After having lunch, and taking a short break, Gu Yi and Brother Gu went over to Li Gang’s place to buy the vegetables and eggs needed for tomorrow’s sale.
There was still some meat at the shop, but since Brother Gu, the strong laborer, was here today, Gu Yi went to buy a little more.
After bringing the things back, everyone washed and skewered them. With many hands, the tasks were done in just over an hour.
Ye Family’s parents and Gu Family brothers caught the last bus home.
"Why not have your sister-in-law come to help tomorrow?"
Before leaving, Brother Gu was worried that Gu Yi and the others might be too busy tomorrow.
"If that’s not enough, have your second sister-in-law come too."
Gu the second brother also shared his concerns.
"Brother, Second Brother, it’s okay, we can handle it. Don’t worry, we’ll give it a try tomorrow. If it’s too much, I’ll let you know, okay?"
Gu Yi felt warm in her heart looking at her family, thinking that without the parents tomorrow, it shouldn’t be as hectic as today.
Today was busy mainly because there were too many people, and it got a bit messy.
"Dear brothers, you can continue with your work. Tomorrow, I’ll come to help with Qianqian’s mom."
"That works too, but Uncle and Aunt will have to endure some hardship."
Brother Gu thought this arrangement was also fine.
"Mom, Dad, really, there’s no need."
Gu Yi didn’t want to trouble the elders to run back and forth.
"It’s fine, your dad and I don’t have much to do at home. Helping out gives us peace of mind."
Ye’s mother quickly held Gu Yi’s hand. They could help out a bit with physical labor, if nothing else.
"Alright then, thank you so much, Mom and Dad."
Gu Yi felt it would be insensitive to refuse further, so she agreed with a nod.
That evening, it was just Gu Yi and Ye Qian in the shop.
As school let out in the afternoon, many students came to buy skewers.
Only Gu Yi sold these skewers. Fried items are aromatic as it is, and Gu Yi added some cumin and chili powder, giving it a barbecue-like flavor.
Some students tried them at lunch and found them delicious, spreading the word. Many came in groups.
In the evening, it was Gu Yi frying the skewers and Ye Qian handling the cash. Sometimes, when customers bought rice dumplings or dumplings, Ye Qian went to the kitchen to get them.
Students came in a swarm, making it utterly hectic at times, leaving just as quickly.
Luckily, Gu Yi and Ye Qian had some experience from the afternoon, smoothly coordinating with each other.
Once the students went to the evening self-study, the shop was empty.
Gu Yi and her companions tidied up the shop and then closed the door.
They cooked a bit to eat and then began preparations for the next day’s work.
There were only two spiced eggs left; not enough for tomorrow. So, Gu Yi cooked more that evening, more than she had the previous night.
Gu Yi thought that since today was the first day, there might be some returning customers tomorrow, and the spiced egg and rice dumpling business should be better.
Once everything was sorted, Gu Yi poured all the money onto the table.
Seeing the money piled like a small mountain, Ye Qian felt as if she were dreaming.
"Qianqian, what are you standing around for? Come help count."
Gu Yi looked at Ye Qian’s dazed expression and found it adorable.
"Sister-in-law, did we earn this much today? It feels like a dream."
Ye Qian still couldn’t quite believe it.
"Silly girl, most of it is change. It looks like a lot, but it’s not much when counted. Come, let’s organize it."
The two of them neatly stacked the money bill by bill and counted it—365.8 yuan in total.
Seeing this stack of money, Gu Yi felt quite happy inside.
In her past life, she never earned a penny. Although Ye Hao’s salary later allowed the family to get by, she didn’t contribute much when her daughter got married.
Sometimes thinking about these things, she felt sorry towards her daughter.
In this life, she vowed to work hard and vowed not to repeat the past.
"Qianqian, let’s discuss how we’re going to split this money."
Initially, Gu Yi only thought about getting the shop running and didn’t think much about Ye Qian.
"Sister-in-law, I don’t want any money. I didn’t do much. You’ve been bustling around to get this shop started, and you provided the capital. Sister-in-law, there’s no need to give me money."
Ye Qian truly didn’t want her sister-in-law to give her money, as she had nothing to do at home anyway.
During this time, she followed her sister-in-law, helped prepare for the shop opening, and even went to her brother’s place once.
She experienced many things she never dared imagine before and learned a lot.
"Each matter is its own matter. I’m already very grateful that you’re here helping. Without you, I couldn’t handle this by myself."
Gu Yi thought it best to clarify things in advance.
There are many instances in society where kinship, friendship, and even love turn sour because of interests.
Gu Yi knew that Ye Qian was sincere now, but over time, grievances could build up.
Gu Yi cherished everything she currently had and didn’t want to ruin her relationship with Ye Qian eventually.
"For the first few months, we’ll take back the costs we’ve invested. Anything leftover, we’ll split—I’ll take 60%, you 30%, and the parents get 10%. Qianqian, if you have any disagreements, tell me now."
"Sister-in-law, I really don’t need it."
Ye Qian was a bit anxious. She initially came to help out of kindness, not expecting Gu Yi would want to give her so much.
"Qianqian, siblings handle accounts clearly. I truly appreciate your nature. If nothing unforeseen happens, your brother and I will be together for a lifetime."
"You and my brother definitely won’t have any unforeseen issues."
Ye Qian quickly emphasized following Gu Yi’s remark.
"Right, so we’ll be together for a lifetime. You can’t always help me . You’ll have your own family in the future and your own life to live."
"Well, if you have no issues, let’s settle it this way."
"Sister-in-law, thank you."
"No need to thank me. I just hope you will work harder in the future. This is your shop too."
Seeing Ye Qian’s teary look, Gu Yi quickly changed the topic.
Ye Qian knew her sister-in-law was always considerate of her. She silently vowed to work harder in the future and to listen more to her sister-in-law.
The two looked at each other and laughed together.
By the next morning, significantly more people came for rice dumplings than the previous day.
They were all local workers who didn’t have time to eat at home, so they bought rice dumplings and spiced eggs here, which was very convenient.
Those with a bit more time ate dumplings in the shop, or rice dumplings with porridge.
In the morning, Ye Family’s parents arrived, bringing two quilts and some luggage.
"Mom, Dad, what’s all this?"
Ye Qian saw her parents with their belongings and went forward to help.
"Yiyi, Qianqian, your mom and I discussed it last night and decided she should stay here to help you, and stay overnight, so no time is wasted going back and forth. Meanwhile, I’ll watch over the crops at home."
Ye Fu took advantage of the shop’s quiet moment to explain to Gu Yi and the others their decision.
"But there’s nowhere to stay here?"
Ye Qian thought it was nice for her mom to stay, but accommodation was a problem.
"Alright, then Mom will stay. In the afternoon, I’ll check if there are foldable beds for sale and buy one."
Gu Yi thought it was good for Ye’s mother to stay as well, to help share the workload. She planned to have Ye Qian and Ye’s mother sleep together.
She would clear a spot in the kitchen, open the folding bed to sleep at night, and put it away during the day.