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

Chapter 130 Grass Team
Fang Mingche got on the military jeep driven by Wang Dexian.

This car costs over 30,000 yuan, a true luxury item. Furthermore, since it's mostly used by the military, it has a few other features. Everyone knows that the person driving this car is no ordinary person.

Fang Mingche looked at the car with envy. He didn't know when he would be able to afford a car.

Wang Dexian said: "Look at you, you can drive?" He had only learned it recently, learning from the old man's driver.

Fang Mingche said, "My cousin drives for a black market boss and taught me. When his brother-in-law was injured, I took his place on long-distance trips. I can drive both large and small cars. It's just that cars are too expensive and I really can't afford one in the short term."

Those who drive illegal taxis these days, like the guy in my father-in-law's alley and the guy in the side yard, don't own their own cars. Private car ownership is completely prohibited these days, so those who can afford one are not ordinary people. These people don't usually pick up passengers themselves; they hire people.

The car Wang Dexian was driving probably belonged to his grandfather or his father, and was issued by the army. Only those at the regimental level or above were given a car, so his third cousin probably didn't qualify. He certainly didn't have the opportunity to drive it normally.

Wang Dexian looked at Fang Mingche in surprise and said, "Don't mention it, you know quite a lot."

Speaking English and driving are skills not common to most people these days. Furthermore, his small, square head is truly capable and he's incredibly resourceful. The only thing this person lacks is status.

However, he was admitted to university. Nowadays, being admitted to university is like a leap forward, not to mention a top ten prestigious university in the country. You will no longer be an ordinary person in the future! However, Xiao Fang may not be able to wait. Can't wait to graduate from university!

In response to his question, Fang Mingche said, "I didn't want to miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of reform and opening up. I hadn't made up my mind to do anything before, so I just opened a scrap yard to make some money from my daily life."

The big bowl tea stall can no longer be set up. But I definitely can't just take 3000 yuan and study for four years in college as Yan said. I missed the college entrance examination and the reform and opening up in my previous life, so I can't miss it again in this life. If I miss it, I will be sorry for my rebirth!
If he did nothing during these four years, by the time he graduated, the first wave of people entering the industry would already have a head start. It wouldn't be as easy for him to get involved. Only now, taking the risk, would offer a grassroots opportunity for someone like him. If he was too late, others would have already seen the benefits, and it would be too late for him.

Wang Dexian started the car and asked, "Have you made up your mind now?"

Fang Mingche nodded, "Yes. At first, I thought of opening an English training class, taking advantage of the fact that the country will pay more and more attention to English in the future. After all, I was transferred to the English department by mistake. But later, I learned how much the country lacks foreign exchange now, and I was tempted."

He might as well expand his business and find a reliable backer.

After thinking about it, he decided to look for the Wang family as a backer. Wang Dexian still has a bottom line. The Wang family's family education should be pretty good in their circle. This shows that Mr. Wang has a bottom line.

Wang Dexian nodded. "Yes, the country is desperately short of foreign exchange. But there are so many places where foreign exchange needs to be spent!"

He initially told the old man that a friend wanted to start a business and partner with the Wang family. The old man and his third brother weren't interested at all. They simply told him to stop talking, saying the Wang family wouldn't get involved in business.

He quickly explained that it was a business that earned foreign exchange for the country, and the two men's eyes suddenly changed. After listening to him talk about the foreign travel agency and Xiao Fang's preparations for the personnel, and then asking if it was the Xiao Fang who had taught him English and given him advice, they asked him to bring the person to them for a look.

Fang Mingche initially thought the car would drive to the military compound, but it ended up parked in front of an ancient courtyard house within the Second Ring Road.

Wang Dexian said: "My grandfather likes to live in a courtyard house, saying that it has both land and sky. As for the military compound, there is a small Soviet-style villa, but we don't own either of them. When he is not working, he likes to live outside. This courtyard house has been specially cleaned up, with toilets and bathrooms. It's quite comfortable to live in!"

Fang Mingche followed him in and saw a large blue brick courtyard with two entrances, covering an area of more than 500 square meters. He thought: Nonsense, how can this not be comfortable?
Wang Dexian led Fang Mingche directly into the study room in the main house, which was where his grandfather usually lived. After entering, he saw an old man in his sixties or seventies writing calligraphy. Next to him, a man a few years older than Wang Dexian was serving him with brushes and ink.

The old man quickly put down his brush and wrote the four characters "Guo Fu Min Qiang". The calligraphy must have been specially practiced, and it had a personal touch of gold hook iron horse.

The old man looked at Fang Mingche with some scrutiny.

Wang Dexian took the opportunity to say, "Grandpa, this is Fang Mingche who taught me English. We used to live in the same alley and had a good relationship."

"I'm from the English Department of Beijing Normal University. I'm one of the darlings of our time. What do you think of my handwriting?"

Fang Mingche said, "Every stroke has its origin, rivaling the Second King!"

Old Master Wang chuckled, "You're too kind! It's true that I learned calligraphy from the two Wangs, but it's far from their level! Please sit down—"

Fang Mingche thanked him and sat down, "Thank you, Grandpa Wang!"

