Chapter 37: Wanting to Buy Two Phones

Time passed by second by second. Unknowingly, it was already 9 p.m. Su Gang stood up and said, “Little Feng, thank you for preparing such a rich dinner tonight. I’ll invite you guys next time when I have the chance.”

“Uncle Su, you’re too polite. If you like the food, you and Xiaoli are always welcome to visit my home,” Tang Feng offered.

“Okay! Just don’t kick us out then,” Su Gang readily agreed.

“How could I! Having you over for dinner, I couldn’t be happier,” Tang Feng responded while glancing at Su Xiaoli.

“Big brother, sister-in-law, let me know in advance when your restaurant opens. I’ll definitely come to support,” Su Gang instructed.

“Don’t worry! Even if we don’t call anyone else, we will definitely call you,” Tang Long solemnly promised.

Afterwards, Su Gang and his daughter left. Tang Long’s family of three accompanied them downstairs, waving goodbye until Su Gang and his daughter disappeared from sight before returning home.

Tang Feng’s Mother began to clean up the dining table, and Tang Feng hurried to help. Once everything was tidied up, Tang Feng said goodnight to his parents and returned to his bedroom. He lay on his bed, not falling asleep immediately but planning to buy two mobile phones. Having phones would make it much easier for him and Su Xiaoli to stay in touch.

However, he was well aware that phones were not cheap at the moment. The most popular phones on the market were primarily from Nokia and Motorola, mostly bar phones. A typical phone cost about 1,500 yuan. In 2022, spending 1,500 yuan on a phone might not seem like a big deal, but this was 2003, and the average monthly income was only a few hundred yuan. A phone’s price was equivalent to two to three months’ income for most people, making many reluctant to buy one.

Additionally, making calls was charged to both parties involved, meaning both making and receiving calls cost money. Many people were deterred by this charging model. But Tang Feng felt he needed a phone, even if it was just for texting Su Xiaoli, to alleviate the longing.

But two phones together would cost about 3,000 yuan, a significant sum for him at this time. After much consideration, he decided to set up a stall selling roasted gluten at the night market, believing his culinary skills could easily make a few hundred yuan a night, and possibly even a thousand on a good night. This way, it wouldn’t take long to earn enough money for the phones.

Just then, the system’s voice suddenly announced a new mission: “Congratulations to the host on receiving a new mission: Earn income while running a stall for three days to also receive bonus points.”

This news instantly dispelled Tang Feng’s sleepiness. He had only thought about earning money, not expecting bonus points as well. This was an opportunity too good to miss. He wondered how many points he could earn in three days. If he earned enough, he planned to exchange them for a beauty pill he had seen in the system’s store. Although his appearance was decent, a beauty pill could potentially enhance his looks even further.

Filled with anticipation, Tang Feng found it hard to fall asleep, not knowing when he eventually drifted off. When he woke up, it was already 7:30 a.m. Just as he was about to get up, the landline in the living room rang. He rushed to answer it without even putting on his pants.

“May I ask who’s calling?” he said.

“It’s me,” Su Xiaoli’s voice came through the phone.

“What’s up?”

“Have you eaten yet?”

“Not yet.”

“I’m going out to buy some sticky rice dumplings. I’ll bring you some,” Su Xiaoli offered.

“Okay!” Tang Feng readily accepted.

“Do you want the ones with dates or peanuts?”

“Dates. Preferably from that shop in Li Ban Village; they’re really tasty,” Tang Feng replied.

“Alright. See you soon,” Su Xiaoli hung up.

Tang Feng quickly went back to his room to dress, then washed up in the bathroom. Soon, Su Xiaoli arrived, wearing a light purple outfit and brought the sticky rice dumplings to the dining table.

“Have you eaten?” Tang Feng guessed.

“Not yet,” Su Xiaoli shook her head, “I came straight here after buying the sticky rice dumplings.”

“Then sit down, let’s eat together,” Tang Feng invited.

Su Xiaoli nodded and sat down. Tang Feng peeled a sticky rice dumpling and handed it to her.

“Thank you,” she said, accepting it.

“You’re being polite. Besides, you bought sticky rice dumplings for me, so I should be the one thanking you,” Tang Feng laughed.

Su Xiaoli just smiled. After eating the sticky rice dumpling, Tang Feng poured her some warm water. Su Xiaoli took out her wallet, pulled out a stack of mixed bills, and placed them in front of Tang Feng.

“What’s this for?” Tang Feng was taken aback.

“You’re planning to sell roasted gluten at the night market, right? This is the start-up capital I’m providing,” Su Xiaoli explained.

“A small stall doesn’t need that much money. Five hundred should be enough.”

“Is five hundred really enough? I thought it would cost a lot more,” Su Xiaoli said, a bit embarrassed.

“Where did this money come from? Why is it a mix of different amounts?” Tang Feng asked.

“It’s all the money from my savings jar,” Su Xiaoli answered.

Tang Feng was moved. Su Xiaoli always went out of her way to help him, no matter what.

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