Chapter 176 Thriving

Zhou Qianqian and Sun Xiaolin’s new life in Taoyuan Community officially began.

Sunlight streamed through the brand-new glass windows, spilling onto the polished floor and into the hearts of both mother and son. Sun Xiaolin rolled back and forth in his crib, excitedly claiming his little world. Zhou Qianqian, seeing the long-lost sparkle in her son's eyes, felt that all her hard work had been worth it.

After settling in, making ends meet became a top priority. Zhou Qianqian calculated her savings and decided to start with her specialty, noodles. She posted a handwritten advertisement on the community bulletin board: "Serving handmade steamed buns and flower rolls. Pre-orders accepted. Exchanges available for fresh vegetables." The handwriting was elegant, tinged with a hint of tentative anticipation.

In the first few days, there was little response. Zhou Qianqian was a little worried. Was the price too high? Or was it that people didn't trust the craftsmanship of the outsider?

Just as she was hesitating, her neighbor, Aunt Wang, knocked on the door. Aunt Wang quickly responded, "Xiao Zhou, I saw the list you posted. Just listing steamed buns and flower rolls is too simple. We have people from all over the neighborhood. If you could at least add something with fillings, like buns or dumplings, they'd definitely be more popular."

Zhou Qianqian's eyes lit up. This was truly a case of the person in charge being confused! "Auntie Wang, you're right! But I'm just starting out, and I don't have all the equipment. I only have an ordinary steamer, so I can't make too much at a time..."

"Oh, that's nothing!" Aunt Wang waved her hand. "I have a large multi-layer steamer at home that's usually unused. You can use it first! We're neighbors, so don't be shy. Try making some meat and vegetable buns first, and I'll help you promote it to the sisters!"

Aunt Wang's hospitality was like a warm breeze, clearing away the fog in Zhou Qianqian's heart. She gratefully accepted the steamer and immediately began preparing. The next day, she made a few baskets of test buns. The meat buns had large fillings and thin wrappers, while the vegetable buns used freshly picked vegetables from the community garden, and they were refreshing and delicious. She asked Sun Xiaolin to send some to Aunt Wang and a few familiar neighbors across the street to try.

The feedback quickly poured in. Not just positive reviews, but actual orders. Some traded a handful of scallions for two buns, others a few eggs for a bag of steamed buns, and many placed direct orders. Zhou Qianqian's little notebook was filled with notes. She rose before dawn each day to knead the dough, mix the filling, and steam the buns. The kitchen was filled with the warm aroma of dough and steam.

Sun Xiaolin also became his mother's helper, bagging pre-ordered food and delivering it to neighbors after school. In the process, he got to know more of his neighbors and became more outgoing. Zhou Qianqian's "Zhou Ma Handmade Noodles" gradually gained popularity in the neighborhood. Although busy, she felt deeply fulfilled. She discovered that relying on her own hands, she could truly take root in this warm land.

"What? Rent a shop?"

That day, several managers from the Taoyuan Community Self-Government Association found Zhou Qianqian and told her that a circle of shops facing the outside of the community were for rent.

"This is also a benefit from President Xia. He said we should put these shops to good use. As you know, many people in our community are immigrants. They gave up their jobs in other places and came here. They must have a source of income. Lately, you're not the only one trying to make money. Others are too."

"There's a guy in Building 3 who can make noodles, and there's a guy in Building 5 who can make pancakes. The community is thinking, why don't you three open a breakfast shop together? Firstly, it would be convenient for everyone to have breakfast, and secondly, we could find you a proper job to earn money. What do you think?"

When Zhou Qianqian heard that there was such a good thing, she hurriedly asked how much the rent was.

The rent is not high, and the rent of the shops will eventually be used to build the community itself. Maybe one day the community tenants will not have to pay the property fees themselves. Everything depends on profitability.

Taoyuan Community has a large flow of people, especially tourists from other places. When you come to Donghua Town for tourism, you must come to see Taoyuan Community and visit the Taoyuan Supermarket at the door.

Many guests drive for several hours or even more than ten hours, and they definitely want to have a hot meal when they get off the car.

