In the fiery red era of the heavens, refrigerators are refreshed daily.

The April sunlight filtered through the sparse branches of the plane trees, casting shimmering spots of light on the asphalt road of the cadre family compound.

Yang Guangming rode in Master Li's spotless Shanghai-brand sedan and once again entered this quiet and orderly courtyard.

The car came to a smooth stop in front of that familiar red brick building, and the hum of the engine came to an abrupt halt.

As Yang Guangming stepped out of the car, the cool morning air, carrying the fresh scents of earth and plants, rushed towards him.

Knocking on that familiar dark wooden door, a few moments later, light footsteps came from inside.

The door opened, and Liu Yajuan's warm, smiling face appeared in the doorway. She was wearing a floral apron, as if she had just come out from the kitchen.

"The light is here! Come in, come in! Old He is still at home." Aunt Liu's voice was as cheerful as ever. As she spoke, she stepped aside to make way, her eyes full of familiar warmth.

Yang Guangming smiled and nodded in greeting, "Aunt Liu, sorry to bother you." Then he stepped into the living room.

The living room windows were open, letting in soft sunlight and a gentle breeze, making the room bright and warm.

He immediately spotted He Zhenzhong sitting on the large sofa, talking to a young man with his back to the door. Hearing the noise, the two of them stopped talking and stood up almost simultaneously.

The young man turned around, facing the bright sunlight.

He looked to be under thirty, of medium height, with a straight and upright posture like a pine tree. He was wearing a slightly worn blue Zhongshan suit, the fabric of which had faded a bit from washing, but it was ironed very neatly, with even the lines of the collar and cuffs being meticulous, exuding a kind of capable and efficient air rarely seen in this era.

He was quite handsome, with a high nose bridge, well-defined lips, and a relaxed and open expression between his brows, exuding an air of nonchalance.

Upon closer inspection, however, the skin on his face and the back of his exposed hands appears slightly rough, bearing the marks of long-term outdoor labor and sun exposure. This creates a subtle contrast with his overall refined and calm demeanor, as if he could immerse himself in a study or roam freely in the fields.

Yang Guangming immediately realized that this must be Wang Qingyu, whom Uncle He had mentioned and strongly recommended many times.

Seeing it with my own eyes, Wang Qingyu's appearance was slightly different from He Zhenzhong's description; the image before me was more real and vivid.

"Uncle He, Aunt Liu," Yang Guangming greeted the two elders.

“Guangming, come, sit down.” He Zhenzhong waved to him with his usual gentle smile, then pointed to the young man beside him, his tone becoming more serious, “This is the Wang Qingyu I mentioned to you. Qingyu, this is Yang Guangming.”

"Hello, Comrade Yang Guangming!"

Wang Qingyu immediately stepped forward, extending his right hand. His smile was cheerful and sincere, his eyes bright and clear, carrying a touch of just the right amount of curiosity and subtle scrutiny. His gaze was frank and direct, but without the slightest hint of arrogance typical of scions of noble families. His attitude was perfectly measured.

"Comrade Qingyu, hello, I've heard so much about you." Yang Guangming quickly extended his hand and shook hands with him firmly.

Wang Qingyu's hands had a strong grip, and when his palms touched, one could clearly feel the friction of thin calluses. This was indeed proof that he had truly endured hardship and accomplished great things, which made Yang Guangming's initial assessment of him even more reassured.

He Zhenzhong watched the two shake hands and exchange greetings, a look of satisfaction and pleasure on his face. He glanced at his watch and said:

"Alright, I've introduced you to them. I have an important meeting this morning, so I have to go. I won't stay with you young people any longer."

He then turned to Wang Qingyu, his tone carrying the concern and admonition typical of an elder: "Qingyu, I've already given you a general overview of Guangming's situation. He's a young man with real talent and broad vision, and he genuinely wants to do practical things."

You're about the same age, so it's a good time to talk openly and share your thoughts. The key is whether your ideas align and whether you can work together effectively in the future. That's more important than anything else.

"Uncle He, don't worry, I understand what you mean. I will communicate well with Comrade Guangming." Wang Qingyu nodded respectfully in agreement, his tone very sincere.

"Guangming, you two can stay here and chat. I'll take my leave now." He Zhenzhong nodded to Yang Guangming again, his eyes filled with obvious expectation and a sense of relief that he had entrusted the matter to someone.

