From time to time, Shitou and Xu Hongping came to the street.
Shitou stopped and said: Mom, we came too late today, the streets are crowded with people.
Xu Hongping said: It’s okay! We went to set up a stall opposite.
Shi Shi picked up his feet and walked straight to the opposite side.
Xu Hongping shouted: "Stop, stop, stop, let's set up a stall here."
Shitou put down his burden and shouted: "Mom, take the stool and I will build the shed."
Xu Hongping picked up the stool and called out: The price of our handkerchiefs has increased.
I don’t know! Will our business be affected?
Shitou then said: Mom, don't worry, our prices won't fluctuate much, and our business will remain as before.
"Shitou, your forehead is covered with sweat. Take a handkerchief and wipe it off quickly." Xu Hongping shouted:
Shitou raised his sleeve and wiped his forehead, saying: I'm not a girl, what kind of handkerchief should I use?
Xu Hongping replied: Men can also use it to wipe sweat.
"Boss, you have kept me searching for so long, and I finally found you."
Xu Hongping asked: Sir, what do you want from us?
The guest officer replied: I'm here to buy a handkerchief...
"Auntie, I know you. The last time you came to buy handkerchiefs, they were sold out..." Shitou pulled the shed and called:
"This little brother has a good memory. I didn't buy your handkerchief last time, so I came here early this morning." The guest officer interrupted:
Shitou said: Auntie is really thoughtful, what kind of handkerchief do you want to buy? My mom will get it for you.
The guest officer responded: I want two "safety" handkerchiefs and two "health" handkerchiefs.
Xu Hongping turned over her handkerchief and shouted: Sir, take it.
The guest officer took out 2 cents and handed the money to Xu Hongping.
"Sir, I'm sorry! Our handkerchiefs sell for a penny each." Xu Hongping said:
The guest officer reached into his pocket and said awkwardly: Boss, I only have 1 penny left in my pocket.
or! I'll buy one less handkerchief...
"Auntie, don't buy less! Put the handkerchief in your hand..." Shitou shouted:
"But money!" the guest officer continued:
Shitou responded: If you feel sorry for yourself! You keep that penny.
The guest officer smiled and said: Thank you! Thanks!
"Boss, I'll buy 4 handkerchiefs."
Stone waved the handkerchief and called: Sister, what kind of handkerchief do you want?
The guest officer said: I want the kind of handkerchief that is "heart to heart".
Shitou picked 4 handkerchiefs and whispered: A total of 4 cents.
The guest officer held a handkerchief and asked: How much does the handkerchief cost?
Shitou reiterated: 4 cents.
The guest officer took out the money and said: Can you speak louder?
Shi Shi's cheeks turned red instantly (because the price of handkerchiefs suddenly increased, he thought the guest officer wanted to negotiate the price with him).
"Boss, give me 6 handkerchiefs."
Xu Hongping replied: The guest officer chooses by himself.
"Boss, I want 2 handkerchiefs."
Xu Hongping took a sip of water and replied: Sir, you make your own choice.
The guest officer responded: I don’t know the words, please help me choose 2.
Shitou picked up two "health" handkerchiefs and said, "Old man, what do you think of these two handkerchiefs?"
"Ah! What are you talking about!" The guest officer tilted his ears and shouted:
Shitou shouted: Take the handkerchief.
The guest officer took the handkerchief and explained: My ears are not working well. If you want to speak to me, speak louder.
Shitou shouted: Old man, please sit on the stool for a while.
The guest officer took out his pocket and said, "I won't sit down anymore. I'll leave right away."
Shitou shouted: "Old man, it's a total of 2 cents."
He watched as the old man took out a money bag with layers of money wrapped inside it.
The guest officer rummaged for a while before taking out 2 cents from the bag.
Shitou pushed the guest officer's hand that was holding the money - he refused to take it, and shouted: Old man, take the money back - put it away.
The guest officer said: I bought something and I have to pay for it.
Shitou responded: The old man and I hit it off right away, so I gave "these two handkerchiefs" to the old man.
The guest officer held the money in his hand and called out: "How can I do this if I don't accept the money?"
"Boss, give me 6 handkerchiefs."
Xu Hongping said: Guest, which handkerchief do you like?
"Old man, you stand there - people are coming and going, you keep your money, stand aside." Shitou said:
The guest officer muttered: Young man, I am like this!
"Shitou, take two - heart-to-heart handkerchiefs, two - sincere handkerchiefs, two - affectionate handkerchiefs, and give them to this guest." Xu Hongping gestured and ordered:
Shitou picked a few handkerchiefs and called out: Sister, please continue.
Xu Hongping said: Our handkerchiefs cost one penny each, a total of 6 pence.
The guest officer handed Xu Hongping 6 coins.
Shi Shi said politely: Sister, walk slowly.
Xu Hongping fanned her fan and asked: Shitou, why didn't you just accept the guest's money?
Shitou responded: Well, that old man, he is quite old...
