Back to 1979: Sending the Educated Youth’s Wife Back to the City

Chapter 197 Farewell to Reiko
Fang Mingche comforted Yan Yan and then asked her, "Do you want to go to the airport with Daddy to see Lingzi off? By the way, do you usually call her Auntie or Sister?"

Yan Yan said, "Auntie, she's so much older than me." As she spoke, she stood up.

"Qin Hua is quite a bit older than you, and you're still keeping your own accounts with us. Let's go then—"

Lin Yan promptly pulled Changchang away; he needed to prepare for his afternoon nap. Otherwise, if he saw his father and sister go out, he would start fussing and wanting to go with them.

She glanced at Fang Mingche with amusement. Wasn't Han Mei supposed to go with you? Why are you bringing Yan Yan along?
Fang Mingche gave her a look: Take your daughter out for a walk to clear her head, don't overthink it.

Fang Mingche and Yan Yan tiptoed out from behind Changchang.

“Yan Yan, Daddy remembers. Although we don’t have modern amusement parks yet, there were amusement parks in the Song Dynasty.”

Beijing Amusement Park, the first modern amusement park in New China, began construction in 1984 but did not officially open until 1987. He had taken his grandson there in his previous life. At the time, he heard from others that it was a joint venture with Japanese companies, with a total investment of 66 billion yen.

He even specifically researched that in 1984, 100 Japanese yen was equal to 0.98 yuan. Therefore, the amusement park cost over 6400 million yuan to build, which was astonishing in 1984!
It built the largest Ferris wheel in Asia in the 1980s, with a view from the top overlooking half of Beijing. Other supporting projects at the same time, such as a roller coaster, pirate ship, log flume, and 4D cinema imported from Japan with a speed of 80km/h, were also well-known internationally.

Yes, he remembered that in the late 80s, the yen's exchange rate increased dramatically. At that time, 100 yen was equivalent to 0.77 yuan, but by 84 it had risen to 0.98 yuan. However, by 1990, this figure would have reached 3.32 yuan.

This increase is much larger than that of the US dollar during the same period, so it might be worthwhile to hoard Japanese yen after 85.

Yan Yan's eyes lit up. "We had amusement parks in the Song Dynasty? Dad, tell me about it, and I'll call that kid and tell him later."

We had to get our revenge! Luckily, our ancestors were amazing.

Fang Mingche said, "According to the records in 'Old Tales of Wulin,' the gardens of Jiangyuan in Hangzhou had 'pole-shooting, archery, swings, shuttlecocks, cockfighting, and Cuju (ancient Chinese football)' set up to entertain tourists. At that time, some royal gardens were also open to the public as public amusement venues. The most famous of these was Jinming Pond in Kaifeng during the Northern Song Dynasty. During the opening period, the Song government would also hold water shows, including water battles, acrobatics, dragon boat races, water puppetry, water swings, dragon boat races, and so on."

He briefly explained these projects to Yan Yan. Unfortunately, period dramas aren't very popular these days, and none of them have been filmed yet. So explaining them was a bit difficult.

Yan Yan nodded repeatedly, her smile widening. "We're not lagging behind! Our ancestors were already quite adventurous a thousand years ago. What were your ancestors doing back then?"
Fang Mingche said, "There's no need to call the kids specifically to tell them. Just casually bring it up later."

"Okay, I get it now."

Han Mei, who was driving, couldn't help but glance at Fang Mingche in the rearview mirror, feeling that her brother-in-law was indeed very knowledgeable. He could speak so eloquently and logically.

Just as the father and daughter reached the first courtyard, Han Mei came out upon seeing them. As the office director, she naturally had to go with them to see them off.

Lingzi's plane ticket is for the evening, so she should start thinking about saying goodbye to her family now. Hmm, tickets are relatively cheaper at this time. Han Mei bought her a ticket for this time.

Travel agencies still prioritize cost-saving in all aspects of their operations. International airfares are a bit expensive, so careful budgeting is essential.

