Chapter 328: Buying a Bike
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
“Our shop prides itself on offering bicycles of the utmost quality in the entire county. Each bicycle comes at a price of 100 yuan. Are you certain about your decision to purchase one for each person?
The shop assistant took a moment to calculate, finding six individuals present. If all six opted to buy, the total would amount to 600 yuan—equivalent to three months of his salary.
With a nod, Xia Wan affirmed, “Yes, one for each of us. Please assist us in selecting the right ones.”
Amused, the shop assistant chuckled, “Cease with the jests…”
However, Xia Wan swiftly revealed a stack of hundred-yuan bills from her bag, prompting the shop assistant’s demeanor to change immediately. He bowed slightly and adopted an obsequious smile, saying, “Please step inside, ma’am. Our selection of bicycles is diverse, and I assure you, I will aid you in finding the perfect fit.”
As he began introducing the bicycles one by one to Xia Wan and her companions, he soon managed to present nearly the entire range within the shop.
Xia Wan chose a pink bicycle for Liu Hua and a blue one for herself. Yan Han opted for a purple bike, while Xia Hai and Xia Chen went for black bicycles. Xia Feng’s preference was a dark blue model.
As the money was being tallied, Xia Wan inquired, “Considering our substantial purchase, could we receive a discount?”
Responding promptly, the shop assistant smiled, “Certainly, I can offer you a
10% discount. The total comes to 540 yuan.”
Accepting the offer, Xia Wan agreed, “Very well.”
Upon departing, the six of them pedaled their new bicycles, accompanying each other on their journey home.
The choice to walk alongside their bicycles arose from the fact that only Xia Wan knew how to ride one. Moreover, with the bicycles being brand new, they took precautions to avoid any accidental dirt or damage.
At one point, they passed a hardware store, prompting Xia Wan to enter and procure six locks. She advised her companions to always secure their bicycles when parking, to prevent theft—a risk heightened by the novelty of their bicycles.
Despite the severe consequences for thieves in this era, apprehending them was no simple task. Hence, self-preservation remained key.
The group nodded in agreement.
Upon their return, they encountered Liu Sha waiting by the entrance.
Observing their bicycles, Liu Sha inquired, “Did you purchase bicycles?”
Apologizing, Xia Wan said, “I apologize for not informing you earlier, leading to your wait. ”
Liu Sha waved it off with a smile, “No worries, I arrived ahead of time.” Though surprised initially, Liu Sha refrained from further mention of the bicycles. Xia Wan’s financial capabilities rendered her immune to envy.
For Liu Sha, the opportunity for supplementary classes was already a satisfying outcome.
With the acquisition of bicycles, the tutoring session concluded ahead of schedule. Xia Wan took charge of teaching the group how to ride, aided by Xia Chen, who already had some experience. This culminated in Liu Hua and Xia Feng successfully mastering the skill.
When it was time for school, Liu Hua and Xia Feng were already adept at cycling.
The four of them rode together, drawing attention from passersby, especially near the school gate where students gathered.
As they approached the school, the students’ gaze fixed upon Xia Wan and her friends cycling, eliciting reactions ranging from curiosity to admiration.
Xia Chen’s bashful nature caused him to lower his head, while Xia Feng, embarrassed, felt a gap between herself and the spectators.
In contrast, Liu Hua wore an air of pride, celebrating the unique gift from Wan Wan, recognizing that it set them apart.
Once their bicycles were safely locked, the quartet entered their classroom.
Their entrance sparked a flurry of questions from classmates, who marveled at their simultaneous bicycle purchases and inquired about the cost.
Some even speculated about the financial backgrounds of Xia Wan and Liu Hua, recalling their previous impression of their families as less affluent. Mockingly, they suggested that the two might have stolen money to afford the bicycles.
Although most families could afford a bicycle, they were usually reserved for daily commutes for working parents and not the students themselves.
Liu Hua glanced at Xia Wan, unsure how to reveal that the bicycles were her gift.
As for Xia Chen, he remained hesitant, fearing any misstep that might upset Xia Wan’s intentions.
With a generous smile, Xia Wan addressed the curious crowd, “Indeed, we purchased these bicycles with our own funds. If anyone is interested, you could consider part-time work during the holidays.”
‘There are factories nearby hiring temporary workers.’
Despite her reply, the crowd’s curiosity persisted. They pressed on, eager for
more answers..