Since Wang Dexian introduced him as a friend, he didn't need to be too polite.

A staff member came in, served tea, and then left.

Wang Dexian introduced: "Xiao Fang, this is my third brother Wang Dezhi."

"Hello, Third Brother Wang!" This was a second-class merit hero who had fought on the battlefield, so Fang Mingche bowed and greeted him.

Wang Dezhi nodded, "Hello, Xiaofang. You're welcome!" Then he sat down on the sofa next to him.

This was his cousin's military advisor. Since he had nothing to do today, he decided to stay and meet him.

Old Master Wang said, "Xiao Fang, Xiao Si'er and I discussed your idea. It's a good idea, but how do you know foreigners will buy it?"

Fang Mingche said, "Actually, I've been observing since we first set up the big bowl tea stall in Tiananmen Square. There are more and more foreign tourists. But it's undeniable that compared to their population, the number is still very low. Foreign currency is much more valuable than the RMB. Even ordinary people and poor people abroad can become wealthy in our country! The main reason they don't come is because they don't know enough about our country and have various concerns. Nowadays, not to mention foreigners, even overseas Chinese and compatriots from Hong Kong and Macao are unsure."

Not to mention our compatriots in Taiwan, it will take several years for the two sides of the Taiwan Strait to resume normal exchanges.

Mr. Wang nodded, "Does your school have international students?"

Fang Mingche nodded. "Yes, I've even asked them about some of the information. These international students often have certain political backgrounds."

He actually went out of his way to interact with these people. Although they weren't very enthusiastic at first, he got to know a few of them and learned some information from the side.

Mr. Wang asked, “So?”

"In this situation, foreign tourists must learn more about China. They must understand that we are now welcoming them with open doors and arms. There are some cultural conflicts between foreign and Chinese cultures. For example, foreign countries emphasize 'customer is king,' while our state-owned hotels still post notices saying 'no hitting or scolding customers.' To shop, eat, stay, or travel in state-owned hotels, you must be a foreigner of certain standing, such as the Capital Hotel or the Friendship Hotel. Ordinary foreigners currently don't receive very good service in China, or rather, they don't feel it. Because the waiters, seeing that they are foreigners, are actually more polite than usual, but they don't notice it. We run travel agencies to get people's money out of their pockets, so service is paramount."

Mr. Wang didn't respond. Fang Mingche thought for a moment and continued, "China has a very rich history and culture, and its natural landscape is also very beautiful. These resources should be utilized. I study English, so I can use this language advantage as a bridge. While earning foreign exchange for the country, I can also take advantage of the opportunity and get rich first."

He didn't care about that and just said whatever came to his mind.

Since Mr. Wang asked him to come and meet him, it means that he is still interested in his proposal of doing business together.

Wang Dezhi, who was standing next to him, was holding a teacup and listening to Fang Mingche's eloquent speech. He looked at Wang Dexian and asked, "Where did you find this guy? He's really talkative!"

Fang Mingche talked for a long time and felt a little thirsty, so he picked up the teacup on the coffee table and took a sip.

Finally, Mr. Wang nodded and said, "It sounds like there is some hope. Okay, you can discuss the details with Xiao Si'er. If there is something he can't handle, let him ask his third brother."

After Mr. Wang finished speaking, he served tea.

Fang Mingche tactfully said goodbye and went out with Wang Dexian. When they reached the garden, he asked, "Old Wang, is there another Wang Defu in your family?"

Wang Dexian, who had also studied English for a while, immediately said, "There's no wondful in my family."

When the two of them were driving out, they met a tall, pretty woman in her thirties at the corner, who was riding a bicycle with a little boy of about ten years old.

The car and the bicycle passed each other, and the woman looked back at the jeep.

Fang Mingche saw that Wang Dexian's face had turned a little grim. "Could it be your stepmother and little brother?"

"That's right. The old man likes his little grandson very much, and he would send him to his lap from time to time."

"Then you can also dress up to entertain your parents." Wang Dexian said, "We have no shortage of people who can make jokes in our family."

Fang Mingche understood immediately after hearing his words. He probably had brothers of the same generation who shared this style. But since Old Wang was absent during the family's downfall, he wasn't suited to this style. He could only be useful.

So, when I approached him, he immediately became interested and took action.

Wang Dexian drove to a newly opened teahouse and asked for a private room with Fang Mingche.

Fang Mingche said to the waiter, "Pack up some of your more popular snacks for me."

He had tried one of Wang's dim sums before and it was quite delicious, but he couldn't just take it away from Wang's.

I thought that such a teahouse should also have special dim sum, so I prepared to order one each and bring it back to my wife and daughter.

Ayan was not very talkative during her pregnancy, but she would never refuse delicious food.

As for Yanyan, this girl is a complete foodie. If she has better conditions in this life, she will definitely try her best to satisfy them.

Wang Dexian also asked for one, "You'll pay for it later. I only have my salary to collect."

"Okay! But how much do you plan to take from this business partnership?"

Wang Dexian asked, "How much are you willing to give?"

Fang Mingche said, "I have too much to give up. I might as well start an English tutoring class."

