On the night of the 29th of the Lunar New Year, Chen Bing's family huddled together on the bed in their bedroom, listening to Chen Shichao recount his experiences in a major southern city over the past year. Whenever he mentioned something interesting, the whole family would burst into laughter.
There were occasional firecrackers going off outside, while the stove inside was burning warmly.
Bags of nuts that Chen Shichao had bought were placed on the table next to the bed. The television from the living room had also been moved there, currently playing various programs, adding background music to the family's happy life.
Chen Bing's family was all here, enjoying a lively and happy time.
"Shichao, how much have you saved this year?"
When Chen's father had finished explaining what was going on in his heart, Liu Yue nestled in his arms and looked up to ask.
Upon hearing this, Chen Shichao smiled smugly and then held up two fingers.
"Twenty thousand!?"
Chen Shichao nodded, and Liu Yue excitedly kissed him.
Chen Bing, who was listening attentively, couldn't help but gasp. The last year was 2006, when the average annual income per capita in Chinese cities was just over 10,000 yuan. Even though Chen Shichao was working in a developed city in the south, that figure was still quite considerable.
Moreover, this doesn't even include the secret stash of money that Chen Shichao, that old rascal, had hidden away, which Chen Bing knew about!
After saying that, Chen Shichao organized his thoughts and then told his wife something else.
"About that 20,000 yuan, well... I bought some things casually before I left, which cost more than 4,000 yuan."
Upon hearing this, Liu Yue's joyful expression faded somewhat, but considering that the 20,000 yuan was money her husband had saved through frugality, she wasn't too angry. She just felt a pang of heartache over the 4,000 yuan.
"What did you buy that cost four thousand? You didn't go gambling again, did you?"
"No, no, I wouldn't dare gamble. I just bought a computer, and it will be delivered in a few days after the New Year."
Upon hearing that she hadn't lost money gambling, but rather bought a computer, Liu Yue's mood immediately improved.
At the same time, Chen Bing was pleasantly surprised to hear that his father had bought a computer. As a young reborn individual, nothing could better leverage his informational advantage than the internet.
Even if you don't know the market, you can still make a good income by investing in the companies behind apps like Meituan, Pinduoduo, Douyin, Bilibili, Taobao, and Honor of Kings.
Thinking of this, Chen Bing remembered Bitcoin, which has remained popular on the internet for a long time. Although he didn't know how to use it now, he could look it up online.
Money, oh money, there are just too many opportunities to make money.
After discussing the money, Chen Shichao brought up other things to distract Liu Yue.
"Um, Yueyue, I'm planning not to work outside next year."
Although I'm making money, the thought of you and Bingbing not being able to be by my side makes me feel sad.
Besides, Bingbing is growing up quickly now. If I don't see him all year round, I'm afraid he won't recognize me in the future.
No, don't worry about that. Just go south and work to earn money, and leave your computer at home.
As Chen Shichao spoke, he picked up Chen Bing, who was dreaming about a wonderful future, and lifted him up in one go, asking, "Son, do you still recognize me?"
Chen Bing had no idea what his father was up to all of a sudden. He had originally planned to cooperate with him because the other party was buying a computer.
But just then, he felt an unusual sensation on his thigh.
So Chen Bing kicked her father in the face and then yelled at Liu Yue, "Mom, Dad is pinching my leg."
Chen Shichao awkwardly handed Chen Bing to Liu Yue, muttering repeatedly, "Oops, oops."
After taking her precious son from her, Liu Yue checked his leg, which had been pinched, and then pouted at Chen Shichao, saying, "My son is very smart."
"Yes, yes, yes." Chen Shichao quickly agreed, and then continued to explain his thoughts.
Things like, "Our hometown is developing too, I'm worried about you, a widow and her children, and you won't be able to manage the breakfast stall without your mother..."
Liu Yue listened silently to what he was saying, until finally, when he was hoarse, she suddenly asked, "So, what are you really thinking?"
Chen Shichao was speechless for a moment, his face flushed, and after a long pause, he finally replied, "It's too harsh out there..."
Hearing her husband's aggrieved voice, which sounded like that of a child, Liu Yue immediately felt guilty.
Yes, if they could, who would want to leave their hometown and go to such a faraway big city to work? Shichao saved a whole 20,000 yuan in a year, his daily life must have been very hard.
Thinking this, Liu Yue reached out and hugged her husband, and then the couple said many affectionate words to each other.
Seeing that the atmosphere was getting increasingly awkward, Chen Bing grabbed a handful of nuts and headed towards her grandfather's house.
Today is the 29th of the lunar year. Although it's not even half an hour until Lunar New Year's Eve, I imagine Grandpa would feel lonely if no one were with him during the festive atmosphere.
And so, Chen Bing will be sleeping at her maternal grandfather's house tonight.
And so, Chen Bing had her father's company.
...
Amidst the crackling of firecrackers, Chen Bing grew another year older, welcoming the spring breeze.
Over the past year, he has focused on learning calligraphy from his grandfather while also cultivating other talents, striving to enrich himself.
On the other hand, it subtly influenced Chen Shichao, so that when he first came into contact with the Internet, he could appreciate the infinite opportunities it contained.
The first major goal is progressing very smoothly. With Chen Bing's tireless efforts, not only has his calligraphy become quite decent, but his motor skills and cognitive abilities have also made great progress.
These extra achievements are mainly due to his use of his spare time, whether it's running, jumping rope, playing Sudoku, or doing crafts.
Compared to the previous one, inspiring an unreliable father to make money is much more complicated.
Chen Bing thought the most difficult part of this goal was getting him to take his small child seriously.
However, later practice showed that the biggest challenge was getting the internet-addicted father out of the gaming world.
Yes, the reason this old guy bought the computer in the first place was neither because he followed the trend nor because he recognized the importance of the Internet in the future world.
It was for a very simple reason: I saw others playing Plants vs. Zombies and got envious, so I bought it.
Later, as he used the computer more and more, he gradually started playing games such as World of Warcraft, Fantasy Westward Journey, and KartRider.
A while ago, he even got to play the newly launched CF (Crossfire), and became so addicted that he would play until midnight every day. Then, the next day, Liu Yue would arrive late from home after working at the store for several hours, until 5 a.m.
Moreover, he only lends a hand between the busiest times of six and seven o'clock. Once it's past seven o'clock, he comes back from the store as if he's leaving get off work on time, leaving Liu Yue to clean up the mess all by herself.
Even if he gets home early, he won't think about cooking or doing housework.
Every morning, as soon as he gets back from the store, he ignores everything else and rushes into his room to play games. Even if it's mealtime, if Liu Yue doesn't call him to eat and he gets angry, he absolutely won't go, acting like a complete overgrown baby.
Chen Bing even felt that he had contributed less to the family than she had.
Poor Ms. Liu Yue, who is hardworking and conscientious, not only has to run the breakfast stall every day, but also has to do laundry and cook for her family.
Later, Chen Shichao finally angered Liu Yue, who had a good temper. She cried and told him that if he continued to spend all day on the computer, she would take the child and jump into a well.
At that time, Liu Yue's resolute words and sorrowful tone startled Chen Bing, let alone Chen Shichao who was being threatened.
He burst into tears, recalling the grievances his wife had suffered alone over the past year, cursing himself for being inhuman, and raising a stick to smash the computer.
Chen Bing couldn't let him actually smash it, so she quickly tried to dissuade him and finally managed to persuade him to give up the idea.
From that day on, Chen Shichao reformed himself and resolutely stopped touching the computer. He followed Liu Yue around every day, acting like a doting husband.
With things having progressed to this point, Chen Bing was almost at ease.
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