Chapter 211: Chapter 211: Breaking Down

Lin Xiaomeng visibly panicked. The Fortune Spring had been her lifeline since her rebirth—what would she do if it was gone?

In her dreams, this space and the Fortune Spring were things she had stolen. Did that mean everything would eventually have to be returned?

No, she didn’t want to fall back into hell, to live that half-human, half-ghost existence again.

Ignoring the situation, she stood up abruptly to leave.

Xu Huaizhi grabbed her arm. “What’s wrong?”

Lin Xiaomeng shook off his hand.

“I’ll be right back,” she said, then ran off.

The whole family stared at her in confusion.

Liu Guifang was the first to speak. “Ignore her. She’s always acting crazy these days. Hurry up and eat before the food gets cold.”

Everyone continued eating, but Xu Huaizhi got up and chased after her.

Gu Qinghuan understood immediately—Lin Xiaomeng must have discovered something. It seemed the Demon-Banishing Flower was working.

The progress bar behind Xu Huaiyu had disappeared, and so had the one behind Lin Xiaomeng. Everything was back to square one.

She felt a twinge of guilt, but it quickly faded.

The King of the Underworld had already given Lin Xiaomeng a chance. If she had just lived her life peacefully with the half-finished space, not hurting others, everything would have been fine.

But now, this was the consequence of her own actions—she had no one to blame but herself.

At least the King of the Underworld had left her with the space. She could still live a decent life with it. Hopefully, she’d come to her senses and make the best of things.

With that thought, Gu Qinghuan’s guilt vanished completely, and she focused on her meal.

Lin Xiaomeng ran home in a frenzy, slammed the door shut, and entered her space.

Where the Fortune Spring used to be was now empty—completely gone, reclaimed by the King of the Underworld.

She collapsed to the ground and cried her heart out.

Why? Why? All she wanted was to avenge her child—why did this have to happen to her?

She was filled with unwillingness and resentment!

Xu Huaizhi couldn’t open the door. He could only stand outside and plead, “Xiaomeng, I know you’re upset, but we have to look forward. We can have another child.”

Hearing this from inside the space, Lin Xiaomeng only cried harder.

She shook her head in sorrow. No, there wouldn’t be another child. Not anymore.

She had destroyed everything herself.

The King of the Underworld had said this child was supposed to be born safely, but because she had done too many cruel and heartless things, the child couldn’t be born. It was all her own fault.

If she hadn’t trampled on other people’s destinies and just lived her own life, would things have turned out differently?

But now, it was too late.

Lin Xiaomeng sobbed uncontrollably.

Xu Huaizhi, hearing nothing from inside, shouted himself hoarse but got no response. He grew worried that Lin Xiaomeng might do something foolish—her emotions had been unstable for a while now.

In his panic, Xu Huaizhi grabbed an axe, ready to break down the door.

Suddenly, Lin Xiaomeng opened it.

Her eyes were red and swollen as she looked at him.

Xu Huaizhi dropped the axe and pulled her tightly into his arms.

“You scared me to death! Don’t ever do that again. As long as our family is together, that’s all that matters,” he said, his voice unusually gentle.

Looking at Xu Huaizhi, who was so worried about her, Lin Xiaomeng suddenly realized how much she had missed out on lately, consumed as she was by her obsession with the lost child.

She leaned softly into his embrace, her voice thick with tears. “Huaizhi, if I’ve done a lot of wrong things, would you forgive me?”

From her last life to this one, she had done so many terrible things. If Xu Huaizhi knew how dark and twisted her heart was, he would probably despise her.

“As long as you’re willing to change, you’ll always be my wife and Dacheng’s mother.

Xiaomeng, I’ll do my best to give you the life you want. Even without that child, you still have me and Dacheng. From now on, let’s live well together,” Xu Huaizhi said sincerely.

Tears welled up in Lin Xiaomeng’s eyes as she nodded hard.

“Okay. Our family—we’ll live well together.”"

"Chapter 212: New Year’s Eve Dinner and Red Envelopes

When the two of them returned, most of the food on the table had already been eaten, but fortunately, Gu Qinghuan had set aside some clean dishes for them.

After finishing their meal, Gu Qinghuan and Xu Huaian didn’t linger for even a second—they patted their butts and left right away.