"Uncle He, you have important business to attend to, and I've already taken up a lot of your precious time. Thank you very much," Yang Guangming said quickly, his words filled with sincere gratitude.

Liu Yajuan also smiled and said, "Old He, you go ahead, I'll take care of things at home. Guangming, Qingyu, you two can chat peacefully in the living room."

I'll go check on the kitchen; I won't disturb your business.

As she spoke, she deftly refilled the teacups on the coffee table with hot water and placed a plate of freshly washed fruit on them.

He Zhenzhong picked up his briefcase from the side and walked out with steady steps.

Liu Yajuan smiled and gestured to the two of them before turning and heading to the kitchen. She then gently closed the living room door, leaving them a quiet and private space.

Suddenly, only Yang Guangming and Wang Qingyu remained in the living room.

A brief silence descended before the first in-depth conversation, but this silence was not awkward; rather, it was a necessary pause for both parties to adjust their state and organize their thoughts.

Yang Guangming broke the silence first, and he calmly pointed to the sofa opposite him: "Comrade Qingyu, please sit down."

The two sat facing each other on the sofa, separated by a coffee table covered with a white lace tablecloth, on which two cups of tea were steaming.

Looking at Yang Guangming, Wang Qingyu's smile faded slightly, replaced by a more serious and focused expression. He hesitated for a moment, as if gathering his thoughts for the last time, before finally speaking:
"Comrade Guangming, first of all, please allow me to thank Leader He again for the introduction, and I am also very grateful that you have taken the time out of your busy schedule to give me this opportunity to talk in person."

His tone was very sincere, even with obvious seriousness: "To be honest, after listening to Leader He's detailed introduction of your situation, as well as the specific content, responsibilities and benefits of this job, I personally value it very much and am extremely interested in it."

Frankly, such an opportunity is extremely rare right now.

He paused, then met Yang Guangming's gaze honestly. "It's precisely because I feel this is a rare opportunity and I care about it so much that I thought it would be best to meet you in person, to have a direct and in-depth understanding of each other, and then make a decision together that is responsible to both of us."

He further elaborated on his thoughts, demonstrating a maturity and prudence beyond his years:

"I know that without the trust I have with Leader He, such a good working platform and development opportunities would never have come my way."

I don't want to, and absolutely cannot, waste this opportunity. It would not only be letting Uncle He down, but also being irresponsible to myself.

However, I must also be realistic. If my abilities truly do not meet your job requirements, or if my temperament, personality, or work style may not be compatible with yours in the long-term cooperation, or even cause friction, then I cannot force things based solely on enthusiasm, even though I will certainly feel very regretful.

"so."

Wang Qingyu's tone was clear and firm: "The purpose of today's meeting for me is very clear."

My goal is to have a comprehensive, two-way communication and understanding, to see if I have the necessary capabilities to handle the tasks you assign me, and more importantly, to determine if we can establish a smooth and pleasant working relationship in the future.

Yang Guang listened quietly, her fingers unconsciously stroking the warm teacup, and her opinion of Wang Qingyu rose another point in her mind.

The fact that this young man could speak so clearly and humbly, after careful consideration, shows that he is by no means the kind of spoiled brat who relies on his family background, is arrogant and ignorant. On the contrary, he knows how to assess the situation, cherish opportunities, and know how to position himself properly. He has a rare sense of self-awareness and propriety.

This is an extremely valuable quality for a young cadre with a privileged family background.

The domestic assistant he needs, like Wang Qingyu, who has a good family background and network of connections, must have the right attitude, a clear sense of boundaries, and know when to advance and retreat, and what constitutes appropriate conduct. While ability is an important aspect to consider, the most important and core requirement is that he must have the right attitude, a clear sense of boundaries, and know when to advance and when to retreat, and what constitutes appropriate conduct.

It now appears that Wang Qingyu has at least initially demonstrated this ability, which gives him more confidence for the subsequent conversation.

The initial exchange deepened his respect for Leader He.

Even in this small matter, Leader He's attention to detail is something he should learn from.

In the previous introduction, Leader He's evaluation of Wang Qingyu met the requirements for the position at Guangming, but the evaluation was not high, which made Yang Guangming subconsciously lower his expectations.

When they met, Wang Qingyu's performance far exceeded Guangming's expectations, and Guangming was even more satisfied.

"Comrade Qingyu, you are too kind and modest."

