Zeng Shuyi helped Wang Chaoyang push the tricycle cart to the intersection.
She listened to the sound of the two pieces of tin clinking against each other in Wang Chaoyang’s hands, producing a sharp “ding dong, ding dong” noise.
Soon, someone came over and asked how much the Fish Balls were.
“The big ones are five cents each, the small ones three for five cents. Scallions, garlic, and sauce are free. Take a look and see if you want some.”
Wang Chaoyang’s sales pitch was especially practiced.
Hearing the customer wanted ten small Fish Balls for a dime, he smiled and said, “Alright!” before swiftly tossing the Fish Balls into the tin container.
Wang Chaoyang used a coal stove, pulling open the vent at the bottom a bit wider so the fire burned hotter.
While the Fish Balls cooked, Wang Chaoyang resumed his call, “Meat Slice Fish Balls, authentic Fuding Meat Slice and Rongcheng Fish Balls, delicious and cheap, and no tickets required!”
That last sentence was key.
Nowadays, dining at state-run restaurants required ration tickets, but here, none were needed.
No tickets, and prices were even a bit cheaper than state-run places.
Customers didn’t care if this was illegal profiteering; they just bought and left.
If any officials from the profiteering crackdown office showed up, the best strategy was to run — because they only arrested the Fish Ball vendors.
Zeng Shuyi helped Wang Chaoyang sell all morning.
After nine-thirty, customers thinned out.
Wang Chaoyang rode the tricycle to a quiet, secluded spot and cooked some Fish Balls for Zeng Shuyi, then extinguished the coal stove.
Zeng Shuyi was puzzled.
“Don’t you have a license? Why are you still hiding?”
“I do have a license, but there are so few people doing business nowadays. Even if they know you have a license, they’ll still come to check. Some are just rigid bureaucrats, some want to squeeze bribes. You think they really do this for… official reasons?”
Wang Chaoyang tapped his head and chuckled, “It’s all about lining their own pockets. None of them are good people. Hurry up and eat; Fish Balls get bad when they’re cold.”
The Fish Balls were springy and chewy.
Inside, the filling was fresh with a hint of aged flavor.
The broth was a High Soup made from fish bones and pork bones, topped with a handful of scallions and a sprinkle of white pepper powder.
The first taste was fresh, followed by a peppery spiciness that was incredibly delicious.
After finishing, Zeng Shuyi complimented, “No wonder your business is so good.”
Yesterday, Zeng Shuyi had come looking for Wang Chaoyang to ask about small business matters.
But she arrived at the busiest time, so they agreed to meet today.
“My mom grew up in a fishing village, and her skill in making Fish Balls can’t be beaten in the alley,” Wang Chaoyang tilted his head to look at Zeng Shuyi. Sunlight filtered through the treetops, casting dappled light on her face, making her look very beautiful. “You said you want to do business, but have you thought about what kind?”
Zeng Shuyi said she hadn’t decided yet.
She had no cooking skills, so making food was definitely out.
Wang Chaoyang sat on the tricycle seat, chewing on a stem of Gouwi Bacao, “Nowadays, small businesses generally fall into four categories: food, daily groceries, service and repair, and street vendors. What do you think you can do?”
Seeing Zeng Shuyi deep in thought, Wang Chaoyang added, “When you apply for a license, you not only have to paste your photo but also clearly state your industry. Oh, and getting a license isn’t cheap — it costs thirty yuan. At first, to raise that money, I pieced it together from my older brother and sister, promising to pay them back with interest before they agreed to lend it to me.”
Zeng Shuyi had only ten yuan on her.
“And it takes time — at the fastest, over half a month; sometimes it takes up to two months.”
Wang Chaoyang’s shoulders slumped.
“Shuyi, it’s really not easy to get started. You’re a woman, many people will try to bully you.”
“I want to do it too. Being poor only makes people look down on you even more!” Zeng Shuyi said firmly.
“You don’t have to do it alone. Find someone to partner with,” Wang Chaoyang suggested, his cheeks flushing slightly.
The newspapers were clear: no hiring employees, no partnerships allowed, only individuals or family-run businesses.
Zeng Shuyi awkwardly chuckled, “If I partner with someone and get reported, my dad will really kill me. Thanks for your help today! I’ll treat you to a meal when I make some money.”
She stood and said goodbye to Wang Chaoyang.
Since she had nothing to do now, she wanted to visit more places and observe.
Wang Chaoyang called out, “You’re welcome,” watching her retreating figure with a smile.
He had money now, after all.
After parting ways with Wang Chaoyang, Zeng Shuyi went to several of Rongcheng’s busiest spots.
After a whole day on her feet, her legs felt nearly broken, but she was full of energy.
