Chapter 83:

When the twins joined the military, Yu Xiang’an was on edge—neither of them had ever endured much hardship.

Yu Qingshan, seeing her anxiety, comforted her, “That’s their grandfather. He would never harm them. A little hardship when they’re young isn’t a bad thing.”

Yu Xiang’an smiled bitterly. “I know that, and I understand the reasoning, but I can’t help worrying.”

That was true.

As parents, it was impossible to be completely detached.

On the third day, Xiao’an received a call from Yining, who was sobbing on the other end. “Mom, I want to come home. They’re so strict, and I’m exhausted. I just want to rest, but they won’t let me. Uncle is here too, and when I told him, he didn’t help me. Mom, please tell Grandpa I want to go back…”

Did Yu Xiang’an feel heartbroken?

Absolutely.

But at times like this, all she could do was listen carefully and ask about the details.

Their training consisted of basic drills like running laps, horse stance squats, frog jumps, and so on. From what Yu Xiang’an heard, the intensity was high for children. Had it pushed them beyond their limits? Maybe not, but how many kids would enjoy such monotonous, grueling training?

It was no surprise that a girl who had never suffered before was crying and begging to leave.

Lin Houpu had warned her beforehand, so Yu Xiang’an didn’t agree. “Do you remember what you promised? You said you’d stick it out till the end. I still remember your words, sweetheart. Can you hold on for a few more days? It’s like climbing a mountain—it’s exhausting at first, but once you get used to it, it won’t feel as hard.”

Lin Yining’s tears pattered down. “But Mom, I’m really tired. I want to go home. I miss Dad, I miss you…”

Yu Xiang’an clenched her fist, her voice softening involuntarily. “I miss you too, and it hurts me to see you like this. I’ll talk to Grandpa and ask them to adjust the training plan, okay?”

Though she didn’t agree outright, her words gave Lin Yining hope. The girl hiccuped loudly. “Mom, hurry and ask.”

She was too embarrassed to call Grandpa herself.

She had been so confident before, yet here she was, giving up after just a few days.

“How’s your brother?”

“Someone in his group slowed them down, so he’s still running.”

“Alright, go rest early. I’ll call you later.”

After hanging up, Yu Xiang’an called Lin Houpu directly. “Is their training too intense? Could it be too much for kids?”

Lin Houpu reassured her, “Don’t worry. There are professionals supervising—nothing will go wrong. Did they call you crying?” He guessed correctly. “It’s always like this at the start. The hardest part is the beginning. In a few days, they’ll adjust.”

Hearing this, Yu Xiang’an relaxed. “As long as it’s not beyond their limits, I just don’t want them to get injured.”

“Won’t happen. I’ve checked.”

“Was it Yining who called?”

“Yeah.”

“Yining’s a girl. Yihong can endure more.”

…

Yu Xiang’an comforted Lin Yining gently, urging her to hold on a little longer. The girl reluctantly agreed, calling every couple of days to vent. But after a few calls, she suddenly stopped complaining about wanting to leave. The change was abrupt.

When Yu Xiang’an didn’t hear from her for days, she called back. Lin Yihong answered.

“Why hasn’t your sister called me?”

Lin Yihong sighed on the other end. “She doesn’t want to leave anymore. The person supervising our training changed, and she really likes her. She won’t go now.”

Yu Xiang’an: “…Is she good-looking? Man or woman?”

Lin Yihong facepalmed. “Very good-looking. A female military doctor, really agile.” He also found the training tough, but he had never once asked to leave. He didn’t want to break his word—he’d promised to stick it out, and backing out now would be shameful. His pride wouldn’t let him quit.

His sister, however, had no such reservations. After three days, she and a few other girls her age burst into tears, telling him they wanted to go home.

Now she’d stopped. Peace at last—though the reason for it left him exasperated.

Thinking ahead, what kind of looks would her future husband need to keep her interested?

A real headache.

Yu Xiang’an: “…How good-looking?”

“Like a movie star.”

Lin Yining was a textbook example of someone who loved beautiful faces—men or women, as long as they were attractive, she adored them.