There was still a ton to do at home: preparing the New Year’s Eve dinner, delivering New Year’s gifts to close friends, boiling water for the kids to wash their hair and bathe.

That morning, Gu Lanting had gone to shovel cow dung, and on her way back, she brought over her grandparents and Zhong Zijun’s family.

Gu Qinghuan also had Xu Huaian notify Ji Linhai’s family in advance not to cook at home that evening, but to come over and join the festivities instead.

Gu Qinghuan divided up several portions of New Year’s gifts, and she and Xu Huaian set off separately to deliver them.

At noon, they’d already given the Xu family a “flying dragon” (a special dish), so there was no need to bring more.

For Xu Huaizhi’s family, Gu Qinghuan prepared a bottle of her homemade wild grape wine, a box of Beijing Eight Delicacies she’d brought back from the capital, and a small piece of lamb. Xu Huaian delivered these himself.

Although Lin Xiaomeng wasn’t exactly trustworthy and they weren’t particularly close, Xu Huaizhi was still Xu Huaian’s eldest brother, and had treated him well growing up. So, appearances had to be kept up.

After Xu Huaian delivered the gifts, he came back with a box of Lin Xiaomeng’s homemade candied fruit, a big bag of roasted sunflower seeds, and a wind-dried wild rabbit.

Lin Xiaomeng had reciprocated with things she’d made herself, all rather unique.

As for wild rabbit and pheasant, she actually had quite a stash. She’d gathered them herself in the mountains during autumn and early winter, dried or frozen them in her space, and now was the perfect time to take them out and eat.

Back then, she’d had great luck—every trip up the mountain yielded something—so she’d built up quite a stockpile and even sold some for extra cash.

So even though she’d now lost her “Fortune Spring Water,” with her space and her previous savings, she wasn’t too worried about the future.

Although life had changed suddenly and she’d had a good cry, it had brought her a moment of clarity, sweeping away her previous gloom and depression.

At least now, everything was getting better. Especially since Xu Huaizhi was clearly more understanding and supportive than in her previous life, and her son was obedient and sensible.

That was enough—what more could she ask for?

As for that scoundrel Xu Huaiyu, well, bad people get what they deserve. She’d just wait and see his downfall. If not in a year, then two; if not in two, then three; and if not in three, then for a lifetime. He’d never come to a good end.

Gu Qinghuan had no idea that by helping the King of the Underworld reclaim Lin Xiaomeng’s Fortune Spring Water, she’d actually helped her achieve true enlightenment and return to the right path.

Right now, she was delivering New Year’s gifts to Erdan’s family.

She’d already given Chen Fengqin some pastries earlier, so this time she brought a bit of lamb and a bag of fruit candies.

Chen Fengqin reciprocated with a bag of homemade pine nut candy and a piece of roe deer meat.

Finally, Gu Qinghuan made a stop at Qian Caihua’s house.

She was the only one in the village Gu Qinghuan was on friendly terms with, and since the kids had eaten her snacks the other day, it was only right to return the favor.

She also brought a small piece of lamb and a bag of fruit candies.

Qian Caihua seemed surprised that Gu Qinghuan would bring her family New Year’s gifts, and immediately invited her in to sit.

Remembering how Tugeng had shown interest in her before, Gu Qinghuan politely declined.

Now that Qiu Shuxia had married him, she hoped the two would live well together and not stir up any more trouble.

Qiu Shuxia, who had offended her in the past, was a bit embarrassed upon seeing her again and gave an awkward smile.

Qian Caihua gave her a basin of homemade steamed buns in return.

They were quite heavy, and Gu Qinghuan had a hard time carrying them home.

Strictly speaking, she should have given Xu Huaiyu’s family some New Year’s gifts too. After all, they’d split households and were now separate families.

But that morning, Gu Qinghuan had already lost a “flying dragon” to save his wife, Yan Lijun, and she really couldn’t stand Xu Huaiyu. She didn’t want any further dealings with him, so she just let it go.

Yan Lijun seemed alright, but she’d chosen to marry Xu Huaiyu, that scumbag.

After delivering all the gifts, Gu Qinghuan started preparing dinner.

Zhong Zijun and Cheng Shuying came over to help cook.

Zhong Luoning was in charge of boiling water and bathing the kids.

Everyone had their own tasks and worked together seamlessly.

