Chapter 2: Paying Money Is So Cool

Yao Fanghua went directly to the department store.

After comparing the cotton-padded coat and the down jacket, the cotton-padded coat seemed too bulky to her, so she finally gritted her teeth and chose the down jacket. Remembering that Yao Fangfang had a red down jacket, she chose a black, long one, and after putting it on, she felt warm all over.

Having already bought a down jacket, she couldn't possibly wear cotton shoes with it, so she also bought leather shoes, bringing the total cost to over four hundred yuan. Money really doesn't last, so Yao Fanghua ended up buying a few bundles of yarn; she'd just have to knit sweaters, gloves, and scarves herself. She then went to the supply and marketing cooperative to buy some daily necessities before heading home.

When Yao Fangyuan saw Yao Fanghua enter the room, her eyes reddened. She turned around, went back into the room, and wrapped herself in the quilt.

"What are you doing? Trying to smother yourself?" Li Chunying pulled the blanket off her.

"I want a down jacket! My sister has one, Fangfang has one, but I don't. We're all Yao family daughters, why am I the only one who doesn't have one? If I don't have a down jacket, I won't go out, so people won't laugh at me. When relatives come, they all wear down jackets, and I'm the only one wearing a big cotton-padded coat."

"Mom will make you a new cotton-padded jacket. There's a good piece of fabric at home. I'll make it for you based on the style of a down jacket. It'll look great."

Yao Fangyuan insisted on getting a down jacket, but Li Chunying was reluctant to buy it for her; down jackets are so expensive.

At lunchtime, both Li Chunying and Yao Fangyuan looked unwell.

"Hua Hua, you'll be working from now on. I'm not saying you should hand over all your salary to the family like your brother, but at least you should pay for your food."

"What are you saying? The child just got home." Yao Deyi glared at his wife.

"I was just trying to save it for her. Look at her, she spends money so extravagantly. I've raised her all this time, and she's never even bought me a piece of clothing, or even a bottle of wine."

"Hmm, Mom, how much do you want to pay?"

"At least twenty a month!"

“Her down jacket costs two or three hundred, and you only want twenty, Mom. That’s too little.” Yao Fangyuan pouted. “At least you should be like my second brother and give thirty to the family.”

Yao Weimin's salary was 37.5 yuan, and he gave 30 yuan home every month, as agreed when he spent money to find the job. This job cost his family a total of 1,200 yuan, which depleted their savings.

Yao Fanghua took out thirty yuan and put it on the table. She was going to report to her workplace after the New Year, thinking that the workplace had a canteen and dormitory, and she wouldn't be staying at home for long.

"Dad, this is for you." Yao Fanghua took out ten yuan and gave it to Yao Deyi. She wouldn't buy her father alcohol; she disliked Yao Deyi drinking. As for whether Yao Deyi would buy alcohol, or something else, or be forced to hand over the money, she didn't care.

Yao Deyi took the money, felt great, and downed a mouthful of wine.

Yao Fanghua took out two more yuan and placed them in front of Yao Weimin, saying, "From now on, one yuan for washing dishes and one yuan for sweeping the floor every day. Daily payment, and there will be a reward for good work."

Yao Weimin quickly stuffed the money into his pocket. "Sister, I guarantee I'll complete the mission."

Yao Fanghua: "I have a few pieces of clothing that need washing, it's one yuan per piece. Do you know how to wash them?"

"Yes, yes, yes." Yao Weimin nodded vigorously. "Sister, your hands are so beautiful, and the way you take out money is so cool. Your hands are not suited for rough work. Just give me any job you need."

Given that Yao Weimin was good at talking, Yao Fanghua handed him another five yuan without hesitation. He needed money to have the motivation to work, right? Of course, if he didn't do a good job, it would only be once.

In the time it takes to eat a meal, Yao Weimin received a huge sum of seven yuan. Full of energy, he urged his family to eat quickly so he could wash the dishes. After washing the dishes, he still had to do the laundry, so as not to delay his work.

