Chapter 86

Chapter 42: Shareholding

That night, Su Aijun and Kōmoto Ori were both tossing and turning, unable to sleep.

Su Aijun had already recounted his conversation with Fang Mingyuan to his father, Su Huandong, in full detail. As for what needed to be done, he didn't need to worry about it anymore; the experienced Su Huandong would handle it better than he could. What Su Aijun was more concerned about was that if what Fang Mingyuan said was true, wouldn't their meager savings shrink even more? Su Aijun was an independent person. Since leaving home, he had never asked his family for a single cent. Although the family's monthly living expenses were entirely covered by the state, his parents' salaries were untouched, all saved for their three sons. However, Su Aijun felt that an independent person should not ask for money from their family after starting work.

In recent years, although he had earned a lot, he had also spent a lot. When he got married, due to financial constraints, he and his wife only visited their parents in the capital and toured the city. Now that his wife was pregnant, the family's savings amounted to only a little over two thousand yuan. If, as Fang Mingyuan said, price reforms would trigger a buying frenzy and make goods scarce, wouldn't that make life hard for his wife and child?

"Su Aijun, what's wrong with you today? You look so worried," his wife, Liu Lan, turned over and asked softly, "Is there any new development with Fang Mingyuan's matter?" Liu Lan also had a special fondness for Fang Mingyuan, often saying privately that if only their son could be as smart and capable as Fang Mingyuan. Even as a teenager, he could already earn money to support the family.

Su Aijun shook his head and recounted everything Fang Mingyuan had told him to his wife. His wife was not the type to gossip or spread rumors, so he didn't have to worry about her leaking the information.

"How could he suddenly think of this?" Liu Lan looked at her husband with disbelief. A teenager discussing such matters with a man in his thirties was indeed strange. Reflecting on her own teenage years, she seemed to have been busy with play and study, and national affairs seemed as distant as another world.

Su Aijun turned to his side and wrapped his arm around his wife's waist, saying, "That's why I said this kid's mind is like a rabbit's; he calls it 'leapfrog thinking,' which means his mind is quick and his ideas broad!" Liu Lan couldn't help but laugh. Her husband always liked to banter with Fang Mingyuan, but he often came up short when faced with the endless new terms Fang Mingyuan used.

"Did you tell your father?"

"Of course, this kid was so serious, how could I not tell him?" Su Aijun shrugged. Over the years, Fang Mingyuan would occasionally discuss national affairs with Su Aijun. Although Su Aijun found his ideas somewhat unbelievable, many of them had come true over time. Because of this, Su Aijun and Su Huandong always took Fang Mingyuan's words seriously, never dismissing them as mere childish fantasies.

"What did your father say?" Liu Lan asked curiously.

"My father didn't say much. He just made me repeat it three times to ensure I didn't get anything wrong, and asked me to write a written report to send to his office tomorrow." Su Aijun kissed his wife's lips and sighed, "To be honest, the more I think about it, the more I believe it's possible. Mingyuan is right; everyone is poor. The monthly salary, after covering food, drink, and other necessities, leaves very little. For families with more children, even the annual tuition can be unaffordable. If a document is suddenly issued to liberalize prices and allow price fluctuations, everyone will worry that the value of their savings will shrink due to price increases. Even though the amount of money remains the same, it won't buy as much. This will undoubtedly be a shock to many families. Even for us, we might need to stock up on daily necessities to prepare. How can this kid think so far ahead?"

"Su Aijun, I think instead of using that money to buy supplies, we should let Mingyuan invest it," Liu Lan looked at her husband cautiously. This wasn't the first time they had discussed this topic, but Su Aijun had always avoided it. Liu Lan felt that since neither of them was good at managing finances, and Fang Mingyuan was doing well, it would be better to invest the money in the Fang family's business. She had heard that the Fang family restaurant was planning to open in Pingchuan County, and Fang Bin was even talking about expanding to the provincial capital. The business was clearly thriving. Fang Mingyuan also mentioned opening a supermarket. If they could invest this money, at least they wouldn't have to worry about its value depreciating.

"Then, even if prices soar in the future, our children won't suffer," Liu Lan added, seeing that Su Aijun's expression hadn't changed.

"You don't know, that kid isn't short of money; he just can't convert it into cash!" Su Aijun said with a bitter smile, "Our two or three thousand yuan is less than the Fang family restaurant's monthly profit. If we invest it, how much equity should he give us? If he gives us too little, it would be embarrassing for both of us. If he gives us too much, it would be like we're taking advantage of the Fang family."

"Su Aijun, don't be angry with me for saying this," Liu Lan hesitated.

"Hmm?" Su Aijun was slightly surprised.

"I think you're being too rigid. And it's not just me saying this; Mingyuan has said it too. Tonight, while you were cooking in the kitchen, Mingyuan talked to me. He said that equity shouldn't be calculated solely based on the amount of money invested. For example, new technologies, sales channels, personal connections, and even new dishes at their restaurant can be converted into equity. This time, if it weren't for your help, Li Dongxing wouldn't have been so cooperative. So, he hopes you can take a stake in his businesses. This way, at least the corrupt officials will think twice before targeting the Fang family. This would save the Fang family restaurant and the future supermarket a lot of trouble and expenses. For him, trading equity for peace is well worth it," Liu Lan said softly.

Su Aijun smiled bitterly and was about to speak, but his wife covered his mouth with her hand. "Mingyuan also said that if you don't take a stake, he won't feel right about troubling you in the future. Things are probably safe in Pingchuan County now, but the provincial capital branch, and even the capital city branch, he wouldn't dare to trouble your family anymore. You understand the principle of 'a small favor brings gratitude, a large favor brings resentment.' He also said that if you absolutely refuse, he will wait until our child is a month old and directly give the equity to our child as a gift from his older brother. Then you won't have a reason to refuse, right?"