Chapter Fifty-Three: Wang Mengzi Plans to Travel

With Yuan Yuqing’s intervention, what once seemed a daunting task to Zhang Ye became incredibly simple. That very afternoon, Hong Jiang was placed under double-regulation for suspected crimes of bribery, favoritism, and abuse of power. On the same day, Deputy Editor Gao Ming of the Lihua Morning Post was taken away in handcuffs by a group of officers in blue uniforms. With his uncle gone, he could no longer rely on family connections and now faced the full force of the law.

Simultaneously, Editor-in-Chief Gu Changming of the Lihua Morning Post publicly announced Wang Mengzi’s reinstatement, apologized to her before the entire staff, and personally, accompanied by several leaders, visited her home, earnestly hoping she would return to work.

However, perhaps out of weariness or a genuine desire never to go back, Wang Mengzi declined Gu Changming’s invitation, saying she wished to focus on her writing at home.

Perhaps the moment she was dismissed in front of everyone, she had already decided never to return to the paper. Although she was moved by her vindication, the original passion was gone.

Thus, Wang Mengzi resigned from the newspaper even earlier than she did in her previous life, embarking on the path of a full-time writer.

Her new book was already completed and submitted to Tianlai Publishing House for editing and publication. For the first time, she felt at ease. With nothing pressing at hand, she began planning a trip to Hangzhou, Yangzhou, and other regions.

Zhang Ye was uncertain whether she truly wanted to travel or was simply avoiding him. He visited her several times, but was either denied entry or received with chilly indifference. When he asked questions, she would respond tersely; if he didn’t, she would simply sit in silence, lost in her own thoughts.

He could not understand why, after saying she forgave him, her attitude had grown so distant. All he could do was leave, worried and helpless, hoping she would calm down in time.

Wang Mengzi’s feelings were indeed complicated. After venting her anger on Zhang Ye, her forgiveness came quickly. Yet when she considered their awkward relationship and the significant age gap between them, she felt powerless and dejected. That was why she resolved to travel, to find some relief and renewal in unfamiliar places.

Zhang Ye’s mother, Liu Meiju, was quite envious of Wang Mengzi’s travel plans. Often at the dinner table, she would sigh about how promising Xiao Wang was, a true graduate of a prestigious university. Then she would turn her attention to Zhang Ye, nagging him relentlessly about studying hard and getting into a good university.

Zhang Ye could only endure it all. Already disheartened by Wang Mengzi’s impending departure, he now had to face his mother’s barrage of criticism. The carefree freedom of his summer break was finally disrupted, as Zhang Haiguan dragged him off to a day of tutoring.

It is worth noting that Liu Meiju resigned from her job. Zhang Ye’s words had finally moved her. She had come to realize that, although her work at the company was easy, she was constantly under someone else’s thumb, earning a fixed wage. It seemed better to open her own small shop.

After a few more days of careful deliberation, she handed in her resignation and received over twenty thousand yuan in compensation for her years of service.

She then busied herself with preparations, starting with the store. The clothing market Zhang Ye had mentioned was naturally her first choice. It was newly constructed and under renovation, with most of the shops still vacant and rents relatively cheap. So, gritting her teeth, she rented a spot in a high-traffic central location.

This, of course, was thanks to Zhang Ye’s advice. At this early stage, it was difficult to gauge the future flow of customers, and Liu Meiju, lacking experience, couldn’t predict the market’s potential. Zhang Ye didn’t know much more, but his knowledge of the future told him this location would soon be bustling with business. That was why he suggested they rent it.

He actually wanted to suggest that Liu Meiju buy the shop, since the price seemed incredibly low to him—almost a bargain. In ten years, the cost would be in the hundreds of thousands, or even over a million. But Liu Meiju was cautious, and the family’s savings were limited, so she chose to rent instead.

The shop was about sixty or seventy square meters, with an annual rent of 5,500 yuan. The lease was signed for five years, more expensive than Zhang Ye’s little fruit stand, but the location was better, the space was larger, and the atmosphere more upscale.

The rent, however, surprised Zhang Ye. He had expected at least 8,000 yuan a year. Seeing this figure, he was instantly tempted.

He knew that in just two months, rents here would skyrocket. Not only was the location excellent, but there was government support and a stream of positive news. This place would soon be the hottest property in Lihua County, with countless people clamoring to rent a space.

A thought occurred to Zhang Ye: if he could act before the good news spread and before others recognized the potential, could he rent a few more shops or counters for himself?

In just a dozen days, the shop spaces rented now could be sublet for at least half as much again, some even doubling or tripling in price. The profits could be astonishing.

All it would cost Zhang Ye was a bit of time.

This idea instantly lifted his spirits, dispelling the gloom of the past few days. An indescribable excitement surged through him.

He immediately shared his idea with his parents. But instead of praise, he was met with a stern rebuke. Both his father and mother were honest, upright people, and such speculative ventures were anathema to them.

Although speculation was no longer considered a crime, they had lived through a time when it was, and found it hard to accept these business tactics. Moreover, they weren’t sure if they had enough capital. The shop was rented, but they still needed money for inventory. Zhang Ye’s grand plans made them curious about those South Korean imports, but as imported goods, they expected them to be expensive and wanted to save their money for stock.

People are stubborn creatures, after all.

In later years, when everyone went into business, such ventures would become common, even rampant. If you didn’t do it, someone else would.

So, Zhang Ye decided to do it himself. He could quickly accumulate capital without disrupting his other plans. After all, the era of internet cafes was still over a year away, and he had plenty of time to prepare.

Three days had passed since Zhang Ye last spoke with Liu Wentao and the others. Today was the last day they planned to sell watermelons. Around the neighborhood, Zhang Ye noticed more and more vendors selling watermelons.

These were clever people who had brought watermelons in from outside. But the market’s fever was fading, and prices would soon enter a steady decline. Whether these latecomers would make a profit was anyone’s guess.

PS: As usual, asking for votes. Also, I’ve created a new group chat—it’s listed in the description. If you’re interested, feel free to join the conversation. It’s been two weeks, and only one person has joined so far—it’s a bit lonely... Don’t let me lose face, please! The group number is: 181938106.