"Almost done, just wait a little longer." Lin Wanqiu patted her son's head, thinking to herself: Once we have enough energy, we'll start the processing plant and make a batch of noodles to test the waters. If they sell well, then we'll think about making tofu—tofu is a rare commodity these days, especially in winter. You have to queue up and get a ration coupon to eat a piece of tofu. If we can make tofu ourselves and sell it, we can definitely make a lot of money.

Just then, the steamer creaked open, signaling that the steamed buns were cooked. Lin Wanqiu lifted the lid, and a waft of steam rushed out. The golden buns were plump and heavy in her hand. She broke off a piece and handed it to Nian'an: "Be careful, it's hot. Eat slowly."

Nian'an blew on it, took a big bite, and savored the soft, sweet taste. Her little mouth bulged as she ate: "Mom, it's delicious! Much better than Grandma's cornbread!"

Lin Wanqiu smiled and nodded, breaking off a piece to eat herself. The aroma of the grains filled her mouth, and she suddenly remembered the exquisite pastries she had eaten in the city in her previous life, feeling a surge of emotion. Although these times were tough, as long as she had the space and Nian'an, she could still make life sweet.

After breakfast, Lin Wanqiu wrapped the remaining steamed buns in a cloth, picked some vegetables from her spatial storage, and prepared to sell them at the commune. Just as she reached the village entrance, she saw Zhang Lan carrying a basket, sneaking furtively towards the commune. Zhang Lan also saw her, her eyes immediately glued to the cloth bag in her hand, and said sarcastically, "Oh, isn't this Wanqiu? Going to sell your precious vegetables again? What's that you're carrying? It smells so good, you didn't steal some of the team's fine grain, did you?"

Lin Wanqiu sneered inwardly, but remained outwardly calm: "These are the multigrain steamed buns I ground myself, unlike some people who only covet what belongs to others. Where are you going, sister-in-law? Are you going to complain to Zhao Jianjun again?"

Zhang Lan's secret was exposed, and her face turned pale instantly: "You...you're talking nonsense! I'm just going to the commune to buy some things!" After saying that, she quickly quickened her pace and left without looking back.

Lin Wanqiu watched her retreating figure and shook her head. Zhang Lan is greedy and brainless; she'll definitely cause trouble again. She needs to find a way to completely sever ties with the Shen family as soon as possible.

When they arrived at the commune canteen, Chef Li was already waiting. His eyes lit up when he saw the vegetables in Lin Wanqiu's hand: "Wanqiu, your vegetables are getting better and better, even more tender than last time."

"Master Li, you flatter me." Lin Wanqiu handed over the vegetables and opened the cloth bag. "These are some multigrain steamed buns that I ground myself. Please try them. If you like them, I can send some to the canteen in the future."

Master Li picked up a steamed bun, took a bite, and his eyes lit up immediately: "This steamed bun is good! It's chewy and has a bit of sweetness, much better than the ones sold at the supply and marketing cooperative! How about this, from now on, in addition to delivering vegetables, you can also deliver some steamed buns, and I'll charge you one cent each, how about that?"

Lin Wanqiu was overjoyed: "That's wonderful, thank you, Master Li!"

After selling the vegetables and steamed buns, Lin Wanqiu earned another two yuan. The electronic screen showed that her energy level had increased by 10 points, now reaching 90 points. After two more sales, she would have enough points to start the processing plant.

Walking home, Lin Wanqiu's steps were light. She had even started planning her tofu workshop: there were soybeans, water, and a small grinding machine in the space; once she learned how to make tofu, she could start. She could not only eat it herself, but also sell it to canteens and supply and marketing cooperatives, and even encourage others in the village to do it too—it wouldn't matter how much money she made alone; only by ensuring a good life for those around her could she truly establish herself.

As soon as they reached the village entrance, they saw Shen Tingzhou standing under the old locust tree, wearing a black overcoat and standing tall and straight. When he saw Lin Wanqiu, a complex emotion flashed in his eyes, but he did not go forward, but just watched her from a distance.

Lin Wanqiu's heart skipped a beat. These past few days, she'd had a feeling someone was secretly protecting her. Last time Zhao Jianjun caused trouble, someone had secretly taught him a lesson; it might just be Shen Tingzhou. She wanted to go and ask, but then she remembered his "sacrifice," and swallowed her words.

Shen Tingzhou watched Lin Wanqiu's retreating figure, his heart filled with guilt. He knew he couldn't show himself now; revealing his identity would not only endanger Lin Wanqiu and Nian'an but also jeopardize the mission. But seeing her struggling to earn money and deal with the Shen family's difficulties, his heart ached as if pierced by needles. He secretly vowed to uncover the truth of what happened back then as soon as possible, return to her side, and never let her suffer again.

When Lin Wanqiu returned home, Nian'an was playing hopscotch with Aunt Wang's little girl. Seeing her return, Nian'an quickly ran over, holding up a small rabbit made of straw: "Mom, look, this is what I made, here you go."

"An'an is so clever, you've made such a beautiful bunny." Lin Wanqiu took the little rabbit, her heart warmed. She squatted down and patted her son's head: "An'an, in a few days, Mom will make you tofu, it's even tastier than steamed buns."

"Really?" Nian'an's eyes lit up. "Then can I get one for Aunt Wang's little girl too?"

"Of course I can." Lin Wanqiu nodded with a smile. She knew that better days were yet to come. As long as the space existed and Nian'an was there, she could live a splendid life of her own in the 1960s.

That evening, Lin Wanqiu entered the space again. She converted the money she earned from selling vegetables and steamed buns into energy points, and the number on the electronic screen jumped to 98 points. Only 2 points were needed to start the processing plant. Looking at the machines in front of her, she was filled with anticipation—once the processing plant was up and running, she could do more, taking another step closer to her goal of achieving a moderately prosperous life.