The neatly folded letter contained banknotes, and the moment Fan Juan saw them, she immediately thought of Liao Yuanjie. Unfolding the letter, her suspicions were confirmed.
After reading the contents, Fan Juan carefully counted the money. She would never use it herself, but she accepted the sentiment behind it and stored the funds separately.
At the base, the head chef followed Yang Yufen’s recipe. After several attempts, the flavor finally turned out right. With ample supplies at the base and a new appetizing side dish, everyone became more enthusiastic about meals.
"This year, we’ll have to ask Professor Qin to stay at the base again."
The New Year was approaching, and with the project progressing smoothly, everyone was eager to push forward. The coming year marked the beginning of a new era, and they were all determined to show the world a different China.
Fan Juan arrived at the research institute, unaware of the enormous surprise awaiting her.
"The United States has approved a license for satellites to be launched in China. We’ll finally be able to launch our own satellite, which will play a crucial role in communication. Our televisions will receive more international broadcasts, no longer locked behind restrictions."
"Then our next research direction is clear: signal receivers, closed-circuit television, or telephones. Those brick-like mobile phones are bulky and heavy. If we can develop something lighter with longer-range reception, it’ll surely sell well."
Listening to the discussions, Fan Juan’s mind raced with ideas—communication networks, base stations, signal transmission. These were fundamental national infrastructures that had to remain under state control.
The speed of information exchange determined economic progress. Lagging in communication meant lagging in everything else.
Sensing another major project on the horizon, Fan Juan buried herself in drafting her ideas, not even resting for the New Year as she refined her proposal. The sound of firecrackers finally snapped her out of her focus.
"It’s already New Year’s Eve! I completely forgot to deliver this year’s dividends to Aunt Yang!"
Fan Juan smacked her forehead.
Between drafting project plans, managing factory affairs, and handling year-end summaries and new-year plans for the economic department, she wished she could clone herself.
Fortunately, the factory had undergone another expansion, and Fan Juan had promoted some capable hands to key positions.
She made a quick call and confirmed that the dividends had been calculated and set aside as bank deposits in the finance office. Early the next morning, she swung by the factory to pick them up, along with some New Year gifts.
"Fan Juan, Happy New Year! Here’s a red envelope for you."
Army Commander Liao was delighted to see her and handed over a prepared red envelope.
"Happy New Year, Uncle Liao! This is a little something for you."
Fan Juan accepted the red envelope graciously and handed over her own gift in return.
"Wonderful! You must be here to see Aunt Yang, right? Hurry along, or they might head out soon."
Army Commander Liao chuckled as he took the gift, noticing the other packages in Fan Juan’s hands.
"Alright, I’ll come back to see you later, Uncle."
After signing in, Fan Juan hurried into the residential compound.
Yang Yufen was dressed in new clothes, with Aunt Wang waiting nearby. Professor Wen was outside answering Li Wen’s questions, speaking in a foreign language Yang Yufen couldn’t understand. They were planning an outing, and Hu Jun would soon arrive to drive them.
"Fan Juan’s here!"
"Happy New Year, Professor Wen, Aunt Wang! I’m here to see Aunt Yang—and I brought some gifts for you all."
"Wonderful! Here’s a red envelope for you—may your work go smoothly!"
Both Professor Wen and Aunt Wang pressed red envelopes into Fan Juan’s hands. Unmarried youngsters were still considered children, and these gifts were meant to bring good fortune.
Fan Juan accepted them with a smile. Soon, only Yang Yufen and Fan Juan remained in the room.
"Auntie, these are this year’s dividends. This one is your share, and this one is from Sister Qin’s portion, as she requested before leaving. Keep them safe—you can withdraw the money anytime from the bank."
"So much!"
Yang Yufen was stunned by the numbers. What incredible luck had her son stumbled upon to marry such a treasure?
"There’ll be even more in the future. I see you’re heading out, so I won’t keep you. I meant to deliver this earlier, but work kept me busy."
Fan Juan apologized briefly.
Yang Yufen stared at the two deposit slips, uneasy about leaving such sums at home.
Their orchard had required significant initial investment, but with loans, they’d built the chicken farm and roads in one go. Though the fruit harvest hadn’t started yet, other revenue streams kept them breaking even. By next year, the chicken farm alone would cover the loans, and the fruit sales would be pure profit.
After Fan Juan left, Professor Wen and Aunt Wang returned.
"She came to deliver money, didn’t she?"
They guessed immediately.
"Yes, quite a sum. I don’t feel safe keeping it at home. We’ve already bought some gold, but if we convert all this, it won’t fit in the safe."
Yang Yufen sighed. The kids didn’t even spend family money anymore—Li Wu and Li Wen were both skilled at saving.
"Why not buy property? When you’re too old to work, you can live off rent. The kids have their own careers and won’t take over other businesses anyway."
Aunt Wang suggested.
"That’s a great idea. Since we’re out today, why not look at some houses?"
"Perfect! Those new high-rises near the university district are lovely. Let’s check those out."
Yang Yufen agreed.
She didn’t know much about other areas, but properties near schools were always a safe bet.
"Grandma, Auntie, if we go there, can we visit our friends?"
Li Wen asked.
"Of course!"
With Wang Xing and Li Wen keeping each other company and familiar with the university district, Yang Yufen had no objections.
Hu Jun arrived, tasked with escorting the elderly ladies for the day. Hu Zhenghao accompanied Li Wen and the others before slipping away.
"These buildings are so impressive!"
A saleswoman greeted them warmly, guiding the three women through one property after another.
"We also have villas available. Would you like to take a look?"
Though the apartments were grand, the women felt something was missing—their farmer’s hearts longed for land where they could grow vegetables.
"Let’s see them."
The villas, with their spacious ground-floor gardens, won them over instantly.
"These are townhouses—we could each buy one and keep the families close."
Aunt Wang proposed.
