Chapter 177 Xiao Jinyue
The news that Xia Wu and Ji Yunzhou had decided to hold their wedding in the valley spread like a gentle breeze, quietly spreading throughout the inner circle of friends in Taoyuan Community. It wasn't widely publicized, but everyone who needed to know was filled with joy.
Wang Yuexia was the first one to grab Xia Wu's hand and cry.
"Great, that's great! We'll do it on the mountain. It's quiet and has a good meaning! Just tell me if you need anything. We'll cover all the food and drinks!"
She was eager to get ready and wanted to pile all the best products from the food factory into the wedding.
Professor Qin stroked his beard and nodded repeatedly: "The valley gathers energy, it hides wind and has water, it's a good place. I will definitely present a special gift when the time comes." He might be hinting at a health-preserving herbal tea that he personally mixed, or perhaps a set of nourishing medicinal recipes.
Yang Wei called, her voice tinged with laughter: "Congratulations! You've finally achieved your goal."
Zhou Qianqian also sent her sincere blessings and specially used freshly steamed red bean paste buns shaped like fat rabbits as a small token of her love.
Wedding preparations unfolded in a low-key and warm atmosphere. Xia Wu and Ji Yunzhou, both shunned fuss, kept things simple. They designed a simple ceremony and invited only twenty or thirty close friends. The venue was decorated with wildflowers, bamboo, and red silk from the mountains, and Chef Ma Xueqing was invited to prepare a family dinner incorporating the local flavors of the countryside.
However, the warmth of a community often manifests itself in people's spontaneous actions. Upon learning about this, Uncle Chen quietly took his carpentry tools and went to the valley to clear a more level surface. He then fashioned several sturdy, rustic benches and a small reception table from polished logs. Old Zhao, along with several security guards on their shifts, helped carry supplies and clear the path. Apprentices at the Chinese medicine hall, led by several veteran Chinese medicine practitioners, gathered and dried a large quantity of fragrant and soothing herbs to create sachets for guests.
Xia Wu and Ji Yunzhou saw all of this and were deeply moved. Their wedding had unknowingly become an event in which the entire Taoyuan community poured out their love and care.
Zhou Qianqian's "Zhou Ma Noodle Shop" experienced a small turning point. With her business stable, she began to have the energy to experiment with new dishes. Noticing that many residents in her neighborhood were from southern China, she experimented with making siu mai and shrimp dumplings. Unexpectedly, they were a huge hit, and orders surged.
One day, Lin Tao, the manager of Taoyuan Supermarket, came to visit. A resident had brought some of Zhou Qianqian's pastries to work, and his colleagues had praised them after trying them. He wanted to know where to buy them, and Lin Tao sensed a business opportunity.
"Ms. Zhou, your cooking skills are truly amazing. We're considering introducing more localized, unique products into the prepared food section of our supermarket. Would you be interested in collaborating? We can provide standard packaging and cold chain services, and we can test-market your pastries in the supermarket."
Zhou Qianqian was surprised and delighted. This meant her business would expand beyond the community and into a wider market. But she also had concerns: "Manager Lin, thank you for your consideration. But I'm just one person, and my production is limited. I'm worried I won't be able to supply..."
Lin Tao was clearly well prepared. "Don't worry about that. We can start small. You'll mainly provide the filling recipes and core technical guidance, and some standardized production can be outsourced to Taoyuan Food Factory. I've already had preliminary discussions with Director Wang, and she's very supportive. This way, we can both ensure the taste and expand production. What do you think?"
This was an opportunity to move toward more formalized operations. Zhou Qianqian was tempted, realizing it would not only increase her income but also potentially create a better future for her son. She cautiously said she needed to consider it and would discuss it in detail with Wang Yuexia. Life seemed to be opening a new window for her.
The expansion project for the Chinese Medicine Hall commenced as scheduled. On the day the construction team arrived, Professor Qin, Mr. Li, and Mr. Sun were all dressed in formal Chinese gowns, as if attending some important ceremony. Xia Wu and Ji Yunzhou also attended the site.