The two men debated back and forth for a while before finally settling on a 40/60 split. The Wang family would take 40%, primarily providing initial support and providing a backer as the business expanded. However, Fang Mingche would be the one running the business, so when the dividends were distributed, he would receive two-thirds. The remaining percentage would serve as compensation for management.

As for the initial capital, Wang Dexian put in 2,000 and Fang Mingche 3,000. The business would be registered under their names. This amount was definitely not enough to open a foreign travel agency; it would be gone even if they only had a phone.

As for the cars that were needed, Wang Dexian was responsible for arranging the rental, and he also made connections with the Friendship Hotel.

I won't rent an office for now. There are no office buildings in the entire capital. Unless you can rent a whole apartment in a place like Huaqiao Apartment, or just rent a small courtyard house, it's not very good.

Wang Dexian said: "This is really a makeshift team. Can you support it?"

"We'll just make do. There's no other way. I think it's great that you can find a car and accommodation. As for the rest, we can rent or borrow it. We'll have to figure out a way."

After they had their tea, they each took their snacks and left. Wang Dexian asked Fang Mingche to take half of his snacks back to his mother and sister.

"Don't you want to go back and take a look?"

"No, I just came back not long ago." After his mother remarried, she and her stepfather also gave birth to a daughter. That was also a family of three.

Fang Mingche nodded, "Okay, then you can take me to the bus stop. You don't usually drive this bus, right?"

If it was Lao Wang who opened the business, his stepmother probably wouldn't even look at it twice.

"Well, I came out today under the pretext of doing something for my family. This is my grandfather's car. I'm going out to meet someone!"

Fang Mingche said: "Should I prepare the gift package?" This car is indeed a magic weapon for picking up girls.

Wang Dexian said, "Get ready. Can you open before New Year's Day?"

"No problem, it will definitely open before Christmas."

"why?"

Fang Mingche said, "Christmas is the winter vacation for foreigners. It's almost the same as Chinese New Year for us."

"Oh. Then you better hurry up, it's already November."

Fang Mingche nodded, "Just give me the money as soon as possible."

"Okay!" Anyway, he didn't have to pay for the 2000 yuan, so he would go back and ask the old man for it.

Fang Mingche took a bus to the square and then walked back with snacks.

Walking to the public telephone at the intersection, he sat down and said to the lady boss who was manning the phone, "Is it hard to find a job these days?"

"Of course not. My Lingzi hasn't found one yet. High school students are worthless if they can't get into college. Teacher Fang, do you have any recommendations?"

You can't just sit down and talk to me about this for no reason.

Fang Mingche said, "Actually, Lingzi is not too old, so it would be best if she could continue to take the college entrance examination. However, she doesn't have to stay at home and work in seclusion. Ask her if she is willing to work as a clerk for me. The only condition is that I have to use your telephone. Of course, you can still do your public telephone business. Anyway, let your Lingzi sit here and answer the phone."

The boss lady raised her eyebrows: "You'll pay me?"

Fang Mingche nodded. "Open, one yuan a day. If she can learn English and answer the phone in English, I'll double her salary. And if she learns English, she'll have a better chance of taking the college entrance exam next year."

In 1978, English was not included in the total score of the college entrance examination. In 1979, 10% of the applicants were admitted to key colleges and universities, and ordinary colleges were only used as a reference.

但明年1980年，就要按30%计入总分了。1981年50%，1982年70%，1983年就是100%了。

Lingzi had already been called out by the boss lady, "Teacher Fang, I have nowhere to learn English. Can you teach me?"

"I'll find you an associate professor in the English department to be my teacher. Not only will you be the teacher, I'll also learn with you. When we become bigger, there will be more people learning with us."

Lingzi nodded, "That would be great!"

You can earn money and learn English at the same time, why not? As for Fang Mingche's goal, it was to requisition their phone number. So they must have some ulterior motives!

The two sides have reached an agreement.

Fang Mingche said, "Okay, I'll invite a teacher over later. You can learn from me first, and when I open the travel agency in December, you'll officially start working. You can use your home phone and pay the regular fee for incoming and outgoing calls."

"Ok!"

Nowadays, installing a telephone requires a certain administrative level. Fang Mingche had gone back to persuade the Party Secretary because the village Party branch should be the lowest administrative level that could install a telephone.

Mr. Wang asked his secretary to go to the Post and Telecommunications Bureau, which should be able to help them with this matter. However, Fang Mingche couldn't afford the initial installation fee of 5,000 or 6,000 yuan for a phone. Installing a phone is really expensive nowadays!
Lingzi's family was able to install a telephone because her family had overseas connections. One of her elders had come back before and brought back a lot of foreign currency. Now, let's requisition this phone for a job.

Lingzi is a high school student working as a clerk, so her qualifications are sufficient.

Fang Mingche went in to put down the snacks and called Teacher Gao to talk about this matter. Teacher Gao, who had already obtained the accounting qualification certificate, was the future financial manager of the travel agency.

College students who work and study are qualified and don't occupy the employee roster. Even if they need to buy social security in the future, we don't have to. They will have their own companies. What a bargain!

(End of this chapter)