The train station is always bustling with hundreds of people, and with people getting on and off the train, the crowd is endless. Qin Xiangmei isn’t scared of making too many scallion pancakes, nor is she worried about not being able to sell them; her only fear is that she won’t be able to handle it all.
She made over one hundred and fifty pancakes, wrapping them neatly in a quilt. Then she ran out to the courtyard and fetched a small wooden cart, the same one she used to play with when she was little—it’s like a modern baby stroller, but all made of wood and very sturdy. She thought of using this cart in the afternoon, otherwise, she really wouldn’t have dared to make so many. Inside are two large boxes, and she placed the pancakes on the cart and pulled it along, staying silent on the way. By the time she reached the station, she was sweating profusely.
She extracted the boxes from inside, and before she could set up, a regular customer approached.
"Little sister, you’re here! I’ve been waiting for you for a long time," the person said, pulling out 50 cents, "Here, give me five pancakes. My husband loves your pancakes; last time I bought three, and he ate two by himself, even snatching the last one from me. I’ll buy more this time."
Alright, please wait a moment. Qin Xiangnuan hurriedly put on a plastic glove, took out five pancakes, and adeptly handed them to the woman in front of her. The pancakes were still hot to touch. The woman couldn’t help but take a bite right away,
They’re really delicious.
She couldn’t help but praise and quickly carried the remaining few home. By now, many people had smelled the aroma. This time, Qin Xiangnuan didn’t even need to call out before people gathered around to buy the pancakes. That proved her right.
There were buyers at the station, people heading to work, and even those who didn’t get to buy any yesterday, all showed up early today. Naturally, they were all locals. Those getting on and off probably missed their chance to try as the pancakes were sold out early.
Over a hundred pancakes sold out within an hour.
Qin Xiangnuan didn’t linger there; she pushed the cart home, returning before five o’clock. She felt that even double the amount wasn’t enough, so she planned to prepare even more to bring the next day. It’s a pity that she couldn’t bring the stove to make them right there and then; the business would certainly be better.
But there’s no rush; she has plenty of time for business. Currently, there are no urban management officers, so she can set up her stall anywhere without interference. Later, once she has some capital, she plans to rent a small storefront space. She remembers there are some uninhabited, vacant houses there. As long as she gets the business going, she’s confident of success. She’s not just selling scallion pancakes; the area is bustling, and selling food would definitely bring in significant money.
She returned the cart to its original place and entered her small room. First, she checked the fire pit, which was still warm. She went outside, added some wood chips to the fire pit to keep it warm until tomorrow morning.
After washing her hands and face casually, she sat above the fire pit, feeling her body warm up instantly from the heat.
She took out all the money she made from selling and counted it carefully.
A total of 15.8 yuan, including the five yuan her brother gave her yesterday. She spent another five yuan buying flour. Now, she almost has around 20 yuan in hand. If she keeps selling for three more days, ensuring an income of 15 yuan per day, she will have enough money not only for her brother’s medical treatment but also to start their small business.