Hong Kong's economy was stable at this time, but the entire society had many problems. He moved to the main island for safety. His first novel would earn him nearly HK$70,000, and the second would increase exponentially.
He dared not live in that place anymore, but he couldn't let go of the convenience store there, which provided a stable cash income. After observing for several days, Xiaofeng seemed reliable. Her daily sales would be directly deposited into the Hang Seng Bank next door. Yau Tsim Mong in Kowloon, Hong Kong, was an economically prosperous area. Other places were either industrial zones or slums.
Across from the peninsula was Hong Kong Island, where skyscrapers stood tall, while the peninsula mostly consisted of Tang-style buildings.
As for setting up a newspaper, he didn't have that idea yet. The main reason, of course, was the chaotic times. He vaguely remembered that next year, it would be best to leave early and avoid the limelight.
“Xiaohua, how is your English?”
Xiaohua, although puzzled by Zheng Baicheng's question, answered truthfully: “It’s okay. We have English-language teaching here. If not for that incident, I might have gone to Hong Kong University.”
As she spoke, she sighed, not sure if she was lamenting her fate or her lack of a college education. Zheng Baicheng had nothing to say about this, mainly because he didn’t know the value of a university degree in this era.
Let's put it this way, one of the requirements for hiring in Hong Kong's foreign firms was having graduated from Hong Kong University, and being fluent in English. This was a prerequisite. White-collar workers in Central Hong Kong were all like this.
If someone could get into Hong Kong University, they could basically achieve a class jump for a poor family in Hong Kong. Unlike the mainland, where education was industrialized, student enrollment expanded, and diplomas depreciated.
Looking at Xiaohua’s expression, he said, “I'll sponsor you to go to university again, let you fulfill your dream of going to college?”
“Really?”
“Of course, I'm a talented person from Hong Kong. It's no problem for me to recommend someone to go to university.”
“Ah~”
“Thank you, Cheng Ge!”
Listening to the voice of the beauty in his arms, Zheng Baicheng felt a little excited. In the mainland of the future, a natural, technology-free girl like this would be considered a goddess. Being embraced by such a beautiful girl, he did have some wandering thoughts. But soon, he threw away those thoughts in his heart, but his physiological instincts betrayed him.
“Cheng Ge~” Xiaohua’s soft voice sounded, making Zheng Baicheng feel a little awkward.
“Ah~ Oh~ Xiaohua, we haven’t finished our task today, let’s continue.”
That evening, while Xiaohua was present, Zahuqiang said to Zheng Baicheng after dinner: “You, what do you think of Xiaohua?”
“She’s good, pretty. She can write well, has culture, and is gentle…” He ate and talked at the same time, not knowing what it meant. Beside him, Xiaohua’s face flushed.
“That’s good. The other day, Xiaohua’s parents came to me and said that you and Xiaohua are about the same age. They told me to marry Xiaohua to you. I agreed right away. I felt I should tell you, but I forgot. I’m getting old, my memory is not as good as it used to be.”
Zheng Baicheng thought, you old man, you’ve got such a good thing, why didn’t you tell me sooner? I was so excited today. No wonder Xiaohua wasn’t shy. Zahuqiang saw that Zheng Baicheng didn’t say anything, just kept eating. He thought he disagreed. Xiaohua’s face also showed worry, her complexion faded, becoming paler than her usual healthy white.
“You, I think Xiaohua is pretty good, a beautiful girl. If you don’t like her, you can take her as a concubine. Here in Hong Kong, you can have three wives and four concubines. Besides, you’re still young, if you meet someone you like, you can make her your wife.” Seeing Zheng Baicheng didn't say anything, he continued.
Wow, this old man, he’s so open-minded! I was too shallow. It turns out I’m the clown. Hearing this, Zheng Baicheng looked up and saw that Xiaohua didn't object, and even looked hopeful. Yes, she was indeed poisoned by feudalism. Feudal tradition is a killer, but… I’m the beneficiary, it’s so good.
“Dad, I’m willing, but we’re still young, Xiaohua and I, we’re only sixteen, this…”
“It’s alright, we’ll get engaged first. Xiaohua, are you willing? I’ll have someone propose to your parents then, just a formality.”
Xiaohua had buried her head... if this were sand, she’d be buried in it.
Probably noticing Xiaohua's embarrassment, Zahuqiang, although bad-tempered, was very kind at this moment.
“Haha… Xiaohua, if you don’t speak, I’ll take it as agreement. You, Xiaohua will be your fiancée from now on. You have to treat her well in the future. I’ll have someone propose to her parents tomorrow.”
“Dad, thank you for your hard work.” Zheng Baicheng had called him “old man” in his heart just now, but now he’s calling him “Dad.” The speed of his change of face is simply… outrageous.
“Go, you’re my son, it would make me very happy to have a grandson or granddaughter soon.” He was also very happy, and got up to say, “I’ll go to bed and listen to the radio.”
He left the space to the young couple, not wanting to be a light bulb. If Xiaofeng wasn’t so unattractive, he would have preferred Xiaofeng. Xiaofeng was very capable and healthy, much better than Xiaohua. But Xiaohua was prettier and could help his good son more, otherwise, he would have asked Xiaofeng if she agreed.
As soon as Zahuqiang left, an ambiguous atmosphere filled the small restaurant, making the two feel awkward. However, as a man, Zheng Baicheng… a young man, he broke the silence first.
“Xiaohua, did you know about this beforehand?”
“Ah!” Xiaohua was startled by him, then whispered softly: “A few days ago, my parents came together to find Uncle Chen and told him about this. They have to support my younger brother, and also send him to school. My father was injured on the docks early on, leaving him with a chronic illness that needs a lot of money.”
“Later, they told Uncle Chen about it. Uncle Chen gave them a dowry of 10,000 yuan and said that I could only be a concubine, and that you would be a great writer in the future, a talented person from Hong Kong, and would naturally marry a daughter from a wealthy family. This is what my mother told me. My mother asked me if I was willing, and of course, I was willing.”
Zheng Baicheng felt a little pity for her and unconsciously hugged her. This vicious feudal tradition, truly… it’s so good!