Chapter 112 Buying a Second-Hand Sewing Machine

"I know what you're worried about." Zhong Qiao patted her shoulder. "I have my own plans for this matter. You just need to let the girls take care of the quality."

After following Zhong Qiao for some time, Jin Gui already knew her well.

Zhong Qiao Bar always seems to be able to surprise others. Just a few days ago, he was still trying to find ways to purchase wild goods or study wood carving designs, but now he can suddenly come up with a new way to make money.

And she never makes a deal she is not sure of.

Jingui was naturally convinced of her abilities.

"Okay." Jingui put away the design drawings. "I'll keep an eye on them."

With Jingui helping to keep an eye on him, Zhong Qiao felt relieved. He handed her another cup of tea and chatted with her about family matters: "Where's Xiao Mantou? How's he doing lately?"

When talking about her son, Jingui's face showed some kindness: "He is so clever. Ever since he ate that bowl of chicken drumstick noodles, you tricked him away. He can't stop talking about you."

Zhong Qiao smiled and said, "Bring him over to play next time. The little boy is getting old and can't stay at home all the time. He's about to start elementary school. I'll ask Siqi to teach him how to read and write. That way, even if he goes to school in the future, he won't fall too far behind others."

Jin Gui had heard of Zhong Siqi's name.

She was a college student, and it was already difficult for her to get into a junior college, let alone an undergraduate degree. Moreover, Zhong Siqi originally wanted to take the postgraduate entrance examination, but she was just a few points short.

His level is not much different from that of a graduate student. If she can get him to help tutor Xiao Mantou with his studies, she will get a great deal.

Jin Gui was so grateful that she began to wipe away her tears: "Zhong Qiao, I really doubt that you were sent by God to save me. Tell me, you saved me last time, then let me manage the business, and now you are helping my son with his studies. I really don't deserve it."

She looked as if she had thought of something and began to look sad again.

"We are not related, yet you are helping me, my parents-in-law, like this."

Jingui didn't want to mention it anymore.

Since the last time they went home, their parents-in-law had been a little nicer to them because of Little Mantou. Later, they were instigated by a gossip girl in the village, and the two old people were reminded of their son's death. They started to act crazy again and were particularly hostile to them.

If Cheng Fugui had not been imprisoned and his situation was still unknown, she would still have a home to return to. Otherwise, she really didn't know who to go to as a widow.

After meeting Zhong Qiao, life gradually got better. She had a stable income and could buy meat and clothes for Xiao Mantou. Jingui was very satisfied with this kind of life from the bottom of her heart.

Zhong Qiao comforted her, "Don't think too much. Just live your life well. Your parents-in-law will eventually understand that you are one family. If they don't recognize you in this life, by then, you will have the confidence and money to survive on your own with your little one."

"You can still come with us. I'm counting on you to make little clothes for my daughter Wanwan."

Jingui's eyes were red: "Okay."

*

Zhong Qiao went to the market again, preparing to purchase sewing machines and other tools. Due to insufficient funds, she asked around but was discouraged by the prices.

The 1976s was the golden age of sewing machines, which were basically one of the three major items in a bride price, just like bicycles and watches.

Common brands include Shanghai Butterfly, Shanghai Bee, Flying Man, Standard, and South China. The models include JB and FB, with foot-operated type being the mainstream.

Butterfly brand JB model is the most well-known and classic national sewing machine.

Zhong Qiao also liked this model and bargained with the boss.

Finally, the boss had no choice but to offer: "Beautiful lady, why don't you buy a used one? All of mine are brand new, so I really can't give you that price. 140 is 140."

After hearing this, Zhong Qiao also felt that it made sense.

The price of a brand new one was too expensive, beyond her expectation. If she could get a second-hand one, the price would be around 50 to 100, which would also be good.

Zhong Qiao knew that the boss had no choice, so he didn't continue to make trouble. He just said thank you and started to ask if there was anyone nearby who wanted to sell a used sewing machine.

As I walked, I came to the shop where I had secretly bought flower seeds before. The owner had a hat on his face and was snoring.

When he woke up from his sleep, he happened to meet Zhong Qiao, who looked sad.

"Oh, it's you."

The boss was quite impressed by Zhong Qiao. After all, these days, it was hard for ordinary families to have enough to eat. However, this little girl dressed elegantly, looked pretty, and was in the mood to cultivate her sentiments. It was obvious that her family was rich.

"Are you planning to buy anything else?" the boss asked cheerfully.

Zhong Qiao dragged a stool and sat down next to him: "I need a sewing machine, do you have one?"

She said this just to joke with the boss. After all, the end of this small shop could be seen at a glance, and large machines like sewing machines were only available in state-owned enterprises, and you had to get a ticket to buy them.

Zhong Qiao didn't have a ticket, only money, and he couldn't buy one after asking around.

The boss said, "A sewing machine? You're right. I have a friend whose wife gave her a second-hand sewing machine as part of her betrothal gift. Do you want one?"

Zhong Qiao cheered up again: "Yes." What she wanted was a second-hand sewing machine. She didn't expect that this small shop could have everything.

The boss locked the door of the shop and waved at her domineeringly: "Come on, come on, I'll take you there."

Zhong Qiao calmed down and followed him, passing through the alley behind the small shop. After less than six minutes, they entered the small alley.

The boss asked her to wait at a door and went up to knock on it.

"Qian Sanyi, are you here?"

Zhong Qiao was stunned for a moment.

Qian Sanyi? The world is so big, it can’t be such a coincidence that he just happens to be Mrs. Qian’s son.

There was no movement inside, but the boss continued to take pictures frantically, as if he would not stop until he recognized the person inside.

After knocking for a few minutes, the door was opened.

A young man came out, it was Qian Sanyi.

The boss said, "Where have you been? You didn't even open the door when business came."

The young man smiled awkwardly: "My wife just gave birth to a child, and she was mad at me. I had to comfort her and feed the child, so I was so busy that I didn't hear it."

"I'm sorry, Brother Li." He scratched his head in a simple manner. When his eyes fell on Zhong Qiao's face, he looked dazed, as if he was reminiscing.

"Who is this?"

The boss said "oh" and made way for Zhong Qiao behind him: "This is the deal I told you about. Aren't you going to sell the sewing machine? This little girl wants to buy it."

Zhong Qiao nodded politely at him: "Hello, my name is Zhong Qiao."

Qian Sanyi looked at her face, racking his brains to think. He looked at her from all angles, but why did she look so familiar?

When Zhong Qiao saw his face, he also remembered.

It turned out that she had seen him a long time ago, in the hospital, in the bed next to hers. Qian Sanyi was the big man who accompanied his wife during childbirth. Unexpectedly, he was also Qian's wife's son.