Chapter 175 1987 - The First Time After Having a Child...

In Fu Ci's view, his wife was now looking at him with the eyes of a child asking for a reward.

Her innocent and adorable nature, coupled with her unguarded requests, softened his heart.

He couldn't help but gently pinch the tip of her round nose and chuckled, "Are you so confident you can get your driver's license in six months?"

"According to the examination process, it does indeed take half a year."

If it weren't for procedural constraints, could she have done it even faster?

Fu Ci smiled at her, not calling out her exaggeration.

Meeting her husband's disbelieving gaze, Tang Mingli used her trump card—coquetry.

"Trust me, I'm sure I can pass it on the first try."

Because Fu Ci was still holding his daughter, she didn't use too much force, but even so, he still couldn't hold on.

"Okay, okay, I believe you." Afraid she might feel pressured, he added, "It's okay if you don't pass on the first try."

Since she's determined to get her driver's license, she'll definitely need to buy another car. Buying the car first and then getting the license isn't out of the question.

Tang Mingli snorted and said, "I'll show you in one go."

After resuming her driving lessons, Tang Mingli's life became more fulfilling.

I attend calligraphy classes two days a week and drive school for two days a week.

Although I only go out for about half a day each day, I have to go out four days a week, which is much busier than the days when I stayed at home every day.

Three months later, when Tang Mingli told everyone that she only had one road test left, everyone was shocked.

Once you pass the road test, you can get your driver's license.

This speed is even faster than when Fu Ci took his driver's license test back then.

Of course, Fu Ci was already working when he took his driving test, so he couldn't have as much time to practice driving as Tang Mingli did. Occasionally, he would have to postpone his test if he had to go on a business trip.

Now that I'm leaving, I really believe it. My wife wasn't exaggerating when she said I'd get my driver's license in six months.

Fortunately, he had already paid a deposit to order the new car a month ago.

A white Santana.

The color was his wife's favorite, and he chose the brand and model.

This car has only been on the market for the past two years. He consulted several friends who are knowledgeable about cars, and they all spoke highly of it.

He thought that if his wife were to drive it, the car's appearance was one factor, but more importantly, its performance and safety were also crucial.

Fu Ci smiled and said, "If all goes well, we should be able to pick up the new car this month."

"That's wonderful!" Tang Mingli was overjoyed. If her family hadn't been there, she probably would have hugged her husband and given him a few kisses as a reward.

The people who were watching TV began to imagine the wonderful life they would have with a car.

Tang Mingli cupped her hands to her chest in a prayer-like gesture and said happily, "Now that we have a car, we can often drive everyone to visit the surrounding cities."

Mrs. Fu was also very excited: "I will retire next May, so I have plenty of time."

Her retirement life, which was already something she looked forward to, is now even more anticipated.

I can't even imagine how happy I'll be in the future.

There's the joy of family life, and there's also the pleasure of eating, drinking, and having fun.

It's tough on my son; he needs to work hard to earn money.

Fu's mother patted her son on the shoulder and encouraged him, "Son, you must shoulder the burden of this family."

Fu Ci smiled as he looked at the women in his family. What else could he do but agree?

He carried this sweet burden with great happiness.

With her family's anticipation, Tang Mingli successfully passed her road test and obtained her driver's license.

Although there were some hiccups with the new car, and the waiting time was half a month longer than expected, I was able to pick it up smoothly at least.

A family owning two cars will inevitably become the center of attention in the compound.

How much money did Fu Ci actually make from opening the factory?

The neighbors in the compound had their own guesses.

Some say they can earn at least 20,000 to 30,000 yuan a year, otherwise how could they buy a car so easily? With their salary, they would have to save for three to five years without eating or drinking and still not be able to afford it.

Some say it's far more than that, and Fu Ci's net worth might already be over 100,000.

This exaggerated guess shocked many people.

At that time, 100,000 was an amount that people would never even dare to dream of.

However, despite the speculation, few people were malicious; most were praising the work.

"As expected of the Fu family's children, the older generation went to the battlefield during the war years, and the younger generation went into business during the peace years. They have courage and determination."

“I used to think it was a waste for someone like Fu Ci to go to a company like Mingli, but now it seems the Fu family had good judgment. If it were any other daughter-in-law, they definitely wouldn’t have supported Fu Ci quitting such a good job.”

"After looking at all these things, Mingli is indeed a good person. Fu Ci is away from home all year round, and she takes care of the elders at home alone without ever complaining. Besides, which woman isn't eager to have a child after marriage to secure her position? But she was willing to wait so many years to have a child for Fu Ci, which is really not easy."

"That's right. The old saying goes, 'When choosing a wife, one should choose a virtuous one,' and it's absolutely true."

...

If Tang Mingli knew that her reputation had inexplicably improved and even risen to a higher level, she would definitely laugh her head off.

However, she was unlikely to know, because recently Madam Fu hadn't been in the mood to chat and gossip with the old ladies in the same compound. The family was discussing where to go for fun before the New Year.

Fu's mother suggested going to Goose City again. Since it was her first time driving so far by herself, it would be better to go to a familiar place.

