Lin Wanwan was telling the truth; Xie Sui had never hidden business matters from her, often discussing them.
Xie Sui was a bit restless, unable to sit still. He talked a lot and enjoyed himself, but at his core, he wasn't a bad person, just a grown-up child.
The countless hardships of his past life had taught this young man responsibility and accountability, and he had come to understand the importance of his wife and children.
Lin Wanwan was well aware of the family's situation. Summer was inherently a slow season for snacks; this venture was merely a platform that had been established, barely keeping things afloat, in preparation for the peak season in autumn and winter.
Yet, these people were still not satisfied and, now instigated by Yang Yumei, wanted to go on strike.
Could Lin Wanwan indulge them?
Especially Yang Yumei. Xie Sui had looked out for Zhang Wenfeng the most, even more than their neighbor Wang Tie Zhu, simply because Zhang Wenfeng had lent him the family's mule cart during his most difficult times.
Yang Yumei was usually sarcastic, and Lin Wanwan had tolerated it, but today she couldn't hold back any longer and lost her temper.
After Lin Wanwan spoke, Yang Yumei hesitated. The Zhao family had once tried to imitate Xie Sui by making canned goods, but it ended in failure, and they lost a lot of money. Could she do it?
Lin Wanwan sneered, provoking her further: "What? Scared now? You only see others eating meat, but not the hardships they endure. Yang Yumei, don't make me look down on you."
Yang Yumei gritted her teeth: "Fine, you said it. Don't regret it. Let's go! Follow me, and I don't believe we can't surpass her!"
The crowd hesitated. They had witnessed Xie Sui's capabilities. If they left now, it would be difficult to return later, and Lin Wanwan was clearly someone who wouldn't tolerate insubordination.
Lin Wanwan also said: "Whoever wishes to leave with her, come and settle your accounts immediately. I will pay you every cent you are owed, and you won't have to support so many people anymore. Fifteen yuan a month is not a small sum. A salesperson at the county supply and marketing cooperative doesn't even earn twenty-something yuan a month."
Yang Yumei retorted: "We'll do it ourselves. If we make money, we'll split it equally. How can we not earn over ten yuan?"
Thinking about it, it made sense. They knew the techniques. If Xie Sui could sell them, so could they.
So, half of the group stood by Yang Yumei's side. Only five people remained, including Cai Jinhua and a few of Xie Sui's clan aunts. They weren't unwilling to follow Yang Yumei, but as kin, they had to look out for their own. Otherwise, if they faced trouble, who in the Xie family would help them?
"Have you all decided? Eldest sister, bring the attendance book, and my wallet."
Lin Wanwan opened the attendance book and saw that Yang Yumei had only worked ten days, while the others had full attendance.
She paid their wages very straightforwardly, had them press their thumbprints, and considered the matter settled.
"Let's go!"
Yang Yumei held her head high, believing she had won this argument. Like a plump hen, she strutted away with her ample backside.
Xie Sui happened to return and was surprised to see them all coming out with grim faces: "What's going on?"
"Ask your good wife. Xie Sui, you'd better keep an eye on this prodigal wife of yours. She's so unreasonable and bad-tempered; no amount of money she earns would be enough for her."
Yang Yumei played the victim first. Xie Sui was displeased: "You can't say that. If it's not enough for my wife to spend, it must be that I'm not earning enough. This isn't her fault; it's mine!"
Yang Yumei: "..."
She was stunned by their affection. What kind of people were they!
She huffed and left, but couldn't help but feel envious. If Zhang Wenfeng were half as eloquent as Xie Sui, she wouldn't be unhappy every day.
Xie Sui entered, and Lin Wanwan was still angry. Cai Jinhua told him, "Yang Yumei wants to break up the partnership. Wanwan agreed and paid them their wages. What about this matter..."
"If they leave, they leave. It's not a big deal. Why is my wife so angry?"
Lin Wanwan said: "Do you know what her intentions are? She actually wants to start her own business. I think she's had this idea for more than a day. I'll see if she can make any money.
And that Zhang Wenfeng, why is such a grown man so gossipy?
He said your factory earns hundreds a day, but why didn't he mention the factory's expenses? Just the electricity bill this month is over a thousand yuan, not to mention wages, raw materials, taxes, rent, etc. It's as if the money falls from the sky. Neither of them is a good person. It infuriates me!"
Xie Sui chuckled and comforted his dear wife: "Wanwan is right. They only see the thief eating meat, not the thief getting beaten. No one who hasn't managed a household knows the cost of firewood and rice. When they've had their fill of hardship, they'll know how difficult it is to earn money."
Lin Wanwan sneered: "Hardship? She's not cut out for it. As a new bride, she doesn't have to work, only works ten days a month, and still complains about earning too little. Does she think she can earn money by sleeping at home?"
Xie Sui continued to comfort her: "Yes, a lazy wife. Otherwise, how would she have gained all that weight? She's not even a match for one of our Wanwan's fingers. I'll talk to Zhang Wenfeng about this; his wife is indeed quite something."
Lin Wanwan's expression improved somewhat: "It's good they left. What do you plan to do next? Anyway, the dried fruit business isn't doing well and isn't profitable, so it's better to stop doing it and save ourselves the worry."
Cai Jinhua and the other aunts were startled: "Don't say that! If you don't do it, won't we have no wages?"
Xie Sui said: "Aunts, don't worry. We definitely have to continue. My equipment can't sit idle. How about this, those who stay will get a raise, one yuan a day. However, you'll have to finish the work of those who left."
Cai Jinhua was delighted: "Alright, Xiao Sui is indeed generous. We'll get to work right away!"
They were naturally happy. The work wasn't heavy to begin with. Ten people slacked off during the day, but now they could finish it faster and earn twice as much money. Of course, they would be happy.
The matter was settled. When the news spread, those who had followed Yang Yumei out of regret. If they had stayed, they would have earned one yuan a day!
The most shocked was Zhang Wenfeng. Yang Yumei had come back and forced him to go into business with her and compete with Xie Sui. Zhang Wenfeng was stunned. For the first time, this honest man got angry: "Brother Xie has treated me well. You can cause trouble as you please normally, but if you dare to poach Brother Xie's business, I will absolutely not allow it!"
Yang Yumei argued unreasonably and used her old trick again: "Who am I doing this for? Isn't it for the good of this family? Do you just accept it when you see others making money?
You say he takes care of you, but isn't it just because you're easy to boss around? Are you satisfied with the little money he gives you?
You truly are a useless good-for-nothing; you'll never amount to anything in your life."
Zhang Wenfeng was angered: "Yes, I'm a good-for-nothing, I'm useless. I haven't even complained about your laziness, your spending, or you supporting your parents' family. You haven't even had a child yet, and you still look down on me.
Every time my mother urges me to have a child, I've shielded you from it. Do you really think my family is easy to bully?
I'm telling you today, if you dare to compete with Brother Xie for business, we'll get a divorce!"