"Shitou, that guest, it is indeed not easy, but we are doing business, we are not doing charity. You can't just see older people and refuse to accept money. If you continue like this, how will our business be?" Continue!" Xu Hongping scolded:
Shitou said: Mom, you are making a fuss out of a molehill, our business is impossible...
"You're right, I made a fuss out of a molehill, I'm too stingy, I shouldn't care about you..."
"Mom, I didn't say you were stingy, and I didn't think you were in charge. It doesn't matter what you think of me! You listen to my explanation first, and you let me finish my words first."
Xu Hongping closed her mouth and remained silent.
Shitou continued: The old man who bought the handkerchief looked like Min'er's grandfather. For this reason alone, I don't want to take his money.
Another one, when he was paying, he took out the bag containing the money. There were 8 or 9 layers in the bag.
What's even more unbearable is that there is only 2 pennies in the bag...
"Shitou, I know you are kind. I stopped you more to remind you that you are too kind, but it is easy for others to take advantage of you..." Xu Hongping called:
"Don't worry, Mom! The stone is poor and useless. The stone has no value in being used by others."
Xu Hongping muttered: I wish I was worrying too much!
"Boss, I'll buy 4 handkerchiefs."
Shitou then said: Sister, what kind of handkerchief do you want?
"Boss, I want 6 handkerchiefs."
Xu Hongping stood up and went to get the handkerchief.
"Boss, give me 2 handkerchiefs."
Shitou called out: Two lines of embroidered characters!
The guest officer replied: Yes.
Shitou grabbed the handkerchief and said: Uncle, here it is.
The guest officer held the handkerchief and praised: The words on the handkerchief are so well embroidered, and the whole handkerchief is set off beautifully.
Shitou asked: Uncle, do you still want to buy a handkerchief?
The guest officer replied: No, no, no, two is enough, two is enough.
Shitou said: Uncle, hold your handkerchief securely, be careful of it falling out.
The guest officer asked: Young man, how much does your handkerchief cost?
Shitou responded: 1 penny per piece.
The guest officer hesitated and said: Sell me the handkerchief on the stall!
Shitou said: You just said buying 2 handkerchiefs is enough, now you will do it again!
"To be honest, I am a street vendor. I heard that your handkerchiefs are well made and sold well."
Xu Hongping called out: This is true.
"You can sell all the handkerchiefs you make in the future to me."
"We don't have a large quantity of handkerchiefs. You are selling handkerchiefs and we can't supply them..."
"Don't worry, I live in the county next door. I can't steal your business."
"Uncle, don't get me wrong. I'm not afraid that you will steal business. What I mean is that the quantity of handkerchiefs we produce is not high. If we sell handkerchiefs to you, what will happen if others come to buy them!"
Xu Hongping said: Shitou, we can make more handkerchiefs.
Shitou muttered: Mom wants to!
Xu Hongping continued: Let’s sell the remaining handkerchiefs first—then we’ll talk.
Shitou whispered: Sell these handkerchiefs to him - I have no objection.
The guest officer held Shi Shi's hand and said excitedly: Deal, deal.
"Boss, give me 6 handkerchiefs."
"I bought the handkerchief. Come back next time."
Shitou called out: I'm sorry, eldest sister! Today's handkerchief was sold to this uncle. Come back next time.
He turned his face sideways and shouted: Mom, count those handkerchiefs.
Xu Hongping leaned in front of the handkerchief and counted 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 carefully...
The stone clung to the guest's ear and said secretly: Uncle, go and have a look!
"Boss, I'll buy 2 handkerchiefs."
"Shh~" Shitou huffed, walked around to the guest officer, and said: These handkerchiefs were bought by the uncle next to him. If you want to buy handkerchiefs, you can come back next time you go to the market.
"Mom, brother-in-law, the food is here."
Shitou waved his hand and called: Come here, don't disturb mom.
Min'er pointed to the uncle beside her and asked: Who is he?
Shitou lowered his voice and said: "Don't make any noise!"
"There are 132 handkerchiefs in total." Xu Hongping shouted:
The guest officer took out his money bag and said: I still have two more on me, a total of 134, which is 134 coins. In exchange for 67 silver bald heads, the total is 6,700 yuan.
Xu Hongping responded: That’s right.
The guest officer asked: Do you want new money or old money?
Xu Hongping replied: Old money is better, as new money has not yet become popular everywhere.
Shitou shouted: Uncle, you have a bowl of rice.
The guest officer thanked him: Thank you! Thanks! I have already eaten.
"Mom, I brought meat porridge. Come and try it." Min'er shouted:
Xu Hongping replied: I will eat it later.
The guest officer took out a big bag from his arms and said: Young man, please help me.
Shi Shi opened the bag and put the handkerchief in one hand.
Min'er went over to help her uncle pack the handkerchief.
The guest officer was concentrating on counting the money.
Xu Hongping called out: That's enough. Here is a total of 100 coins, plus 17 pieces of silver.