The construction inevitably caused some noise and dust, which inevitably affected the still-operating Chinese medicine clinic next door. But what was touching was that the patients who came for treatment didn't complain at all. Instead, they gathered around curiously, passing on news like "it's going to expand" and "it will be more convenient in the future," their faces brimming with anticipation.
An elderly woman who frequently came for acupuncture took Dr. Li's hand and said, "Doctor Li, this is a great thing! You've worked so hard. It's a blessing for us to have more good doctors like you in the future! This little bit of dust and dirt is nothing!"
The apprentices were incredibly motivated, helping to care for patients while also using their breaks to clean up scattered construction debris, their eyes filled with anticipation for the future. Xia Wu spotted a young apprentice carefully following Elder Sun's instructions, experimenting with weighing medicinal herbs in a makeshift shed. Though his movements were still a bit awkward, his focus and devotion reassured him that the flame of Traditional Chinese Medicine was being steadily passed down here.
The education subsidy and skills training funds proposed by Xia Wu were officially launched after a simple and quick process. Aunt Liu's son successfully applied for a subsidy to buy a computer and excitedly called his mother to share the good news. Aunt Liu worked even harder, praising Taoyuan to everyone she met.
This news was like a stone dropped into a calm lake, stirring up ripples. Ms. Zhang, another food factory worker, had a husband who was ill and unable to do heavy work, and her child was still in junior high school, leaving her family under immense financial pressure. She had long wanted to obtain a pastry chef certification, hoping to switch to a more technical position and earn more money, but the cost of training was prohibitive. Upon hearing about the skills training fund, she applied, just to give it a try.
Wang Yuexia, learning about Sister Zhang's situation and her hardworking and diligent work ethic, personally recommended her. Her application was quickly approved, and Sister Zhang was so excited she couldn't sleep all night. Word of her story spread among the female workers, boosting their work enthusiasm because they saw that hard work and ambition were truly recognized and supported here. A positive and uplifting atmosphere was quietly forming.
On the eve of her wedding, Xia Wu went back to the valley alone. Moonlight streamed down like mercury, shrouding the valley in a hazy, tranquil silence. The benches and altar, crafted by Uncle Chen, sat quietly there, awaiting the ceremony. Touching the smooth wood, she could almost feel the warm blessings poured into them by the community.
Ji Yunzhou came quietly and hugged her gently from behind. "Are you nervous?" he asked in a low voice.
Xia Wu shook her head and leaned into his arms. "Not at all. On the contrary, I feel very at ease." She looked at the twinkling lights of Peach Blossom Land under the starry sky. "Look, it's like we planted a seed and watched it take root, sprout, and grow leaves. Now, it has begun to shelter more people from the wind and rain."
"Yeah." Ji Yunzhou rubbed his chin against her hair gently. "Because we are not isolated individuals, but part of this ecosystem. Giving and receiving are fluid here."
The next day, their wedding was simple and heartwarming. Instead of a fancy gown, Xia Wu wore a modified red Chinese-style dress of her own design, while Ji Yunzhou wore a Chinese-style stand-up collared top in the same color. Amidst the chirping birds and fragrant flowers of the valley, and with their closest friends and family as witnesses, they exchanged rings woven from mountain vines and wildflowers, vowing to remain together for life.
The farmhouse feast prepared by Ma Xueqing and his apprentices was incredibly delicious. Everyone gathered around long benches, eating, chatting, and wishing each other well, like a family. Children ran and played on the grass, while Jindou and Heidou wove their tails around. Professor Qin and some old friends chatted about the past and present over tea instead of wine.
This valley wedding, without all the fanfare and pomp, was filled with the most sincere emotions and the vitality of the community. It was not only a testament to Xia Wu and Ji Yunzhou's love, but also a concentrated display of the Taoyuan spirit.
After the wedding, life returned to normal, yet it felt a little different. Zhou Qianqian finally reached a partnership agreement with Lin Tao and Wang Yuexia. "Zhou Ma Noodles" was about to enter Taoyuan supermarkets, and she began standardizing recipes and training food factory workers. The expansion of the Chinese medicine hall was progressing smoothly, and the town's tourism diversion plan had begun a pilot program.
