Xing'an Village is located in the south and is home to ethnic minorities, so the New Year goods prepared are naturally different from those in the north.
Yu Wenli found it novel and wanted to go to town with them.
Perhaps it was the slow pace of life in the mountains, or perhaps it was the effect of the medication.
In any case, his mood had been quite stable these past few days.
His condition was visibly improving, and the periods of depression were much shorter than before.
Wen Tingxue was naturally happy for him to join the fun.
Regardless of the outcome, it was a good thing that he was willing to actively engage with the outside world.
Qiao Hui drove, and they rode with Grandpa and Grandma.
They set off together for the small town to buy New Year goods.
On the way, Wen Tingxue kept looking at the scenery outside.
When she arrived, she was focused on taking care of Yu Wenli and had no time to pay attention to the outside.
Now she realized that the surroundings had changed a lot.
It was completely different from her last visit.
Qiao Hui said, "Poverty alleviation and relief, there are many good policies. Many surrounding villages are vigorously developing, and our village naturally cannot fall behind."
"Look at that area," she said, freeing one hand and pointing to a large plot of land not far away.
The ground was covered in grass, half a person's height.
"It's not suitable for grain cultivation there, but I invited an expert to take a look, and he said we can grow something else. When spring comes next year, I will organize everyone to clear the land."
She was full of drive and her eyes always sparkled when she talked about construction plans.
Yu Wenli could easily see his past self in her.
His past self who loved music.
The town was crowded and bustling.
Wen Tingxue was worried that Yu Wenli would be stimulated and kept a close watch on him.
Fortunately, Grandpa and Grandma did not walk too fast.
She could talk to Qiao Hui while checking on Yu Wenli's condition.
After they finished buying things and asking what they needed to ask, Qiao Hui took them to a restaurant for a meal.
After ordering, Wen Tingxue asked Yu Wenli, "How are you feeling today? Are you having any uncomfortable emotions?"
Yu Wenli was still bothered by the noise.
Although he could tolerate it today, he still felt a severe headache several times.
Wen Tingxue held his hand and smiled, "Take your time, we're not in a hurry."
Her gentle voice quickly dispelled the stuffiness that lingered in his chest.
"Mmm," he said, his eyes softening, and he nodded obediently.
During the meal, Wen Tingxue asked Qiao Hui about the village again.
Qiao Hui answered one by one and casually asked, "You're so concerned, you haven't thought of any ideas, have you?"
Although their previous contacts were all about soliciting donations, she always provided good suggestions.
This time, she asked so thoroughly, she must have some ideas.
Wen Tingxue chuckled and said, "Indeed, I want to open a bed and breakfast here."
Qiao Hui pointed downwards, "Here?"
She thought it was in the town.
"No, in the village."
Wen Tingxue counted on her fingers, "Using embroidery and spring water as selling points. The former is intangible cultural heritage, and the latter is so good that even Elder Yan is willing to stay here for a short while from afar, let alone others? And as you said, the village has various fruit and vegetable gardens and special local products. It's also a good opportunity to open up another sales channel. What do you think?"
The more Qiao Hui listened, the brighter her eyes became, and finally, she slapped the table.
"My goodness! How did I not think of a bed and breakfast! Xing'an Village's scenery is the best in this area! Isn't the painting that won you the award our scenery?!"
"Yes!" Wen Tingxue nodded vigorously, "It used to be inconvenient for outsiders to come because the roads were bad, but now the roads are good, and the village, including the neighboring villages, has been transformed beautifully. We can definitely explore a tourism route."
She had seen the flowers, grass, fish, and insects embroidered by Grandma, as well as the peacocks, phoenixes, flying dragons, and fierce tigers embroidered by the village women.
Honestly, they were lifelike and not too expensive.
If they could be well promoted, it could be a new path to prosperity.
The spring water and scenery were top-notch.
She had seen people in many tourist areas. Although this place was not captivating, it had the advantage of nature's bounty.
After being suppressed by the city for a long time, it was the best place to relax and de-stress.
"Have you thought about the style of the bed and breakfast?" Qiao Hui was so excited when it came to work that she stopped eating.
Wen Tingxue was also a workaholic, "My idea is one bed and breakfast with one style, focusing on all-round service."
