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

Chapter 207: Heartfelt words
Those present were stunned by Mr. Fang's words. They hadn't expected that instead of having Fang Mingche take his brother and sister-in-law to his travel agency for a comfortable life, Mr. Fang would suggest that Fang Minghua and Yuan Shufen set up a stall at the train station selling noodles and wontons. Frankly, that wasn't exactly a respectable job. And why start with that?
They had all heard of the "seven up, eight down" theory. Hiring seven people is considered hiring help, but hiring eight is exploitation. Mingche's other industries all operate on a maximum of seven people; no more can be added. Adding even one more would change the nature of the business.

Mingcheng had already told them this before. Besides, they didn't actually want to go to the scrap yard or that vegetable stall.

However, Mingche also opened a travel agency. In addition, he also opened a handicraft shop in conjunction with the travel agency. The shop has even expanded overseas! The family of four traveled to the United States, the United Kingdom, and France in July and August. Before that, during the winter vacation, Fang Mingche also took Yan Yan to Japan.

They were all stunned. Going abroad was something they thought was so far removed from their lives. They never expected that someone they knew had been to several countries.

Mingcheng also reminded them not to say too much when communicating with their family. He suggested mentioning that Mingche had given the small courtyard he bought to his parents and his brother and sister-in-law, while he himself lived in a rented apartment.

Also, it's true he bought a large courtyard house, but he's 18 yuan in debt because of it. Uncle Qi has been trying his best to help him find a way to make more money from that courtyard house.

Everyone immediately understood: he shouldn't flaunt his wealth! Even though everyone knew Mingche must have made a lot of money, he didn't want to expose it completely. Besides, the fact that he owed 18 was probably true.

They were stunned when they heard that number. It was an astronomical figure!

Back in their hometown, the most they dared to dream of was that he was now a millionaire, or at least had tens of thousands of yuan. They never even dared to imagine him having more than a hundred thousand!

It must be at least 100,000! I heard a single van from a travel agency costs 35,000. Even if he's partnering with someone, he still has over 100,000. As for the debt, that's offset by the courtyard house.

Fang Minghua and Yuan Shufen exchanged a glance; this second son was far too audacious in accumulating debt. However, given their circumstances, they treated their children very well, so there was nothing for them to do. Besides, even the old man said he wasn't as farsighted as Mingche and didn't care about anything anymore.

Mingche's seemingly foolish decision to sell his secure job actually resulted in him gaining access to better study materials in the capital, which ultimately led to his university admission. His business also flourished. Now he owns a house and a car! It's like a triple jump, instantly becoming a person of high status!
Even if you still owe debts, would a bank easily lend you so much money if they didn't thoroughly investigate your background and know that you can repay it?

Everyone learned that Fang Mingche had hired the maximum number of seven people in all his other businesses. They couldn't help but feel fortunate that the travel agency and handicraft shop were both generating foreign exchange for the country, earning money from foreigners or overseas Chinese. Foreign exchange was what the country urgently needed, and those who could generate it were truly meritorious! The bank's publicity was effective; even in their remote, impoverished areas, everyone knew about it.

Companies that generate foreign exchange for the country have special privileges; they won't be reported for seven or eight issues. Even if they are reported, they won't be labeled as capitalists!
Mingche's two businesses already employ seventy people each!

While everyone was astonished, they couldn't help but admire his quick wit. They also all assumed he intended to place them and others in these two foreign exchange-earning enterprises. Therefore, he took both learning to drive and practicing his Mandarin very seriously.

Mingcheng was still laughing at the time, saying, "Every one of you, more than two years ago, laughed at him for being out of his mind?"

The crowd looked embarrassed and tried to defend themselves, saying, "You're no different. Besides, if we could have foreseen that individual businesses would be legalized two years from now, like Mingche did, we certainly wouldn't have said that. Although the Third Plenary Session of the Eleventh Central Committee had been held then, how many people would have believed it? Moreover, didn't he go to Beijing to prepare for the exam back then? He himself said that the education level and teaching staff in the capital were much better than in our small place, which is why he was able to get into Beijing Normal University."

What? Judging from what Fang's father and Mingche are saying, they don't intend to arrange things for them like this?

Moreover, even Fang Minghua and his wife were required to set up their own stalls.