Yu Xiang’an had deliberately corrected this tendency. There was nothing wrong with appreciating beauty—everyone did it to some extent. Was judging by appearance really so rare?

In ancient times, officials had to pass appearance checks—if you weren’t good-looking, you couldn’t even become one.

Liking attractive people, wanting to befriend them, or just admiring them was harmless. But she had to keep her guard up—what if a pretty face hid a con artist?

Basic caution was necessary.

This female military doctor wasn’t a scammer, so if Yining wanted to be close to her, fine. If it made her stay willingly, everyone was happy.

Lin Yihong: “Mom, Uncle’s here training too. I think he came just to laugh at us.”

He had toughed it out, only shedding a few silent tears at night from sore feet—no one knew.

“He watches us from the sidelines. He’s older, so he’s not in our group.” Then, his tone turned excited.

He had even eagerly asked around.

Sure enough, from those who loved gossip, he uncovered his uncle’s embarrassing past.

He laughed hard, then felt relieved—glad he hadn’t cried in front of everyone, or that would’ve been his own black mark.

From then on, no matter how tough it got, Lin Yihong gritted his teeth. Uncle wanted to laugh at him?

Not a chance!

Wang Lijun stepped out of the shower, drying her hair, when someone approached—Lin Yining, of course.

She couldn’t help smiling. “Finished your training?”

Lin Yining raised her trembling arms. “Sister Wang, I did it all. No slacking.”

“Good.” Wang had been away on business, leaving others to supervise. She had just returned and hadn’t checked on them yet.

This was the military family quarters, complete with schools and hospitals. Many parents wanted their kids to train, so those currently free took turns as instructors.

Wang Lijun had been assigned to oversee the kids after returning from a mission with minor injuries.

And then she got stuck with this little shadow. She never knew she was this popular.

“Tired? Let me massage you.”

Lin Yining beamed. “Thank you, Sister Wang! You’re so kind. Here, my mom sent these chocolates. Have some!”

She loved sticking around Wang not just because she was pretty, but also because her massages made the aches bearable.

As for the chocolates—it was only polite to bring something.

When Lin Yihong got a taste of the massages too, he started orbiting Wang Lijun as well.

Lin Tiandong: “…”

Both kids were fawning over someone else. How come no one noticed him, a full-grown adult?

And honestly, he was a little miffed. He’d only gotten dirt on his niece, not his nephew. And comparing himself to a girl wasn’t fair—girls were expected to be delicate. But his nephew refused to shed a tear, leaving him with no embarrassing stories—while his own past got exposed.

Still, it made him look at the boy differently.

A tough, stubborn kid.

Lin Tiandong’s college acceptance letter arrived at the machinery factory’s family quarters. He only found out when Li Yujiao called him.

At the news, he jumped for joy. “Yes!”

Those nearby cheered. “What great news! You’re a college student now!”

“This kid’s going places.”

“The Lin family’s incredible—three out of four kids are in college!”

Apart from Lin Yunling, the daughter, all were university-bound.

Even she was educated—being a doctor wasn’t for just anyone.

How could they not be proud?

Lin Houpu had lived here for years, with many friends and acquaintances. Word spread fast, and soon, a crowd gathered.

Lin Tiandong fetched a jar of candy from his dorm to share the joy—he’d prepared it in advance.

Every family with kids got a few pieces—maybe some of that academic luck would rub off.

Lin Yihong and Lin Yining helped distribute the treats.

Even in the military, not everyone was happy for them. Some were green with envy.

Another elite university student.

What kind of luck did the Lins have?

When the couple had split back then, everyone predicted chaos. Yet here they were, peaceful as ever.

Some just couldn’t accept it.

Seeing the twins smiling, someone tried to stir trouble. “Aren’t you two naive? If he succeeds, won’t your grandpa favor him over you? You don’t share the same grandma!”

“Better watch out. That step-grandma of yours is no simpleton—a real fox spirit!”

“You should tell your dad—if he favors the concubine’s son, that’s not fair!”

The twins took it in stride.

They’d heard such talk since they were little, back when they didn’t understand. Their parents had taught them—never react in front of outsiders. Play dumb.