Han Mei was actually quite envious of Lingzi, who got to go to America. However, once the store in America opened and was operating smoothly, she'd have another store from which she could earn commissions. That was great too!
Of course, it's not like you can just go there and start operating immediately.

For their overseas stores, they've calculated how much sales they need to reach to break even. After all, they have to bear the costs of rent and labor in overseas locations. If they don't reach that sales volume, they'll be losing money.

This is quite different from a guesthouse, where rent isn't even a concern. It's just a matter of transferring money from one pocket to another. Therefore, opening a business overseas requires great caution. The initial investment is rather high.

Han Mei asked, "Teacher Fang, is the store in New York located in Chinatown?"

When discussing official business, she always addressed him as "Teacher Fang," just like everyone else.

"I don't want to open it in Chinatown. We'll decide after Lingzi goes over and sees the situation."

If the main goal is exporting and making money from Americans, then it's best not to open a shop in Chinatown. However, if you want to establish a foothold from the start, Chinatown is probably the most convenient option.

Fang Mingche thought for a moment, "Han Mei, can you calculate how much it would cost if we wanted to film a short documentary about the craftspeople's work? We should try to film all the places where we source our goods. Hiring college students should be the most cost-effective option. Also, ask the Ministry of Culture if they can take the lead, and it would be best if they could also cover part of the costs."

Otherwise, just relying on self-promotion takes a lot of time to build up a customer base. The first business in Tokyo and London took a while to develop, and there were ups and downs afterwards. Yes, the store in Paris did the best business. China and France established diplomatic relations early, even when General de Gaulle was still alive. There was also cultural exchange between the two countries.

Even now that the country has opened its doors, it is still the foreign culture and ideas that are being imported more often. Our country's exports are relatively limited.

Han Mei said frankly, "I'm afraid we can't handle this on our own."

"If the Ministry of Culture doesn't have this plan for the time being, we'll make a simplified version. We'll ask university students majoring in related fields to direct the filming, and try to find affordable alternatives for the necessary equipment. Then we'll edit it, make several copies, and send them to overseas stores for playback. However, the filming requirements will be quite high; we need to capture the cultural essence. Ideally, it should allow people to feel the 'near-the-Tao' state that Zhuangzi spoke of. After all, it's about spreading culture."

Han Mei said, "Then I'll try my best to find someone at the university. As for the equipment, should I ask your cousin to buy it in Guangzhou?"

Buying smuggled goods in Guangzhou can save you a lot on customs duties.

"Let's forget it and just look at it at the Friendship Store. If it makes an impact later, we might even get praised. But if it turns out the filming equipment was smuggled, then it won't be good to make a big fuss about it."

Han Mei nodded, "Okay, I understand."

That's quite a high standard, almost comparable to CCTV producing a documentary. Compared to that, the travel expenses for trekking through mountains and rivers seem minor.

Fang Mingche knew it would be challenging. He smiled and said, "Let's do our best to present a better result. To put it simply, we want to create a film that makes foreigners want to buy it."

"Ah."

The car was parked in the alleyway of a small courtyard, and the three of them headed to Lingzi's house.

Right now, many neighbors are gathered in the courtyard of the large tenement where Lingzi lives. She's going to America, and everyone has come to see her off.

Fang Mingche saw that Grandma Qiu was also in the crowd, so he quickly went over to say hello.

Grandma Qiu moved in a year ago and got to know all the neighbors. She was a well-bred lady and socialite from before the liberation. Otherwise, she wouldn't have been able to send her son to study in England.

Fang Mingche thought the old lady would look quite elegant in a cheongsam. Of course, after those ten years, hardly anyone wore one anymore. Now, the old lady wore only a simple white shirt and black trousers, but she still looked quite classy.

Fang Mingche noticed that she didn't seem distressed. Now that her son had regained his legal status and her granddaughter was about to get married in England after meeting an old friend, she felt even more at peace.

"Grandma Qiu, you've come too."

