Chapter 90: The End

After Han Aimin finished tidying up the dormitory, the family set out once more to visit the house they had purchased in the provincial capital and check on the progress of the renovations.

The old bungalow at the front had already been transformed into a two-story white building. Near the entrance on the first floor, a cashier’s counter had been installed, built according to Su Yue’s request. A kitchen had been partitioned off beside it so meals could be prepared easily, while the remaining space was turned into small booths that could seat anywhere from one to four people. If there weren’t many diners, they could simply eat on the first floor.

The second floor had been designed with three private rooms, each very spacious. Every room included its own bathroom along with an entertainment and leisure area. The arrangement was remarkably similar to the private dining style that would become popular decades later. Though Su Yue herself felt it wasn’t particularly elegant, it would at least make the dining experience enjoyable.

At present, the renovations were only halfway complete. By Su Yue’s estimate, another two months would see the work finished. After that, they would let the building air out for several more months. The timing would coincide perfectly with the upcoming reform and opening up, when her private restaurant could officially open its doors.

Once they had inspected the progress, the family returned home.

That night, Su Yue sat at the table with pen and paper, calculating accounts with a serious expression. All the money she had once possessed had been poured into buying the house, turning her from a wealthy woman into a pauper overnight. Now, decorating the place consumed even more funds. Much of this money had come from Old Lady Han’s savings. Su Yue hadn’t wanted to take it, but the old lady, knowing she was struggling, had insisted and even grown angry when she hesitated. In the end, Su Yue accepted it as though she were borrowing, only to find herself sinking ever deeper into debt.

When the renovations were finally complete, countless other expenses would follow. The kitchen alone would require pots, pans, oil, salt, soy sauce, vinegar, and so much more. Beyond that, there would be furniture, utensils, and the costs of hiring staff, designing uniforms, and paying wages.

Money, money, everything needed money.

The gap between what she had and what she needed was so vast it made her want to collapse right then and there.

Although Han Aiguo’s military allowance was considerable, it barely covered the needs of the entire family. There were many mouths to feed, children to clothe, and one child preparing to attend university. Hardly anything was left over. If she wanted to open this private restaurant, Su Yue knew she had to find another way to raise money.

After calculating her accounts, she quickly decided to expand her business. Besides making cakes, she would also create snacks that children loved, then sell them through Xu Can. Material conditions in those years were still limited, but parents everywhere shared one trait: they rarely refused their children. As long as a family had the means, they would always spend for their kids. This gave Su Yue confidence that her snacks would sell.

What’s more, Xu Can’s relatives and friends already adored her cooking. Some had even asked if she made anything besides cakes. At the time, with her children still very young, Su Yue had been too busy to attempt it. But now that Dabao and Xiaobao were older and could play on their own, she had more free time to experiment.

So she began creating snacks based on the favorite tastes of her three little ones; Dabao, Xiaobao, and Maomao. In addition to pastries, she made fried twists, glutinous rice dumplings, and even lollipops.

fried twists

glutinous rice dumplings

lollipops

Once everything was ready, she asked Xu Can to help sell them. Xu Can trusted Su Yue’s cooking completely and had no worries about whether they would sell. In fact, she was confident they would. Her colleagues at the hospital were particularly fond of Su Yue’s food. Whenever Xu Can brought some as a gift, they would taste it and immediately ask where it had been bought.

Without hesitation, Xu Can agreed. “I’ll show it to a few of my colleagues at the hospital first. They’ll definitely buy it. They especially love what you make. Several times, when I brought your food to share, they all said it was better than anything they could buy. And when I visit my parents’ house next time, I’ll take more for my relatives to try as well.”

Su Yue felt a rush of gratitude. “Thanks to you, otherwise I wouldn’t even know where to start selling.”

Xu Can, nibbling on a piece of hibiscus cake, waved her off with a laugh. She pointed to Nini, who was sucking happily on a lollipop, and said, “Don’t thank me. Just look at how many delicious things you’ve given my family. That alone is worth more than any errand I could run. Besides, I’m not even doing much; I just say a few words, and people immediately want to buy. Your food sells itself.”

