Chapter 94

Chapter 50: Rebutting "Brother-in-Law"

"Ah?" Everyone in the room, except for Lady Guo and her daughter, exclaimed in surprise. They all doubted if they had heard correctly, especially Fang Bin and Deputy Director Ning, who were not familiar with the Cantonese-accented Mandarin. However, the sentence was so short that they could guess its meaning to some extent. Thus, Lady Guo instantly became the focus of everyone's attention.

"Qiuxia, what do you mean by that?" Guo Tianyu was the first to ask in surprise. This was simply absurd. How could his wife suddenly come up with such a statement? Although the child had saved Qing'er and had done a favor for the Guo family, it was not right to take him to Hong Kong without consulting him. Moreover, the child had a family and a life here. Was she suggesting they move his entire family to Hong Kong? Although this would not be a big deal for the Guo family, it sounded ridiculous. This did not seem like something his usually steady and composed wife would do.

"Qiuxia, did I hear you correctly? You want me to go back to Hong Kong with you?" Fang Mingyuan also looked surprised, not understanding why Lady Qiuxia Guo would suddenly say such a thing.

Fang Bin was even more exaggerated, with a look of shock on his face. He thought, "Although our Mingyuan saved your daughter, what do you mean by taking him to Hong Kong? This isn't how you poach someone! Besides, even if you wanted to do this, you should have consulted my brother and sister-in-law first, not just come out and say it to Mingyuan."

Lady Guo's face turned slightly red. She also regretted suddenly revealing her thoughts. Without any context, it was no wonder everyone was so surprised. On one hand, she was grateful to Fang Mingyuan and wanted to repay him as much as possible. On the other hand, she believed that a bright young man like Fang Mingyuan, if he could grow up with Qing'er, would definitely become a great support for her husband and daughter in the future. Moreover, someone who knew their roots and background would be more trustworthy if given important responsibilities.

She still remembered what Officer Luo had said about how Fang Mingyuan had responded when she asked him about the consequences of a wrong judgment: "I would apologize to her in public and pay for her train ticket. It would be embarrassing, but compared to a child's lifelong happiness, which is more important?" Although a train ticket was not much to her, for a child from a rural family, it could mean losing one or two months' pocket money, or even getting a beating. This only showed the boy's inherent kindness.

At this moment, the curtain was lifted, and Fang Ya entered with a pot of hot water. Fang Bin quickly jumped up, took the hot water, and whispered, "Second Brother, don't go out yet."

"Eh?" Fang Ya was taken aback. Was there something here that required him to stay? However, he was not a dull person. Seeing Fang Bin's expression, he knew something was amiss. He silently sat down in Fang Bin's seat. Fang Bin refilled the teacups for everyone and then sat next to Fang Ya. Deputy Director Ning and the others looked at the two brothers curiously, wondering why the adults were not handling the matter. Lady Guo had already made her request, yet the two of them were sitting there in silence. Were they really going to let the young man decide for himself?

At the same time, Lady Guo said, "Tianyu, listen to me. Mingyuan, are you willing to go back to Hong Kong with me? There, you can enjoy better education, a broader perspective, and a more free life. I promise to treat you like a younger brother and let you grow up in Hong Kong. I believe you will achieve greater success there. Mingyuan, with your intelligence, I'm sure you understand that this is a rare opportunity. Are you willing to go with me? If you agree, I can help you settle in Hong Kong, and I can even arrange for your family to move there in the future."

This statement left everyone even more astonished. Deputy Director Ning and the others thought, "This kid is so lucky! It's like he's climbing to the top in one step!" Before Fang Mingyuan returned, they had already learned from Fang Ya about his family situation. His parents were workers at the Qinxi Pressing Equipment Factory in Haizhuang Town, Pingchuan County, Shaanxi Province, a town that was only slightly better than a rural area. Now, he was about to step into the world-renowned Oriental Pearl, Hong Kong, as a guest personally invited by the wife of the famous patriotic Hong Kong businessman, the head of the Guo Shipping Group, and even have the opportunity to study and live there. Even his family could move there. How could such a good thing not happen to them?