Yang Guangming smiled slightly, his tone calm and sincere, breaking the slight heaviness in the other person's words, "I completely understand your thoughts, and I wholeheartedly agree with them."

Work is a two-way selection process; if it works, we come together; if not, we part ways. Open and honest communication beforehand is the best way to avoid bigger problems in future cooperation. I greatly appreciate your rigorous and responsible attitude.

He paused, his gaze becoming more focused, and began to get to the core topic of today's meeting:

"Since Uncle He has already introduced some basic information about me and this job to you, I will not repeat it. Instead, I will talk more specifically and in more depth about what aspects of work this 'domestic assistant' position is mainly responsible for and what responsibilities it undertakes at this stage and in the foreseeable future."

Yang Guangming's voice wasn't loud, but every word was clear and powerful: "Simply put, the core function of this position is that you, as my extension and representative in China, are required to properly handle my personal affairs and a series of business dealings and investment matters that my company 'Qiming Capital' may be involved in in China during my absence from the country."

Let's take a look at some of the most pressing matters right now.

He began to list the details so that the other party could have a clear understanding: "During my trip back to China, with the help of Uncle He, I successfully purchased two garden villas in the city center."

Although the property purchase and sale contracts have been signed, I will be leaving soon, and the follow-up matters for these two properties are still very complicated.

For example, someone needs to keep track of the progress at the housing authority to ensure that they complete the eviction of the existing residents on time; a reliable and skilled renovation team needs to be contacted to carry out comprehensive structural repairs, interior modernization, and stylized decorations for the house; and suitable furniture, lighting, curtains, and other interior furnishings need to be purchased based on my general preferences and requirements.

These tasks are interconnected and require someone to follow up throughout the process, coordinate all parties, and supervise the quality to ensure that the final result meets expectations.

Secondly, there is the installation of international direct dial telephones.

I have already discussed the principles with the main leaders of the Municipal Post and Telecommunications Bureau: all related expenses will be paid in foreign currency, and I will enjoy priority installation.

However, the specific installation schedule, on-site line survey, coordination of indoor wiring construction, and even subsequent maintenance all require a reliable person to oversee the process at all times, maintaining close communication with the post office professionals to ensure that this crucial international communication line can be connected to my residence as quickly and smoothly as possible, and remain uninterrupted.

After a slight pause, he continued, "Thirdly, I plan to use a portion of foreign exchange to gradually acquire and collect antiques, calligraphy and paintings, and traditional handicrafts with high historical, cultural, and artistic value in China."

This is not a whimsical pastime, but a project that requires professional insight and long-term commitment.

In the initial stage, a lot of time and energy needs to be invested in systematically investigating local antique shops, state-owned craft companies, trust companies, and even some nascent antique and secondhand markets to gain an in-depth understanding of the current market conditions, pricing system, and key points for authenticating genuine products.

Based on this, preliminary screening and value assessment will be conducted.

This preliminary information gathering and groundwork also requires a significant investment of time and effort, and necessitates the execution of a sufficiently perceptive and trustworthy individual.

And all of the above, all of these matters…

Yang Guangming emphasized the key point, "Whether it's real estate, communications, or collectibles, they all directly or indirectly involve the use of the $800,000 in foreign exchange that I have already transferred to a government-designated bank for supervision."

Every payment must have a clear reason and a compliant process.

Therefore, I urgently need someone who is not only competent enough, but more importantly, absolutely trustworthy in terms of character, to strictly monitor the flow and efficiency of these funds in China, ensuring that every penny is spent transparently and effectively, and that everything is handled reliably, efficiently, and with peace of mind.

He looked at Wang Qingyu with scrutiny and expectation in his eyes: "Because I am often overseas and have very limited time to stay in China, most of the work mentioned above will depend on you as my assistant to make independent judgments, take initiative, and be fully responsible in China."

At most, they would report to me and request instructions via international long-distance calls at critical decision-making junctures.

Therefore, this position not only requires excellent communication and coordination skills, the ability to handle complex and specific tasks, and a wide social network, but also a strong sense of responsibility, initiative, and self-motivation.

In a sense, you will be the supreme commander of these affairs domestically.

His conversation then naturally shifted to company matters: "Besides handling my personal affairs, Qiming Capital, a company registered in Hong Kong Island, is expected to launch actual business with the mainland in the near future."