The deal was struck, and as expected, the snacks were an instant success. The amount Su Yue prepared was nowhere near enough. Soon, Xu Can came back asking for more. Not only did her hospital colleagues want them, but her aunts at home had tried them too and were eager to buy more.

With this small but steady business, Su Yue finally began to see money coming in. For the first time in a long while, there was a glimmer of hope that they might climb out of poverty.

In July, a letter arrived from her hometown, written by Hehua.

In the letter, Hehua explained that after receiving Old Lady Han’s message, her parents had argued bitterly for days. At first, her mother had refused to let her continue her studies. But in the end, her father, fearing his mother would truly sever ties if he did not yield, convinced her. Hehua was finally allowed to attend school.

She had no desire to start all over from the first year of junior high, especially since she had already taught herself all that knowledge. Determined, she asked to skip directly into the second year. At first the principal resisted, but after testing her ability, he agreed. Now, she was officially a second-year junior high school student. If all went well, she could graduate in just one year and move on to high school.

Reading this, Su Yue’s heart filled with pride and relief. Hehua was a remarkable child, who was determined, ambitious, and unwilling to give in to fate. As long as she was given the chance, Su Yue believed she would carve out a bright future for herself, unlike most rural girls of the era, who remained uneducated, were married off too young, and spent their lives toiling with their backs bent toward the fields. If Hehua could enter university, her life would be utterly transformed.

Su Yue suddenly felt that all her efforts had not been in vain.

Old Lady Han was also overjoyed by the news. She muttered happily that Han Lao-er and his wife had finally done something right. Then she urged Su Yue to write a letter to encourage Hehua, telling her that if her parents refused to pay for her schooling, her grandmother would.

In truth, Su Yue had already intended to say the same.

The next day, she mailed the letter. But when she returned home, she unexpectedly saw Mao Xue downstairs, whom she had not seen in a long time.

At first glance, Su Yue was struck by how different she seemed. Gone was the melancholy aura, the listless air of a woman trapped in dissatisfaction. In its place was a spirited energy. Her clothing was fashionable and neat: a dress paired with leather shoes, a blue gauze scarf draped around her neck. She even wore light makeup, her lips curved in a faint smile, her steps brisk as though a breeze carried her along.

As soon as Mao Xue noticed her, she did not turn away but walked directly over to greet her.

Su Yue gave her a nod, unsure of what else to say.

But Mao Xue spoke first. “Ge Jun and I have divorced. I came back today to handle the formalities.”

Su Yue blinked in mild surprise, and then felt it was only natural. After all, Mao Xue’s heart had long since flown elsewhere. No husband or child could hold her back. Sooner or later, she was bound to achieve her goal. Ge Jun, perhaps exhausted from chasing a lost cause, must have finally given up and agreed to the divorce.

Su Yue offered a faint nod and said, “Congratulations.”

Her words carried an edge of irony. She wasn’t blaming Ge Jun as marriage was a matter between husband and wife, and she had no right to interfere. What she felt was more a bitter pity, from the perspective of a mother. For a woman to treat her child with such disregard; such wounds would scar him for life.

Mao Xue paused and said, “I don’t think I’m wrong. What’s wrong with pursuing my ideals? You may think I’m cold-hearted, but who wants to be trapped in a cage their whole life? You might not understand me now, but you will in the future. If you give up a great opportunity for the so-called sake of family, you’ll regret it one day.”

Su Yue wanted to laugh, and she did. “I don’t regret it. In my opinion, going to university doesn’t guarantee a brilliant life. Who can say what your future will really be like?”

