Chapter 35: Grandpa Fang's Request

The four of them enjoyed the roast duck thoroughly and left the restaurant in high spirits. As they were about to leave, Yang Jing handed a bottle of soda to Fang Mingyuan.

In the afternoon, the four naturally toured the scenic spots around Qianmen, and took the opportunity to visit the old-established shops on Qianmen Street, buying quite a lot of things. Fortunately, there was Bai Bin, a strong laborer, to carry the load, so the two elders of the Fang family were not tired. They didn't go to the Forbidden City, as it was too large and required a whole day to see everything. By around four in the afternoon, the four returned to Quanjude. Yang Jing had already prepared the freshly baked roast ducks and the accompanying condiments. The four picked them up and hurried home. In this era, there were no microwaves at home, and the weather was cold. If the roast ducks cooled down, they wouldn't taste as good.

As they approached the alley, they happened to meet Bai Ping, who was returning home. Bai Bin, carrying the large and small packages, went ahead.

"Quanjude roast ducks? Was it your idea again, you little rascal?" Seeing the two still warm roast ducks in the bag, Bai Ping couldn't help but ask with a hint of concern. This boy really didn't know the value of money. Quanjude roast ducks were considered high-end food in the capital, and most families might not even have one in a year. This boy, however, was eating and taking them, which must have cost a lot. Although she knew the boy was now quite wealthy, Bai Ping, who had been used to a frugal life, still felt a bit reluctant. Just these two roast ducks, along with the condiments, were almost equivalent to a month's salary for an ordinary worker.

"Coming to the capital once, how could we not let Grandpa and Grandma taste Quanjude roast ducks? Besides, we didn't just come for the food," Fang Mingyuan explained. "Right, Grandpa?"

Grandpa Fang laughed heartily and said, "Don't blame Xiao Yuan. This time, we two have broadened our horizons. It's indeed the most famous restaurant in the capital, and it's different. Whether it's the appearance of the shop, the service, the dishes, or the rules, everything is well-organized. These things are not easily learned in our province. This meal was worth it! Worth it!" His words were not entirely to protect Fang Mingyuan but were genuinely heartfelt. This trip to the capital, on one hand, was to accompany his old companion to visit the heart of the country, and on the other hand, to broaden his horizons. Fang Bin had always wanted to open a restaurant in the town, but Fang Mingyuan had never agreed. Although Grandpa Fang had always supported Fang Mingyuan, he had also been somewhat puzzled. However, after seeing Quanjude today, he understood Fang Mingyuan's intentions a bit more. Broadening one's horizons in the outside world, even if it was just a superficial imitation, would still be a level higher than the so-called restaurants in Hai Zhuang Town. If they were to do it, they would do the best in Hai Zhuang Town!

"Dad, you spoil him too much. He'll turn the house upside down in the future!" Bai Ping said with a helpless smile. This son was becoming increasingly difficult to discipline, and even scolding him a few times would be stopped by someone.

"Mom, the ducks are already bought, and there's no return policy. If you keep complaining, it might cause misunderstandings with Uncle and Aunt. It's also a way to save face in front of my siblings. Besides, in the future, we will definitely need their help with many things. Treating them well now will make it easier to ask for help later." Fang Mingyuan whispered in her ear, "Now is the hardest time for them. In a couple of years, their lives will gradually improve. At that time, a meal at Quanjude will still be expensive, but it won't be as shocking as it is now. Adding flowers to brocade is not as good as adding charcoal in the snow."

Bai Ping was not a dull person and immediately understood. Yes, two Quanjude roast ducks were expensive, but Fang Mingyuan's words made sense. If they had already bought them and then made their siblings feel unwelcome, it would cause misunderstandings. She pinched Fang Mingyuan's cheek and said, "You little rascal, why do you have so many tricks up your sleeve! Don't do such things on your own in the future!"

"Mom, if I'm a rascal, then the one who gave birth to me must also be a rascal!" Fang Mingyuan laughed. Not doing things on his own in the future? Ha, that's out of the question! He would do many things on his own in the future!

When the four entered the house, Bai Bin was just pushing his bicycle out.

"Where are you going? It's almost time to eat!" Bai Ping asked quickly. The ducks would not taste good if they cooled down.

"My dad asked me to invite Aunt Three's family!" The Aunt Three Bai Bin mentioned was the mother of He Jun and He Jian. The two families lived close to each other, and it was just a short bike ride away.

"Are there enough people for two roast ducks?" Fang Mingyuan calculated. There were four people in Uncle's family, four in their own family, three in Aunt Two's family, and four in Aunt Three's family, making a total of fifteen people. Even if the four who had already eaten roast duck at noon didn't eat it, the two roast ducks would still be insufficient for eleven people.

"Being able to eat it is already good! Don't think about whether there's enough!" Bai Ping said with a bad temper. This naughty boy had become quite picky in the past six months. If it weren't for the money earned from the bun business and the lending library, the family would have been impoverished just by their expenses. Fang Mingyuan shrank his neck; his mother was still upset, and he didn't want to provoke her.

"Uncle, you are too polite! This is really too expensive!" Bai Lin heard the voices in the yard and hurried out to welcome them. Bai Ping pulled Fang Mingyuan to the kitchen to wash his hands.

Grandpa Fang smiled and said, "It's nothing. I just think that good things should be shared. I've seen that your life is not easy these few days. It's almost the New Year, so let everyone enjoy some good food."

"But the roast ducks are really..." Bai Lin rubbed his hands, feeling somewhat uneasy. When Bai Ping returned, she brought a lot of local specialties, and now Grandpa Fang had bought two Quanjude roast ducks. This was a significant favor.

"You don't have to be so formal. Actually, I have a request!" Grandpa Fang laughed.

"A request? What is it, Uncle? Just say it, and I will do my best to help." Bai Lin patted his chest. He understood the principle of "taking from others and eating from others." Now that his family had taken and eaten from others, if they didn't readily agree to a request, they would lose face.

"It's not a big deal. In a few days, it will be the New Year, and we two old guys should go back. We've seen and played everything in the capital. Only the eldest son is at home, and we are still a bit worried. So, in the coming days, we entrust Xiao Yuan and his mother to you. You must ensure their safety and let them return home safely after the New Year." Grandpa Fang said earnestly, "If you can do this, I will leave with peace of mind."

"Uncle, you don't need to remind me. Xiao Ping is my sister, and Mingyuan is my nephew. I will take care of it without you saying anything." Bai Lin knew what the old man was worried about and quickly promised.

"That's good, that's good. We are all family, and we will inevitably need each other's help in the future. This small matter doesn't need to be taken to heart!" Grandpa Fang smiled.

Bai Lin was about to say more, but Bai Bin had already brought He Jun and He Jian into the yard...

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