The initial plan is to procure a batch of high-quality, legitimately sourced, and valuable Chinese medicinal herbs, such as ginseng, deer antler, and cordyceps, from China for the company's commercial operations in overseas markets.

This involves a series of professional steps, such as finding qualified and reliable suppliers or procurement channels in China, negotiating prices, handling complex export customs declarations, commodity inspection and other administrative procedures, and coordinating cross-border logistics and transportation.

In China, all these processes require a reliable and knowledgeable contact person and authorized agent to coordinate and implement them.

But if we take a longer-term view...

Sunshine painted a bright picture of the future, his tone inspiring: "The connection and cooperation between Hong Kong Island's 'Qiming Capital' and the mainland will inevitably become closer and more diversified as reform and opening up deepen."

In the future, it may involve more than just trade; it may also include small-scale exploratory investments, market information consulting, policy trend analysis, partner networking, and so on.

At that time, your role as a 'domestic assistant' will likely evolve into the company's official representative, business hub, or even chief consultant in China, and the complexity and importance of your work will rise to a new level.

It can be said that the prospects and opportunities for this position expand continuously along with the company's and the times.

Yang Guangming used clear and organized language to present Wang Qingyu with the specific details of the work, the challenges faced, and the future development prospects without reservation, explaining both the difficulties and the broad space for growth.

In any era, the ability for bosses to promise employees lucrative opportunities is an essential skill and a necessary practice.

Regarding Wang Qingyu's biggest concern—their relationship dynamic—Yang Guangming gave a clear and honest response:

"As for the question you just mentioned about whether the two of us can get along well and cooperate effectively in our future work, I think you can relax and don't need to worry too much."

His tone was calm and direct, reflecting modern management thinking: "Our relationship is primarily a working one."

I don't consider myself a demanding, picky, or difficult boss.

I am goal-oriented, efficiency-driven, and results-oriented in my work.

In terms of management, I prefer to delegate authority fully.

As long as you are in this position, you can clearly understand the work objectives, demonstrate sufficient responsibility and ability, solidly promote and successfully complete the various work tasks assigned to you, and communicate and provide feedback in a timely manner when you encounter problems that you cannot decide.

Therefore, I believe that there will never be any irreconcilable fundamental conflicts between us.

I will give you my utmost trust and room to maneuver.

He also left room for flexibility, saying, "Of course, any cooperation requires a period of adjustment, which is common practice all over the world."

If, in future work, after a period of practical testing, I find that you are indeed unable to fully meet the work requirements of certain specific fields due to reasons such as knowledge structure, ability focus, or personal interests.

Or conversely, you might find yourself in a new field at work, discovering a development direction that better aligns with your career plan, and feel that the nature or content of your current job is no longer suitable for you, so you want to resign and seek better opportunities elsewhere.

Therefore, both of us can raise this issue openly and honestly.

Let's part amicably, end our working relationship peacefully, and wish each other well.

In an international business environment, the flow of talent is a perfectly normal phenomenon. It is inherently a continuous two-way selection process, which I fully understand and respect, and I will never feel any displeasure or resentment because of it.

What Wang Qingyu cared about most was how he would get along with his future boss.

He was indeed a little worried before. If two young people of similar age and with strong opinions clashed in their personalities and had different ideas while working together, it would be very awkward and difficult to work together, and it would also put Uncle He Zhenzhong, who introduced them, in an awkward position, making it difficult for him to do both.

Upon hearing Yang Guangming's insightful, open-minded, and modern management-minded statement, the heavy weight that had been hanging over his heart for so long was finally lifted.

A relieved, relaxed, and genuine smile involuntarily appeared on his face, and his previously slightly tense shoulders relaxed as well.

"Comrade Yang Guangming, I am truly... completely relieved that you can think this way and express it so clearly!"

To be honest, this was my biggest, and only, concern before we met.

Now that you've explained it so clearly, with such a clear line of thought and such well-defined principles, I realize my previous worries were completely unnecessary.

He immediately straightened his back, made a positive statement, and his tone became more proactive and firm:

"Since that's the case, then I'd like to make a solemn statement to you here as well."

If in the future you feel that I have done something poorly in my work, or that I am lacking in ability and do not meet the requirements of the position, please point it out directly. I will humbly accept your criticism and corrections, reflect on them carefully, and make improvements. I will never have any negative feelings or complaints.

Conversely, if one day in the future I do need to leave this position due to my own development plans or objective reasons such as family, I will give you enough time in advance to communicate openly and honestly, and make sure all work is handed over properly. I will never abandon my post or do anything irresponsible.

