Chapter 89
As soon as Bei Bitang entered the coffee shop on Huaihai Road, Feng Guangmei jumped up from her seat and took three steps...
As soon as Bei Bitang entered the coffee shop on Huaihai Road, Feng Guangmei jumped up from her seat and walked towards her in two steps.
Feng Guangmei excitedly held Bei Bitang's arm and looked down at Bei Bitang from the top of her head.
"Quick! Sit down!"
The two of them sat on a booth sofa, facing each other, with a myriad of emotions on their faces.
Feng Guangmei's eyes were slightly red as she said, "Bei Bitang, you are still so beautiful!"
Bei Bitang was dressed simply, with a long-sleeved high-necked white shirt tucked into high-waisted jeans and a pair of high-top canvas shoes. She looked simple and elegant, and indescribably youthful and beautiful.
Bei Bitang leaned back slightly, smiled, and said, "Feng Guangmei, you're not bad either, a real city girl!"
Feng Guangmei has caught up with all the fashion trends, including a bright red padded suit, thin bangs, half curly hair, and a metal belt.
The sound of gentle music spread out from the place where the sound was placed.
When the secretary came back after buying the order, she saw the boss standing there in a daze and couldn't help but call out, "Boss Gu?"
At the same time, she followed the boss's gaze and saw a young lady with a slim and elegant back sitting in a corner by the window not far away. From her direction, she could only see the young lady's round and tall nose.
There was no response. The secretary raised her voice and called out again, "Mr. Gu?! You even have an appointment with Director Zhang at the teahouse."
In order to win over Director Zhang, her boss asked her to reject all invitations, including ball games, parties, and birthday banquets.
Gu Wangxi turned around and said with a serious expression, "Let's go."
The bright glass door opened, and taking this opportunity, a fallen leaf swirled into the cafe.
The sky was gloomy and windy, and the wind was filled with moisture, as if it was going to rain.
Bei Bitang and Feng Guangmei met again after a long time. They didn't pay any attention to the weather outside. It was only after the lights above their heads were turned on that they looked at the street.
They both said at the same time, "It's drizzling."
They turned around and continued chatting. Nowadays, they don’t have to worry about the weather when traveling.
No matter it is windy or rainy, one has a car and the other takes a taxi without any burden.
After telling the other party about the recent situation that he wanted to know most, Feng Guangmei took out an envelope from her bag, placed it on the table, and said, "Here, this is the four hundred yuan that Xiao Mao returned to you."
Bei Bitang used a small spoon to put the mousse cake into her mouth bit by bit, smiled and said, "If you hadn't mentioned it, I would have forgotten about it."
Before going abroad, Bei Bitang gave the IOU and land deeds of Hu Fener's family to Feng Guangmei, and went to the Hu family again, asking Hu Fener to pay the money back to Feng Guangmei if she could not graduate and return to China in time.
Feng Guangmei poured some milk into her coffee, stirring it slowly. She raised an eyebrow and said, "Did you know the Hu family's house was demolished? What a shame! If they can't pay you back, Bei Bitang, you'll be rich!"
Bei Bitang knew that Feng Guangmei was joking, and that she would notify her as soon as the Hu family paid back the money.
It was both funny and touching. When Feng Guangmei heard that students studying abroad were living in poverty, some so poor they had to wash dishes, she quickly told Bei Bitang that she was rich now, that the Hu family had paid her back 400 yuan, and asked if she wanted to send the money herself.
Bei Bitang put down the spoon and said seriously, "It's a pity, but the Hu family paid me back on time, which proves that I was right. The value they gave me back then was far greater than the relocation land I'm getting now."
During the time when the Hu family fulfilled their contract and repaid the debt, she was under great mental and financial pressure. Her daughter had just been born, and after deducting the monthly expenses for milk powder, diapers, and nanny, there was little left of her salary. Because she had not yet obtained an ID card, she could not enjoy the various benefits of local people.
She also has to worry about what to do if her daughter gets sick, and she also has to compete fiercely with her peers at work.
Hu Fener repaid the money on time, which gave her a little warmth and comfort. See, Bei Bitang, there are still good people in the world.
