Chapter 34 It's not my child she's carrying.

After the Spring Festival, Fu Ci also ended his leisurely life of more than half a year and began a busy period he had never experienced before.

In the past, even when I was busy at work, I would still have to continue working after I got home, or I would go on short business trips to other places for a few days.

But this time he planned to do it himself, and there was no successful experience to draw upon, so he had to figure things out on his own every step of the way.

It's not like I can only rely on myself. Occasionally, when I don't know what to do, I take it up with my wife for advice, and I can get some inspiration from her.

That alone is enough; it's enough for him to know what to do next.

After more than three months of hard work, from spring to summer, Fu Ci's new career has finally achieved a preliminary start.

That's right, it's the beginning.

More than three months later, the business license was finally obtained.

This efficiency seemed incredible to Tang Mingli, considering that government services in her previous life were already so convenient that most things could be applied for and processed online through apps or mini-programs. Even for the few cases that required submitting paper documents to the relevant departments, the process would generally take only a few working days.

It took more than three months to finally get the business license, and that was while I was busy from morning till night.

This work efficiency, if it were in later generations, would truly be considered "too late to turn out." It would certainly be subject to criticism.

However, at this time, whether it's people handling matters or government staff, they're all feeling their way across the river, which is understandable.

Of course, Fu resigned over the past three months not just for this one thing.

As one of the first people to venture into business during the reform and opening up period, I had a lot to do.

Preliminary research, finding a venue, finding suppliers, operating models, and so on, are all things he is unfamiliar with but must learn.

When Fu Ci first described himself as a blind fly, Tang Mingli thought it was a very apt description and even laughed at him: "You've been too orthodox for the past 26 years. You probably don't know what to do as well as those who used to work in the black market in their early years."

"Black market?" Fu Ci frowned slightly, pondering the two words.

Tang Mingli laughed and said, "Yes, you haven't even heard of it, have you?"

Fu Ci smiled and shook his head.

He had heard of it, but he had never been in contact with it.

Even fewer people actually listen to it.

After all, the circles he came into contact with rarely traded on the black market, let alone knew anyone who did business on the black market.

Tang Mingli realized that there was a hierarchy between Fu Ci and the black market, so she told him everything she knew.

Fu Ci was stunned and gained a new understanding of the black market.

Although it was an illegal transaction, it did help many people get through those difficult years.

Many desperate families survive thanks to the existence of the black market. And this black market is incredibly powerful; it can buy almost anything you want—daily necessities, medicine, entertainment products, domestic and foreign goods—as long as you have the money.

Seeing that her husband was stunned, Tang Mingli stopped talking at the right moment and asked with a smile, "Don't you find it incredible?"

Fu Ci nodded, then couldn't help but say, "Selling foreign goods on the black market, doesn't that add another crime of smuggling?"

Tang Mingli was unaware of the laws and regulations in question at that time.

She wasn't trying to speak up for those who traded on the black market, but simply wanted to tell Fu Ci: "We should also consider the other side of things. For example, if everyone could buy enough grain, oil, rice, and noodles for their whole family through normal channels, wouldn't the black market disappear? I think sometimes, instead of trying to completely eliminate a behavior, it's better to guide it."

Fu Ci nodded, agreeing with his wife's point of view.

That conversation with Tang Mingli made Fu Ci realize that the right and wrong of many things are not absolute; they may change with changes in environmental policies.

It may be wrong now, but it may be right later.

It may be right now, but if it doesn't change, it may become wrong later.

This gave Fu Ci a sudden inspiration: he was a novice in business, so perhaps he could find someone who had worked in the black market to cooperate with.

He believed that if one could do something openly and honestly, no one would want to do it secretly and live in fear.

However, finding such a partner is not an easy task.

However, this is no challenge for Fu Ci. Nothing in this world is easy, and the more difficult something is, the more valuable it often is.

Therefore, Fu Ci had one more thing to do—find a suitable partner.

Fu Ci received many similar inspirations from his wife.

So, more than three months later, when they finally made some progress, Fu Ci was very happy and wanted to treat his wife, the great contributor, to a nice meal outside.

Tang Mingli dared not accept the title of a great contributor, but she would never refuse such a good treat as going out for a nice meal.

So on this day, the young couple said goodbye to their families and left home hand in hand.

Where do you want to take me to eat today?

Tang Mingli thought it was another state-run restaurant, but unexpectedly heard the words "Western restaurant" from Fu Ci's mouth.

"Western restaurants?" Tang Mingli couldn't believe it. Although China had started its reform and opening up that year, had Western restaurants already flooded into China so quickly?

"Yes, it just opened a while ago. I've heard people mention it and wanted to bring you here to try it."

"Yay!"

Tang Mingli was very happy. She has a global palate and loves all kinds of delicious food, regardless of nationality.

After a bus ride of more than half an hour, the two arrived at their destination.

Looking at the bright signboard that read "Overseas Chinese Western Restaurant," Tang Mingli knew that it must have been opened by returned overseas Chinese.

People with a keen sense of smell are really quick to act.

I don't know if I'll be able to have authentic Western food today, but it doesn't matter if it's not authentic, as long as the food tastes good.

However, when the two went inside and opened the menu, they were both at a loss for words.

Actually, Tang Mingli was both amused and exasperated.

The menu items are mostly Russian cuisine.

Fu Ci was puzzled and whispered to Tang Mingli, "Why is the food here similar to that Russian restaurant?"

