Chapter 48: The Evil Stepmother of the 1970s 15

Chapter 48: The Villainous Stepmother in the 1970s (15)

Xu Ziyan happily allocated her skill points to intelligence and mailed out her completed manuscripts. Then, right in front of Fang Lihai, she collected the royalties from her previous submissions.

Fang Lihai was surprised to find that Xu Ziyan’s writing earned her a considerable income—more than an average city worker. This wasn't just about money; it was a testament to how knowledge could change one's destiny, making him see Xu Ziyan in a completely new light.

He thought to himself that he should hurry back and study. If his wife was progressing so rapidly, he couldn't afford to fall behind.

Xu Ziyan shared with Fang Lihai how her parents had successfully ventured into business. She then added, “I feel our country is on the cusp of rapid development—an era where money makes money. I want to pool all our family’s funds to start a small business or make some investments. Once we earn enough, we can better provide for our parents. What do you think?”

She was slightly apprehensive that Fang Lihai might object. Deviating from the plot was a minor concern, but if their family held differing views and harbored suspicions, their life together would be difficult. In that scenario, she might abandon the Fang family and go her own way, as the plotlines involving them were nearly complete anyway.

However, before she could ponder further, Fang Lihai smiled and said, “I’ll follow your lead. You’re full of ideas and quick-witted; entrusting these matters to you is most reassuring. When we get back, I’ll talk to my parents. They won’t object either. In fact, they and the children are very fond of you. Thank you for being so good to them. Since you came back, I’ve noticed how much happier they’ve become.”

Xu Ziyan was overjoyed. Her new husband was so understanding—she loved it!

“We’re family; there’s no need for thanks. We’ll definitely have a better life from now on.”

The two went boating on the park lake and even took a few photos together, making up for their lack of wedding pictures. Fang Lihai also bought her the latest model wristwatch as a belated wedding gift before they headed home.

As soon as they arrived, Fang Lihai went to his parents to suggest letting Xu Ziyan manage the family’s money. The elderly couple overheard Xu Ziyan’s inner thoughts:

*“This excuse should work, right? I’ll take all the money, then find a way to make Xu Xiuyun think I’ve run off with it—that’ll complete the plot. Right now is when Beijing property prices are at their lowest. People who’ve just been rehabilitated have properties but no money to live on, so they’re willing to sell. Even though property transactions aren’t technically permitted, there are always ways to transfer ownership. When I go to study, the whole family can come with me—perfect!”*

Hearing this, the elderly couple immediately pulled together all their savings, and Fang’s mother even handed over a pair of gold earrings she had secretly kept. “To be honest, when you two got married, I wasn’t optimistic. I thought your relationship wasn’t good. But seeing how well you get along now, I’m relieved. I truly accept you as my daughter-in-law—you’re truly excellent. These gold earrings were secretly given to me by my mother-in-law, so they’re a family heirloom. Now I’m passing them to you.

You can keep them or sell them—it’s up to you. We’re giving you all the family’s money too. We aren’t as worldly as you young people. You’re smart and sensible, so from now on, you’ll manage the household.”

Fang’s father chimed in, “We’ve seen over this time that you genuinely care about the family. With you here, our lives have been improving steadily, and from now on, we’ll listen to you—you’re in charge.”

Xu Ziyan didn’t hesitate at all. She accepted everything with a smile and said, “Don’t worry, Mom and Dad. I’ve been in touch with a newspaper in the capital and have some useful connections. I won’t let you suffer any losses.”

She then smoothly brought up her plan to visit the capital. Since her serialized novel would run for a long time, she might need to discuss the contract in detail and wanted to go in person.

The four elders were a little worried about her safety, but Fang Lihai said, “I’ll ask my superiors for extra leave and go with Ziyan.”

Xu Ziyan was surprised he could take more time off, but this was perfect. With so many people on the train and potential thieves, having Fang Lihai protect her would make the trip much easier—plus, she wouldn’t have to carry her own bags. How wonderful was that?

Xu Ziyan was all for enjoying life and avoiding hardship, so she would never turn down such a good deal. She immediately urged Fang Lihai to go apply for leave.

So Fang Lihai made another trip to the city.

Next door, Xu Xiuyun and her family were packing up to move. The Fang family’s walls were high, so she couldn’t see anything, but she knew Fang Lihai had taken Xu Ziyan into town and then gone back alone. What was going on? Was it an urgent summons from the military?

When Xu Ziyan opened the door to throw out some water, she noticed Xu Xiuyun’s thoughtful expression and knew she was plotting again.

After some consideration, as soon as Fang Lihai returned, Xu Ziyan packed his luggage and told him to spend the night in the city. Her reasoning was, “The military gave you leave, so we shouldn’t waste time. The sooner we get things done, the better. Go buy the tickets first, and if it gets late, don’t come back. I’ll meet you there early tomorrow.”

Fang Lihai instinctively asked, “Aren’t you coming with me?”

Xu Ziyan thought, *“If I go, how am I supposed to put on a show for Xu Xiuyun?”*

Out loud, she smiled and said, “I still have a lot of manuscripts to organize, and there are things I need to discuss with my parents. You go ahead. It’ll be hard to buy tickets once it gets dark, so hurry up and listen to me. Oh, and it’s best not to talk about our plans with anyone. If someone asks, just don’t say anything.”

Fang Lihai nodded. When he bid his parents farewell, Fang’s mother quietly relayed Xu Ziyan’s private thoughts to him, so he set off for the city with peace of mind.

Xu Xiuyun noticed Fang Lihai leaving with his luggage and connected it to his earlier trip to town, concluding that it must be an urgent military recall.

