Qi Fang was quite surprised to see the man. "Zhengrong-ge?"
"Yes, it's me." The man nodded, wiping sweat from his forehead. "Weren’t you in Chengshui before? What brought you to the forest farm?"
Clearly, he had gone to Chengshui first and only came to Jinchuan Forest Farm after failing to find Qi Fang there. Qi Fang offered a brief explanation, "There was some trouble before."
He didn’t elaborate further, already gesturing toward the courtyard. "Come in and wash up, Zhengrong-ge."
The man agreed and was about to follow when he noticed Yan Xue standing beside Qi Fang. He froze for a moment.
"This is my wife, Yan Xue," Qi Fang introduced, then turned to Yan Xue. "Wang Zhengrong, my teacher’s wife’s nephew."
Realizing he was a relative from Qi Fang’s teacher’s family, Yan Xue smiled warmly. "Zhengrong-ge, the journey must have been exhausting in this heat, right?"
Her casual yet affectionate use of "Zhengrong-ge" put him at ease. "Absolutely. The worst part was the ride here."
Then, as if suddenly remembering, he exclaimed, "Qi Fang, when did you get married? Why didn’t you tell any of us?"
"It was rushed. Didn’t have time to inform everyone," Qi Fang replied without further explanation, leading him inside to fetch water for washing.
Second Old Lady was in the main room preparing dinner and handed Wang Zhengrong a towel. "A friend of Xiao Qi’s?"
"Yes. I used to stay at my teacher’s place. Zhengrong-ge is my teacher’s wife’s nephew."
After brief pleasantries, once Wang Zhengrong had washed the sweat from his face, they moved to Qi Fang and Yan Xue’s room to sit. Wang Zhengrong finally asked, "How have you been these past few years?"
There was hesitation in his voice, as if he knew Qi Fang hadn’t been doing well before. But Qi Fang answered calmly, "I’m fine."
When Yan Xue went to sit, Qi Fang instinctively placed a protective hand behind her waist—a habitual gesture.
Seeing this, Wang Zhengrong didn’t press further. Being married and expecting a child was surely better than the lifeless state Qi Fang had been in before.
Instead, Qi Fang turned the question back to him. "How have you and Teacher’s Wife been?"
"Auntie and I are doing alright," Wang Zhengrong said, though his eyes flickered toward Yan Xue.
It was clear there were things he couldn’t say in front of her. After all, given his relationship with Qi Fang, he wouldn’t have traveled all this way just for a casual visit.
Even for a visit, he would’ve normally sent a letter first. His arrival clearly meant he had business with Qi Fang.
Yan Xue stood up with a smile. "You two talk. I’ll go see what Grandma’s cooking."
Just as she was about to leave, Qi Fang caught her wrist. "Stay. I’ll go."
He headed to the main room and soon returned to ask Wang Zhengrong, "Grandma suggested opening a can of preserves and stir-frying some green beans and eggplant. Will that do?"
"Of course, anything’s fine. Tell her not to go to any trouble," Wang Zhengrong quickly replied.
Now Yan Xue had no reason to leave. Clearly, in Qi Fang’s eyes, there was nothing she couldn’t hear.
Wang Zhengrong hesitated no longer and pulled out a letter. "Auntie asked me to deliver this to you."
Lowering his voice slightly, he added, "She was afraid mailing it wouldn’t be safe, so she sent me instead."
Whatever the letter contained was clearly important—perhaps even confidential.
Qi Fang took it solemnly. After reading, his brows furrowed slightly. "Teacher’s Wife says Professor Lin has been recalled."
"Yes," Wang Zhengrong confirmed. "I don’t know if you’ve heard, but that ungrateful Wu Xingde actually dug up Uncle’s research."
His voice turned bitter. "Not only that, he claimed it as his own. Now that it’s gone wrong, people are saying Uncle’s work was useless."
Qi Fang remained composed. He’d known about this for a while and had heard more than enough disparaging remarks about his teacher’s efforts.
Calmly, he asked, "So Wu Xingde messed up, and now Professor Lin has been brought back to take over the project?"
"How can he cling to Uncle’s research when he couldn’t even use it properly?" Wang Zhengrong scoffed. "Professor Lin used to work in engineering mechanics—doesn’t he have more experience and skill?"