Shi Shi pulled up the bag and said: Uncle, this is such a big bag of handkerchiefs, please let me give you a ride.
"No, no, I'll just go to the opposite side and call a carriage." The guest officer picked up the bag and staggered back.
Xu Hongping picked up the bowl and said with a smile: I was worried before that the increase in the price of our handkerchiefs would affect sales.
did not expect! Handkerchiefs are selling faster than before.
Min'er handed the rice to Shi Shi and said: The sales of handkerchiefs are so fast, the only ones sewing handkerchiefs are me and Sister Erfeng...
"Let's invite some people to come over and sew handkerchiefs." Shitou interrupted:
Xu Hongping took a sip of porridge and said: It's a good idea.
Where can I find someone?
Miner responded: Yes! Ordinary people have never even seen a sewing machine.
Shitou replied: Yes, you can go to your father for help.
Xu Hongping thought for a moment and called out: At this moment, we can only go to Officer Wang.
Of course, let’s not get our hopes too high! First, our home is not a factory and can attract capable people. Second, in terms of wages and benefits, if the wages are too much, we cannot afford it. If the wages are too little, no one will be willing to come!
Besides, our sales are unstable.
Shitou replied: Mom is right...
"What's more coincidental is that Sister Erfeng is pregnant. She can't just sit and sew handkerchiefs all the time..." Min'er said:
"Okay, okay, Shitou will take some time to go to the palace and ask Officer Wang for help. Please ask him to find two people who can use sewing machines, and let Erfeng guide them for two days..." Xu Hongping shouted road:
"Mom, brother-in-law, please watch, I'm demolishing the factory shed." Min'er stood up and shouted:
Shitou moved his body and muttered: I almost forgot, I am going to buy walnuts for Sister Erfeng to eat.
Xu Hongping put down the bowl and said: Shitou, after you finish eating, let's go together.
Shitou asked: Mom, where do walnut sellers usually sell them?
Xu Hongping responded: Most of the time, the stall will be set up at the other end of the street.
"Mom, take that factory shelf away." Min'er shouted:
Xu Hongping held on to the shelf and said: Min'er, you pull up the shed and I'll tie it up.
Shitou held the rice in his mouth and called out: Mom, let me tie it up.
Xu Hongping tied up the factory shed and replied: You eat your food.
Shi Shi swallowed the rice and replied: I'm full.
Xu Hongping stood up and gasped: "Then let's go."
The stone picked up the basket and walked slowly.
Xu Hongping shouted: Go this way.
They walked for a while.
Xu Hongping stopped and complained: The weather is really hot.
Min'er shouted: Mom, go over there and take a rest.
"Stone, where are you going!"
Shitou glanced at his side, smiled and said: Except uncle.
Chu Ming said in confusion: It's already afternoon, where are you going with the burden!
Shitou leaned over and responded: Sister Erfeng wants to eat walnuts. I'll buy some walnuts over there.
Chu Ming smiled and said: "You go to buy walnuts, why are you carrying the basket!"
"We've sold out all the handkerchiefs. Let's buy something from there and go home." Min'er pulled Xu Hongping to follow her.
Chu Ming continued: Your business is so good!
Xu Hongping replied: Someone just bought all our handkerchiefs.
"Boss, show me the one in front of you."
Zhuming took the toy and said: Shitou, I have business to do. I won't chat with you anymore. You can go do your own business.
Shitou stepped forward and called out: Goodbye, uncle! Let’s talk some other time.
"Shitou, that stall in front sells walnuts." Xu Hongping pointed to the front and shouted:
Stone walked faster.
Min'er was about to start walking.
Xu Hongping grabbed Min'er and said, "The walnut stall is right in front. Let's go there slowly."
"Boss, I'll buy 4 pounds of walnuts."
"Stone, why did you buy so many walnuts!" Xu Hongping shouted:
Shitou replied: Is 4 pounds of walnuts a lot?
The boss weighed 4 pounds of walnuts and said: Sir, the total is 60 cents.
Xu Hongping took the walnuts and called out: 60 cents, right?
The boss responded: "It's 60 cents."
Shi Shi took a walnut and looked at it intently.
Xu Hongping put down the walnuts and said: Boss, let’s weigh less walnuts.
Shitou stared at the walnut and said silently: This is the walnut.
The boss asked: Sir, how many walnuts do you weigh?
Shitou was startled and shouted: Mom, please pay the boss, I don't have so much money with me.
Min'er stood beside Shitou and muttered: Brother-in-law...
"Min'er, what do you want to eat?" Xu Hongping took out her wallet and asked:
Min'er glanced at the stone and replied: I don't want to eat anything!
"Boss, please don't name me. We need 4 kilograms of walnuts." Xu Hongping put the walnuts on the basket and said:
The boss echoed: I will give you 2 more walnuts.
Xu Hongping called out: I will pay you 60 yuan.
Min'er shouted: Brother-in-law, pick up the basket and let's go from here...