Feng Guangmei said with a smile: "Hey! Why should I feel sorry for you? You are a rich woman now."
Bei Bitang shrugged and said, "Who says too much money? Aren't children these days little emperors of their families? I raised a little emperor myself, so how can I not let her inherit a fortune?"
Feng Guangmei took a sip of the coffee with milk and sugar, but still found it bitter. She nodded in agreement and said, "I share your thoughts. In the past, parents hoped their children would be successful, and it would be best if they were born and raised naturally, without having to worry about it themselves and let them learn. Now it's different. I think it's better for me to work hard myself than for my children to work hard."
Bei Bitang smiled and said, "No wonder we two can become good friends, we have similar views."
Feng Guangmei smiled, then a second later, a hint of sadness appeared on her face as she said, "Bitang, do you think I should change jobs and work in a private company? I only have one daughter, with elderly parents and young children to take care of. Her father and I will stay in Shanghai for the rest of our lives. I was thinking that if she wanted to go abroad when she grows up, even if it wasn't for her studies, just to gain some experience, I, as her mother, would be able to say without any burden, 'Dear, go abroad if you want. Mom has the money to support you!'"
Feng Guangmei’s husband is her schoolmate, one year older than her, and stayed on to teach at the school. After graduation, she joined a large state-owned enterprise and now works as the financial director.
Both sets of parents have pensions and no burden, and Feng Guangmei was also allocated a house, so she lives a modest life.
But her salary did not match her ability. Her junior and senior students who graduated and joined private companies all earned higher salaries than her.
Prices are rising, and my husband is a poor teacher. There is a popular saying on the street now: making missiles is not as good as selling tea eggs. There is a reason for it.
Feng Guangmei's idea of changing jobs became stronger day by day, and there were companies trying to recruit her.
Bei Bitang thought for a moment and said, "Guangmei, if you want to work in a private enterprise, why not join our company?"
Feng Guangmei asked in surprise: "Your company is hiring? And you're hiring Chinese people?"
She had heard a lot that these high-end foreign companies had to purchase even coffee and printing paper from their headquarters.
Bei Bitang supported her chin with one hand, raised her eyebrows, and said with a smile: "Recruit? Why not?"
We didn’t recruit them before, but these foreigners who came to work in China were not familiar with their own national conditions, and they didn’t know enough about the various tax laws and policies, nor did they bother to learn about them.
Because of arrogance, the branch missed an import tax reduction policy last year and paid millions in extra taxes. The headquarters was furious and called Dave back, scolded him, and asked him to reflect on it.
If it weren't for the mess in Shanghai, the headquarters would have become increasingly distrustful of Dave's abilities and would not have let her go.
Feng Guangmei leaned out half of her body and said seriously, "Then I am really moved."
Bei Bitang smiled easily and said, "If you're interested, then so be it. I can even get you an internal recommendation."
Feng Guangmei knocked on the table, her heart burning with excitement, and she said happily, "It's good to have someone in the court!"
Bei Bitang thought for a moment and said, "Next time we meet, I'll give you some information about our group. Don't worry about the language barrier. Although our group is German, less than half of our employees are German, so we communicate in English."
After a pause, Bei Bitang encouraged him, "It's difficult for you to get the top salary in our group with your major, but getting over 3,000 yuan shouldn't be a problem. You can use our company as a springboard to join the Big Four in the future."
Feng Guangmei studied accounting and worked in auditing, so of course she knows about the Big Four.
Her eyes widened, she shook her head, and whispered, "Four Greatest? I can't even think about it!"
"But now that you've said that, I'm definitely going to join your company!" Feng Guangmei said firmly, "Bitang, thank you. Please bring the information next time. I'll treat you. Just tell me where you want to have a nice meal!"
Bei Bitang smiled. Feng Guangmei really hadn't changed at all. She still had a fierce spirit and would fight for what she wanted.
Bei Bitang said, "Guangmei, there's no need for a big meal, because I have something to ask of you..."