Gu Lanting, for once, had some free time and took Ming Ruxue outside to go sledding. The two laughed and played, filling the air with festive cheer.

Zhong Weiqian and Old Master Ji watched the two young people, smiles appearing on their faces.

“A boy riding a bamboo horse, circling the bed and teasing the green plums”—who knows what kind of story these two will have in the future?

For New Year’s Eve dinner, Gu Qinghuan decided to make something different.

They’d been eating big-pot meals every day since coming back, and everyone was tired of it, so today’s dishes were more refined.

Sweet and sour spare ribs, braised pig’s trotters, steamed perch, Sichuan boiled pork slices, cold pig’s ear salad, scallion oil chicken, pan-fried ribbonfish, shredded pork in Beijing sauce, boiled shrimp, wild chicken soup with chestnuts and hazel mushrooms.

For dessert: frozen pears and dried persimmons.

The kids especially loved the sweet and sour ribs, steamed perch, scallion oil chicken, and pan-fried ribbonfish.

The heavier dishes catered to the adults’ tastes.

Once the food was ready, Zhong Luoning had finished bathing the kids, and each of them was dressed in clean, comfortable clothes, looking adorable.

Since it was New Year’s Eve, Gu Qinghuan had Xu Huaian bring over the heated kang table from next door. The whole family squeezed onto the kang, using two tables for the meal. It was warm, the food stayed hot, and everyone was together in one space.

They all wished each other a happy new year, just like a real family.

The food was delicious, and everyone found dishes they liked.

Gu Qinghuan brought out some good wine she’d stored in her villa space and poured drinks for the men.

The women had a little grape wine.

The kids had milk.

Everyone ate heartily and was thoroughly satisfied.

After dinner, Zhong Zijun and Ji Linhai’s families were getting ready to leave.

“This is my New Year’s red envelope for you. Don’t come over to pay New Year’s calls tomorrow—it wouldn’t look good if others saw,” Zhong Zijun said, pulling out the red envelopes she’d prepared in advance. She gave one to her daughter and son-in-law, her son, young Miss Ming, her niece, and each of the kids—everyone got one, each with fifty cents. No favoritism at all.

Gu Qinghuan couldn’t accept her red envelope and quickly tried to give it back.

“Mom, it’s the thought that counts. We adults don’t need red envelopes; just let the kids accept them. As for us, let’s forget it.”

Everyone tried to return their red envelopes.

It hadn’t been easy for Zhong Zijun to save up some money in the countryside—they couldn’t take it from her.

“No matter how grown up you are, you’ll always be my children. In my heart, you’re no different from the little ones.

Just take it. It’s only once a year—let me show my love,” Zhong Zijun said gently.

Gu Qinghuan wanted to say more.

Cheng Shuying also took out her own prepared red envelopes. “Zijun’s right. In our eyes, you’re all still kids. It’s rare to see you, so you have to accept them. It’ll make this old lady happy.

We made good money this year, so don’t worry about us not having enough to spend—we’re doing just fine!” Cheng Shuying said, patting her purse with a serious face.

Everyone laughed, and after exchanging glances, finally accepted the two heavy red envelopes.

This was the most sincere blessing from the older generation."

"Chapter 213: Ji Linhai’s New Year’s Gift

Gu Qinghuan had the three little ones give Cheng Shuying and her husband a proper kowtow.

This was a gesture of respect from the younger generation to their elders.

“I hope our Youran becomes more lively and cheerful, our Dabao gets smarter and smarter, and our Beibei grows even cuter,” Cheng Shuying blessed them.

“Thank you, great-grandma.”

“Thank you, great-grandma.”

Ever since Youran started speaking after coming back, it was as if she’d suddenly opened up. She was saying more and more every day, and was visibly becoming more energetic.

She played wildly with Dabao and Beibei every day, and seemed more and more like a normal child.

Zhong Luoning saw all this and felt joy in her heart.

Gu Qinghuan figured it probably had something to do with the spiritual spring water.

She suddenly remembered the powdered demon-banishing flower she’d put away. She wondered if it could cure Youran’s illness completely.

She’d have to find time to ask the King of the Underworld, or maybe try it out herself.

Old Master Ji and Ji Linhai lived nearby, so they decided to give their red envelopes when they came to pay New Year’s visits the next day.