Qi Fang didn’t comment, glancing back at the letter. "Have you and Teacher’s Wife met Professor Lin already?"
"Yes. He asked Auntie if she could contact Uncle’s former colleagues, hoping to bring them back to continue the research."
Wang Zhengrong sighed. "I saw him once at Auntie’s place. He’s aged terribly—a respected professor, forced to tighten screws in a factory for over three years."
But among the professors of that era, how many hadn’t been sent to farms or factories? Being recalled like Professor Lin was already a stroke of luck.
Qi Fang stayed silent, and Wang Zhengrong, seemingly reminded of his uncle, grew quiet as well.
After a long pause, he asked, "If even Professor Lin can return… do you think there’s any chance Uncle’s situation could…?"
He trailed off, as if knowing the odds were slim. Yet his eyes flickered with hope, mingled with grief and anger.
Qi Fang lowered his gaze, unable to offer a definitive answer—nor did he want to crush that hope.
Wang Zhengrong’s optimism dimmed. "Never mind. Professor Lin’s return is a good sign. At least things are starting to improve."
The conversation had grown heavy, so Qi Fang circled back. "How is Teacher’s Wife holding up?"
"Same as always," Wang Zhengrong said with a pained smile. "Even though Uncle divorced her before the incident, she’s a teacher herself, so life hasn’t been easy. She’s been carrying this weight for years, and her health keeps declining. Wu Xingde’s stunt made her so angry she fell ill right before I left."
Despite her condition, she’d sent her nephew on this long journey to deliver the letter. Clearly, to her, it mattered more than her own well-being.
Yan Xue grew curious about the letter’s contents. For some reason, a sense of unease settled in her chest.
But with Wang Zhengrong still present, she held her questions. Qi Fang didn’t volunteer anything either, instead asking, "Will you stay the night, Zhengrong-ge?"
It wasn’t until after dinner, when Wang Zhengrong stepped out to the courtyard, that Qi Fang finally murmured to Yan Xue, "I might need to make a trip."
Yan Xue wasn’t entirely surprised. "What did Teacher’s Wife say in the letter?"
Qi Fang met her gaze. "She said my teacher’s work can’t be left to ruin under Wu Xingde. Now that Professor Lin is taking over the project, it’s time."
Yan Xue’s heart skipped a beat. "She wants you to hand over the research to Professor Lin?"
"Not exactly ‘hand over,’" Qi Fang clarified. "She wants me to work with Professor Lin—to clear my teacher’s name."
Yan Xue frowned. "Can this Professor Lin be trusted?" She didn’t recall any mention of him or Qi Fang’s teacher’s wife in the original novel.
"Professor Lin was a good friend of Teacher Su back in their school days. He was the one who introduced Teacher Su to his wife back then. After the incident with Teacher Su, Professor Lin even spoke up for him."
Logically, that should make him trustworthy. If he weren't, Qi Fang’s teacher’s widow wouldn’t have asked Qi Fang to retrieve the items.
After all, aside from Qi Fang, no one in the world cared more about her late husband’s research than she did.
But wasn’t this all a bit too convenient? On one side, Wu Xingde couldn’t resolve the issue, and on the other, Su Changqing’s old friend was suddenly reassigned to take charge.
In the original book, Wu Xingde wasn’t ousted until much later—even after the reform and opening-up, it took Qi Fang over a decade to bring him down.
Yet now it was only 1970, six years before the prolonged turmoil would even come to an end…
Yan Xue’s expression turned solemn. "So, you’re planning to hand over the materials this time?"
"Just going to verify things first," Qi Fang replied calmly. "I won’t trust anyone until I see my teacher’s widow and Professor Lin in person."
He was even wary of his teacher’s widow’s nephew. Yan Xue raised an eyebrow. "You think he’s suspicious?"
Her voice was hushed, and Qi Fang matched her tone. "Not exactly. He’s one of the few relatives my teacher’s wife has left. He’s been taking care of her since my teacher passed."
But there was clearly more to it. Sure enough, his expression darkened. "I’m more concerned about Wu Xingde. After all, he’s already tried intimidating you once."
If not for that incident, Qi Fang might not have been so cautious. But Wu Xingde had shown him just how far a desperate man would go.
