Yuan Yang was indeed inclined to agree, but before committing, she spoke bluntly, “I need to see your sincerity. If you don’t have the capability, I’ve worked hard for the life I have now. If we fail to kill the snake, it’ll be me who ends up dead.”
Yu Xiang’an nodded. “Do you want to stay in Shanghai, start fresh somewhere else, or even go abroad? I can arrange any of these for you.”
A flicker of surprise crossed Yuan Yang’s eyes. Abroad? She had never even considered it, though many people dreamed of leaving the country now. Should she go abroad? Thinking about the language barrier and her two children, she shook her head inwardly. “I’ve heard many people are seeking opportunities in the Special Economic Zone. You’re based there too, right?”
Yu Xiang’an replied, “Yes, I used to work for the government but later went into business. Now, I’ve built up a decent operation.”
“Then I’d like to settle in the Special Economic Zone.”
Yu Xiang’an assured her, “Absolutely no problem. But words alone aren’t proof—let me show you first.”
They took Tao Yan and Yuan Yang to the home of Yu Xiang’an’s elder brother and sister-in-law, who lived in a residential compound allocated to them during their government service. Though they had since been transferred, the house remained theirs due to their long tenure.
At the compound entrance, Yu Xiang’an chatted with the gatekeeper, an elderly man.
“Uncle, remember me? I visited earlier today.”
The old man lifted his eyelids. “I remember. I’ve seen you all before, but not these two.” He pointed at Yuan Yang and Tao Yan.
Yu Xiang’an smiled. “Your memory is sharp, Uncle. Yes, they’re first-time visitors. Has my sister-in-law returned?”
The old man, pleased by the compliment, replied, “Yes, I saw her come back with a grocery basket not long ago. She’s probably cooking now.”
Yu Xiang’an asked, “Aren’t you going for lunch, Uncle?”
The old man waved a hand. “I’ll wait. My wife will bring me food. Duty calls—can’t just leave my post.”
Tao Yan and Yuan Yang listened quietly as Yu Xiang’an continued, “When was the last time my brother-in-law visited? It’s been years since he came to Shanghai. Even when he worked here, he was always too busy to drop by.”
The old man sighed. “Work comes first. Last time? A while ago—around your nephew’s birthday, I think. He didn’t even stay overnight, just had a meal and left. He’s becoming more like District Chief Lin every day. Now that he’s in university, in a couple of years, he’ll graduate and surely land a good position.”
Yu Xiang’an nodded. “He’s swamped managing a development zone.”
The old man chuckled. “Ah, that’s the kind of busy many would kill for.” Power in his hands.
Yu Xiang’an smiled. “But it’s exhausting. Thankfully, his in-laws help with the kids.”
The old man agreed. “Your sister-in-law is impressive too—a real trailblazer!”
From their conversation, Yuan Yang and Tao Yan gleaned a few key points:
1. Yu Xiang’an’s brother-in-law managed an entire district—a high-ranking position.
2. His nephew was in university, and his sister-in-law was also in the system—a respectable family.
3. The gatekeeper couldn’t possibly be in on any scheme. With such connections, there was no need to deceive them.
After some more small talk, they headed inside, greeted warmly by residents along the way—proof of Lin Guangbai and Yun Jing’s good reputation. If they were disliked, no one would bother acknowledging their relatives.
Tao Yan and Yuan Yang didn’t recognize everyone, but a few familiar faces confirmed the family’s legitimacy. Their doubts eased.
Inside, Yun Jing emerged from the kitchen. “Did you find who you were looking for?”
Yu Xiang’an gestured. “Yes, these are the two.”
The small two-bedroom apartment quickly felt crowded. Lin Yuejing came out of her room and greeted, “Aunt Xiang’an.”
Yun Jing instructed her, “Go make tea. Everyone, please sit. Don’t stand on ceremony. I’m tied up in the kitchen but will join you shortly.”
Yu Xiangqing rolled up her sleeves. “Sister-in-law, let me help.”
Coincidentally, Tao Yan recognized Yun Jing’s face. She knew this woman had powerful backing—her career had soared effortlessly. Though they’d never interacted before, she now realized Yun Jing was Yu Xiang’an’s sister-in-law by marriage. That meant a close connection.
With such influence behind them, justice wasn’t just a pipe dream. Tao Yan shot Yuan Yang a meaningful look.
Soon, Yun Jing returned, sending Lin Yuejing back to study before sitting down. After introductions, they got to the point.
Yuan Yang spoke frankly. “I’ve dreamed of seeing them punished by the law. I’ll testify—I have evidence. But once this goes public, we can’t stay here. I want to move to the Special Economic Zone. I also have a son in Yuqian Village. I’ve borne four children—I’ve abandoned the last two, but my eldest is innocent. He’s trapped there, brainwashed to hate me. He won’t leave with me, but staying puts him in danger.”
Her hands were tied—if she acted, her son would suffer.
Yu Xiang’an declared, “Justice prevails. The law is fair. You have grievances; we have wrongs to right. Wield the law as your weapon, and we’ll support you. As for your son, my brother’s people can retrieve him. Once this is over, I’ll help you settle in the Special Economic Zone. I have an old two-bedroom apartment there, currently unused. Even without skills, you can find work—janitorial or odd jobs pay at least thirty yuan a month. Your daughter’s young enough to learn new skills for better pay later.”
