Xie Sui and Lin Wanwan became husband and wife by chance, and later stayed together for their children. However, in both their past and present lives, Xie Sui had never truly understood Lin Wanwan.
Today, Lin Wanwan’s sharp yet elegant retort to Zhao Xuefei had earned Xie Sui’s admiration.
As they entered the supply and marketing cooperative, Xie Sui couldn't help but be struck with awe, staring directly at Lin Wanwan. She blushed, asking, "Do you want your eyes no more?"
The saleswoman watched him as if he were a hooligan. Who stares at a girl like that?
Xie Sui chuckled, "She's my wife, why can't I look? Alright, we'll look more slowly at home. Let’s buy things. Doudou, Dingding, take whatever you like. Dad will buy it all for you."
The saleswoman then withdrew her gaze. So, it was a family. They seemed so loving!
They first went to buy a cast-iron pot. The saleswoman asked, "What size do you want?"
"The largest one you have here."
The saleswoman replied with a cold face, "The largest size is the kind used for slaughtering pigs; it can hold a whole pig. Are you sure you want one that big?"
"Yes."
"We don't have it."
Xie Sui almost threw his back out. If you don't have it, why did you ask?
"You need to place a reservation for that. If you really want it, come back in three days."
Xie Sui lost interest. "Forget it, I'll go to the county supply and marketing cooperative." Sudannovel.com
With those three days, how many things could be done?
Lin Wanwan bought some sewing supplies and fabric, ordinary blue cotton cloth, to make two outfits for her in-laws. Since they lived under the same roof, she wouldn't neglect her filial duties.
Xie Sui accompanied Doudou and Dingding to buy candy, trading cards, and marbles, practically buying everything edible and playable.
"Wanwan, are you done?"
Lin Wanwan looked at a box of sable oil but ultimately didn't pick it up. "I'm done. I'll pay."
Xie Sui had dealt with countless girls in his previous life and recognized her hesitation. He directly picked up the most expensive snow cream. "Use this. Buy what you want, don't skimp for me. We earn money to spend it. Treat yourself well. You are the backbone of this family; if you're not well, none of us will be."
The saleswoman chimed in enviously, "Indeed, your man sees things clearly. We women are the most important in the family. We take care of the in-laws, the children, and the husband. One person has to deal with three generations. If it's not handled well, the family won't be harmonious. Sister, you've married a good man."
Xie Sui beamed, "Sister, I love hearing you say that. It's true, my wife must come first in this house."
"Say less, aren't you embarrassed?"
Romantic feelings were very subtle back then. Lin Wanwan felt embarrassed. He might be shameless, but she still had some self-respect.
"I dote on my wife, what's embarrassing about that? Sister, isn't that the truth?"
"Yes, you're legally married, it's not embarrassing."
Lin Wanwan ignored him. He was just being theatrical, and the more he talked, the more excited he got!
She took the children outside to wait while Xie Sui slowly paid.
All these items cost fifteen yuan and eighty-three cents, with the cloth and snow cream being the most expensive.
Packing everything into a basket, they walked out of the cooperative and saw Zhao Xuefei arguing again.
Thinking she was causing trouble for Lin Wanwan, Xie Sui rolled up his sleeves, ready to charge in. He wouldn't hit women, but if Zhao Xuefei dared to bully his Wanwan, he'd slap her to death.
"What are you going to do? Let's watch the show."
Lin Wanwan pulled him back from behind. What was he going crazy about now?
He happened to see the worry and murderous intent on his face, and her heart warmed. Did he think she was arguing with someone?
"It's not you? You scared me to death."
"It's good that it's not Wanwan. Then what's going on?"
Lin Wanwan was a kind and gentle person, usually not one to gloat or kick someone when they're down, but today she truly couldn't help herself.
"It's Zhao Xuefei's canned goods that caused the trouble. She tricked men into buying cans, and now their wives are unhappy."
"That's not all. Her canned peaches taste bitter, and some of the peaches are rotten. They want refunds and are arguing endlessly."
Xie Sui joined in the schadenfreude, "Serves her right! This will teach her that not everyone can just do the canned goods business."
What seemed like a simple small business had many intricacies.
First, the peaches had to be washed with salt to clean them thoroughly, and any blemishes had to be discarded when peeling.
Then, the ratio of sugar water was crucial. The sugar water had to be changed after boiling three times; this step could not be skipped.
Finally, steaming the cans. It had to be over ten minutes to ensure proper sterilization and a good color.
The bitter taste must have been from too much saccharin. Saccharin was cheap; a small bag cost one jiao and was enough to add to a bottle, but could saccharin compare to white sugar?
"You little vixen, are you selling canned goods or selling your smiles? Tricking my man into buying so much, why don't you spread your legs to make money? That's faster!"
A shrewish voice of a middle-aged woman could be heard from inside. Rural women could be incredibly vicious when they cursed, saying the most vile and disgusting things.
Zhao Xuefei's eyes welled up with tears. "Why are you cursing? He wanted to buy it himself, what does it have to do with me? I'm a pure girl, why are you scolding me?"
"Oh, can buying this stuff fill your stomach? Don't you think I saw you? Calling him 'big brother' and those glances you threw, your eyes were practically falling out."
"Your tricks might work on men, but they don't work on me."
"Refund my money. This is stuff even dogs wouldn't eat. How dare you try to sell it?"
Zhao Xuefei, who was usually invincible when reasoning with rural women, had finally met her match.
In such a situation, Xie Sui would have refunded the money. It would affect their reputation negatively, and the business wouldn't be sustainable.
Unfortunately, Zhao Xuefei was still too naive. She was unwilling to give back money that had already been earned.
"No refunds. Have you ever seen anyone return something after buying it? A transaction made willingly cannot be undone!"
"Oh, you little slut! You haven't inquired about who in this town can take advantage of me, Ma Ruhua. No refunds? Fine! I'll smash your stall and expose your scam!"
Ma Ruhua directly resorted to action. Canned goods bottles were fragile. With a few swift movements, they were smashed to pieces. Zhao Xuefei was stunned. "You, you're bullying me!"
"Bullying you? You dare to seduce my man, and I'm showing you respect by not hitting you. Let everyone judge. You're a young girl, why aren't you at home washing clothes and cooking? You come out to do business. Who would dare marry a woman like you, who's so promiscuous?"
Xie Sui winced. Middle-aged women were not to be trifled with. If this word spread, Zhao Xuefei's reputation would be ruined.
Zhao Xuefei finally couldn't help but cry. Zhao Youfang had accompanied her to sell the canned goods, but while he was fierce in the village, this was the town, their territory. If he dared to act, Ma Ruhua would have simply yelled, and her brothers and uncles in the village would have beaten him to death.
He could only accept his misfortune, grabbing Zhao Xuefei and fleeing as if from a swarm of bees.
As Zhao Xuefei left, she saw the look of schadenfreude on Xie Sui and his wife's faces. Her resentful gaze was like sharp arrows, ready to pierce Xie Sui through and through.