Chapter 45:

Yu Xiang’an and Lin Chuanbai were startled by the sudden appearance of Gao Yimei. “What are you doing here?”

“I came to find you and ran into Comrade Lin on the way. He looked familiar, and then I realized we were heading in the same direction. Turns out he was coming to see you.” She glanced back and forth between the two of them.

What kind of luck was this?

The two of them had chosen a different meeting spot each time. This time, Yu Xiang’an had picked a secluded place near their food factory because she didn’t want to carry too much stuff. If the location were too far, it would just be trouble for herself. And now, Gao Yimei had stumbled upon them.

What excuse could she use to brush this off?

Luckily, they hadn’t revealed too much just now.

Yu Xiang’an had a sudden idea: “Just like your girlfriends at the factory, he tried my braised food once and thought it was delicious. You know how it is—same as with your coworkers.” She gave a knowing smile.

Gao Yimei sniffed the air, as if catching the aroma of the braised food.

She was a little disappointed. If that was the case, then this was just a purely transactional relationship? She had thought there might be something more between them.

But disappointment aside, she had to uphold her friend’s reputation. “Oh, is that so? Xiao An’s cooking is truly unmatched.” She grinned and gave a thumbs-up. “I couldn’t forget it after trying it once. You’ve got good taste.”

Lin Chuanbai’s lips twitched when he saw she believed it. “Right, I understand, but this isn’t something to spread around.”

Gao Yimei nodded. “I didn’t see anything.”

Lin Chuanbai was still inwardly shaken, reflecting on his carelessness. He had thought that even if they were discovered, he could come up with an excuse, so he hadn’t paid much attention to his surroundings.

He shouldn’t have been so careless—he had secrets to protect.

This was a lesson. From now on, he couldn’t let himself be followed without noticing again.

He nodded. “Then I’ll take my leave.”

Yu Xiang’an: “Take care.”

Lin Chuanbai left with the basket, and Gao Yimei praised Yu Xiang’an. “Xiao An, you’re amazing! But if too many people find out, won’t it cause trouble?”

“Not many know—just him and his close friends. We’re just friends exchanging food. It’s no big deal.”

Gao Yimei thought about it and agreed. They weren’t using money to trade, so what was the problem?

“In that case, do you want me to help spread the word?”

Right now, she was only promoting it among her close girlfriends at the factory, keeping it low-key elsewhere.

“No need. I can’t handle too much on my own. I still have my job to do—this is enough for now.”

Yu Xiang’an had no plans to expand in the short term.

“That makes sense. Can’t neglect the main job.” Work was the priority. This was just a side hustle to make life a little easier. If she lost her real job, things would get tough.

When Lin Chuanbai returned home, he had already set aside some mushroom meat sauce and braised tofu to give to his grandfather. He was sure they’d like it.

Sure enough, after tasting the mushroom meat sauce, Lin Duzhong immediately asked him to arrange for more to be made—they’d provide the meat themselves.

Xu Haili, who had also tasted it, had nothing to say. She had wanted to find fault, but it was just too delicious to criticize. How had they made it?

She examined it closely—the meat was diced into small cubes, slightly browned, as if it had been fried or sautéed, mixed with minced mushrooms and crushed peanuts. One bite was enough to leave a lingering, unforgettable flavor.

Lin Jiqing was less impressed with the meat sauce but loved the braised tofu: “This is delicious!”

Lin Nanxing, eating from the jar they’d brought back, asked, “Second Brother, can you spare some for me? I’d love to have it at the factory.”

Lin Jiqing: “Me too.”

Lin Duzhong looked at Lin Chuanbai. “Can your friend arrange for more?”

Lin Chuanbai: “I’ll have to ask. I can’t promise anything.”

He understood how time-consuming and labor-intensive cooking could be—he had his own secret stash. But it was clear that the person who made this enjoyed cooking. Every time she talked about food, her face lit up with genuine pleasure.

Finding something you loved that could also sustain you was a rare blessing, especially when you had the talent for it.

He had spent a lot of time and effort studying medicine, but he couldn’t honestly say he loved it. His motivation had always been practical, with a strong sense of purpose. At least he didn’t dislike it—if he had resented it, he wouldn’t have been able to endure the tedious material for so long.

Maybe he was starting to develop some interest?

So far, he hadn’t felt any aversion.

He thought he might actually like it a little.

Before choosing history as his major, he had hesitated about studying medicine. Now, it felt like he was making up for that fleeting regret.

*

Yu Xiang’an had a dairy cow producing milk. The cattle and sheep in her game system came in initial pairs—one bull and one cow, one ram and one ewe. In theory, they could reproduce, but that would take time, unlike buying new calves or lambs directly.

