As someone with modest assets and memories spanning decades into the future, Su Ruyi had always carried a hint of pride. But witnessing this scene made her realize how little she truly understood the world of the wealthy.
No wonder this was the male lead's family—even in the relatively austere Era Literature setting, their setup was extravagantly bold. It was no surprise Zhang Laoyezi had sent a car to fetch her. The nearest bus stop was kilometers away, and the walk from the gate to the main house alone spanned a considerable distance.
Su Ruyi marveled throughout the journey, while Wang Huiting felt her eyes couldn't take in everything fast enough. "Is this a park? Do people actually live inside a park?"
Zhang Laoyezi sat in a pavilion near the residence. Spotting Su Ruyi approaching, he remarked smugly, "Well? Does my humble abode meet your standards?"
Su Ruyi sighed, "Grandpa Zhang, if you were ever sent down to the countryside again, you'd totally deserve it. This place is ridiculously luxurious."
Wang Huiting nearly stumbled hearing this. The two men behind Zhang Laoyezi also paled.
"Still the same old spunk. Definitely not an imposter." Zhang Laoyezi laughed heartily, tapping his cane toward Su Ruyi.
Forgotten memories flooded Su Ruyi's mind—scenes of her as a tiny five-head-tall child, hands on hips, bossing Zhang Laoyezi around. Her interactions with him were nothing like the fawning depictions in some Era Literature. Back then, driven by a child's interpretation of re-education campaigns, she'd frequently visit the cowshed to order him about and haphazardly lecture him on ideological principles. Even children's make-believe games carried distinct characteristics of that special period.
Zhang Laoyezi patiently played along. Seeing him occupied with tasks, the villagers raised no objections. What real work could a child assign? Those years passed relatively easily for him, while Su Ruyi enjoyed herself thoroughly—a win-win situation. This was only possible because Su Ying turned a blind eye to protect them. Otherwise, Zhang Laoyezi wouldn't have received such leniency. During struggle sessions, Su Ying never allowed things to get out of hand.
With parents and brothers who were martyrs for the nation, coupled with her own formidable capabilities—whether facing wild boars alone or leading charges against reactionaries—Su Ying held an unassailable position in the village. Her actions influenced everyone around her.
Zhang Laoyezi stood up, scrutinizing her. "Why are you so thin? I can't see any trace of that chubby-cheeked child anymore. How come you didn't inherit your mother's robust build? You're not starving yourself like those silly girls outside for the sake of beauty, are you?"
"Would I do that? With natural beauty like mine, why would I fight against my own stomach? I probably took after my mom as a child but resemble my dad now."
Zhang Laoyezi recalled Tong Aihua—not short, but small-boned, slender and delicate, utterly unlike a typical northern man. "Don't dwell too much on what happened to your father. Where there's no body, there's hope. I've had people searching for him all along."
His mood darkened slightly. During his rural years, he'd often eaten meals prepared by Tong Aihua. The man had disappeared so young, leaving no trace alive or dead—it left a bitter taste.
Su Ruyi pressed her lips together, murmuring a soft acknowledgment. She took a deep breath, then brightened, pulling Wang Huiting forward. "Grandpa, this is my sister Wang Huiting. Just call her Tingting. She's almost as smart as me."
Wang Huiting hurriedly greeted, "Hello, Grandpa Zhang." Shy and nervous, she displayed none of her usual boldness.
Zhang Laoyezi smiled and nodded at her, then shot Su Ruyi a sidelong glance. "You've got some nerve! If not for Tingting, who could've found you at the spot you described? When asked where you were, you said 'beside a big tree.' Why not say 'under a cloud'?"
Su Ruyi rubbed her nose. "I wasn't thinking clearly at the time."
"Hmph, I know you too well. Even as a child, your directions were hopeless. Whenever you hid something, nobody could find it—your answer was always 'under a tree.' Grown up now, but no improvement whatsoever."
"Well, my mom always found them for me." Su Ruyi chuckled, linking arms with Zhang Laoyezi. Though years had changed them both—Su Ruyi into a young woman, Zhang Laoyezi from a fallen old man to a dignified patriarch—their reunion instantly bridged the gap. It felt as if Su Ruyi was still that mischievous yet kind-hearted girl, and he remained the patient, tolerant elder.
"I'll show you around. There's a river winding behind us. Since you liked catching fish, I've stocked it plenty—catch as many as you want." The two men behind Zhang Laoyezi stepped forward to take Su Ruyi and Wang Huiting's luggage. One of them noticeably staggered when he lifted Su Ruyi's backpack, his expression freezing in surprise.
After a brief tour, Su Ruyi clicked her tongue in admiration. "Grandpa Zhang, your home is incredibly beautiful and spacious. Is this your ancestral estate? Some buildings look quite historic."
Walking through, Su Ruyi sensed dissonance—the courtyard felt new, yet the structures carried ancient elegance, their materials starkly different.
"The houses are ancestral, but the land isn't."
"What do you mean?"
"These buildings were moved here brick by brick from their original location on Xiangyang Road, replicated exactly. That area became a transportation hub needing redevelopment, so the government negotiated relocation with me. An old man like me can live anywhere—national construction comes first. So I agreed."
Su Ruyi understood. "No wonder."