Yet the more Qi Fang explained, the more confused Yan Xue became. Ever since she’d learned that Qi Fang was actually Qi Jingshu, she’d been struggling to piece things together.
Based on her deductions, Wu Xingde had eventually gotten his hands on those research findings—otherwise, he wouldn’t have risen so high so quickly, forcing Qi Fang to spend over a decade bringing him down.
But Qi Fang was meticulous and patient, someone who could lay a two-year trap with a fake notebook. How could he have carelessly handed over the real thing?
Unable to make sense of it, Yan Xue gave up and said, "I’m going with you."
Whatever the reason, two people guarding against risks were better than one. Besides, she had the advantage of knowing the original story.
Qi Fang immediately objected. "No. You’re pregnant. There’s no need for you to go through this."
"I’m already five months along," Yan Xue countered. "At this stage, it’s fine. Plenty of women in the forestry camp still go up the mountains to forage."
"Still not happening," Qi Fang refused firmly. "No matter how many months, you’re not going. If something happens, I might not be able to protect you and the baby."
"It’s not like your teacher’s widow’s place is some den of traps. Would Wu Xingde really set up an ambush to capture me and use me against you?"
It wasn’t that Yan Xue trusted Wu Xingde’s character, but if he had that much power, he would’ve arrested her long ago.
And if Wu Xingde truly had that kind of influence, why would he even need Su Changqing’s notes? What difference would his research make at that point?
But Qi Fang remained unmoved. "Even a one-in-a-million risk is too much."
Realizing how cold he sounded, he softened his expression and gently touched Yan Xue’s head. "Be good. Let me do this without worrying."
He was treating her like a child. And as luck would have it, Wang Zhengrong returned at that exact moment, freezing in the doorway, unsure whether to enter or retreat.
"You really won’t let me come?" Yan Xue lowered her voice for one last attempt.
When Qi Fang still didn’t relent, she took a step back and suddenly clutched her stomach, raising her voice dramatically. "Why won’t you take me to see your teacher’s widow?"
The outburst stunned not only Wang Zhengrong, who was still hesitating in the doorway, but even Qi Fang himself.
Yan Xue’s solemn expression had now twisted into indignation. "You didn’t invite anyone to our wedding, and now you won’t take me to meet your teacher’s widow. Am I some kind of disgrace?"
She didn’t stop there, jabbing a finger at her belly. "Or is our child not fit to be seen either?"
In their year-plus of marriage, Qi Fang had never seen her like this. He was so taken aback that he couldn’t even respond.
Yan Xue turned to Wang Zhengrong. "Zhengrong-ge, tell me—am I really that shameful?"
Wang Zhengrong clearly wasn’t prepared for this either. He awkwardly tried to mediate. "Sis-in-law, don’t get upset. I’m sure Qi Fang doesn’t mean it like that."
"Then take me with you!" Yan Xue immediately rounded on Qi Fang again, her tone demanding.
Before long, even the Second Old Lady was drawn in by the commotion. "What’s going on? Can’t you two talk this out properly?"
Yan Jigang hovered behind the old woman, looking like he wanted to intervene but didn’t know how.
Yan Xue, still cradling her stomach, repeated her grievances. "Grandma, tell me—is he being fair?"
It almost felt like a marital spat, with Yan Xue seeking outside validation.
But Yan Xue had never been the unreasonable type. If she was insisting on going despite her pregnancy, there had to be more to it.
The Second Old Lady let out a slow "Oh," then, faced with a choice between her granddaughter and grandson-in-law, sided with Yan Xue. "Well, Xiao Qi is in the wrong here."
Typical of Yan Xue’s grandmother—just the other day, she’d promised Qi Fang she’d report any misbehavior to him…
Qi Fang sighed. "Grandma, you really think she should come along? She’s heavily pregnant."
The Second Old Lady hesitated, glancing at Yan Xue. "Maybe you two should discuss it again. Properly this time."
Then, as if suddenly remembering, she exclaimed, "Ah! I’ve got food on the stove!" and hurried off.
With her departure, Yan Jigang hesitated before following suit, leaving only the clueless Wang Zhengrong stranded in the awkward silence.
Yan Xue seized the moment to escalate. "I know I’m not good enough for you. You’re a college graduate, and I only finished middle school. I’m just a village girl. But whether I’m worthy or not, we’re already married. Even if not for me, shouldn’t our child at least be acknowledged?"
