Xia Ruzheng happily took Wen Zhichao's arm. This man's appearance kept many people at a distance, hiding his true self and causing many to miss out on this gem. Although he appeared aloof, he was actually ambitious and capable. He was patient and attentive to his wife, treating her as an equal. Such a man was rare, no matter the era.
When they returned, they found that Grandma Liu had already prepared dinner and invited them to come.
Both of them were surprised and delighted.
"We were supposed to treat everyone to dinner today, but it turned out to be the other way around. How embarrassing!"
Grandma Liu said, "Why should I be embarrassed? Why do I keep saying such polite things? I don't like to hear them. Isn't it just a matter of one or two meals? Are you afraid that you won't treat us next time? Don't be polite, Xiaowen. Your Grandpa An has been waiting for you for a long time, just waiting for you to have a couple of drinks with him!"
Now that things have come to this, if I continue to be polite, it would seem awkward.
The young couple looked at each other, and Wen Zhichao nodded and said, "Okay, I'll accept your kindness today, Grandma. Once we choose a time, you and Grandpa An will be polite!"
Grandma Liu said with a smile on her face: "Of course!"
As soon as I entered the house, I could smell the aroma of food. There was also wine on the table. What Grandpa An had in his hand was not inferior. It took some luck to be able to have a drink with Grandpa An!
Everyone sat at the same table, eating and chatting, it was quite lively. It felt less restrained and more familiar than the first time they sat together to eat.
After returning home, Xia Ruzheng said to Wen Zhichao, "We should treat the elders to a meal soon. We've only been here a short time, and we've already received so many favors from them."
Wen Zhichao, reeking of alcohol and blushing, said, "Just find a time that's convenient for you. Let me know in advance and I'll be back early. I'll get the wine and you can just take care of the food."
Xia Ruzheng nodded and said, "Okay, I'll decide the menu!"
Wen Zhichao nodded and slowly fell asleep.
Xia Ruzheng pondered this thought. The two elders, due to their extensive knowledge, took good care of themselves. Furthermore, being from Guangzhou, they tended to eat a lighter diet. Just now, Grandma Liu had been eating fried dough sticks for a few days and found them a bit greasy, so she wanted to switch to pancakes. So, this time, the meal for the two elders would focus on something light, not necessarily Cantonese. Xia Ruzheng, who knew a wide range of dishes, immediately came up with several perfectly suitable dishes. Of course, Xia Ruzheng's forte was still his hometown cuisine, so he could prepare two stronger dishes to complement and spice things up.
After a good night's sleep, the couple got up full of energy. As expected, after Wen Zhichao helped Xia Ruzheng move the stall out, he went straight to his own shop.
Xia Ruzheng and Wen Zhichao were fortunate to have chosen Guangzhou. Had they gone elsewhere, their development would have faced even greater obstacles and difficulties. In this era, people were proud to be state employees, meaning employees of state-owned enterprises. A state-owned enterprise was like a kingdom, with not only the main production factories but also all the amenities workers needed, from bathhouses and cafeterias to hospitals and even gardening facilities. Even housing was allocated, and for employees within the enterprise, these were all very low-cost or even free. The enterprise provided for its employees, leaving no opportunities for self-employed individuals to develop. This was the fundamental reason for the slow development of the individual economy.
Many people say that back then, when jobs were allocated, you worked at the same factory your parents worked at. It was a kind of inheritance. Even if the factory didn't need you, you could start collecting wages and enjoying the benefits of a state-owned enterprise with a letter of introduction from your school and a personal information form. The same was true with housing allocations. State-owned enterprises didn't grant you housing, but rather gave you the right to use it, while ownership remained with the state. Those who didn't receive housing had to build their own, often cramped and low-slung structures. Consequently, every housing allocation within a company was a battle.
This situation is most obvious in the Northeast region, so this region is also the most affected when state-owned enterprises are restructured.
Of course, Guangzhou, being located on the coast and close to Hong Kong, has attracted many people who once fled mainland China to Hong Kong. After making their fortunes, they've sought to invest in their hometown while also making money for themselves. The government, recognizing this, has given it a certain degree of preferential treatment in policy. Naturally, this preference is only growing.
When Xia Ruzheng and Wen Zhichao first arrived, policies were gradually being loosened and relaxed. If they had come earlier, they might not have been able to stay at all.
Of course, doing business nowadays still requires paying taxes, and compared to the future, the starting point is low and the tax rate is high. Even so, it is still better to start a business outside than at home.
Before Xia Ruzheng even thought about it, Wen Zhichao had already obtained temporary residence permits for the two of them. As for the letter of introduction, it had been issued by the village committee and signed by the village chief, so there was no problem. Although Wen Zhichao was not a warm person, he still understood the rules. Seeing that he was sensible and there were no conflicts between them, the village chief naturally gave it to him readily.
In the first month, both of us set up stalls and had not registered, so we basically did not have to pay. Now that the Wenzhichao store has opened, starting from next month, we will have to pay taxes every month.
Xia Ruzheng did some calculations and couldn't help but say to Wen Zhichao, "You really have to work hard. Otherwise, after opening a shop and paying taxes, rent, electricity bills, and other miscellaneous expenses, you won't make as much as setting up a stall."
Wen Zhichao saw Xia Ruzheng's worried expression and tried hard to suppress his laughter. "That's all I can do. You can't bear to see your boss sitting out in the cold, so you can only earn less!"
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