Grandma Qiu turned her head and saw Fang Mingche, and smiled at him.

"When my Qiu Yin left, you and Lingzi saw her off. I'm here to join in the fun, and I'd like to ask Lingzi to give Qiu Yin a little less rice cake. It's been a year already."

However, Grandma Qiu only told Lingzi to take good care of herself after she left. She couldn't very well say, "I'd rather cherish a handful of soil from my hometown than love ten thousand taels of gold from a foreign land," could she?

Yingzi left around this time last year, with Qiu Yin and Wu Mingju. Those two should be back in China by this time next year, barring any unforeseen circumstances. But Yingzi's return is uncertain. Saying this is like pointing at a monk and cursing a bald man.

There were quite a few people talking to Lingzi right now, and Yan Yan ran over too. Fang Mingche didn't rush over, and Han Mei didn't join in either. There would be plenty of opportunities to say goodbye when they took Lingzi to the airport later.

Fang Mingche asked, "Grandma Qiu, is Qiu Yin's studies going well?"

Qiu Yin previously studied at an educational institution in London similar to a community college.

"Yes, she said the teacher spoke too fast at first, but she's gotten used to it now."

"They've decided to return to China to develop their careers, which will save you from worrying about them."

Qiu Yin's fiancé has decided to return to China with her next year, and I heard he's looking for a teaching position at a university in the capital. His family went abroad before the liberation, and his grandparents had a longing to return to their roots, so he's coming back to explore that possibility.

Grandma Qiu nodded repeatedly, "Yes. Otherwise, even if you give me the opportunity to visit relatives, I wouldn't be able to travel so much."

Travel agency staff stationed abroad are allowed one family member per year to visit their relatives at public expense, provided that passports and visas are obtained.

Fang Mingche glanced at her watch; Lingzi's mother was saying goodbye to her.

"After you go out, check on your sister's condition, then call home."

“I will. She said she would pick me up at the airport.”

Qin Hua was also here; she and Yingzi had a good relationship. But one time, she overheard Brother Fang and her own brother talking after having a few drinks, and it seemed that Yingzi wasn't doing so well.

She didn't say much at the moment, and just stood there with her mother. Yan Yan came over and stood next to Qin Hua.

Thanks to her brother, Qin Hua had been to Tokyo once. It wasn't far, and the plane tickets weren't too expensive. Back then, there were always places to eat and stay, so expenses weren't high. But America was just too far; the airfare alone was a strain.

Speaking of the Fang family of four getting visas and preparing to fly there for summer vacation, the older brother couldn't help but say that his older brother was really audacious. With so much debt, he still dared to take his wife and children to America for a carefree life. And he was the only one being treated as if he were on official business.

She asked Brother Fang how much debt he owed. Yan Yan had also mentioned that her family was heavily in debt. But she didn't know the exact amount, only that it was a lot, a lot.

The older brother then said, "I'm afraid I'll scare you if I tell you. He personally owes almost 200,000 yuan, and the travel agency owes him more than 100,000 yuan."

Qin Hua was genuinely terrified; he almost bit his tongue. They were incredibly audacious in owing him money! And the bank actually agreed to lend him a loan.

"They're all backed by physical collateral, and the collateral is around 80% of the market value. The bank can't possibly lose money!"

The only risk is the original owner of the courtyard house. But if he can't repay on time, the travel agency's shares can be used to settle the debt. The other party has seen their financial statements and is happy that Xiao Fang can't repay.

But that's the agreed-upon two-year period, so there won't be any problems.

Fang Mingche checked the time; it was time to go. He needed to get through security early.

He said, "Lingzi, it's about time we went. How about we take Old Zhou and Aunt Zhou together? There are two seats in the car."

Old Zhou said, "Forget it, we must part ways eventually. You should talk to her about official business. After all, going there like this will cost a lot."

This was actually a favor to their family. Otherwise, Xiao Fang could have opened the shop himself in July. There was no need for Lingzi to go a month earlier.

