Wang Tie Zhu, this helper, would eventually be brought under his command. It was only right to help him, given how many years Old Madam Wang had looked after Lin Wan Wan and her two children.
However, Xie Sui was still bothered by the young man's affections for Wan Wan. Coupled with Chen Wen Feng's demands, he had not yet made a move on Wang Tie Zhu, or rather, brought him into his own ranks.
Wang Tie Zhu still didn't quite believe Xie Sui's words. Zhao Xue Fei was the belle of the village. Every young man wanted to marry her. She was lively, cheerful, generous, and beautiful. How could she be as bad as Xie Sui described?
It had to be said, Zhao Xue Fei was excellent at keeping secrets. It was many years later that Xie Sui learned just how many backup options Zhao Xue Fei had.
Returning home, Lin Wan Wan was busy taking stock of the goods. The yard was a mess, filled with the foul odor of wild rabbits and pheasants. Xie Sui couldn't stand it.
"This won't do. We need to find a yard specifically for these live animals. If not, we can rent one. It stinks."
"There are many hunted animals delivered today. Just bear with it for now. However, there are far fewer peaches, only a few dozen catties. Did you sell all your canned goods today?"
Since the day before yesterday, Lin Wan Wan had noticed the decrease in peaches. Logically, peaches could still be picked for another month. It shouldn't have suddenly decreased. There was definitely something wrong.
"It's alright. Someone wants to compete with me. They're starting with the raw materials. We can take a couple of days off. I've lost several catties from being so tired. My feet are blistered, wife, they really hurt. Look!"
Xie Sui was about to take off his shoes, but Lin Wan Wan spat, "It stinks! Who wants to see?"
"Everyone gets blisters on their feet. They'll turn into calluses after a while. You, the young master Xie, are only getting your feet rubbed now. How dare you complain?"
Lin Wan Wan's tone was calm. She, too, had suffered blisters on her hands and feet back then. How many nights had she secretly cried while popping them, only to continue working the next day? Who had cared for her?
Xie Sui felt a pang of sympathy.
He held Lin Wan Wan's hand. "If we had been together when you first came to the countryside, I would never have let you suffer."
Lin Wan Wan: "Unfortunately, there are no 'ifs' in life. Alright, stop being sentimental. We haven't discussed the canned goods yet. Who is competing with us? What will we do from now on?"
Between them, there were no 'ifs.' There could be no love, only responsibility. Lin Wan Wan was no longer a young girl. Such 'ifs' held no meaning for her.
"I wasn't sure before, but today I've confirmed it. It's that scoundrel Zhao Tie Lin. Don't worry, watch your husband make him destitute and beg for mercy like a grandson."
Xie Sui's old and new grudges surged. Not a single member of their family was good.
"There's no need. Compete fairly, each according to their abilities. You, with your youthful arrogance, have just made a little money and become overconfident. You'll suffer for it."
Lin Wan Wan advised him. His boasting knew no bounds. She disliked such frivolous people.
She was always so kind, which moved Xie Sui even more. "Wan Wan, marrying you is truly a blessing for me. I'll listen to you."
"No, it's me who has committed too many sins, and heaven is punishing me."
Xie Sui: "..."
Wife, that stings.
"Dad, you're back? Shall we count the cicada shells? So many adults are selling me cicada shells. Do we want them?"
Dou Dou and Ding Ding ran back, hugging him affectionately. Dad was their god of wealth now!
"Yes, of course, we want them. We only look at the goods, not the people. They're just money, after all. But be careful not to be cheated by the adults. If adults want to sell, they can come to the house. Mom can take them. You just need to play well with your friends and be happy." Su Dan Novel Network
"Dad will make you sweet and sour fish. Shall we go to the river to catch fish?"
"Okay, is sweet and sour fish delicious?"
"You'll know when you try it. Nothing Dad cooks is not delicious."
The traps were set at noon. It was the perfect time to collect them. Xie Sui, carrying an iron bucket, took his sons to catch fish. Accompanying his sons' growth made him happier than making money.
On the way, they met the village chief, Zhao Tie Gang. Xie Sui took the initiative to greet him. "Uncle Village Chief, where are you off to?"
The village chief's eyes darted away. "Nowhere, just taking a stroll. Xiao Sui, aren't you making canned goods anymore?"
"I am. Sold out today. Taking my sons out to play. Uncle Village Chief, you're busy. We'll be going."
"Goodbye, Grandpa Village Chief."
Dou Dou and Ding Ding said in unison. Xie Sui sighed, thinking how well Lin Wan Wan had raised them.
"Hey, goodbye."
The village chief felt a pang of guilt. Xie Sui had finally started on the right path, and Lin Zhi Qing's good days were finally here. His elder brother insisted on snatching business from them. What kind of behavior was that?
Alas, he had to side with his own brother, even if it was unjust. Zhao Tie Gang still had to favor his elder brother.
Many people were washing vegetables and clothes by the small river, chattering animatedly. When they saw Xie Sui arrive, they stopped talking. Xie Sui understood; the villagers were quite lovely!
"Xie Sui, you're back quite early today. How was business?"
"Hey, it's going unbelievably well. You haven't seen it. Swarms of people were rushing to buy. But we ran out of peaches, so we couldn't make more. Anything we had sold out."
"But it's nice to take a break. Money, you know, can't be earned endlessly. We have to spend time with our sons too. Aunties, you continue washing. I'll accompany my sons to catch some fish. If anyone wants some, feel free to take it. Don't be shy."
Xie Sui went to catch fish. The crowd began to murmur. Canned goods were selling so well, perhaps they could make their own to sell? Why let them earn all the money?
In fact, many people were already trying to make canned goods at home. Never underestimate the wisdom of the working people.
"Dad, so many fish!"
"And Mo Gu Li too! So many fish!"
Xie Sui smiled. Lots of fish. Mo Gu Li had made a lot of money. Such a small item, sold for four yuan. It was extortionate, truly!
But there was no help for it; children bought it.
"Dad will make you lots of fish, potato chips, and french fries."
"Didn't you say sweet and sour fish?"
"We'll have all of it. You guys stay on the bank and don't move. Dad will catch fish for you. Oh, this one is plump, must be two catties. This will be the sweet and sour fish."
"Let's stew these two crucian carp for soup. Crussian carp and tofu soup it is."
Xie Sui caught a bucket full, not even letting go of the small fish and shrimp at the end. He scooped them up with a sieve, coated them in batter, and fried them. They were delicious too.
There were many fish in the river, but most people didn't like to eat them. If not cooked properly, they had a muddy taste, and it was better to catch game in the mountains.
Xie Sui, having eaten all over the country in his previous life, was a half-gourmet. He loved to eat and loved to cook. He had countless recipes in his mind, and now he finally had a place to use them.
Returning home with a full load at sunset, he saw his parents with worried faces. Zhao Xiu E was even wiping away tears. "Mom, what's wrong?"
"You're still in the mood to play? Now everyone wants to make their own canned goods to sell. Our business is failing. Can you still eat?"
"Oh, I thought it was something major. The canned goods business was never meant to last long anyway. We can sell scorpions and game. It's also quite profitable. Making canned goods is too much work."
Xie Sui comforted his elders, but it had little effect.