Font Size:
Mingcheng discussed post-New Year plans with Yang Nuo and Cong Tao, and they were immediately enthusiastic. They all wanted to earn money, have some extra spending cash, and contribute to their families.
After a discussion with Wang Qian and Mingcheng, it was agreed to give them a commission on sales to ensure the watches wouldn’t remain unsold.
“If you two manage to earn a good amount, we can venture into another business together. This will be our own industry. Make sure to work hard,” Wang Qian enticed Yang Nuo and Cong Tao with a tempting offer, knowing they would benefit from her endeavors.
“Wang Qian, let’s save up together and prosper. Don’t forget our agreement,” Yang Nuo chimed in, with Cong Tao nodding in agreement. They knew that sticking with Wang Qian would lead to success and rewards.
The group began discussing their sales strategy inside the house, while Wang Zhenhe and the elders chatted comfortably on the kang. It was the first time the elderly couple had visited, and they were impressed by the cleanliness and comfort of the Wang family home.
“Zhenhe, your large courtyard is impressive. It’s much bigger than where we live. It feels bright and cozy here. Country life is good; compared to the city, I feel this place is more suitable for retirement,” complimented the elderly lady, expressing her contentment with the rural setting.
Wang Zhenhe couldn’t help but chuckle at the admiring expression on the old woman’s face. “Uncle, Aunt, if you like it here, feel free to stay with me. Plus, you can help me look after the house.”
The elderly man wished to settle there, but it meant his wife would have to come along too. With their grandchildren still young, they needed to support their son. Otherwise, both of them were too busy with work, leaving no one to care for the children.
“Zhenhe, once the kids grow a bit older, I’ll come stay with you. It’s not possible right now, but there will be an opportunity in the future,” the old man responded.
Wang Zhenhe didn’t push the matter. “Uncle, you’re always welcome whenever you decide to come.”
After a hearty meal of pig slaughter dishes at the Wang household, Zhang Lan packed generous portions for each family to take home, including meat, blood sausages, and vegetables. This way, they wouldn’t need to cook dinner when they returned, simply reheating the food to enjoy.
Before the Lunar New Year, Wang Zhenhe took his family to his mother-in-law’s house to deliver New Year’s goods and visit his brother-in-law. The night before, he mentioned to Zhang Lan about the wristwatch Lin Xi had given him.
“Wife, let’s give that watch to Weiguo. I’ll manage with an electronic watch at home; it keeps time accurately. Weiguo needs a proper watch for school. Mingcheng already has one. How can a good uncle like me not let him have a watch?” Wang Zhenhe suggested, considering his brother-in-law’s needs.
Touched by her husband’s consideration for her brother, Zhang Lan felt immense gratitude. “Zhenhe, when we have more money in the future, I’ll buy you a better watch than this.”
Holding his wife tightly, Wang Zhenhe gently kissed her. “Silly, why would I need such an expensive watch? It’s just for telling time. When we have more money, let’s save up for our son’s wedding and start preparing dowry for our daughter. We still have a lot to work for together.”
When Wang Qian arrived at Zhang Wanyou’s house, she encountered Comrade Zhang Weiguo dressed in military uniform, looking remarkably sharp and full of vigor. The youthful innocence he once had when he first joined the military had now matured into a charismatic adult charm.
“Little uncle, it’s a good thing there are more male students at the military academy. Otherwise, you might have had a whole platoon following you around. Grandma might have even needed a broom to sweep away a crowd of admirers,” Wang Qian teased playfully.
Amused by Wang Qian’s banter, Zhang Weiguo chuckled heartily. “Qian Qian, your wit has sharpened over the years. I’ll leave it to you to keep an eye on me. If you see anyone you don’t like, help me clear them out.”
Zhang Lan scrutinized her younger brother with a smile. “Weiguo, you’ve really grown up. Our little brother has become a man now. Well done, handsome and dignified, just like the rest of us in the Zhang family.”
This comment sparked laughter from Mingcheng and the siblings. “Mom, are you praising yourself or Uncle?” they chimed in.
Unable to contain her amusement, Zhang Lan replied, “Weiguo, your brother-in-law bought you a wristwatch. Try it on and see if it suits you.”
Seeing Zhang Lan present the watch, Zhang Weiguo’s eyes slightly welled up. “Sis, this watch must have cost a lot. Why did you buy it? I’m fine with just hearing the military bugle.”
While many classmates at school wore watches, Zhang Weiguo had always resisted buying one, saving his allowance to support his parents when he returned home.
Despite being aware of the family’s situation, Zhang Weiguo had hoped to save money to help his parents rebuild a house further away from his elder siblings to avoid unnecessary tension.
Upon returning home, he learned about the hardships his parents faced in recent years, nearly losing their lives. He was unaware of these struggles and felt grateful for the care his second sister and her family provided. Even the frugal elder sister was impressed by their support. Zhang Weiguo was deeply moved by the thoughtful gestures his family extended to him.
Wang Zhenhe patted his younger brother’s shoulder. “Little bro, this watch suits you well. Your brother-in-law also has one. Take a look. How does it look?”