Aunt Zhou said, "Xiao Fang, I want to go with you."

Lingzi's younger brother, Zhou Hao, said, "Teacher Fang, I'll go too."

Fang Mingche nodded, "Okay, I'll bring you guys back later. By the way, is today your last Children's Day?"

Otherwise, I would have to take leave and stay home right now.

Zhou Hao nodded. "Mm."

"Okay, let's go."

The three members of the Zhou family sat in the back, and the mother and sons continued to talk the whole way.

Yan Yan and her aunt sat in the passenger seat. Fang Mingche drove with exceptional care.

Once they arrived at the airport, Aunt Zhou and her son didn't linger with Lingzi anymore. The travel agency had spent so much money and effort to send Lingzi to the United States; their business had to take precedence. At least in front of Teacher Fang, they couldn't just think about their own affairs.

Fang Mingche said, "Lingzi, when you go to New York, you don't need to stay at your great-uncle's place just to save money for the travel agency. Rent a safe place to stay outside, and you can bring Yingzi to live with you too."

Aunt Zhou's eyes reddened upon hearing this. "Teacher Fang, thank you!"

Living under someone else's roof is never a good thing! Yingzi is only sixteen or seventeen years old, which means she has to take care of her great-uncle who suffered a stroke 24 hours a day. Fortunately, her great-uncle is recovering well, otherwise it would be even more difficult for him.

Her uncle and aunt only treated her like a cheap maid. They even wanted to use her as a favor to give to that bachelor in his thirties. If she could move out, at least she'd have a regular get off work schedule. Otherwise, it's truly 24/7.

Fang Mingche shook his head, "It's nothing, the travel agency doesn't even need to spend extra money on it."

The two sisters can live together without incurring extra costs. Alternatively, before their family moves in, each sister can have her own room.

Fang Mingche went on to explain some of the preparations for opening the store.

Han Mei then distributed the bottled water she had taken from the car to everyone. It was Children's Day, and the weather was already quite hot; everyone really needed to replenish their fluids. She had done some research: since the beginning of summer, the tour group's consumption of bottled water had increased by 40%.

"Finally, and most importantly, is safety. Safety first; don't rent a house in a neighborhood with a bad reputation for crime."

Lingzi nodded, "Teacher Fang, I've got it."

A couple of days ago, when she packed her bags, she also brought the large sheet of Golden Monkey stamps that had been face down under the glass of her desk. She laid it flat at the bottom of the suitcase so it wouldn't get wrinkled. It was a gift from Teacher Fang.

She planned to take it abroad. Not for writing letters, of course, but just as a keepsake. She probably wouldn't use it in her lifetime. Yan Yan stepped forward and shook hands with Lingzi goodbye.

"Aunt Lingzi, have a safe journey!"

Lingzi bent down and shook hands with her, "Okay, thank you for your kind words! Aunt Lingzi is waiting for you and your family of four in New York."

"Ah."

Han Mei stepped forward and hugged Lingzi. Lingzi had been very helpful in guiding her before, offering all the advice she could.

As for what position Reiko will hold when she returns in two years, and whether there will be any conflict of interest, that's a matter for the future. Besides, a new branch office will probably open in two years. Everyone won't be crammed together.

Lingzi smiled and said, "General Manager, you'll have to keep a close eye on the goods in New York later."

"Don't worry, everyone gets a commission, I definitely won't let you down. Master, take good care of yourself while you're out there."

Lingzi is a few years younger than Han Mei. The two get along well in private; both are the eldest daughters in their families, with younger brothers.

Lingzi nodded, "Yes, I will definitely take good care of both the business and myself."

The last bit of time was left to the family. Only after the announcement that it was time to board for Lingzi's flight did everyone escort her through security.

Fang Mingche drove the person back and took Yan Yan to see the small side courtyard. Construction on the two additional small houses had already begun. Master Lei had even dug the foundations.