That was a heavy accusation. Wang Zhengrong rushed to console her. "Sis-in-law, don’t think like that. I know Qi Fang—if he married you, it’s because he values you."
They’d been married for nearly a year and a half, and they were expecting a child, but this was the first time Yan Xue had heard that Qi Fang "valued" her—even if it came from someone else’s mouth.
Her anger faltered for a split second, her eyes flicking instinctively toward Qi Fang. He was already looking at her, and for a moment, neither spoke.
Not only did they stay silent, but when Qi Fang noticed her gaze, he actually glanced away—unusual for someone who usually remained unflappable.
The reaction stirred something in Yan Xue, a faint discomfort she quickly brushed aside. Wang Zhengrong, oblivious, kept trying to smooth things over. "I think he’s just worried about not being able to take care of you while you’re pregnant."
But Yan Xue had a goal in mind. "I can take care of myself. And it’s not like I’m at the stage where mobility’s an issue yet."
She turned to Wang Zhengrong, pouring out her frustrations. "Zhengrong-ge, tell me—is he being fair? I haven’t met a single one of his relatives or friends. If I don’t go this time, who knows when I’ll get another chance?"
She spoke with such pitifulness, her sweet and charming face making it hard for Wang Zhengrong to stay firm in his refusal. "Qi Fang, why don't you just bring your wife along?" he suggested, as if worried Qi Fang might disagree. "If it’s too much trouble, I’ll carry all the luggage. You just focus on taking care of her on the way."
Qi Fang had been silent for a while. Only then did he glance at the two of them, his gaze lingering especially on Yan Xue. "Fine, let’s all go together."
Yan Xue didn’t react much, but Wang Zhengrong let out a relieved sigh, wiping the sweat that had just formed on his forehead.
This "Brother Zhengrong" wasn’t as straightforward as Qi Fang, but when it came to dealing with women, he clearly wasn’t very skilled either.
The matter was settled. Qi Fang would go early the next morning to request leave and get the necessary documents, while Yan Xue would arrange things at the pilot site. They would then take a carriage from the Wangshan Forestry Station.
"The train to Jinchuan leaves too early—we might not make it in time. I’ll arrange for a carriage from the station to take you," Qi Fang said, considering every detail. His tone, however, remained indifferent, and he avoided looking at Yan Xue.
Noticing this, Yan Xue moved closer to him. "Are you angry?"
At that moment, Wang Zhengrong had been pulled away by Second Old Lady to eat watermelon in the yard, leaving only the couple inside to pack.
Qi Fang kept his head down, pretending to be busy. "The decision’s already made. What’s there to be angry about?"
Clearly, he was still upset. Yan Xue wrapped her arms around his. "I’m really fine. Besides, I’m just worried about you."
"Master’s wife’s place isn’t some dragon’s den. Do you really think Wu Xingde would set a trap to capture me?" Qi Fang threw her own words back at her.
But she feared this trip might involve Wu Xingde again—that this time, Qi Fang wouldn’t be able to protect their teacher’s legacy.
She had already traveled back in time; she couldn’t let him relive the same tragic path from the original story. Who knew if his poor health in that timeline was because he couldn’t forgive himself for letting things slip through his fingers?
Yan Xue curved her eyes into a smile. "And what if some temptress appears on the road and seduces you away? Then I’d have to go through the trouble of finding a stepfather for our child."
This finally made Qi Fang look at her—though his expression wasn’t exactly pleased. "You’re already thinking about finding a stepfather for our child?"
"That’s exactly why I have to go with you," Yan Xue said, tightening her grip on his arm. "Qi Fang, we’re family now."
Her clear, earnest eyes held his gaze for a long moment, leaving him speechless.
The room fell silent, making the voices of Wang Zhengrong and Second Old Lady chatting outside all the more distinct.
"Qi Fang might seem cold, but he’s deeply loyal. My aunt was always afraid he’d struggle to find happiness. Now that he’s bringing his wife along, it’s good—she’ll see he’s found someone he cares about, that he has a child and a family of his own..."
The mention of "someone he cares about" brought back their earlier conversation, and both of them instinctively averted their eyes.