Li Chunying was furious. "What are you doing? You think you're some kind of pampered princess just because you went to a lousy university? You're acting like a capitalist."

Things are different now than they were a few years ago; you can't just use the term "capitalist" to kill someone anymore. Even so, Yao Fanghua's face turned cold as she considered whether or not to smash the chopsticks.

"Mom, what are you saying? Don't delay my earning money. My sister just doesn't want to do housework, but I'm willing to do it. If I do it, it saves you trouble, and you can rest more. Consider it my sister and I being filial to you. What are you complaining about?" Yao Weimin, like Yao Deyi, had a pair of big, round, bull-like eyes that were quite intimidating when he glared at them.

"You little brat, I'm just worried about you! How many clothes have you ever washed since you were a child? Do whatever you want, do you think washing clothes in winter is fun?" Li Chunying was so angry that her heart ached.

“You’re the eldest sister, you should set an example for us. You don’t do any work, so why are you making your younger siblings do it? Mom is getting old and works hard at home every day. When you come home, you don’t even offer to help her.” Yao Fangyuan pouted. Anyway, Yao Weimin wouldn’t be making any money, and the eldest sister wouldn’t be shirking her responsibilities.

Yao Weimin slammed down her chopsticks. "You think you're so great? I've been working so hard and you haven't helped at all. It's all because of you! You're the only one in the family who does nothing but spout nonsense all day. You're lazy, greedy, and always complaining. You're either jealous or trying to outdo others. I don't even want to talk to you. I think you're just bored. Mom, you're just spoiling me. How can someone like you ever get married? Who would want you? You said I'm working so hard? From now on, you'll cook and help me out."

Yao Fangyuan was hit where it hurt, tears welled up in her eyes, and she trembled with anger. She pointed at Yao Weimin hatefully, "You, you're something else! What are you so smug about? Your job was paid for by the family, and you've spent all our savings. You don't like me staying at home, so you should find me a job, or at least give me yours. I'll even give you thirty-five yuan a month! You've taken all the benefits from our family, and now you're so high and mighty because you have this crappy job. If my older brother weren't away, you wouldn't have a chance to talk to me like that! You even dare to order me around to cook! What are you going to do with paying me?" She remembered how much better her older brother was when they were little. He was always the most diligent and always indulged and pampered her, much better than Yao Weimin.

"Alright! Shut up, all of you! You can't even eat in peace. Chairman Mao said that labor is the most glorious thing. From now on, you'll all be working for me at home. Don't always rely on your mother." Yao Deyi was drunk and his speech was a bit slurred. He glanced at his eldest daughter, "Don't learn those fancy things. Be natural, frugal, and simple. No pain, no gain. People should be honest and down-to-earth. Good people are rewarded."

"Alright, alright, you think you're all that after a few drinks? You're always drunk and out of control, you've bankrupted our family! How could I have been so blind to marry you? If you get drunk again in front of our relatives this New Year, I'll throw you out the yard!" What a load of rubbish about hardship! Who wants to suffer? We're all forced into it. He has the good life but doesn't enjoy it, forcing others to suffer—he's insane. Forget the children, even Li Chunying couldn't stand Yao Deyi's constant ramblings about goodness and beauty, his nonsense about morality and righteousness. He can't even live a proper life himself, always pretending to be a hypocritical good person, thinking he can get money for being praised.

Yao Fanghua simply let it go in one ear and out the other. In this life, with limited resources, the right thing to do is to avoid hardship and suffering, and not make things difficult for oneself. Eat what you want, buy what you want, and maintain a cheerful and open-minded attitude.

The meal was unpleasant for most of the people at the table.

Yao Weimin didn't care about any of that. After eating and washing the dishes, he happily went to the yard to wash clothes.

Yao Fanghua took a book and a small stool to sunbathe in the yard.

Yao Fanghua was reading and sunbathing, while Yao Weimin was washing clothes nearby.

Grandpa Yao was sunbathing on a recliner on the steps of the main house, listening to the radio, and said with a smile, "Weimin has grown up and knows how to work now."

