Chapter 10: The First Time Splitting the Profits

Chapter 10: The First Time Splitting the Profits

Early the following morning, Ye Xiaoxiao and Ye Changsheng went to the neighbors' houses to ask if they had sunflower seeds for sale.

Miao Fengshan pointed them to neighbors who were familiar and easy to get along with, making sure there were no difficult or greedy individuals.

The first house they visited was Granny Shun's. Granny Shun lived alone with her young granddaughter. When she saw them coming to buy sunflower seeds, she quickly brought out the seeds she had at home.

"I have two bags here, all the best seeds I've saved. See if they meet your standards?"

Granny Shun was about sixty years old, looking quite elderly, with signs of hard labor on her face and hands.

Ye Xiaoxiao checked the seeds in the bags, and they were indeed very plump.

"Grandma, how much are you asking for these two bags?"

"I'm not sure about the prices, just give me what you think is fair."

Ye Xiaoxiao: "These two bags are quite heavy, and the seeds are of good quality. I'll offer you five yuan."

"Are you sure, child? These seeds aren't rare; don't regret it later." Granny Shun was worried that the kids might regret their purchase and cause trouble, so she wanted to be clear.

"Don't worry, grandma, we'll pay and take the goods immediately."

Ye Xiaoxiao counted out five yuan and handed it over.

On the first day, they didn't gather many seeds. Besides Granny Shun's, they collected two more sacks from two other houses before heading home.

"We shouldn't buy too many seeds. This business isn't a long-term venture. Over time, others will surely imitate us. We just need to seize the opportunity to make a good amount of money."

Ye Xiaoxiao explained to her two brothers.

Roasting seeds and making popcorn don't require any special skills. If others find out it's profitable, they'll naturally copy us.

"Xiao Xiao is right."

Ye Changsheng agreed, and they wouldn't be able to continue the business once they returned to school.

Ye Changyuan was disappointed. He wasn't good at academics and didn't enjoy school. He thought this was a real business, but it turned out to be just a temporary gig.

However, he figured it was better to earn as much as possible. He wanted to buy some things for the family during the New Year, which would bring real joy.

After returning home, Ye Xiaoxiao and her grandfather roasted the seeds, while Ye Changsheng and Ye Changyuan went to find the old man who made popcorn.

They worked until three in the afternoon, then decided to take the seeds and popcorn to the neighboring village of Da Liushu.

The three of them had quite a bit to carry, and Miao Fengshan was quite concerned about the kids.

But his legs were weak, and he walked slowly, so he couldn't be of much help.

Miao Fengshan: "How about this: I'll go ask your Uncle Li He. He has a mule cart at home; see if he can take you there."

Ye Xiaoxiao's eyes lit up. She hadn't considered using a mule cart for transportation. "Grandpa, could you ask Uncle Li He if he could take us around for a month? We'll pay him."

This would be much more convenient than walking.

Miao Fengshan: "It's not farming season now, so the cart is idle. I'll ask for you."

Uncle Li He was quite agreeable. Ye Xiaoxiao negotiated with him: a trip would cost fifty cents, and if the business lasted a month, Uncle Li He would earn fifteen yuan.

Once everything was agreed upon, the business kicked off with a lot of energy.

Since this sales approach was unique and fresh, business was booming at first, and they sold out everything they brought every single day.

In the first half of the month, they could make up to thirty-five yuan a day, but just as Ye Xiaoxiao had guessed, others started copying their business model, and naturally, the profits declined.

Still, thanks to their hard work, they still pulled in over ten yuan a day.

The three of them worked their tails off for a month, with only Ye Changyuan going home once to let everyone know they were okay. The rest of the time, they followed the projectionist around.

Until the second movie screening in the next village rolled around.

That afternoon, just before they were about to leave, Uncle Lihe showed up and stammered, "Xiao Xiao, something came up today, and I can’t drive you to the next village."

Ye Changyuan: "Uncle Lihe, what’s the rush?"

Lihe: "Something’s come up at home."

"Uncle Lihe, no worries on our end. I was actually thinking this would be our final run selling melon seeds. Since you’re busy, we won’t go and join the crowd."

Ye Xiaoxiao, being the understanding one, jumped in and said, "Let me settle up with you for this month—it comes to sixteen fifty."

At this, Lihe looked a little uncomfortable: "Xiao Xiao, why are you quitting such a good gig?"

"It’s almost New Year’s, and our folks are eager for us to come home."

Ye Xiaoxiao casually found a reason.

"Alright then, I’ll take the money. Next time you need a ride, just get Uncle Fengshan to call me."

Lihe took the money, looking uneasy, and hurried off.

"Xiao Xiao, aren’t we heading home?" Ye Changyuan scratched his head, puzzled.

Earlier, to keep their families from worrying, he’d made a special trip back to the village, not telling them what they were doing now, just saying Grandpa Miao’s leg was bothering him and they were staying to lend a hand.

They’d all agreed that by year’s end, after making some cash and buying New Year’s supplies, they’d head back to Baichuan Village together for the holidays.

"Dummy... can’t you see? Uncle Lihe didn’t ditch us because of some family thing—he probably took someone else who’s planning to sell melon seeds."

Ye Changsheng looked as if he had seen through it all.

Ye Changyuan: "What!"

Ye Changsheng: "Lately, more and more people have been selling melon seeds and popcorn near the movie showings. We had a ton left over yesterday."

"Exactly, so this business has pretty much come to an end." Ye Xiaoxiao nodded.

"Then are we selling these melon seeds and popcorn today?"

Ye Changyuan looked at the goods they had prepared. Fortunately, there wasn’t much, but while the melon seeds could be stored, the popcorn would get soggy and become inedible in a couple of days.

Ye Xiaoxiao asked, "Isn’t there a big market in town tomorrow?"

Ye Changyuan: "Yes, there is."

"Let’s keep the melon seeds for ourselves. Tomorrow, we’ll take these two bags of popcorn to the market."

Ye Xiaoxiao guessed that the reason Uncle Lihe refused them today was either because someone offered him a higher price to hire him or because his family was also starting to get into this business.

When even the shoe shiners in the square know which stock to buy, it's time to sell it.

So continuing the melon seed business is clearly not viable.

"Crap, we're definitely not going to sell any tomorrow."

Ye Changyuan shook his head, a bitter smile tugging at his lips.

There are lots of vendors selling popcorn at the fair.

"Let's head back and check out what we've made this month," Ye Xiaoxiao chimed in.

Ye Changyuan: "On my way!"

His face lit up, all traces of worry gone.

Ye Xiaoxiao opened the money box her grandfather had given them, filled with their earnings from the past month.

Ye Changyuan grew anxious, "Shouldn't we lock the door?"

Miao Fengshan shook his head, "You count it. I'll stand guard at the door."

"Grandpa, join us and count."

Ye Xiaoxiao poured out the money, and coins spilled from the box, scattering across the kang, a traditional heated bed in northern China. Even though the amounts were tiny, it was exhilarating to see.