Fang Mingche said, "What's wrong with setting up a stall? I started out with a tea stall, and I'm still collecting scraps now. I actually think that doing business is the best thing right now. As long as you find the right path and work hard, it shouldn't be difficult to develop in the capital. Besides, I've already established myself here, so you all have a place to stay. If you want to do business, you can borrow up to 300 yuan from me. One chance per person! These are great conditions for starting a business! My own brother and sister-in-law, my father and I all arranged for them to start their own businesses. Think about it carefully, do you want to do business or work for me? If you work for me, I will select the best candidates. You won't get any extra treatment just because you're from my hometown or clan. Otherwise, it would be difficult for me to manage my team!"

Mr. Fang said, "Yes, you should think about it carefully and make sure you understand."

Fang Minghua said incredulously, "Second brother, they still have a choice, but your sister-in-law and I don't?"

Fang Mingche nodded, "That's right. If you two work for me, it will inevitably reverse the order of seniority. You're family, and I can support you in starting your own business three times! You should also think carefully about whether you should go into the businesses that Dad approves of. Or, you can find your own."

Yuan Shufen thought for a moment, "Dad, why did you initially want us to set up a cart stall at the train station? Have you changed your mind now?"

Mr. Fang said, “I came here in May. It’s already October, and the weather is starting to get cold. The winter in the capital is much colder than in Sichuan. There’s no shelter at all for setting up a stall. Are you going to stand there exposed to the cold wind? And this is your first time spending the winter in the north. Don’t catch a cold. So, if you want to open a business now, you can only rent a storefront and open a breakfast shop. Hmm, I’m taking half a day off today. I can go out with you and take a look around. You can check out the market yourselves.”

Renting a storefront definitely costs more than opening a mobile stall.

The scrap yard bought two tractors, so they have extra tricycles. Now they even use a tractor to collect scrap from the Overseas Chinese Apartments.

At first, Mr. Fang thought that he might have his second son sell the tricycle at a discount to his eldest son to set up a vehicle stall.

Fang Mingche said no, because his tricycle had been used to transport scrap metal, and he was afraid that word would get back to customers who would be wary. He had previously kept his vegetable and scrap metal tricycles separate, but Qi Shun spread rumors about him, and now people weren't buying his vegetables anymore.

Now he has three brand-new tractors, and the two businesses are completely separate. This has prevented further rumors from spreading. Having two more tricycles won't hurt; he has more scrap metal now than before. He can just send two more people to collect it along the streets.

Mr. Fang thought about it and realized that made sense. He decided to buy a new one instead.

Mr. Fang had thought a lot about it beforehand. But when his eldest son and daughter-in-law finally arrived, he slapped his forehead and realized he'd forgotten winter was coming! He was so blinded by his own perspective; his second son hadn't even bothered to remind him. Instead, he was quite cooperative in explaining to him that he couldn't use his old tricycle.

Then let's rent a storefront and open a breakfast shop. Mingche, a fellow villager, was willing to lend 300 yuan as start-up capital, so he certainly wouldn't be stingy with the amount from his own brother.

Moreover, they had just sold most of the family's grain after the autumn harvest, so the eldest son should have several hundred yuan left. Before leaving, Fang's father said that he was going to the capital, and that the eldest son and his wife should take good care of the crops in the fields, and that all future harvests would be theirs.

Fang Minghua and Yuan Shufen nodded, "Alright, after lunch we'll go out with you to check out the market."

Traveling and visiting places is a lot of fun. However, since my livelihood is still uncertain, three days of travel is enough.

After Mr. Fang said that, the other six people also expressed their desire to go and see it together. They shared the same view and spent three days visiting all the representative places. But first, let's settle our livelihood!

I hadn't considered going into business before, but Fang Mingche had arranged this for his older brother and sister-in-law. And he himself did start his business from scratch. So this should indeed be a good path.

However, although there are successful precedents in both doing business and working for someone else, it feels like working for someone else is more reliable. Han Ping and Fang Mingcheng buying a house is something we can see. Doing business definitely has risks, and their minds probably can't keep up with Mingche and Mingfeng's pace.

Fang Mingche said, "Then let Mingcheng drive you around to see it again. It's okay, take your time to think it over. Just tell me when you've figured it out. Don't neglect your driving and Mandarin learning either. It'll definitely do you good."

He actually thought the path his father had chosen for his brother and sister-in-law was quite good. His brother and sister-in-law weren't suited for reselling; they were too timid. Selling noodles, with their hard work and steady approach, was much better – small profits but quick turnover.

The old man was actually trying very hard to help his eldest son and daughter-in-law. After all, he knew his brother and sister-in-law quite well.

