"Such a thing, you should've told your godmother first."
Aunt Wang also came out. She had been inside watching the children earlier and only emerged after settling them upon hearing her son's return.
"Us good sisters should go together—how fun! Always being cooped up in this little place isn't enough to pass the time."
Aunt Wang looped her arm through Yang Yufen's. She'd visited the agricultural research institute many times before.
"Wonderful! Godson, when's the work?"
Yang Yufen seized the moment.
"How about tomorrow? Rest well today. We'll need to replant—tight schedule, but it's simple work."
Wang Shuo thought for a moment.
"Can those sweet potatoes in your field wait?"
Aunt Wang spoke up, knowing her son best.
"Let's rest first. I know where that sweet potato field is. Can't dig at night—daylight's better."
The two elder sisters made their own arrangements.
"Change out of those wet clothes first, or your bones will ache when you're old."
Seeing her son standing there motionless, Aunt Wang couldn't help but fret.
Having found something she wanted to do, Yang Yufen prepared to go see Professor Wen.
Since she'd be working the fields, she couldn't accompany the professor on outings anymore.
Professor Wen couldn't help but chuckle at Yang Yufen's apologetic expression.
"What's there to apologize for? Do what you love. Niannian was worried you'd have nothing to do and want to return to the countryside. This is perfect—farming is good exercise. I'm retiring fully this year anyway. I'll join you all later."
The professor had assumed Yang Yufen would prefer carpentry, but it seemed farming suited her better.
"Your knowledge would be perfect for teaching students—don't waste it in the fields! With you teaching the children, I'm completely at ease. Tell me what you'd like to eat—I'll grow it."
Yang Yufen hadn't expected Professor Wen to really retire from teaching.
Yang Yufen herself barely knew any characters. Her woodworking skills came from family tradition—she'd grown used to helping out. But being confined to meticulous woodwork paled in comparison to others' craftsmanship.
"That's perfect! I'll handle the children's education. I love the meals you cook with your homegrown vegetables. The kids are all busy with their own lives, and Old Hu—that old man refuses to slow down despite his age."
"What a perfect arrangement! Let the young folks focus on their big endeavors while we manage the household and children—that's important work too!"
Yang Yufen laughed.
"Yesterday's hail damaged the roof. The rental property probably fared poorly too. Since I'm not using my new courtyard, I might as well rent it out—saves me the trouble of upkeep."
Yang Yufen shared her plans.
"Easy enough. Some newly hired teachers at the middle school want to move out with their families. I'll handle it."
They reached an instant agreement. Yang Yufen left cheerfully—tenants would handle repairs for rented properties (deducted from rent), but the new house needed tidying before leasing.
Professor Wen closed her book, considering who might need housing lately.
With retirement approaching and the children under her care, she began planning their education carefully.
Bright kids, each with unique personalities and strengths—they needed proper guidance.
Initially, retirement had left her feeling adrift, but now she understood her in-law's past sentiments.
Now, she had a new purpose.
Due to the hail, Fan Juan delivered Qin Nian's supplies a day late—the items were delicate equipment.
Originally meant for home installation, Qin Nian canceled the request upon realizing she spent most time at the institute.
During setup, everyone watched the new equipment intently—this was a computer worth tens of thousands!
Qin Nian typed rapidly as the machine whirred to life.
"Done. We'll use this for classes from now on."
Satisfied, she observed its smooth operation—more than adequate for her work and teaching.
The institute's main computer handled all research data and experiments, overloaded as it was.
"Next, we'll apply what we've learned to earn our first experimental funding."
Her announcement drew cheers.
Reassigned researchers had formed a new team, but institute funds were limited. Allocating more to them meant cutting others' budgets—risking delays elsewhere.
By monetizing their results, they could secure independent funding.
Now equipped with a dedicated computer and instruments, they were ready.
"Here's the contract. Review it first. Once we profit, I can help import more foreign equipment."
Fan Juan produced the documents—her visit wasn't just about delivery.
Qin Nian stayed silent in the background. She and Fan Juan had agreed to keep her stake in the company private.
Though hesitant initially, everyone scrutinized the contract thoroughly. It detailed profit-sharing and responsibilities regarding licensing their inventions to Forward Appliances.
Exceptionally thorough.
"No issues."
One by one, they signed. Fan Juan stamped each copy with the company seal—three copies, all formal.
Dean Hu watched discreetly from outside, smiling.
"This is the nation's new lifeblood—boundless creativity and passion. Excellent, truly excellent."
He left without entering.
Fan Juan stored the contracts and exchanged a gesture with Qin Nian before both resumed work.
Qin Nian realized she hadn't returned home since the hail. She needed to visit today—she'd forgotten to inform her mother-in-law yesterday.
"Mom."
"Niannian's back! Have you eaten?"
Yang Yufen emerged at the sound.
"I have. Mom, were you hurt in yesterday's hail?"
Qin Nian noticed the house had been cleaned up.
"Not at all! Dug up lots of sweet potatoes in the afternoon—steamed a batch. Small but sweet. Let me get you some."
The frostbitten potatoes couldn't be stored, and leaving them would hinder replanting. They'd shared many with helpers and kept the rest.
"Mom, let's install a home telephone."
Qin Nian blurted between bites.
"Wouldn't that cost a fortune? I'm usually alone here—I can call from your teacher's place or nearby. Not worth it."
Yang Yufen worried Qin Nian might be short on money.