"Grandpa, I'm all grown up now."

"Grandpa, do you have any clothes that need washing? Bring them out so Weimin can wash them together." Yao Fanghua turned her head and mouthed "one" to Yao Weimin.

Yao Weimin's eyes lit up. "Sir, hurry up, where are your dirty clothes? Give them all to me."

"No need, Grandpa's clothes are all washed clean. If Grandpa can't wash them anymore someday, then we'll have to trouble my grandson."

"Look what Grandpa said, I'll make sure you get a wash, it's free!"

Grandpa Yao laughed heartily.

"Grandpa, turn up the volume on your radio so I can listen too." He listened to it while doing laundry and thought it was pretty good. When he has money in the future, he will buy one too, just to listen to music. He loves listening to music, or even opera.

A series of bells rang at the door, and Wu Peng rode his bicycle in.

Grandpa Yao's expression darkened when he saw Wu Peng. The boy had his eye on his gold watch and kept trying to persuade him to sell it. What was even more infuriating was that Yao Fangfang was always siding with outsiders and her eyes would light up whenever she saw Wu Peng.

"Grandpa Yao, sunbathing? I brought you a bag of sponge cakes, they're so soft and perfect for you." Wu Peng parked the car and headed straight for Grandpa Yao. "Wow, did the sun rise in the west today? Weimin's been quite diligent today." Upon closer inspection, he noticed the clothes inside were all women's clothes—his sister's clothes! Yao Fanghua's quite something, getting her own brother to do her laundry right after she got back. He gave Yao Fanghua a half-smile.

"Brother Peng," Yao Weimin called out respectfully. When they were kids, Wu Peng was the ringleader of the neighborhood; anyone who dared to defy him was often beaten up by him. Yao Weimin used to follow Wu Peng around like a shadow. Four years ago, Wu Peng was sentenced to four years for speculation and had just been released. Yao's mother had repeatedly warned him that if he dared to associate with Wu Peng, she would break his legs. Yao himself was a bit of a coward, always thinking that people released from prison were vicious and ruthless, and he didn't dare to get involved with them.

"Grandpa Yao, if you ask me, there's no use keeping that watch of yours. It's broken, so you might as well sell it. We can discuss the price." After getting out of prison, he obtained a certificate and started collecting scrap metal, openly and legally going door-to-door. These days, everyone's running small businesses, so collecting scrap metal isn't a big deal for him. After four years in jail, he's become more cautious. He not only studied all the national laws but also listened to the news and read newspapers daily to stay up-to-date with policies. He tries to make money without crossing the line, but of course, he'll still try to exploit any loopholes he can. As the saying goes, the bold get rich.

Upon hearing the word "watch," Yao Fanghua's ears twitched. "Grandpa, is your watch broken? Is it that pocket watch?" She then looked at Wu Peng. Was this kid someone who came to collect things? Actually, she wanted to do that too; it was a lucrative business.

Grandpa Yao's most treasured possession is that pocket watch, which he has owned for many years. It is said that he bought it when he married Grandma Yao.

"Hmm, the needle isn't moving. It's my fault for not taking good care of it."

Yao Fanghua went back into the house to get her toolbox. "Grandpa, give me the watch, I'll see if I can fix it."

Grandpa Yao hesitated for a moment, then handed the watch in his pocket to Yao Fanghua. "If it can be repaired, then repair it. If it can't be repaired, then it's okay. Grandpa just wants to keep it as a keepsake."

“Okay.” Yao Fanghua moved a small table, spread a soft cloth on it, took out her tools, and quickly opened the pocket watch, disassembling each of the small parts one by one.

Wu Peng and Yao Weimin both gathered around.

Wu Peng felt that those long, slender, and nimble hands shimmered beautifully in the sunlight. His eyes lit up.

Before she could take her eyes off the watch, Yao Fanghua fastened the dial back on.

"There's nothing seriously wrong." The lubricating oil in the movement had deteriorated, so it was cleaned and re-oiled.