Fang Mingche handed him a cigarette. "Have you heard that the renovation of these old houses will be subject to regulations in the future?"

Master Lei shook his head. "Not yet. Many industries are only just starting to recover. But I think you're right. These old houses definitely won't be allowed to be altered arbitrarily anymore. Does the housing management bureau have blueprints for your little courtyard?"

"I doubt it. Even if it did, those ten years have all been lost."

Therefore, if we need to collect and organize it again later, we can only do so based on the restored version. If it can truly be a seamless whole.

Many illegally constructed buildings will eventually be demolished, especially after there are enough houses available for residents. That will likely happen after a large number of new buildings begin to be constructed in the capital.

After a brief chat, Fang Mingche took Han Mei and Yan Yan back home. Master Lei certainly wouldn't be around often; he was just passing by and stopped in to take a look.

Fang Mingche's house was repaired, and he went to give a gift of money on the opening day. After greeting everyone, he even led the new customers inside for a tour, successfully securing a second and third order.

Therefore, the small project in the side courtyard was just a bonus.

Not long after Fang Mingche returned to the courtyard house, he received a call from Wu Mingju.

"Teacher Fang, don't you like stamp collecting? I have something to tell you."

To avoid making his large collection of Golden Monkey stamps seem out of place, Fang Mingche also collected many other stamps. Now, many people know about this hobby of his.

"Tell me." What is it that warrants making a special international call back to tell me?
Wu Mingju said, "At a recent auction in Tokyo, a complete 'Big Blue Sky' stamp had a starting price of over $1. Professor Fang, do you have one in your collection?"

Fang Mingche thought for a while and finally remembered which stamp the so-called "Big Blue Sky Stamp" was. It was a set of four commemorative stamps issued in 1967 to mark the 40th anniversary of the founding of the Jinggangshan Revolutionary Base. However, because it was not approved, it was never officially issued. The vast majority of those printed were destroyed, and only about ten survived.

"In 1967, I was only 12 years old, just an ordinary farm boy. After school, I had to cut grass for the cattle and herd them. Where was I supposed to collect these 'Big Blue Sky Stamps'?"

The ten coins that circulated from that era must have been in the hands of insiders.

He remembered that back in 2020, half a "Big Blue Sky" stamp fetched a high price of 106 million yuan at auction. It must be because it's so rare that it commanded such a price.

Wu Mingju sighed, "Ah, if only I had one."

“Yes,” Fang Mingche couldn’t help but agree. The Golden Monkey stamps won’t start to appreciate until next year, but this ‘Big Blue Sky’ stamp is already very valuable.

That starting price of over ten thousand dollars is shocking enough! That's enough to buy several apartments in the Tuanjiehu residential area. The exact number depends on whether you exchange it at the Bank of China or in the alley next to the bank.

Fang Mingche said, "Old Wu, once the New York store starts to make a profit, we should be able to gradually save up some money. We won't be struggling to make ends meet anymore."

Wu Mingju laughed twice; he didn't believe it! No one in the travel agency dared to believe it either.

The Shanghai branch has opened and is profitable. The deputy director is currently acting as director. Fang Mingfeng has successfully retired.

But if Shanghai has opened a store, shouldn't Xi'an, Luoyang, and many other historical and cultural cities follow suit? Also, I've heard that Professor Fang is bringing up "red tourism" again. He wonders if foreigners will be interested, considering that "Mao Zedong Thought" sells quite well overseas. Besides, while a store has opened in New York, many other major international cities haven't.

Fang Mingche coughed twice, "Anyway, I didn't shortchange you any money."

Wu Mingju laughed, "That's true. I just wanted to tell you about this, so I'll hang up now?"

That's true. Although the travel agency owes the bank a lot of money, their salaries and commissions are always paid in full. That's why everyone works so hard. He's practically risking his life to get business.

"Ah."

Lingzi's flight will have a layover in Paris, where she can meet with Sister Qiuyin. Fang Mingche suggested that she rest in Paris for a few days and learn from Qiuyin's experience and lessons.

