"I want to have it with rice right now!" an old woman said and then asked, "How much is the fermented tofu?"
"Ten coins per catty."
"That expensive?!" The women who were initially keen to buy suddenly hesitated.
An Jing wasn’t in a hurry and said with a slow smile, "This can be kept for a long time, unlike salted vegetables that spoil after being cooked for two or three days. This one won’t go bad even after ten days to half a month. If you can’t finish it, you can keep it and eat it slowly. On average, it would only cost about one coin per day, honestly not expensive."
"Can it really last ten days to half a month?" someone doubted.
"Of course, it’s true. My name is An Jing, and I live in Jiuping Village. If the fermented tofu spoils within ten days to half a month, feel free to come to my house and find me. I’ll compensate you at the original price, and I won’t go back on my word." Her grandfather’s moldy tofu sometimes lasted for one to two years. This thing really could be kept for a long time; she wasn’t lying.
Seeing that An Jing even disclosed her name and address, the women were tempted once again.
The same old woman said decisively, "Give me a catty!"
"Alright!" As soon as An Jing responded, Xiao Changyi immediately weighed a catty, wrapped it in greaseproof paper, and handed it to the old woman.
The old woman paid promptly and, while paying, didn’t forget to remind An Jing, "Girl, these are your own words. If it spoils, I will come to your house to find you!"
"You just come," An Jing said generously, "I’m just afraid that by then, you won’t be coming to seek compensation but to buy more fermented tofu."
"Hahaha..." The old woman was immediately amused. "I’ve never seen a vegetable-selling girl as interesting as you before."
Seeing the old woman make a purchase, the others began to place orders too, though most of them bought half a catty.
Other shoppers, noticing the commotion at An Jing’s spot, came over to look and try for themselves. Finding the flavor unique and hearing An Jing say it could last a long time without spoiling, and that compensation was guaranteed if it did, they all expressed a desire to buy.
An Jing had made only twenty catties of fermented tofu, and in less than two hours, it was sold out.
An uncle selling vegetables next to her watched and gave An Jing and Xiao Changyi a thumbs up. Impressive.
"Husband, are you tired?" An Jing asked. Her husband had been busy weighing out the fermented tofu for everyone just now, while she, apart from handling the money, only moved her mouth, engaging in small talk with the women who came to buy vegetables.
Compared to her husband, her task was much lighter.
Xiao Changyi shook his head.
But An Jing still grabbed Xiao Changyi’s hand and began to rub it.
Despite the many onlookers who were watching their intimate act, Xiao Changyi did not pull away, letting An Jing massage his hand. They were clearly seen as husband and wife, and although everyone thought it somewhat improper in public, they wouldn’t say much.
However, if An Jing kissed him now, people would definitely point at them and accuse them of public indecency, inciting public anger.
So, it was essential to maintain the right balance.
And his wife, An Jing, always managed to strike that balance well, neither too excessive nor too conforming to the local customs, leaving people feeling a bit uncomfortable yet finding no reason to get angry.
Having found herself in this world, An Jing intended to live well, especially since she had met such a good man as Xiao Changyi. Thus, she wouldn’t stir up trouble for the fun of it and incite public anger.
But to expect her to behave like the people here, only holding hands in private and in secret? That was absolutely impossible.