"I didn't want such a large plot, but they insisted. Had to reluctantly accept." Zhang Laoyezi's original city-center home stood in a prime urban location, while this area was formerly countryside—though developing, it remained suburban and couldn't match the value. He requested no compensation, only that the structures remain intact. The government, unwilling to take advantage, allocated him this vast tract in a scenic, accessible location.
Su Ruyi narrowed her eyes. This old man was flexing his humblebrag skills. "Grandpa Zhang, if you keep talking like that, I'll get offended. Who are you trying to provoke?"
She currently lived in a cramped tube apartment, occupying only an upper bunk bed.
"Girl, why not stay here? Pick any spot you like and build a house. We can be together again."
Su Ruyi felt a shameless stir of temptation. In the arid northwest, such beautifully landscaped areas were rare. But she quickly regained sense—some bargains weren't worth the cost. Survival mattered more.
She remembered from the original plot—at the male lead's ancestral home here—there was a residence named Ruyi Yuan specifically for her. She'd initially assumed it meant a dedicated room, but now realized it might be an entire building constructed just for her. With space this ample, there was room for multiple villas with front and rear gardens.
Ruyi Yuan also symbolized Zhang Laoyezi's high regard for her, becoming a key reason the male lead remained trapped in his miserable marriage. Arrogant with the old man's favor, Su Ruyi not only disregarded the male lead but made even his parents tread carefully, treating his siblings with particular sharpness and bitterness. Her reputation among the in-laws was terrible—nobody liked her except the patriarch.
In contrast, the female lead received universal praise after marrying into the family. Though the original plot dictated she'd only die if she brought it upon herself, keeping distance felt safer.
Su Ruyi lifted her chin proudly. "Please, I'm Su Ying's daughter! I can buy land and build houses on my own. Grandpa Zhang, who do you think you're looking down on?"
Zhang Laoyezi knew this was her polite refusal. He smiled, "Alright then, I'll wait to see what you're capable of. Don't laze out after two days."
Su Ruyi had often done this as a child—claiming she'd dig earthworms to feed chickens, only to quit after two holes, leaving Zhang Laoyezi to clean up her mess.
"Grandpa Zhang, don't underestimate me. With my brilliant mind, making a fortune is just a matter of time. Just wait until I stand shoulder-to-shoulder with you."
Wang Huiting nearly worshiped her sister's audacity to speak like this before such an important figure. Yet she didn't think Su Ruyi was boasting—though "shoulder-to-shoulder" might be exaggerated, achieving success seemed entirely possible.
Upon entering the house, cool air greeted them. Wang Huiting wondered how it stayed so comfortable indoors. Meanwhile, encouraged by Zhang Laoyezi, Su Ruyi explored the main hall. Though no expert on antiques or paintings, she recognized several masterpieces on the walls, while the porcelain displayed on antique shelves clearly held value.
"Grandpa Zhang, are these items and paintings all genuine antiques?"
This was Su Ruyi's first exposure to such authentic Chinese aesthetics. While she'd visited ancient architecture museums before, lived-in versus uninhabited spaces, wealthy versus modest owners, and cultural heritage versus its absence created vast differences. As for modern Chinese-style mansions, most bore traces of contemporary interpretation, unlike this harmoniously unified residence that blended modern convenience with classical elegance.
This understated luxury truly conveyed what it meant to be an affluent household in ancient times. Su Ruyi regretted not wearing Hanfu for photos—what a missed opportunity.
She voiced these unsophisticated observations without embarrassment—after all, she genuinely hadn't experienced such things before. Though previously well-off, she'd never displayed valuables so openly, always keeping them secured, afraid they might break.
Just as she spoke, several people entered through the doorway. Someone let out a contemptuous snort.
Su Ruyi followed the sound, her pupils contracting slightly. Her attention was instantly captured by a tall, handsome man. Her heart leaped as if struck.
This man perfectly aligned with her aesthetic preferences!
Author's Note:
Premium access begins tomorrow with three consecutive chapter updates! Posting times will shift earlier, maintaining daytime updates until after the homepage feature ends. Thank you for your ongoing support—I've spotted many familiar names in the comments. Love you all! (づ￣ 3￣)づ
New story "Era Literature's Worst Family [80s]" preview available—please add to collections! Hearts!
[Synopsis] (tentative)
What's it like transmigrating as the female lead's counterpart?
Grandma pinches every penny—even mice get fleeced passing by.
Mom's fierce, ready to fight at any provocation.
Dad gossips with the womenfolk, drawn to any excitement.
Sister acts seductive, a true sea queen who loves to flirt.
Brother's a loafer, wandering around stirring trouble.
Mischievous little brother can't sit still, always causing chaos.
And Jiang Xiaoxi? Number one in laziness and gluttony.
Everyone in Yangshan Commune knows about the two Jiang families in Peach Blossom Brigade.
The elder Jiangs receive universal praise.
The younger Jiangs earn universal disdain.
The elder Jiangs have a capable, beautiful daughter who excels at earning money.
Just when everyone thought she'd lead her family to prosperity and better days—she went to the younger Jiang household instead!
Since then, the younger Jiangs eat well and live comfortably while the elder Jiangs struggle in regret.
The crowd agrees: cunning, truly cunning—the younger Jiangs mastered effortless success.
Jiang Cha thinks: Why be the female lead's counterpart when you can be her best friend?Not asking for meat, but hoping for soup.