Chapter 88: The First Business Income

The next day, the car drove steadily into the city. Xu Jiaojiao looked at Sheng Jie’s mother in surprise—was she really this old now?

The last time they met, her hair had no trace of white, and she was plump in a well-fed, blessed way. But now, she looked much thinner, her arms and thighs loose and sagging. Thinking about her son, Xu Jiaojiao had nothing more to say.

Originally, the others in the car were secretly hoping to see the two of them quarrel or fight. After all, Xu Jiaojiao used to look like a submissive little daughter-in-law in front of Wan Hong—taking beatings and scoldings without protest, sending things over without a word.

Her own family could barely survive, yet she still had to supplement the village chief’s household. Though people disliked the Sheng family’s behavior, they couldn’t help but envy the benefits they reaped. Especially Xu Jiaojiao, who was always generous—giving away meat, candy, cloth, and more, never too little.

The car soon bumped along the muddy road. Many trees along the way had been blown down. Xu Jiaojiao couldn’t help but worry about her shop when she saw the scene.

They soon reached the city. Wan Hong and Xu Jiaojiao got out, both with heavy hearts, and went their separate ways. Sheng Jie’s mother almost ran along the wall, sticking to the edges.

Now that the weather had cleared, if those buried people were dug out—and with the knife wounds on them—it would be very easy for the truth to be uncovered. If that happened, her son would surely be exposed.

A wave of fear swept through her, making her frantic yet terrified. Her heart nearly jumped out of her chest. When she saw the ruined building still lying in rubble, her tears instantly fell.

But there were still crowds of people gathered around, apparently discussing how to rescue. Wan Hong squeezed closer and overheard a bit.

“If we start digging, half the mountain above will lose its support. Another collapse could happen.”

“I think the rescue should be postponed.”

“Yes, those people have been buried so long—they’re already dead. Right now, we must protect the living.”

Several cadres and strong young men discussed, then decided to put up warning lines and forbid anyone from going closer. Rescue would not be carried out.

In this era, just finding a truck was already difficult. Excavators and the like were out of the question—everything relied on manpower.

And the dead were beggars—people who stole food and drink, never worked properly.

Anyone who ran a shop nearby had suffered from them, even the state-run restaurants. Leftover food was often snatched away. Yet people couldn’t really complain.

That food, after all, could improve a whole family’s meals. Naturally, resentment against those beggars ran deep.

When Wan Hong heard the news, her legs turned weak. She collapsed to the ground, then cried and laughed hysterically. The people around quickly tried to support her, thinking she was overcome with grief.

After a long while, she regained herself. She took the money and the last of her meat coupons—things Xu Jiaojiao had once dutifully given her—and bought two taels of pork, planning to go home and make dumplings.

She couldn’t even wait until 4 p.m.—she spent every coin and hurried away. The roads, though still damaged, were better than before.

Xu Jiaojiao, meanwhile, looked around the city. The streets were fairly clean, which reassured her, though many trees were stripped bare, some gone altogether. Up ahead, many people were still clearing wreckage.

Standing at her shop door, she was relieved to see her shop safe. Its location, tucked in a corner, had spared it from major damage. She unlocked the door, flicked on the light with a click, and found everything inside just as she had left it.

Finally at ease, she set down her bag at the counter, rested briefly on the sofa, then prepared to start work.

Time passed, but the girl she was waiting for still hadn’t come. She couldn’t help feeling anxious. But then she thought—the girl might be at work—so she busied herself with making clothes.

Her speed and skill with the sewing machine had improved a lot. She could now finish a piece in a day.

Soon, Lin Lin appeared again, hugging her books. Seeing the open shop, her face lit up. She popped her fluffy little head inside with a cheerful smile.
“You’re finally here!”

Xu Jiaojiao looked up and saw the familiar face. Her heart leapt with joy, though she awkwardly explained,
“The roads were too slippery these past few days—I couldn’t come. I’m so sorry.”

“No problem. I figured that was the case. My name’s Lin Lin.”

“I’m Xu Jiaojiao.”

Lin Lin put her things on the side table. Seeing a finished dress, she instantly loved it. She reached out to touch it.
“Can I try this on?”

“Of course.”

Xu Jiaojiao handed her the dress, watching her walk into the fitting room. Lin Lin emerged shortly after, the dress highlighting her slim frame perfectly. She looked like a proud yellow rose in bloom.

She immediately decided to buy it. Holding the hem, she stepped out into the shop. Under the warm, vintage lighting, she looked like a movie star.

Xu Jiaojiao couldn’t take her eyes off her, admiration clear in her gaze.
“You really look beautiful in that dress.”

“How much is it?”

“Eighteen. But once all my things are in order, I can give you a free styling session too.” Xu Jiaojiao, afraid the price might seem too high, added quickly.

Lin Lin took out her little purse and counted out eighteen yuan in scattered bills. The price meant little to her—what mattered was looking beautiful. Besides, she had never seen clothes like these anywhere else.

Since ancient times, no woman disliked beauty—or feared running into someone wearing the same thing. Xu Jiaojiao’s designs were one of a kind.

Holding the money in her hands felt surreal—like a dream. She had thought she’d need to make several outfits and fully decorate her shop before attracting a single customer. This was luck indeed.

Xu Jiaojiao smoothly launched into the sales pitch she had prepared:
“You can bring your friends to my shop to hang out. It doesn’t matter if they don’t buy anything—they can come read books too.”

It was the perfect thing to say. With her vintage, tasteful shop and her sincere expression, even a hard-hearted person would be moved.

Lin Lin nodded, changed back into her own clothes, and asked Xu Jiaojiao to wrap the dress. Then she sat aside and read, while Xu Jiaojiao put the money into the drawer and prepared a kraft-paper package she had ready.

At this time, everything was wrapped in paper. She wished for the sturdy paper bags of the future.

She threaded a ribbon through the folded package and even added a few small extras—hair ties and such. The ribbon itself could be used as a headband.

Quietly setting the package aside without disturbing Lin Lin, she returned to her sewing.

Lin Lin later left with her purchase, promising to return tomorrow. Xu Jiaojiao locked the shop and headed across the street to the department store. She remembered a new bakery had opened.

Bread now was truly bread—soft, without additives, though with limited varieties. Some had cream or sausage. Xu Jiaojiao bought one for each family member, including her grandparents. Too many would be easily squashed.

Compared to steamed buns, bread was expensive—five cents apiece. She bought eight in total, spending forty cents, not even a full yuan.

Looking at the change in her hand, Xu Jiaojiao’s eyes welled with tears. Money in this era went so far—it felt unreal.

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P.S.- I don’t have any issue with English translations but when it comes to translating Chinese names in English that’s a different thing, so just bear with me. ◑﹏◐