After handing out the red envelopes and exchanging blessings, Gu Lanting was about to escort Zhong Zijun and his family home, but Ji Linhai volunteered to take on the task.

“You go, and your mother will just worry until you get back. I’d better do it. I’m used to walking mountain roads at night,” Ji Linhai insisted.

Gu Qinghuan and Zhong Zijun thought he had a point. Gu Lanting was still too young—if anything happened on the way, he wouldn’t know what to do.

Ji Linhai was tall and sturdy, broad-shouldered and strong, and he’d spent years in the area. He was definitely more reliable than Gu Lanting for escorting them.

So that was decided.

Ji Linhai first took Old Master Ji home, then came back to escort Zhong Zijun’s family of three.

When he arrived, he seemed to have something on his back.

Cheng Shuying’s legs weren’t good, and halfway there she was already struggling.

Ji Linhai took the bundle off his back and handed it to Zhong Zijun, then crouched down and carried Cheng Shuying on his back, trudging along step by step.

Cheng Shuying looked at Ji Linhai’s sturdy back and couldn’t help but tear up.

On a snowy night, every breath and sob seemed amplified.

Ji Linhai thought he’d hurt her and quickly asked, “Auntie, are you uncomfortable anywhere? Should we rest for a bit before going on?”

Cheng Shuying wiped her tears and said, “No, I just saw your back and thought of my eldest. I wonder how he’s doing out in the Northwest, if he’ll get to eat something good for New Year’s.”

And then there was Luoning—now in such a state, who knew what the future would bring? If her eldest found out his only daughter had suffered so much, how heartbroken would he be?

Zhong Weiqian let out a long sigh.

Parents’ hearts are always the same—what parent doesn’t hope for their children’s happiness?

Ji Linhai comforted them, “Your eldest will get through this, and so will all of us. Uncle, Auntie, just hang in there a bit longer. The dawn of hope is almost here.”

“Let’s hope so!”

Zhong Zijun also tried to reassure them: “Huanhuan sent a lot of supplies to the capital before the New Year, and they were sent express. They should have received them by now, so they’ll have a good New Year. Don’t worry.”

The couple Cheng Shuying was worried about—Zhong Ziyan and his wife—were at that moment sitting around the kang, eating their New Year’s Eve dinner.

It was the most lavish New Year’s Eve meal they’d had since coming to the Northwest.

Luxurious red date and goji berry chicken soup, pan-fried yellow croaker, and a big bowl of white rice—that was their New Year’s feast.

There was even a plate of snacks and dried fruit for after the meal.

In the past, they wouldn’t have even dared dream of such food.

As they ate, they talked about their daughter and granddaughter, wondering how they were doing.

Gu Qinghuan hadn’t told them about what had happened to Zhong Luoning—her letters only mentioned that mother and daughter were both safe, and told them not to worry.

But how could they really not worry?

Zhong Luoning and Gu Qinghuan had agreed not to tell the couple about everything that had happened.

She was afraid they wouldn’t be able to take it, and might get sick from the worry.

Zhong Luoning’s letters were also brief, just saying she was safe and healthy, and telling her parents to take care of themselves.

“Luoning always tells us the good news and hides the bad. I suspect she’s keeping something from us,” Bai Jie said worriedly.

Zhong Ziyan was just as anxious, but he had to reassure his wife.

“You’re overthinking it. Qinghuan is there—she’s reliable, nothing big will happen.

And I believe our daughter isn’t some hothouse flower. Sooner or later, she’ll have to weather some storms.”

“Let’s hope so!”

“After the first day of the New Year, we need to keep storing water. If there’s another drought next year, it’ll be another tough year. We can’t always rely on others for help—we have to stand on our own!” Zhong Ziyan changed the subject to daily life.

Bai Jie nodded. “You’re right, we have to plan ahead.

Luckily, my health’s been alright this year, or I’d just be dragging you down again.”

“What do you mean, dragging me down? We’re family—don’t talk like outsiders. We’re husband and wife, joined at the root. When the Zhong family was in trouble, you stuck by me and never tried to distance yourself. I’ll never give up on you either—that’s what being a couple means.”

The two of them exchanged a smile.

Life was hard, bitter even.

But at least their hearts were together, and that was worth more than anything.

