Chapter 41: Chapter 041 Going to the Market
Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
“But…” Shen Luhua looked hesitantly at Sheng Laosan, “Old man, do you think it’s possible?”
“I think it’s doable. If our daughter wants to learn, we support her. If the beans aren’t enough, we’ll use those set aside for sowing.”
They acted immediately. That evening, Sheng Ning started soaking the beans in warm water. Sheng An followed like a little tail, holding a notebook and seriously taking notes.
The weather was hot now, and if not careful, the bean sprouts would rot easily. Knowing that the beans at home were limited, Sheng Ning was especially cautious.
The next day, she got up early to drain the water the beans had soaked in overnight. The soaked beans were placed in a specially prepared rice washing basket.
Growing bean sprouts required a process, and it took careful daily observation, and watering at regular intervals and in the right amounts. Keeping the beans fresh and growing well ensured that the bean sprouts would be delicious.
It was now the end of September, the time when the autumn tiger’s heat was still present. The beans grew quickly, and by the third morning, the rice washing basket was filled with fresh and tender bean sprouts, looking very festive.
“They’re ready, they’re ready…” Sheng An’s excited voice woke everyone in the house.
Sheng Ning quickly got up to wash and dress. By the time she arrived in the yard, everyone had already gathered around to see.
“I didn’t expect five pounds of beans to sprout so much,” Sheng An said joyfully, waving her hands. “Mom, should we try selling them today?”
“I think that’s a good idea; it’s hot, and these can’t be stored,” Sheng Laosan decided. “Let’s send some to your grandma first.”
Seeing everyone so happy, Sheng Ning couldn’t help but smile too.
After breakfast, Sheng Laosan and Shen Luhua went to work in the fields. Sheng An and Sheng Ning pushed the small cart to the market.
Walking on the road, the sisters were pointed at by people from time to time.
Sheng Ning pretended not to see, but Sheng An was so angry she wanted to go over and slap them.
“Don’t get angry. We’re here to sell things today. If you hit someone, who will dare buy our bean sprouts?”
“Hmph! Today, I’m in a good mood, so I won’t stoop to their level.”
After walking for half an hour, they arrived at the town, which was already bustling. They could only find a less conspicuous spot. After paying a dime for the stall fee, they set up their small cart. As soon as they uncovered the damp cloth over the basket, fresh and tender bean sprouts were revealed.
The rural market was very lively, with people from ten miles and eight villages all flocking over. Sheng Ning hadn’t seen such a scene in decades and was very excited by the familiar sights.
She was so absorbed in looking around that Sheng An had to nudge her with an elbow.
Sheng Ning turned her head and found that the usually bold An’an was actually shy. So she cleared her throat and shouted: “Bean sprouts, freshly sprouted bean sprouts! Two dimes per pound, cheap sale!”
Her voice was as clear as a yellow warbler in the valley, and her Mandarin was very standard. Among a bunch of rough Northeastern dialects, it stood out recognizably.
People passing by couldn’t help but steal a glance at them, but no one bought anything.
The sisters stood for a long time; many people looked, but no one bought. Most of the onlookers were second-rate social loafers peeking at Sheng Ning.
“You… you’re not allowed to come tomorrow,” Sheng An glared angrily. “You’re really a troublemaker.” She knew that being too beautiful wasn’t a good thing.
Sheng Ning felt upset being blamed, wanting to prove that not selling wasn’t her problem. She saw a familiar back passing by and shouted loudly, “Big brother, do you want to buy bean sprouts?”
Sheng An almost choked with rage. “Is that how you call out to people? No wonder they say you’re improper. You should call them ‘comrade,’ ‘comrade.’”
“Oh! Should I shout again?” She had a habit of shouting the word. Originally, she wanted to call “handsome guy,” but felt it wasn’t appropriate, so changed it to “big brother.” Unexpectedly, the word “big brother” wasn’t casually usable either.
Qi Lei was walking through the market when he heard someone call “big brother” behind him, and turned around in surprise. One glance and he saw the embarrassed Sheng Ning and couldn’t help but laugh.
This was the third time he saw her, and all three times were the most embarrassing.
“Hey? It’s Xiao Hong’s uncle!”