At the same time, I hope that by then you will understand and accept it, so that both of us can turn away gracefully, and Uncle He, who cares about us, won't be put in a difficult position.

“That’s natural. It should be this way.” Yang Guangming nodded affirmatively, quite satisfied with Wang Qingyu’s statement. “Work is work, and friendship is friendship. Keeping public and private matters separate, and having clear responsibilities, protects and promotes everyone, and also makes cooperation longer and healthier.”

With the main obstacle removed, the atmosphere in the living room immediately became more harmonious and relaxed, and the slight awkwardness from before completely disappeared.

The psychological distance between the two seemed to shrink considerably in an instant. Yang Guangming thought about the practical issue of treatment. Although he believed He Zhenzhong had already conveyed it to Wang Qingyu, he felt it was still necessary to clarify it again in person to show seriousness and respect.

He picked up his teacup, took a small sip of the lukewarm tea, then put the cup down and said:
"Regarding the salary and benefits for this position, I think Uncle He has already given you a general idea."

Let me explain this to you formally and clearly once again.

The basic monthly salary is set at US$200, which will be paid to you directly by my company, Qiming Capital, in Hong Kong. You can exchange and use it through compliant channels. However, it is important to emphasize that this US$200 per month is merely a fixed income to guarantee your basic living expenses.

He emphasized the real key to income: "The bulk of this job's income, and the part that best reflects personal value and contribution, lies in performance-based bonuses."

As long as you are competent in your job and can complete all tasks excellently.

Especially in matters where there is clear value contribution and tangible results, such as assisting in the purchase of high-quality properties with excellent value, successfully facilitating important business transactions, and mitigating potential risks for the company.

The bonuses offered by the company are usually very generous, far exceeding your base annual salary.

The specific amount will be determined based on a comprehensive assessment of the actual completion of the work task, its difficulty, and the value created, with no upper limit.

My philosophy is that I will never let someone who does their best suffer.

He further elaborated on future welfare guarantees, painting a more attractive picture:

"When Qiming Capital expands its business in China and establishes formal offices or registers branches, the company will also provide you with a dedicated official car to facilitate your travel and business."

Other benefits, such as reimbursement of official expenses, annual performance bonuses, supplementary medical insurance, and paid annual leave, will be implemented in accordance with the advanced management regulations of the Hong Kong branch. I will never mistreat my partners who have worked alongside me.

Finally, he presented a condition that was extremely attractive and tempting to the vast majority of young people in China at the time:
"In addition, there is another arrangement."

If your time permits and it does not affect the normal progress of your work in China, the company will also arrange for you to travel to the Hong Kong headquarters regularly or irregularly to participate in short-term business training or learning exchanges, depending on business development needs. All round-trip airfare, accommodation and meals in Hong Kong, and training expenses will be borne by the company.

This is an extremely valuable opportunity to broaden one's horizons, understand internationally accepted business operating models, and learn modern corporate management knowledge; its long-term value sometimes even exceeds simple monetary rewards.

The opportunity to go abroad, the high and uncapped bonuses, and the clear career development path in the future are undoubtedly huge attractions.

Wang Qingyu listened attentively, his eyes sparkling with excitement and anticipation, and his hands, resting on his knees, unconsciously clenched slightly.

He was already deeply interested in the novel content, challenges, and broad platform of this job. Now, hearing about such generous, standardized, and motivating compensation and future prospects, his mind was completely swayed, and all his previous hesitations and uncertainties vanished.

His biggest concern had been proactively dispelled by Yang Guangming. Now, faced with such a sincere invitation and broad prospects for development, he had no more doubts and immediately and decisively expressed his opinion:

"Comrade Guangming, after listening to your detailed and sincere introduction, I have even more confidence in this job and in my future development, and I look forward to it even more!"
Since you think we can cooperate and acknowledge my initial capabilities, then I have no doubt and absolutely no problem with that!

I am delighted to accept this job offer and assure you that I will dedicate myself fully to this task, fulfilling my responsibilities responsibly and living up to your trust and Mr. He's recommendation!

Yang Guangming smiled with satisfaction and extended his hand to him again: "Very good! Well then, welcome to the official team, Qingyu. I look forward to our smooth cooperation and achieving great success together in the future."

"It's a pleasure working with you! I'll definitely do my best!"