Zhong Ziyan actually worried most about his younger sister, who’d also been sent down. She was the one who truly had it the hardest.

Betrayal from your own husband—that was the most despairing thing of all.

He wondered how she’d managed to get through it.

He wished the heavens would just let everything return to normal. The world couldn’t go on like this.

Back to Zhong Zijun’s side.

Ji Linhai escorted them home, and Zhong Zijun went out to see him off.

Ji Linhai shoved the bundle he’d carried over into Zhong Zijun’s arms all at once. Before he could say anything, his whole face turned red—luckily it was dark and no one could see.

“This is a New Year’s gift for you. This time, don’t just think of everyone else—make yourself a warm coat!”

With that, Ji Linhai didn’t wait for her to refuse, striding off into the night.

It was the first time in his life he’d shown his feelings to a woman, and he felt like a cooked shrimp, red all over.

Inside the bundle was enough material to make a fur coat. He’d gotten it at the market in Sanlitun, trading his own hunted game with mountain folk.

After bringing it home, he’d carefully cleaned off every bit of dirt, dried each hide one by one, and only then brought it over for Zhong Zijun.

Zhong Zijun stood there holding the bundle, momentarily stunned.

She’d had a feeling about Ji Linhai’s frequent kindnesses before, but since he’d never said anything, she’d just assumed he was naturally warm-hearted.

But a man giving a woman a gift like this was a very clear declaration.

She hadn’t expected, at her age, to have this kind of romantic encounter.

To be honest, she didn’t dislike Ji Linhai at all."

"Chapter 214: Zhong Zijun’s Thoughts

But to say she liked him—that wasn’t quite true, either.

Ji Linhai was a good man. If only she’d met him twenty years ago. Unfortunately, after a failed marriage and now living each day in uncertainty, she simply didn’t have the time or energy for romance. All she wanted was to survive.

So, she was destined to let down this man’s deep affection.

When Zhong Zijun brought the package back, Cheng Shuying smiled and asked, “Aren’t you going to open it and see what’s inside?”

They had already overheard the conversation between the two outside.

Zhong Zijun, a little embarrassed and surprised, asked, “Mom, did you already know… how he feels?”

“A person’s eyes can’t lie. His feelings for you are obvious. Your father and I saw that you hadn’t noticed, so we just let things be. I didn’t expect he’d actually take this step,” Cheng Shuying explained.

From what Ji Linhai had just said, Zhong Zijun already knew what was in the package.

To be honest, she was touched. After all these years, no man had ever been so considerate toward her. But she couldn’t accept it. She put the package aside.

“I’ll find a chance to return it to him. We’re not right for each other. I can’t just accept gifts from someone for no reason.”

“You don’t like him? Or do you look down on him?” Cheng Shuying was surprised. Based on how Zhong Zijun had acted before, she didn’t think she disliked Ji Linhai.

“How could I possibly look down on him? It’s just… given our current situation, it’s better not to complicate things.

Besides, Mom, I’m not young anymore. I’m a woman in my forties. It’s not like I can’t live without a man. Why make things harder for myself?

All I want now is to take care of my two children. As long as they’re well, I’m happy enough.” There was a clear trace of loneliness in Zhong Zijun’s eyes.

“We’re labeled as ‘black elements’ and ‘stinking intellectuals’—is he any different? None of us are in a position to look down on anyone!

Zijun, honestly, Ji Linhai is a good man. Maybe you could give it a try, get to know him.

I’m not saying you have to have a man in your life—I just hope that in the second half of your life, you’ll have someone to keep you company. Like your father and me: even though we’re in dire straits, we can encourage and care for each other as we go through life together.

Think about it, okay?”

Cheng Shuying had studied abroad when she was young and was very open-minded. She didn’t believe that just because her daughter had suffered through an unhappy marriage, she didn’t deserve happiness again.

Zhong Weiqian was stoking the fire for the kang bed while listening intently to the conversation between mother and daughter.

“Zijun, don’t overthink it. Just follow your heart. No matter what you decide, your mother and I will support you.”

Zhong Zijun paused, her hand stilling as she put things away.

Did she really not want to consider Ji Linhai? Maybe that wasn’t quite true.

Perhaps it was the hardships of these years that had broken her spirit, making her subconsciously feel she didn’t deserve happiness, or that any kindness toward her must come with strings attached.

