Chapter 496: Chapter 496: Good Business

Qiao Xiaomai left, with Tong Tiehu watching her retreating figure. He raised his hand to strike the big bell again. When the voices subsided, he announced, “The shop is now open. If you’re not busy, folks, go have a look!”

“Alright, off you go!”

The crowd dispersed. Tong Tiehu and the Zhang Family made their way to their newly built house.

Some villagers followed them.

New things were few in the village, so aside from the Jiang Family’s pork shop, the addition of a sundry goods’ shop was worth a visit.

Upon reaching the new Tong residence, Tong Xingda, seeing the crowd approaching, began to set off firecrackers.

After the crackling firecrackers had finished, the children ran to grab any failed ones, while the adults poured into the house.

The room was simple, with two large jars filled with vinegar in the corner.

A counter made from three long tables was placed in the middle. On it, several large baskets of sprouts and maltose were displayed.

The sprouts produced by the Tong Family were almost on par with those Qiao Xiaomai produced. After examining them, some villagers began to buy.

The sprouts tasted pretty good, probably because Qiao Xiaomai had been out of practice. If they cost one penny, why not spend one penny for a taste?

There was also maltose. The maltose made by the Tong Family looked like the ones sold in town. It was a vibrant orange and cut into one-penny sized cubes, three cubes for a penny.

The price was acceptable. Those who loved to indulge children immediately took out their money to buy three pieces.

Others who needed vinegar at home had already brought bowls over.

As the Zhang Family had anticipated, the business was booming.

She stood by the door with a bright smile, her hands behind her back, watching the crowd. The frustration she had been feeling for the past couple of weeks was finally dissipating.

The morning flew by. At lunchtime, Zhu Hongyun went to prepare the meal in the kitchen.

Since Qiao Zhaodi and Qiao Yindi were also living there, the kitchen was shared.

Upon entering the kitchen, and seeing the clean cooking table devoid of any seasonings, sauces, or even a bowl, Zhu Hongyun couldn’t help but purse her lips.

Could it be that they were afraid she might pilfer their ingredients?

After mumbling a few complaints under her breath, Zhu Hongyun rolled up her sleeves to start cooking.

After finishing their meal and washing their dishes in their room, Qiao Zhaodi and Qiao Yindi locked the door and headed for Qiao Xiaomai’s house.

They had finished the clothes that Qiao Xiaomai asked them to make and were bringing them over.

Qiao Xiaomai’s family had just finished their meal. When the sisters arrived, they invited them to sit down.

“Xiaomai, look at these clothes.” Qiao Zhaodi handed over the clothes she brought in a basket to Qiao Xiaomai.

Qiao Xiaomai took them and spread them out to see.

Her outfit was a chest-high ruqun dress in a light green color with small yellow flowers embellishing the hem. It was very pretty.

After looking at it contentedly, she spoke up, “Good craftsmanship! Dad, Dami, come see yours too!”

Qiao Changshun and Qiao Dami had been cleaning pots and dishes in the kitchen. Upon hearing this, they came out.

These were made from the fabric Yang Wang had given them on his first visit. Different colors for all three members of the family. Now, the fabric had been turned into clothes which Qiao Changshun and Qiao Dami adored.

The fabric was brocade!

They were wearing brocade clothes for the first time ever!

Seeing the whole family pleased with the clothes, Qiao Zhaodi and Qiao Yindi, too, heaved a sigh of relief. Qiao Zhaodi said, “Xiaomai, the Village Chief’s shop is doing very well.”

“Oh? Were there a lot of people?”

“Yes, people kept coming in all morning. I think the Tong Family will soon return to their previous state.” With fields and a shop, Tong Tiehu was still the Village Chief. Apart from Qiao Xiaomai, the Tong Family was still the best-off in Anping Village.

Upon hearing this, Qiao Xiaomai smiled.

If things were as they used to be, these people wouldn’t be fawning over Tong Tiehu for their tiny interests any longer.

She stood up, ready to change into her new clothes in the room, when a knock at the door was heard, followed by the loud voice of the Sun Family, “Changsun, open the door, I’ve come to see you!”