Fang Ya and Fang Bin also looked at Fang Mingyuan nervously, waiting for his response. Lady Guo's offer was generous, but the final decision was up to Fang Mingyuan. Although Hong Kong was a great place, in their hearts, it was not much better than Beijing. When Deputy Minister Su Huandong had proposed sending Mingyuan to Jingshan School, he had not gone. Hong Kong was even farther from Shaanxi Province, and he would be in an unfamiliar place. It would be better for him to stay in Beijing where his sister-in-law's family could take care of him.

Moreover, Fang Bin had another thought. Yesterday, Su Aijun had mentioned in passing that with Mingyuan's Japanese language skills and current income, studying in Japan would be a good choice. The education level there was much higher than in China. With the Su family's influence in China and the influence of "Shounen Monthly" in Japan, this plan was almost certain to succeed. If Fang Mingyuan had this intention, he should start preparing early.

Fang Mingyuan lowered his head and pondered for a moment before looking up at Lady Guo's expectant eyes and said, "I appreciate Qiuxia's kindness, but I must disappoint you. This is where I was born and raised. I will definitely visit Hong Kong in the future, but I have no intention of going there now or settling there. Qiuxia, rest assured, I will visit you and Qing'er in a year or half a year. I hope you can show me the beautiful scenery of Hong Kong then."

"Hmph!" Guo Tianyu snorted in displeasure. Fang Mingyuan's refusal of his wife's proposal surprised him and made him feel that the boy was being too ungrateful. Such a rare opportunity, which others would beg for, he had casually given up. This made him feel a bit embarrassed and a little offended on behalf of the Guo family.

"Fang Mingyuan, do you know what Hong Kong is?" Before Lady Qiuxia could speak, Guo Tianyu asked.

"I know that Hong Kong is a free port, and except for tobacco, spirits, and fuel, it does not impose tariffs on other imported goods. Hong Kong's economy is known for free trade, low tax rates, and minimal government intervention. It is a financial center, international shipping center, and regional trade center in the Asia-Pacific region and internationally, with a unique advantage over many neighboring countries and regions. Hong Kong is also a transportation and tourism hub in the Asia-Pacific region, a gateway for business and tourism to mainland China. It is an important international commercial port with a well-developed shipping industry. It has shipping connections with over 460 ports in more than 100 countries and regions, forming a comprehensive maritime transport network with Hong Kong as the hub, reaching all five continents and three oceans." Fang Mingyuan answered confidently.

"Do you also know that Hong Kong has six well-known Asian universities, including the University of Hong Kong, whose degrees are recognized worldwide? If you study in Hong Kong, as long as your academic performance is outstanding, getting into university is almost guaranteed. In mainland China, as far as I know, getting into a university is already very difficult, let alone an internationally recognized one!" Although Guo Tianyu was surprised by Fang Mingyuan's extensive knowledge of Hong Kong, he continued, "If you are in Hong Kong, you can not only choose Hong Kong universities but also easily study abroad in various countries. This is something you cannot enjoy if you stay in mainland China. After you graduate, whether in terms of job opportunities, salary, or future prospects, it will be much better than staying in mainland China and joining those stagnant enterprises! You can control your own future instead of leaving it in the hands of officials!"

"Tianyu!" Lady Guo called softly, reminding him that there were others present, and it was not appropriate to say such things.

"I know all of this!" Fang Mingyuan said calmly, "Hong Kong has many advantages over mainland China, which I cannot deny. But please do not completely negate mainland China. Without mainland China's support, Hong Kong would not have today's prosperity! Hong Kong's future is not just in the hands of Hong Kong people but also in the hands of mainland Chinese. Without the water and food supplied by mainland China, Hong Kong could not be self-sufficient and would have to rely entirely on imports, which is impossible. Moreover, Hong Kong has a limited population and limited land, so its market is also limited. When you have exhausted the markets in Southeast Asia, Japan, South Korea, and the United States, you will realize that mainland China is the most reliable market for Hong Kong. When mainland China prospers, Hong Kong prospers! Today, mainland China may have a significant gap compared to Hong Kong and many shortcomings, but in ten or twenty years, when you look back, you will find how ridiculous your current perception is."

"Nonsense!" Being rebuked by a young boy in front of so many people, Guo Tianyu felt his face was losing. He wanted to continue arguing with Fang Mingyuan, but the provincial government banquet was about to start...

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