After fleeing the famine, my older sister and I married the brother next door.

Chen Xiaohe agreed and quickly returned with a wooden tray. On it were four golden-brown, crispy sesame seed flatbreads sprinkled with sesame seeds, and four bowls of steaming hot mutton offal soup topped with bright green cilantro. The rich aroma of the mutton soup mingled with the wheat fragrance of the flatbreads, whetting everyone's appetite. Taking advantage of a break at the back of the stall, the four of them, without a second thought, picked up their rough earthenware bowls, blew on them, and drank the piping hot, delicious mutton soup. The warmth slid down their throats into their stomachs, quickly spreading to their limbs. Their fingers and toes, which had been stiff from the cold, slowly regained feeling, and even a fine layer of sweat appeared on their foreheads. After finishing a hot flatbread, they felt even more content and satisfied.

"This mutton soup tastes just right! It warms me up so much." Su Xiaoqing sighed contentedly, her cheeks flushed from the steam.

The group was eating, discussing packing up their stall when the crowd thinned out; they'd had a good day and should head home early. Just then, an elderly man with a dark felt hat, a slightly worn but thick cotton robe, a thin face, and a short, gray beard, walked slowly to the stall, his hands behind his back. His sharp eyes scanned the bamboo and wooden items on display before finally settling on a lightweight baby stroller that had sold out yesterday but had been restocked that day, carefully examining its mortise and tenon joints and the craftsmanship of its finish.

Seeing this, Chen Dashan put down his bowl, wiped his mouth with his sleeve, and stepped forward to politely ask, "Sir, what would you like to order? This stroller is lightweight and sturdy, and it's convenient for families with young children."

The old man looked up at Chen Dashan, his eyes scrutinizing him, and asked, "Young man, did you make this stroller?"

"Yes, I typed it myself," Chen Dashan replied calmly.

"Hmm," the old man nodded, tapping his knuckles on the stroller's armrest, listening to the sound, and then touching the edges. "The workmanship is solid, the mortise and tenon joints fit perfectly, and the edges are smoothly polished, not rough at all. It's quite interesting." He paused, then directly stated his purpose, "I bought one from your stall yesterday and showed it to my old friend who just had a grandson. He praised it highly. I came today to ask if you could make furniture with your skills?"

Chen Dashan's heart skipped a beat, but his face remained calm: "Replying to you, sir, I can also make furniture. However, I mostly make the styles commonly used by farming families, emphasizing sturdiness and durability, such as kang cabinets, tables and chairs, and chests. I am not skilled enough to make those intricate carvings and woodwork."

"What I need is something sturdy and durable!" The old man seemed quite satisfied with Chen Dashan's honesty. "Those fancy things are all show and no substance, and ridiculously expensive! I'm from West Street in town, my surname is Han. My second son is getting married, and we need to get a new set of furniture for the main house. I've looked at several carpentry shops, but they're either too expensive or the workmanship is shoddy; none of them are to my liking. After seeing your baby carriage, I think you're a meticulous young man, and the materials you use must be solid."

He hesitated for a moment, then made his decision: "Here's the deal: I'll order a large camphor wood chest from you first, the best material and the sturdiest workmanship. You'll handle both the materials and labor, and give me a fair price. Consider this chest a 'trial run,' and I'll pay a deposit. I'll come back in half a month to check. If the craftsmanship is as satisfactory as this baby carriage, I'll pay the balance for the chest, and you can also make the remaining bed, cabinet, table, and chairs, with the labor and materials costs calculated separately. If it's not satisfactory, I'll pay the balance, take the chest, and we'll be even. What do you say?"

This was undoubtedly an opportunity, but also a test. Chen Dashan quickly calculated in his mind the market price of camphor wood, the labor time, and the potential for a large order from the other party. He looked up, his gaze sincere: "I'm honored that you think so highly of me, Master Han. The camphor wood chest, including both materials and labor, will be priced at one tael of silver. You can pay a deposit of five hundred cash first, and then inspect the goods in half a month. If you are satisfied, you can pay the remaining five hundred cash. Does that seem reasonable to you?"

This price is much fairer than the carpenter's shop in town. A glint of light flashed in Old Han's eyes, and he readily pulled out an old money pouch from his pocket, counting out five hundred coins: "Alright! It'll be done as you say. Half a month from now, at this same time, I'll come and see the goods. Young man, do a good job. I have a discerning eye, but I'll never shortchange genuine craftsmanship." He left the deposit, carefully reiterating his general requirements for the box's size and style (it had to be heavy, have brass clasps, and be divided into two compartments), before slowly strolling away with his hands behind his back.

Clutching the heavy five hundred cash deposit in his hand, Chen Dashan took a deep breath of the cool, exhilarating air. Chen Xiaohe excitedly leaned over and whispered, "Brother! A customer from town! And the lead-up to a big order!"

Su Xiaoyin and Su Xiaoqing also showed joy. This was not only a deposit, but also an affirmation of their skills and a possibility for a wider world.