And if business really goes well, they can rent a storefront, open a shop, and save money. Eventually, if they can buy a storefront, and then a house, their lives in the capital shouldn't be bad. This path suits my brother and sister-in-law well; they can act within their means and be content with modest wealth. After all, my sister-in-law is indeed very skilled at making noodles. Otherwise, my father wouldn't have thought of this.

However, judging from the old man's methods of managing the guesthouse, he even came up with the idea of ​​reselling daily necessities, which shows he has quite a business mind. Brother, did you take after your mother?
Fang Mingche stayed for lunch, then took a taxi driven by Master He to Lin Yan's parents' house. She took Fang Min and the two children back with her. As for Fang Jian and his two siblings, they had come with him. He would pick them up after dinner.

As for the small truck, let's leave it here for Mingcheng and his group to use. Today is Sunday, and the travel agency's administrative staff are off work, so they won't need the vehicle. As for the past few days, of course, we only let them drive it out for fun when the travel agency wasn't using it.

Fang Mingche's words today left everyone present somewhat silent. They hadn't given much thought to the predetermined path they initially assumed. But now that another option was available, they definitely had to think about it carefully.

Fang Minghua and Yuan Shufen had no other choice but to start their own business. This made things much simpler. The second brother said he wouldn't take them in, and they also felt a bit awkward working for their own brother. Besides, the old man had already shown them the way, so they would just follow his instructions.

Everyone immediately got into Mingcheng's car and went out to check out the market.

Mr. Fang had already come out to look at shops several times, and he even had his eye on a storefront. He said to his eldest son and daughter-in-law, "Renting a shopfront would increase costs. Or, you two could look into other businesses?"

He heard Mingche say that in the early 1980s, there was a middle-aged woman who sold New Year's cards. Because they were a novelty, she made 20,000 yuan during the New Year period. Then she added 6,000 yuan to buy a one-courtyard house nearby. That courtyard house is now worth 30,000 yuan!

So, people nowadays have purchasing power. But he couldn't come up with such a novel idea. Neither could the eldest son or his wife. Since that's the case, they should just honestly earn money through their skills. Doing that well is the only way to ensure long-term success.

Fang Minghua and Yuan Shufen exchanged bewildered glances. They had just arrived; where were they supposed to find other business?
Fang Jian said, "I think Mom's noodles are delicious, I can try them."

As the eldest son, he still has some say in the family.

He had already said that, and Fang Fang nodded in agreement, saying, "I think so too. But it probably won't be as profitable as Uncle's big bowl tea stall at first."

Fang Jian thought to himself: Of course, the tea stall still makes a net profit of about twenty yuan a day. In the beginning, his uncle even ran a business on his own. His aunt said that when they joined forces with the handicraft cooperative, they earned more than thirty yuan a day. His aunt said she was really happy at the time, so happy that she couldn't stop smiling.

A large bowl of tea cost only two cents, and he earned over thirty yuan a day. That's nearly two thousand bowls sold! The flow of people at Tiananmen Square was truly immense! Besides, the key point is that a bowl only cost two cents. It quenched his thirst and cooled him down in the summer, and warmed him up in the winter.

Although noodles are more expensive, it's probably not easy to earn twenty yuan a day. Even if two ounces of noodles cost forty cents, the profit is probably only one cent. The cost of noodles is a much larger percentage of the cost of a large bowl of tea!
Fang Minghua also remembered what Jianwa had told him about the profits of the tea stall with the big bowls of tea, and he was suddenly tempted. If he could earn half of that at first, five yuan a day would be great for him.

Of course, this was mainly because he had a place to stay. I heard that the second brother rode his bicycle for more than ten days to find a place to stay. Later, he was even ripped off by Grandpa Gu! And at that time, the crackdown on vagrants was very strict.

He racked his brains but couldn't think of any other business opportunities. Why not give it a try?

Fang Minghua decided to give it a try first. The storefront at the entrance of the alley that his father had found for him did indeed have a lot of foot traffic. Although it couldn't compare to Dashilan, it was still pretty good because it was close to the square.

Fang Jian and Fang Fang even counted the number of customers who walked past the door in an hour.

Mr. Fang said, “Alright, you all can take another look and then discuss it. You six should also think carefully about what you really want to do. Or, why don’t we let them stay here and observe? We can go to Xidan, Shichahai, Dashilan, and other places to see what kind of businesses others are doing and if there’s anything we can learn from them?”

