Chapter 16 Buying Eggs at the Old House

The family of three was unusually delighted; none of them had expected their opening day to be such a success. Noticing Wen Xiuyi massaging his arm, Wen Jun took the initiative to sit beside him and took over the task, since he was well-versed in it.

As Wen Xiuyi enjoyed his son's attentive care, he began planning what needed to be done next. "In a bit, Xiao Jun and I will tidy up and deliver the things to Liuzi's third uncle's house, then we'll head out to buy some rice and vegetables. Also, we need to get a cart of our own; we can't always use Liuzi's. For tonight's market, let's not set up—first, we're not prepared enough, and rushing to get ready won't give us enough time. What do you think?"

Wen Yao agreed, for nothing else, the rice hadn't soaked long enough, and if steamed in haste, the texture and taste would be off. They couldn't risk ruining their reputation for the sake of profit. Besides, today's victory was already a triumph; they'd made a good amount, disregarding the costs. One doesn't grow fat in a single day, nor can business be built in one night.

Moreover, Big Head's head was drooping toward the floor. If Wen Yao wasn't supporting him, the child would have fallen asleep right there.

Learning they intended to buy a cart, Liuzi waved his hand grandly. "Why bother buying? Just use ours, it's fine."

But Wen Xiuyi disagreed. "Liuzi, business is business. Uncle knows you're being generous, but this cart belongs to your family, and we won't be using it for just a day or two, right? So just tell Uncle where to buy one, and we'll get it ourselves."

Hearing this, Liuzi didn't insist. "Why go elsewhere? My father can make one. Haven't you seen what our family does?" He pointed proudly to the wooden wares behind him.

"Ah, that's right! Uncle completely forgot. How much would it cost for you to make a cart?" Wen Xiuyi asked, hoping it wouldn't be too expensive—he really wished he could split every coin in half.

Liuzi had no intention of making money off them. "Just pay sixty coins for the wood. I'll tell my father tonight. It'll take two or three days to make. In the meantime, just use ours."

The three exchanged glances. They weren't familiar with the prices, but Liuzi's offer was surely honest. Sixty coins, according to the prices in their space, was about sixty yuan. In their old world, sixty yuan couldn't buy a handcart—not by a long shot.

"Alright then, Uncle won't stand on ceremony. Yao Yao, pay him."

Wen Yao, acting as treasurer, swiftly counted sixty copper coins and handed them to Liuzi.

Liuzi pocketed the money and promised, beating his chest, that he'd make them a sturdy cart.

Seeing that Big Head was about to fall asleep, Wen Xiuyi took Wen Jun to deliver the tables and chairs to Liuzi's third uncle's small storeroom, cleaned up the stove and stall, pushed the cart, tucked Big Head into the empty barrel, and the family set off to buy supplies.

This shopping trip was much easier than the last, as they were now familiar with the routine.

Before dusk, the four returned to their village. Quite a few people were out working or chatting, and on seeing them, couldn't help but point and whisper.

Faintly, they could hear remarks like "Scholar, doesn't behave well—don't play with them," but the family paid no mind.

They pushed the cart home, and Wen Yao ran straight inside, poured the money from the jar onto the table, and began counting.

So many copper coins! She was utterly delighted.

"Sixty coins for the cart, fifty jin of rice for four hundred coins, five jin of meat cost sixty coins, ten jin of pork fat cost one hundred coins—a total of six hundred and twenty coins spent. We still have seven hundred and twelve coins left. Dad, we sold over thirteen hundred coins today!" Wen Yao calculated excitedly.

A thousand coins equaled one tael of silver. In just one day, they'd earned a tael—this business was promising indeed. Days filled with rich food were surely ahead.

Wen Xiuyi looked at the remaining money, feeling immensely satisfied. At least they had income now and could look forward to better days.

"Yao Yao, take some money to your grandmother and see if there are eggs to buy. Eggs in town go for three coins for two; pay your grandmother the same, so she doesn't lose out, and it'll save her the trouble of selling them in town," Wen Xiuyi instructed.

"Alright, perfect chance to remind Grandma of my existence." Wen Yao quickly packed away the extra coins, took seventy-five coins, wrapped up three of the pastries they’d bought by the roadside—two coins each, and she'd splurged on five of them.

On the way, she and Big Head shared one, nearly choking herself. Compared to what she could make, these pastries were nowhere near as good.

Now, with Big Head revived and bouncing, she headed off to the old house.

"This second chance at life is letting Yao Yao relive her childhood, but it's tough on you, son, having to work with Dad to earn money," Wen Xiuyi said, patting his son's shoulder with a sigh.

Wen Jun's mouth twitched. "Professor Wen, I'm thirty-five, not really sixteen." Then, jokingly, he added, "If I'd known we'd end up here, I should've studied traditional medicine instead."

Wen Xiuyi waved his hand. "Ah, who could have guessed? But it doesn't matter. Once Dad makes some money, I'll send you to study medicine. Then my son will be a PhD in both Chinese and Western medicine. Imagine the pride!"

Wen Jun burst out laughing. "Yes, yes, you’ll be the proudest dad. Come on, let's go inside so I can stretch you out, otherwise your arm will seize up from all that cooking today."

"Let's go, let's go. After a day of tossing the wok, my arm really can't take it." Wen Xiuyi chuckled, draping an arm around his son as they headed inside.

Wen Yao, full of excitement, took Big Head to the old house. Before even reaching the door, she called out loudly, "Grandma, open the door! Grandma, we've come to see you!"

Inside, Madam Luo felt her heart flutter and looked outside. "Who's making all that noise?"

Madam Li hurried to the door and, opening it, saw Wen Yao and Big Head standing hand in hand at the threshold.

Not seeing Wen Xiuyi, Madam Li breathed a sigh of relief.

"It's Yao Yao and Big Head? What's the matter?" she asked, eyeing the paper package in Wen Yao's hand.

Wen Yao led Big Head inside, replying, "Yes, Second Aunt, I'm here to see Grandma about something."

"Grandma, I'm here! Grandma!" Wen Yao exaggeratedly dragged Big Head inside, calling out as she went.

Madam Luo rolled off the kang, complaining to Old Wen, "That girl used to never make a peep—now she's so loud."

She pulled open the door, her face none too friendly. "What do you want?"