng was not just their teacher and homeroom advisor—he was also a leading expert in economics, frequently consulted on reform and opening-up policies.

Yu Xiang’an took a deep breath to steady herself. Though it was tempting, her dreams lay elsewhere. She disliked the rigid structure of government work, but she was curious about experiencing the heart of policymaking.

“Ministry of Commerce!”

If she chose this path, many things would be off-limits—especially with the secret space she and Lin Chuanbai shared.

That absolutely could not be discovered.

She decided to discuss it with Lin Chuanbai later—they would have to stop using the space for the time being.

Just to be safe.

They already had plenty of money, and with enough funds, they could buy most ingredients they needed.

The produce from her farm would just have to stay stored in the space for now.

She could deal with it after resigning from her internship.

Yu Xiang’an was also grateful that they had always disguised themselves when selling goods and never frequented the same place twice. No one would easily connect street vendors with prestigious university students.

Thanks to their caution, there had been no rumors.

Even if someone did find out, it wasn’t illegal—but if anyone dug deeper and questioned the source of their goods, it would be disastrous.

Qingmu University had worker-peasant-soldier students who were recommended rather than admitted through exams. Employers didn’t offer them the same generous terms right away.

The reason was simple—while they might be politically reliable, their professional competence was questionable. Some were capable, while others knew nothing at all. Unlike those who had passed the exams, these graduates were all genuinely skilled.

Once the decision was made, Yu Xiang’an only told Lin Chuanbai and kept it from everyone else.

When Lin Chuanbai heard her choice, he smiled. “That’s fine. We’ve studied this period of history, and you’re from this field—no one would question you proposing ideas that turn out to be feasible. Even if they aren’t adopted, just raising awareness could do some good for the country. But are you sure? Once you resign to go into business, opportunities like this won’t come again.”

Yu Xiang’an sighed. “Of course I know. But I’m aware of my own limitations—I’m just standing on the shoulders of giants. Many of these ideas aren’t mine. I’m half-baked at best, and my ambitions lie elsewhere. In this line of work, income is transparent. Are we just going to leave all those treasures in our space untouched forever? When others are wearing gold and silver, we’d have to restrain ourselves. That’s fine, but imagine having a freshly caught bluefin tuna right in front of me, yet unable to eat it because of its exorbitant price—that would be torture!”

She exhaled deeply.

Yes, she could propose some “forward-thinking” ideas.

When the time was right, she would resign.

In the early stages of reform and opening-up, the capital was still relatively conservative. She could use this as a transitional period.

She knew what the first privately owned restaurant in Beijing had gone through—constantly watched by neighbors, with any misstep leading to reports. That kind of life was nerve-wracking.

She could wait until the climate relaxed before entering the market.

She wanted to make money, but that didn’t mean she wanted to suffer.

Lin Chuanbai was fine with whatever path she chose. He had no strong attachment to career paths—if he had desired power, his background would have made it easier. Instead, he had chosen medicine.

If she really did choose this route, his medicinal garden and her farm would have to remain unused for the most part.

He admired her ability to resist the temptation.

The allure was strong—with the right contributions, one could leave a mark in history.

Yu Xiang’an clenched her fists. “Even without this, I can still make a name for myself in history. It might sound boastful now, but our advantages are too great. Our income won’t be small. With enough charity work, maybe we can even establish a ‘Chinese Nobel Prize.’ Would you still worry about not being remembered?”

She gave him a look. “Neither of us likes scheming. Short-term is fine, but long-term would probably shorten our lifespans. Do you remember any major breakthroughs in medicine? If you develop something—say, a cure for a terminal illness—that would do the trick.”

Lin Chuanbai: “…”

True. The idea of climbing the political ladder left him indifferent, but the thought of developing a groundbreaking drug that would immortalize his name instantly fired him up.

They really were a perfect match. If either of them had been power-hungry, they wouldn’t have made this decision.

*

In class, the hottest topic was everyone’s future jobs.

Generally, the best benefits came from factories—well-funded and willing to invest in talent.

Many had lived through hard times, and the generous perks were a major draw.

Lin Chuanbai had also received several offers, but he turned them all down—he had already decided to pursue graduate studies.

When the final job assignments were announced, Wang Haiwen, Yu Xiang’an, and Liu Mingyue were assigned to the same place. Ke Manyun went to a pharmaceutical factory, and Xu Keke was assigned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Yu Xiang’an had expected Xu Keke to return to Shanghai, but she stayed—and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs?

She had kept that well hidden.

Yu Xiangyan had already settled into the Ministry of Foreign Trade, and Wen Ruzhen’s job was also confirmed—she would stay at the university as a teaching assistant while pursuing her master’s degree.

With two incomes, supporting themselves and their three children wouldn’t be a problem.

They had no other major expenses.

The most surprising was Wen Yizhen. He was assigned to grassroots work in the western regions.

Though as a university graduate, he wouldn’t be at the very bottom, it would still be tough.

But it was a classic path for those aiming for a political career.

It was his own choice, and outsiders could only offer their blessings.

With the economic reforms underway, the country needed their talents. When Yu Xiang’an, Wang Haiwen, and Liu Mingyue started their internships, they weren’t sidelined or given menial tasks. Instead, they were frequently taken on inspections, included in meetings, and even asked for their opinions—everyone was feeling their way forward and needed all the ideas they could get.

This attitude allowed Yu Xiang’an to propose her views without needing elaborate justifications.

She came from the future—a future where these reforms had succeeded, bringing economic prosperity that amazed the world.

Amid the debates between reformers and conservatives, she was firmly on the side of reform, often offering fresh perspectives. Thanks to her insights, she quickly stood out among the three.