Feng Guangmei interrupted and said, "They are two different things! You asking me to do something is one thing, and me thanking you is another. They can't be confused. What is it? Tell me! I will definitely do it for you!"
Bei Bitang shrugged and said with a smile, "Okay, I want to find a nanny. I've lived abroad for so many years and didn't have any connections before I went abroad. I'd like you to introduce me to someone who knows me well."
The company has a matching service company, and Dave's family hired the nanny through an agency. I heard that she is pretty good, but she is single and has a young daughter, so naturally they have to be extremely careful.
She didn't ask Miao Xiuxiu about this matter because she saw how affectionate Miao Xiuxiu was towards her daughter. Maybe if she mentioned it, Miao Xiuxiu would pack her luggage and come to take care of her daughter.
Of course, it could also be that she was being sentimental. She had longed for maternal love, was used to a free and easy life, and had seen through the so-called family affection. She didn't want to mix her personal life with Miao Xiuxiu's.
If she were to look for Wei Bili, her second sister would definitely look for relatives. She didn't want to invite back a big Buddha to tell her what to do as an elder.
So she went to Feng Guangmei, she believed in Feng Guangmei's vision.
Feng Guangmei said without hesitation: "Hey, I thought it was a big deal? It's just looking for a nanny. No problem! Leave it to me. I know you're in a hurry. I'll find someone for you when I get back!"
Bei Bitang felt relieved and was happy again to have a friend who understood her and could support her.
Feng Guangmei pondered for a moment, then suddenly said, "Bitang, what do you think of Aunt Hu?"
Bei Bitang let out an "ah" in confusion.
Seeing that Bei Bitang didn't know who she was talking about, Feng Guangmei hinted, "It's Little Maugham's mother, the aunt of the family to whom you sold the small vegetable market job."
Bei Bitang suddenly realized, but then asked with some confusion, "Why is Hu Fen'er working as a nanny? Wasn't their house demolished? Isn't Xiao Mao's father always sick?"
Bei Bitang lowered her voice for the last sentence.
Bei Bitang actually looked down on the profession of nanny. In her opinion, Hu Fener had given birth to several children, raised them one by one, and had to take care of her bedridden husband. She didn't have to worry about money, so she might as well take a good rest.
Otherwise, when you are old, even if your children are filial, you will still suffer from the pain your body deserves.
Feng Guangmei smoothed her bangs and explained, "The house is being demolished, but most of the older generation can't afford to sit idle. Aunt Hu understands this very well. She only takes on one client a year and tells them she'll only work for six months. The rest of the time, she'll go home and rest and recuperate."
The population of the city was growing, the small vegetable market was expanded, Xiao Mao became a regular owner, and in 1985 the small vegetable market could even be used for private business.
Except for the youngest daughter, all of Hu Fener's children were obsessed with studying. The older ones refused to go to school after finishing junior high school.
After some thought, Hu Fener rented a small stall in a small vegetable market, asked her children to go to the countryside to collect vegetables, and then set up a stall to sell them.
The business was really made up by the kids. As soon as they received the demolition compensation, Hu Fener bought the stall.
The vegetable stall business was enough for the children to handle, and she had no say in it. The children didn't let her work, and her husband had gone away to take care of her.
She became completely idle, staring at the TV all day long. Her life was hard in the past, and she developed a habit of not liking to talk to people. She was so bored that she started working as a nanny.
Why is Feng Guangmei so familiar with Hu Fener? It is because Bei Bitang entrusted the matter of repaying the money to her.
The Hu family's house was demolished, and they needed to find a new house. Hu Fener mentioned this when she came to repay the money. Feng Guangmei remembered that there was a family nearby who wanted to rent out a house, so she asked Hu Fener to go find someone to take a look.
After seeing the house, they found it big enough and the rent was reasonable, so Hu Fener and Feng Guangmei became neighbors.
The Hu family will not be able to move into their new house until at least next year, and the two families are still neighbors now.
It is really hard to find a good nanny. In this regard, Bei Bitang can be said to be unfamiliar with the place.
So she was tempted, and Bei Bitang asked with concern: "How is Auntie's cooking skills?"