There is no problem for Zhou Qianqian and other women to cook some home-cooked meals, and it was everyone's idea to bring them together to open a shop.

The rent is not high and there are partners, so it would be foolish to hesitate any longer.

Zhou Qianqian agreed to open a store in partnership without hesitation, and was then introduced to the other two friends by people from the neighborhood association.

The older woman is called Zong Hong, she is fifty-six years old this year. She got married early and has a partner who is still alive. They divorced in the millennium. She and her partner have two children, a boy and a girl. The boy went abroad and never came back, and the girl married someone else and rarely came back either.

The reason why Zong Hong and her husband divorced was very simple. They had suffered all their lives and didn't want to suffer anymore when they were old.

When she was young, the man cheated on her and had affairs with other women, which lasted for most of his life. Not only did he cheat, he also committed domestic violence. Zong Hong could not have any opinions, otherwise he would beat her.

When the child was young, Zong Hong endured it for the sake of the child. The man could earn money, and not getting a divorce would at least be good for the child.

After finally raising both children, Zong Hong wanted to divorce, but she did not get the support of her two children. Either they said that she had endured for so many years, so what was wrong with enduring a little longer, or they said that it was shameful for her to divorce at her age, and her daughter and son would think that she had never worked and had just been enjoying herself at home.

As for their father's infidelity and domestic violence, it seems like it was all history from many years ago.

Zong Hong had no words to express her pain, and she gritted her teeth and endured it for many years after her children said that.

Until her children got married and started their own families, her health became worse and worse. She could not bear the thought of having to take care of her husband for the rest of her life, and finally made a fuss and asked for a divorce.

She was left with nothing after the divorce and had been a housewife all her life. She had no money and no family, and her children didn't wish her well. They hoped that she would suffer enough and return to their father as soon as possible.

Zong Hong came to Taoyuan Community. Because she was old, she did not have her own suite, but shared a suite with some other older single women. For them, this was their home.

Besides, it would be more reassuring if someone lived with them when they were older.

Zong Hong can't sit still. When she has free time, she thinks about how to make money. She has been a housewife all her life and is a good cook. In order to make a living, she thought about making some wontons and dumplings to sell. Unexpectedly, the response was quite good.

Another young woman, even younger than Zhou Qianqian, is also raising a child alone. She has a three-year-old daughter. Because she married far away and gave birth to a daughter, her in-laws disliked her and wanted to give her away, forcing her to have another child. She argued with her in-laws for two years, but her husband never sided with her.

She had fought with her family for a long time before marrying him, but in the end this was the result. The girl was too embarrassed to go back to her parents' home, so she just lived alone with her child.

Life is miserable.

She can make noodles because her family runs a noodle shop.

The three unfortunate women hit it off immediately. Not long after, they rented a shop of more than 90 square meters at the entrance of the community. The annual rent was only 30,000 yuan. They divided the work and cooperated with each other. Unexpectedly, the business was quite good. They were too busy to handle it, so they simply recruited workers in the community and found two more helpers.

Although she is very busy every day, Zhou Qianqian feels at ease. She has money in her hands, someone is taking care of her child, and she finally has hope for the future.

That day, she received a call from Zuo Le.

"Qianqian, have you adapted to your new home and life here?" Zuo Le's voice was as gentle as ever.

"I've adapted, it's great! Zuo Le, I really don't know how to thank you." Zhou Qianqian said cheerfully, "I made some steamed buns and buns, and business is pretty good."

"That's great! I knew you could do it." Zuo Le was happy for her, then changed the subject and said in a slightly more formal tone, "There's something I'd like to ask you for a favor."

"Help? You say." Zhou Qianqian was a little curious.

"It's like this. Our company is going to organize a small social event soon, mainly for some single colleagues to expand their social circles. The atmosphere is very relaxed. Everyone is required to bring a friend to avoid embarrassment. On my side... I can't find a suitable female companion at the moment, so I want to ask if it's convenient for you to fill in? Let's just go out for fun and meet some new friends by the way." Zuo Le said a little embarrassedly, but the reason sounded reasonable.