“Okay!” The six people nodded in agreement and got into the car with Fang’s father and went away together.

Fang Mingche rode over in Master He's car, and Master He couldn't help but say, "Since your family is no longer living here, I've lost a lot of business."

This family is very generous with money! When they need to go out but don't have a car, they often ride in his car.

"But there are fewer gamers playing together now, so you should still be making a good living."

Master He chuckled, "I can't compare to you two, but I'm doing alright compared to those who get paid. By the way, I have something to tell you. Yesterday, Qi Shun rode in my car to Qin Hua's house. He was carrying a lot of gifts."

Fang Mingche asked in surprise, "How do you know Qi Shun?"

"Those young men in your courtyard and your wife are engaged in a fierce price war with him. Of course I have to know about it."

Fang Mingche asked, "Do you know why he went to see the Qin family?"

"I only overheard a sentence or two, it might be about finding the Qin family to mediate."

"Oh, okay, I understand. Thank you, Master He."

After Fang Mingche and his son left one after the other, Qin Zhao came out to look for him, but he was too late.

"Aunt Fang, I heard Little Fang is back?"

Upon seeing that it was Wang Dexian's stepfather, Fang's mother quickly said, "Yes, but he went to his father-in-law's house after lunch. Is it urgent for you to see him? If so, just call his father-in-law's factory." "Oh, no rush, no rush. Is he coming back today?"

"They're coming back to pick up their nephew and niece and take them back to the Overseas Chinese Apartment. Probably after dinner."

"Alright, I'll come again then. See you later!"

"Okay, see you later!"

Looking at his retreating figure, Fang's mother thought that something must have really happened.

Fang Mingche had guessed this would happen, but he wasn't in a hurry to leave after visiting his father-in-law's house. He was being treated like a pampered guest at the Lin family's house, receiving very good treatment. Even the neighbors were very welcoming to him. This was what Huang Bo meant when he said, "When you're successful, you meet good people everywhere."

Lin Yi brewed tea for his brother-in-law and brought it over, using some better tea leaves that his father had bought. His unusual attentiveness today likely meant he had something to say to him. So, Fang Mingche took a sip of tea and said, "Speak plainly."

Lin Yi is the kind of person who doesn't like to beat around the bush. It makes him uncomfortable, and it makes the listener uncomfortable too.

So when Fang Mingche said that, he simply pulled over a small stool and sat down next to him.

Right now, Lin Yan and her two children, along with Lin's mother and Han Mei, were actually taking a black cab to shop at the department stores in Xidan. Fang Min also went over to push Fang Chang's stroller. This way, Lin Yan and the others could enjoy their shopping. There were six large department stores there.

Seeing Lin Yi talking to his son-in-law, Lin's father figured it wouldn't hurt, so he didn't go over to listen to what they were saying.

Lin Yi whispered to Fang Mingche, "Brother-in-law, it seems like Han Mei has given up on me completely now."

She used to constantly urge him to be more ambitious, and he got impatient. But now that she doesn't have any demands on him, he's a little unaccustomed to it. And, you know, it's still unpleasant for a man to feel looked down upon by his woman. Han Mei's true feelings sometimes show.

Fang Mingche looked at him and said, "Xiao Yi, you actually have two main sources of confidence right now. One is that Han Mei works for your sister and brother-in-law and is on our paycheck; the other is that you are a formal worker in a state-owned factory and have various benefits such as medical care, housing, and retirement pension."

Lin Yi nodded; that was indeed the case. Otherwise, with only a junior high school education, he was already inferior to Han Mei, who was a high school graduate. And now his income was only one-seventh of hers. Living together like this would truly make him feel insecure and powerless.

Fang Mingche said, "Our first advantage shouldn't disappear anytime soon. After all, our business is booming right now."

The travel agency and specialty store combined brought in about 50,000 yuan in September, though not as much as the approximately 60,000 yuan earned in July and August. Under these circumstances, Han Mei wouldn't switch jobs.

"As for the second point, haven't you considered that your reliance on state-owned factories might disappear? As far as I know, some factories are already piloting self-financing."

Lin Yi said, "Those are all small factories. A large factory like ours with thousands of employees wouldn't do that. It would cause a lot of turmoil!"

Fang Mingche said, "But does the fact that there will be a pilot program mean that the higher-ups have ideas and are preparing to break the egalitarian system? Of course, you're not wrong. Large factories won't act rashly because the workers can't handle too much upheaval. But it's an inevitable process, just one that will be cautious and slow."