Luxurious and understated, classical, minimalist, creative designs.
She wanted them all.
Anyway, Xing'an Village was not short of land.
Qiao Hui nodded repeatedly, "Okay, okay, I'll tell the town mayor your idea and see if we can get any subsidies."
"Subsidies are not important. I'm not exactly short of money. What's important is the process, and it's best to be quick," Wen Tingxue said.
Qiao Hui: "No problem, this is a good thing, I'll definitely keep an eye on it. Have you chosen the location?"
Wen Tingxue: "No, I'll look around again when I get back."
Qiao Hui received Yu Wenli's gaze and immediately smiled and put away her work notebook, "Okay, let's eat."
Grandpa and Grandma couldn't help but smile when they saw Yu Wenli doting on his wife.
If their children were still around, they would be older than him.
They would probably have grandchildren by now.
"What do you think of my idea?" the young girl looked at Yu Wenli with shining eyes.
Like a child waiting for praise.
Yu Wenli suddenly felt the way he used to feel when he was with her.
His heart stirred, and under the table, he gently held her hand.
"Good, exceptionally good. You truly are my wife."
He rarely said such things during his illness.
Today was the first time.
Wen Tingxue immediately gripped his hand tightly.
She firmly believed that her A'Li would slowly get better.
He would definitely get better!
-
Wen Tingxue was a woman of action, and as soon as she returned to the village, she began selecting sites.
Yu Wenli wanted to go with her, but as he was about to leave, Grandma stopped him to pick vegetables.
Wen Tingxue stifled a laugh and pushed him back, saying she would be back soon.
However, after looking around for a long time, she couldn't find a suitable spot.
Unconsciously, she wandered to a small pavilion on the mountainside and remembered the scene of climbing the mountain with Senior Song that year when she was sketching.
Looking back now, everything was so clear.
Why Elder Yan didn't plan to take disciples but unexpectedly took her as a young disciple.
Why Elder Yan had so many taboos and rules, yet she could be the exception.
It was all because of this face.
No wonder Elder Yan agreed as soon as he saw her.
Wen Tingxue chuckled and prepared to go down the mountain.
To her surprise, as soon as she turned around, she saw Elder Yan.
He seemed to be waiting for her here.
He had a kind and benevolent smile on his face, but his spirit was not as strong as when they first met.
Wen Tingxue instinctively lowered her eyes and softly called out, "Master."
"You're still willing to call me Master? I thought you'd treat me like a stranger."
Elder Yan, half scolding and half teasing, stepped over.
Regardless of his appearance, Wen Tingxue could feel it, but some things couldn't be overcome in a short time.
After a moment of silence, she asked, "If we hadn't met back then, could we have become master and disciple? Or, to put it another way, if I didn't look so much like Miss Fu, would you have taken me as a disciple?"
Elder Yan said, "I can't give you an answer about things that haven't happened, but I believe that if we were fated, we would become master and disciple."
Wen Tingxue nodded and said nothing.
Elder Yan did not dwell on it, "I saw you wandering around the village for a long time. Are you looking for something?"
Wen Tingxue told him her idea truthfully, and Elder Yan laughed heartily.
"It's a good idea. Based on my understanding of the terrain here..."
Elder Yan raised his hand, his fingertips sliding from the mountaintop to the foot of the mountain.
"If you really want to build a bed and breakfast, this is the best place. Not too high, not too low, houses scattered, the higher you go, the better the scenery, the more expensive the price, and the more styles to choose from. At the foot of the mountain, there are those terraced rooms, mainly for affordability."
Wen Tingxue had the same idea, but...
"Let's tear down that house of mine," Elder Yan said, raising his hand to stop her from protesting. "I like it here, but I can't monopolize it. When the time comes, I'll book a room I like the best, provided it's quiet."
Wen Tingxue said, "No problem!"
Elder Yan smiled, "Girl, building a bed and breakfast is not as easy as you think. It's not just about having money. If you need anything, be sure to call us. We're family, aren't we?"
-
At home.
Yu Wenli sat on a small stool with his long legs awkwardly, picking vegetables with Grandma.
Grandpa went to handle the various meats.
