Chapter 73

Chapter 73

Tang Qingqing brought Tang Xingqiang to the commune. Wu Laotai and Zhao Dahua even wanted to send Tang Xingwang along, and even Tang Jianjun was somewhat tempted.

Although they didn't know how big Wang Heizi's business was, if they could make some money before the New Year, it would certainly help them have a better holiday.

Moreover, if a child could earn money, Tang Jianjun felt that he could surely earn even more if he went.

Tang Qingqing refused bluntly, "Whether Wang Heizi will take Tang Xingqiang is uncertain. If it were so easy to make money, why wouldn't he bring his own family instead of ours?"

"But why can he take Xingqiang?"

"Because of me. I like Xingqiang, and I'm willing to bring him along. If you think Xingqiang isn't worthy, then I won't bring anyone, saving everyone the trouble."

No one dared to respond, seeing Tang Xingqiang's eyes almost ablaze with anger.

Thus, no one said anything further.

Tang Xingwang had always been at odds with Tang Qingqing and couldn't bring himself to beg her.

After Tang Qingqing and Tang Xingqiang left, Zhao Dahua complained to Tang Jianjun:

"This girl has grown too independent; she's becoming harder to manage! Just like her parents, heartless and unfeeling!"

Tang Jianjun also felt uncomfortable. Although he occasionally received money from his biological daughter, the amount had significantly decreased.

In the past, when Tang Jianguo directly sent money to the old lady, they got nothing. But it was still used for their benefit, and after the old lady passed away, the money she saved was left to them.

However, now, she was so heartless, completely ignoring the old lady!

If not for his biological daughter being considerate, life would be even harder.

"Hmph, my brother is full of schemes; otherwise, he wouldn't have been adopted out! I suffered such a great loss, wasting my whole life, yet he refuses to send any money!"

Zhao Dahua added, "The more I think about it, the more I feel cheated. We should go ask him clearly whether he still recognizes you as his brother and this family!"

"No, if we break ties, what about Zhenzhen? We can't put her in a difficult position."

Zhao Dahua fell silent, knowing that since Zhenzhen wasn't raised by them and her current parents were more successful, if they caused a scene, she might disown them.

Zhenzhen would definitely be successful, and they were counting on her marrying well to improve their lives.

"We can wait until Zhenzhen finds a good match," Tang Jianjun said.

Zhao Dahua's expression improved, "Speaking of which, how will we handle her marriage? She's so rebellious now, relying on her skills, she doesn't fear us. Do you think we can get the dowry money?"

Tang Jianjun glanced at her, "No matter how capable she is, we're still her parents! If she doesn't give enough dowry money, she won't be able to register her marriage! By the way, remember to hide the household registration book."

"Don't worry, I've hidden it. But if she finds it herself, given her personality, we might not benefit much."

Tang Jianjun frowned, "How did you raise her? She turned out like this!"

"How could it be my fault! She was fine when she was young, but ever since she met Old Liu, who knows what he fed her, she changed completely! After learning skills, she became even more arrogant!"

This topic often came up whenever they saw Tang Qingqing disobeying them and giving everything to others.

If they had known Old Liu was so toxic, they wouldn't have let Tang Qingqing interact with him. But now, it was too late.

"Regardless, we're her parents. If she doesn't listen, we'll cause a scene! Accuse her of being ungrateful and neglecting her parents. See which school or workplace would want someone like that. We raised her for years; if we don't get the dowry money, all our efforts would be in vain!"

Seeing Tang Jianjun's firm stance, Zhao Dahua felt relieved.

Usually, when discussing these matters, Tang Jianjun would dismiss it, saying a girl couldn't do much.

This time, seeing Tang Qingqing's defiance, Tang Jianjun realized the seriousness and started to be more assertive.

"Speaking of which, she's getting prettier and has a good reputation. The dowry money will likely be substantial."

Zhao Dahua couldn't help but smile at the thought.

Tang Jianjun remained composed but felt excited inside.

Meanwhile, Tang Qingqing handed Tang Xingqiang over to Wang Heizi.

Wang Heizi sized up Tang Xingqiang, showing disdain, "You want to join me? Do you even qualify?"

Tang Xingqiang's gaze remained resolute, undeterred by the criticism.

"I'll prove myself within two days! No, just one day!"

"Huh, you're quite ambitious."

"Not only ambitious, but capable too. Whatever you can do, I can do!"

"Fine, I'll give you a basket of sunflower seeds. If you sell them all today, I'll take you under my wing."

Tang Qingqing frowned, "It's already late; there's not much time left, right?"

It was already three or four in the afternoon, and in winter, people rarely went out at night. There were hardly any pedestrians, making it hard to sell sunflower seeds.

Places like movie theaters still had some traffic, but those spots were already occupied. Newcomers would struggle to get a share and might even face violence.

This test seemed deliberately challenging.

Wang Heizi, however, didn't give Tang Qingqing any face, stating, "That's my rule. Anyone who wants to join me must pass the test. If not, they should go back where they came from."