Lin Yi remained unconvinced, "How could that be? The working class are the masters of the country."

From the founding of the People's Republic of China to the present, in order to complete the transformation from an agricultural country to an industrial country, workers have always been treated preferentially. Even if farmers were short of food for their own families, they dared not pay less grain to the state. Workers had access to marketable grain, high wages, and various coupons to buy goods.

For over thirty years, it has always been like this. Therefore, the older worker has always lived with high spirits and confidence.

Moreover, this approach did have its advantages. It helped us weather the isolation and helplessness we faced during the 1950s and 60s when we were blockaded by the US and the Soviet Union. Later, during several world-class economic crises, we were able to cope by stimulating domestic demand and achieving a domestic economic cycle. This is because we have the world's most complete range of industries and a consumer market of over one billion people.

Fang Mingche said, "The household responsibility system is an inevitable trend in rural areas now. If rural areas can be reformed, why can't factories? The household responsibility system in rural areas was completely unthinkable in the 1960s! So why can't the workers' iron rice bowl be broken? The succession system will inevitably be abolished!"

He was indoors now, and he was speaking in a low voice, so as not to upset the working class in the courtyard who might accuse him of slandering socialism. He only spoke a few words when his brother-in-law asked.

A system where succession is possible has its drawbacks, creating many people like Lin Yi who, having a secure job, lack ambition. There are also those who, due to the medical reimbursement system, spend long hours in hospitals as long-term patients.

The system of equal pay for everyone, regardless of how much work you do, is very discouraging for those who genuinely want to contribute.

Lin Yi was utterly dumbfounded. His brother-in-law had just dropped a bombshell on him! His biggest asset was his inherited job. Taking over meant he could live off his family for life and then pass it on to the next generation. This guaranteed that his entire family would never go hungry, and they would have no problem with basic sustenance.

Lin's father overheard some of it and couldn't help but come out. He looked at his son-in-law with a face full of surprise and doubt!

Fang Mingche said, "That's exactly what I think. The People's Daily commentary at the end of August clearly stated 'more work, more pay.' That's the signal! And haven't there been some quiet changes happening in the factory over the past two years?"

Lin Yi was just a regular worker, with no contact with middle management. He didn't have a deep understanding of the situation. But Lin's father thought about it and realized that his son-in-law's talk of self-financing meant that the leadership was already starting to worry. Previously, the higher-ups would directly set quotas, and downstream companies would buy up whatever production was produced. But now, things weren't entirely planned; production and sales weren't entirely driven by administrative orders. Not 100% of the products would be bought!

He said, "Mingche, according to what you've said, the workers might lose their jobs in the future, right? Will that affect our retirement pensions?"

Fang Mingche said, "Since we're going to break the egalitarian system and the principle of more work, more pay, many of the practices in the factory will inevitably be reformed. But I don't know exactly how."

Lin's father sat down. "Yes, if rural areas can be reformed, why can't factories?"
With Lin Yi's work performance, he might really lose his secure job if the reforms are implemented. How can he feel at ease then? Also, what will he and his wife do if their retirement pension is really gone?
Fang Mingche naturally hoped that Lin Yi could be more ambitious so as not to become a burden to Ayan.

Han Mei is different from her previous life. Once Lin Yi can't even support himself, she will definitely dump him. Then the family will be in turmoil, and A Yan certainly won't be able to stay out of it.

Rather than having to intervene later, it's better to give my brother-in-law a real wake-up call now. He's an adult now; he needs to stand on his own two feet. Otherwise, my in-laws will be anxious, and Ayan will have to worry a lot.

Fang Mingche said, "This is just my speculation, but I think this is very likely how things will develop. However, Dad, Xiaoyi, you absolutely must not tell anyone."

Before the matter is settled, such potentially panic-inducing statements must absolutely not be uttered.

Lin's father and Lin Yi nodded. Lin Yi said, "Even if I told them, probably not many people would believe me."

Fang Mingche said, "Some people like to take their anger out on others! They won't believe me now, but if it comes true, they might blame me for being a jinx. You can't wake someone who's pretending to be asleep. I hope you're not one of those people."

Lin Yan and her group didn't return home until three or four in the morning, their bags full of purchases. Lin Yan had money, and so did Han Mei. Shopping at a department store was definitely a shopping spree.

Yes, Han Mei bought things for her own mother and didn't forget her mother-in-law. She's certainly showing some respect! Now, her relationship with Lin Yan as sister-in-law and with Lin's mother as mother-in-law are both very harmonious.

