Chapter 42: Tourism (I)

  "Chugging along, chugging along", Fang Mo Nan and his family boarded the old-fashioned train heading south at noon. The word "slow" was all that could be used to describe it, but fortunately they had prepared in advance by booking hard sleeper tickets. At first, they were excitedly looking out the window at the scenery outside, with low-rise cities, countryside, and fields passing by. Later on, after seeing too much of the same thing, they gradually lost interest. Luckily Fang Mo Nan was well-prepared, having asked his mom to make a double-shoulder bag out of green canvas two days before their trip. Inside, he had symbolically packed some books and fruit, which were bulging out of the bag. As long as Mo Bei had something to eat, she was fine, while the remaining four adults thought about playing cards, but unfortunately Grandma didn't know how, so they could only flip through magazines instead. Although the text was in traditional characters, they had read enough to be able to understand it by now, except for Grandma, who wasn't affected as she just looked at the pictures.

  Fang Mo Nan gnawed on an apple, "crunch, crunch". "You love eating apples so much," said her aunt as she looked at her.

  "Apples are also known as wisdom fruit, eating more won't get angry, you say I eat or not." 'Crunchy, crunchy' again two bites, crispy and sweet.

  "You still need wisdom, you're almost a clever person." He said while casually flipping through the headlines of the newspaper. "Long-winded and boastful." "Give me one," his aunt stretched out her hand.

  Fang Mo Nan pulled out a newspaper from his canvas bag and handed it to her, "Hey, Auntie, take a look. Isn't this your college entrance exam essay published in the paper?" The article was short, but the content was very similar to what she had said back then. After searching again, they found Auntie's name, and it was indeed written by her. Who would have thought that it actually got published?

  "Let me take a look." Old Man Lin took the newspaper, nodding as he read. "Oh, it's really our Little Yan's article. Hmm, written very deeply."

  "What's wrong?" asked Qi Qiushi, who had just come in from outside with hot water.

  "Oh, it's Xiao Yi's composition that got published in the newspaper." Fang Mo Nan said to him.

  "Ah, that's really great. Let me take a look." Qiū Autumn took the newspaper from the old man and read it carefully, feeling shocked and thinking that he was even farther away from Little Swallow, but also secretly making up his mind that he couldn't be like her and get into college, so he would self-study and work hard to narrow the gap.

  Mr. Lin looked at them with a profound meaning, didn't say anything, and waited until the end of this trip, they would all undergo profound changes. These things can be discussed on the way back, so let's relax and have fun for now.

  After swaying for more than 20 hours, the second day finally arrived in Shanghai, China's largest city. After getting off the train, standing on flat ground still felt dizzy and unstable. After exiting the old North Station in Shanghai, they bought a local transportation map. Then Fang Mo Nan and others first found a restaurant to eat, the meal boxes on the train were really hard to eat, Fang Mo Nan basically ate fruit as his meal, while others shared some food to fill their stomachs.

  Small restaurant, small facade, spacious after entering, warm orange yellow color, appetizing. Five tables, simple and clean wooden stools, not yet lunchtime, so no one inside, only a few of them.

  The one who came to serve them was a young man, with a smiling face and a pleasant demeanor. He was in his early twenties, of medium height, wearing an apron, and looked neat and clean overall. Fang Mo Nan and the others had just ordered their food, watching him write it down in a small notebook, hang his pen on his clothes, turn around and leave. Before long, a simple meal was ready, and although the flavor wasn't bad, it was local cuisine that everyone wasn't quite used to eating. No matter how good things are at home, when you go out, it's hard to find something that suits your taste, so they just made do.

  The development of Shanghai during this period was clearly lagging behind that of Lingnan Province. The policy of light relocation had no way to move the national strength, which was all concentrated in the south. Here, there was no expressway for development. Everything was so quiet, and the material did not dazzle people's eyes. In Fang Mernan's eyes, it was like an old yellowed photograph.

  Since the 1990s, especially after entering the 21st century, Shanghai has taken building "four centers" as its goal and implementing the main strategy of "science and education to revitalize the city". It further expanded internal and external openness, accelerated scientific and institutional innovation, maintained a good momentum of rapid and healthy development of the national economy, and continuously strengthened the internal driving force for economic growth.

  At this time, there were not as many cars or people as in later generations. Fang Mo Nan and his group had a lot of money, so they first found a place to live, opting for cheap accommodations in an underground room with large beds, ten or more people sharing one bed, for just one yuan per night. It was stuffy and hot, truly unbearable. Especially since they couldn't even enter the space. Fang Mo Nan endured until dawn, but really couldn't take it anymore. After discussing with Grandma and Old Man Lin, he gave up his bed and left, thinking that with their wealth, there was no reason to suffer like this.

