Chapter 4

“You’re my daughter—how could you call it cooperation? It was my fault before, but now I want to make it right. I’ve already applied for retirement from the army. This time, I’ll make sure to take good care of you.”

Lin Dong spoke with such sincerity that even Lin Jiayi was moved.

She had been an orphan in her previous life, never experiencing real parental love. If she could have a family here, maybe that wouldn’t be such a bad thing.

“Dad!”

“Ah!”

One call from the heart, one genuine response—at that moment, they truly felt like a real father and daughter bound by blood. It was as if everything had returned to the best possible beginning.

“Dad, don’t you have a wooden carving my mother left for me? That’s actually a treasure.

You probably don’t know, but in the book, I was written as cannon fodder who gave that treasure to Yao Qingqing. She used my space treasure to live a carefree, prosperous life. Just thinking about it makes me furious.”

Lin Dong thought for a moment. There really was such a wooden carving.

“Wait, I’ll get it for you.” Lin Dong carried the bundles with him, unlocked his room, and went inside.

From the living room, Lin Jiayi listened to the sound of rummaging around. Her heart leapt with joy—her treasure was finally coming back to her. How could she ever let those vile people keep it?

When Lin Dong came out again, he held two old wooden boxes.

Lin Jiayi recognized one—it was the money box Yang Xueqin had returned earlier that day. The other was unfamiliar, probably the one containing the treasure she had long dreamed of.

Lin Dong opened the box and handed over the wooden carving.

“This is it. See if it’s the one you’re looking for.”

Lin Jiayi carefully inspected it. The book had only said “a wooden carving” without describing it in detail, so she couldn’t be sure. But based on how these stories usually went, she figured she needed to offer some blood.

“Could you give me a knife? I need to test it.”

Seeing her so determined, Lin Dong grew worried.

“You’re not going to risk your life, are you?”

“What are you thinking? If it required that much, why would I even try? It should only need a drop or two of blood. Any more than that, and I wouldn’t have it to give.”

Relieved, Lin Dong handed her the knife. He had finally gotten his daughter back alive—he couldn’t lose her again.

Lin Jiayi took the knife, closed her eyes, and made a small cut on her finger with great determination.

Quickly, she dripped the blood onto the wooden carving.

One drop… two drops… three drops… until the blood stopped flowing. Then she picked up the carving to study it.

The moment it touched her hand, she vanished.

“So this is the space? Doesn’t look like much!”

Novels described lush landscapes with spiritual springs. Her space? A patch of dark soil, another fenced patch of dark soil, and a single well.

That was it? What could she even do with this? Was she supposed to farm by herself? Mama mia!

“Ah!”

A handkerchief floated down from the sky, landing on her face.

Covered in writing. She pulled it down and read it carefully, afraid to miss anything important.

When she finished, she sighed with relief. The handkerchief explained that while there was no spirit in this space, it could be voice-controlled. All she had to do was say what she wanted it to do.

That nearly scared her to death! She thought she was about to be condemned to endless farm work. Turns out Yao Qingqing must have hated farming too. Lazy heroine—totally unqualified!

Now that she understood the space and how to use it, Lin Jiayi exited.

When she returned to the sofa, Lin Dong was across from her, tears streaming down his face. Seeing that, her heart softened.

“Dad, see? I’m fine. I was just inside the space. Don’t worry.”

Lin Dong hugged her tightly, his body trembling with relief.

“You scared me to death. I thought you’d been taken away. Then what would have been the point of me coming back? I was afraid that even with this second chance, I still wouldn’t be able to save you.”

Lin Jiayi wisely stayed quiet, letting him cry and hold her.

After a while, he calmed down and finally let go.

“Don’t laugh at me. I’m not usually like this.”

“How could I laugh? I’m happy that you care about me—why would I ever laugh at that?”

Once they settled down, Lin Dong asked about the space.

Lin Jiayi told him everything in detail, and together they discussed what to do next.

“Jiayi, after I transfer out of the army, I’ll have two job offers. One is as the director of the Public Security Bureau, and the other is as the manager of the transportation team. Which do you think I should choose?”

Lin Jiayi hadn’t expected her father to be so capable. Either job was highly respected and came with plenty of benefits.

“Why don’t you choose the Public Security Bureau? Our family needs a position like that. You’ll be able to rise even higher there—it’s a lifelong iron rice bowl, and you should know that better than anyone.

As for the transportation team, maybe you can find a reliable person to run it. Now that we have this space, it would be a waste not to use it. Rice, flour, fruit, vegetables—once we grow them, we can sell them and make a fortune.

If we have both money and power, we’ll never suffer. More importantly, we’ll be able to take revenge. Don’t underestimate those two women—Yao Qingqing is the heroine. I’m afraid she’ll rise again. We need to prepare on both fronts.”

Lin Dong agreed. “Alright. I’ll start arranging things tomorrow. I’ll also buy what you need. You don’t have to go to the countryside—you can stay home and live comfortably.”

“Dad, you’re being too optimistic. From what I know, my name is already on the countryside relocation list. Later, they just used tricks to make me volunteer so they could give my job to Yang Xueqin.

But it’s fine. We can follow the plot. I’ll deal with Yao Qingqing in the countryside, and you just keep an eye on Yang Xueqin.

And that old lady in your family—she’s no good either. Get rid of her quickly before she ruins our future.”

Her words were shockingly rebellious, but Lin Dong had already died once—he knew better than to cling to illusions.

He nodded. “I’ll take care of the old lady soon. Since you have to go to the countryside, tomorrow I’ll have Yao Qingqing’s name reported as well.

Meanwhile, you should buy more supplies in the next couple of days. Once we confirm your address, we’ll ship them there so you won’t have to carry them yourself. Life in the countryside is harsh—you mustn’t suffer. I’ll send you money regularly.

This box of money was meant for you anyway, so take it. Don’t try to save it—I still have plenty, plus your mother’s… pension. I’ll give that to you too.”