Chapter 34: Returning Home

Time flies like a white horse passing a crack in a wall, and in the blink of an eye, the winter break had arrived. Yesterday, Li Yifei made a special trip to the office to bid farewell to Professor Lu, Professor Xia, Professor Zong, and Dean Yi one by one.

Some of his mentors offered earnest advice on his studies, while others inquired with concern about his future plans. Li Yifei listened attentively and responded to each with sincerity, his heart filled with gratitude and reluctance to leave.

After saying goodbye to his mentors, Li Yifei began preparing for his journey home. He tidied up his dormitory, organized his important books and materials, folded his freshly laundered clothes, and properly stowed away the items he would not be taking with him.

As the night deepened, Li Yifei lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, his thoughts already drifting toward his distant home.

The morning sun spilled through the window into the dormitory. Li Yifei woke up early and efficiently packed his bags.

Dragging his suitcase and carrying his backpack, he embarked on his journey home. Outside on campus, the cold winter wind whistled by, but it could not dampen the smile on his face.

In his previous life, a sudden, massive blizzard had blocked his way home. Roads were closed, trains were suspended, and many travelers were left stranded at bus and train stations, filled with anxiety and helplessness, able only to call home to report that they were safe.

In this life, relying on his memories of the past, Li Yifei had developed a snow-melting agent. As soon as the first signs of the blizzard appeared, the agent was promptly spread on the roads, allowing the city's traffic to continue running in an orderly fashion.

Li Yifei had purchased a direct train ticket to Anyin City. In the waiting hall, people came and went, each face etched with either urgency or anticipation.

Li Yifei found his boarding area among the crowd, sat on a chair, and watched the train information on the large screen, his heart brimming with expectations.

The train slowly pulled out, and the scenery outside the window retreated continuously. Having not been home for over half a year, Li Yifei’s longing for his parents grew stronger with every passing moment.

Recalling the caring words from his parents during their phone calls, Li Yifei felt a warmth spread through his heart.

And his little sister—she must have learned to toddle by now, and could likely babble a few simple words.

Every time he called, he could hear her joyful sounds in the background. Even though he couldn't understand what she was saying, the childish voice always made the corners of his mouth turn upward.

Li Yifei’s parents were actually quite young. His father, Old Li, was twenty-three years his senior, and his mother was twenty years his senior. Now that Li Yifei was nineteen, his parents were only about forty.

In his previous life, to support the family and pay for Li Yifei’s schooling, his parents had worked themselves to the bone, laboring from dawn till dusk, which left them with many health problems.

In this life, thanks to the changes Li Yifei had brought about financially, his parents no longer had to endure such hardship. He deeply understood that money was indeed the lubricant of a family, and that many miseries and predicaments often stemmed from economic scarcity.

His experiences in his past life had left Li Yifei with a strong desire for wealth, but he strictly upheld his bottom line, never crossing the red lines of the law.

In his view, the most convenient way to earn money in this life was the stock market. With his memories of the future and a keen insight into the market, after a period of careful maneuvering, his account balance had exceeded 1.1 billion.

Li Yifei had long since planned to set aside one hundred million to purchase courtyard houses and villas. He knew well that while there were few constraints now, laying out his assets in advance would allow him to act with greater composure in the future, no matter what he chose to do.

Even if someone questioned him, he could respond with confidence; after all, his family had been poor peasants for three generations, and everything he had now was earned through his own efforts.

Furthermore, thanks to his contributions to society, high-level leaders held him in high regard. Even without public recognition, his achievements were remembered.

The train sped along the tracks. Despite the fatigue of the ten-hour journey, Li Yifei’s excitement only intensified.

When the train slowly pulled into the Anyin City station and Li Yifei stepped off the train with his luggage, setting foot on his home soil, a familiar and intimate feeling washed over him.

Exiting the station, the cold winter wind greeted him, but it did not diminish his enthusiasm in the slightest. On the streets, people walked at a leisurely pace; some were enjoying snacks at roadside stalls, their faces beaming with happy smiles.

