After returning home for three days, Xichun and her friends reopened their stall today. They thought not many people would come, but to their surprise, there were quite a few. Everyone said they hadn't tasted this flavor for several days and really missed it.
Aunt Zhang was busy washing vegetables and dishes, and she was quite overwhelmed. Taozi was completely unable to spare any time, and Xichun also had to take care of the waiting diners. After a busy day, even Aunt Zhang, who often works in the fields, was rubbing her aching back.
“I think the three of us are really too busy. Why don’t we hire another person to help?” After returning home, Xichun slumped in a chair, not wanting to move. But when she thought about picking and washing vegetables later, she felt like she couldn’t even lift her hands.
"But it's getting hot soon. Our hot pot is fine when it's cold, but I'm worried that there won't be as many people when it gets hot." Aunt Zhang and the others have already changed into spring clothes and have completely taken off their cotton-padded coats.
“Yes, Sister Xichun, when the weather gets warmer, there might not be so many people. I think we should do it ourselves and save some money.” Taozi said like a little adult. He learned arithmetic from Xichun and often served customers, so he naturally knew that they earned their money through hard work.
"Don't worry, I have a new idea. Even in the summer, we'll have something decent to offer. While we need to make money, we also need to prioritize our health. I think we should hire another person."
Xi Chun had suffered enough from the exploitation of her company leaders in her previous life and did not want to become that kind of person, so she decided to ask someone for help.
"Then who should we invite?" Aunt Zhang knew that Xichun had made the decision, which proved that she had her own considerations, so she did not try to stop her.
“I think it would be better to hire someone from the village. At least the villagers know us well, which is worse than hiring someone from outside. And when they come, they will sleep in the same room as you, Aunt Zhang, and will be responsible for washing vegetables, dishes and other chores. I think it would be best to choose someone from a poor family in the village who really needs this job to earn money, but also someone with good character. I need you to help me think about this.”
“Xichun, you are a truly kind-hearted child. If the village knew about this, they would definitely be grateful to you. However, we have been busy and I haven’t had time to do this. I think it would be better to wait for the village chief to come and talk to him. The village chief knows the villagers better than we do.”
“That works too. I’ll ask the village chief later. It would be best to have a few options so we can choose one based on their specific circumstances.”
After finalizing the arrangements for hiring people, the three of them got busy. When the village chief arrived, Xichun shared his ideas with him.
"Alright, leave this to me. If there are any problems with the people you call, don't hesitate to tell me. Xichun, you've given them a chance. If they don't cherish it, then don't blame yourself." The village chief said happily after hearing this.
Although life in Taoyuan Village is better than in other villages, it is only relative. Compared to the town and county seat, it is even less impressive. There are many families in the village who are not doing well, especially those with many children and little land.
So when they learned that Xichun and her team were recruiting people and prioritizing those from the village, everyone rushed to the village chief's house to get to the bottom of it.
"Xichun said that what is needed is a woman who is quick and clean, and from a poor family. You can sign up now. I will select the best candidates and then inform Xichun. Xichun will choose one of you."
"So many procedures? We're all poor, and besides, we all stay home and cook. Who's really that much better off than whom? I think you're just using this as an excuse to get something for yourself, village chief."
"What are you talking about? I'm just stating Xichun's requests. Stop making trouble here. If you're not willing, you can naturally go back. Anyway, I know everyone's situation. Don't try to play the victim for me."
The village chief was naturally furious when he heard their words. It seemed that he had been too kind to the villagers, which had caused some people to become dissatisfied.
"Village chief, we're all willing, don't be angry." Seeing this, the others naturally tried to comfort the village chief.
Xi Chun was unaware of what was happening in the village. She only knew that a few days later, the village chief told Xi Chun about the few people he had selected and let her choose for herself.
Xichun ultimately chose Aunt He, who was quiet and taciturn in the village but efficient in her work. Aunt He's family was in poor condition; her husband had been injured by a wild animal in the mountains two years ago, losing both of his legs and now only able to move around the house with the help of two planks.
Aunt He's child is just over ten years old. He can help with the family and take care of himself and his disabled father. He is exactly the kind of person who needs this job.
When Aunt He learned that Xichun was going to hire her, she was very excited. After arriving in the city, she said that she would definitely work hard. Although the others were a little unhappy that they were not selected, they knew that Aunt He's family was indeed worse off than their own, so they did not complain about the village chief.
Aunt He is indeed a diligent person. Since she came, everyone else's work has become much easier. As soon as the guests leave, she runs over to help Taozi tidy up the tables and chairs and clean them up.
Xi Chun was also very satisfied with her insightful judgment. This job was suitable for a down-to-earth person; it would be better if someone was all talk and no action.
Fu Changfeng would come here for a meal every three to five days. Xi Chun also learned that he was the son of Fu, a landlord in the county town. Fu was a well-known good man in the surrounding villages. His family owned a lot of land and only charged 30% rent to the tenants in the vicinity. It was said that his family also had some businesses, so they naturally had no worries about food and clothing.
"Miss Chen, I've invited some friends over for lunch this afternoon, and I'd like to reserve a table with you in advance." Fu Changfeng said this as he passed by Xichun's stall.
“Alright, Young Master Fu, I’ll definitely arrange a good seat for you.” Xi Chun agreed with a smile.
Fu Changfeng was still studying at the academy. Fortunately, the academy also had day students. The scholars from the city would go home at night, and only those scholars who lived far away would stay overnight.
"Do you like that Miss Chen? I've seen you going to her stall to eat all the time. You're a young master of the Fu family, when did you start liking a little girl who runs a business?"
Accompanying Fu Changfeng was his classmate and next-door neighbor, Zhao Yuping, who joked about his appearance.
"What are you thinking? It's because the food at their stall is delicious. Otherwise, I wouldn't go there so often. Come on, come on, if we eat there, the teacher will make us stand in the corner as punishment." Both of them were the worst students in the class, but one was a real worst student, and the other was a fake worst student who didn't want to study.
"I knew it! Why do you always have to greet people every time you see them? You don't seem like a dashing scholar at all." The two joked as they ran.
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