Wang Heizi wasn't lying. His business had grown, and he couldn't hide it from his family anymore.

A few days ago, various relatives asked to join him. Unable to refuse, he agreed but required them to pass the test.

If you can make it, stay; if not, get lost.

Or if you have exceptional talent and are as strong and tall as Tao Dazhuang, with boundless strength, then I can make an exception.

Tang Xingqiang pursed his lips, "I accept!"

Wang Heizi raised an eyebrow, "Not bad. I'll go get you a basket later. I won't make it too hard for you; I'll only fill half the basket. This is because of Qing Sister's face that I'm going easy on you."

Tang Xingqiang did not try to be overly proud and thanked him.

Tang Qingqing and Tang Xingqiang walked out of Wang Heizi's house together. Tang Qingqing could not help but worry:

"You're new here. How do you plan to sell them?"

This was Tang Xingqiang's first time in the commune; he was unfamiliar with everything.

Tang Qingqing also knew nothing about business and never got involved in Wang Heizi's dealings. She only heard about them, having theories but no practical experience.

Moreover, according to the rules, she could guide him but could not help him strategize.

"Sell directly at the workplace," Tang Xingqiang had already made up his mind. "Sister, take me to the Machinery Plant. I heard it has the best performance and the most workers."

Tang Qingqing said nothing and led Tang Xingqiang straight to the Machinery Plant.

Along the way, Tang Xingqiang did not idle. Whenever he saw someone, he started calling out, his mouth chattering nonstop, spouting all sorts of sales pitches.

If he saw someone friendly-looking, he would even take the initiative to ask if they wanted to buy some sunflower seeds, without any hint of embarrassment.

It was as if he had done this many times before, effortlessly slipping into the role of a salesman.

Tang Qingqing was impressed by her brother. No wonder he was good at pyramid schemes; he had a naturally thick skin.

He made the most common sunflower seeds sound like something extraordinary, as if eating them could lead to immortality.

Though the advertisements were extremely exaggerated, surprisingly, some people bought into it, finding Tang Xingqiang amusing and willing to pay.

On the way, Tang Xingqiang sold quite a few cups of sunflower seeds, almost always closing a sale with each approach.

Tang Qingqing thought that Tang Xingqiang benefited from his looks.

He looked clever and endearing, making people feel fond rather than annoyed, thus willing to listen to his chatter.

Many people were amused by him and spent generously.

Sunflower seeds were not expensive, costing only five fen per cup, and could pass the time.

They not only satisfied hunger but also filled the stomach, which many enjoyed doing idly.

Wang Heizi's goods were also excellent, with plump seeds and a particularly fragrant roast.

However, Tang Xingqiang did not approach every passerby; he chose his targets carefully.

Tang Qingqing could not help but ask, "Why didn't you try selling to that person who just walked past?"

"That person was walking fast and didn't look too good. They probably had something urgent. Such a person wouldn't have the time to buy sunflower seeds."

Tang Qingqing gave him a thumbs-up, admiring his keen observation skills.

If Tang Xingqiang were an adult or even a few years older with such observational skills, Tang Qingqing would not be so surprised.

But Tang Xingqiang was not even ten years old, making him a little prodigy.

Moreover, he had never sold anything before and was new to the commune. Many villagers, both children and adults, would be intimidated, yet he was completely fearless.

He did not need to adapt to the new environment; it was as if he had grown up there.

Before reaching the Machinery Plant, Tang Xingqiang had already sold over a dozen cups of sunflower seeds.

Entering the Machinery Plant compound, Tang Xingqiang told Tang Qingqing, "Sister, you don't need to follow me. Let's meet back here later."

Tang Qingqing hesitated, "No problem. I don't have much to do today anyway, so I'll keep you company."

"No need. It's easier for me to sell without you."

"Why?"

"People find me more interesting because I'm a kid, so they're more likely to buy."

Tang Xingqiang did not add that he could exaggerate more when alone, even claiming he was an orphan.

Tang Qingqing laughed, realizing she had become a burden.

"Alright, I'll wait for you at the snack shop by the entrance. Come find me when you're done."

Tang Xingqiang's eyes twinkled, "Sister, if I finish selling by dinner time, can you treat me to a bowl of noodles at that shop?"

"If you can finish by seven o'clock, you can have whatever you want!"

Tang Xingqiang became instantly confident, "Sister, just wait and see!"

The two parted ways at the entrance of the Machinery Plant compound. Tang Qingqing entered the snack shop, where it was not yet dinnertime, and there was little business.

The snack shop owner greeted her warmly.

Since the opening up, more people had started stalls and shops.

With these snack shops, many preferred them over state-owned restaurants due to their poor service.

Tang Qingqing ordered a bowl of wontons, finished eating, and stayed, telling the owner she was waiting for someone.

The boss said cheerfully, "No problem, take any seat you like. It's cold outside, so wait inside where it's warm."

By mealtime, the number of people in the shop grew, and Tang Qingqing tactfully left, despite the boss's attempts to keep her.

At that moment, Tang Xingqiang arrived!