But buying calves now was difficult. Cattle were valuable assets—with machinery still scarce, they were essential for farming. Under collectivization, almost no one owned cattle privately. If someone did, it was usually under special circumstances. Most cattle were collective property. How could she, as an individual, buy a calf? What would she even say she wanted it for? To eat? That would be tough.

Buying sheep, however, was much easier. Besides the initial pair in her farm, Yu Xiang’an now had three more little goats.

Three more sheep didn’t make much difference to the pasture—it was lush and spacious, with plenty of room for them to roam.

Since Yu Xiang’an was just one person, she couldn’t drink all the milk herself. She stored some, turning part of it into powdered milk and another part into milk candy.

Occasionally, when the mood struck, she’d make yogurt or cheese for a treat.

Time flew by in her busy routine.

She had to manage the fruit trees, ducks, fish, cattle, and sheep in her Xixi Farm while juggling her job, writing articles for newspapers, supervising the studies of Yu Xiangju and Yu Mingjie, assigning them homework, and refining her cooking skills. She couldn’t afford to stagnate.

Every day, she innovated while improving her own meals and earning extra money—killing multiple birds with one stone.

Before she knew it, Lin Duzhong’s birthday arrived. His birthday was on the 18th, so she started preparing the ingredients on the 17th, finished cooking on the 18th, and handed it to Lin Chuanbai to take home.

Since this was for an elder’s birthday, she made a peach cake using canned peaches—a symbol of longevity and good fortune.

She made two cakes—one large, one small. The big one was for Lin Duzhong; the small one was for herself.

Seeing the finished product was satisfying, but her hands were truly exhausted.

Lin Chuanbai was beyond pleased when he saw the cake. He mentally calculated that the money he’d given her last time must have been used up by now. Next time, he’d bring another sum and deduct it step by step.

His personal savings weren’t huge, but a few hundred yuan was enough for his needs.

Today was Lin Duzhong’s birthday, and Lin Chuanbai’s eldest sister, Lin Yunling, had come all the way from the city. She would stay the night and return the next morning.

She brought two pounds of pork belly, a bag of malted milk powder, a box of walnut cookies, and a pair of shoes she had made for her grandfather.

Lin Jiqing and Xu Haili, as the son and daughter-in-law, also made their contributions for his birthday.

They bought good ingredients and made him a new set of clothes.

Xu Haili might be stingy, but when it came to her father-in-law, she knew when to be generous. She had benefited plenty from him in the past, so she couldn’t afford to make a bad impression now.

Lin Nanxing, already working, also gave her grandfather two pairs of shoe inserts and two pairs of socks.

Lin Chuanqiong, still in school, presented his excellent report card as his birthday gift.

Lin Chuanbai arrived shortly after his sister. Seeing him carrying a wooden box, Lin Yunling asked, “What’s that?”

Lin Chuanbai: “Something delicious.”

Opening the box, the first layer revealed a whole braised duck, and beneath it was a round birthday cake with “Happy Birthday” and “Longevity Like the Southern Mountains” written in cream.

Lin Yunling gasped at the sight. “I wanted to buy a cake, but I didn’t make it in time. I didn’t expect you to pull this off—it looks just as good as the ones in the city!”

Hearing there was cake, Lin Nanxing and Lin Chuanqiong immediately crowded around.

They had eaten cake before, but only once—a tiny slice. This one was big enough for everyone to have a generous portion.

“Actually, I had someone make this for me.” He set the cake aside. “Let’s eat first, then have the cake.”

Since it was Lin Duzhong’s birthday, the table was as lavish as a New Year’s feast. Lin Duzhong was in high spirits—his eldest son had even called to wish him a happy birthday. Given how busy he was, the fact that he remembered and called made Lin Duzhong very happy.

His eldest grandson in Shanghai had also called and sent a package, which arrived just the day before his birthday.

With his descendants remembering him, Lin Duzhong was delighted. Adding to that were the well-wishes from former students he had mentored. Looking at the spread before him, he felt fulfilled—the only thing missing was the little ones.

“Why didn’t Yuanyuan come?”

Yuanyuan was Lin Yunling’s son’s name.

Lin Yunling sighed. “We planned to bring him, but it didn’t work out. Next time, definitely.”

Xu Haili urged, “Let’s eat while it’s hot. It’ll be a shame if it gets cold.”

The main dish today was steamed pork with preserved vegetables—the fatty slices were over an inch thick, specially brought back from a state-run restaurant. She didn’t want it to go to waste. There was also a white-cut chicken she had made herself.

With Lin Chuanbai’s braised duck added to the table, this was a meal where they could eat meat to their hearts’ content.