Gu Yunchuan had hurt her too deeply.

“We’ll talk about it later.”

—

Meanwhile, after seeing Zhong Zijun off, Gu Qinghuan’s three children had already gone to bed early.

Only a few young people stayed up late, chatting to keep vigil for the New Year.

Bored, Gu Qinghuan made a deck of homemade cards and started a game of Dou Dizhu.

Whoever lost had to stick a note on their face.

By the end, everyone’s face was covered in sticky notes.

They played until well past midnight before finally heading off to their rooms to rest.

New Year’s Day

Except for the three children, all the adults slept in.

Even Xu Huai’an, who was usually up with the sun, was no exception.

Still, he was the first to get up. He heated a pot of steamed buns and made milk for the three kids, telling them to eat breakfast and then go out to play.

On New Year’s Day, all the village children would get up early and go door to door wishing people a happy new year. Well-off families would prepare candy, pine nuts, and other treats for the kids; others would have hazelnuts and peanuts.

It was a rare day of joy for the children.

They were all dressed in brand-new clothes that Gu Qinghuan had bought for them in the city—pretty and warm.

With their new outfits, they looked even better than city kids—nothing like rural children at all.

After breakfast, the three of them set out hand in hand to make New Year’s visits.

Xu Huai’an opened the front door and put out some peanuts, pine nuts, sunflower seeds, and fruit candies on the table in the main room.

If any children came to wish them a happy new year, he couldn’t let them leave empty-handed.

He’d always watched Liu Guifang do these things before, but now, suddenly being the one in charge and hosting guests himself, he felt a strange but happy sense of satisfaction.

Because this was his and Gu Qinghuan’s home now. Even doing these ordinary little things made him inexplicably happy.

The three kids’ first stop was the cowshed.

Ji Linhai and Old Master Ji were already up. Knowing the kids would come to wish them a happy new year, they’d tidied up the place especially for the occasion.

“Great-grandpa, Grandpa Ji, happy new year! Wishing you good health and all the best!” the three children said in unison.

They’d practiced this beforehand.

Previously, Dabao and Beibei had called Old Master Ji their god-grandpa, but since Ji Linhai was a generation younger, Old Master Ji had become their great-grandpa to keep things straight.

The kids’ adorable faces made Old Master Ji dote on them even more. He kissed each of them, then pulled out three big red envelopes from his pocket.

“Thank you, Great-grandpa!”

Ji Linhai did the same, handing them red envelopes.

“Thank you, Grandpa Ji.”

Gu Qinghuan had told them that it was okay to accept red envelopes on New Year’s Day, so the kids took them without a second thought.

Ji Linhai might look big and burly with his beard, but he was actually very thoughtful. He’d already set out White Rabbit candies, dried red dates, and other snacks on the table, just waiting for the kids to arrive.

He stuffed each of their cloth bags to the brim.

All three had matching cloth bags that Zhong Luoning had sewn for them, specially for collecting treats when visiting houses.

“That’s enough, Grandpa Ji, it’s too much!” Dabao protested.

But Ji Linhai just kept piling more in. These snacks were meant for the kids—none of the adults ate them.

Since no other children would come to the cowshed to visit, he just emptied the whole tray into their bags.

“Thank you, Great-grandpa and Grandpa!”

The three kids, their bags heavy and full, trudged back home.

They hadn’t even left the valley before their bags were stuffed to bursting.

They had to go home and drop everything off before heading out again.

Following the order of family closeness, their next stop was their grandparents’ house.

Though a bit scared of Liu Guifang, Dabao bravely led his sisters over.

There were already several kids at Liu Guifang’s house, and she was happily handing out peanuts, sunflower seeds, and snacks.

Since Xu Mingshan was the village secretary, lots of kids came to their house every year, so Liu Guifang always prepared plenty of treats in advance.

They might be stingy in other ways, but never with this.

There’s a saying in the countryside: the more people come to wish you a happy new year, the more prosperous your household will be.

When Liu Guifang saw Dabao and the girls coming from afar, she was briefly surprised—these kids were dressed so well. Gu Qinghuan really had spared no expense.

The next second, she broke into a smile. “Dabao, Beibei, you’re here? Come on in!”"

"Chapter 215: New Year's Greetings