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

Chapter 199 National Discussion
Mr. Fang wrote down what he considered to be the key points, intending to urge his employees to strive for higher standards in the future. Although there was an unpleasant experience today, the Imperial Cuisine Restaurant mainly caters to dignitaries and foreign guests, which certainly has its merits.

Seeing his youngest son looking at the People's Daily from the past month, he said, "There's no conclusion yet; it's still under discussion."

Fang Mingche said, "We had no prior experience with reform and opening up; we were completely figuring things out as we went. We wouldn't draw conclusions lightly! However, the fact that it sparked such a long and heated discussion is something the People's Daily probably didn't expect at first."

"Okay, take your time reading it. By the way, Mingche, you're not still upset about what happened earlier, are you?"

Fang Mingche said, "There is still a little bit."

They clearly booked the private room first, but someone forcibly took it.

Mr. Fang said, “In the countryside, everyone is on equal footing. It’s no big deal if there’s a big fight; whoever is stronger gets to take the spot. But those people are different from us. It’s normal for a big tree to have dead branches and fallen leaves. As the saying goes, taking a step back opens up a whole new world! Shi De’s approach was too extreme. But there’s really no need to confront them head-on.”

(Hanshan asked: If someone in the world slanders me, deceives me, insults me, laughs at me, belittles me, despises me, hates me, or cheats me, how should I deal with it? Shide replied: Just endure him, let him be, let him do as he pleases, avoid him, be patient with him, respect him, and ignore him. Wait a few years and you will see what becomes of him.)
Fang Mingche nodded, "Don't worry, Dad. I didn't act impulsively today in front of you, Mom, Ayan, and the two children. Someone will prune the dead branches and withered leaves! As long as it doesn't cross the line, I will definitely do as you say."

To be honest, these guys only stole his reserved private room; they weren't exactly wicked.

Mr. Fang nodded, seeing that what he said made sense.

"It's good that you know what's going on!"

Fang Mingche removed the clip holding the newspaper and began reading in order. It was usually changed monthly, but this time, because the first article was published on May 29th, Fang's father had it kept from that day onwards for interested tenants to read.

There have been quite a few people paying attention to this issue these days. Just a couple of days ago, an overseas Chinese asked him if the government was about to change again. The discussions were quite heated.

After thinking for a moment, Mr. Fang replied, "When you got off the plane, you went to see the murals on the seventh floor of the airport, right?"

Fang Mingche also explained to him and Fang's mother the significance of the "Water Splashing Festival" mural for the reform and opening up.

The overseas Chinese thought about it for a moment, and finally nodded with relief.

Fang Mingche picked up the newspaper and began to read it seriously. He hadn't paid much attention to it in his previous life, only knowing that a certain "up-and-down" situation had arisen. After all, he was just a village primary school teacher back then, with a stable income regardless of drought or flood—he wouldn't get rich, but he wouldn't starve either. It was impossible for him to hire workers, nor was it possible for him to give up his secure job to work for someone else.

This time, we should take a closer look at the process of the great debate. It sparked a nationwide debate that lasted for three months.

According to data he obtained from Lao Wang, at the end of 1979, there were approximately 100,000 approved individual businesses nationwide. Two years later, that number had increased to 101 million, a tenfold rise. There must have been significant "employment issues" involved in this increase.

Mr. Fang was taken aback when he heard the data, "101 million households?"

Are there really so many self-employed individuals now? No wonder the People's Daily has started a special column to discuss the issue of self-employed individuals hiring workers.

"Yes, 'When things are bad, they change; when they change, they become successful; when they become successful, they endure.' This is something our ancestors said in the Book of Changes. Back then, everyone was almost desperately poor, and there weren't enough jobs to support so many people. So they started encouraging individual businesses, and the state began to decentralize the resources it controlled. Of course, everyone had to become a self-employed individual. Actually, compared to the whole country, this number was already very small. In 1979 alone, there were 1700 million educated youth returning to the cities!"

After Fang Mingche finished speaking, he continued reading. After nearly a month of discussion, three opinions had emerged in society regarding Chen Zhixiong's contracting of fishponds and hiring of workers: some advocated for cancellation, some for restrictions, and some expressed support.

