"Is that all?"
Zhang Wenfeng, ever since entering the courtyard, didn't know where to put his hands or feet. Ordinary folk naturally held a sense of awe towards official departments.
Seeing Xie Sui cheerfully pocket the money, Zhang Wenfeng felt as if he were dreaming.
"What else? Let's go, I'll treat you to a meal."
Xie Sui was in high spirits. Taking the first step meant this business was smooth sailing, and it could last for several months.
Having sold their goods, the two were in a mood to go shopping. After all, this was a county town, much more bustling than their village. The supply and marketing cooperative even had two floors, selling daily necessities on the lower level and fabrics and household goods on the upper.
The streets already had noodle stalls, wonton stands, and all sorts of food vendors. The market economy was gradually prospering.
Xie Sui bought two sesame seed cakes and found a noodle stall to sit down. "Boss, two large bowls of noodles, and add plenty of meat."
"Coming right up, please wait a moment."
The stall owner expertly tossed the noodles into the pot. They were ready in two minutes. With broth, a few slices of braised meat, and some cilantro, he served them to the table. "There's chili oil and garlic on the table, help yourselves."
"Thanks."
Xie Sui started eating first. The noodles were chewy, the broth rich but not greasy, and the taste was excellent.
"Eat up. When Brother makes big money, I'll take you to restaurants. We'll feast on braised pork and rice, but for now, we'll eat at roadside stalls. Things will only get better."
"Being able to afford white noodles is already great. I dare not think of braised pork and white rice. Making money isn't easy, Xie Sui. Be thrifty."
Zhang Wenfeng ate without missing a beat. With a few slurps, a bowl of noodles was gone. He finished the sesame seed cake with the noodle soup and let out a satisfied burp. Bliss!
Xie Sui had only eaten half, taking small bites like a young lady.
After eating, Xie Sui paid the stall owner. Six mao for a bowl of noodles wasn't cheap, but it was quite reasonable. The owner used large bones to make the broth, a true master stock, worth the price.
"We'll eat at your place again next time. The taste is good."
"Of course, it's ancestral craftsmanship. Look for Ma's Noodles."
"Alright, sir, prosper. We're going to the supply and marketing cooperative now. Can you keep an eye on the mule cart for a moment?"
The stall owner was delighted by his flattery and readily agreed.
Xie Sui went straight upstairs, his gaze lingering on women's and children's clothes. "How much is this shirt?"
"Eight yuan."
The saleswoman was indifferent, chatting and cracking sunflower seeds with her colleagues. She thought "mud legs" couldn't afford it even if they asked.
"Do you have small sizes? Get me one."
This was the latest style made of georgette fabric, long-sleeved, with a white background and small floral prints. Paired with blue trousers and wedge heels, it was very fashionable, the most popular outfit for city girls.
"You really want it?"
"What's wrong? Am I not paying?"
Xie Sui disliked her attitude and retorted, "Taking money and not working, acting like a royal ancestor? Having money makes you a god, do I have to buy things based on your mood?"
For people he needed to flatter, Xie Sui was very sweet-tongued. But for service workers like her, if they didn't serve well, Xie Sui wouldn't waste his breath. Sudan Novel Network
Although a bit snobbish, no one was a saint who catered to everyone. That wasn't being a good person, it was being stupid.
"Here."
The saleswoman's expression soured at his retort. Her face was quite fair, but her temper was fierce.
Xie Sui checked the item. It was fine, so he paid. He wouldn't argue with a woman. Then he went to the children's wear section.
There were more styles of dresses for girls, all looking beautiful. Unfortunately, Xie Sui didn't have a daughter, only two mischievous boys.
Zhang Wenfeng reminded him, "Boys' clothes are all made from fabric bought and sewn at home. Don't waste money, or you'll get scolded when you get back."
Xie Sui hesitated. Could Lin Wanwan sew clothes?
"What if my wife can't sew?"
"Lin Wanwan is so capable, how could she not sew? Even if she can't, she can ask a neighbor auntie to help. Listen to me, buy fabric."
"Alright, we'll look at fabric. But shoes are always needed."
Xie Sui suddenly remembered he didn't know their sizes and had to give up.
Finally, he bought some pastries and candies, and also some egg cakes and brown sugar for his grandmother. The money he earned was spent again, mainly because the family was so poor, they needed money everywhere.
Downstairs, he bought a canning jar and white sugar. The mule cart was more than half full.
Zhang Wenfeng couldn't help but gasp. Spending money like this, his father would break his legs.
"Here's your two yuan for rent. Do you want to buy something for your wife?"
Xie Sui certainly didn't forget his money. He still needed this good brother to run errands for him in the future. Big animals needed things, and small animals did too.
"Then I'll accept it."
Zhang Wenfeng smiled sheepishly and ran back. He had seen a hairpin earlier, shaped like a butterfly, shiny and sparkling. His wife would definitely like it, and it cost fifty cents. He had only looked at it enviously.
"Come back."
Xie Sui called him again. "What a simpleton. If you only buy for your wife, won't your parents be angry? They'll scold you for marrying a wife and forgetting your mother! Buy your father some good tobacco leaves, and your mother some sponge cake, then overstate the expenses. Secretly give the things you bought for your wife to her, and I guarantee you'll have a happy family."
"That makes sense. Thanks, Brother Xie."
This time, his "Brother Xie" was truly heartfelt.
The return trip with less cargo was much faster. The loaded cart attracted countless curious glances. "Young Xie, you really made money!"
"Just a bit of hard-earned money, barely enough to eat. Bought some raw materials, and it's all gone. Back to square one overnight. Come to my place for drinks another day, my treat."
"Alright. I just caught a pheasant, do you want it?"
"Yes, my wife is at home. Send it to her."
Xie Sui greeted everyone and reached his doorstep. Zhang Wenfeng helped unload the goods and then left with the mule cart.
"Daddy, Daddy's back."
Dou Dou and Ding Ding rushed into his arms like little cannonballs, smearing dirt all over him. In the past, Xie Sui would have scolded them. He disliked messy children the most.
But today, his heart was full of joy. He picked them up, one in each arm, and kissed them. "Missed Daddy? How was your harvest today?"
"Zhao Xiaoshan cried and went home to his mom. The other kids played with us. We're not charging money now. Those who find cicada shells can play for free."
Dou Dou's eyes sparkled with intelligence, exceptionally bright.
"Then aren't you losing money? When will you save enough to rent frogs?"
Ding Ding eagerly showed off, "Brother said, Dad gives them one fen for every two we give them, so we can earn one fen, which is more than renting frogs."
Xie Sui looked at Dou Dou in surprise. He was only five years old, yet he could devise a method to profit from the arbitrage. He was simply a genius.
But such a good son, in his previous life, died at the age of five in the summer because of his own recklessness. The pain in Xie Sui's heart deepened, his heart aching unbearably, almost to tears.
"Dou Dou is so smart, Daddy's good son."
He kissed Dou Dou, then put him down. "Let's see what delicious things Daddy bought for you?"