Mao Xue smiled, but her expression carried a trace of condescension, as if she were looking at an ignorant woman. “You’ve been brainwashed by your family. You gave up your own opportunities for them. Maybe you don’t regret it now, but one day when you’ve grown old and become just another incompetent housewife, do you think your husband will still treat you the same way? A man with a bright future will keep climbing higher. When he reaches a high position, you won’t be worthy of him anymore. There will always be women better than you standing in front of him. Aren’t you afraid he’ll come to dislike you, or even abandon you? Men are always drawn to capable and charming women and not to a dull, yellow-faced woman who silently sacrifices for him.”

Su Yue nodded. “You’re right about one thing: women do need to be capable, not dependent on men to survive. So I agree that pursuing college is admirable. But if you truly have ability, there’s no conflict with taking care of family. I know plenty of women who study while raising children and they don’t choose to abandon their husbands and kids. Forgive me, but I can’t understand your approach.”

Mao Xue’s face stiffened for a moment before she quickly recovered her composure. “That’s a private matter between Ge Jun and me. You don’t understand our situation, so why accuse me? Was he not wrong? He insisted on pestering me and refused to let me go unless I married him.”

Su Yue shook her head, suddenly feeling bored with the argument. Why was she even bothering? Perhaps she only wanted to lessen her own guilt by trying to persuade Mao Xue.

Losing interest, she waved her hand. “Forget it. I really don’t understand, and I don’t need you to explain. I still have work to do, so I’ll be going. Goodbye.”

Without glancing back at Mao Xue’s expression, she walked away.

Later, when she thought about it again, Su Yue felt both helpless and emotional. She complained to Han Aiguo, “Do you think I’m destined not to have harmonious relationships with my neighbors? Why is it that both of them ended badly in the end? When Fang Xiaoli moved out, I prayed that the next neighbor would be easier to get along with. But no matter who moved in, my wish never came true. In the end, they all disappeared.”

Han Aiguo stroked her hair and said gently, “Let it be.”

Su Yue shrugged. It seemed that when it came to neighbors, fate would have to take its own course.

——

1978 was destined to be an extraordinary year. After the resumption of the college entrance examination, another piece of good news that inspired the whole nation arrived. At the Third Plenary Session of the 11th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, the Party made a historic decision: to implement reform and opening up. From that moment, the planned economic system began to fade, and the market economy slowly stepped into China’s history.

When Su Yue read the news in the paper, her eyes nearly brimmed with tears. She had not only witnessed but personally endured the hardships of a backward era. Now, before her very eyes, that chapter was closing. China was about to stride into a brighter, freer future. Back when she was a student, she hadn’t understood the weight of this change but after living through two different eras, her heart could not calm down for a long time.

But all of it was worth celebrating. The coming days promised light and hope. No longer would she need to conduct business in secret, and afraid of being reported as a “profiteer.” She could finally return to her true passion openly.

And so, after months of preparation, her private restaurant was finally ready to open.

She had saved enough money, bought all the necessary supplies, and even hired two waitresses. One was Ma Cuiyun, who had eagerly asked for the job to help her family and prove her worth in front of her critical mother-in-law. Su Yue trusted her, and with a generous salary of thirty yuan a month plus meals and rest days, Ma Cuiyun was more than satisfied.

The other was Sister Wang, a widowed mother of two whom Su Yue had met in the provincial capital. Despite her hardships, she was hardworking, cheerful, and upright. Su Yue admired her resilience and invited her to join the team. Sister Wang was so grateful she nearly wept.

With everything prepared, Su Yue chose New Year’s Day for the grand opening. Reform and opening up had only just begun, and people’s attitudes would take time to change, so she decided against loud gongs, drums, or firecrackers. Instead, she invited only a few close friends. Together, they watched as she personally hung the plaque: “Moon Palace”, officially declaring the restaurant open.

Afterward, everyone sat down to enjoy the first meal served by the Moon Palace.

When Su Yue returned from the kitchen, Xu Can was the first to raise her glass. “Come on, everyone, let’s toast our Boss Su! Congratulations on your grand opening!”

Everyone lifted their glasses. Even the children solemnly clinked their cups of freshly squeezed fruit juice.

