CHAPTER 38: CHAPTER 38: GUARD AGAINST FIRE, THEFT, AND DAD

Back in those days, food coupons were a necessity.

Mainly because Gu Xiaoqing and his family were from rural areas, they didn’t need food coupons for grains. Either they grew it themselves, or they bought it from villagers. Who would still need food coupons?

So Gu Xiaoqing had long forgotten about it.

Initially, Gu Ruhai was a bit worried. They had prepared much more filling and dough than the day before, but today there weren’t many customers.

He was really afraid that if half of it remained, they would be at a loss.

There were no refrigerators this weather, the dough and fillings just couldn’t be preserved.

Gu Ruhai thought that if there was no other way to deal with the surplus, they could make dumplings for the family to eat.

You can’t be risk-free when doing business.

However, Gu Ruhai had been worrying in his heart for quite some time.

But soon, there was no time to worry about that.

Because, unbeknownst to him, more and more people gathered. Even Gu Xiaoqing joined in to help, but they still couldn’t keep up.

The whole family was too busy to catch a break.

Even Gu Xiaojie was helping the eldest sister by taking customers’ lunchboxes, baskets, or pots to pack dumplings, and counting them in the process.

After several hours of non-stop work, finally, there were no more people.

Well, not that there were no people, but they had run out of dough and filling.

It was simply impossible to make more dumplings.

Only then did the family have time to sit down and rest.

Sitting under the shade, looking at the empty countertops and large bowls, and the empty pots, the joy in their hearts was real. Though exhausted, their hearts felt sweeter than honey.

This was hope.

With their stomachs growling, they glanced at each other, realizing they were hungry.

Gu Xiaoqing looked around and noticed it should be about three or four in the afternoon by now.

They were really late today.

No one had eaten yet.

Gu Xiaoqing took the lead, went to a nearby stall, and bought five big pancakes, giving one to each person to fill their stomachs.

As she ate, Gu Xiaoqing thought, if the pancakes were rolled with cucumber shreds, pork head meat, and scallion shreds, it would also be a good business.

After packing up, the family started their journey back.

Gu Xiaoqing specifically looked around and noticed that there seemed to be some empty houses not far from the shade. They would be pretty good as storefronts.

But it’s not the right time now.

It’s only been two days, and the quality of the business will need time to assess. Suggesting to Gu Ruhai and Li Xuemei to spend money renting a place for a shop now definitely wouldn’t be approved.

Although officially she was in charge, ultimately, the decision-making power still lay with the parents. After all, this was an era when no family truly let children take charge.

Gu Xiaoqing and the others returned to the village.

On the way, they encountered many people, mainly because today was a market day. Many villagers also came to the market, so meeting them was normal. After all, Gu Xiaoqing and the others saw quite a few acquaintances buying their steamed dumplings today.

Therefore, Gu Ruhai even gave each of them two dumplings.

Gu Xiaoqing disagreed, but this was the countryside, and after all, they were acquaintances. A bit of courtesy was essential in social terms.

Gu Ruhai and Li Xuemei were known in the village for being small-minded, simplest folks who worked diligently.

They couldn’t risk spoiling their long-standing reputation over a couple of dumplings.

On this point, Gu Xiaoqing eventually compromised.

There was no other choice.

People more or less knew about their family’s business by now, and many even asked Gu Ruhai on the way, "Ruhai, I must say your steamed dumplings are really delicious. Is this recipe truly from an imperial chef?"

Gu Ruhai chuckled naively and replied, "This is a skill from his grandma’s side of the family. Last time, when the child’s mother went back to her family home, seeing our struggles, they suggested we start a business to help with the family’s expenses."

This narrative was something Gu Xiaoqing had long agreed upon with the family, fearing possible trouble later on.

After all, if the business started making money and Gu Rushan and Gu Ruhe got ideas whispering to Mr. and Mrs. Gu, it could lead to quite a stir.

If they insisted on taking the money out, it would be troublesome.

It’s better to block all potential issues from the start to avoid future hassles.

At least by saying it was grandma’s secret, the trustworthiness of the two uncles wasn’t questioned. During those tough old days, it was the uncles who occasionally secretly gave Li Xuemei some money to keep the family from falling apart.

Gu Xiaoqing preferred to attribute the advantage to her grandma’s family for this reason.

Moreover, Gu Xiaoqing planned to involve the two uncles from the grandma’s family in future food-related businesses.

Money is endless; it’s better to take advantage of this golden period of time for good growth, as solely relying on agriculture doesn’t guarantee much anymore.

Better to act prematurely.

"Oh wow, truly so! Xuemei’s maternal family is indeed good. Generally, people are hesitant to share their secrets, keeping them for sons, not daughters. Your father-in-law is truly righteous."

"Exactly, exactly. Both her grandparents are good folks."

To be honest, Gu Ruhai felt an inherent apprehension towards his father-in-law. Every time they met, his father-in-law had no pleasant expressions, not because he was despised for being poor, but out of the sentiment of hating iron for not being steel.

When meeting him, Gu Ruhai turned into a mouse encountering a cat, and over time, it just became like this.

Seeing this demeanor in Gu Ruhai, Li Xuemei knew her man had reverted to his old habits.

With a laugh, exchanging greetings with people, they continued on their way home.

Back at home, there was no rush.

Everyone knew this time they used much more filling and dough than before, and it was all sold out, meaning the money was surely more than eighteen yuan.

So, unhurriedly finishing chores, Li Xuemei even prepared a simple meal of noodle soup with stir-fried sour-spicy cabbage for the whole family, filling their stomachs. Only then did they have time to sit on the brick bed to count money.

Gu Xiaoqing counted.

Ha-ha, a full 28 yuan!

Gu Ruhai grinned foolishly.

Looking at the pile of money in Gu Xiaoqing’s hand, it was as if he saw the brightly shining big tile-roofed house.

"Dear, quickly put it away, quickly put it away."

This series of urgencies made Li Xuemei laugh, and she glanced at Gu Ruhai, saying, "Don’t you get any funny ideas. This is money earned by Xiaoqing’s skills, no one should think about using my daughter’s money to appease others."

That statement was clearly meant for Gu Ruhai.

In the family, it was well known that the most unstable stand was always Gu Ruhai’s, which was why they often joked about being cautious of theft, fire, and their old man.

"Yes, yes, I surely won’t." Gu Ruhai hurriedly assured, as he was single-mindedly dreaming about that brick-tiled house.