Xia Wu and Ji Yunzhou moved from the courtyard with the well to the small, tentatively constructed cabin in the back valley, truly beginning their world of two. Standing in front of the cabin, they could overlook the entire Taoyuan community and Donghua Town beyond.
One evening, Xia Wu received a report from Lin Tao showing that the implementation of the reservation system had improved both the tourist experience and local resident satisfaction. She smiled and set the tablet aside.
Ji Yunzhou handed her a cup of freshly brewed calming tea given by Professor Qin and asked, "Thinking about work again?"
Xia Wu took the teacup, shook her head, and looked at the increasingly prosperous lights and curling smoke below the mountain. She said softly, "No, I think this is probably the best life. There's work to do, people to love, dreams to look forward to, and this 'paradise' that we all protect together."
As the night deepens, the lights of Taoyuan Community are lit one by one, warmly and firmly, like stars falling into the earth, each one telling a story about hope, mutual assistance and rebirth.
The warm aftertaste of the valley wedding has not yet faded, and the daily rhythm of Taoyuan community remains steady and full of vitality. But like any growing organism, troubles and challenges also follow closely, intertwined with the joy of progress.
Zhou Qianqian's "Zhou Ma Noodles" took the first step toward branding, but also encountered predictable difficulties. During the initial launch of their partnership with Taoyuan Supermarket, Zhou Qianqian spent almost all of her time in the standardized food factory workshops. Translating her traditional home-cooked craft, which relied on touch and heat control, into industrialized production with precise, standardized processes was no easy task.
"Sister Zhou, the saltiness of this batch of bun fillings seems a little off," a quality inspector from the food factory approached her with a data sheet. Zhou Qianqian tasted some and found that, indeed, the flavor was not as evenly distributed as it had been in her small, slow-frying pan.
Wang Yuexia patted her shoulder and comforted her, "Don't worry, sister. This is all necessary. We will slowly adjust the formula and process to preserve the taste of your 'home' while ensuring that every batch is equally good."
During that time, Zhou Qianqian was often busy until late at night, conducting repeated experiments. Sun Xiaolin did his homework in the rest area of the food factory after school. Being sensible, he would also pour water for his mother and Aunt Wang. Zhou Qianqian looked at her son, and despite being tired, she felt more motivated. Finally, after several fine-tunings, the standardized products of "Zhou Ma Noodles" were successfully launched in the prepared food area of Taoyuan Supermarket. The clear LOGO and the slogan "Handmade inheritance, the taste of home" were quite attractive. The first batch of products sold out quickly, and the market feedback was good, especially among young families who pursued health and convenience. Zhou Qianqian received her first substantial share, and for the first time she felt that her name could become a symbol of trust. However, she also knew that this was just the beginning. How to continue to ensure quality and cope with possible competition was a new issue before her.
The expansion project for the Chinese Medicine Hall was successfully completed, and the brand new "Taoyuan Chinese Medicine Clinic" quietly opened. With spacious and bright clinics, well-equipped treatment rooms, and a pharmacy and decoction room filled with the aroma of medicinal herbs, the environment has been elevated to a higher level than before. More importantly, the apprentices now have space for independent practice. Under the strict supervision of several experienced practitioners, the more qualified apprentices have begun treating common minor ailments.
Among them, a young apprentice named Li Mingyuan stood out. His solid theoretical foundation and willingness to delve deeply into the subject endeared him to Professor Qin. One day, a villager from a nearby village brought his child with a cold and fever to see the doctor. The other veteran doctors were busy, so Li Mingyuan, encouraged by Professor Sun, nervously accepted the consultation. He carefully examined the patient, auscultated him, and then prescribed a prescription, which he then asked Professor Sun for final review. After reviewing it, Professor Sun gave a slight nod, indicating that the prescription should be dispensed.
