Chapter 23: Educated Youth Abandoning Their Wives and Children
Huaizhi said that we shouldn't act too easygoing in public.
Otherwise, people will think you're easy to talk to and will keep bothering you.
Some people think it's okay, while others think it's too expensive.
However, people who can't actually afford it won't come to eat, that's what Huaizhi told her.
"3.5 is still too expensive. A meal costs 70 cents."
"Yes, meat is only one yuan per pound now."
Chen Chunya had already finished speaking: "Sisters, I'm here to make money, not to do charity. If you think it's too expensive or you feel bad for the kids eating cold food, that's your choice. After all, I also have the costs of coal, oil, salt, soy sauce, vinegar, vegetables, and meat."
"The most important thing is that you don't want food coupons! You can't expect me to work for your kids for free, can you? That's not fair!"
"I'll be leaving now. I'll pay for next week's meals this week, and so on. No credit allowed, and I can't pay for next week's meals on Friday next week."
Chen Chunya finished speaking in one breath, and everyone frowned after listening.
Why is that?
Chen Chunya spread her hands: "I can buy groceries because you give me money. You don't have to worry about me running away. The address is on the package. My husband is studying at Capital Normal University."
"The main concern is that if there are too many people, I'm worried about what will happen if you eat and don't pay?"
"Oh no! How could this happen!"
"Exactly, they're really obsessed with money."
"By the way, I can only accept a maximum of 12 children this week, first come, first served, since there are only 12 seats available for now." Chen Chunya saw that the few people who hadn't spoken yet must be interested.
Chen Chunya left after saying that, saying he would come back in the afternoon.
Even after she left, the parents at the school gate were still discussing it.
When she reached the alley entrance, she leaned against the wall and touched her chest. It was the first time so many people had been watching her and talking to her.
Just like the village chief before.
That's really scary.
"Chen Chunya, you're amazing!"
"Hey, what do you guys think? Is it reliable?" The people on this side wanted to gauge the other parents' opinions.
"I don't know either. They're asking for money before we've even eaten. What if they run away?"
"Hey girl, I noticed you haven't said anything. What do you think?" The one who spoke was the one who had complained that 3.5 was too expensive.
“I think we can give it a try. After all, it’s not good for the child to eat cold food all the time. I’m worried that he might get a stomachache when the weather gets hot.”
Everyone nodded in agreement.
"I think so too. The main thing is that she said her husband is a college student. When he's home, can he ask her questions?"
Everyone's eyes lit up when they heard this.
~
“Huaizhi, nine people are coming to eat at the after-school care center next week, and they are all 31.5 years old now.”
Chen Chunya was at home counting money and had even written down the names of each child in a small notebook.
Seeing Ji Huaizhi return, she jumped up and down on him with joy.
"Wow, that's amazing! But can so many people handle it?" Ji Huaizhi thought it was feasible from the start.
Chen Chunya clapped his hands while holding the money: "At first I said 12 people, but now many people are still observing. If we do well next week, there should be more people."
"But it's still pretty good. It's 31 yuan."
Chen Chunya smiled happily.
Xiao Tian was doing his homework inside when he peeked out.
“I earned this much in just one week. I’m going to write home and tell them the good news that I’m making money in the city.”
Chen Chunya began to hum a song.
Ji Huaizhi put down his things and came over to her, saying, "This isn't your profit. You have to deduct all costs and see how much is left. That's your profit."
"It's best to buy vegetables in the surrounding countryside, as they're cheaper and there's more of them there. I'll go with you on Sunday morning."
"Don't underestimate these kids; they probably have big appetites."
"When those kids get a little older, the price will go up. Just think, if a half-grown boy eats his father out of house and home, he'll be no match for his parents. I heard from my grandma that her grandson can eat more than a pound of rice in one meal."
Hearing his words, Chen Chunya nodded: "Okay, I understand."
"I'm best at cooking in a way that saves money. I'll make sure they're well-fed and I can even make a profit!"
Ji Huaizhi pinched her cheek.
“You just said that there are a total of 9 children coming to eat next week, but some parents may let those children who haven’t paid come to eat, saying that they will pay on Friday after they finish eating. You must not give them food then.”
"No matter how pitiful they are, we can't agree. Otherwise, we'll offend those who give us money first, and their parents will take advantage of us."
Ji Huaizhi looked into the inner room: "Also, these children cannot be allowed into our inner room. Put away all valuables."
Looking at the money in her hand, he said, "From now on, we won't keep cash at home. Just keep some loose change. I'll open a savings account for you."
"Just leave it with you and deposit it whenever you have time." Chen Chunya didn't mind who kept the money.
After all, they're a couple, and Xiaotian will be their partner from now on.
Chen Chunya wrote them down one by one.
Actually, Ji Huaizhi will also be back on Monday, the first day after Chen Chunya's arrival.
There might be other parents coming to visit, so she was worried that Chun Ya wouldn't be able to handle it.
On Monday, Chun Ya made a hand-pulled noodle dish using a mixture of refined grains and sorghum flour, while Shao Zi made stir-fried eggs with chili peppers and stewed eggplant with green beans.
When Xiao Tian returned with his group, Chun Ya wiped her hands and came out to greet them: "You're here? Come and wash your hands and get your lunchboxes. We're having noodles today."
These children weren't as noisy as I had imagined.
The main reason was that the children were unfamiliar with the place and were a bit reserved since it was their first time in this strange place.
However, as soon as they came in, they smelled the delicious aroma of food.
The children are already drooling.
When Chun Ya counted their heads, she found that there were actually 13 people in total, including Xiao Tian. Huai Zhi was right after all.
"I remember there were only nine people who paid for the meals. Who are the other three?" Chen Chunya asked gently.
The children looked at each other.
Nobody knows who hasn't paid the fee.
Chen Chunya had no choice but to take out his notebook: "Now, when I call your name, please stand to my right."
"Liu Jianguo".
"Zhang Guowei".
"Lin Hongxia..."
The three little boys in front of Chen Chunya said, "Your families didn't pay for your meals, so I didn't cook for you today."
"You guys should hurry back to school and find something to eat."
Chen Chunya said calmly, without giving the child a hard time.
"Auntie, our mom told us to come eat. My brother and I are so hungry."
Chen Chunya turned her head and said, "Auntie made it very clear that your mothers didn't give any money." Pointing to the children next to her, she added, "They all came because their families gave them money."
The little boy pursed his lips: "But we didn't eat breakfast."
Another child chimed in, "Yeah, Mom told me to come here for lunch, and she even gave me breakfast."
Chen Chunya laughed in exasperation.
"That has nothing to do with my mother!" Ji Xiaotian stepped forward: "It's your mother who doesn't care about you. You're not my mother's children!"
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