Tang Mingli thought to herself, "That's Russian food, isn't it?"

But since we're already here, let's just give it a try.

Tang Mingli ordered a few dishes that looked like she would like to eat, but after giving Fu Ci a warning look, she risked her life and ordered an ice cream.

After the waiter took away the menu, Tang Mingli explained in a half-coquettish tone, "It's summer, so it's not unreasonable to eat something cold."

“But you had severe pain when you had your period last month, and the doctor said you should eat less cold food.”

“I know, but that was really an accident.”

Tang Mingli pretended to be pitiful.

Last month, she had stomach cramps when her period came. It was really because she was careless and forgot that her period might be coming those days. She also ate a lot of cold things.

That day was just a coincidence; she had just finished enjoying an ice pop when she went to the bathroom and discovered that her period had started.

It was a man-made disaster, and she suffered immense pain as a result. In the end, she couldn't bear it anymore and shamelessly asked Fu Ci to buy her painkillers.

Upon hearing this, Fu Ci panicked and immediately carried her to the hospital.

The result was a false alarm for him, but an added insult to injury for her.

Upon arriving at the hospital, the doctor, after understanding the situation, only advised her not to do this again and to eat less cold food, without prescribing any painkillers.

She was too embarrassed to insist, not knowing that at that time, resources were scarce, and even painkillers might be in short supply.

What if there's someone who needs it more than she does? Wouldn't that be a terrible mistake for her?

Besides, we've already endured it for so long, what's a few more hours?

As she expected, the pain subsided after she took a hot bath and slept.

She thought the matter was over, but unexpectedly, it became very difficult for her to eat anything cold afterward.

Sigh, how am I going to get through this long summer?

Fu Ci could not resist his wife's pleas and had no choice but to give in.

However, when his wife finished her ice cream and wanted a glass of iced juice, and he gave in again, he couldn't help but laugh.

Tang Mingli asked him, "What are you laughing at?"

Fu Ci said, "I've just remembered a saying."

Tang Mingli guessed that the conversation was probably related to her, so she didn't ask and obediently ate her food.

But even if she doesn't ask, Fu Ci might still continue.

Fu Ci said with a big smile, "When I was in school, I studied 'On the Six States,' and I remembered a line from it: 'Today we cede five cities, tomorrow we cede ten.' I thought this was only appropriate for important and significant decisions. But just now I realized that my attitude towards you is exactly the same."

Tang Mingli gave him a coquettish look, "I don't deny that your description is very apt, but please don't use it next time."

The strategy she used against him was precisely the subtle and pervasive approach of invading a city.

It's been discovered, and we don't know if this trick will work anymore.

The two had almost finished eating when the waiter led a middle-aged man, who looked to be around forty years old, toward them.

After being introduced, it was discovered that the man was the owner of the restaurant, who had come specifically to ask if they were satisfied with the food.

Tang Mingli looked at the empty plate and smiled, "You've finished eating, so I think you're satisfied."

The boss saw it too, so he smiled and then chatted with them for a few minutes.

Tang Mingli then learned that the restaurant owner was an overseas Chinese who had been expelled from Vietnam and returned to China.

After returning to China, I was once lost, wondering if I would spend the rest of my life on an overseas Chinese farm.

Fortunately, at this time, national policies underwent a major change, and he gritted his teeth and used all his savings to open this restaurant.

The boss was also nervous about his decision, unsure whether it was right or wrong, but he was really unwilling to give up without trying.

Tang Mingli learned some of the same qualities as Fu Ci from her boss.

She didn't dare to encourage him, even though she knew that in this booming industry, as long as you were willing to work hard, things would definitely get better. But then again, in any era, some people succeed and some fail, and she didn't know what the final outcome would be for this boss.

In the end, all I could do was wish him good business.

The boss was pleased and wisely refrained from bothering them further.

Fu Ci seemed lost in thought throughout the process. After the boss left, he remarked to his wife, "Starting a business is not easy."

Or to be more precise, starting a business is truly difficult. It not only demands high personal qualities, but also requires a multitude of favorable conditions.

The restaurant owner is very dedicated; he might not even be able to do this much himself.

Tang Mingli laughed at him: "You're only just finding out?"

Fu Ci replied, "Of course not."

He was confident and certain that he could make a name for himself, and that he would make sure his wife lived a more comfortable and fulfilling life.

He didn't say these words aloud.

He doesn't like to make promises; he only wants to take action.

As the two chatted and laughed, Tang Mingli saw a familiar figure enter.

She pretended not to see her, but when the other person also noticed her, they did not make the same choice as her, but walked towards her.

"What a coincidence, you're here for dinner."

Tang Mingli brushed a stray hair from her forehead with impatience, not wanting to reply.

After that incident, hearing the other person speak in such an innocent tone only made her think that this person was really good at pretending.

Feeling a little embarrassed at being ignored, Li Baohua gritted his teeth and pretended to be nonchalant as he continued, "I don't know if you know, but my sister-in-law is pregnant."

These words finally made Tang Mingli look at her.

Li Baohua secretly breathed a sigh of relief, thinking that she had made the right bet after all. Using Tang Mingmei as a breakthrough point could indeed break the deadlock.

Her smile deepened as she waited for Tang Mingli to speak to her, but unexpectedly, she heard...

"It's not my child she's carrying."

If it weren't for his strong self-control, Fu Ci would probably have burst out laughing.

As for Li Baohua, his smile completely broke into a wide grin.