Although Deng Cuixiang wasn't very quick-witted, she was diligent with her hands and feet.
Every time she went out on her tricycle, she would have four or five small jars on it, each containing a different kind of pickled vegetable.
Crisp radish strips, tangy and spicy Jerusalem artichokes, rich and flavorful green beans, crunchy cucumber peel, and the newly invented pickled bamboo shoots.
Following Zhou Qiqi's advice, she specifically chose to set up her stall near the entrances of factory dormitories or university dormitories where there were many single men.
The produce is fresh, tastes great, and is reasonably priced. Every time I set up my stall, those few jars of vegetables always sell out completely.
Business was booming and the demand was increasing, but problems arose.
With so many bottles and jars, the bumpy ride on the road meant that either one jar would chip or the juice from another would spill out and cover the ground, making it a hassle to clean up.
Deng Cuixiang was always heartbroken.
Zhou Qiqi noticed her distress and kept thinking about how to help her solve it.
A couple of days ago, when I went to the municipal party committee compound to deliver some documents, I overheard people chatting in the office.
They say the city is going to respond to the new policy from above and build a new, formal farmers' market in the heart of G City's busiest residential area. They're about to start soliciting bids!
Zhou Qiqi's eyes lit up; this was an opportunity tailor-made for Deng Cuixiang!
She immediately went to Deng Cuixiang and told her about it.
"Rent a permanent stall?"
Deng Cuixiang's eyes lit up, but then she hesitated, "This...is it going to work? The rent there probably isn't cheap, is it?"
"It's definitely better than you pushing that cart in the wind and sun, with the jars constantly breaking!"
Zhou Qiqi said confidently.
"If we have a fixed spot, the jars will be securely placed, and customers will find them easily. Let's go take a look first; seeing is believing!"
Deng Cuixiang was persuaded, which is why she asked Zhou Qiqi and Zhu Yingying to accompany her to the market today.
The market is built on a vacant lot surrounded by residential buildings, a truly excellent location.
Rows of brand-new cement countertops stood there, with awnings overhead to provide shade and shelter from the rain. Quite a few people were already wandering around inside, asking questions.
An atmosphere of both excitement and uncertainty filled the air.
Wow, there are a lot of people!
Looking at the bustling crowd, Deng Cuixiang felt a little more at ease.
They went to the management office and inquired carefully about the stalls.
Even a stall in a mediocre location costs 150 yuan a year in rent;
If the location is good and it comes with a small storage room, it will cost 250 yuan a year.
The price left many onlookers speechless and sparked much discussion:
"One hundred and fifty a year? Goodness, that's three months' salary for me!"
"The policy has just been released, who knows how long it will last? What if it changes again in a couple of months? Wouldn't all this money be wasted?"
"Yes, yes, it's too expensive. Let me look around some more, let me look around some more..."
Deng Cuixiang had already found a place with a warehouse, but listening to the discussions around her, she began to have doubts.
Although she made some money selling pickles, it was all low profit margins and high volume, and the time was short, so her savings were not much. Taking out 250 yuan all at once was a huge burden.
Zhou Qiqi, however, saw further ahead.
She led him to the shop and pointed to the dense residential buildings and crowds around it.
"Sister Cuixiang, look at this location! It's easily accessible from all directions! I guarantee that this market will become the most prosperous vegetable market in G City! The rent may seem expensive now, but it will definitely increase exponentially in the future! You won't find another opportunity like this!"
She paused, looked into Deng Cuixiang's eyes, and said earnestly.
"As for the money, don't worry. I'll pay for the stall, and you don't need to pay it back. Consider it my investment in your pickle business! You can just share the profits later. Besides, I suggest you rent it for a longer term, five or ten years would be best! Trust me, it'll definitely be worthwhile in the long run!"
"Qiqi, this...this is too much..."
Deng Cuixiang was both moved and apprehensive.
Zhu Yingying smiled and took Deng Cuixiang's arm.
“Qiqi is right, this place is really good. Here’s what we’ll do: Qiqi’s share is her investment, and I’ll contribute too! I’ll become a shareholder! Sister Cuixiang, you just focus on making your pickles, and Qiqi and I will be your shareholders. Let’s work together as sisters to make this pickle stall a top-notch brand!”
Looking at her two good friends who were genuinely helping her, Deng Cuixiang's eyes reddened, and she nodded vigorously.
"Okay! Good sister! I, Deng Cuixiang, will remember this kindness! I will definitely settle this score. If we make any money, we'll split it among the three of us!"
A fighting spirit burned fiercely in her heart.
With financial support, Deng Cuixiang was full of confidence. With Zhou Qiqi's advice, she decisively signed a lease for the excellent shop with a small warehouse, and rented it for ten years straight!
Zhou Qiqi and Zhu Yingying each contributed 1,200 yuan.
Touching the contract, Deng Cuixiang seemed to already see her own pickle jars neatly arranged on her clean and bright stall, with customers lining up everywhere.
With Deng Cuixiang's major concern resolved, good news also came from Zhu Yingying's side.
The next day was Monday, and Zhou Qiqi accompanied Zhu Yingying to the hospital for a follow-up examination.
The doctor held the latest test results and smiled.
"Comrade Zhu Yingying, your polycystic ovary syndrome has improved significantly! All your hormone levels have dropped and are close to the normal range. If you continue with the treatment for a while longer, I think your chances of getting pregnant are very high!"
"Really? That's wonderful! Thank you, doctor!"
Zhu Yingying's voice trembled with excitement, and Zhou Qiqi was happy for her too.
The two then asked the doctor many more questions about precautions before leaving the consultation room in a relaxed mood.
As Zhou Qiqi reached the corner of the corridor, she paused slightly, her sharp gaze sweeping over the two figures arguing at the corner ahead.
This chapter is not finished, please click the next page to continue reading!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com