If Fang Lihai was returning to his unit, there was nothing she could do. Truthfully, she hadn’t even come up with any other ways to retaliate. She had gone to great lengths to trick Fang Lihai into coming back to the village, only to accomplish nothing and end up strengthening his relationship with Xu Ziyan. The thought left her fuming.

Song Dongbo noticed her peeking at the neighbors again and angrily blew up at her. That night, they slept in separate rooms, and Xu Xiuyun was so furious she tossed and turned, too angry to sleep.

Taking advantage of the darkness, Xu Ziyan quietly sneaked out with a bag on her back. However, the sound of the gate opening and closing made Xu Xiuyun perk up. She quickly got up to look outside, thinking Song Dongbo had stormed out in anger. Instead, she saw Xu Ziyan throwing nervous glances over her shoulder as she walked, looking as shifty as a thief.

Xu Xiuyun immediately darted out and hid behind the gate to watch.

Xu Ziyan had already heard the movement—she was waiting for this!

Tripping in the dark, Xu Ziyan dropped her bag, and a few bills and ration tickets spilled out. She hastily looked around, stuffed them back in, and then scampered off cautiously.

Xu Xiuyun’s thoughts stuttered before a possibility struck her—had Xu Ziyan run off with the Fang family’s money?

She opened her mouth but didn’t call out. Instead, she thought with vicious glee, *Good riddance. Just wait until the old couple and the kids find out—they’ll hit the roof! And Xu’s parents will be utterly humiliated.*

She was itching to see the fireworks. Once the scandal broke, who would still remember her own troubles? *No wonder Xu Ziyan suddenly changed, acting so nice to the Fang family—she was just biding her time!*

If she wasn’t mistaken, Fang Lihai must have left a sum of money behind this time. Because Xu Ziyan had been behaving so well lately, they trusted her enough to tell her where the money was kept. The moment Fang Lihai left, Xu Ziyan immediately stole it and fled.

Xu Ziyan had always been a social-climbing gold-digger. Xu Xiuyun had heard from Song Dongbo about the changes outside—how people could now do business and make money, *lots* of money. Xu Ziyan had even encouraged her parents to sell breakfast, so of course she knew about this. Being a military wife only brought in so much each month, and even if she followed him to the army base, life would still be hard. But if she ran off to find a rich man? That was the fast track to luxury.

The pieces fell into place for Xu Xiuyun. The next day, she deliberately lingered by the gate and asked five-year-old Fang Bei, “Why haven’t I seen your mom today?”

Fang Bei’s little face fell. “Mom’s gone.”

Xu Xiuyun struggled to suppress a smirk. “Gone? Wait, last night I heard some noise and saw someone walking outside—was that your mom leaving? Where’d she go?”

Fang Bei said, “No, Mom must’ve gone out for something. She’ll bring me treats when she comes back.”

Xu Xiuyun dismissed it as childish naivety. After a moment’s thought, she entered the Fang household and pulled out ten yuan, putting on a show of remorse. “Auntie, I… I’ve been thinking, and I feel I should give you five more yuan for the nutrition fee. But I don’t have smaller change—could you give me some back? I know it’s rude, but I really don’t have any other money on me.”

Fang’s mother’s face darkened. *Here we go,* she thought. She snapped, “No money. Get out!”

Xu Xiuyun stared at her. “How can you not have any? I’ve always thought you were good at saving, Auntie—you must have plenty. Just give me the change. I really do want to give you five yuan.”

Fang’s mother barked, “I said I don’t have it. Are you leaving or not? If not, don’t blame me for being rude.”

Xu Xiuyun glanced toward the house. “Where’s Ziyan? I need to talk to her.”

Fang’s mother suddenly grabbed a broom and swung at her. “Get out! Get the hell out of here!”

Xu Xiuyun shrieked and fled, taking several painful hits that left her face twisted in pain. But inwardly, she was thrilled. She was certain now—Xu Ziyan *had* stolen the money and run. Fang’s mother had snapped at the mere mention of Xu Ziyan and couldn’t even produce five yuan in change.

Cheerfully humming, Xu Xiuyun decided she’d find a way to spread the news—just wait two or three days. Xu Ziyan had outmaneuvered her before, so she’d bide her time. If Xu Ziyan still hadn’t returned by then, it would be undeniable. She’d make sure the whole village knew. With someone else’s scandal overshadowing hers, no one would pay her any mind.

Meanwhile, Xu Ziyan and Fang Lihai were already on the train when an announcement played: *“Congratulations, Host, for completing the plot: ‘Stole the Fang family’s money and ran away.’ Reward: 1 skill point.”*

Gazing at the blue sky and white clouds outside the window, Xu Ziyan also began humming. With this, all her required plot beats involving the Fang family were done. She really had to thank Xu Xiuyun for stirring up trouble and luring Fang Lihai back—she’d come out on top!

*“001, don’t you think Xu Xiuyun is my lucky star? She always sets me up for success.”*

001: *“If she knew you thought that, she’d die of rage.”*

Xu Ziyan laughed inwardly. *Better keep it from her, then—I prefer playing my cards close to the chest.* Just like her rapidly increasing intelligence, quietly arming herself felt *amazing*.

Once in the capital, Xu Ziyan first met with the newspaper editor, settling on a price for her serialized novel and securing an advance. Then she asked for help finding a house.

Thankfully, this was a time when people were warmer and more trusting. Xu Ziyan soon used all her savings to buy a home. Even while completing missions, she refused to suffer for years like Xu Xiuyun before enjoying the rewards. The first step toward a better life was already taken!