"You didn’t have to bring anything when you came," Grandpa Wang said to Lin Wan, whom he had met a few times. He would often come to the store to pick up Grandma Wang when it rained or snowed.
"It’s the least we can do," Liang Hongmei replied with a smile, glancing at the few customers coming through the door, feeling increasingly happy for Grandma Wang’s family.
"Hongmei, Xiao Wan, you’re here, come inside and sit," Grandma Wang greeted the guests and quickly led them inside the house.
With enthusiasm, she busied herself preparing sunflower seeds and candies for them.
"Grandma Wang, no need to trouble yourself, we’ll be leaving soon and the store is still busy," Lin Wan assured her.
When they arrived, not only did they bring fish and shrimp, but they also brought two bottles of fruit wine as a congratulatory gift for the opening of Grandma Wang’s store.
While they chatted, quite a few neighbors came by to shop. After all, Grandma Wang had stayed at their clay pot store for quite some time and had learned some sales tactics. On this opening day, anyone who bought more than five dollars’ worth of goods received a free toothbrush or some ounces of brown sugar, among other things.
The promotion lasted all day and kept them quite busy. Lin Wan and her mom didn’t stay long; before leaving, they asked Grandma Wang if they could sell soap at her store.
Grandma Wang was more than willing, "I tell you, the items in the shop cost a lot of money, and even then, the place isn’t fully stocked yet. The more items we have, the more customers will come. If Xiao Wan can supply the goods and only collect payment after selling them, it’s advantageous for us. Don’t worry, Xiao Wan, your Grandma Wang isn’t someone who dismisses debts, you’ll be paid promptly after sales."
"Grandma Wang, of course, I trust you; otherwise, I wouldn’t have brought the goods over," Lin Wan replied.
Knowing the market, Grandma Wang made a note for Lin Wan, listing the quantities and prices. Seeing the price Lin Wan offered, Grandma Wang knew there was a profit to be made and was thrilled. Upon leaving, she made sure to give them a package of sunflower seeds.
After leaving Grandma Wang’s house, Lin Wan and her mom went straight to the store. Once all the vegetables were prepared, Lin Wan rode a tricycle, ready to head home.
"Xiao Wan, let me go with you, how can you manage alone?"
"Mom, I can handle it alone; Grandma can walk, it won’t be a hassle. We’ll just do a check-up at the hospital," Lin Wan said, not waiting for her mom to argue, she rode off on the tricycle, loudly calling back for her not to worry.
People around this time get up early, and it was just a little after ten when Lin Wan returned from Grandma Wang’s house.
"Grandma, I rode the store’s tricycle back, let’s go to the hospital for a check-up now," Lin Wan said, not waiting for Grandma to protest, as she took a stool from the courtyard and placed it on the tricycle.
"These check-ups never reveal anything significant; it’s just a waste of money," Han Ying said with her lips, but inwardly felt quite pleased with Lin Wan.
The second son’s family was dutiful but lived far away. Her eldest son was somewhat selfish, and his wife was even more so; though they lived nearby, they barely visited throughout the year. Her daughter visited often, but life was hard for her, and usually, she had to lend them money.
"No matter the result, if there’s an illness, it should be treated at the hospital. We can afford it; health is the most important," Lin Wan said as she helped Grandma onto the tricycle.
Lin Wan didn’t go to the military hospital, instead, she went to the nearby city center hospital, which was closer to their home and reputed to be quite skilled in treating leg and foot issues.
Lin Wan registered with a specialist who, after inquiry, had them take an X-ray.
It was an ailment from being cold in her youth; such troubles manifest in old age as typical old cold legs. This ailment can only be managed slowly, as it is difficult to cure completely.