Biting off more than one can chew—this was also a backup plan.
"I think it's feasible. When I used to sell roasted sweet potatoes, I didn’t expect to make much money, but you never know until you try. The noodle shop already has customers, Lianxiang. You could set up a stall next to it. But if you’re bold enough, you could even try the market area."
Yang Yufen also chimed in with her suggestion.
Customers at the noodle shop were either those who didn’t have time to cook or wanted a change of taste. The market crowd was different—most were there to buy groceries for their families. A whole chicken might be too much for one person, but for a family, it was just right.
"Lianxiang, if you want to try it, go ahead. I can manage the shop on my own. If it gets too busy, I’ll just hire someone."
Gui Xiang herself had started by selling breakfast under Yang Yufen’s guidance and knew how lucrative business could be. Before, Lianxiang had been hesitant, but now that she was finally willing to take the leap and had a skill to rely on, Gui Xiang was all for it.
"Aunt Wang mentioned smoking the chicken—I think I know how to do it. I heard about it from a banquet chef once. Folks in the countryside aren’t too particular; as long as the food is hearty, they’re happy."
Lianxiang spoke up.
"That’s perfect! We still have a few chickens left unslaughtered. Why not try it tomorrow?"
Aunt Wang truly missed the taste of smoked chicken.
"If you want to make money, you’ve got to act fast."
Gui Xiang gave Lianxiang a nudge. What was there to hesitate about? Just go for it.
Shen Xianjun packed his things—though there wasn’t much to pack—and tidied up the house.
"I’m heading out. Take care of yourself at work."
Shen Xianjun hugged Qin Nian.
"You too."
Qin Nian watched as Shen Xianjun left.
Upon returning to base, Shen Xianjun ran into Liao Yuanjie.
"What’s going on with you?"
Noticing Liao Yuanjie’s off mood, Shen Xianjun couldn’t help but ask.
"Nothing, just feeling conflicted."
Liao Yuanjie was distracted.
"If something’s bothering you, spit it out. Training’s about to start, and you’re not in the right headspace."
"I don’t even know how to explain it. I confessed my feelings to Comrade Fan Juan, but she hasn’t given me an answer yet. I’ve been torn about whether to attend the training—if I don’t go, I’ll regret missing the opportunity, but if I do, I might miss my chance with Comrade Fan Juan."
Liao Yuanjie had no one else to confide in, so Shen Xianjun’s question gave him an outlet.
"I went to see Comrade Fan Juan again today. I could tell she has some feelings for me. I thought about taking a bold step—if she agreed, I’d give up the training opportunity."
"Did she turn you down?"
Shen Xianjun couldn’t resist his curiosity.
"She encouraged me to go. She said I shouldn’t miss this chance, or I’d regret it for the rest of my life."
"Well, she’s not wrong! It’s a rare opportunity. Even Lin Hui wanted to go but couldn’t."
Shen Xianjun couldn’t help but take a petty jab.
Liao Yuanjie shot him a glare.
"Don’t be upset. There are plenty of fish in the sea. Comrade Fan Juan is an exceptional woman, but people have their own paths. Being rejected by someone like her isn’t something to be ashamed of."
"Why can’t you think positively for once?"
Liao Yuanjie brushed off Shen Xianjun’s comforting hand on his shoulder.
"Comrade Fan Juan said that if, after the training, I still feel the same way about her, she’ll accept my proposal."
"Then why the long face?"
Shen Xianjun withdrew his hand in annoyance. Wasted effort trying to comfort him.
"The training could take who knows how long, and it’s closed off. Comrade Fan Juan is amazing—who knows how many people are eyeing her? Of course I’m worried!"
Shen Xianjun ignored Liao Yuanjie and strode toward the dorm, with Liao Yuanjie trailing behind, still rambling.
"If I’m not around, who’s going to make braised pork for Comrade Fan Juan? What if she craves it? She forgets to eat when she’s absorbed in work. Every time I see her, she looks thinner. I’m afraid her stomach will suffer."
Qin Nian had said she’d take three days, but after seeing Shen Xianjun off, she barely stopped. She had tasks to hand over and barely had time to spend with the kids before being whisked away to the research institute.
"Mom and Dad are busy again. We’ll just have to study hard and grow up well!"
Today, Li Wen and Li Wu had come home early, only to find the house empty.
"Well, should we go to Grandma’s?"
Li Wu wasn’t too bothered. If no one was home, they still needed dinner.
"We’re already here. Let’s finish our homework first. Don’t forget what you promised."
Li Wen grabbed Li Wu’s backpack strap.
"Ugh, fine."
Li Wu sighed.
"I hear a car! Is that Grandma Yang?"
Wang Xing’s shout sent Li Wu bolting outside, nearly yanking Li Wen off his feet before he let go just in time.
"Grandma! You’re back?"
"Slow down! Let me park first."
Yang Yufen was startled by Li Wu’s reckless dash.
"I brought you some treats. Why’d you come home instead of going to your grandma’s?"
Yang Yufen had planned to drop off her old friend first before bringing the food to the kids, but they’d beaten her to it.
"Li Wen wanted to come home, so we did."
Yang Yufen looked at Li Wen, understanding the child’s reluctance to be away from his parents.
"Come on, I’ll take you to your grandma’s. Good food should be shared."
Yang Yufen herded the kids into the car and locked the gate behind them.
"Grandma, we didn’t feed the chickens yet."
"Oh, I moved the chickens to the orchard. We won’t be raising them at home anymore. How about I build you a pavilion instead?"
Yang Yufen smiled.
"Really? Like the ones in the park?"
Li Wu was thrilled.
"Yep, pretty much."
"Grandma, you’re the best!"
Li Wu threw his arms around Yang Yufen’s waist.
"Easy there! What if you fall?"
Yang Yufen slowed down, startled.
"No way!"
Li Wu wasn’t worried.
Shen Xianjun and the others arrived at the secret training base, where rows of fighter jets stood neatly on the vast training field.
"I’m glad I came. Otherwise, I’d have—no, I definitely would’ve regretted it for life."
Liao Yuanjie ran a hand along the jet’s exterior.
"Are we flying these or fixing them?"
Shen Xianjun eyed the jets.
"Dream on. You think they’d let us repair them?"
Liao Yuanjie scoffed.
"I don’t just dream—I act. The question is whether we’ll get the chance."
Shen Xianjun’s eyes sparkled with excitement, barely able to contain his eagerness.
After a bumpy journey, Qin Nian arrived at the base late at night and was immediately shown to her quarters.
"Comrade Qin Nian, the materials you brought back earlier have been incredibly useful. For this project, we hope you can quickly settle in and contribute. Here’s our current progress. Looking forward to working with you."
Early the next morning, after breakfast, Qin Nian was escorted to her workstation.
The moment she picked up the documents, her busy schedule truly began.