Everyone took their seats, but before eating, there were speeches to be made. Xu Haili gave Lin Jiqing a look, and he raised his teacup. “Dad, happy birthday.”

That was all he managed before Xu Haili took over, delivering a long string of well-wishes.

Lin Yunling: “Grandpa, may you enjoy health and happiness.”

Lin Chuanbai: “Grandpa, may you have peace and joy, free from worries.”

Lin Nanxing: “Grandpa, may all your wishes come true!”

Lin Chuanqiong: “Grandpa, may you stay carefree, youthful, and even reverse aging!”

Lin Duzhong listened with a smile. “Good, good. Now, let’s eat.”

Lin Yunling served him a drumstick first. “Grandpa, as the birthday star, this is yours.”

“There’s enough for everyone.”

Between the chicken and duck, there were eight drumsticks and wings for seven people.

After the meal, everyone’s attention turned to the cake. Because of it, they had held back slightly during dinner, saving some room—no small feat, given how much they all craved meat. That alone spoke volumes about the cake’s appeal.

“Grandpa, as the birthday star, you should cut the cake. But first, blow out the candles and make a wish.”

Since his age made it impractical to use the correct number of candles, Lin Chuanbai had placed just one for symbolism, using a small stand to prevent wax from dripping onto the cake.

“Don’t say your wish out loud, or it won’t come true.”

Lin Duzhong closed his eyes and made a silent wish. “Done.”

“May Grandpa’s wish come true. Now, cut the cake.”

Lin Duzhong picked up the knife with interest. This was a Western custom he had heard about but never tried himself.

It was quite fun.

With seven people in the family, he cut the cake into eight roughly equal slices. His hands were still steady—if they weren’t, he wouldn’t be able to continue practicing medicine. Cutting a cake was child’s play for him.

After taking a bite, Lin Yunling’s eyes lit up. “Second Brother, where did you find this friend? Introduce me—I’d like to order one too.”

Lin Chuanbai hesitated. “I’ll have to ask. She’s just one person, and this is a lot of work. Once or twice might be fine, but more than that would be too much.”

Lin Yunling studied him. “How do you know? Is this friend male or female?” If it was a man, fine. But if it was a woman—since when had her clueless brother become so perceptive?

Lin Chuanbai interrupted, “I’ve asked around, so I know a bit. Big sister, why didn’t Yuanyuan come today? I bought him a toy.”

Lin Yunling had originally intended to test him. Her younger brother, though still not talkative and rarely smiling, seemed a bit more cheerful now, not as gloomy as before. She wondered if he had started seeing someone—after all, romance could change a person dramatically.

If that were the case, as someone who had been through it, she could offer some advice.

Good girls were always in high demand.

When he asked about Yuanyuan, Lin Duzhong also became concerned. The only younger generation he could see now was his granddaughter’s son.

Lin Yunling hadn’t planned to mention it, but now that she was asked, she sighed bitterly, “He got into a fight and broke his hand. It’s not serious—he’s almost healed—but I didn’t want him traveling, so I left him at home to rest.”

Lin Duzhong immediately looked serious. “Are you sure it’s not serious?”

Lin Yunling nodded firmly. “I’m a doctor myself—would I lie to you? It’s really nothing major, just needs proper rest.”

She sounded somewhat helpless.

Lin Chuanbai asked, “Why did he get into a fight?”

Lin Duzhong added, “Yuanyuan’s always been well-behaved.”

Lin Yunling sighed. “His grandparents spoiled him, so his temper’s gotten worse. I can’t even control him anymore.” Back when she gave birth, the baby was too large, leading to a difficult delivery that left her needing years to recover. As a result, she only had one child, who was plump and naturally doted on by the elders. “But this time, it wasn’t his fault. An older kid wanted his new toy, and when he refused, they fought.”

Lin Duzhong relaxed slightly. “So there was a reason—it wasn’t Yuanyuan’s fault. What about the other child?”

“He got hurt too, but since he’s older, his injuries weren’t as bad. His parents already apologized and brought compensation.”

Since the other family had taken responsibility, there was no point in holding a grudge.

After all, they were just kids, and the other boy wasn’t much older.

Lin Duzhong nodded. “Make sure to bring Yuanyuan over once he’s better.”

*

Hearing that Yuanyuan’s hand hadn’t fully healed, Lin Chuanbai decided to visit him in the city.

He also planned to buy some things.

He took the bus early in the morning and first bought fruit and pastries. But on the way, he ran into Feng Jiaye. Seeing him, Lin Chuanbai couldn’t help but sigh inwardly—today’s luck was truly terrible.

The city was so big—how did he manage to bump into him?

