After hearing Xia Chunmei's calculation, Xia Hongfen felt that it made some sense.

but……

"From what I've heard, you're going to start raising all sorts of poultry. That must cost a lot of money, right? Chunmei, don't take such big steps. What if you lose money? That's not a small amount of money."

Xia Chunmei understood Xia Hongfen's concerns.

She lowered her voice and told Xia Hongfen, "The Jin family secretly gave me two gold bracelets today. Even if the business fails, I still have a way out. Aunt, you don't need to worry."

"Really?" Xia Hongfen's eyes widened, her joy overflowing.

He then whispered to Xia Chunmei, "Don't make a fuss. You've already attracted a lot of attention today with all the clothes and fabrics you received, as well as the only mule in the whole village."

"The matter of the gold bracelet must not be revealed to anyone, and the three younger children in the family must also be kept in the dark. They are young, and if someone coaxes them into revealing the truth, it will be a real problem."

"Don't worry, I won't tell them. When I make a lot of money in the future, I'll buy you a few gold bracelets so you can wear a different one every day."

"You even switch them up. Haha, you little rascal, you have such a sweet tongue. Let me tell you, your auntie takes your words seriously." Xia Hongfen's face lit up with a smile.

“It has to be true, Auntie. Just you wait and see. I’ll definitely buy you a gold bracelet for your birthday next year.”

Xia Chunmei still had this much confidence.

...

Last night, we were just talking about how business was going in the county town, and the next morning, Wang Dagui's sister, Wang Aiju, came over in an oxcart.

"Miss Xia, I've finally found you."

"Auntie, what brings you here? Please come in. Qiumei, pour some sweet soup for you." Xia Chunmei quickly invited her into the house.

Upon seeing Wang Aiju, Xia Chunmei knew that business must have come from the county town.

"I was planning to visit you this afternoon, but I didn't expect you to come looking for me..."

"It's my neighbors who are urging me to get things done. One is on the third day of the Lunar New Year, one is on the eighth, and one is on the ninth. Do you have time?"

"Do you have time? Have you negotiated the price with them yet?"

"It's settled, eight coins per table, they have no objections, but you'll have to arrange your own accommodation."

Sixty tables would cost 480 coins, and the cheapest inn would cost 88 coins a night.

Xia Chunmei's trip would require booking at least two rooms for four people, which would cost 136 coins. After deducting the wages of two people (60 coins) and the cost of entering and leaving the city (8 coins), Xia Chunmei would still earn 236 coins. However, since Wang Aiju was the middleman, Xia Chunmei couldn't let her go for free and had to give her a commission.

All told, Xia Chunmei can earn around 200 yuan per order, which already puts her in the high-income bracket.

“Okay, it’s settled then, ma’am. I’ll clear out these next few days and I won’t be taking any more orders. So when you get back, you’ll have to collect the deposit from them, one hundred from each.”

"Don't worry about that. As long as you make time for it, I'll collect the deposit when I get back."

The bookmaker is a businessman; they understand these rules.

"Auntie, we also accept banquets. As always, if a deal is struck, we'll give you half a percent commission for each order, plus six coins for transportation."

“Okay, I’ll contact them when I get back.” Wang Aiju was very excited. This business only required her to talk a little and didn’t cost her anything. If she did it well, her monthly income would probably surpass that of the tofu shop.

After Wang Aiju left, Xia Chunmei quickly prepared wood ash water, Qiu Mei took Yao Mei out to play, and Dong Mei went to Tian Cuiya's place to learn a craft. She was all alone at home, so she didn't have to worry about anyone finding out the secret of how soft and sweet the longevity peach buns were.