Actually, as early as January 7, 1981, there were already direct flights between China and the US, eliminating the need for a transfer in Paris. The route was Beijing—Shanghai—San Francisco—New York. The main reason for the layover was to allow her to travel to Paris to learn from Qiu Yin.

Qiu Yin now manages both the London and Paris stores, but each has its own staff. Therefore, Qiu Yin isn't tied to the stores; she frequently travels between them, though she spends more time in London.

Grandma Qiu made some rice cakes that Qiu Yin likes and asked Lingzi to bring them to her. The airport and the plane both have air conditioning, so it won't break. It was windy on the way to the airport, which was fine.

Then Lingzi flew alone to John F. Kennedy International Airport in the United States. Following Yingzi's advice over the phone, she sewed a neck brace. This would make sitting for ten or so hours a day a little more comfortable.

Lingzi was picked up by Qiu Yin in Paris and settled in. Afterward, she called the office to let them know she was safe. As for her own home, she planned to ask a colleague to ride over and let her know after get off work. International calls are really expensive!
By then, she wouldn't have arrived in New York until June 10th. Fang Mingche, Lin Yan, and Gao Xiang were already in the process of preparing for their final exams.

Fang Mingche and Gao Xiang will be juniors next semester, while Lin Yan will be a sophomore.

Even Yan Yan was facing an assessment for the first time. However, it wasn't an assessment from the Yuhong Class, but rather two subjects from the Children's Palace.

She's been weighing herself at home every day for the past few days, afraid of not reaching her target weight. She only ate a small portion of the birthday cake that day. She's afraid to eat anything outside the recommended range.

But she seems to have gained weight, she's overweight!

"Oh no, I need to lose weight!" Yan Yan said sadly. She was already being very careful about it.

Lin Yan said, "It's not even two pounds. Come on, let's measure your height again. If you've grown another centimeter, you don't need to lose any more weight."

Changchang strolled in from outside; he can walk quite steadily now. He still prefers to stay in the courtyard during the day.

He mimicked his mother, "Ling, Ling."

Lin Yan initially thought he was calling her name, since the boy now speaks half Sichuan dialect. He can't distinguish between "Lin" and "Ling"! So she said, "You have to call me Mom, you're not allowed to call me by my name."

Fortunately, he still called Mingche "son".

Fang Mingche came in from outside. "He wants to learn 'Lingzi'. He just received a call from her in New York."

Lin Yan then realized, "He really says whatever comes to mind these days. I heard him say 'shit' the other day! And he actually explained it clearly."

That must have been picked up from foreign guests staying at a guesthouse.

Upon hearing that his son had already learned the word, Fang Mingche was momentarily speechless. However, it was probably just a random, blurted-out phrase. If he were to seriously try to say it now, he probably couldn't even pronounce two consecutive syllables.

Lin Yan asked, "Will we also transfer there before going?"

Fang Mingche thought for a moment, "When we get there, we'll fly directly to the United States, then stop in Paris on our way back to the city."

Lin Yan looked at Changchang, "I wonder if he can adapt."

Fang Mingche said, "Let's take turns taking care of him. Even though he's still young, it wouldn't be right to deprive him of the right to go out with us. He'll be one year and two months old by then, so we'll try our best to keep him from crying."

He had Han Mei buy business class tickets for them, with seats that could be reclined for rest. His tickets were reimbursed, while Ayan and Yan Yan paid for their own tickets.

Old Wang said he was incredibly bold, daring to take his wife and children to America for a life of luxury despite being heavily in debt. But that's not true!

He has no recent debts and his income is not low. The most recent payment due is the 68000 yuan interest-free mortgage payment due on New Year's Day. If he doesn't have the money on hand then, he can pay it back next New Year's Day, including the principal and one year's interest.

As for the 100,000 yuan bank loan, it's a three-year term. Apart from that, he has no other personal debts.