Feng Jiaye spotted him too. The moment he saw Lin Chuanbai, he rushed over like a dog spotting a bone.

…Wait, didn’t that make him the bone?

Lin Chuanbai felt a bit absurd, but even if the metaphor wasn’t perfect, Feng Jiaye’s excitement immediately brought it to mind.

Feng Jiaye’s voice rose with enthusiasm. “When did you come to the city? It’s rare to see you here! Come on, I’ll treat you to a meal—let’s go to the state-run restaurant!”

Lin Chuanbai lifted the fruit and pastries in his hand. “My sister’s kid got hurt. I’m going to see him.”

Hearing this, Feng Jiaye’s face fell with immense disappointment. Why such bad timing?

But then he realized there was still plenty of time. “No problem! Go see him—we can meet in the afternoon. I’ll treat you then.”

Lin Chuanbai refused. “I have to catch the bus back in the afternoon. If I miss it, things will get delayed.”

“What’s the big deal? You can just go back tomorrow morning.”

Lin Chuanbai: “Don’t you have work today?” The implied meaning was clear—shouldn’t you be working instead of bothering me?

Feng Jiaye waved it off. “I’ve already finished my tasks. No rush. Right now, spending time with you is more important. You rarely come back—I have to play host! Where do you want to go? I’ll take you!”

His sense of superiority was overwhelming.

Lin Chuanbai felt like he might be “getting old”—he couldn’t understand how this guy’s mind worked.

“I have things to do, really. And haven’t you forgotten? I lived here for years. I know this place well too. Maybe next time.” If not for the fear of provoking certain troublesome figures behind Feng Jiaye, he would have been much blunter.

Seizing the chance, Lin Chuanbai quickly left. Feng Jiaye watched him go but didn’t give up. He turned around to gather reinforcements.

Last time, he’d promised to share any news about Lin Chuanbai. He refused to believe that if a whole group went to find him, he could still refuse.

*

That same day, Yu Qingshan and the others received a letter from Yu Xiangyan, announcing good news—Wen Ruzhen was pregnant.

It was a joyous occasion.

With a child on the way, Yu Qingshan felt that even if Wen Ruzhen later returned to her former privileged life as a wealthy heiress, she would have more to consider.

Perhaps she wouldn’t leave his son after all. As for the other possibility—that it would take a very long time for things to return to normal—he had faith in his son. As long as she remained unchanged, his son would continue to treasure her.

When Xu Xiaojuan heard that Wen Ruzhen was pregnant, she couldn’t sit still. She racked her brain for an excuse, claiming she was visiting her parents, but instead went to the county hospital to see a doctor.

She came secretly—no one knew, neither her family nor her in-laws.

She was nervous. She had never been inside before, only familiarizing herself with the area under others’ guidance.

But because she knew the way, she mustered the courage to come alone.

If she hadn’t been here before, she wouldn’t have dared.

As she waited for the doctor’s verdict, her heart pounded. Fortunately, the doctor said there was nothing wrong with her—just a common case of past malnutrition, requiring some care.

Nothing serious—what a relief.

She had been terrified that she might be infertile. Now that she knew she was fine, Xu Xiaojuan left feeling lighthearted.

It was just a matter of time. Some couples took years before having children, then had them one after another. She hadn’t even been married a year yet—no need to rush.

Good news would come eventually.

But fate had a funny way of working. Yu Xianghai, accompanying Ye Qijia for a checkup, happened to spot her.

Yu Xianghai didn’t get a chance to call out before she left. “Why was she at the hospital? Is she sick? I hadn’t heard anything.”

At this time, people only went to the hospital as a last resort—it was expensive, and minor ailments were usually treated with home remedies or prescriptions from local healers.

Besides, since their family lived in the county, if there was a problem, she should have come to them first.

Ye Qijia frowned. The direction she came from seemed to be the obstetrics department. “She didn’t look unwell. You should ask her later. If something’s wrong, we can’t just ignore it.”

That made sense.

“Alright, I’ll ask when I get the chance. Come on, let’s go this way. The baby’s moving less now—I wonder what the doctor will say…”

They were splitting their visits between the hospital and retired Dr. Lin for double reassurance.

The more Yu Xianghai heard about the risks of twins, the more anxious he became. If extra checkups gave them peace of mind, why not?

Coincidentally, Yu Xianghai had finally achieved stable results in papermaking and wanted to discuss it with Yu Shunwen. But since Yu Xianghai was busy taking care of Ye Qijia, he couldn’t go himself. Instead, he mentioned it to Yu Xiang’an. “I’m not mistaken—your sister-in-law saw it too. But maybe there’s a reason she didn’t tell us. When you go, don’t make a big deal of it. Just ask quietly and see what’s going on.”