Dabao piped up first, his childish voice full of seriousness, “Mom, I wish you good luck in business and that the Moon Palace prospers!”

Su Yue couldn’t help laughing and kissed him. “Thank you, my big treasure.”

Not to be left behind, Xiaobao hurried to raise his cup. “Mom, Mom, I want to give you blessings too! I wish you… um… um…” He scratched his head, frustrated that his words wouldn’t come. Just as Su Yue leaned over to help him, his eyes suddenly lit up. He shouted proudly, “I wish you earn lots and lots of money every day and then take us to count it together!”

Su Yue: … This little rascal, does he really see his mother as a money-grubber?

The table burst into laughter, and the meal went on in joy and warmth.

The only regret was that Han Aiguo wasn’t there. A few days earlier, he had led his men on a secret mission and hadn’t yet returned. Su Yue didn’t even know where he was at that moment. It was a pity he couldn’t witness this special day by her side.

That evening, after seeing Ma Cuiyun and Sister Wang home, Su Yue finished tallying the simple first-day accounts and prepared to lock the door.

Just as she was about to close it, a familiar, roughened hand pressed against the frame, stopping her.

Looking up, her eyes widened. “Han Aiguo, you’re back!”

Without a second thought, she threw herself into his arms, legs wrapping around his waist.

Han Aiguo held her tightly, kissing her forehead with a smile. “How could I miss your big day? Even if I had to crawl, I’d crawl back to you.”

Su Yue noticed then that he was still in his combat uniform, covered in dirt and dust. Clearly, he had come straight from the mission without rest. Yet she felt no distaste, and only overwhelming happiness. She kissed him twice, heart brimming over.

Han Aiguo’s eyes darkened, and while locking the door with one hand, he whispered in her ear, voice hoarse, “I’ve brought you a gift.”

Su Yue’s eyes lit up. She eagerly reached for his pockets. “What is it? Where is it?”

He chuckled, letting her search, though she found nothing.

She pouted. “Where are you hiding it?”

Instead of answering, he suddenly spun her in his arms, making her laugh breathlessly, and then lowered his head to her ear. “It’s not an object. It’s good news.”

Su Yue’s curiosity only grew. She raised her fist playfully. “If you keep me in suspense, I’ll punch you. Do you see this fist? It’s as big as a sandbag!”

Han Aiguo caught her “sandbag fist” and finally spoke. “The Sharp Knife Battalion I lead has officially been reorganized into a special brigade. I’ve been promoted as brigade commander.”

Su Yue froze, and then squealed in delight, throwing her arms around his neck. “Ahhhh! Husband, you’ve been promoted! You’re amazing!”

Han Aiguo laughed. “So, do you like this gift from your husband?”

“I love it! I love you!” Su Yue kissed him again and again, her eyes shining with pride.

That night, with passion long suppressed by distance and duty, Han Aiguo carried his enthusiastic wife away.

—-

In her dreams, Su Yue once again saw the system.

“Host,” it said, “congratulations. You have successfully completed your mission. Han Aiguo’s fate has been completely altered. From now on, his path will be smooth.”

Before Su Yue could celebrate, the system’s voice softened. “Since the task is complete, it is time for me to leave. I must go on to my next mission. Goodbye, host.”

Before she could respond, the system faded away. No matter how she called, there was no reply.

After a long silence, Su Yue sighed, accepting that it was truly gone.

When she opened her eyes again, golden sunlight streamed through the windows.

Outside the door came the voices of her sons.

“Why hasn’t Mom woken up yet?” Dabao asked.

“Mom was tired from cooking yesterday,” Han Aiguo replied softly. “Let her sleep a little longer. Don’t disturb her.”

“Oh…” the children answered in disappointment.

Su Yue’s lips curved in a quiet smile. She loved mornings like this as they held the warmth of family, and the peace of ordinary days.

This was the happiness she had longed for. And she believed, deep in her heart, that it would last forever.

(The End)

Translator’s Note:- Anddd its the END !!!!

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