The only discord was probably Lin Yi's lack of ambition, which displeased her. However, she wouldn't voice it anymore. With Lin Yi, if things could still go on, they would. If not, then they would divorce!
In another two or three years, she'll be able to earn a living on her own, making her a millionaire. Besides, her family isn't doing badly either.

If she's capable at the job, her sister-in-law can't just fire her because she's divorced. To avoid the awkwardness of constantly running into each other, maybe she can even go abroad to earn some money.

Changchang, the only representative of the shopping army, was already lying flat in her stroller, drooling as she slept. The women, including Yan Yan, were all radiant.

Lin's mother even took out the clothes that her daughter and daughter-in-law had bought for Lin's father and held them up against him, saying, "Old man, go try them on. If they don't fit, you can exchange them."

Lin Yi also had two outfits that Han Mei had bought for him. Han Mei smiled gently at him and said, "Go try them on."

She's not planning to divorce him yet, so she definitely has to treat him well! Her sister-in-law and brother-in-law say they treat everyone equally, but they'll definitely still look at her differently because of Lin Yi.

Besides, aside from being unambitious, Lin Yi was actually quite good to her. He'd earn thirty or forty yuan and be willing to spend twenty on her. However, as her income increased, those twenty yuan really didn't matter much to her anymore.

After dinner, the family took the black taxi driven by the same car from the alleyway to the small courtyard. Now, Mr. Lin would no longer accuse them of not knowing how to save money.

So what if they earn more and spend more? Besides, to be honest, the real spendthrift is his daughter. That apartment in the Overseas Chinese Apartment, filled with imported appliances and expensive furniture, cost a whopping 30,000 yuan!

Spending so much money decorating a rented house is simply wasteful! Especially since that money was obtained by mortgaging the courtyard house. But Lin Yan argued that they were just spending in advance, not that they couldn't pay it back. Besides, furniture and appliances aren't disposable; they can last for over ten years. A daughter is no longer under her father's control once she grows up, and her husband is willing to spoil her. He can only choose to turn a blind eye.

So now, he no longer complains that he can buy three pounds of pork for just one or two yuan to take a black cab.

Upon arriving at the small courtyard, Lin Yan looked at Fang Mingche and asked, "Shall we call the three siblings and leave now?"

Then we'll have to call Master He to come along and drive to the Overseas Chinese Apartment.

"Forget it, let's go in and ask them what they've decided. We can't be too indifferent."

Lin Yan nodded and paid the fare. She would ask Master He to call them another car later, or he could just drive the small truck back.

Several people got out of the car and went inside, and the people living in the small courtyard were quite concerned.

However, since the neighbors were watching TV in the main room, they gathered in the west wing. They still wanted to tell Fang Mingche about their experience visiting several self-employed commercial districts in the capital that day. Compared to that, watching TV was nothing.

Only Han Ping's and Fang Mingcheng's families could sit peacefully with their neighbors and continue watching. Their livelihoods were already secured. Even if their wives didn't work, they could still make ends meet.

Moreover, once they get promoted one more level, the travel agency will arrange jobs for their family members. They weren't as anxious as these six people, Fang Minghua, and Yuan Shufen. They weren't going to compete with them for jobs right now.

Fang Mingche asked, "Have you made a decision?"

The six people remained silent; they couldn't make a decision on such a big matter so quickly. They planned to observe for a few more days and then call home to discuss it. They had also come over to hear Fang Mingche's opinion.

Fang Minghua and Yuan Shufen had already made their decision; they had no other choice.

Fang Minghua said, "We plan to rent the shop that Dad has his eye on, and then renovate it. We'll try to open on November 11th."

Fang Mingche nodded. There should be enough time in half a month. He could just paint the walls, set up the tables, chairs, dishes, and then see if the stove needed any work done.

"Yeah, if you're short on money, just tell me."

"We don't need it for now. These don't cost much. We just sold the grain and got two or three hundred. Dad also gave us over a hundred when we divided the family property. That should be about right."

The others were still a little uneasy. Making money is great, of course, but they couldn't help but wonder what if they lost it all?
Fang Mingche said, "It's alright, think about it more. Keep practicing driving and language, and go out and see more. You've seen how many stalls and vendors there are in the capital these days! This way, we won't waste any time."

After they had finished talking, Fang's mother said, "Mingche, Xiao Wang's stepfather came to see you earlier."

(End of this chapter)