Because she now had direction, she had hope.
By the time she got home, it was just about dinner time.
The Zeng family was having Xianmian that night. Lin Jiazhen added some Xia Mi and Kongxincai.
The flavor wasn’t particularly special, but the Tang Di enhanced with Xia Mi gave the broth a subtle freshness.
Zeng Qingliang was still upset with Zeng Shuyi.
She didn’t say anything either, which made the meal unusually quiet.
When Zeng Shuyi went to wash the bowls, her mother pulled out a plate from the cupboard.
“Douya Pancake. You came home so late, it’s already soft. Just eat it as is.” Lin Jiazhen said, glancing out the window quietly, “Eat quickly. Don’t let your little brother find out, or he’ll want some too.”
Her daughter had said yesterday to save a piece, so she remembered and didn’t bring it out at dinner — only giving it to her daughter now.
With many kids in the house, there was always comparison.
Being a mom was not easy.
Zeng Shuyi paused, then smiled, “Thank you, Mom.”
She finished the Douya Pancake in a few bites.
It wasn’t as fragrant as when fresh out of the pan, but she still enjoyed it.
“You’re a good girl. Just don’t give your mom too much worry,” Lin Jiazhen patted her daughter’s back. “Where did you go all day?”
“I went to see Xiao Huang’s workplace. She said she could help me, so I stayed with her for a bit.”
Zeng Shuyi still used Xiao Huang as an excuse.
“Really?” Lin Jiazhen was surprised, “Where does she work? Can she really get you in? When?”
“Mom, calm down. Nothing’s settled yet.” Zeng Shuyi also looked out the window. “Don’t tell anyone about this. If it doesn’t work out, I’ll be laughed at. But don’t worry, I’m your daughter. I won’t do anything reckless.”
She couldn’t say she wanted to start a business — at least not until she had the money.
Once she had capital, she wouldn’t be afraid anymore.
Lin Jiazhen nodded and started tidying the kitchen.
It was already dark outside.
When they got to the living room, they saw Zeng Shuyue making the bed.
Zeng Shuyi immediately returned to her room and saw Zeng Xiangmin tugging at the bedpost, complaining.
Wang Chaoyang sat on the tricycle seat, chewing on a stem of Gouwi Bacao, “Nowadays, small businesses generally fall into four categories: food, daily groceries, service and repair, and street vendors. What do you think you can do?”
Seeing Zeng Shuyi deep in thought, Wang Chaoyang added, “When you apply for a license, you not only have to paste your photo but also clearly state your industry. Oh, and getting a license isn’t cheap — it costs thirty yuan. At first, to raise that money, I pieced it together from my older brother and sister, promising to pay them back with interest before they agreed to lend it to me.”
Zeng Shuyi had only ten yuan on her.
“And it takes time — at the fastest, over half a month; sometimes it takes up to two months.”
Wang Chaoyang’s shoulders slumped.
“Shuyi, it’s really not easy to get started. You’re a woman, many people will try to bully you.”
Zeng Shuyi never let her little brother have his way.
When they were young, elders would say the little brother was younger and the older sister had to yield — whether in food or punishment…
Her brother wasn’t a sweet, sensible kid. She wasn’t about to let a spoiled brat boss her around.
“Second sister, take Shengnan inside. Don’t listen to Zeng Xiangmin.” Zeng Shuyi pulled her older sister inside, one foot catching the door frame. “Zeng Xiangmin, here’s a suggestion: if you really want the bed, sleep with big brother at night. You originally shared a room with big brother, but after he got married, you were kicked out. Big sister-in-law isn’t home tonight, so you can sleep there if you want.”
“Tch, you just know how to bully me. I’ll sleep wherever I want! Who do I fear?” Zeng Xiangmin glared at his third sister before grabbing his quilt and heading to big brother’s room.
Zeng Xiangping was at night school and not home.
Zeng Xiangmin hadn’t even washed his feet. He kicked off his shoes and lay down.
Next door, Zeng Shuyi hummed a tune, frustrated with her older sister.
“This is your home too. Why are you giving in to Xiangmin? If it were just you, fine, but Shengnan is so little. If she doesn’t sleep well at night, how will she grow up tall and strong?”
Zeng Shuyue muttered, “I…”
“Enough, you don’t have to say anything. You’re just like Mom — full of frustrating, weak words. I advise you to toughen up. You’re wasting my breath!” Zeng Shuyi turned off the light, “Sleep!”
She was exhausted from running around all day.
Just as she closed her eyes, a soft little hand patted her.
“Auntie, I want to sleep with you.”
He Shengnan, barefoot with short legs, hopped up and down.
She tried several times but couldn’t climb into bed. “Auntie, hold me…”
Zeng Shuyi scooped up her niece and patted her feet.