Wang Qingyu once again gripped Yang Guangming's hand tightly. This time, he felt a sense of security after setting a goal, as well as a surge of energy to embark on a new career.

The matter was settled during this in-depth and frank exchange.

Yang Guangming then transitioned to a more detailed work arrangement, saying:

"Regarding the formal employment contract, it will be signed directly with the headquarters of Qiming Capital when you have the opportunity to travel to Hong Kong Island for business in the future. Everything will be done in accordance with international standards."

At this stage, we will begin our cooperation in this way based on trust and agreement.

I will inform the finance staff of the Hong Kong Island company regarding the relevant salary, and starting next month, it will be paid to your designated account on time every month.

"Okay, understood. I'll follow your instructions." Wang Qingyu nodded in agreement and immediately got to work.

"My schedule is quite tight today. I have to take a flight back to Hong Kong Island this afternoon, so time is very tight."

Yang Guangming began to explain the most urgent tasks that needed to be handed over at the moment: "Before I leave, there are a few things that have already started or urgently need to be followed up. I need to complete the initial handover with you so that you can get started as soon as possible."

He explained in detail: "In addition to the three routine tasks I just mentioned—the follow-up supervision and coordination of those two garden villas, the installation and follow-up of international long-distance telephones, and the preliminary market research for art collection—you now need to immediately start doing one more thing, which is related to your future work convenience."

He paused briefly to make sure Wang Qingyu heard him clearly: "Later, it would be best if you contacted the relevant department of the Municipal Post and Telecommunications Bureau this afternoon, and applied for the installation of another international direct dial telephone in the name of Hong Kong Island's 'Qiming Capital' company needing to set up a temporary liaison office or representative office in Shanghai."

The plan is to install this telephone in the larger garden villa in the JA district.

From now on, that house will temporarily serve as the company's first informal office and reception area in China. It will also be convenient for you to handle official business there, as well as make and receive international calls to maintain efficient communication with me.

Upon hearing that he would not only have an independent office space but also be equipped with an international direct-dial telephone under his own management—a type of communication that was extremely rare in the late 1970s and represented a very high standard and efficiency—Wang Qingyu became even happier and more excited.

This not only means great convenience at work, but also symbolizes status and position, and reflects the company's emphasis on and trust in him.

He readily agreed, his tone brimming with eager enthusiasm: "Great! This is very important, I've got it."

This afternoon, I went to find connections and contacted the comrade in charge of this matter at the post office to coordinate the application procedures.

With Leader He's prior personal intervention and our willingness to use our scarce foreign exchange to cover all expenses, I believe the post office will make an exception and there shouldn't be any major problems. I will do my best to expedite the process.

"Okay, I'll leave this matter entirely to you to push forward."

Yang Guangming expressed satisfaction with his enthusiasm and comprehension, saying, "I will compile the specific addresses of those two houses, the contact information of the housing management bureau official, and the house keys into a file folder and hand it over to you later."

I will also include a detailed written checklist of relevant documents, specific requirements, and my initial ideas for house repair and layout for your reference.

Then, Yang Guangming used the limited time to explain in detail the other work details and key points that needed attention.

Wang Qingyu listened very attentively, frequently jotting down key information in his notebook, and occasionally asking one or two incisive questions.

This demonstrates his excellent comprehension, depth of thought, and pragmatic work attitude.

Yang Guangming provided clear and specific answers to all these questions, and the communication between the two was smooth and efficient.

Subsequently, the two parties exchanged detailed contact information.

Having finished explaining all the urgent and important matters, Yang Guangming glanced at his watch; it was nearly 10:30 in the morning.

He stood up and said, "That's all for now. We'll discuss the specifics of the work in more detail over an international call once you've settled in and started taking over. I have to catch my afternoon flight, so I have to take my leave now."

Wang Qingyu quickly stood up as well: "I'll see you off."

The two walked out of the living room one after the other. Liu Yajuan, hearing the noise, came out of the kitchen with half-picked vegetables in her hand. Upon learning that Yang Guangming was about to leave, she immediately tried to persuade him to stay.
"Oh dear, Guangming, it's almost lunchtime! How can you just leave like this? Auntie has almost finished preparing the food. We absolutely have to eat lunch before we go! We still have time to board the plane!"

Yang Guangming politely declined, his face bearing an apologetic yet sincere smile:

"Aunt Liu, really, no, thank you so much! I appreciate your kind gesture."

