Chapter 22: Asking for a Favor-Renascido nos Anos 90, Servindo o País, Eu Supero e Me Torno o Mais Rico(Carta de Outono)

Lin Wei hurriedly handed her money pouch to Lin Xiaomeng. "Aunt, please help me collect the money. There is change in the bag. I’ll focus on serving the food."

Before Lin Xiaomeng could react, customers were already placing their cash in front of her.

"Two portions, please. Pack them to go."

"Sure, coming right up."

One after another, they came. Previously, when the stall wasn't there, most people had just watched from the sidelines. Now that Lin Wei’s food cart had arrived, a long line had formed.

"Young boss, do you have enough ingredients today? Please don't let it be like yesterday when I missed out. If that happens again, I won't come back."

Lin Wei smiled. "I’ve prepared a double portion of everything today. If this still isn't enough, I’m afraid I can't conjure up any more."

She worked continuously, not even having a moment to spare for conversation. Her hands were aching, but she didn't dare stop, fearing that if the customers had to wait a moment longer, they would start complaining. Fortunately, she had Lin Xiaomeng’s help; otherwise, she wouldn't have known how to get through the day's business.

Finally, after two hours of rushing, all the ingredients were sold out, save for a small portion left in a bucket. Seeing this, a customer asked, "There’s still some meat left. Will you sell it separately? I asked yesterday, and you said you weren't sure."

"Yes, I'll sell it if there's extra. A take-out container, half a bucket for 25, plus two eggs."

25 was not cheap, but considering the portion of meat, it wasn't overly expensive, and it was undeniably delicious. The customer gritted their teeth and said, "Give me one, and throw in an extra egg? There are three of us at home."

"Sure, no problem."

"By the way, boss, are we having braised pork again tomorrow?"

"Not that. Tomorrow we’re having soybeans braised with pig's trotters. I’ve already ordered tripe from the market vendor, so we'll have tripe the day after."

In the 90s, animal offal was something nobody wanted even if it was left on the road. Hearing that they would be eating tripe, the crowd lost interest.

"Boss, isn't there anything else?"

"My tripe tastes different from how others make it. If you eat it and don't like it, I won't make it again. Of course, since tripe is inexpensive, the price of the boxed meal will definitely be lower."

After selling the last five portions of braised pork, Lin Wei and Lin Xiaomeng felt completely drained, too tired to move.

"This work is truly exhausting. It’s the first time I’ve counted money until my fingers were swollen."

Lin Wei nodded repeatedly. "Tell me about it. But when I think about the balance in the savings book, it seems bearable after all."

Lin Xiaomeng laughed helplessly. "You silly girl."

On the way home, Lin Xiaomeng left Lin Yuan and the two Su children at the convenience store at the entrance of the alley with three bottles of soda.

Once she and Lin Wei reached home, she immediately asked, "Weiwei, I never realized your business was this good. You mentioned wanting to hire someone, and you definitely should, but who? How do you plan to manage it? Have you thought about it?"

"I have. I thought about it a couple of days ago. This is a small business, and I don't intend to let others take a share of the profits. If I did, I might as well keep the volume low and do it all myself."

"So, I plan to keep things as they are, but hire one or two people to help at home with prepping and washing vegetables. They won't need to come out with me. As for the stall, I’ll be the one serving the food. I plan to let the three children handle the money; I’ll keep an eye on it and tell them how much change to give."

"In this day and age, there don't seem to be many counterfeit small bills. I’ll definitely check any large ones, though I doubt we'll receive many large payments for boxed meals. I plan to try this model for a day or two and, if it works out, keep doing it this way."

"Of course, I’ll pay them. Not just the help I hire, but the Su children as well. Since the workload is limited, I don't intend to pay too much—five yuan a day, paid on the spot, with a meal included."

Five yuan a day. In reality, it was only half a day's work, and it included a meal—it was an incredibly good deal.

Lin Xiaomeng considered this and said, "If that's the case, the two children from the Gao family next door are very suitable. Their eldest daughter is in eighth grade this year; she’s a young girl in her teens who keeps Aunt Gao’s home in perfect order. Their younger son is in fourth grade. They are quite mature for their age and very capable."

"Their family needs the income, and they wouldn't need to go out with you. They could share the work and split the pay. I think it’s a good idea. Of course, I’m not forcing you to choose them; it’s just a suggestion. The final decision is yours."

"That sounds good. I trust anyone you recommend, Aunt. But would their family be willing?"

"Willing? Of course they are. The children are just sitting at home anyway. But we can't take your money. Weiwei doesn't earn money easily. Children at this age love to look nice; keep the money to buy clothes, eat well, and university costs money too..."

Before Gao Huifang could finish, Lin Xiaomeng interrupted, "No, Little Gao, listen to me. The money must be paid, not just to your family, but to the Su family next door as well. This isn't a one-day thing. If they help out long-term without pay, no one will be happy. We’ve already discussed it, so please don't refuse."

"That’s right, Aunt Gao. We’ve already decided. The wages will be paid daily. They don't need to come out with me, just help wash and prep vegetables at home. I’ll provide their meals. I heard from my aunt that you’re still using a wood-burning stove? If your kitchen gets too busy, I’d like to borrow yours. If you don't take the money, I’ll be too embarrassed to ask."

Gao Huifang knew that the aunt and niece were trying to help her. Her eyes turned red immediately. "Thank you both. Thank you for thinking of us. I’ll have them go over to help first thing tomorrow morning."

"That’s settled then. We’ll be going now; we still need to visit the Su family."

The atmosphere at the Su household was completely different.

Zhang Min waved her hand. "No need. These two rascals eat and drink for free at your place every day. I’d be ashamed to take any wages even if they helped you. I wouldn't feel right taking it."

"You must take it. Your two boys have been a huge help to me. If I don't pay them, I’ll be too embarrassed to ask them for help in the future."

The two Su brothers were sharp. Realizing that they could not only eat for free but also earn money, they immediately made a fuss.

"We want it! Mom, why refuse the wages Sister Weiwei is giving us? We did the work; you can't refuse on our behalf."

"Su Sijin, Su Si'an, are you looking for a beating? How old are you two? What can you do? You’d be lucky not to cause trouble, and you have the nerve to ask for money?" Zhang Min smiled embarrassedly. "But Weiwei, we really can't..."

Lin Xiaomeng interrupted directly, "That's enough. It’s the same for both families. I can't pay the Gao family and not pay you. If there's money involved, it’ll be easier for Weiwei to tell them what to do. Unless you’re the one who’s going to feel bad about it?"

"Feel bad my foot! You have no idea how grateful I am to Weiwei for keeping these two monkeys in check."