“You can sleep with me, but no bedwetting. If you need to pee at night, remember to call me. Otherwise, I’ll make you sleep with your fourth uncle — you’ll have to smell his stinky feet all night!”
“I know, Auntie.” He Shengnan snuggled against her. Auntie was soft and smelled nice. She loved sleeping with her.
They both slept soundly in their room.
Late at night, they heard a shout from next door.
Zeng Shuyi knew it was big brother coming home.
She turned over, patted her niece, and went back to sleep.
Meanwhile, Zeng Xiangmin also turned over, eyes still closed, “You’re noisy, big brother. Don’t push me. Big sister-in-law’s not home, I’ll keep you company for a few days.”
“You… you haven’t even washed your feet!” Zeng Xiangping pinched his nose. “This is my room. How can you come to sleep without my permission?”
“What’s yours and mine? This house belongs to Mom and Dad. I used to sleep here before, and I still want to sleep here now. If you don’t like the smell of my feet, go sleep in the living room for a few days. We can switch.”
Zeng Xiangmin was somewhat more awake now and grinned at his big brother, “Third sister is right. You can’t enjoy all the benefits while the rest of us suffer!”
Zeng Xiangping couldn’t stand it and went to bang on his parents’ door.
Zeng Qingliang heard and didn’t care.
Through the door, he said, “Xiangping, your brother wants to sleep in the factory bed, you two can sleep together. Stop making noise, we have to work tomorrow.”
After saying that, he snored.
Two kids were his sons, and he wasn’t going to get up over a small matter like this.
But Zeng Xiangping couldn’t stand the stink of Zeng Xiangmin’s feet.
After agonizing for a long time, he chose to sleep on the hard wooden plank bed in the living room.
The plank bed was hard and uncomfortable.
When there was any noise in the yard, he could hear it clearly from the living room.
He tossed and turned all night until dawn.
Meanwhile, Zeng Xiangmin slept soundly all night.
When he got up, he even sniffed his slippers, “Not stinky at all! Big brother is so picky!”
He went to the yard to wash up and saw his big brother’s eyes were bruised and swollen.
He laughed, “Big brother, now you know the wooden bed is hard to sleep on, right? You bully me and move out with big sister-in-law. You have the means. If you move out, I can have the room to myself!”
The sleepless Zeng Xiangping glared at him, teeth clenched, “In your dreams!”
Today he was going to pick up Wang Juan.
“Big brother, why are you like this?” Zeng Xiangmin complained, going to tattle to their parents.
Zeng Qingliang didn’t think much about the eldest son moving out.
The whole family lived together, so he had the final say.
Hearing the little one whining non-stop, he snapped, “Shut up! Making noise this early, my ears can’t take it.”
Zeng Xiangmin pouted, not daring to argue with his father, and looked to his third sister for support, “Third sister, don’t you think I have a point?”
Zeng Shuyi, busy arranging the Fish Ball stall, said, “There are plenty of reasons. But Mom and Dad told you to study well. Do you listen?”
“Third sister, are you talking about me?” Zeng Xiangping was angry, picking up his chopsticks to eat but was stopped by Zeng Shuyi’s tap.
“No eating until Mom sits down,” she said, then turned to look at big brother and smirked, “Big brother, I think Xiangmin has a point. If you move out, you can be your own boss. That’s great.”
Then she shook her head, “But living at home means someone cooks and washes dishes, and you only have to chip in whatever you want for food. That’s a lot of perks. If it were me, I wouldn’t move out either.”
Zeng Xiangping gave up and picked up his chopsticks.
Hearing his sister scold the brother for bad behavior, he noticed Mom still hadn’t sat down yet.
“Third sister, what did I do to offend you? Why do you have to pick on me every day?” Zeng Xiangping was full of anger and glared fiercely at Zeng Shuyi.
Zeng Shuyi frowned but waited for their mother to come before starting to serve the thin porridge.
“Well then, you know how it is. Don’t expect to enjoy all the perks and then morally pressure me. When I’m in a good mood, I might not even say anything about you.”
“Alright!” Zeng Qingliang frowned, “I don’t know what sins I committed in my past life to have so many kids. I’m afraid I’ll be laughed at.”
The head of the family was angry.
Zeng Xiangping swallowed his words and resolved not to move out.
When he got into university, he wouldn’t have time for wife and kids, but the family could still help take care of them. Why not take advantage of that? He wasn’t stupid.
That morning, Zeng Shuyi ate two big bowls of thin porridge with salted lotus root.
After everyone left for work, she went out.
After a day of investigation yesterday, she finally knew what kind of business she wanted to start and was now going to purchase supplies.