"That much of a price hike? Then let's not buy it now. We'll wait until it drops."
Yang Yufen also felt reluctant when she heard the price.
"Mom, if you like it, you should buy it. It might keep rising later."
Qin Nian knew Yang Yufen loved gold and immediately wanted to make the purchase.
"No, no, silly child. Money should be spent wisely."
Yang Yufen quickly pulled Qin Nian back, while Little Li giggled beside them, feeling envious. But then she thought about how her own husband could always stay by her side, and suddenly, she felt quite happy too.
"Auntie, you two are even closer than real mother and daughter. It’s heartwarming to see."
"Next time, Auntie will come see you again."
Yang Yufen smiled warmly, leading Qin Nian away.
Whenever Yang Yufen came to buy gold, she always sought out Little Li—never letting anyone else take the commission. The two were as familiar as could be, so when Yang Yufen left, Little Li didn’t mind at all.
"We just bought a house, and you have plenty of expenses too. Mom understands. Recently, Wang Shuo and the others kept mentioning how the lab needs funding, and if it falls short, you’d have to cover it yourself. You should keep more for your own needs."
Yang Yufen lowered her voice, stopping mid-sentence when someone approached. She patted Qin Nian’s hand.
"Let’s head back early. We’re having dinner together tonight, and it’ll take time to prepare the chicken."
Yang Yufen changed the subject. Qin Nian glanced at her arm, now linked with Yang Yufen’s, and nodded with a smile.
Once home, Yang Yufen didn’t rush to slaughter the chicken. Instead, she took Qin Nian to her room.
"Mom wants to show you something good—it’s all for you and the kids in the future."
Yang Yufen dug through several layers before pulling out a wooden box, secured with a lock.
She took out a key and unlocked it.
"There are two keys. Mom keeps one, and this one’s for you. Put it somewhere safe. Didn’t Xianjun get you a safe? You’ve been busy, and Mom never got the chance to mention it. Now’s the perfect time to store everything there. Much more secure."
Yang Yufen opened the lock—the other key was inside the box. As soon as the lid lifted, a dazzling golden glow met their eyes.
"Mom… how much gold did you buy?"
Qin Nian was stunned.
"Not much. It just piled up over time. This house… Mom always worries it’ll be like before—something we can’t take with us, hard to liquidate. But gold’s different. Take all of this. Mom will keep saving and give you more when it’s full. Don’t let Xianjun know, though. That boy’s always been loose with money, ever since he was little."
Yang Yufen repeated her instructions before shoving the items into Qin Nian’s hands.
"It’s getting late. We should start cooking."
With that, Yang Yufen shut the cabinet door and cheerfully went to prepare the chicken, finally relieved she wouldn’t have to worry about losing the valuables in her own care.
Qin Nian held the heavy wooden box and placed it inside the safe, where a few property deeds and household registrations were already stored. Even Shen Xianjun didn’t know the safe’s password.
After locking it, Qin Nian suddenly thought of Shen Xianjun and felt a twinge of guilt.
She went to help with dinner, while Fan Juan, having sweet-talked her way into the boss’s approval, excitedly left the office.
The next day, Qin Nian arrived at work full of energy, leading her team into their tasks.
"The program includes quick wash, intensive wash, and spin-dry functions. It’s simple to operate—no separate tubs or manual water filling needed. A single tub handles everything, and the capacity is large enough for bedding and other bulky items."
"Let the experimental results speak for themselves—ensure the motor won’t overload during operation and that the clothes are truly cleaned properly."
"Then let’s test it with our lab coats and curtains. They haven’t been washed in a while anyway."
They had reached the final experimental stage. Qin Nian continued writing her notes while the team members gathered materials and recorded data.
Rows of military-green vehicles parked at the camp entrance, and everyone shouldered their belongings, lining up to board.
"Yay! We’re finally going home! I miss Grandma so much! I want cold noodles, scallion pancakes, braised chicken with potatoes, and fish stew with cornbread!"
Li Wu counted off on his fingers, practically drooling.
"Stop talking about food—we just ate. How can you already be hungry again?" Hu Zhenghao clapped a hand over Li Wu’s mouth. Everyone was watching, and this kid really knew how to stir up envy.
Besides, it wasn’t Grandma Yang he missed—it was her cooking. Now even Hu Zhenghao was craving it.
During training, they hadn’t felt it as much, but now that they were heading home, their hearts raced with anticipation.
"Xiaojun called saying the kids are coming back today, but we don’t know what time they’ll arrive."
Professor Wen and Yang Yufen were together, having taken the day off to welcome the children.
"No rush, no rush. Let me prepare more of their favorite dishes so they can eat as soon as they get back. It’s been so long—I really miss them. They must’ve lost weight. They definitely have."
Yang Yufen cleaned a fish, its scales glistening—fresh and large. She’d bought it on the spot, deciding to skip the chicken for today and save it for another day.
"You spoil them too much. Every meal you make is a labor of love."
"Food is life’s foundation. What’s the point if they lose their appetite? Being able to eat well is a blessing. Back in our day, we had to make do with tree bark and clay—luxuries were unheard of."
Just thinking about it, life had truly gotten better.
"True, eating well is a blessing. Three meals a day—what could be more important?"
Professor Wen couldn’t help but chuckle.
Shen Xianjun led the children back to the compound, where Army Commander Liao stood at the gate, puffing on his pipe. The moment he spotted the group returning, he stubbed it out.
"Grandpa Liao! We’re back!"
The children rushed toward him.
"Good, good! You’ve all tanned, but you look lively. Excellent! And—ah, seems like you’ve grown taller too."
Army Commander Liao laughed heartily, ruffling Li Wu’s hair and patting the others.
"Really? I grew taller? Awesome!"
The kids cheered—height was every child’s obsession. They compared themselves eagerly, as if discovering a new world.
"Alright, alright, hurry home. Your families must be missing you terribly."
Army Commander Liao reminded the overexcited group.
"Old Commander, I’ll take the kids home now. Join us for dinner tonight."
Shen Xianjun extended the invitation.
"Of course, of course."
Army Commander Liao nodded.
"Bye, Grandpa Liao! I’m racing home first!"
Li Wu shouted, already sprinting off, the others quick to follow.
"Grandma! Grandma! We’re back!"
Li Wu’s booming voice carried all the way home.
Yang Yufen set down her spatula, splashed water into the pan, covered it, and hurried outside.
"The kids are back."
Li Wu turned to Professor Wen and spoke. As soon as he finished, Li Wu had already rushed to the doorway and burst inside.
"Grandma! Granny! I'm the fastest!"
Li Wu cheered loudly when he saw everyone.