Making a scene wouldn’t help.

Family issues stayed within the family. Air them out, and they’d just become gossip fodder.

These people meant no good. They wouldn’t give them the satisfaction.

As for Grandpa favoring anyone—relying on elders’ assets was no path to success.

Sincerity bred sincerity. They knew how Grandpa treated them. Whether he’d wronged Grandma, even their parents didn’t know.

But in her letters, Grandma had never mentioned it.

Once, when Grandma visited, Lin Yining had whispered, “Did Grandpa make a mistake?”

Grandma had stayed silent for a long time before shaking her head. “No.”

She wouldn’t say more, but that was enough to reassure her.

Lin Yining pretended not to understand the provocations. Lin Yihong, as the male heir, bore the brunt.

He’d had enough. Feigning innocence, he asked, “Auntie, I don’t get it. Is Grandpa favoring someone? Should I call and ask?”

“Who’s a fox spirit? Let me ask Uncle.”

That shut them up fast—no one wanted to openly offend the family.

Peace at last.

…

Lin Tiandong got his acceptance letter. So did Yan Jin—fate had them at Qingmu University and Capital University, respectively.

Close enough that future encounters were likely.

While the twins trained through summer, Yu Mingjie and Yu Xiangju came from Yangcheng to the special zone.

They were treated well but put to work—Yu Xiang’an hired them as temporary help, paying them wages. They happily obliged.

Both were tall, lean young men now, decent-looking.

While helping at the restaurant, a female customer slipped a note into Yu Mingjie’s pocket—name and contact info.

When he found it, his face burned. Yu Xiangju burst out laughing.

Mortified him.

Yu Qingshan was oddly pleased. If they weren’t in school, this would be the age to start thinking about marriage. But studies came first—they could worry about that after graduation and job assignments.

Still, if a good match appeared, why wait? Strike while the iron was hot. The teasing left both boys blushing.

Yu Xiang’an urged them to think about their futures early—knowing their goals would let them prepare.

College graduates weren’t as scarce as before, but they were still prized.

If they had career preferences, they could start researching now. Job assignments weren’t entirely inflexible—landing the right one made all the difference.

She sometimes took them along to broaden their horizons. Young men could never have too much exposure, with Yu Qingshan there to keep them grounded.

And then they saw a new side of their sister/aunt—not just a cook or student, but a poised negotiator, commanding respect.

Yu Mansheng also made time to show them around. His world was different—99% men, many starting work in their teens.

Here, Yu Mansheng is a boss whom everyone greets, and he’s quite different from his former self in the village. He now oversees over a hundred employees.

More than a hundred people depend on him for their livelihood, and his business is growing steadily. He’s currently constructing a building with plans to sell it—even before completion, inquiries have already started pouring in.

Yu Xiang’an has also invested a portion. Aside from factory construction and equipment purchases, her other ventures generate daily income. Large expenditures are mainly covered by bank loans, so her cash flow remains stable. However, construction projects are different—contractors often withhold partial wages, delaying payment until the project is fully completed. Delaying wages is a common tactic.

This collaboration helps share risks.

For this building, Yu Mansheng holds the majority stake, with Yu Xiang’an and two others as co-investors—four partners in total.

Beyond this, Yu Xiang’an has other investments, with varying shares. Currently, her primary income comes from Wuwei Restaurant, which has expanded significantly. Given another two years, Wuwei Restaurant will likely flourish across the Special Economic Zone.

With more capital at hand, she now prioritizes purchasing properties for her restaurants before expanding them. These spacious locations in bustling districts will become valuable assets in the future.

Dine-in is available, but for those in a hurry, takeout is an option—saving time and effort.

She aims to rival future fast-food giants like KFC and McDonald’s. Why shouldn’t she dominate such a vast market? Does she not know how to make fried chicken?

Her current goal is to establish her brand, capture the Special Economic Zone’s market, and then expand outward. As for expansion personnel, many of her current employees, eager for promotions and raises, would likely volunteer to explore new markets.

This summer, Yu Xiang’an’s car arrived—thanks to Yu Yegui’s help.