Zhou Qianqian was stunned. She understood Zuo Le's good intentions, fearing that her life would be too limited raising a child alone. But after the trauma of her marriage, she was wary and weary of entering another relationship. For now, she simply wanted to manage her life with her son, work hard to earn money, and stabilize her life. She didn't want to think about love for the time being, and she didn't dare to.

She was silent for a few seconds, then gently but firmly refused: "Zuo Le, thank you for thinking of me. But... I've just started my own business recently, and I'm a little busy. Xiaolin is just getting used to the new school. I won't go to the social activities. Right now, I feel that just Xiaolin and I can live a good life, and that's enough."

Zuo Le on the other end of the phone didn't seem surprised. Instead, he smiled as if relieved and said, "I understand! I was a bit abrupt. Just focus on your business and take good care of Xiaolin. If you need any help in the future, feel free to ask!"

After hanging up the phone, Zhou Qianqian looked out the window at the happy neighborhood scene, her heart at peace. Rejection didn't mean closure; it simply meant she was more clear about what she wanted at this stage. Being single didn't mean incompleteness; it could also be a freedom chosen actively.

The daily operation of the community relies on the coordination of the residents' committee, especially the gatekeepers and security staff. The person on duty, Lao Zhao, is a veteran with integrity and a strong sense of responsibility. He has no children, but he owns his own house and doesn't live in Taoyuan Community. Instead, he works as a security guard here.

He noticed that there was an elderly man in Building 5 who always kept to himself. He often sat alone on a garden bench, staring into the distance in a daze, and his figure seemed a little lonely.

One evening, after finishing his shift, Old Zhao walked over to the bench where Uncle Chen usually sat, carrying a chess set. "Brother Chen, would you like to play a couple of games? You've got some free time anyway," Old Zhao said with a smile.

Uncle Chen was a bit surprised. He looked up at the kind-faced Old Zhao and nodded. The chessboard was set, and the two old men, who had just met, were immersed in the game. Uncle Chen played a steady style, while Old Zhao played a more aggressive style. After a few games, they won and lost. The game of chess also opened up their conversation. Old Zhao learned that Uncle Chen's son was abroad and that after his wife passed away, he couldn't stand the loneliness of the big city and moved to Taoyuan Community. Uncle Chen also learned that Old Zhao chose to work here after retiring from the army and liked the local atmosphere.

"When I was in the factory, I was an eighth-level fitter. Now, my skills are not so good anymore." Uncle Chen sighed.

"Hey, Master!" Old Zhao gave a thumbs-up. "The wooden horse and seesaw in our community's children's playground have been a bit loose from the wind and sun, and I'm just wondering who to ask to take a look. If you have time, could you give me some advice?"

Uncle Chen's eyes lit up. The next day, he unexpectedly unearthed a dusty toolbox among his belongings. He carefully inspected the children's equipment, not only reinforcing any loose parts but also using scraps from tree pruning in the neighborhood to build several ingenious and sturdy birdhouses. He varnished them and hung them on the branches. The children, seeing their new toys and birdhouses, cheered enthusiastically, surrounding Uncle Chen with a constant stream of "Grandpa, Grandpa!"

A happy smile gradually spread across Uncle Chen's face. He had found a new fulcrum in his life, no longer a lonely bystander. Old Zhao, observing Uncle Chen's transformation, also smiled with relief. This unintentional care and mutual support is the most moving aspect of Taoyuan Community.

The prosperity of Taoyuan Community is like a pebble thrown into a lake, with ripples spreading outward. Business in the town is indeed booming, but it also brings new troubles.

The first person to find Xia Wu was the Taoyuan Supermarket manager, a talented young man named Lin Tao who had returned from a big city. He approached Xia Wu, who was enjoying a cup of tea in the courtyard with a data file.

"Mr. Xia, customer traffic continues to increase, especially on weekends. We're overwhelmed by the number of self-driving tourists from surrounding cities. Our parking lot is already overwhelmed, and traffic jams are starting to appear on the town's main roads." Lin Tao frowned slightly, his tone tinged with worry. "Also, some older residents are starting to complain, feeling that the town has become too noisy and has lost its former tranquility."