  Their first stop was Nanjing Road, and they were immediately drawn in by the prosperity of Nanjing Road. Their spirits lifted a lot. The pedestrian street was crowded with people, mostly wearing old-fashioned clothes with dull colors, and many men wore shorts, with few fat people to be seen. The buses were packed with people moving slowly, passing through the middle of the road, with occasional small cars driving by.

  If the Bund is a place for lovers to take a stroll, then Nanjing Road is a great place for all Shanghainese to go window shopping. Nanjing Road, the most representative road in Shanghai. This road was already famous as the "Ten-mile Foreign Concession" during the Republic of China era. A century-old avenue that has experienced many ups and downs but remains prosperous. The most common thing on this street is people, either walking leisurely or hurrying to and fro, resting or strolling into every store with great interest.

  Fang and Mo didn't get a good rest last night, so they just hastily passed by Nanjing Road. It was almost noon, the weather was too hot, standing on the Bund, they didn't have any mood to appreciate the view.

  Fang Mernan turned around and saw the Heping Restaurant on the Bund, so he went there to rest.

  "Mom, we really have to live there, it doesn't look cheap." Xiaoyi said to them.

  "I have a way, Nannan's decision can't be changed by anyone, just live there anyway it's not like we can't afford it." Grandma muttered to herself in her heart, "Let's just stay there, I'll pay for it, what's the rush?" Grandma paused for a moment and then said, "We're going to live there, that's final, no objections allowed."

  A group of people walked towards the Heping Restaurant, a historic restaurant with a Gothic-style building that was elegant and radiant, like a bright pearl inlaid among the international architectural exhibition on the Bund.

  The service at the front desk was first-rate, and the efficiency of handling things was very good. They were received with hospitality. Looking at the luxurious decorations in the restaurant, Xiao Yi couldn't help but purse her lips and mutter to herself, "This must cost a lot per night."

  Walking here, as if in a tunnel, amidst the fusion and intersection of modernity and tradition, new trends and retro styles, with countless reveries.

  Fang and his friends rented three rooms, each room costs 10 yuan, the area is about 30 square meters, with new furniture, TV, and bathroom facilities.

  In short, it's very comfortable. Fang Mo Nan and Grandma are in one room, Little Aunt and Mo Bei are in another, and Old Man Lin and Qi Qiu Shi are in another.

  Mr. Lin's room, Qi Qiu Shi paced back and forth, muttering to himself, "This is too extravagant, how much money will this cost?" He counted the money with his fingers, flowing like water...

  "Hey young fellow, calm down, some things don't need to be rushed. Let's spread out and have a good talk later. For now, just enjoy the trip and don't worry about the money." Old Man Lin looked at him with a smile, like a restless cat.

  Qiu Shi's heart was secretly hinting, but how could he not be anxious, watching her about to fly far away, who knows what would happen in the next four years. Never mind, it's his own fault for being unable to escape, not his fault for not trying hard enough, still listen to old master's advice and think carefully.

  "Alright, go take a shower first, you're all sweaty." Old Man Lin stopped paying attention to him, lost in thought. These things still require comprehension.

  They all washed up and went to the dining hall for dinner. "Hmmm...the food here is just so-so, not as good as what we have at home."

  Auntie took a few bites and commented, "It's really not worth it with such expensive room rates."

  "It's not that it doesn't taste good, it's just that we northerners aren't used to the local dishes, so we'll just have to make do when we're out," said Old Man Lin.

  After everyone had eaten, Fang Mo Nan took out some fruit from his room and handed it to them one by one.

  "It's still delicious." said Xiaoyi, gnawing on an apple.

  "Now that we've eaten and drunk our fill, let's head to Nanjing Road." This time, they were all full of energy and strolled along the bustling Nanjing Road. They went into every shop they saw. After two hours, Grandma and Old Man Lin couldn't take it anymore, and Fang Mobei also couldn't bear it, only Little Aunt was still full of enthusiasm. In the end, it was decided that Old Man Lin would take Xiaobei to wait at the Bund.

  At that time, people who went to Shanghai for business trips would always buy back a lot of things for their colleagues, but in fact, some of the goods were not as good as those in Liangzi's small shop. However, they just wanted to experience the feeling of shopping on the streets, and Xiao Yi still wanted to go, so Qi Qiu had no choice but to accompany her to death.

  Fang Mo Nan decided to buy some, at this time the goods in Shanghai were guaranteed quality and quantity. There shouldn't be any fake liquor here, she thought as she pulled her grandma towards the department store, sweeping up bottles of Moutai and Wuliangye, which seemed as cheap as cabbage to her.

  Grandma was stunned, pulled her aside and whispered "Nan Nan, why did we buy white wine?"

