Volume One, Chapter Nine: A Long-Awaited Reunion

Watching her younger sister’s nervous expression, Sun Yalin smiled warmly, her eyes curved with affection.

“See, no need to worry. Mom gave our Fourth Uncle’s family a good scolding. I told her not to answer calls from Second Uncle and Third Aunt these days, to avoid getting upset by their quarrels, and Mom agreed.”

Sun Yaqin nodded. She realized her second sister was much more perceptive than herself; she had recognized the true nature of these relatives early on, whereas in her past life, she had understood it far too late.

“Let’s pack up and head home. Dad said he’s uneasy leaving just the two of us here after everything that’s happened.”

“Alright.”

Sun Yaqin had little to pack. Sun Yalin took her luggage, and the two returned together to Shanglin Village.

By the time they arrived, dusk had fallen. Dim light from the old house cast shadows of figures bustling inside.

They were surprised to find their eldest brother had also come back.

Sun Yaqin leapt up and threw herself into Sun Liancheng’s arms. In her previous life, her eldest brother had adored her. Even after his accident left him with the intelligence of a three-year-old, he still saved candies just for her.

Now, seeing him strong and healthy right before her eyes, she could hardly contain her joy.

“Get off me quickly! I’m cooking here. You’re such a big girl, yet you still lean all over your brother as if you don’t mind looking silly.”

“Mom! Dad!” Sun Yalin released her brother and grabbed Yang Guilan’s arm, refusing to let go.

“Go move the kang table over here. We’ll eat on the kang tonight.”

Everyone except eldest sister Sun Yaling’s family was present. During the meal, silence hung heavily in the air. Yang Guilan’s tears fell as she ate.

She put down her chopsticks and sighed deeply. “Yaqin, I’ve heard from your second sister about what your Fourth Uncle’s family has done—such heartless deeds deserve punishment. Your father and I fully support you. No matter what Second Uncle and Third Aunt say, I won’t be swayed. If necessary, we’ll cut ties with the Yang family. But I won’t let my daughters suffer injustice.”

“Mom, don’t worry. I’m here too. I won’t let Yaqin or Yalin be bullied. Even though I work in town, I know some people in the city. I’ve already started inquiries. If anyone dares to protect them, I’ll report them all the way to the provincial authorities,” Sun Liancheng declared, pounding his chest.

Sun Yaqin knew her eldest brother had a fiery temper and feared he might act rashly. “Brother, please don’t act impulsively.”

“Don’t worry. I’m past the age for fighting. I’ll try not to get physical.”

Yang Junde, who usually kept to himself, stepped aside to smoke. “If it comes to it, this old body will fight them to the end. I stayed here in Shanglin Village for the country’s sake back then. I believe in the country and the Party!”

“Enough, Mom and Dad! Second Sister and I are fine now. You don’t need to worry. That Fourth Uncle’s family will be punished—the person’s been detained and can’t escape,” Sun Yaqin said, trying to comfort them.

In truth, she knew Fourth Uncle’s wife, Shen Lianxia, had some connections. Otherwise, their small family restaurant wouldn’t have drawn the attention of Second Uncle and Third Aunt. It was all mutual exploitation.

Seeing her whole family united in purpose, her heart felt warm and peaceful.

“Dad, how much game do we still have at home? I’ve contacted someone who wants to sell it in the city.”

Yang Junde holding his cigarette paused. “We mustn’t do that. My dear girl, profiteering is being cracked down on hard. Old Wu Er next door was recently imprisoned for it.”

“Don’t worry, Dad. The person I contacted has all the proper permits. It’s completely legal.”

Yang Junde remained hesitant. After all, his youngest daughter was only eighteen, turning nineteen soon. She’d spent all her time climbing mountains and exploring caves. Now she suddenly wanted to sell wild game; he couldn’t help but worry.

Sun Yalin spoke up, “Dad, I went with Yaqin today. Their permits are all in order. I saw for myself; there’s nothing wrong. If this helps the villagers sell their game, it means extra income for them. That’s a good thing.”

Sun Liancheng also encouraged, “Yes, Dad. I handle business. The country’s economic reforms mean more private enterprises will emerge. As long as they have permits, it’s not illegal. If Yaqin wants to try, let her. I support you. It doesn’t require much capital. Just take the game we have and sell it. Once the villagers see it’s profitable, they’ll come to us naturally.”

The elderly couple fell silent for a long moment. They felt their age was catching up and that they struggled to keep pace with the times.

“You’re all grown. You make your own decisions. Your father and I won’t interfere. Just remember: live upright lives, don’t harm others, and don’t break the law. We will support you.”

That night, Sun Yaqin fell asleep holding Yang Guilan’s arm, feeling more secure than she had in a long time.

The next morning, Sun Yaqin woke to the warmth of the heated walls. It was clear her parents had gotten up early to light the fire.

“Yaqin, Yalin, get up and eat,” they called.

Steam rose from the kitchen where eldest brother Sun Liancheng was helping Yang Guilan prepare the meal.

“Mom! It smells delicious!” Sun Yaqin leaned against the doorframe, watching them bustle about with genuine happiness.

“You’ve got the nose of a hound, always so fond of meat. Hurry and bring the dishes to the table,” Yang Guilan laughed.

No sooner had they sat down than the village loudspeaker blared.

“Yang Guilan! There’s a call for you. Please come to the village office to answer it.”

Yang Guilan’s expression darkened. She picked up her chopsticks but said, “Ignore it. Let’s finish eating.”

More than ten minutes later, someone from the village office arrived at their home.

“Aunt Yang, your brother has been calling the village office since yesterday and called several times this morning. Maybe you should answer.”

Sun Yaqin put down her chopsticks. “Mom, you keep eating. I’ll go.”

“Sit down!”

“Xiao Liu, go tell him if he’s calling to plead for Yang Zhigang, he can forget it. If he calls again, there’s no need for the relatives to keep in touch.”

The village official Xiao Liu was stunned. Everyone in Shanglin Village knew Aunt Yang was kind and helpful. She was the one everyone turned to in times of trouble. No one spoke ill of her. For someone to offend her this badly, they must have done something truly unforgivable.

Xiao Liu sighed and nodded helplessly. “Alright, Aunt Yang, I’ll tell him.”

“Thank you, Xiao Liu. Have you eaten breakfast? If not, come eat at my place.”

“I’ve eaten, thank you, Aunt Yang. I’ll head back to the office now.”

Sun Yaqin thought it might be good if her mother could sever ties with the Yang family, but she had witnessed their shamelessness firsthand. Take her Third Aunt, for example—she would turn on you one moment, then smile and chat the next. She was a true turncoat. Completely cutting ties with them would be, in one word, difficult.

After breakfast, Sun Yaqin gathered all the game from the house, weighed each piece, and set aside some for the New Year feast. The rest she planned to sell at the market.

She counted over fifty pounds of wild game. According to the order she had sent to Xu Tao, she would supply at half the retail price. Without factoring in labor, and subtracting transportation costs, she could only earn about thirty yuan from these goods.

Though thirty yuan equaled half a month's wages for an average worker, Sun Yaqin hoped to raise more start-up capital. She planned to sell only during the few days before the New Year and needed to find more sources of supply. For now, she intended to approach those closest to her for help.