eurekapd Chapter 121 Clam Distribution
Chapter 121 Clam Distribution
Finally, after much persuasion from Lao Zhu and Lao Li, Lin Chang'er tearfully accepted her "donation".
At the same time, both parties agreed that once Lin Chang'er's elementary school was completed, they would personally visit to offer their congratulations (and have a meal!).
Although the group tried to hide their intentions, Lin Chang'er saw through their little scheme at a glance.
I thought to myself, "Indeed, the world of foodies is the simplest; food diplomacy, not bad."
Wu Qingfeng and Bai Shaoan did not stay overnight this time. They returned to town with Lao Liang and the other five. With the two of them traveling together, Lin Chang'er felt at ease.
Before leaving, I told him, "Be careful on the road! Give me a call when you get there..."
Lin Chang'er almost said the word "phone" before she stopped herself and changed her words to, "Get some rest when you get there."
Wu Qingfeng nodded to her, then, as if remembering something, said, "The next few days will be a bit busy. If you need anything, just ask Uncle Pei; there are people at the restaurant."
This means she should do less physical work.
Lin Chang'er scratched her head a little shyly and said, "Okay!"
The carriage started moving, and Lao Liang and the others leaned out of the window to wave to her before disappearing into the night.
In the courtyard, the men and women who came to help today were still sorting out today's seafood. The main room was being used to entertain Lao Liang and the other beachgoers, so the goods were being piled up by the sandy field.
The men who came to help all brought torches; eleven torches illuminated half of the courtyard.
Lin Chang'er paid her employees daily. Although she hid her money in the preservation space, she still went back to her room first to avoid suspicion.
Then, with a smile, she took the money bag and returned to the courtyard, saying to everyone, "Thank you all for your hard work today. I'm here to distribute your wages. Please line up and come one by one."
After Lin Chang'er finished speaking, neither the man nor the woman made a move.
They continued with their work, some wiping duck eggs, others cleaning clams.
Lin Chang'er: "..." Is she really that unenthusiastic about collecting money?
Aunt Zhou chimed in, "Don't worry, Chang'er, we'll finish cleaning up soon and send it out in a bit."
The men and women working there smiled at her.
Seeing this, Lin Chang'er didn't force the issue. It's said that those who save people should know how to be grateful and understand the importance of reciprocity; such people are usually of good character.
About fifteen minutes later, all the seafood was neatly arranged under Aunt Zhou's direction.
The men and women who came to work as helpers lined up to receive their wages, led by Aunt Zhou and Zhou Hai.
The promised wheat croquet was also distributed. The men and women received their wages and food, and they were all beaming with joy.
After thanking them, they happily took their things and went home.
The Zhou Hai and Zhou Mu families were the last ones left.
Lin Chang'er gave 100 copper coins to Zhou San's wife to buy food during the day. The couple originally thought that their combined wages were only 50 coins, and it would take two days to pay off, so they did not go to collect the money. Zhou San's wife stayed in the kitchen to help wash the dishes.
Zhou Mu and Zhou Yi waited at the door.
Suddenly, little Gu Xiaoman ran over and shouted, "Third Uncle and Third Aunt, my Third Aunt is looking for you!"
The Zhou couple didn't think much of it and followed Gu Xiaoman, who was running errands, to the main room.
The little guy was very sensible; after leading the people there, he went to play with his older brother and sister.
Only Lin Chang'er and Zhou Hai and his wife remained in the main room. Zhou Mu and his wife went in and greeted Lin Chang'er.
Lin Chang'er got straight to the point, "Third Brother and Third Sister-in-law, let's settle the accounts."
Zhou Mu nodded, and Lin Chang'er said, "Third Brother's wages tonight are 30 coins, and Third Sister-in-law's are 30 coins. This morning, I gave Third Brother and Third Sister-in-law an advance of 100 coins. Should Third Brother and Third Sister-in-law accept the entire amount, or take 20 coins back to prepare for emergencies?"
Zhou Muxin said it was all paid off, but Zhou's sister-in-law said, "Sister-in-law, did you calculate my wages wrong? It was agreed that it would be 20 coins per night."
Lin Chang'er smiled and said, "Didn't you come to help out during dinner, sister-in-law? There was no midnight snack, so I only paid you half of your wages."
Zhou San's sister-in-law paused, looking embarrassed, "Isn't this just something that happened on the side? Besides, Xiao Bao and I had dinner at your house, so you can't pay me for this."
Lin Chang'er waved her hand, "I've already calculated Xiao Hua's wages, but Xiao Bao is too young, so I didn't calculate his wages." The other children were still paid 10 coins each, as usual.
Zhou San's sister-in-law blushed. "Xiao Bao only picked a few clams. I'm already very grateful that you didn't mind me taking care of the child and causing trouble."
"Xiao Bao didn't cause any trouble, so there's no question of him complaining," Lin Chang'er said calmly. "So, Third Brother and Third Sister-in-law, have you thought it through?"
Zhou San's wife glanced at her husband, Zhou Mu, and seeing him nod, she said, "Then let's settle it all!"
Lin Chang'er nodded and pointed to the five wheat gluten pieces in the basket, "Two wheat gluten pieces for each person, Xiao Bao counts as one, these are for your family."
Zhou San's sister-in-law's eyes welled up with tears, and she was about to say something.
Lin Chang'er quickly interrupted, "There's something else I want to talk to my aunt and third sister-in-law about."
Sister-in-law Zhou quickly replied, "Sister-in-law, you go ahead."
Aunt Zhou also nodded at Lin Chang'er.
Lin Chang'er said, "My aunt and third sister-in-law both know that Second Sister-in-law Niu and the others want to take over my seafood business. I've been busy with beachcombing these past few days and haven't been able to focus on it, so..."
When Aunt Zhou and Sister-in-law Zhou heard her mention this, their hearts clenched.
He secretly cursed Niu Ersao as a scoundrel.
Lin Chang'er remained calm and said, "I have two ideas: one is to sell them separately, and the other is to process them into dried goods."
Aunt Zhou chimed in, "That's a good idea. Since you're not selling it in one place, it doesn't matter how much Niu Er's family sells it for. And if you make it into dried goods, it's easier to preserve."
Lin Chang'er smiled, "Auntie is right, but I haven't found a channel yet for selling dried goods separately. My eldest brother has difficulty walking, and my second brother is frail, so I was thinking..."
Lin Chang'er looked at the robust Zhou Mu and Zhou Hai as she spoke, "Anywhere outside of Linhai Town, whether it's the county town or other towns, whether it's going to the market or walking through the streets and alleys, if Uncle Village Head and Third Brother are willing, I will give you thirty cash a day. If you sell a total of one tael of clams, I will give you ten percent of the profit."
Zhou Hai and Zhou Mu were taken aback. The uncle and nephew exchanged a glance, unable to react for a moment.
Lin Chang'er added, "My goal is to sell 50 jin a day by myself. It doesn't matter if there's a little left over. I must get back to the village before dark."
“I’m willing,” Zhou Mu said. Although he had never done business before, as long as he had a mouth and talked a lot, and the products were not bad, how could he not sell them?
Zhou Hai hesitated for a moment, "Chang'er, I'm willing, but there are so many trivial matters in our village, I'm just afraid..."
Aunt Zhou retorted, "What are you afraid of? Who in their family is as good as you? Oh, does being the village head mean you don't need to eat? Besides, I'm here, what are you afraid of..."