  "Either give it as a gift or drink it, it's so cheap that waiting for its value to appreciate is also an option, although not as good as the special supply wine in terms of appreciation potential," Fang Mengnan said, in short, one sentence: if you don't buy it, it won't do.

  Buying too much would attract attention, so Fang Mo Nan and the others finally bought two bottles. As soon as they left, taking advantage of no one noticing, Fang Mo Nan put the wine into his space and continued to look for the next store. This trip, Fang Mo Nan didn't buy less white wine.

  Fang Mo Nan also bought Min Guang bed sheets, pure cotton material, durable and smooth fabric, bright colors, long-lasting newness after washing, fine and elegant flower patterns. The traditional auspicious elements adopted are mainly peony baskets, phoenixes, swallows, etc., with three colors: orange, red, and blue.

  Mingguang Weaving Co., Ltd. is one of the earliest professional enterprises to enter the home textile industry and form brand advantages in China. After experiencing nearly half a century of wind and rain, the Mingguang brand has deeply taken root in the hearts of several generations of consumers, becoming a well-known old-brand in the home textile industry.

  Fang Mo Nan exaggeratedly bought more than twenty, which shocked Grandma: "You little girl, why spend so much money? When will you use them all?"

  "Grandma, you don't understand, this is good," Fang Mo Nan said, "There will always be a day when it's used up."

  In addition, Fang Mengnan also bought many old brand products such as: Zhang Xiaoquan scissors, Xiaohuayuan cloth shoes, Hongxin electric iron, Fenghuang blanket, Dabaitu milk candy and Meilin canned food.

  After sweeping away, Grandma saw that she had stopped buying and finally let out a sigh of relief. "You might as well move the whole department store."

  "Really." Fang Mo Nan smiled and still believed it was true.

  "You...nonsense." Grandma scolded.

  "Hehe... just kidding." Fang Mo Nan said, and Grandma was so tickled by her "just kidding" that she couldn't help but laugh and cry at the same time.

  "Grandma, don't worry, I have a sense of propriety." Fang Mo Nan said solemnly.

  "Alright, I won't bother you." Grandma waved her hand, "You just be careful."

  Fang Mo Nan and his grandma went to the Bund to look for Old Master Lin and Xiao Bei.

  Fang Mengnan stood on the Bund, looking at Lujiazui across the Huangpu River. At that time, there was no Oriental Pearl Tower, no Global Financial Center, no Jinmao Building, and no Shangri-La. The Huangpu River Ferry Terminal came into view, truly evoking a thousand emotions.

  At night, Nanjing Road is much quieter than during the day. The night economy has not yet started, and there are only faint streetlights, without the flashing neon lights, which is really unfamiliar.

  The following week, Fang Mo-nan and others took a stroll to see the famous scenic spots in Shanghai, such as: Longhua Temple, Jing'an Temple, Jade Buddha Temple, City God Temple, Yu Garden, these temples are all grandma's favorite places to visit.

  As a foodie, Fang Mernan cannot give up this road to find the old restaurant name. The old name is a permanent, noble and glorious name, only it can taste the unique flavor of the city.

  Yunnan Road is most famous for its Beijing roast duck and Xiao Jinling salted water duck. There's also "Xian De Lai" spare ribs glutinous rice cake, "Xiao Shaoxing"'s poached chicken, "Nanxiang"'s steamed buns, Tianjin dog-not-care baozi, Shandong boiled dumplings, and "Old Sichuan" hot pot. Of course, the most mouth-watering one is "Xinjiang Roasted Lamb", you can smell the lamb's fragrance from far away, just a few cents for a string of it. When Fang Mo Nan asked them to leave Yunnan Road, they all felt reluctant to part with it.

  Now tourism has not been developed yet, everything is still in its original flavor. I went to the famous Wenmiao old book stall with great interest and found many good things.

  On the last day, they had a banquet at the highest-end international restaurant at that time, worth 30 yuan, with Maotai wine for 8 yuan. The specifications of this banquet were very high, with assorted hot pot in the middle, eggplant fish on the side, duck eggs surrounding the braised duck, crab meat tofu, smoked fish, and red-braised pork knuckle. The drink was orange juice, which would leave a yellowish layer on the tongue after drinking.

  Fang Mernan and his party went south, leisurely, stopping to admire the scenery along the way, following the railway westward, until they reached West Lake, where they found beauty in West Lake, which was named by the Song Dynasty.