He couldn't help but chuckle. This guy was destined for fame thanks to being mentioned in the People's Daily and sparking a nationwide debate. Whenever the debate about the issue of hired labor in the early 80s came up, he'd be mentioned. He wondered if the guy was eating well or sleeping well this month. That was a real test of his mental fortitude!
Staunch opponents argue that since it involves employing workers, exploitation is inevitable, and such exploitation is unacceptable in a socialist society—it's a matter of fundamental principle. When implementing contracting, we must not forget the fundamental principle of adhering to the socialist path. Therefore, employing workers is absolutely unacceptable.

The second opinion denies any exploitation, arguing that the fishponds contracted by Chen Zhixiong are collectively owned, and the public ownership of the means of production remains unchanged. Chen Zhixiong hires people to help him manage the fishponds, and their relationship is that of equal labor partners. Their partnership represents a new form of labor organization and cooperation. While Chen Zhixiong's income is significantly higher than that of his hired workers, this difference is reasonable and justified. We should actively support new economic forms and management methods emerging in urban and rural areas of our country.

The third opinion argues that it should be acknowledged that Chen Zhixiong paid his employees less than the value of their labor. Exploitation certainly exists in Chen Zhixiong's income. Moreover, the more workers he employs, the more wealth he appropriates from others. However, such exploitation should be permitted in my country at the present stage. Because my country's rural economy is relatively underdeveloped and comprises multiple economic components, the phenomenon of hiring workers is unavoidable. The key is to address this realistically; it cannot be denied, nor can it be simply prohibited. Instead, it can only be restricted and guided.

After skimming through the relevant columns in the People's Daily over the past month, Fang Mingche let out a sigh of relief. 'Can a socialist country allow exploitation?' This seemingly simple question actually goes far beyond the scope of theoretical explanation at this moment.

However, apart from the first opinion, the latter two both agree on this form of employment.

Seeing that he had put the newspaper back in its place, Fang's father said, "I read it every day. Some people support it, while others strongly oppose it. There is also a group that advocates guiding it."

His face was full of doubt; he had waited a month without receiving a definitive answer.

Fang Mingche said, "Since discussion is allowed, and has been going on for so long, it shouldn't be prohibited."

"How's that big-time melon seed seller you mentioned doing?"

"They're still hiring workers, producing, and making big money."

Mr. Fang's expression relaxed a bit. Indeed, since that person was alright, those of them earning foreign exchange should be even safer.

"You're going to the US, and you'll be gone for a month or two. What if something happens during that time?"

Fang Mingche knew the 'answer' and was naturally confident. He had only read the newspaper to understand the process. But his father didn't know. He worried that since his son had been gone for so long, the direction of the discussion might change in the next month or two.

The travel agency now employs over fifty people! If investigated, they'd be labeled a capitalist. And that's not all; they also run a scrap yard and a vegetable stall.

“Dad, I’ll call you every three days. Don’t worry, it’s relatively cheaper to call back from the US. And if anything happens, Wang Dexian will definitely know a step or two before people who only find out about the developments from the newspaper. Everyone knows that the Wang family owns 40% of the travel agency.”

Mr. Fang nodded, and after a moment of silence, he said, "Take plenty of money with you. If anything happens, don't come back yet. Your brother and you have already separated from the family; I registered this with the Party Secretary before I went to Beijing. We, the old and the young, are not afraid. Wait until things improve before you consider coming back."

Fang Mingche was somewhat astonished; it turned out that the common people were indeed still easily frightened.

"Yes, Dad, it's not that bad, it's not that bad."

"Be prepared for both possibilities. In short, call me every three days and let me know what the newspaper said and what Xiao Wang said."

Having said that, Fang Mingche had no choice but to nod and say, "Okay."

It would take Fang Min three days by train and then bus to get home. She would need to stay home for at least a few days after returning. So they agreed to wait until Fang Jian and the others received their acceptance letters, and Fang Minghui had also distributed the letters to her students, before preparing to go to Beijing.

The Fang family of four won't be able to wait for Kang Kang and his two siblings to come to Beijing. After resting for two days after the exams and getting to know Changchang better, they will fly to the other side of the ocean.

That afternoon, Fang Chang woke up from his nap. Lin Yan came in to check if his diaper needed changing. She saw her youngest son, still half-asleep, sitting up with a red handprint covering most of his face. It looked like he'd been slapped hard!

But the little guy seemed completely unaware, his eyes still a bit dazed.

Yan Yan, who followed her in, also widened her eyes, then exchanged a glance with her mother. She quickly waved her hands, "It wasn't me, I didn't hit him!" The handprint was clearly not from an adult.