But Goose City really doesn't have much to offer, and visiting those attractions again doesn't seem very interesting.

Madam Fu thought it would be a good idea to visit some distant relatives, enjoy the trip, and see relatives she hadn't seen for many years.

As people get older, they often feel that after this meeting, they don't know if there will be a next time.

But there's a concern about visiting relatives: the fear of making others feel unbalanced.

People were living a good life, but seeing you driving a car shattered their contentment.

After much discussion, Tang Mingli suggested, "Since it's our first time driving so far, let's do something more meaningful."

Fu's mother asked, "What kind of meaningful method is this?"

"We'll just go to Shenzhen for a visit, and maybe see Fu Ci."

He bought the car with his own money, and giving it to him on his first long trip was a way of acknowledging his efforts.

The whole family thought it was a good idea, so they went to the local public security bureau the next day to apply for a border pass.

What I thought would be a simple matter turned into a three-trip and three-time submission of documents before it finally went smoothly.

By the time the documents were approved and the certificate was issued, it was almost the end of the year.

Considering that the factory might be busy at that time, the Fu family hesitated again, afraid of disturbing him.

During this brief moment of hesitation, Fu Ci returned.

After discussing it, the Fu family decided to postpone their trip to Shenzhen for the time being and instead focus on preparing for the upcoming New Year.

This year is Fu Yu's first New Year, which is very meaningful.

And as it turns out, once you have children, all your preparations for the Spring Festival will unconsciously revolve around them.

For example, when buying clothes, in previous years, three women would go to the department store to choose clothes for themselves and the whole family. This year, it was still the same three women shopping at the department store, but after looking around for a while, each of them was already carrying two bags, and they were still browsing shops that sold children's clothes and shoes.

While going on a shopping spree, they also exclaimed that children's things are just so cute.

On the last day, all the things I bought were for children.

When I got home, I counted the clothes I bought: eight sets of clothes, six pairs of shoes, plus socks, gloves, hats, and other small items, which filled the sofa.

Love is not about constantly feeling indebted, but about wanting to offer the whole world to you.

Madam Fu said with satisfaction, "Oh my, our little Yu can wear this from New Year's Eve to the seventh day of the New Year, a different outfit every day."

"That's right, how come I didn't think of that?" Mrs. Fu slapped her thigh. "Tomorrow we'll buy two more pairs of shoes for the child, so he can have a new pair of shoes every day without repeating."

"In that case, how about the hat too..."

The two elderly people became more and more excited as they talked, and they listed a whole bunch of things they wanted to buy.

Tang Mingli initially wanted to dissuade them, but then she thought, it's not like they can't afford it, so let them buy it. If it doesn't fit later, they can wash and clean it and donate it to charity.

Since her child was three months old, Tang Mingli has regularly donated to the China Children's Foundation every month. Perhaps it's become a habit, but now she subconsciously considers whether many things she does are appropriate for donation to those in need.

Even last week, during the last calligraphy class of the year, I saw many students writing very well in class. Thinking that these writings would eventually be discarded as waste, I suddenly had the idea of ​​collecting everyone's good calligraphy and paintings and holding a charity sale.

Amidst the busy and fulfilling days, the Spring Festival of 1987 arrived.

After the New Year's Eve dinner, the Fu family couldn't wait to give little Fu Yu a hot bath made with boiled pomelo leaves, dressed her in bright red new clothes, and even tied her hair in two little pigtails.

It's festive and adorable, and it melts the hearts of the whole family.

Fu Ci's lips never left his mouth as he said to his wife, "Our Xiaoyu looks like a red envelope."

Tang Mingli was stunned for a moment, and when she came to her senses, she laughed so hard that she could hardly straighten her back.

Fu Yu didn't understand why her father was laughing at her for looking like a red envelope. Seeing her mother laughing like that, she also burst into laughter.

The children's laughter was crisp and pure, echoing throughout the living room and infecting everyone.

Grandma Fu quickly took out the New Year's money she had prepared, "My dear, this is New Year's money from your grandma. I wish our family peace and happiness, and that you grow up quickly."

Fu Yu didn't understand the blessing, but she really liked the red envelope and waved it vigorously in her hand.

However, when each adult gave her a large red envelope, she suddenly had a hard time choosing which one to take. She could only blink her big eyes and touch this one and then that one.

After giving out the New Year's money, Grandpa Fu also prepared an extra gift for the child: a ten-gram gold tiger figurine.

Upon seeing this, Madam Fu exclaimed, "What a coincidence! We also bought some gold for the children."

After saying that, he took out a jewelry box, and inside was a gold bar.

"Cheng'an and I discussed that we would save a 20-gram gold bar for our child every year on her birthday and during the Lunar New Year, so that our family could give it to her as a dowry when she grows up."

"That's a good idea," Madam Fu agreed wholeheartedly.

Thinking about her great-granddaughter growing up and her family, she suddenly felt a little sad.

She probably won't live to see that day, but her son and daughter-in-law certainly will.

However, today is Lunar New Year's Eve, a joyous occasion, and she didn't want her sadness to affect everyone, so she didn't show it.

