Although Dong Huixin didn’t finish her sentence, Lin Guicheng, who had been navigating the business world for years, naturally understood the implication.
Having accumulated too many favors, once the Lin family truly showed signs of prosperity, there would inevitably be those who would leverage these favors to demand repayment. Lin Guicheng had seen countless shops or companies forced into bankruptcy due to such obligations. If the Lin family went bankrupt, as the loan guarantor, he would inevitably suffer the consequences.
Since Lin Yuanmin and Dong Huixin had reservations, Lin Guicheng knew it would be difficult to persuade them immediately. Moreover, for people who had only known him for a few months, the favor he was asking was enormous—so large that it might leave them with nowhere to turn. Lin Guicheng sighed inwardly. It seemed that using a method similar to hiring Fang’er to watch the bookstore to solve the Lin family’s current predicament wasn’t feasible.
Lin Guicheng’s words, however, reminded Lin Fang. Without a word, she opened the wardrobe, took out five plastic-covered notebooks from a hidden drawer, and placed them in front of Lin Guicheng. He looked at her in surprise, unsure of her intention.
Sitting across from Lin Guicheng, Lin Tuo naturally noticed Lin Fang’s actions. He was all too familiar with these notebooks—every time the family borrowed money, they meticulously recorded it to avoid forgetting. Repaid debts were marked with a line through the middle, but so far, most remained unpaid.
Having their private affairs exposed in front of outsiders made Lin Tuo uncomfortable. He wanted to reach out and take the notebooks back, but seeing his sister’s determined gaze, he restrained himself. Though impulsive, she never acted recklessly. If she was doing this, she must have a purpose.
Seeing that Lin Fang was just staring at him without explanation, Lin Guicheng picked up the top notebook, its pages yellowed and brittle with age, and flipped through it casually. Soon, his brows furrowed. The notebook clearly recorded the date, reason, and amount of each loan—mostly for Lin Fang’s medical expenses—with sums ranging from less than a hundred yuan to just a few cents.
After skimming through one notebook, he moved to the next, flipping faster and faster. The room fell silent under Lin Guicheng’s serious demeanor, and even Lin Yuanmin and Dong Huixin, busy by the stove, sensed something unusual. Lin Yong had been closely watching Lin Guicheng’s every move.
Lin Guicheng looked up at Lin Fang, waiting for her to continue.
Lin Fang got straight to the point: “Uncle Cheng, these are the debts and favors my family owes. If you truly want to help us, I have a request—could you lend us the money to repay all these debts? That way, all our obligations would be transferred to you alone. It would simplify things for us, and you wouldn’t have to worry about us being dragged down by multiple creditors. Plus, it would fulfill your kind-hearted wish to help others.”
As soon as she finished speaking, Lin Yuanmin scolded, “Nonsense! Your Uncle Cheng has already helped your eldest brother. How can we trouble him with this? You’re being so inconsiderate.” He knew his daughter well—she was scheming again. But their family’s debts weren’t a small sum, and Lin Guicheng owed them nothing. This wasn’t something a little cleverness could solve.
“Brother, don’t be so quick to scold. I think Lin Fang makes sense,” Lin Guicheng interrupted before turning back to Lin Fang. “So, once you repay me in the future, does that mean our favor is settled?”
Lin Fang shook her head. “Money is money, and favors are favors. Though they’re related, they’re not entirely the same. You’re Uncle Cheng, not just anyone. If you didn’t trust me, you wouldn’t have helped me so much. Likewise, if I didn’t trust you, I wouldn’t have asked you so boldly.”
Lin Guicheng laughed. “With such a grand appeal, it seems I have no choice but to agree!” He was thoroughly amused by Lin Fang’s reasoning. “Brother, Lin Fang is something else. All three of your kids are remarkable. You’re blessed.”
Hearing that Lin Guicheng had agreed to Lin Fang’s request, Lin Yuanmin felt conflicted. He sighed. “Forgive her childishness. If it’s too troublesome, just ignore her.”
Lin Guicheng waved it off. “What trouble? If I’m going to do a favor, I might as well go all out. I’ll talk to Erlinzi’s business partner and take over the entire store. Without interference, Erlinzi can operate freely.”
He then turned to Lin Yong. “Dalinzi, I’ve never asked—what do you want to do? Tell me, and as long as it’s feasible, Uncle Cheng will help you achieve it.”