Lin Yan sat down and took Changchang's right hand, placing it on his face. Hmm, case closed! The little guy had been sleeping with his hand under his face, and this had happened after a while.

"Did I say you hit him? You're just trying to find a scapegoat. He was asleep, and someone else beat him like this, wouldn't he cry and make a scene?"

Yan Yan finally realized what had happened. She compared her hand to the others. Hmm, her hand was a bit bigger. But the perspective from just now definitely made it look like she had been hit.

Changchang also came to her senses a bit and raised her hand to ask her mother for a hug.

Lin Yan checked the diapers she had started using over the past two days and realized they needed to be changed. She then asked Yan Yan to open the cabinet and get a new diaper.

I bought this at the Friendship Store specifically for my trip abroad by plane. Disposable diapers existed abroad as early as the 1960s, reportedly originally designed for astronauts. Commercialized disposable diapers were promoted by a Procter & Gamble R&D manager who was too lazy to wash cloth diapers for his granddaughter. In 1961, disposable diapers were named one of the 100 greatest inventions of the 20th century by Time magazine.

Lin Yan hadn't been willing to buy it for her son before. If she actually used it, wouldn't she be openly or subtly called a lazy woman by her neighbors?
Now everyone knows that the family of four is going to the United States, so buying it for the plane is understandable. It's better to be frugal on the road than poor!

And now she truly lives in a separate, detached house. Whether in a courtyard house or an overseas Chinese apartment, no one would bother her. That's why she gritted her teeth and bought several large bags at the Friendship Store.

No outsiders could see them in the courtyard house. Even if someone saw them throwing trash in the garbage bins at the Overseas Chinese Apartment, the neighbors wouldn't bother. Besides, they probably find washing diapers too much trouble and are already using them.

A bit expensive! Lin's mother came to see her grandson yesterday, saw the price, and clicked her tongue a few times.

People today can't understand the costs of raising a baby. To them, if the mother has breast milk, the baby will eat breast milk; if not, rice cereal or corn porridge will suffice. As for diapers, they're things that can be washed and reused. Why spend money on disposable diapers? That's just burning money.

Lin Yan also used it on the plane, but now she had to get used to it two days in advance, which made her shut up and not make a sound.

When Mom changed her younger brother's diaper, Yan Yan turned her head away. Chang Chang then obediently lay on Mom's lap so that Mom could change him and adjust his diaper.

When they first bought it, Lin Yan was studying the instructions on the packaging. Fang Mingche pretended to take a look at it, then took out a sheet and, feigning unfamiliarity, demonstrated it to Lin Yan.

It was hot outside, and Changchang was only wearing a little jacket and a diaper, with red handprints still visible on her face. Yan Yan found it quite amusing.

Changchang saw his older sister smiling at him, so he smiled back at her.

Lin Yan made 100cc of warm water and handed the plastic bottle to Changchang so he could hold it and drink from it. She also handed a cup to Yan Yan, saying, "You should drink some water too."

"Oh."

Seeing his older sister drinking water, Changchang drank even more enthusiastically. After finishing, he handed the empty bottle to his mother to show her that he had finished first.

Lin Yan then raised his right arm, "Okay, you're number one! You're even better than your sister."

The little guy gave his sister a smug smile, while Yan Yan gave him a speechless glance.

After a while, Lin Yan checked her packed suitcase to make sure she hadn't forgotten anything. Although she could buy anything in America, it was a huge expense. As long as her luggage wasn't overweight, she'd bring everything she could.

Yan Yan was assigned to stay here and look after her younger brother. After a short while, Chang Chang couldn't stand being in the 'pigsty' anymore. He climbed over the top and went out for a stroll.

Yan Yan had no choice but to follow behind him, saying, "It's hot, let's walk in the shade."

Changchang tentatively stepped out with his sandal-clad foot, then quickly pulled it back. The sun-exposed areas were scorching hot, so he obediently walked under the eaves where the sun was shining.

Fang's mother sat under the eaves in a well-ventilated spot, making him a new little jacket. Seeing him come out, she couldn't help but say, "Just play inside."

Yan Yan said, "He refuses."

Seeing that there were shaded areas around the eaves, Fang's mother didn't say anything. She let her granddaughter and grandson wander around up there.

But when her grandson walked past her, she saw the lingering handprint on his face. She immediately looked at Yan Yan, "You didn't do this, did you?"

Yan Yan doesn't seem that violent. While she's not as patient with her brother as Fang Fang is with Kang Kang, she's still alright. The key question is, if Chang Chang had really been hit, would he still be so close to the person who hit him?
Yan Yan was relieved that her grandmother didn't think she had hit her. She said, "He put his hand under his face when he was sleeping."

Fang's mother nodded, "I see. Yan Yan, Grandma also made you a little jacket and shorts. Try them on later!"

"Oh, okay. Thank you, Grandma!"

Fang's mother gently ran the needle through her hair. "You're welcome."

Just then, Wang Dexian and Yang Mei entered through the side door.

"Auntie, hello!"

"Hello, hello, please come in and sit down."

Yan Yan also greeted them, "Uncle Wang, Aunt Yang—"

Yang Mei smiled and patted her head, then asked Changchang, "Little one, do you still recognize us?"

Changchang raised her hand and said, "Hi—"

Of course, he didn't recognize her. Wang Dexian thought she looked familiar, but Yang Mei was someone he genuinely didn't remember. However, his sister had recently taught him to speak English, so he remembered this way of greeting her.

Wang Dexian and Yang Mei were both amused by the chubby child. Then, seeing the handprint on his face, they instinctively looked at Yan Yan, "Wasn't it you?"

Surely not, otherwise the old lady would be sitting so calmly and steadily.

Yan Yan could only patiently explain again, "He put his hands under his face when he slept." "Haha—" Yang Mei laughed out loud, then pulled up a stool and sat down in the shade.

Wang Dexian couldn't help but chuckle. "You really are a sound sleeper!"
Fang's mother said, "Yan Yan, go and call your parents."

"Ok."

Fang Mingche and Lin Yan were both called over to serve the guests. Lin Yan cut a plate of fruit and skewered it with a fork.

Yang Mei, without any hesitation, asked, "Do you have yogurt?" She liked food drizzled with yogurt.

She wouldn't normally make this request, either because the relationship wasn't strong enough or the family didn't have the financial means. But it wasn't a problem here with this couple. Besides, they had brought some fruit meant for internal use; they weren't just there to eat for free.

"I've already asked Yan Yan to get it from the refrigerator."

Lin Yan noticed that the guests staying there had some material needs. So she simply used her foreign exchange certificates to buy many popular items from the Friendship Store and the Overseas Chinese Store. There were no limits on what you could buy there, as long as you had foreign exchange or foreign exchange certificates. This way, her father-in-law could also make a profit from the price difference.

Mr. Fang set up a small shop here, selling items at a 20% markup. He only accepted items that could only be purchased with foreign currency or foreign exchange certificates. It was convenient for customers to buy more later. He had someone drive a small truck to pick up the goods, reducing the hassle for customers here.

At first, Changchang's "pigpen" was moved to the courtyard so he could play inside. Passing customers saw so many bottled mineral waters at the half-moon gate and asked if they were for sale.

Mr. Fang immediately nodded, "Sell it." Then he asked them what else they needed, and they could buy more to resell.

Ever since he learned that there were no purchase limits at the Friendship Store, he had been planning to do so. This time, he decisively seized the opportunity.

His business is not only successful because of its stable and ample supply channels, but more importantly, because the guests staying here are generous with their money.

The first three groups of investors who came to China have been staying here for over a week. They don't care about the four yuan per night room rate at all. In the past week or so, several other groups of guests have arrived, referred by the Beijing Hotel and Friendship Hotel after they were fully booked. They are all quite willing to spend money, and they are all accommodated in those three courtyards.

If they are not fully booked, they do not accommodate guests in their fourth courtyard.

In addition, when they applied for the guesthouse permit, they had already obtained the permits to sell food and general merchandise. So, Mr. Fang decisively opened the small shop. He and Mrs. Fang went to the Friendship Store to stock up on goods. They were truly shocked by the dazzling array of goods inside.

They heard that there had always been such abundant resources here for those ten years, and they felt that arriving in Beijing was truly an eye-opening experience.

The small shop was right next to Fang's father's workstation; he sold things and collected money himself. He didn't create any additional jobs for it. Every day, he'd calculate the profit margin and feel quite pleased with himself. That profit margin alone was more than his daily rent. He sold everyday items, snacks, bottled water, and the like.

Yan Yan brought over the yogurt and poured it directly over the chopped fruit. "Aunt Yang, it's ready to eat."

"Thank you, Yan Yan. You can drink a little yogurt every day if you have nothing else to do; it's quite good."

"Ah."

Wang Dexian and Fang Mingche were talking on the side, "I heard that the government is going to send people abroad to learn from other countries' advanced experiences for a period of six months. I'm going to try to get in."

Yang Mei smiled and said, "Our hospital will also send people. If we can get both of them, we can go to the United States together as a couple, just like you."

Fang Mingche said, "That's great. We'll go try it out first, and then we can tell you what to prepare when we get back. But I've heard that daily meals abroad are really simple. And Michelin-starred restaurants are especially expensive. You definitely can't afford to eat there with the allowance you're on official business."

While they wouldn't send out 52 people and only give the team leader $50 to pocket, they're not exactly rolling in money either.

Yang Mei said, "We should be fine."

Every time they received foreign exchange certificates, Lao Fang would give the couple one-twelfth of the money. This was Dexian's share of the profits. They both worked for good companies and usually ate in the company cafeteria. Occasionally, they would eat Western food, but they would pay in RMB.

As for daily necessities, both families' grandfathers had their own supplies, which were also distributed to them. They accumulated quite a lot of foreign exchange certificates.

"Michelin-starred restaurants are really expensive, not worth it. Besides, foreign exchange certificates can only be used domestically! If you go to the US, you can only use dollars to pay for things outside."

Once Yang Mei understood this, she raised her hand and slapped herself on the forehead in frustration.

Fang Mingche couldn't help but laugh when he saw her like this. Dr. Yang was probably already dreaming of going on a shopping spree.

Lin Yan asked, "Which city will you be in then?"

Washington.

"If Reiko's business opens smoothly and takes off, we should be able to exchange the knife for yours."

Wang Dexian said cheerfully, "Exchange with RMB?"

Lin Yan said, "Of course, it's foreign exchange certificates!"

Yang Mei said, "Okay, let's change it! Anyway, we can't use it abroad. Our supplies are usually quite sufficient, so there aren't many places where we need to use it."

After saying that, he glared at Wang Dexian without offering any advice. She was already thinking about taking the foreign exchange certificates and going on a shopping spree.

Being blinded by a single leaf, I forgot to bring the foreign exchange certificates, which can only be used domestically. And basically, only Friendship Stores and Overseas Chinese Stores have items that require foreign exchange certificates to purchase.

However, since Michelin-starred restaurants are expensive, they'll just give it a try.

Fang Mingche explained to them, "The restaurant's name isn't Michelin."

Wang Dexian and Yang Mei had originally come to see the family of four off early. Seeing that Fang Mingche didn't seem to be bothered by the fact that their private room had been taken, Wang Dexian didn't bring it up for the time being.

Fang Mingche called the Zhou family, "Is there anything you want to bring to my two daughters?"

Old Zhou said, "No, Lingzi has only been gone for a month. It was meant for Yingzi; she took it with her last time. Thank you for thinking of me!"

"Okay, if you ship any more goods later, you can include them."

Later, Zhu Dahai and Hu Yong, along with the other three, arrived.

Fang Mingche asked, "Are you here to see them off too? That's thoughtful of you."

When Lingzi left, everyone in the courtyard went to see her. That was because it was nearby. Now that it's a 15-minute walk from here, no one bothers to come.

Hu Yong said, "That's one thing. On the other hand, I also want to ask for your opinions on something. Qi Shun asked someone to pass on a message that he wants to see you."

Lin Yan looked at Fang Mingche and then said, "Isn't that necessary?"

Fang Mingche nodded, "Yes, there's no need. We only own 25% of the shares, and you all together own 75%. We've already said we won't participate in the management, so if you all agree, just make the decision!"

It seems these five guys have already waged a price war, forcing the other side to the brink of surrender. However, he truly no longer cares about Qi Shun. As long as people see that offending him will have dire consequences, that's enough.

Zhu Dahai nodded, "Okay, then just reply like that."

This was the reason he hadn't wanted to distribute the shares this way before. Hu Yong and the other three had too much influence! He wanted to divide them into three large portions, with him and Lin Yan each taking 30%. Then, Hu Yong and the other three would together take 40%.

Unfortunately, the price per share was set too high, and he couldn't afford it on his own. Moreover, Lin Yan and her husband clearly didn't care about the controlling stake. As an individual, he could only submit to the majority.

Two days later, Han Mei drove the family of four there. Mr. Fang and Mrs. Fang also went along.