Xia Wu took the report and examined it carefully. The results were encouraging, but problems did exist. She recalled Jiang Xun's earlier mention of a "positive ecological cycle." Economic development was part of that cycle, but balancing that with the quality of life of the indigenous people and maintaining the town's unique "paradise" atmosphere became a new challenge.

"We can't simply limit the number of visitors; that would be throwing the baby out with the bathwater." Xia Wu pondered. "Lin Tao, take the lead in developing a plan. First, talk to the town government to see if a new parking lot can be planned outside the town and a shuttle bus can be set up. Second, implement a reservation system, especially for tourists who want to experience farm work and picking, to control the number of visitors per day. Third, guide the flow of tourists and develop several hiking routes around the town, such as going to Haotang Village to see the lotus and Dongkeng Village to pick mushrooms, so that they don't crowd the area near supermarkets and residential areas."

Lin Tao's eyes lit up: "Okay, Mr. Xia! I'll do it right away." He liked Xia Wu's style of giving directions directly and fully empowering people.

Almost at the same time, Xia Wu received Professor Qin Yi from the Chinese Medicine Hall and two other senior Chinese medicine practitioners at the Shuijing Courtyard - Mr. Li who was good at acupuncture and Mr. Sun who was proficient in pharmacology.

Professor Qin got straight to the point: "Xiao Xia, enough polite talk. I came to see you because of the Chinese medicine hall. We have more and more patients now, and we old guys can still handle it, but the apprentices have too few opportunities to practice. You can't become a good doctor just by observing."

Elder Li took over the conversation, his tone urgent: "Yes, Mr. Xia. Some patients require long-term acupuncture and physical therapy, and we simply cannot afford the staff. Besides, the place is too crowded, and there is not even a decent moxibustion room."

From a heritage perspective, Elder Sun added, "Traditional Chinese Medicine emphasizes 'master-apprentice relationship.' We're worried about these promising young people who have mastered the theory but lack the opportunity to hone their skills in clinical practice. So, a few of us veterans have come up with a plan and would like to invite you to take a look."

Professor Qin produced a simple yet clearly laid out blueprint. "We're planning to rent the vacant shop next to the current Chinese medicine hall and connect it. We'll create independent clinics, acupuncture rooms, moxibustion therapy rooms, a small Chinese medicine decoction room, and apprentice study rooms. This will allow us to manage patients, maintain a healthy treatment environment, and allow apprentices to gradually learn real-world cases under their guidance."

Xia Wu carefully examined the blueprint and could sense the elders' dedication and urgency. She barely hesitated, "Professor Qin, Professor Li, and Professor Sun, this plan is fantastic! I fully support it! It's not just to alleviate the current pressure, but also for the future of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Just let us know how much funding is needed and what resources we need to coordinate. We're going to build a proper Traditional Chinese Medicine clinic that can truly cultivate talent!"

The veteran Chinese medicine practitioners were thrilled to see Xia Wu so forthright and supportive. Elder Sun said with emotion, "Xiao Xia, you have a big vision. Taoyuan is blessed to have you."

Xia Wu quickly waved his hand. "Mr. Sun, you're too kind. Taoyuan has its roots and soul because of you. This matter needs to be handled as soon as possible. If you need me to coordinate with the town government or the landlord, please let me know."

After seeing off the veteran Chinese medicine practitioners, Xia Wu felt a surge of emotion. She realized that Taoyuan's development had entered a new phase, moving from providing a foundation for a peaceful and prosperous life to expanding into more sophisticated cultural heritage and professional fields. This organic growth was even more wonderful than she had imagined.

Other macro-level challenges were also being addressed simultaneously. Following Xia Wu's instructions, supermarket manager Lin Tao actively communicated with the town government and developed a preliminary plan for peripheral parking, shuttle bus connections, and tourist reservation diversion. While implementation will take time, the direction is clear.

Xia Wu enjoyed the leisure time after being devolved, spending more time with Ji Yunzhou and beginning to seriously plan the cabin in the back valley. Early that morning, she returned to the hidden valley alone, armed with a sketch and some water. She took a tape measure, measuring here and marking there, imagining what the cabin would look like in the future.