"Actually, I have an even better idea..." Mrs. Fu said with a smile, which is to deposit a sum of money in the bank for her every year starting from when she is one year old, so that she can spend it after she comes of age.

This idea naturally earned praise from Madam Fu once again.

Tang Mingli smiled as she looked at her daughter, whom she was cradling in her arms, her eyes gradually becoming misty.

She blinked quickly, trying to shoo the sudden surge of moisture from her eyes.

She knew that by the time her child grew up, Fu Ci would be able to give the child far more than her grandparents and in-laws could have saved up now. She never doubted how successful Fu Ci's career would be in the future.

But this is everyone's love for the child.

Unreserved, wholehearted, and selfless love.

-

After everyone had showered and changed into new clothes, the Spring Festival Gala was about to begin.

Last year they bought a 25-inch large color TV, which made watching TV much more enjoyable.

The family sat in front of the television, ready to watch the annual Spring Festival Gala.

Fu Ci suddenly remembered something and quickly went upstairs.

When I came down again, I was holding a camera.

They didn't have a camera before, but after having a child, he wanted to better record the child's growth, so he specially bought an imported camera.

Now that we have a camera, can we take a family photo on Lunar New Year's Eve?

No one in the family objected to the proposal.

only……

"Who will take the photos?" Mrs. Fu asked with concern.

Fu Ci explained, "Grandma, this camera can be set to take countdown photos."

Apart from Tang Mingli, everyone else seemed to have a vague understanding of the countdown filming process.

I think I understand what it means, but I don't understand how the camera counts down.

Fu Ci couldn't explain in detail; he simply set up the camera and directed everyone to sit down.

He then pressed the shutter and quickly walked to his wife's side.

Three, two, one

After a flash of light, a family photo was taken.

Tang Mingli felt that she hadn't managed her expression well just now, and her smile was a bit stiff.

But now it's a film camera, so there's no way to check how well the photos turned out.

Worried that she hadn't taken good photos, she encouraged him to take a few more.

With several options, you should be able to pick a good one.

After taking the family photo, the Spring Festival Gala had already been playing for almost an hour. Fortunately, it was a program that could be seamlessly connected to and watched.

-

On the second day of the Lunar New Year, Tang Mingli, as usual, went to her uncle's house to pay her respects.

Having Fu Yu with me this year made my feelings especially different.

My uncle's house also got a makeover this year. They threw away all the old furniture and replaced it with new ones. Plus, the layout was changed. Although it's still the same little house, it looks very different.

However, Tang Mingmei still had a plan, which she mentioned to Tang Mingli and Fu Ci during their conversation.

“Xin’er is growing up, and she will definitely have her own room in a couple of years.”

But this only has two rooms, so she plans to buy a bigger one. She already has a preferred apartment on the fourth floor of the same building.

The neighbors planned to sell their three-bedroom house and move in with their son.

Firstly, I can help my son take care of his child, and secondly, I can help the child financially.

Tang Mingli shook her head immediately after hearing this.

These are all decades-old tenement buildings; although the living areas are larger, the living environment hasn't improved much. Moreover, there are no property ownership certificates, only purchase contracts.

She remembered that the country should soon begin to standardize the construction of commercial housing, and buying a newly built commercial apartment would be better than living in a tenement building.

But in which year did it start?

Tang Mingli couldn't remember, but the only thing she was sure of was that it would happen soon.

She advised Tang Mingmei to wait a little longer, at most two or three years, and then houses would be able to be bought and sold like commodities on the market, with more and better choices available.

"A company builds houses and sells them?" Before Tang Mingmei could speak, Li Hong found it unbelievable.

Tang Mingli nodded, "If I remember correctly, some regions should have already started piloting it."

As she spoke, she looked at Fu Ci, instinctively feeling that he must know something about it.

Fu Ci nodded. "Actually, there are already commercial housing units for sale in Shenzhen."

"Is it... expensive?"

"A three-bedroom apartment would cost around five or six thousand yuan."

Five or six thousand is definitely not a small amount to the average person.

So Li Hong hissed and said, "It's really not cheap. The apartment on the fourth floor only costs a few hundred."

Worried that they would ultimately prefer the tenement buildings, Tang Mingli quickly listed all the advantages of commercial housing that she could think of.

Several points particularly touched Tang Mingmei.

For example, it's clean, unlike old tenement buildings which are infested with all sorts of insects, rats, and cockroaches.

For example, regarding security, outsiders cannot enter the community garden of the residential buildings.

For example, if you have a property ownership certificate, you can use it to obtain a mortgage loan from a bank if needed in the future.

After thinking it over, she felt that commercial housing was indeed more valuable.

Tang Mingli added, "If you want to buy a house but don't have enough money, I can help you."

This is also the source of her confidence to offer advice.

If she could only talk the talk, she would never get involved in something as important as life itself.

With Tang Mingli's words, it's undeniable that Tang Mingmei and her parents suddenly felt at ease.

"Anyway, Xin'er can sleep with me for a few more years, we'll see then."

Tang Mingmei's words pretty much mean she's given up on the idea of ​​buying the tenement building.