They didn't really like meat, but with the two children here.
So they specifically bought fish, shrimp, and various meats.
"Xiao Wen, I see you're always taking medicine. Are you having any health problems?"
Grandma was always outspoken. Grandpa told her not to ask too much, lest she embarrass the child.
She got carried away and couldn't hold back. Grandpa gave her a helpless look.
Grandma glared back fiercely.
Although her mouth was quick, she genuinely wanted to know why such a good child had to take medicine.
Moreover, she heard from the village children that Xiao Wen was a celebrity, but his reputation seemed...
Of course, she believed him. After all, those people hadn't interacted with Xiao Wen.
She had spent a few days with him.
They could tell what kind of person the child was.
If he could be so good when he was sick, he would definitely be even better when he wasn't.
How could he be like what the outside world said?
Yu Wenli's hands paused while picking vegetables. After a few seconds of silence, he truthfully explained his condition.
Grandma and Grandpa were stunned, then they understood.
"Is it because of your grandfather?" Grandma guessed.
Yu Wenli smiled, "Yes, but not entirely."
Grandma sighed deeply and said, "Back then, when my son left, my husband and I planned to go with him. But before he jumped into the river, someone stopped us. Do you know what the person who stopped us told me?"
"What?" Yu Wenli looked up.
Grandma looked at the auspicious decorations on the low wall and said, "He told us a story. The story was very simple. It was about a person who made a mistake and was sent to hell, layer by layer. Finally, he reached the eighteenth layer. He thought he would be greeted with torture, but when the door opened, it was the familiar human world. The underworld official pressing him said, 'The human world is hell. Your next life will still be as a human.'"
Grandma withdrew her gaze and looked at Yu Wenli with loving eyes, "Child, you should be happy for your grandfather. He has escaped hell."
Yu Wenli was stunned for a moment, then smiled and nodded, "Yes."
Grandma continued picking vegetables, "The rotten, bad ones should be thrown away, otherwise the taste of the stir-fry will be bad. Life is the same."
Yu Wenli stared at the vegetables in his hands thoughtfully.
-
When Wen Tingxue heard that she was going to build a bed and breakfast, Ding Xi was the first to call.
"The project in Xing'an Village, you have to count me in, right?"
Wen Tingxue smiled, "Of course. CEO Ding is so rich now, I definitely won't let you off."
Ding Xi laughed heartily, "I'll give you my finance manager's number. Just tell them how much you need."
"Okay," Wen Tingxue was not polite, "I'll count it all towards shares."
Song You was the second to send a message.
Song You: [Unemployed, give me a chance to make money?]
Wen Tingxue didn't hesitate, directly sent him her bank account number, plus the amount needed.
Song You quickly transferred it.
Besides them, many other friends also participated in the investment.
But the most surprising to Wen Tingxue was the girl who had once hacked her computer.
The money for the computer had already been repaid.
They hadn't been in contact much over the years.
But when she heard about her opening a bed and breakfast, the girl directly video called her.
She provided money and help.
With the support of friends from all sides, things progressed smoothly.
The only downside was that it was too busy.
Wen Tingxue was so busy she barely had time for Yu Wenli.
Strangely, Yu Wenli's condition had been very good lately.
Not only did he take his medicine on time, but he also communicated with his psychologist in advance by phone, and his emotions were almost never problematic.
Sometimes, he could even accompany Wen Tingxue on construction visits.
Perhaps it was Grandma's words, or perhaps he was too busy to think about other things lately.
Yu Wenli clearly felt that his mental health was slowly recovering.
Occasionally, when he touched his instruments, he no longer felt powerless.
Everything was developing in a positive direction.
Until a phone call came.
The two of them rushed back to the capital overnight.
When they arrived, Song's father and mother were crying over the coffin, heartbroken.
Everyone who heard them was saddened.
Song Jiamiao had died in the line of duty, and the funeral was on a similar scale to Shang Ziqian's.
Among the attendees were not only comrades and friends but also many citizens who came to pay their respects.
Yu Zishu suggested that they should not go in for now, to avoid being scolded again.
Yu Wenli, however, said, "Jiamiao died because of me. Can't I even bear this scolding?"