Lin Yong shook his head silently. He enjoyed tinkering with machinery, but that was just a hobby, not a livelihood. Unlike his brother, who had a knack for business, or his sister, who was academically inclined and already earning by teaching calligraphy, he wasn’t sure where his strengths lay.
“Uncle Cheng,” Lin Fang interjected, “at my brother’s age, could he still go to school? Maybe adult education?”
Due to historical circumstances, Lin Yong’s education had been fraught with setbacks. He barely finished high school, missing the college entrance exam cutoff by six points. Another year of preparation would have likely secured his admission, but the family couldn’t afford it because of Lin Fang’s needs. He ended up farming and later enlisted.
He had hoped military service would lead to a stable government job, but reforms that year meant ordinary soldiers like him were simply sent back to their hometowns. His dream of escaping rural life through the military was dashed.
Now, with their parents moving to the county town, his brother taking over the store, and Lin Fang thriving, Lin Yong was left with little. Though he dabbled in mushroom farming, the market was soon oversaturated, driving prices down until profits vanished.
If he could return to school, he could fulfill his academic dreams and gain professional skills to start his own career. Lin Fang believed this was the best path for him.
However, adult education at the time required connections, not just merit, as enrollment slots were limited. Night school wasn’t an option locally, and returning to formal education was impossible—he was already married with children, and universities didn’t allow married students then.
Given how quickly Lin Guicheng had secured land and permits, Lin Fang figured he could handle this too. Having already asked for so much, she decided to owe one big favor and settle everything at once.
Lin Yong was stunned by his sister’s suggestion. Before he, Lin Yuanmin, or Dong Huixin could react, Lin Guicheng responded, “Absolutely. Dalinzi is at the perfect age for adult education—early twenties, sharp-minded, with real-world experience. He’d study with purpose and learn practical skills. I was already planning to work on the resort approvals over the New Year. I’ll handle Lin Yong’s enrollment at the same time.”
“But if I go to school, what about the farm?” Lin Yong asked, not rejecting the idea but voicing practical concerns.
“Don’t worry, Dalinzi,” Dong Huixin cut in. “If you want to study, go ahead. Do you think I’d let my daughter-in-law and grandson starve?” She had always regretted Lin Yong’s missed education and was the first to support him now.
Lin Tuo also encouraged his brother enthusiastically. Having taken over their father’s role, he was focused solely on earning money to improve their lives. School was no longer on his mind.
As everyone chimed in, only Lin Yuanmin remained silent. Dong Huixin lost patience. “Old man, what’s your problem? You didn’t want Dalinzi to enlist back then. Don’t tell me you’re against him going to school now. If you dare say no, you can live alone from now on!”
Lin Yuanmin sighed. Back when Lin Yong enlisted, Lin Tuo was still in middle school, and Lin Fang needed care. With him working away from home, returning only once a week, he’d opposed Lin Yong’s enlistment fearing Dong Huixin would be overburdened. Glaring at Lin Yong, he muttered, “If you dare fool around outside, I’ll break your legs.”
This grudging acceptance relieved Lin Fang. Their father was usually easygoing, but once he dug in his heels, not even ten oxen—or ten trucks—could change his mind.
With the major decisions settled, Lin Fang relaxed. Playfully, she asked Lin Guicheng, “Uncle Cheng, when are we setting off the fireworks?”
“Right now.”
As soon as he spoke, Sun Siyuan and several workers carried out bundles of fireworks. Lin Yong and Lin Tuo followed, and Lin Fang, not to be left behind, grabbed a handful of “rockets” from a plastic bag and scampered after them.
Outside, the men didn’t stop until they reached the gate. Sun Siyuan opened it, and Lin Fang asked, puzzled, “Where are we going?”
“An open space,” Sun Siyuan replied tersely. Lin Fang understood—setting off fireworks near flammable materials during New Year’s was risky, especially with thatched roofs in the village. Better safe than sorry.
Sun Siyuan and the six workers each had a small miner’s lamp. Lin Fang wondered where they’d come from, as the men had only carried fireworks earlier.
Lin Yong and Lin Tuo fetched flashlights from the house. Before Lin Fang could pretend to search for one, Lin Tuo scooped her onto his back. In the dark, he didn’t want her tripping. Carrying her was second nature to him, and though she’d gained a little weight lately, it was nothing for his sturdy frame.
What he didn’t know was that his “delicate” sister’s night vision far surpassed his. To her, flashlights were just unnecessary baggage.
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage