Chapter 5: Persuasion

Fang Mingyuan's young voice was not loud in the small courtyard, but it sounded like a thunderclap in the hearts of the two elders. Grandma immediately hugged Fang Mingyuan into her arms, tears welling up in her eyes. "This child, how filial he is! At such a young age, he already knows to earn money to support his grandparents! Old man, we haven't raised him in vain, have we?"

Grandpa Fang couldn't help but feel a lump in his throat. He had never expected his grandson to give such a heartwarming response.

"Fang Mingyuan, have you thought about what kind of business you want to do?" Grandpa Fang's voice was a bit unusual, though he was trying his best to keep it normal.

"The teacher said, 'Food is the first necessity of the people!' Being hungry is the most unbearable thing! I think Grandma's baozi are so delicious. If we teach Uncle Xiao, and he goes out to sell them with a cart, he will definitely make money! Grandpa, look at how many people there are at the breakfast stalls every morning. I even have to wait for a long time just to buy a bowl of tofu pudding," Fang Mingyuan thought to himself, feeling awkward. At thirty years old, he had to speak in the tone of a six-year-old child, which was quite uncomfortable.

Grandpa Fang's heart stirred. Although the family ate all three meals at home, Fang Sheng's family sometimes had to eat breakfast outside because of their irregular work schedules. Fang Mingyuan's words seemed genuine. Grandpa Fang had great confidence in his wife's cooking skills. Everyone knew how skillful Grandma Fang was, and although she didn't make baozi often, the taste was unforgettable. This could indeed be a way to make money. Moreover, his wife was only in her early fifties and had never worked much, so running a small business wouldn't be too tiring for her.

"Why do you want Uncle Xiao to do it?" Grandpa Fang asked.

"Uncle Xiao is idle, and you and Grandma have been worrying about his job, haven't you? Besides, Dad and Aunt have jobs, and you and Grandma are getting older. If Uncle Xiao doesn't do it, who will? I want Uncle Xiao to earn money to help you and Grandma, not the other way around!" Fang Mingyuan feigned innocence and asked with a naive look, "I can help sell baozi, but I don't know how to make them!" Both Grandpa and Grandma couldn't help but laugh—what six-year-old child would go out to sell baozi?

"Old man, what do you think of Fang Mingyuan's idea?" Grandma was somewhat moved. In her younger days, with many children and household chores, she was always busy. Now that the children were grown and working, and Grandpa had retired, with only Fang Mingyuan as a grandson, she felt idle and restless. So when Fang Mingyuan suggested doing business, she felt a bit excited.

Grandpa Fang was a bit hesitant. Letting his wife run a snack stall wasn't a problem; she would be busy at home anyway, and he could help. The other family members could also lend a hand. But letting his younger son, Fang Bin, do this made him uneasy. After all, it was the early stages of the reform and opening up, and people still valued stable jobs and "iron rice bowls." Those who started their own businesses were often former prisoners, and this could damage the Fang family's reputation. "Running a snack stall isn't a problem, and it could provide some extra income for the family, but is it good for Fang Bin to do this?"

"Grandpa, Uncle Xiao doesn't have a job right now, and you can't find one for him immediately. Isn't it better to give him something to do? Don't the uncles and aunts always say, 'Ride the donkey to find the horse'?" Fang Mingyuan wriggled out of Grandma's arms and held Grandpa Fang's hand. "If a good opportunity comes up, you can always let Uncle Xiao go to work later, right?" Fang Mingyuan had already made up his mind. At this time, it was unrealistic to expect his parents to start a business. They were used to stable jobs and wouldn't agree unless they were in dire straits. Even if they were willing, the family didn't have the capital to start a business. He had many ideas for making money, but without resources, it was impossible. However, fate had given him a chance. Uncle Xiao was now unemployed, and this was the perfect time to seize the market and make the first pot of gold. By the time everyone realized that starting a business could be profitable, it would be too late!

As long as Uncle Xiao started the snack stall, Fang Mingyuan wasn't worried that he would still want the meager salary from a factory. Once on his boat, there would be no jumping off. Moreover, this was a significant change for Uncle Xiao. Fang Mingyuan remembered clearly that Uncle Xiao's job was very unstable, and even when his parents moved to Yanjing, he still didn't have a stable job, just working odd jobs.

"Ride the donkey to find the horse?" Grandma's eyes lit up, and she said with a smile, "Old man, listen to what Fang Mingyuan said. It's a good idea. Give that rascal something to do, no matter how much or little he earns. At least he won't wander around town and get into trouble with those hooligans! If a good opportunity comes up later, you can find a way to get him into a factory. Isn't that a good plan?" Grandpa Fang looked at Fang Mingyuan, his eyes shining. His grandson was truly extraordinary. If his eldest son had said this, it wouldn't be surprising, but for a six-year-old to think of this was truly remarkable.

"Yes, Grandpa!" Fang Mingyuan decided to push harder. Uncle Xiao was an essential part of his plan, and he had to make it happen this time. "The teacher told us a story: don't put all your eggs in one basket. If something unexpected happens, not all the eggs will break. Look at Dad and Aunt, they both work in factories. If the factory can't pay salaries in the future, what will we do? If Uncle Xiao can get this business going, we'll have a backup plan."

Grandpa Fang's mouth opened wide in surprise. Although he didn't think a large factory would ever fail to pay salaries, the fact that a young child could think about having a backup plan was truly astonishing.

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End of Chapter 5