The pace of life here was much slower than in the city. Without the hustle and bustle of heavy traffic, there was a sense of tranquility and peace. Li Yifei couldn't help but sigh; perhaps this was the best portrayal of a country at peace and a people at ease.

When he arrived home, night had already fallen, and the wall clock showed it was 8:00 PM. Pushing open the door, warm light spilled over him. His parents were sitting at the dining table, which was laden with steaming dishes, clearly having waited for him.

"Our son is home! You must be tired. Put your bags down and wash your hands so we can eat," his mother, Jiang Shulan, said with a gentle voice, her eyes filled with tenderness.

His little sister, seeing Li Yifei, clapped her small hands excitedly and called out in a milky voice, "Bro-ther! Eat! Eat!"

Li Yifei felt a surge of warmth looking at his adorable little sister. He crouched down to hug her and smiled, "Alright, let's eat."

His father, Old Li, sat to the side. Though he didn't say much, the concern and joy in his eyes were not lost on Li Yifei.

In his previous life, Li Yifei had been much like his father—not good at expressing love with words, keeping it silently in his heart—so he fully understood his father’s reserved affection.

"Dad, I'm home," Li Yifei said softly.

"Mmh, go wash up and eat," Old Li responded simply.

"Dad, Mom, wait a moment. Mom, give me the garage key; I want to go check on something first," Li Yifei suddenly remembered the items in the garage and said eagerly.

"You child, is there anything that can't wait until after dinner?" Jiang Shulan said with a playful scolding tone, but she stood up and handed him the key.

Li Yifei took the key and hurried to the garage. As soon as he opened the door, the rich aroma of medicinal liquor wafted out. The scent was mellow and not cloying; to a lover of spirits, it was like nectar, and even to those who disliked alcohol, it was not unpleasant.

Following the scent, Li Yifei walked to the large vat of medicinal liquor. He picked up the dipper and carefully drew about two catties of the liquid.

The liquor was a translucent amber, casting a charming glow in the dim light of the garage. He carefully sealed the vat and returned home, his heart filled with joy.

"Dad, let’s try the wine I brewed and see how it tastes," Li Yifei said excitedly as he placed the liquor on the table.

Old Li was full of curiosity and anticipation. He hadn't stepped into the garage since Li Yifei left for school. Seeing the liquor Li Yifei brought out, Old Li couldn't help but swallow, saying impatiently, "Come, come, pour me a cup first."

Li Yifei poured a glass for his father and one for himself. Old Li took a sip, and a mellow sensation spread through his mouth. It was smooth, with the fragrance of herbs lingering on the tip of his tongue. As it slid down his throat, a gentle warmth emanated from his stomach, warming his entire body. A look of satisfaction appeared on Old Li’s face as he nodded repeatedly, "Good, good wine!"

Seeing this, Li Yifei also took a sip. The mellow taste and unique medicinal aroma made him sigh, "Truly excellent!"

Father and son shared glass after glass, and before they knew it, a catty of the liquor was gone.

Although the drink was superb, Li Yifei knew the principle of moderation, so he set his glass down, ready to eat.

After dinner, Li Yifei remembered the gifts he had prepared for his family and hurried to his room to retrieve them.

He first handed his mother the jewelry he had bought. It shimmered brilliantly under the light. Jiang Shulan looked at it, her eyes filled with surprise and emotion, "You child, why buy these? It’s a waste of money." Despite her words, she couldn't hide the smile on her face.

Next, Li Yifei brought out the belt and watch for his father. Old Li looked at the gifts, feeling a bit overwhelmed. He accepted them silently, stroking them gently, his eyes filled with gratification.

Finally, Li Yifei handed the toy to his little sister. She hugged it happily, jumping and dancing, shouting, "Thank you, brother!"

Watching his family in such harmony, Li Yifei’s heart was filled with happiness. The various regrets of his previous life seemed to be mending at this very moment, and the heavy shackles of the past were gradually being released amidst the laughter of his family.

In this life, he would definitely guard this hard-won happiness and ensure his family lived a better life, for home was the harbor for his soul.