After repairing the pocket watch, Yao Fanghua raised her hand to reveal her own wristwatch, checked the time, adjusted the pocket watch, and returned it to the old man.

"All done?" Grandpa Yao happily took it, put on his reading glasses, and looked at it. It really was all done. "My Hua Hua was born for this. If it were in the past," he thought, "it's a pity he was born at the wrong time. If it were in the past, with a good master, he would definitely have a bright future. He would definitely be able to open a repair shop and become a boss."

Grandpa Yao got up and went back into the house. He took ten yuan and insisted on giving it to Yao Fanghua.

"No, Grandpa, you keep it for yourself."

Grandpa Yao stuffed it directly into Yao Fanghua's pocket, saying, "Take it, you must take it. This is what you deserve. Why won't you take it? Are you stupid?"

Yao Weimin was dumbfounded. He had washed the dishes, swept the floor, and spent half a day washing clothes, and he only earned seven yuan. His sister, on the other hand, did just a few simple tasks and earned ten yuan?!

Yao Weimin looked at his grandfather with resentment. He always said he had no money, but this time he gave him ten yuan.

Grandpa Yao didn't have much money, but he had two gold bars and a bag of silver dollars hidden away, so he was confident. He would occasionally take out some money to give these younger generations a warning, so they wouldn't be unfilial and cause him trouble.

Grandpa Yao chuckled as he fumbled for his pocket watch, then returned to his recliner to continue sunbathing. This young man surnamed Wu wouldn't be able to bother him anymore. He could fall asleep to the ticking of the clock again that night. Even the radio soundsed more pleasant now. He even grabbed a piece of sponge cake to eat; it tasted especially sweet today. It was a token of his juniors' affection, a gift of respect—why not take it?

Wu Peng's eyes flickered. Now he wasn't bothered by the old man anymore; he'd be pestering Yao Fanghua instead. His family had a collection of seemingly junk items that could be repaired and sold for money. His partner, Old Liu, was difficult to talk to, had a bad temper, and, more importantly, demanded high prices while lacking technical skills. Wu Peng had long wanted to thoroughly humiliate that old man. He didn't want to work with him at all unless absolutely necessary.

He tried to fix it, but damn it, his hands were too rough for such delicate work. He couldn't figure out the principles behind it either; he hadn't even graduated from junior high school, as if he should have studied for a few more years.

Wu Peng leaned closer to Yao Fanghua and lowered his voice, "Huahua, can you fix my watch too? It'll cost ten yuan to fix it."

Yao Fanghua lifted her eyelids and whispered, "It depends on the situation. The price varies, but it's at least ten yuan, with no upper limit."

Hearing that there was no upper limit, Yao Weimin swallowed hard. No wonder his sister was rich. The way she checked her watch just now was so cool, and that watch was so beautiful! He wanted a watch too, so he started saving money today. He wouldn't go playing cards with Zhong Ge again, no matter what. If he saved five yuan a day, that would be one hundred and fifty yuan a month.

Wu Peng's eyelids twitched violently at the mention of "no upper limit." He hadn't spent much money collecting it; if the repairs were expensive, he wouldn't make any profit. Wasn't this guy even more greedy than Old Liu?!

Yao Fanghua: "We can look at the items first, and I'll give you a quote. If you think it's too expensive, you don't have to repair it." She was just thinking about how to start a repair business here when Wu Peng came to her door, which was perfect. "It's not limited to watches; radios, sewing machines, and televisions are all fine too."

Wu Peng was very interested; it was better than burying himself in his studies and research on his own.

Coincidentally, he found Yao Fanghua pleasing to the eye from every angle. "Come on, let's go to my place. It's peaceful there."

Indeed, there are many people and eyes around here, making it easy for things to go wrong. It's inevitable that people will be jealous of her making money, "Well, that's fine too."

"Weimin, hurry up and wash the clothes. Come with me, I'll give you a running fee."

Upon hearing the word "money," Yao Weimin became incredibly enthusiastic. He didn't even mind that the water was cold; he simply turned on the tap and rinsed his clothes.