She had already obtained her driver’s license earlier and could now drive immediately.

Yu Xiangju and the others watched enviously. In their free time, Yu Xiang’an taught them how to drive, with Yu Qingshan joining in. His health was good, and he hadn’t yet turned sixty.

After declining twice, Yu Qingshan gave in. Once behind the wheel, he was just as excited.

What man doesn’t love cars? He certainly did.

Their passion helped them learn quickly. They dared to drive on empty roads, but to legally drive, they’d need proper licenses.

Yu Xiang’an enrolled Yu Qingshan in driving school, while Yu Xiangju and Yu Mingjie decided to wait—time was short, and they had no immediate need to drive. They’d try again next summer.

……

Many investors in the Special Economic Zone are returning overseas Chinese, contributing their efforts. Some are drawn by the market potential, but most return out of deep love for their homeland.

This is their hometown, their roots.

Forced to leave in the past, they now return as the land calls for them.

Fu Ziyu’s family was among those who had no choice but to leave. They were ethnic capitalists, with a scholarly lineage.

Such a background would have made survival difficult if they had stayed.

After so many years, they thought they had nearly forgotten—but upon returning, memories flooded back.

Fu Ziyu, also known as Jenny abroad, reverted to her original name after coming back.

Her entire family had emigrated years ago, building a successful business overseas.

When reform and opening-up began, they hesitated, fearing repercussions. After years of observation and preparation, they finally decided Fu Ziyu would lead their return.

Though a woman, her capabilities matched any man’s—she had played a key role in their overseas success.

Her return went smoothly.

Government officials were welcoming, accommodating their requests as much as possible.

Now, their hotel is nearing completion—a five-star standard project, from construction to staffing.

In this regard, she and Yu Xiang’an found common ground. Yu Xiang’an was constantly hiring due to her restaurant expansions.

Their frequent interactions deepened their friendship. When they jointly invested in Klaite’s garment factory, they became business partners.

Klaite purchased a production line for clothing, bedsheets, and more, supplying their supermarkets.

Seeing the booming apparel market, Yu Xiang’an and Fu Ziyu agreed it was a worthwhile investment.

With shared interests, they collaborated more, helping each other network—whether in construction (Yu Mansheng or other contractors) or packaging suppliers (Yu Xiang’an’s connections).

Despite her busy schedule, as summer ended, Yu Xiang’an made time to bring her children back to the capital.

After such a long separation, she was anxious about their well-being—hearing their voices wasn’t enough.

Yu Qingshan joined her without protest. Though he didn’t say it, he was just as concerned.

When they met the twins, their once-fair skin had turned bronze—proof of relentless sun exposure.

The darker skin made their teeth appear strikingly white.

But their spirits were high, and their limbs had grown sturdy.

Yu Qingshan, noting their height, felt a swell of pride—they were growing up fast. Soon, they’d be taking college entrance exams.

The twins were thrilled to see their mother and grandfather. “Mom, why didn’t you tell us? We thought Dad was picking us up!”

“Your father’s too busy now.”

“And you? Not busy anymore?”

“I’ve arranged things so I can step away for a while. Don’t worry.”

On the train back to the capital, Yu Qingshan suppressed his excitement.

It was his first visit to the capital, and the closer they got, the more nervous he became.

This was the capital!

He wanted to pay respects at Tiananmen Square!

Sensing his curiosity, the twins chattered nonstop about their hometown.

Having grown up in the capital, they knew it well. During their parents’ university days, weekend outings were frequent. Even later, when private business was restricted, Yu Xiang’an made sure to explore new places with them.

Now, they enthusiastically shared the best spots for fun and food.

Yu Qingshan listened eagerly, his reactions spurring them on.

Upon arrival, Yu Xiang’an wasn’t idle—the three-story food plaza near their home, now in its final stages of renovation, needed her attention.

Staring at the building, realizing it all belonged to his daughter and son-in-law, Yu Qingshan: “……”

He truly had an extraordinary daughter. Had her mother dreamed of the God of Wealth while pregnant? How else could she be this remarkable?