…
Yu Xiang’an refused to let this chance slip.
Yu Xianghe’s case was too old, with no evidence to imprison the culprits. But Yuan Yang’s situation was different—she was alive, with witnesses and two children. If more victims came forward, this could escalate into a major case, triggering a special investigation. Then, from top to bottom, no one would escape.
Yuan Yang remained wary. “Your words sound good, but until I see action, I can’t trust you.”
Yu Xiang’an offered reassurance. “For your son, I’ll have people fetch him. As for the apartment, are you free to visit the Special Economic Zone? We’ll handle the transfer and enroll your daughter in school. With so many migrants there, no one will pry into your past.”
She took Yuan Yang to finalize the apartment transfer, enrolled her daughter in an accounting course, secured her son an apprenticeship (with room, board, and training), and gave her a sum of money. She wasn’t worried about Yuan Yang fleeing.
Yuan Yang didn’t run. She knew too much.
Before escaping, she’d learned of twenty-eight female educated youth who’d suffered—nine dead, the rest silenced. After Yu Xianghai’s men forcibly retrieved her reluctant son, she compiled a detailed list, tidied herself up, and walked into the provincial disciplinary commission with evidence in hand.
The rest was out of their control.
Lin Houpu made calls to ensure the perpetrators faced consequences. The case proceeded discreetly. The family visited Yu Xianghe’s grave to burn incense and inform her.
Life resumed, though Yu Qingshan often checked on Yuan Yang’s children. Her daughter, though quiet, threw herself into studies, showing newfound vitality. Her son, raised on rumors, despised her—yet he cared for his sister, visiting her on breaks.
Yu Qingshan never explained Yuan Yang’s sacrifices, silently watching them, perhaps seeing Yu Xianghe in their faces. Only the culprits’ downfall would ease such pain. For now, they waited.
Lin Yihong and Lin Yining, aware of their grandfather’s gloom, visited often with friends—chubby Chen Yi and Wang Lipan for Lin Yining, Zhuo Mingwei for Lin Yihong. Their antics kept Yu Qingshan distracted.
“Grandpa, I want roasted sweet potatoes!”
“Grandpa, my teacher says my violin improved. Listen—is it true?”
“Look at my drawing! It’s our whole family!”
The house buzzed nonstop.
Zhuo Mingwei’s family, also in business, was similarly low-key. Wang Lipan’s military upbringing was obvious. Chen Yi, the least affluent, had rebounded—his mother’s successful surgery freed their income for savings.
Their cheer lifted Yu Qingshan’s spirits. Seeing their efforts, he resolved not to worry them.
With sixth grade ending, middle school loomed. Yu Qingshan mused on the new 6-3-3 education system (versus the old 5-2-2). Twelve years now, not nine—less earning time, but more learning.
Good middle schools demanded good grades. Distractions wouldn’t help.
When Hong Kong’s property prices surged (up over 10%), Yu Yegui invited them to visit. His two properties, bought on Yu Xiang’an’s tip, had soared.
Yu Xiang’an stayed behind, but Yu Qingshan took the twins. At their age and height, day trips were safe.
They returned buzzing—concerts, plays, circuses! All new experiences.
Yu Qingshan marveled, “No wonder people risked everything to go there. Hong Kong’s development outpaces ours.” Skyscrapers, cars, foreigners everywhere—a global city.
Yu Xiang’an was firm. “We’ll catch up and surpass them.”
Yu Qingshan was skeptical. “I hope so. If that day comes…”
Yu Xiang’an and Lin Chuanbai exchanged a glance: It will. And soon.
*
Their newest product? Instant noodles. With few flavors available then, Yu Xiang’an launched three: braised beef, scallion pork rib, and spicy chicken.
Demand exploded.
So much so that Yu Xiang’an urgently recruited Yu Mansheng to expand production. The existing facility couldn’t keep up.
This venture was unplanned—equipment was scarce. When a client offered noodle-making machines, she seized the chance.
Drivers, especially, bought in bulk. On long hauls, they often missed meals. Now, with matches, a pot, and water, they could cook noodles in minutes. The aroma alone was irresistible.
Not gourmet, but addictive.
The business boomed beyond expectations.
Including the twins, they’ve had their fair share of good food, but when it comes to instant noodles, they have little resistance. The pocket money they saved was all spent on buying instant noodles.
Their classmates were equally obsessed.
They were also passionate about collecting the cards inside.
These cards featured the twelve zodiac animals, with each zodiac sign available in ten colors. If anyone managed to collect a complete set, they could win a free bicycle.
With this carrot dangling in front of them, everyone bought the instant noodles and carefully saved the cards inside, unwilling to throw them away.
By now, the twins had collected over forty different cards between them, Wang Lipan had more than thirty, and Zhuoming had the most, with over eighty.
If any adult bought a whole box and brought it home, it would be devoured in no time. No matter where it was hidden, the kids would turn the house upside down to find it, undeterred even by the scolding that followed.
