Chapter 493 - 31: Side Hustle 2
Looking at the consumer market in Beijing, it’s usually only the elderly or those with free time who specifically go to vegetable markets and farmers’ markets to buy groceries. To win the favor of the younger and middle-aged generations, you must get into supermarket sales. However, Feng Xing didn’t have any channels for that, so they thought of Mao Dazhu, who was also in the business of selling "agricultural and sideline products."
"Get into supermarkets?" Mao Dazhu’s expression was a bit strange, and he didn’t agree immediately. First, he took the sweet potatoes and sweet potato flour. As for the two bottles of Wuliangye, according to Mao Dazhu, they should be returned—exchanged for a few cases of cheaper liquor.
Feng Xing wasn’t sure if a deal had been made or not, and seeing that Mao Dazhu and his group had been busy all day, he felt it wasn’t right to bother them further. As he prepared to get up and take his leave, Xiao Xian spoke up, "Uncle Mao, is your store short on summer help?" There was still a month left in the summer vacation, and Xiao Xian had almost finished her summer homework. Things at the farm had quieted down, and it was time to follow Mei Nian’s instructions and start training.
"Summer job? Do you want to learn from my silly grandson and do some kind of summer internship?" Sacred Heart Middle School’s high school division arranged summer internships every year, and Mao Yi had been helping out with some kind of social survey for two years in a row, unpaid tough work that left him as dark as a loach. Such thankless hard work was, in Mao Dazhu’s eyes, the kind of thing only fools would do. Yet, despite being clever, he had such a foolish grandson.
"Summer internship?" Feng Xing was also hearing about this for the first time from Xiao Xian. They were busy at the farm for half the month, and the couple was hoping she could rest well afterwards. Wouldn’t a summer internship be too tiring?
"You could say that. Uncle Mao, you can directly assign me to help other staff in the store. I’m also very good at organizing things. If you don’t believe it, you can ask my uncle. I’ve helped manage both my room and tasks around the Yanqing Farm," Xiao Xian wanted to start with something simple, to learn the basics first, and then slowly learn the other skills offered by the South Gate.
Mao Dazhu was reminded of a tricky situation by Xiao Xian’s words.
Recently, his company did have a minor issue; they needed to have a big summer promotion. They had lost two longtime employees earlier and were indeed short-staffed. Earlier that morning, he had people post job ads on streets and campuses of major universities, preparing to hire a few temporary helpers.
"Uncle Mao, there’s no need to rush into agreeing. I need to discuss it with her uncle first," Feng Xing was unsure why Xiao Xian suddenly had this idea. Could it be that the girl was running short on money? Indeed, since coming to Beijing, Xiao Xian had never taken money from them; her attempts to give them money were always turned down.
Zhuo Feng had also asked a few times, and Xiao Xian simply said that her deceased parents had left her enough for tuition. Zhuo Feng had speculated that it must be Zhu Shijun who provided the money, but the child was, after all, part of the Zhu Family. If things were to be made clear, Xiao Xian might not be pleased.
"What’s there to discuss? I see that in your family, Xiao Xian is the boss. You listen to your wife, and your wife listens to Xiao Xian; it’s as if nothing was said. When I was Xiao Xian’s age, I was already seeking out masters to apprentice under on my own, and I was considered a handy helper among my peers. It’s nonsensical for Xiao Xian to hide out in Yanqing with you folks every day. She needs to go out, see more, and learn more. She’s my master’s niece, and I absolutely won’t let her be short-changed," Mao Dazhu spoke eloquently, leaving the sincere Feng Xing unable to utter a word in response. In his heart, he silently admired Mao Dazhu; having only met them once and shared a meal, he understood their family affairs and personalities so clearly.
"We still need to go back and discuss it. Uncle Mao’s store must be in the city center, too far from Yanqing," Feng Xing was still worried.
"Uncle, you don’t need to worry about that. I can go and stay at Xuerou’s place. Her home is right in the city center, which is very convenient," Grandma Zeng and Mrs. Zeng were also welcoming her, not to mention Zeng Xuerou.
After gaining her superpower, Zeng Xuerou couldn’t wait to have someone with her every day to perform "experiments," and Xiao Xian was undoubtedly the best candidate.
Feng Xing, seeing that the two had their reasoning well prepared, could only nod in agreement, knowing full well that once he got home, he would be scolded by his wife.
After returning to the farm and discussing the matter with Zhuo Feng, surprisingly, she did not object. She said that Xiao Xian had a talent for cultivation and horticulture, and that it would be good for her to learn from a floristry company. It’s said that children who are caring towards small animals, flowers, and plants grow up to be more compassionate.
Zhuo Feng figured that rather than having Xiao Xian toil in the farm, weeding and playing with earthworms, it would be better for her to meet more people. The girl’s social circle was too small, with barely any interaction with others aside from two friends. Going out for a summer internship could be good.
Moreover, Zhuo Feng had other plans. "After marrying you, I’ve never been to your hometown. Now that the weather is hot, staying in the suburbs can drive one crazy with heat rash. It’s good for Xiao Xian to stay with her good friend and be comfortable. We can also take this opportunity, since the farm business is wrapping up, to visit your home in Shandong and bring the first batch of our farm’s products to your parents. Let them taste it and let them know we’re doing well in Beijing."
After hearing Zhuo Feng’s suggestion, Feng Xing was stunned for a moment. Seeing the smile on Zhuo Feng’s face, he realized she wasn’t joking. When Zhuo Feng first married him, Feng Xing was worried she would look down on his farmer background, and never dared to take her home. Unexpectedly...
"What are you staring at? After all this staring, it’s still your own wife. You’re such a blockhead," Zhuo Feng spat, her face turning red as she averted her eyes. A warmth grew in Feng Xing’s heart, and he embraced Zhuo Feng, giving her a kiss. (To be continued. If you like this work, you are welcome to head to Qidian (qidian.com) to cast your votes for monthly tickets and recommendation tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation.)