Showing his brother-in-law the electronic watch, Wang Zhenhe felt satisfied with his choice. Zhang Weiguo understood the significance; his brother-in-law’s watch was in a different league altogether, both in quality and price.
Gratefully, Zhang Weiguo embraced Wang Zhenhe. “Brother-in-law, thank you for everything.”
Wang Zhenhe just smiled, patting his back. Some things are better left unsaid; they are meant to be felt and cherished deep within.
Zhang Lan gave the elderly couple each an electronic watch, a simple gesture to keep track of time, not costing much but adding a touch of elegance.
Geng Lianhua put on a watch for the first time, her face beaming with joy. Wearing a watch was a small but significant moment for her.
“Grandma, when we have more money, I’ll buy you both a nicer watch. For now, let’s enjoy these as a simple timepiece,” Wang Qian promised.
After reuniting with Zhang Weiguo and his group, the Chinese New Year of 1979 quickly arrived. On the fifth day of the Lunar New Year, Wang Mingshan brought his partner to visit the Wang family, where Wang Juan requested Zhang Lan and others to assess the match.
The family found the woman to be decent, perhaps not strikingly beautiful, but with a pleasant personality. However, appearances only scratched the surface; true character reveals itself over time.
Seeing their eldest cousin content with his choice, Wang Qian believed that as long as Wang Mingshan was happy, it wasn’t their place to comment. After all, it was the couple’s lives to lead.
On the sixth day, Mingyuan, Mingcheng, and their group swiftly returned to the city to meet up with Yang Nuo’s group and set up their stall to sell wristwatches.
Even younger acquaintances who had interacted with Yang Nuo in the past were drawn by his and Cong Tao’s initiative. Even Ge Yun and Zhao Ru, upon witnessing the profits, felt tempted to join in.
Mingcheng and Mingyuan stationed themselves in an alley near the department store to sell their watches. With the festive season in full swing, the store saw increased foot traffic. Customers not only appreciated the novelty of the watches but were enticed by their affordable price of fifteen yuan per watch. Wang Qian and Wang Xuan even played the role of promoters. The allure of the product, suitable for personal use or as gifts, attracted eager buyers. Wang Qian also brought a cassette player with excellent sound quality, captivating onlookers with the sweet voice of Teresa Teng.
While similar items were available in stores at higher prices and required receipts for purchase, Wang Qian’s more affordable prices drew immediate sales. Customers, recognizing the quality, did not hesitate to buy, leading to a growing crowd of interested buyers.
In just a few days, Wang Qian and their group had already recouped their initial investment, leaving pure profit. Yang Nuo and his companions were thrilled to hold a thick stack of money in their hands. At that moment, no one felt ashamed of being in business; having money in hand was the true measure of success.
Seeing the substantial amount of money, Cong Tao was stunned, unable to close his mouth. Amused by their reactions, Wang Qian couldn’t help but smile. “Yang Nuo, Cong Tao, how do you plan to use this money?”
Yang Nuo and Cong Tao hadn’t yet decided how to allocate their first substantial earnings. Glancing at Wang Qian, Yang Nuo proposed, “Qian Qian, do you have any ideas? How about we venture into a partnership together?”
Sharing the same thought, Wang Qian suggested, “Why not invest in selling wristwatches together? Once this batch is sold, even though it’s our joint venture, you both can contribute some money. We’ll share profits accordingly. Additionally, we need to earn money quickly and aim to use the profits as capital for future business endeavors. Also, when you go back, bring some electronic watches and cassette players to sell in the capital city. It might be even more profitable there. My sister handles accounting there, while my father manages it here. What do you think?”
Having complete trust in Wang Zhenhe’s integrity, they had no doubts about him handling the finances. Even if they were to earn money, Wang Zhenhe would ensure their share was safe.
“Alright, let’s go with that plan. Let’s keep earning for a while. Once we have accumulated more, we’ll hand it over to you. I’ll hold onto this money for now; I’ve never seen this much in my life,” Cong Tao remarked, impressed by the substantial earnings.
After Cong Tao’s comment, everyone chuckled. Wang Qian reassured them, “Once you finish selling in your area, I’ll arrange for shipments from Guangzhou. If you run out of space, you can store the goods at Grandpa Chen’s house. When you return from your break, we’ll reconcile the accounts on-site. You can also review the records, ensuring transparency for all.”
With Wang Qian’s arrangements, everyone felt at ease. That evening, Zhang Lan was astonished to see the children and Wang Zhenhe counting their day’s earnings. The sum was impressive, even surpassing her own sales profits.
The following day, all the goods held by Yang Nuo and his friends were sold out. Wang Qian, Wang Zhenhe, and Yang Nuo decided to wholesale the remaining stock to them, lightening their workload.
However, shortly after, Mingcheng and Zhang Weiguo received an urgent telegram from the school, demanding their immediate return. The family was puzzled about the unexpected urgency.
Book recommendation:
Title: “I’m Pregnant with the regent’s baby” (Completed)
Title: “Lingquan Space: Fortunate Wife of a Farmer’s Family
Title: “Farm Girl’s Space: Picking Up a Major Villain during the Runaway Journey(Completed)