Chapter 74

Chapter 74

Tang Xingqiang stuffed two dumplings into his mouth at a time. These were large dumplings, making his cheeks puff out.

"Slow down, no rush." Tang Qingqing was worried he might choke.

"I need to finish quickly so Wang Heizi knows I'm capable!"

"I'm keeping track of the time for you. Eat slowly, don't rush; it's bad for your stomach."

Tang Xingqiang sold half a basket of sunflower seeds in such a short time, which was an excellent performance.

Only then did Tang Xingqiang slow down. "Sis, selling things is really interesting."

"If you like it, you can go into business later. As long as you stay on the right path, anything is fine."

City dwellers thought being an individual trader was embarrassing, especially if their parents worked for the government. In this era, they looked down on it.

However, for villagers in the mountains, there weren't such concerns. Earning money outside was already good enough; who cared about looking down on it?

Tang Xingqiang didn't have this awareness either.

Tang Xingqiang was very excited at this moment and didn't expect it to be so smooth.

"People in the city sure have money."

If it were in the countryside, knocking on a hundred doors might get responses from only two or three.

Five cents wasn't cheap for rural folks, especially for such a small amount. Why spend money on it?

If one craved snacks, it was better to plant a few sunflowers. A handful of seeds would yield plenty after a few months.

But in the city, it was much easier. City people with land used it for vegetables, not these snacks, and many didn't even have land for planting.

While not every knock got a response, at least two or three out of ten would.

Some households were particularly generous, buying half a pound or more at once.

With the New Year approaching, although the factory distributed sunflower seeds and peanuts, each person only received a pound or two. For families with many members, that wasn't enough.

During the New Year, they needed seeds and peanuts to entertain guests, so they had to buy more.

Seeing someone deliver fresh, plump seeds that were well-roasted, they'd often add another half pound or more.

The Machinery Plant had many children with pocket money. When Tang Xingqiang called out, they gathered around him.

Tang Xingqiang actually sold everything without going to many houses. He regretted:

"If I knew it would sell so well, I should have brought more!"

Tang Qingqing admired his courage to sell door-to-door. She wouldn't have the face to do it, fearing rejection. Besides, she wouldn't have thought of doing it herself.

"Did anyone scold you?"

"Some did," Tang Xingqiang said nonchalantly, "but as long as someone buys, it's fine."

Seeing Tang Xingqiang return early and hearing how he sold, Wang Heizi patted his shoulder:

"Good job, kid. You've got what it takes. Alright, stick with me for now."

Tang Xingqiang was thrilled and bowed politely: "Brother Heizi, rest assured, I won't hold you back!"

After Wang Heizi took Tang Xingqiang under his wing, Tang Qingqing left them alone and went to report to the Public Security Bureau.

As soon as she arrived, she was pulled away because a supply store in a township had been robbed!

On New Year's Eve, Tang Qingqing and Tang Xingqiang returned home from the commune, while Wang Heizi had gone back the day before.

Tang Qingqing originally wanted Tang Xingqiang to leave with Wang Heizi, but Tang Xingqiang insisted on working one more day, so he came back only today.

Tang Xingqiang handed twenty yuan to Tang Qingqing, surprising her.

"You earned this much in just a few days?!"

Tang Xingqiang's eyes sparkled with excitement. "I made thirty yuan and kept ten to buy New Year's goods for the family."

"Amazing, to earn so much!"

"Brother Heizi said that the end of the year is the best time to make money. Everyone is willing to spend. Since I started late, I didn't get much pay, but if I stayed longer, I would have earned more."

Tang Qingqing raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean by that?"

"Sis, don't misunderstand. I promised to study hard, and I will keep my word."

Tang Xingqiang was very tempted. Earning over thirty yuan in just a few days, with good food and drinks, who wouldn't be tempted?

But Tang Xingqiang held firm!

"However, Sis, Wang Heizi said he'll probably drop out next semester."

Tang Qingqing wasn't surprised. Wang Heizi felt that having a primary school diploma was enough, and he became lax after middle school.

Moreover, he couldn't hide his business activities from his family anymore, and various issues and people kept bothering him, making him lose interest in school.

Tang Qingqing had already said her piece. How Wang Heizi chose was up to him.

She had discussed this with Zhai Hongyi before. Zhai Hongyi believed that as friends, they could explain the pros and cons, but the final decision was up to the individual.

Wang Heizi was old enough to make his own judgments.

"Then what do you think?"

Tang Xingqiang thought seriously and said, "If it weren't for you, I would have definitely given up on studying and followed him around. However, if you weren't my sister, he wouldn't have paid any attention to me."

"Why?"

"In the past few days, I've watched TV and even went to see a movie." Tang Xingqiang's eyes were filled with longing.

"Sis, I feel that our commune is too small. No matter how much money we make, it doesn't really mean anything. I want to go to a bigger city."

Tang Qingqing laughed, "Not very old, but quite ambitious."

The villagers thought that having a job in the commune was already quite impressive. Even working in town was something many envied.

For example, their aunt Tang Guizhi, who married into town, always received special treatment whenever she visited her family.

Even though people later found out that her life wasn't as good as they thought, they still hoped their daughters could have such a fortunate fate.

Tang Xingqiang had only been to the commune once and already looked down on it, aspiring for a big city instead.

"Sis, do you also think I'm daydreaming?"

Tang Xingqiang didn't dare mention this to anyone else because he knew they would laugh at him.

Tang Qingqing ruffled his hair, "This isn't daydreaming. It's just about how you want to get into the city."