Chen Xiaoyang also knew how popular these instant noodles were, though she had never tried them herself—let alone any other brand.
Fortunately, her work team had been named “Active Unit” last month, and each member received a box as a reward.
The “Active Unit” title was awarded to the team that outperformed others based on several criteria, primarily production output, followed by defect rates, cleanliness, material waste, and other factors. Scores were weighted, and the team with the highest total was named the “Active Unit.”
Being an “Active Unit” didn’t come with a raise or a bonus—just prizes.
The prizes varied each time.
Last time, it was a pair of cups. The time before that, it was a new bedsheet. This time, it was a small box of instant noodles.
Compared to other foods, instant noodles were relatively expensive. Chen Xiaoyang, frugal by habit, had never bought them—she couldn’t bring herself to spend the money.
Now that she had received them as a prize, she curiously opened a pack to try, wondering what all the fuss was about.
One taste, and she was hooked.
She had planned to try just one pack and take the rest home, but before she knew it, she had eaten nearly half the box over the course of a few days. Feeling guilty and conflicted, she had no choice but to take half of what was left back home.
She was frugal, but her family was even more so.
Though they no longer worried about going hungry thanks to their farming income, with so many children and plans to build a house, life was far from comfortable.
She had tried persuading them to find jobs, but they always shied away, saying they didn’t know how to do anything else and that farming was steady work. They also worried that without enough hands, the harvest would suffer. No matter how she argued, they stuck to the same excuses, leaving Chen Xiaoyang at a loss.
In such circumstances, instant noodles were a luxury for her family.
Most of the time, the treats bought for the kids were candies—cheaper, at just one cent per piece for the cheapest kind.
But instant noodles cost several cents per pack.
The portions were small, too. For an adult, one pack was barely a snack. Even for kids, it wasn’t filling.
When she brought home the remaining half, her mother immediately stored them away—but it was too late. One of her nephews had already seen what it was and shouted excitedly, “Instant noodles! Grandma, I want instant noodles!”
The moment he said that, a swarm of nephews surrounded her, clinging to her arms, waist, and legs. Chen Xiaoyang’s mother was instantly trapped, furious as she yelled, “You little gluttons! Let go! If you don’t, I’ll lock them all up and none of you will get any!”
At that, they cheered, “We’ll behave! Can we eat them today, Grandma? You’re the best!”
Grumbling, her mother muttered, “All you ever think about is eating. Can’t even let things sit for a minute. Useless bunch—must’ve owed you in a past life.”
She went back to the cupboard, took out one pack, then hesitated and took out another, considering how many kids there were.
Seeing her holding two packs, Chen Xiaoyang reminded her, “Mom, add some greens and eggs, and sprinkle some scallions.”
“Eggs too?” her mother grumbled but still cracked two eggs into the pot. Cooking instant noodles was quick and simple—just boil water, add the greens, noodles, and seasoning, and wait. Chen Xiaoyang timed it perfectly, lifting the lid and testing a strand with her chopsticks. “Done.”
The aroma was overpowering. The moment the lid came off, even her mother couldn’t resist. “Let me try some too.”
She took a bite and nodded solemnly. “Not bad. Just the right flavor—not too salty, not too bland.”
A chorus of gulps followed.
Chen Xiaoyang gave each nephew a single chopstick’s worth of noodles in their bowls, along with a little broth.
That was the only way everyone could get a taste. Once the noodles were gone, her mother couldn’t bear to waste the broth and tossed in a handful of dried noodles. “This soup is too good to waste. Cooking noodles in it will still taste great.”
Soon, her brothers and sisters-in-law returned from the fields, each greeted with a small bowl of fragrant noodles.
The allure of instant noodles wasn’t lost on adults either.
“What kind of noodles are these? They smell amazing.”
Chen Xiaoyang smiled. “Of course they do—they were cooked in instant noodle broth. The kids ate the noodles, and Mom used the leftover soup for these.”
“Where’d you get instant noodles?”
“Reward for good performance at work.”
“Your factory’s benefits are that good? Will there be more next month?”
Chen Xiaoyang explained, “It’s not a regular thing. Our team just did well this time.”
“Well, keep it up next time!”
She sighed. “I’d love to, but everyone else is working hard too. The competition’s tight.” Free stuff motivated everyone, and next time, the prize might not even be instant noodles—last time it wasn’t.
Her nephews, realizing the next reward was far off, grew even more eager for the remaining packs locked in the cupboard.
Thinking of the few packs she’d left in her dorm, Chen Xiaoyang swallowed secretly. At least she could still indulge a little.
Satisfied after sharing the delicious noodles with her family, she returned to work with renewed energy. While working, she saw the factory manager, who had been checking production numbers, suddenly rush off after hearing something. At lunch, she overheard others saying the boss and her father had left in a hurry—maybe for another big deal.
Chen Xiaoyang instinctively doubted it.
The boss’s expression had been excited yet restrained.
Complicated.
It felt personal.
And it was.
After a period of discreet investigation, the final results were in. They had gone to see certain people off—for good.
Justice, though delayed, had finally arrived.
The scales of heaven are fair—retribution is inevitable.
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