Even if the travel agency doesn't give him a large share of the profits, he can still pay back those two sums. The income from the scrap yard and vegetable stall is enough.

Yan Yan also really longs to go to the United States. A child of an American diplomat showed her some photos of their hometown—they were so beautiful!

She eagerly raised her hand and said, "I will help take care of my younger brother on the plane."

I just measured her, and she's grown a bit taller, so she doesn't need to lose weight anymore. She's very happy right now.

Changchang also raised her hand, "Brother—"

Fang Mingche said, "You are the younger brother."

She had considered leaving the boy at home with his grandparents. But Ayan couldn't bear to be separated from her son for a month or two. He was actually a little reluctant too. Who wouldn't love such a chubby, healthy son? He's so big and playful at this age.

Lin Yan said, "The three of us taking care of him shouldn't be a problem. I've inquired, and babies as young as six months can fly. By the way, what did Lingzi say?"

"She didn't say much, just that she had arrived and met up with Yingzi. Yingzi picked her up in a delivery van, and after hanging up, she prepared to take her to adjust to the time difference. She had already booked a hotel in Chinatown."

It must have been Reiko who called and asked Eiko to order it in advance.

Because Lingzi had told Fang Mingche not to tell anyone about Yingzi's past, Lin Yan only knew that Yingzi had worked as a nanny and shop assistant. She simply asked curiously, "She wasn't even 18 yet, was she?"

"In the US, you can take the test at 16. She took it as soon as she arrived, while her tourist visa was still valid. However, her biggest problem is that she's undocumented. This girl actually dared to drive on the road so openly. It seems her driving skills are pretty good; at least she won't run into the police for traffic violations."

Old Zhou was answering Lingzi's call at the first entrance. He had taken time off work to come and wait.

His workplace is now very lenient towards him, given his overseas connections. Not only does he have an uncle in the United States, but he has also sent both of his daughters abroad. In many people's eyes, Old Zhou is quite capable.

Lin Yan watched Yan Yan playing and frolicking with Chang Chang in the 'pigsty'.

"Old Zhou and Aunt Zhou are actually a bit ruthless!"

She absolutely couldn't bear to let Yan Yan go to live with her distant maternal uncle at the age of 16. There was clearly something fishy going on back then.

Fang Mingche said, "Yingzi is probably aware of this. Even now, she refuses to come back."

Will she ever be able to return to freedom?

"Going to the embassy to complete the necessary procedures shouldn't be a problem. It's just that I probably won't be able to go there again. Or, if I get caught, I'll be deported directly, and I still won't be able to go there again."

So, that girl is determined to go all the way and stay there waiting for the amnesty, no matter what.

Lin Yan couldn't bring herself to say "why bother?" She could only say that she respected other people's choices.

Yingzi was also on the other end of the phone line. After Lingzi finished speaking, she took the receiver and said a few words, "Dad, my uncles and cousins ​​give me very little money. If it weren't for the room and board provided, I wouldn't have enough to live on. I wear my supermarket uniform all the time now, and I don't dare to get any new clothes made."

She wouldn't be foolish enough to send money back. Even if she did, saying it was for safekeeping, she'd never get it back. But keeping it in the joint account with her great-uncle wasn't an option either. If her great-uncle suddenly passed away, her cousins ​​wouldn't help her retrieve it.

We should take advantage of a day when my great-uncle is in good spirits and drive him to withdraw all the money, then deposit it into my sister's personal account. It'll be a perfectly legitimate way out, and she can even renew the lease later. My sister is so lucky!

Old Zhou said, "Don't be so sensitive. Dad asked if you have enough money, not that he wants you to send money. If you don't, now that your sister is there, you can take care of each other."

The telephone was on Han Mei's desk, and she rolled her eyes. Quite generous! Yingzi doesn't have enough money, but is Lingzi really that rich?
Last year, when Uncle Zhou sent Yingzi there, he specially exchanged some US dollars for her to take with her. This year, there's been no such activity at all.

(End of this chapter)