Chapter 21 Big Watermelon, Round and Round

Jiang Peiyu raised her right index finger and poked Lu Huaijin’s chest.
“What I mean is… I can only be second place in your heart.”

“Because… in your heart, the first place belongs to the country, to the people—your duty and mission.”

Lu Huaijin caught the little hand that was poking his chest and pressed it to his heart.
Jiang Peiyu, seeing how shameless he was being, tried to pull her hand back—but failed.

“What are you doing? Let go, someone might see us…”

Hearing this, Lu Huaijin didn’t let go. Instead, he took two steps forward, pushing her back until she was leaning against the courtyard wall.

“Would you mind?”
“Huh?”
“I’m asking if you mind my identity. If you mind that I can only put you in second place.”

Lu Huaijin stared seriously into Jiang Peiyu’s eyes, not missing a single expression.
“I…”
She fumbled for words but didn’t answer.

Lu Huaijin’s heart instantly sank.
“So you do mind?”
“Then let’s call off the engagement. I’ll go talk to Uncle Jiang and Aunt Jiang to cancel it…”

His heart felt empty. But before he could finish, Jiang Peiyu interrupted him.
“Shut up… you heartless man!”

“We just got engaged and now you’re thinking of breaking it off? You have no conscience!”

“Let me tell you, you can call off the engagement, but the bride price isn’t refundable…”
“Not a single cent will be returned…”

After saying that, she took advantage of his moment of surprise to shove him away, gave him a kick, and quickly ran into the house, shouting:
“Mom, I’m back!”

Lu Huaijin stood there alone, dumbfounded for a second, then burst into laughter before stepping into the Jiang family home.

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A week had passed since Lu Huaijin returned to the military unit. On the day he left, Jiang Peiyu didn’t go to see him off.
Life didn’t seem to change much after their engagement. She and her second brother continued their daily hustle selling melons.

The weather was getting hotter, and the melons were selling better.
Today, they brought one basket of cantaloupes and one of watermelons to the market.

As soon as they arrived at their usual spot and parked the ox cart, Jiang Peiyu began calling out:

“Fresh watermelons for sale!”
“Big, sweet watermelons—great for your skin and super refreshing!”
“Juicy and delicious, our melons are the taste of summer!”
“Uncles, aunties, big brothers, big sisters—come buy a melon! Perfect for cooling off in the heat—guaranteed or it’s free!”

“Hey, young lady, you’ve got watermelons today? Mind if I try one first?”

“Of course! My brother’s here to help me today—go ahead, try it for yourself.”

She addressed the middle-aged man, who had previously bought ten pounds of cantaloupes, sweetly calling him “brother” over and over.
She quickly pulled out a knife, cut open a watermelon, and handed him a big slice.

Men loved this kind of flattery. Seeing the charming and quick-witted girl, he took a bite—and it was indeed sweet and juicy.

“Hmm, this is good. You weren’t lying. How much per pound?”

Jiang Peiyu could tell he was interested in buying and smiled brightly.
“You’re a returning customer—I usually sell them at 0.35 yuan per pound, but since you’re my big bro, I’ll give you a discount.”
“Let’s say 0.30 yuan per pound, but keep it between us or I’ll be losing too much…”

In truth, she always sold them for 0.30 yuan. But customers liked to feel like they were getting a special deal.

On the side, Jiang Wenyan was amazed watching his sister in action.
He couldn’t believe someone could be this skilled at selling.

The man happily agreed, quickly finishing his slice of watermelon, then extended his hand.
“Alright, five of them.”
“Got it, bro—hold on, I’ll weigh them for you.”
“Second Brother, weigh five melons for this gentleman!”
“Okay.” Jiang Wenyan grabbed the scale and got to work.

“Alright, bro—five melons, just over thirty-one pounds. I’ll round it down for you—let’s say thirty pounds.”

“Nice! I like your sister. I’ll definitely come again,” the man laughed as he paid and walked off with five large watermelons.

Seeing their five pre-made net bags were already gone, Jiang Wenyan happily started weaving more.
While working, he chatted with Jiang Peiyu.

“Little sis, you’re amazing! With you here, we’ll never worry about selling melons again.”
“This is nothing. In business, you need a sweet tongue and guts. Stick with me and we’ll make big money.”

She looked smug and already had a plan. Once things stabilized, she wanted to open a fruit shop in the city—just like in her past life.
All kinds of fruits, neatly arranged and cut however the customer wanted—slices, platters, any amount.

The thought got her all fired up, and she began shouting even louder:

“Pretty ladies, handsome gents—come here and hear me out! Don’t waste your hard-earned cash—buy a watermelon and take it home!”
“Big, round watermelons—thin skin, juicy flesh, sweet and fragrant!”
“Delicious watermelons, guaranteed sweet and red inside—or your money back! Kids and adults all love them, flavor guaranteed!”

“Sis, get a melon!”
“Bro, try some of our watermelon!”
“Friends passing by—don’t just walk on! Take a watermelon with you—I wish you happiness and prosperity! If you like it, come back tomorrow!”

“Young lady, you’ve got quite a mouth on you. Sharp-witted too. You’ve got endless slogans,” said the old man selling buns at the next stall, who listened to her every day and admired her cleverness.

Jiang Peiyu liked the old man. He brought his grandson along each day, made real, clean buns, and seemed like a good person.
Since he complimented her, she didn’t want to be stingy—she cut him a slice of watermelon and handed it over.

“Thanks for the compliment, Grandpa. Here—try some of our melon. It’s free.”

The old man looked at the watermelon slice and hesitated.
“I can’t, really. Save it for your customers…”

“Don’t worry, Grandpa. I have plenty. If anyone wants a taste, I’ll just open another.”

Still hesitant, the old man’s grandson tugged his sleeve.
“Grandpa… melon… wanna eat…”
“Alright, Taotao, you can eat.”

He took the slice and handed it to the little boy.
“Taotao, say thank you to big sister.”

The boy held the melon with both hands, smiling sweetly.
“Thank you, big sister.”

“You’re welcome!”

Jiang Peiyu had no resistance to cute kids—he was too adorable, just like Yaoyao.