  There are three islands in the lake: Three Ponds Mirroring the Moon, Lake Heart Pavilion, and Ruan Gong Dun. The beautiful mountains and waters are the background color of West Lake; the integration of natural scenery and human culture is the tone of the West Lake scenic area. The wonder of West Lake lies in its lakeside hills, with hills screening the lake outside, and the lake and hills complementing each other. The beauty of West Lake lies in its sunny days with gentle ripples, rainy days with misty emptiness, and its ability to create scenery regardless of rain or shine. The scenic area is famous for the beautiful scenery of Su Causeway and Bai Causeway. Su Causeway and Bai Causeway run across West Lake, dividing it into five parts: Xi Li Hu, Xiao Nan Hu, Yue Hu, Wai Hu, and Li Hu. When the morning light first appears, the overnight mist is like smoke, and a thin fog rises from the lake surface, creating the beautiful scenery of "Six Bridges Smoke Willow", one of the Ten Scenes of Hangzhou.

  They continued westward, climbed Mount Lu, admired the natural beauty of Lushan, visited Tengwang Pavilion, and savored the cultural atmosphere. For generations, scholars and poets have written poems about Tengwang Pavilion.

  They continued west to Yuelu Mountain, which is quiet and cool in the summer. Yuelu Mountain is famous for its beautiful forests and deep valleys. The mountain is home to many precious trees, including the Six Dynasties Arhat Pine, Tang Song Ginkgo, and Ming Qing Pine and Cinnamomum camphora, all of which are quite famous.

  Yuelu Academy is located at the foot of Yuelu Mountain, founded in the Northern Song Dynasty, and was named Yuelu Academy by Emperor Zhenzong of Song. It is the largest and best-preserved ancient academy complex in China. Unfortunately, it has been somewhat damaged, but it has witnessed the vicissitudes of history and has a unique charm. After Old Master Lin's explanation, as they walked inside, they seemed to hear the sound of reading, smell the ink fragrance, and see the prosperity of the past.

  They went further north, and saw the 800-li Dongting Lake. At this time, the natural environment was not damaged by human destruction, it was really a vast expanse of blue water, with fish visible in the clear water. The scenery was beautiful and enchanting, with winding mountains and towering peaks. Its most distinctive feature is that there are lakes outside the lake, mountains in the lake, fishing boats dotted about, reeds green, the sky and water blending together, and seagulls flying overhead. No wonder Li Bai's poem says: "The bright lake opens like a jade mirror, the red and blue colors paint out the beauty of the mountain."

  You can browse the lake and mountain scenery of Dongting Lake for 800 miles from Yueyang Tower. Since ancient times, there has been a reputation for "Dongting Tianxia Shui, Yueyang Tianxia Lou". Unfortunately, Fang Mo and others came at the wrong time, because it is under major repairs here and not open to the outside world, so they can only take photos in front of the repaired Yueyang Tower, which is also a rare opportunity.

  The scenery at this time is refreshing and unpolluted, with less artificial craftsmanship and more natural beauty. Along the way, Fang Mo Nan's camera in his hand kept clicking away, 'click, click'.

  Of course, Fang Mo Nan still took Grandma to act alone during this period, went to the old brands of these cities, and bought some "old" things. For example: Hangzhou's silk, embroidery, paper umbrellas, and authentic Longjing tea are essential. Wangxingji fans have a long history, exquisite craftsmanship, beautiful decoration on the fan surface, Hunan embroidery screen, handkerchief, scarf, double-sided embroidery screen and other handicrafts.

  Grandma always muttered that Fang Mengnan was a spendthrift, and even if he had money, it shouldn't be spent like this.

  Miss Fang always smiled and said cheap, really cheap, value for money. At that time, the prices were indeed low, in her opinion, they were very cheap, and every item was genuine, handmade embroidery, not mixed with fake ones, not machine-embroidered later on.

  Fang Mo Nan went to all these old restaurants and didn't miss a single one, eating his way through them all, greatly satisfying his appetite.

  At this time, it's not like traveling in later generations, getting on the bus to sleep, getting off the bus to visit temples, and the dark crowds are like locusts crossing the border, terrifying! People seem to have contracted a famine-like syndrome. A little bit of small discounts, small bargains. It seems to have become a limited-time rush purchase in supermarkets, frantically grabbing, as if there won't be this store after passing through this village. The more people go, the more it proves that they don't have money, and that's why they care about these small discounts. Living at home is all about being thrifty and saving for the future to have security.

  It's a big illness, causing family ruin. A house costs the savings of several generations, and the young couple still has to bear debt. So people seize every little discount they can get from others, as if everyone lacks a sense of security, rushing to make the most of it.

  Until the end of July, they finally headed south to Yangcheng, where they indulged in leisure activities. What they called "leisure" was merely taking in the beautiful scenery, as there weren't many entertainment facilities at that time. It was enough for everyone to savor the memories for a long time. When they were tired, they simply stopped and rested. Unlike others who got off the train looking weary and worn out, Fang Mo Nan's group was spirited and enthusiastic. At that time, most people were struggling to make ends meet, and few had the luxury of traveling for pleasure like them.

  Is it?