Chapter 48: Business is Booming
It was a clear compliment, and Su Mulan couldn’t help but smile, her lips curling with amusement.
“I’m glad you enjoy them. To boast a little, these dried sweet potatoes are a family secret recipe. Others can’t easily replicate them,” Su Mulan said unabashedly.
“I see both of you bought dried sweet potatoes at the last market. Here, take a few extra pieces each. Enjoy them and spread the word among your neighbors about our dried sweet potatoes,” she continued.
As she spoke, Su Mulan discreetly added a few extra pieces into the baskets of the two women, specifically picking out the larger ones.
Being honest and straightforward, Su Mulan didn’t skimp or play tricks like others might in business, which earned her respect.
The two women smiled and agreed wholeheartedly. “Next time you set up your stall nearby, don’t wander off too far. We might not find you.”
“Sure, I’ll be here next time,” Su Mulan grinned. “Take care, both of you.”
The stall was bustling, and business was good, which naturally attracted more people. This positive cycle meant Su Mulan’s dried sweet potatoes sold quickly and soon most of them were gone.
After clearing out the last of the dried sweet potatoes, Su Mulan carefully tucked the bulging money bag into her bosom, feeling pleased as she tidied up the bamboo basket.
“Your business was really good today,” a voice said.
Su Mulan looked up to see the uncle who sold tofu earlier. He hadn’t set up next to her this time but was nearby, separated by a stall selling eggs and duck eggs.
“Thanks to your blessings, it went well,” Su Mulan replied with a smile. “Uncle, your tofu stall seems to be doing quite well too.”
The uncle had two large bamboo baskets set up with a makeshift wooden board as a counter. Both baskets were filled with tofu, totaling over a hundred kilograms. By now, they were mostly sold, as this market could typically clear such a quantity of tofu. Even if some remained, it wouldn’t be much.
“It’s alright, but not as good as yours,” the tofu uncle chuckled. “Last time, I exchanged some dried sweet potatoes from you and let a few kids taste them. They all said they were delicious. They finished them all in one day and asked me to bring back more next time.”
“Many people were buying tofu just now. I planned to come find you after I finished, but by then, you had sold out completely. There wasn’t a single piece left,” the tofu uncle lamented.
“If you want dried sweet potatoes next time, I’ll make sure to set some aside for you when I come to the market,” Su Mulan replied with a smile.
“Deal, it’s settled then. Next time you come to the market, please save some for me in advance,” the tofu uncle affirmed. Swiftly, he grabbed his long-handled tofu knife, sliced off a piece of tofu, and handed it to Su Mulan. “Consider this a deposit. Take it home and enjoy it.”
The tofu weighed about a pound, enough to prepare a meal for lunch.
Seeing the tofu uncle’s gesture, Su Mulan didn’t insist on refusing politely. She smiled and reached out to accept it. “I won’t refuse then. I’ll take your deposit, and next market day, I’ll bring the dried sweet potatoes over.”
“Alright,” the tofu uncle chuckled. “Since you’ve sold out, hurry back home. Don’t let me keep you. I still have some more customers to attend to.”
As they spoke, a few more people approached the tofu stall to buy tofu. The tofu uncle quickly went to serve them.