My flight is in the afternoon, so time is indeed tight. I need to rush home to get my luggage and say goodbye to my parents and Jian Yue.

Next time I come back, I'll definitely make a special trip to your house to enjoy your signature dishes.

Seeing that he was determined to leave and indeed had something to do, Liu Yajuan did not insist further, but lovingly instructed him:
"Alright then, work is the priority. Be sure to be careful on the road. When you get there, you won't know anyone or anything, so be careful in everything you do. Remember to write home often to let us know you're safe and sound, so your parents and Jianyue won't worry."

"Okay, I'll remember, Aunt Liu. Don't worry." Yang Guangming agreed, then turned to Wang Qingyu and nodded. "Qingyu, let's keep in touch. I'll leave everything back home to you."

"Definitely! Have a safe trip! Give me a call when you arrive."

As Wang Qingyu spoke, he escorted Yang Guangming all the way to the entrance of the building, watching his tall figure walk down the stairs unhurriedly and disappear around the corner before returning to his own home.

When Yang Guangming arrived back at the entrance of his alley in Mr. Li's car, it was almost noon.

The alleyway was filled with the aroma of cooking as families prepared lunch. The sizzling of oil in woks, the laughter of children, and the calls of adults blended together, creating a vibrant and lively atmosphere of everyday life.

To his surprise and great warmth, his wife, Lin Jianyue, was also at home.

She had obviously taken leave from school and rushed back specifically to see him off.

"Why are you back? Didn't I tell you you didn't need to ask for leave?"

As Yang Guangming watched his wife busy in the kitchen, a warm current of guilt and gratitude welled up in his heart.

Hearing the sound, Lin Jianyue turned around, her forehead beaded with sweat, but her face beaming with a gentle smile.
"You're leaving this afternoon, and who knows how long it will be before you come back."

I was thinking I should at least come back and cook you a decent lunch, and see you off properly.

Her words were simple and unpretentious, yet they contained the unspoken affection and concern between husband and wife.

Zhang Xiuying, the mother, also took a day off. She came downstairs carrying a bowl, and when she saw her son return, she murmured:

"It's good that Mingming is back. Jianyue insisted on cooking two of your favorite dishes herself, saying that you can't get this taste outside."

Touched, Yang Guangming knew it was his wife and family's good intentions, so he didn't say anything to refuse. He rolled up his sleeves to help, but Lin Jianyue and his mother "chased" him out of the kitchen and told him to go and rest.

This farewell lunch, though not as refined as those in restaurants, was a truly authentic home-cooked meal, filled with the familiar, sun-kissed flavors of deep memory:

A bowl of steamed, savory, and perfectly balanced fatty and lean pork, sprinkled with finely chopped scallions;

A plate of braised ribbonfish, cooked to a glossy reddish-brown color, glistening with oil, and with firm flesh;

A plate of stir-fried, bright green, and crisp seasonal pea shoots; and a pot of braised pork and bamboo shoot soup, simmered over low heat for a long time, with a milky white broth, a fusion of salted and fresh meat flavors, and sweet and refreshing bamboo shoots.

Every dish tastes like home, a flavor that lingers in your memory no matter where you go.

Father Yang Yongkang and his eldest and second eldest sisters also took leave to go home one after another. The family sat around the octagonal table and ate this special lunch.

The atmosphere was quieter than usual, and everyone seemed to be deliberately avoiding the topic of parting. They just kept putting food on Yang Guangming's plate and telling him to eat more.

A faint sadness of parting lingers in everyone's heart.

After dinner, Yang Guangming called Lin Jianyue to the inner bedroom where he and his wife were staying.

Yang Guangming gently took her slightly cold hand, looked tenderly into her eyes, and patiently gave her another piece of advice:

“I told you before that the $200,000 in the savings account is for improving our family’s daily expenses. We should spend it when necessary and not be stingy. We don’t need to be as frugal and thrifty as before.”

For any major appliances or furniture that need to be added to the home, go and buy them with remittance certificates as soon as possible.

Parents are getting old and need to take care of their health. Don't skimp on the necessary nutritional supplements and checkups.

As Jing Shu and Zhi Yuan grow up day by day, investing in their education is of paramount importance. Good schools and extracurricular interest cultivation are things that should be invested in without any ambiguity.

And yourself.

