"I've discussed it with the old man. We'll bring back some watermelon and melon seeds later and have our eldest son grow them at home. It'll earn more than farming. The melons here are sweeter than the ones back home—must be the seeds."
Gui Xiang shared their plans as a couple.
"That’s a great idea. As long as you dare to try, success will follow. It makes me want to farm too."
Yang Yufen nodded in agreement.
"Let me tell you, land is in high demand now. We managed to secure a plot after buying the house. Originally, we rented it for a few years, but seeing how many people are scrambling for land, we extended the lease for another twenty. By the time the old man can’t work anymore, Ershun can take over."
"Is there still land available to rent?" Yang Yufen asked curiously.
"Not sure about other places, but our area is all taken. If you want to rent, you’ll have to look farther away."
Gui Xiang shook her head.
Hearing this, Yang Yufen gave up the idea. If it was too far, she wouldn’t be able to take care of the kids properly. If anything happened, she wouldn’t make it in time.
Feeling that it was about time and knowing Gui Xiang needed to prepare for the afternoon and rest a little, Yang Yufen got up and left.
With nowhere specific to go, she headed to the department store.
"Auntie Yang!"
"Little Li, how many months along are you?"
Yang Yufen immediately noticed Little Li’s belly.
"Six months, Auntie. It’s been so long since I last saw you."
Little Li greeted her warmly, her face fuller than before—a clear sign of happiness.
"Take it easy, dear. I can get the stool myself."
Yang Yufen quickly reached out.
"It’s fine. What brings you here today, Auntie? Gold prices have been rising like crazy lately. You’ve already bought quite a bit before."
"Just here for a stroll today. You look like you’re doing well."
"Hehe, life’s been good. With a role model like you, I made sure to check out the in-laws when choosing a man. They’re both working professionals, treat me well, and I have my own job too. Last month, my husband even got assigned a house."
Little Li beamed with joy.
"Oh, that’s wonderful! Smart girls like you are the ones who live happily."
Yang Yufen chatted with Little Li for a while until a customer arrived, then she wandered off to browse elsewhere.
With nothing lacking at home, she didn’t need to buy anything. When she felt she’d seen enough, she boarded the bus home.
Qin Nian was stunned when she saw the amount in her account—she really had that much money.
This time, Fan Juan had prepared all the contracts, and the funds were directly transferred after they signed.
"The company will be called Forward Appliances. I’ll handle the business registration and secure a location for the factory. It might take about two months."
Two months was already considered fast.
"Alright, I won’t interfere with that. I’ll try to finalize the designs as soon as possible."
Qin Nian handed Fan Juan a list of materials she needed. After lunch together, she returned to the research institute to gather some supplies.
On her way back, Yang Yufen ran into Professor Wen.
"Yufen."
Professor Wen called out to her.
"Professor Wen."
Yang Yufen turned and stopped.
"Perfect timing. Are you free tomorrow? We’ve organized an outing to the Summer Palace. You’ve been here so long, and besides the university, we’ve never taken you anywhere else. With Qin Nian and Xianjun at home, you don’t have to worry about the kids. Why not join us?"
Professor Wen extended a warm invitation.
"I’m just a country bumpkin, and you’re all scholars."
Yang Yufen felt a little awkward.
"We’re all just people, and this is for relaxation. I remember you’re interested in carpentry and architecture. The Summer Palace is the best-preserved imperial garden, blending natural landscapes with classical Chinese garden artistry. You won’t regret visiting."
Professor Wen enthusiastically recommended it.
"Well… alright then."
After a moment’s thought, Yang Yufen agreed. She was a grown woman—she wouldn’t get lost. If she didn’t fit in, she could always explore on her own.
"What should I bring?"
Since it was a trip, she figured she should ask.
"Some snacks and drinks. The Summer Palace is huge, and you might get hungry or thirsty while walking around."
Yang Yufen nodded.
"Mom, you’re back."
Qin Nian was in the yard, sketching designs for the washing machine. She looked up at the sound of Yang Yufen’s return.
"Yes. I just met your professor’s wife. She invited me to the Summer Palace tomorrow."
Yang Yufen glanced toward the kitchen, hearing the sound of chopping—Shen Xianjun was cooking.
"That’s great! Don’t worry, Mom. I just wish I could join you, but I’ve got work."
"It’s fine. There’s something I wanted to discuss with you and Xianjun. We’ve talked before about visiting his father’s grave, but you’ve both been too busy. If you really can’t make time, I can go alone."
Yang Yufen brought up the matter.
Qin Nian suddenly remembered, feeling a pang of guilt. It had been delayed for far too long.
"I’ll talk to Xianjun tonight."
"Alright, no rush."
"Mom, here’s the savings book. This is—"
Qin Nian suddenly remembered the passbook in her pocket and handed it over.
"I have money, dear."
Yang Yufen pushed it back. In the past, she might have needed it, but now, with her share from the noodle shop and rental income, she had enough cash—even if most of it had been converted to gold.
Besides, Shen Xianjun now handed over his entire monthly allowance to her, unlike before he got married.
"You two will need to raise your children yourselves. Keep the money for your family. When I’m old and can’t move anymore, then you can take care of me. Right now, I’m still able."
"Mom… are you planning to go back to the countryside?"
Qin Nian tensed up, abandoning her sketches.
"No, no. I know you’re both busy. I’ll just visit and come right back."
"Mom, Xianjun is your only son. The countryside is too far. You’ve helped us raise the kids all these years—we can’t manage without you."
Qin Nian couldn’t imagine the chaos if her mother-in-law left. Looking closer, she noticed Yang Yufen’s hair was starting to gray. She couldn’t even recall her birthday—Yang Yufen had never celebrated it.
"Mom, your household registration is under mine now. If you go back, you’d have to transfer it again—too much hassle. My professor doesn’t need me at the institute right now, and I can work anywhere. I’ll go with you, and we’ll come back together."
Qin Nian made up her mind. Her drafts were written in her own coded symbols—even if lost, no one could decipher them. She could finish organizing them quickly and translate them later.
"Wait, when did Mom’s household registration get moved under yours?"
Shen Xianjun walked out wearing an apron, catching the first part of the conversation.