After his son, daughter-in-law, grandson, and granddaughter went through security, Mr. Fang put his hands behind his back and prepared to go up to the seventh floor to see the murals. He had only heard about them before and had never seen them in person.

Fang's mother said to him, "You're an old man over fifty, going to look at pictures of women without clothes, how can you be so shameless!"

Mr. Fang said, "What's the big deal? It's displayed there openly, meant to be seen. Don't be so old-fashioned! I heard the chief designer came to see it and approved its preservation. Otherwise, do you think foreign businessmen and overseas Chinese would take this mural so seriously? Come on, let's take a look—"

Fang's mother whispered, "Do those Dai girls really bathe like that in broad daylight?"

"I heard it was painted by a painter after he went to collect inspiration from the local area. Do you understand what collecting inspiration from the local area means? It means going to the local area to see it in person."

The two elders went to see the murals together. Fang Mingche and his family of four had already passed through security and were in the business class waiting area.

Yan Yan said, "Dad, this is much better than the waiting area we sat in last time."

Lin Yan nodded. When she flew to Shanghai, the waiting area was just a single seat. There was food and drinks available here.

Fang Mingche said, "I used to buy economy class tickets. This is a business class perk."

Lin Yan asked, "Free?"

"The cost is all in the ticket price. So don't be shy. Take whatever you want to eat or drink. But meals will be provided on the plane, so don't eat or drink too much here."

Yan Yan had already heard from her mother that business class was twice the price of economy class. However, this flight was long. Not only would they have to eat on the plane, but they would also have to sleep. Sitting for more than ten hours straight would be too tiring, especially with her and her siblings traveling with them. So, they gritted their teeth and bought business class tickets.

She whispered, "It's so much more expensive, we won't get our money's worth."

Fang Mingche gently pinched her pert nose. "Business class offers better services than economy class. You don't have to wait as long to board, disembark, or collect your luggage. Plus, there's more space, and the food is better. Conservatively speaking, you can save an hour at both airports. For some people, that time is worth more than half the ticket price. Also, if you have something important or urgent, you can rest better in business or first class, and you'll need less rest time after landing. Time is money, remember that."

Yan Yan was still a little confused, but she nodded anyway, "Mm."

Changchang was simply happy to see so many dazzling candies, snacks, and drinks. He excitedly waved his hands, shouting, "Eat—"

Lin Yan said with a smile, "You pronounce this word the most clearly. However, you can't eat or drink anything in here."

Pushing Changchang in the stroller provided here, she called Yan Yan, and the three of them went to choose food and drinks together. You can take a small amount with you.

Changchang happily made a grabbing motion, and Lin Yan had no choice but to cooperate and pick him up. He grabbed it but couldn't hold on to it, so Yan Yan had to pick it up and put it in the pocket of his jacket.

When the boarding announcement came over the loudspeaker, they went straight from there, getting on board faster than the others. They had business class tickets, which allowed them to board a little earlier than economy class. Once the first-class passengers had boarded, it was their turn.

Yan Yan checked her assigned seat and saw that it was indeed half again as wide as her current seat. Chang Chang and her mother sat together, and it was still quite spacious. She had her own seat, which was practically roomy enough for her to roll around in. The family of four had three tickets, all placed close together.

Fang Mingche and Lin Yan exchanged a glance; the test had begun. Meanwhile, their chubby son sat in his seat, pulling out a handful of colorful candies from his pocket and playing with them, seemingly quite content to stay put.

Just then, the little guy suddenly farted. He looked back at himself, then burst out laughing.

Fang Mingche and Lin Yan chuckled, "Even a fart makes them so happy!"
Fang Chang was mainly cared for by Lin Yan. Fang Mingche was ready to assist at any time, while also taking care of Yan Yan who was standing next to him.

As the plane took off, Fang Mingche held a slice of apple to his son's mouth. "Ah—"

Fang Chang took a bite and started chewing. This allowed him to keep his mouth open during takeoff, partially offsetting the internal and external pressure. This prevented his eardrums from being subjected to too much impact.

He also handed a piece to Yan Yan, saying, "Eat it yourself, Dad and Mom will take care of your little brother first."

But when the plane tilted upwards, Changchang, who had never experienced this before, was startled and stopped chewing.

Fang Mingche said, "Daddy's here, Daddy's here, don't be afraid!"

"Mom's here too, open your mouth—"

"Look at your sister, let's bite and bite like her—"

(End of this chapter)