Chapter 11: Any Objections? None

Just then, someone came to buy something, so Liuzi went to greet the customer, leaving the family of four in close discussion.

Wen Xiuyi said, "As usual, let's vote by raising our hands: should we take over the stall or not?" He finished speaking and immediately raised his own hand.

He was in favor; after all, if he had to keep moving goods, he feared he'd work himself to death before he could provide for three children.

Wen Yao quickly ran the numbers in her mind; a hundred and eighty coins was acceptable. This way, they could avoid dealing with the yamen, and save themselves the trouble of buying tables, chairs, and a stove. Though the location was a bit far, once they built a reputation, customers would surely come.

It was feasible.

Wen Yao raised her hand as well.

Wen Jun had no objections. None at all.

He raised his hand too, and then the three of them turned their gaze to Da Tou, who was nestled in Wen Xiuyi’s arms.

Da Tou was stunned.

"Da Tou, do you agree?" Wen Yao asked, winking at him.

Da Tou had never imagined he would have a say in family decisions. Looking at his father, brother, and sister with their hands raised, he hesitated for a moment, and then a gleam of excitement shone in his eyes. He raised his little hand, high and proud.

Four votes in favor—the stall was theirs.

When Liuzi finished with his business and returned, the family had already reached an agreement and immediately expressed their desire to take over the stall.

Liuzi was pleased; if their fried rice was as delicious as they claimed, his own stall nearby would mean he could eat it whenever he wished.

"Alright then, just keep an eye on the stall for me while I go find my third uncle." With that, Liuzi left, cheerful.

Wen Yao walked to the stall and examined the various wooden items displayed. Though not exquisitely made, they were finely polished. She picked up a small basin and smiled at her father and brother, saying, "People are still so honest these days."

They left without worry, not afraid that strangers might walk off with all their goods.

Professor Wen, holding Da Tou, responded, "Times have changed."

Soon, Liuzi returned, accompanied by a young woman with a headscarf. Seeing the family still there from a distance, relief washed over Liuzi.

He’d been scolded by his third uncle at home, only then realizing that if this family were swindlers, he’d left the stall unwatched. The items weren’t worth much, but they were their livelihood.

Luckily, they hurried back—people and goods both intact.

"Uncle, this is my third aunt. My third uncle’s legs aren’t good, so he couldn’t come. Talking to her is just the same," Liuzi said, bringing the woman forward.

Wen Xiuyi set Da Tou down, instinctively reached out for a handshake, but caught himself—such things weren’t done in this era. He adjusted, wiping his hand on his clothes, and said, "Sister, Liuzi told you, right? We’d like to take over your family’s stall."

Mrs. Guo had been instructed by her husband before coming: if the price was right, let the stall go. Otherwise, it would just sit unused. So as soon as Wen Xiuyi spoke, she replied,

"To be honest, brother, if my husband hadn’t been injured, we’d never let go of this stall. The business isn’t great, but it’s still a livelihood. Before coming, my husband said if you’re sincere about taking it over, it’s a hundred and eighty coins, including tables, chairs, and benches. Does that work for you?"

"That works. What procedures do we need? Let’s settle it now," Wen Xiuyi replied, eager to get started.

Mrs. Guo pulled out a document from her sleeve. "This is the paperwork we did at the yamen. You give me the money, I give you the papers, and that’s the handover. The tables, chairs, and benches are at our house; Liuzi can take you to move them later."

Wen Xiuyi nodded and looked at Wen Yao. "Yao Yao, pay her."

Wen Yao quickly took out her purse, counted out a hundred and eighty coins, and handed them to Mrs. Guo, who gave the document to Wen Xiuyi. The stall was theirs.

With the money safely stored, Mrs. Guo added, "The yamen folks usually come at the end of the month to collect next month’s stall fee. When the time comes, Liuzi can help introduce you to them. He’s here every day, so don’t worry."

"Alright, thank you, Liuzi," Wen Xiuyi replied.

The stall was theirs. Mrs. Guo kept an eye on it while Liuzi took Wen Xiuyi and Wen Jun home to move the furniture. Wen Yao stayed at the stall with Da Tou.

Taking advantage of the time, Wen Yao struck up a conversation with Mrs. Guo.

"Auntie, our house is far. Is it alright to leave the tables and benches here at night?" Wen Yao asked.

Mrs. Guo, seeing Wen Yao’s polite manner, felt extra patience—Da Tou was about the same age as her own youngest child. She asked, "You won’t run the stall at night?"

Wen Yao was taken aback—run it at night? That wouldn’t work. The family of three couldn’t manage two shifts, and besides, their home was far away. She shook her head.

Mrs. Guo explained, "This dock always has boats coming in, so my husband used to sleep here most nights, just in case customers came late. If you don’t run the stall at night, storing the furniture could be a problem.

But it’s no trouble. If it’s inconvenient for you, just leave the things at our house. It’s not far, and a cart can carry everything in one trip."

Wen Yao was delighted. "That’s wonderful, but won’t it be too much trouble for you?"

Mrs. Guo laughed heartily. "Not at all. Liuzi puts things away at our house every day. We have a room with a door facing the street—it won’t bother us."

Wen Yao considered, then agreed. After all, they’d paid a hundred and eighty coins for these items; it would be a pity to lose them. If it became too much, they could give the family some extra benefit once their stall was running.

When Wen Xiuyi and the others returned, Wen Yao shared the news. Wen Xiuyi protested that it was too much trouble, but also thanked Liuzi for his help.

Still, the furniture they’d just moved would have to be brought back, as they weren’t prepared to open today.

Fortunately, Liuzi was good-natured and happily helped them push the cart and return the tables and chairs.

To thank him—and since they needed supplies anyway—Wen Yao bought two large basins, two small basins, two big wooden buckets with lids, two small buckets, and two steamers for rice from Liuzi’s stall, spending another hundred and fifty coins.

Liuzi worried they couldn’t carry everything, so he lent them the cart.

The three thanked him profusely, put Da Tou in one of the basins on the cart, and headed off to shop in the city. After all, they’d be opening the stall tomorrow and needed to be fully prepared.

By the time they’d bought rice, oil, and seasonings and returned to Gutong Village, night had fallen.