Chapter 22 Selling Work, Competitors

Yang Mumu was cooking when she heard a knock.  It must be about the job. She rushed to the door.  It wasn’t Aunt Wang, but the educated youth office director, smiling, with a strange woman.  She invited them in.

“Director, is there something else about the assignment?”

Director Zhang waved his hands. “No, not about the assignment. Everything’s proceeding normally.  We’re here on personal business.”

His wife, Liu Ying, pushed him aside. “Daughter, we heard you’re selling your job at the machinery factory.  We want to ask how much you’re asking for.  My daughter wants it; we can negotiate the price.”

Another knock interrupted them.  “Excuse me,” Mumu apologized, opening the door.  Director Zhang and Liu Ying felt a sense of urgency.

“It’s another buyer,” Liu Ying muttered, glaring at her husband. “You should have talked to her at the office! Now there’s more competition!”

“Yes, yes, it’s my fault,” he mumbled, fearing further scolding.

Liu Ying peered at the newcomer—Xia Hong, a rival from her workplace.  She straightened, arms crossed. “Oh, Liu Ying, you’re here too!”

Liu Ying smirked, sipping tea. “Xia Hong, since you’re here, so am I. I was here first!”  (Meaning: Don’t compete with me!)

Mumu, noticing the tension, whispered to Aunt Wang, “Aunt, bring the other buyer. I’ll give you an extra 5 yuan on top of the 5 yuan commission.  Hurry!”

Aunt Wang’s eyes lit up. Ten yuan! She rushed out.

Mumu smiled, ushering Xia Hong in.  Seeing the two women glaring at each other, she pretended to go check the stove, buying time.

“Have some tea. I’ll check the stove quickly.”

“Go ahead,” Liu Ying said.  Xia Hong agreed.

Mumu went to the kitchen, checking the rice and adjusting the stove, taking three minutes.  She washed her hands, and it was time to discuss the job.

The two women were still arguing.  “Ladies, please sit down.  Let’s talk business.  I’ll go answer the door.”

Another knock interrupted them. Both women glared at each other, suspecting another competitor.

Mumu and Aunt Wang exchanged a look.  Mumu brought in Mr. Li, the new buyer, shifting the dynamics.  He looked at the women and said to Mumu, “State your price.”

Xia Hong and Liu Ying, sensing trouble, exchanged glances, forming an alliance.  Three families eyed each other warily.