Currently, the most respectable way for rural people to enter the city was through exams, which was also the safest route.

"Sis, do you really think I can do it?"

"Why not? You're not any less intelligent than others. Now that college entrance exams have resumed and things are more open, there are more opportunities. As long as you have the ability, you can go wherever you want."

Tang Xingqiang smiled widely, "Sis, you'll definitely pass too! When the time comes, I want to go to the same school as you!"

"That's not necessary. I'm going to apply to the Police Academy, and you don't seem interested in that. There's no need to force yourself."

Tang Xingqiang blinked, "Then I'll apply to Brother Yi's university! If I get in, will he like me more?"

"He will."

"Then I must get into that university so he can take me under his wing more sincerely. Haha, Wang Heizi will be so envious then!"

Tang Qingqing was speechless, "You're being a bit too much, aren't you? Wang Heizi has helped you earn so much money. If he hears you say this, do you think he'll still talk to you?"

Tang Xingqiang stuck out his tongue and grabbed her arm, acting cute.

"Sis, I was just saying. He talks badly about me too. Don't misunderstand; I'm not a bad kid."

Tang Qingqing didn't accept Tang Xingqiang's money, but he eventually gave in and asked her to keep it for him. Otherwise, he would find it hard to save.

Not only would his parents take it, but his older brother would also take it if he knew about it.

Tang Qingqing agreed to help him keep it, and for some reason, everyone liked to store their money with her.

Zhai Hongyi, Wang Heizi, Tao Dazhuang, and now Tang Xingqiang.

They returned home with large bags of goods. Tang Qingqing separated some items and asked Tang Xingqiang to take them home while she went up the mountain to see Old Liu.

On New Year's Eve, she was determined to spend it with Old Liu.

Tang Xingqiang, holding a pile of things, felt a bit uncomfortable, "Sis, can't you ask your master to come down the mountain and celebrate the New Year with us?"

It was one thing during regular times, but not even coming together during holidays made them seem like strangers.

Especially since Tang Qingqing started middle school, she rarely came home. Whenever she did, she was either at Uncle's place or with Old Liu.

That was why Tang Xingqiang clung to Tang Qingqing so desperately. He felt that if he didn't take the initiative, he might lose his sister.

Tang Qingqing patted his head, "Good boy, go back home."

Tang Xingqiang felt a bit disappointed but didn't say anything more. He insisted on watching her leave until she was out of sight before turning away.

Tang Xingqiang returned home with his arms full, shocking everyone.

Zhao Dahua exclaimed in disbelief, "You, you, you didn't rob someone, did you!"

Look at all these clothes, candies, and cans of malted milk. This was far too much!

She immediately ruled out the possibility that all these were brought by Tang Qingqing, that stingy girl. That girl was ungrateful and had already turned her back on the family.

During holidays, she never came home, spending all her time with her master.

"Mum, you're talking nonsense. I earned all this myself."

Tang Jianjun was equally shocked. In just a few days, he managed to buy so much.

"How much did you earn? Is it that easy to make money nowadays?"

Tang Xingqiang rolled his eyes, "Dream on. If it weren't for my eloquence, I wouldn't have even covered the travel expenses."

Grandma Wu was delighted and hugged Tang Xingqiang, "My dear grandson, you're truly capable!"

Tang Xingwang pouted, "If it weren't for that guy not taking me along, I would have earned even more!"

Tang Xingsheng secretly rolled his eyes. His second brother was making things up again.

Since starting school, he had a deeper understanding of his younger brother's intelligence.

He never paid attention in class and threw his books aside when he got home, only copying his homework from him. Yet, he always scored perfect marks on exams.

Some problems he couldn't solve, but as soon as he asked for help, he could do them.

Tang Xingsheng felt very frustrated inside. If it weren't for his eldest sister constantly encouraging him, he would have given up long ago.

The gap was just too big. He had already been working hard and studying diligently, yet he still couldn't catch up to his younger brother who only knew how to play. There was no place to seek justice.

Therefore, although he envied Tang Xingqiang for making a lot of money in just a few days, he still didn't regret not following him.

People were different; if he had gone, he would be lucky not to lose money.

As for his older brother, Tang Xingsheng was even less optimistic.

Zhao Dahua's eyes flickered. "Lao Yao, Wang Heizi is now willing to take you on, right? After the New Year, you should continue working with him."

"He's resting during the Spring Festival and won't start work until after the Lantern Festival. There's no time."

"What do you mean by no time? You've made so much money already. Why bother going to school? Isn't the purpose of schooling to make money? Now that you're earning, why waste time and money on school!"

Old Lady Wu's face darkened instantly. "What nonsense are you talking about!"

"Mom, don't rush to object. You know how smart our Xingqiang is. If he follows Wang Heizi, he'll figure out the tricks and can then lead our family to success! If we miss this opportunity, we won't get such an easy chance again!"

Old Lady Wu fell silent, her expression filled with conflict.

She knew the value of education. Even during special times, she believed in its importance. Now, with such a promising future, she valued it even more.

But Zhao Dahua's words also stirred her heart. Just looking at the things bought, they cost several yuan!

How many days has Tang Xingqiang been busy? If he continues, he will definitely earn more.

Even Tang Jianjun was tempted. Initially, he had looked down on children's trivial pursuits, but knowing that even these could be so profitable changed everything.

He just needed someone to guide him. With his intelligence and ability, he could easily make a fortune.

Thus, he decisively declared, "Lao Yao, forget about school!"