A few days later, the villager came to thank Dr. Li for his effective treatment. Li Mingyuan blushed with excitement, waving his hands repeatedly and declaring it all thanks to his teacher. Word of this incident spread among the apprentices, greatly boosting morale. Professor Qin, twirling his beard and smiling, said to Xia Wu, "The torch is passed on like this. In time, this place will become a veritable center for the inheritance of Traditional Chinese Medicine." However, the veterans also understood that independent practice carries a greater responsibility. Balancing encouragement with risk and ensuring medical safety is a key concern they must continually focus on.
The continued growth of small-town tourism has indeed brought about a new cultural exchange. Over the weekend, Donghua Town saw an influx of tourists from big cities. Accustomed to the fast pace and highly commercialized services, they expressed some discomfort with the relatively unspoiled, slow-paced lifestyle of the small town. Some online complained about the "too slow" checkout process at Taoyuan supermarkets, complained about the "lack of elegant packaging" of certain local specialties, and even criticized the somewhat "casual" environment of the residential complex, which is managed by the residents' committee.
These concerns were relayed to Xia Wu through Lin Tao, who convened a meeting with representatives of the Residents' Self-Government Committee and several businesses in the town to discuss the matter.
An old shop owner who has run a grocery store in the town for decades was a little excited: "Our town is just like this! If you think it's too slow, don't come! Must we make it as rushed as the shopping malls in the city?"
Lin Tao calmly analyzed, "Grandpa, calm down. While the tourists' feedback is direct, some of it warrants our consideration. For example, cashier efficiency can certainly be improved through training, and the packaging design can be optimized by professionals. This doesn't change the essence of our product. Our goal isn't to cater completely to customers, but to enhance the experience while maintaining our unique characteristics."
Xia Wu agrees with Lin Tao: "The core of Taoyuan is 'authenticity' and 'warmth', not 'old' and 'cluttered'. We can speed up checkout but maintain service with a smile; we can improve packaging but ensure the contents are authentic; and we can explain our philosophy of self-management to tourists and strive for their understanding. The key is to find the right balance."
After discussion, the committee decided to install friendly signage in the community and supermarkets, introducing Taoyuan's community culture and philosophy. Supermarkets will also conduct staff training on service etiquette and efficiency. Furthermore, local businesses will be encouraged to optimize the customer experience while maintaining their unique characteristics. This process itself represents a dialogue and adjustment between the town's residents and the outside world.
Meanwhile, Xia Wu and Ji Yunzhou welcomed the most important sweet "burden" of their lives. Their married life was peaceful and comfortable, but Xia Wu gradually noticed subtle changes in her body—sleepiness, a change in her appetite. She quietly visited the Chinese medicine shop and asked Elder Sun to take her pulse.
Elder Sun closed his eyes and concentrated for a moment. When he opened them, a pleased smile appeared on his face. "The pulse is smooth and flowing like beads. Xiaoxia, congratulations, this is a pregnancy pulse! It's been almost two months."
Despite a premonition, Xia Wu was still stunned by the exact news. Then, a huge wave of surprise, panic, and disbelief surged through her body. She immediately told Ji Yunzhou. The usually calm Ji Yunzhou was silent for several seconds on the other end of the phone. Then, with a noticeable tremor in his voice, he said, "I... I'll be right back!"
That night, the lights in the cabin in the valley were unusually warm. Ji Yunzhou carefully embraced Xia Wu, his hand gently resting on her still flat belly, the light in his eyes brighter than the stars.
"Are you scared?" he asked in a low voice.
Xia Wu leaned into his embrace, shook her head, then nodded. "A little. But more than that... curiosity and anticipation." She felt the mysterious life growing within her, and an unprecedented sense of connection and responsibility arose. This child would not only be the fruit of their love, but also a new force deeply rooted in this fertile land of paradise.
The news spread like wildfire among their closest friends. Wang Yuexia, overjoyed and close to tears, vowed to make the softest clothes for her child. Professor Qin began researching medicinal recipes for a healthy and healthy pregnancy. Even Zuo Le sent a delicate safety lock.
Xia Wu touched her belly and said to Ji Yunzhou, "It seems that our leisurely days are coming to an end."