He emphasized that you should apply slight pressure with your fingers, "Buy several sets of clothes that are of good quality and have a stylish and appropriate design. Studying is hard work, so don't mistreat yourself and remember to rest."

He then emphasized the issue of using the remittance certificates: "The amount of remittance certificates we received this time is too large. We certainly can't use them all up just for our own daily use."

I've mentioned my thoughts to you before, but I'd like to clarify them again.

My opinion is that our family doesn't lack these things now or in the future.

There's absolutely no need for families to go to such lengths, like some others, to secretly exchange a few remittance certificates on the black market. That's risky and undignified.

His tone was calm yet carried an undeniable determination: "From now on, I will remit money to China on time every year. The source of the remittance certificates is stable and continuous."

So, you should generously share these extra coupons with your close relatives and friends.

For example, send some to your eldest brother's family, your eldest sister's family, and your maternal siblings' family, depending on each family's actual situation.

This allows everyone to use these remittance coupons to buy imported home appliances, high-quality fabrics, and specialty foods that are hard to find on the market, thus genuinely improving their living conditions.

This is not only a small token of our appreciation, but also a good thing to strengthen family and friendship bonds. It also allows everyone to naturally share in the benefits of our improved financial situation, avoiding unnecessary attention or criticism because our family is "special."

After converting the $200,000 into foreign currency, the corresponding remittance certificates were too many for the family to use.

In this era when material life had begun to improve but was still scarce, the scarce goods that could be purchased with remittance coupons were extremely attractive to ordinary families.

Actively and generously sharing these resources can effectively maintain and deepen family and friendship ties, and also allow family members and friends to more smoothly and naturally accept and adapt to the huge changes in their family's economic conditions.

Lin Jianyue was a reasonable and broad-minded woman, not someone who was petty or short-sighted.

Having heard Yang Ming mention this idea before, and now hearing him emphasize it so clearly and firmly, I completely understood my husband's deeper meaning and immediately nodded in agreement.

"Yes, I completely understand what you mean. Don't worry, I know what to do. I have a plan in mind about who to give to, how much to give, and how to give it. I won't seem stingy or shabby, nor will I be too ostentatious and attract gossip. I will handle everything properly."

She looked up at her husband, who was about to leave, her eyes filled with unyielding reluctance and deep longing.
"You don't need to worry about things at home anymore, I'll take care of it. You're out there... all alone, in a place you don't know, so think things through carefully before you do anything, and be more cautious."

Making money is important, but what my child, my parents, and I hope for most is that you are safe and healthy.

Remember to write back often, even if it's just to let me know you're safe, even if it's just a few words.

Her voice was slightly choked, but she tried hard to control it.

"I will. I promise you."

Yang Guangming felt a pang of tenderness in his heart and gently pulled her into his arms, feeling the warmth and affection emanating from her body, and savoring the precious warmth of this brief reunion before their parting.

"Thank you for everything at home. Please take good care of yourself."

At exactly 2 p.m., Mr. Li's black Shanghai-brand sedan stopped at the entrance of the alleyway on time, waiting quietly.

Yang Guangming's luggage was extremely simple, consisting of only a small suitcase containing personal clothes and toiletries, and a briefcase for important documents, truly embodying the spirit of traveling light.

The whole family escorted him to the entrance of the alley.

The mother, Zhang Xiuying, had already reddened her eyes. She held her son's hand tightly and repeatedly told him, "Be careful on the road" and "Write to me as soon as you get there," her voice choked with uncontrollable sobs.

Father Yang Yongkang remained a man of few words, only silently and forcefully patting his son's shoulder, his weathered eyes filled with unspoken instructions and trust.

Lin Jianyue stood a step behind, forcing back the tears welling up in her eyes, and trying her best to maintain a gentle yet strong smile, not wanting the sorrow of parting to add to her husband's burden.

But the slightly reddened tip of her nose and her tightly clenched fingers betrayed the turmoil in her heart.

Yang Guangming took one last deep look at his family, his gaze lingering on his wife's forced smile for an exceptionally long moment, as if trying to etch this scene firmly into his heart.

Then, he resolutely turned around, picked up his luggage, and deftly bent down to sit in the car.

Mr. Li started the car steadily, and the engine emitted a deep roar. The black sedan slowly started moving and smoothly drove away from the alley entrance.

Sunlight streamed through the rear window as he watched his family members grow smaller and more blurry in the rearview mirror. (End of Chapter)