Chapter 26: The Daughter’s Gift

“Not really,” Cheng Yuan said, her eyes crinkling with a smile as she held the cake. “Do you have to wait for a birthday to enjoy a birthday cake? I heard the cakes in the city are especially delicious, and since we rarely come here, I couldn’t possibly go home empty-handed, could I?”

“That makes sense,” Yu Qing replied.

This was already their third trip to the wholesale market. To catch the last bus back to the county, they had to run the entire way. After leaving the market, Yu Qing carried a heavy sack of goods on his back, and they barely made it onto the bus.

By the time they reached the county, night had already fallen. Yu Qing carried the clothes straight to the Cheng family’s house, setting them down in the living room before letting out a long sigh of relief. His hands were red and sore from the straps.

“You must be tired,” Cheng Yuan said. “Call Aunt Yu over. Let’s have dinner together tonight.”

She headed into the kitchen. The rice was already cooked, but there were no side dishes prepared. She quickly decided to stir-fry pork with chili peppers, eggs with chili peppers, and a dish of radish. That should be enough.

Cheng Yuan was busy in the kitchen when Yu Qing returned home, eager to share the day’s events.

Although Aunt Yu was still unwell, her spirits were high. She hadn’t been able to return to work at the factory, but after selling tea eggs for just over two weeks, she’d already earned seven or eight hundred yuan. That was just the beginning—once she gained more experience, she could earn even more.

Her son’s tuition was no longer a concern. She had even been thinking about inviting the Cheng family—father and daughter—for a thank-you meal when she suddenly heard Yu Qing say, “We made over a thousand yuan today!”

She rubbed her ear. “Did I hear you right? You said you two earned over a thousand yuan in a single day? Are you sure?”

Over a thousand yuan in one day!

She had been content with the idea of earning that much in a month. She never even dreamed of anything more. And now her son was saying they made that in one day just by going to the city?

“Yes, Mom. Don’t worry,” Yu Qing said, seizing the chance. “If you ever need surgery, we’ll definitely have the money. Just promise me—don’t ever keep things from me. I don’t want anything to happen to you.”

Yu Qing had relied on his mother his whole life. His greatest fear was losing her.

“Good, good. My son’s grown up and knows how to care for his mother now.” Aunt Yu’s eyes grew misty with emotion. She was even more stunned to hear they’d gone to the wholesale market three times that day. “You two are still just kids! You weren’t scared? What if you hadn’t been able to sell anything? How did you even find the place?”

Something felt off. Aunt Yu couldn’t shake the feeling that this wasn’t their first time at the market.

“Ask her yourself,” Yu Qing said. “Cheng Yuan is amazing. I was too shy to ask anyone, but she just blurted it out! You should’ve seen her selling clothes—she’s such a smooth talker!”

Yu Qing’s eyes sparkled as he spoke about Cheng Yuan.

Back at the Cheng household, Cheng Huaien was pushing his cart home in high spirits. He’d done the math—selling stir-fried noodles and snacks was far more profitable than tea eggs. He’d soon save up three thousand yuan, of which he’d invest two thousand in stocks and keep the rest as working capital. By Chinese New Year, his investment might multiply tenfold, maybe even more.

Later, after opening his restaurant, stock trading had become his favorite pastime. He loved analyzing the market and often regretted missing out on the bull markets of the ‘90s. If only I’d had one stroke of luck back then, I could’ve made a fortune.

Now that he was back in 1996 and remembered the great bull market that year, he was even more eager to save capital. All I need is to invest in the right stock and I can multiply my money tenfold—easy.

“Yuanyuan, you’re back?” he called out as he pushed his tricycle through the door. He spotted a large black bag in the living room and heard sounds from the kitchen. Holding back his curiosity, he stepped in and saw Cheng Yuan washing and chopping vegetables.

“If you’re hungry, have some peach crisps to tide you over. I’ll take over,” he said, stepping forward.

Cheng Huaien gently pushed Cheng Yuan out of the kitchen. His daughter’s job was to study, not cook.

“Dad, I know how,” Cheng Yuan said, wanting to protest, but Cheng Huaien didn’t give her a chance. She gave up and happily told him about their day.

Just like Aunt Yu, Cheng Huaien was shocked. His knife paused mid-chop as he glanced at Cheng Yuan, hesitating to speak.

In the living room, Cheng Yuan was sorting the merchandise and didn’t notice his reaction. “Dad, once we sell these clothes, Yu Qing and I can each make at least fifteen hundred yuan!”

“How about it, Dad? Aren’t I amazing?” She beamed with pride, her heart soaring. After years in the clothing business, her first day back selling had gone so smoothly, filling her with hope for the future.

“Amazing. Yuan Yuan is truly amazing,” Cheng Huaien praised, though his mind was preoccupied with a secret he didn’t know how to share.

Just then, Aunt Yu arrived with Yu Qing, carrying a bowl of braised pork with preserved mustard greens.

The four of them sat around the square table, bathed in warm lamplight. They looked just like a family.

Aunt Yu first thanked Cheng Huaien for teaching her to make tea eggs. Then, she turned to the events of the day.

“Yuan Yuan, I appreciate you thinking of Yu Qing when starting your business, but it was too dangerous to bring him to the city.”

They had gone to the wholesale market three times. What if someone with ill intentions had noticed?

“Exactly. Next time you go restocking, take me with you,” Cheng Huaien added.

He knew nothing about clothing—only cooking and stock trading. “Yuan Yuan, how do you know which items will sell well and which won’t?”

“That’s because I have a good eye,” Cheng Yuan replied with a smile.

“But how could you be so sure that spot would work?” he asked again.

I used to sell there myself, years ago, before I finally opened my own shop. But I can’t say that now. “I just asked around,” she said.

Cheng Huaien gave her a long, thoughtful look.

After dinner, Aunt Yu examined the clothes they’d brought back. “No wonder they sell so well,” she exclaimed. “These are absolutely beautiful!”

“Aunt Yu, this one’s for you. And Dad, this one’s for you,” Cheng Yuan said, handing them each a new coat.

She gave her father a black jacket she had immediately liked. Its simple yet elegant design and color suited him perfectly. “Dad, I knew this would look good on you. Try it on!”

“I’ve never seen a coat like this in the county,” Cheng Huaien said with a grin as he put it on.

How could anything my daughter picked out not look good?

It fit perfectly.

“You look amazing, Dad! So handsome!” Cheng Yuan praised, her compliments flowing like water.

Aunt Yu, standing nearby, also tried on her new coat. Though it was still early autumn, the evenings were cool. The black blazer-style coat suited her perfectly and looked quite flattering.

Tears welled up in Aunt Yu’s eyes.

“Mom, from now on, I’ll buy all your clothes,” Yu Qing said proudly.

Today was the happiest day of his life. His mother’s proud and comforted expression, Cheng Yuan’s radiant smile under the warm lamplight—each moment was deeply etched in his heart.