Ji Yunzhou kissed her forehead: "It's the beginning of another busier and happier life."
Xia Wu was still looking forward to this little life, and was afraid that no one would take care of her in the mountains. Liu Guizhen insisted that she move back home, and naturally, Ji Yunzhou, the new son-in-law, also came back with her. For a while, the house was a little crowded.
After dinner, Yang Hongen took Xia Wu's pulse and found it was smooth and strong. Xia Wu was in very good physical condition. She had not had any major reaction during her more than two months of pregnancy. She ate well, drank well, slept well, and had no morning sickness.
Liu Guizhen asked cautiously, "Are you feeling well?"
"Just tell me what you want to do and I'll do it for you."
Liu Guizhen wanted to protect her as a national treasure.
Xia Wu didn't know whether to laugh or cry. "Mom, I'm not a porcelain doll. You don't have to be so careful. Look, I run around every day and nothing happens to me."
"That's different!"
"Why is it different?"
"You didn't know before, but now that you know, how can you still be the same as before!"
Liu Guizhen argued that Xia Wu must stop working and stay at home to take care of her pregnancy.
For this reason, she even asked for help and called Zhao Fei to tell her the good news in person.
Xia Wu deliberately left this opportunity to Liu Guizhen, hoping that the relationship between the two mothers could be better.
Zhao Fei was extremely surprised on the phone, and flew to Xia Wu the next day, as if she wanted to stay there and take care of her until she gave birth.
"Mom, you're not going back?"
"Why would I go back? Xiaowei ran away abroad, and your brother never comes home. You need care here, and there's nothing for me to do if I go back!"
Zhao Fei argued convincingly.
Her actions made the Yang family's house even more crowded. Ji Yunzhou took the initiative to find Yang Guojun and proposed to renovate the Yang family's house and build a new house.
Yang Guojun thought for a moment and agreed, but he didn't know whether it was suitable for him to start construction at home since Xia Wu was pregnant.
For this reason, the two of them went to find Mr. Yang Hongen and asked him to make the decision. Yang Hongen was very calm, "Why is it not suitable to start the construction? I am here, so don't worry!"
He has been treating patients for so many years that his medical skills have been honed. I don't believe that he can't take good care of his own granddaughter.
With his words, Ji Yunzhou quickly found someone. As long as the money was enough, within a few days, all the things in the Yang family's old house were moved out and the demolition work began.
During this period, all the Yang family members moved to the Bailou.
Mr. Ji and Mr. Wang are living in the White Building. Now there are more people and it is lively.
The new house was built in about four or five months and was completed, and the next step was decoration.
When Xia Wu was seven months pregnant, she was still very brisk and running around all day long. Her belly was not very noticeable, and she was not bloated and had no appetite like other pregnant women. She was just like normal.
At first, Liu Guizhen and Zhao Fei always restricted her, not allowing her to do this or that. Later, they found that this girl was in better health than both of them, so they let her do whatever she wanted.
The exterior of the new house is a Chinese-style building, but the interior is in the French style that Xia Wu likes. All the soft and hard furnishings are completed, and it was ventilated for half a year. By the time it was completely completed, Xia Wu was about to give birth.
Her prenatal checkups all went smoothly, and it wasn't until almost a month before her due date that it became clear that she was pregnant.
The baby room was arranged by Ji Yunzhou himself. In order to facilitate Xia Wu's delivery, Ji Yunzhou also invited a professional medical team to the Bailou to protect her throughout the delivery process.
At 11 o'clock in the morning on May 16, Xia Wu successfully gave birth to a baby girl and named her Jin Yue.
The road ahead is long and as hard as iron, but now we can start over.
This was the name given to the child by Mr. Ji himself.
Xiao Jinyue weighed only six pounds when he was born, but he developed very well. He could open his eyes as soon as he was born. His eyes were like two pools of moist spring water. Except for crying twice when his feet were hit, he showed a cute smile to Xia Wu when he was held in her arms.
Xia Wu wasn't too weak. The more she looked at the child, the more she liked him. She said to Ji Yunzhou happily, "She still has two dimples."
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