Just as she was absorbed in this, she faintly heard suppressed sobbing coming from the edge of the mountain near the foot of the residential complex. She followed the sound and found Aunt Liu from the cleaning team sitting on a large rock, at the entrance to the mountain path, just outside the residential fence. Although this place was not far from the residential complex, it was quite secluded and seldom visited.

Xia Wu walked over and asked softly, "Aunt Liu, why are you here? Did you encounter any difficulties?"

Aunt Liu was startled. Seeing that it was Xia Wu, she hurriedly stood up and wiped her tears. "Mr. Xia... No, it's nothing. I just... felt really upset and wanted to find a quiet place to breathe. I didn't expect to disturb you."

"It's okay, it's very quiet here. If you want, you can talk to me." Xia Wu sat down on the stone next to her, his tone calm.

Aunt Liu's defenses crumbled as she looked at Xia Wu's sincere eyes. She choked up, "It's my son... He got into university, which is great. But he called today and said he wanted to buy a computer for school, and it cost several thousand... I... I scolded him for being naive and spending money recklessly." Tears fell again as she spoke. "It's not that I didn't want to buy him one; I know computers are useful. But I've barely scraped together enough for tuition, and I have to be tight on living expenses... I regretted scolding him. He must be having a hard time at school..."

So that's how it is. Xia Wu understood. Aunt Liu's crying wasn't due to grievance, but rather the guilt and self-blame a mother feels for not being able to meet her child's reasonable needs.

"Aunt Liu, don't worry," Xia Wu soothed. "Computers are indeed learning tools, and your child was right to bring it up. It's only natural that you're worried about the money. Our company has recently opened a fund for employee children's education. Children of employees who have been admitted to university can apply for a subsidy based on their circumstances to purchase school supplies. Go back and have your son prepare the admission letter and related materials. I'll have the administration department liaise with you, and most of the problems should be resolved."

This was actually Xia Wu's sudden idea, but she felt it was absolutely necessary to establish such a fund. Taoyuan not only wanted a safe place to live, but also a place where people could enjoy their work and support the growth of the next generation.

Aunt Liu was stunned, and then her tears flowed even harder, but this time they were tears of hope and gratitude: "Boss Xia... is this... is this true? Thank you so much! I... I don't know what to say!"

"Don't say that! You've cleaned the neighborhood so well, you deserve it." Xia Wu supported the excited Aunt Liu. "Go back and call your son. Don't make him sad."

Watching Aunt Liu's brisk departure, her steps filled with gratitude, Xia Wu stood in the mountain breeze, her heart deeply moved. This "Taoyuan" system truly nourishes many people, but the system itself needs continuous self-improvement to address even the most nuanced needs. What she created was not just a physical space, but a network of support.

That evening, while dining in the courtyard, Xia Wu and Ji Yunzhou discussed Aunt Liu's situation, the idea of ​​an education fund, and the expansion plans for the Chinese medicine hall. Ji Yunzhou expressed his full support, adding, "You could also consider establishing an internal skills training fund to encourage employee self-improvement. For example, if Aunt Liu wants to learn more professional cleaning management or other skills, she could apply for support."

"Look, you want to take some time off, but there will always be new needs emerging in this world." Ji Yunzhou said with a smile. There was no complaint in his tone, only understanding and determination to face it together.

Xia Wu ate the rice in his bowl, sighed, and then laughed again. "Yeah, it seems that even I, the 'hands-off boss,' can't completely let go. But it feels good to be able to actually help people and see the system constantly improving. It's more fulfilling than just making money."

She gazed at the twinkling lights of Taoyuan Community in the night. Behind each light was a story of striving for life. And she was both a witness and a participant in these stories. The friendship between security guard Old Zhao and Uncle Chen, the legacy of the veteran professors at the Chinese medicine hall, Zhou Qianqian's hard work and self-improvement, Aunt Liu's hope for her son's success... all of this together formed the vibrant flesh and blood of Taoyuan.

"Regarding the wedding," Xia Wu suddenly turned around and said to Ji Yunzhou, "Let's do it as soon as possible. We'll have it in this valley and only invite a few of our closest relatives."

"Okay." Ji Yunzhou held her hand, his answer as concise and firm as ever. The golden afterglow of the setting sun stretched their figures, blending them into the shadows of the mountains.