Chapter 99: Chapter 99: The Great Rivers and Mountains of the Motherland
Cheng Guodong wrote a check for ten million and insisted, “Consider it bought by us.”
Tao Mo also became stubborn, firmly stomping the ground with his lion’s head cane, displaying the aura of someone accustomed to being in charge. With a stern face, he declared, “This is a gift for Little Taotie. What does it have to do with you, an agent?”
Thinking of this greedy agent hurrying his granddaughter to her next job, Tao Mo grew even angrier, his brows furrowing into a deep crease as he stepped forward to block in front of Little Taotie.
“She’s just finished working and you wouldn’t even let her rest before catching a plane. You’re not any good as an agent. And now you’re even interfering with her receiving gifts! Humph, today this old man will take Little Taotie out for a meal, and we’ll leave after eating!”
Tao Ti peered out from behind him and said weakly, “But we have a plane to catch.”
“If we can’t catch the plane, then we’ll take my private jet! Humph!” Tao Mo glared fiercely at Cheng Guodong.
Cheng Guodong was genuinely intimidated by that look, but then he snapped out of it and glared back in anger, “So you have a private jet, I have one too! But this is my sister’s first time on a plane. Flying in a private jet is so boring, you don’t understand! You old codger! You’re the one who’s no good!”
Before traveling, he had discussed this with his second brother. Although flying by private jet is appealing, how could it compare to the experience on a China Airlines’ plane? The physical presence isn’t as impressive. Besides, experiencing the process of queuing up and flying commercial is necessary. He wanted her to understand the importance of queuing and respecting public order.
He and his second brother were definitely well-intentioned, but this meddling old man was up to no good!
What if his sister thought he was poor because he didn’t have a private jet, or worse, if she found out he did have one but thought he was too stingy to let her fly on it?
Tao Ti grew anxious. She had just poked her head out only to be blocked by the old man. She wasn’t hungry at all after eating Evil Spirit Chocolate; she was eager to board the plane. Her brother had described airplanes as huge iron birds filled with many people, all sitting inside the belly of the bird as it flew high into the sky…
Her eyes shone with anticipation. She tried to peek out again but was blocked by the old man once more.
“Grandfather!” Tao Ti exclaimed, huffing with frustration.
“Ah!” Tao Mo turned with a gleam in his eye, almost blurting out: My dear granddaughter!
The little girl stood with hands on hips, her small face all puffed up with anger, small brows furrowed, gazing reproachfully at him.
Tao Mo touched his nose, feeling a bit guilty, and coaxed softly, “Let’s go eat something delicious. Forget about work. You’re too young for so much work, it’ll wear you out. If you don’t eat and sleep well, you won’t grow tall.”
“Work?” Cheng Guodong and Tao Ti exclaimed in unison, both faces showing utter confusion.
Seeing their expressions, Tao Mo was somewhat surprised, “Aren’t you rushing to catch a plane for work?”
Tao Ti shook her head, “Big brother is taking me traveling.”
Cheng Guodong finally realized the misunderstanding, this old man had mistaken him for a manipulative agent exploiting his sister.
Cheng Guodong took out the plane tickets to Sanya.
He had actually planned to take Xiao Tao Ti on an international trip, but his second brother had vetoed the idea.
The second brother felt that Tao Ti was still young and might not adapt well to the cultural differences abroad. Though the pandemic was under control, it was still risky overseas.
Upon his second brother’s suggestion, he chose Sanya.
Sunshine, beaches, coconut juice!
This perfect combination suited a child on her first trip: familiar people everywhere would provide a sense of safety, thus fostering a love for travel.
Cheng Guodong’s goal was to first take his sister all over the great scenery of their homeland.