Yan Xue turned to the cabinet, searching for something. "Let’s bring that ginseng root too. Brother Zhengrong said Master’s wife isn’t in good health—it might come in handy."
This wasn’t just an excuse to change the subject. The original story hadn’t mentioned this woman at all. Who knew what the situation really was?
If they were going to prepare, they might as well cover all possibilities and avoid the same outcome as in the book.
She quickly found the ginseng and handed it to Qi Fang. He held it, studying her for a long moment before finally tucking it into his bag and pulling her into a tight embrace.
That night, Yan Xue slept at Second Old Lady and Yan Jigang’s place, leaving Wang Zhengrong and Qi Fang to share a room.
The next morning, she went to the pilot site to inform everyone she’d be away, reminding them to be cautious of the rainy weather and to consult Secretary Lang if anything urgent came up.
After making arrangements, she hurried home. Though there was still plenty of time, they had to wait for the forestry station’s carriage, and she wanted to be ready early.
But the moment she stepped inside, Second Old Lady gave her a surprised look. "Why are you back?"
Yan Xue immediately sensed something was wrong. "What do you mean, ‘Why am I back?’ How else am I supposed to get to Wangshan to catch the train?"
The question left Second Old Lady speechless. Yan Xue quickly went inside—only to find the room empty.
Not just empty, but all their packed belongings were gone too. She opened the cabinet and saw the clothes she’d prepared for the trip still neatly folded inside.
Yan Xue laughed in frustration, turning to Second Old Lady, who had followed her in. "When did Qi Fang leave?"
"He’s been gone for a while," the old woman admitted, clearly not expecting her grandson-in-law to pull such a trick. "He said there was still time to catch the Jinchuan train and that he’d go straight to the pilot site to pick you up."
By now, he was probably already on the train. While she’d been giving instructions at the site, she’d even heard the whistle of the small locomotive.
Qi Fang had really outdone himself—playing her like this from the start. He must have never intended to take her along.
Yan Xue took a moment to compose herself, hands on her hips, but the anger still simmered. Then her eyes landed on a piece of paper weighed down by an object on the writing desk.
She picked it up and unfolded it. The elegant, bold strokes of fountain pen ink were unmistakably Qi Fang’s handwriting.
The note was brief, but it contained words Qi Fang would never say aloud to her—
"Yan Xue, we’re family now.
But only with you do I have a home.
Only if you’re safe can I find my way back.
I’ll be careful. Wait for me."
He’d really gone all out to stop her from following—even resorting to sentimental words.
Yan Xue glanced at the note, fuming. She looked again, still furious.
Finally, she decided to put it out of sight, tucking it between the pages of her diary in the drawer.
At noon, when Yan Jigang returned from school and saw her still there, his eyes widened in shock. "Sister, you’re not leaving?"
"Nope. I’ll be staying to see how you do on your final exams," Yan Xue said, ruffling the boy’s hair, which immediately brightened his mood.
"What about Brother-in-law?"
"Your brother-in-law thought life was too peaceful, so he decided to go chase some excitement."
Wasn’t he just asking for trouble, leaving her behind like this?
Yan Xue smiled sweetly. "Since he’s not home, how about I keep sleeping here with you and Grandma?"
That was more than fine with Yan Jigang. He’d been about to ask what she meant by "too peaceful" and "chasing excitement," but the offer made him forget all about it.
He immediately ran to fetch Yan Xue’s pillow—just as thunder rumbled outside and rain began to pour.
Second Old Lady frowned at the sky. "This storm looks heavy. Did you make all the necessary arrangements at the pilot site?"
Meanwhile, on the train pulling away from Chengshui, Wang Zhengrong hurried to lower the window as raindrops splattered against it.
Once done, he glanced at Qi Fang, who sat calmly across from him. "You just left like that? Won’t your wife be upset?"
He truly hadn’t expected Qi Fang to agree only to abandon Yan Xue at the last moment. "She’s pregnant, you know. You don’t want her getting too worked up."
"It’s fine. I left her a note. She’ll understand," Qi Fang said.
But Wang Zhengrong clearly doubted that. "You sure about that?"
The question gave Qi Fang pause.
Would Yan Xue really not be that angry after reading the note?
...Probably?
Qi Fang: Folks, I’ve got a bad feeling about this...