Hu Fener has several children of her own. Even though her family is poor, her children's clothes and fingers are always clean. She also has experience in caring for the sick, so her patience goes without saying.
The only thing I need to worry about is whether her cooking is delicious.
Feng Guangmei gave a thumbs-up and praised, "Excellent! If we had a wedding or funeral at home and Aunt Hu was in charge of cooking, I would take a day off to go and have a meal!"
Hearing this, Bei Bitang felt that Hu Fener was indeed a rare and good candidate, but half a year?
Bei Bitang thought for a moment and said, "How about this? Aunt Hu doesn't have to do the cleaning at home. I'll hire someone else to come and clean. Tell her that the work can't be interrupted, otherwise she'll only work for six months and I'll have to find someone else. If she's willing, let her come to the hotel to see me. I'll pay her 800 yuan a month, and she'll also get bonuses during festivals."
Feng Guangmei said cheerfully, "As soon as I say it, she will definitely agree. You are her family's benefactor. She has been asking me about you all these years!"
Bei Bitang looked very happy, as if she had accomplished something big.
Feng Guangmei understood Bei Bitang's feelings very well when she thought about how she lived in a hotel with a child.
Feng Guangmei stared at Bei Bitang's smooth face, which showed no trace of life, and said seriously, "Bitang, you've taken good care of Anna. A five-year-old child looks as old as six or seven."
Bei Bitang was startled, her eyes suddenly moist. She held Feng Guangmei's hand tightly and said with a sob, "Guangmei, thank you."
Only her female friends can understand the guilt she feels about raising her daughter alone.
She wanted someone to accompany her so much, and wanted to have an unbreakable blood and legal relationship with that person forever, so she irresponsibly gave birth to a daughter.
Because she was pregnant, she could no longer live in the school dormitory, so she moved out of the campus and had to live in another apartment at her own expense. Internship and studies were also two heavy pressures. During this period, she had wavered several times, wondering whether she should go to the hospital to have an abortion while the baby was still young.
But I gritted my teeth and persevered.
In order to save on heating costs in winter, she sent her daughter to live with her next-door neighbor, who was also a single mother. She had a baby about the same age as her daughter. She had no job and lived on her previous savings.
Bei Bitang left her daughter at her house, not only sharing the heating costs with her, but also giving her a lot of nursing fees. Of course, she was extremely happy.
In order to ensure that her daughter would not have memories of poverty, Bei Bitang worked hard and moved to a better place before Bei Anna could speak.
Bei Bitang has always felt guilty about her daughter, not because she once didn't want the child.
Instead, she gave birth to her daughter to gain emotional value from Beanna, and she never asked whether her daughter was happy or willing to come into this world.
Feng Guangmei quickly embraced Bei Bitang and comforted her gently, "It's okay. Little Anna is very happy to have a mother like you who loves her. She loves you too. In the photo you sent me, Anna pressed her little face against yours, so close."
Last year, when their lives were as stable as boiled water, Bei Bitang told Feng Guangmei about the existence of their daughter.
Feng Guangmei was shocked and frightened when she saw the photos sent back by her good friend.
Beianna looks very much like Bei Bitang, but Feng Guangmei was impressed by the man she met once at the entrance of the alley. After all, his appearance was so outstanding.
From Beanna's round little face, Feng Guangmei could still see some signs of paternal inheritance.
Feng Guangmei could only comfort herself that the man would not have traveled all the way to Germany to pester Bei Bitang. Maybe Bei Bitang only liked men with this appearance.
Feng Guangmei sighed and thought, if the two of them had met later, at least until Bei Bitang was admitted to university, they would have been a perfect match, maybe they could have formed a happy marriage.
It just so happened that the two met when their good friend was in the most embarrassing situation. She knew Bei Bitang's personality. Although she looked gentle on the surface, she was actually very strong-willed and had a very high self-esteem.
It's impossible for two people.
Bei Bitang sniffed, took the tissue handed to her by Feng Guangmei, wiped the corners of her eyes, calmed down, and said, "It's a deal, you must be my colleague. Comrade Feng Guangmei, you must work hard and pick up your English!"
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