Fishing and Hunting 82, Starting with Three Sisters Who Overprotect Their Brothers

"Fourth brother, you can't do things that are deceitful."

After walking only a few steps, Zhang Fengxia grabbed her younger brother, her voice filled with urgency.

"Oh, where did you lie?"

Zhang Wenshan stopped in his tracks, somewhat puzzled.

"The second son doesn't live here, and he hasn't had any children. We're not here to deliver fish either." Zhang Fengxia counted on her fingers, item by item. "What if the authorities catch us?"

"???" Zhang Wenshan's lips curled up involuntarily as he listened.

People these days are so simple and honest, or rather, their reverence for the public is ingrained in their bones. No wonder people say that these days, as long as you're bold, you can find gold everywhere.

"It's a mutually agreeable transaction, what we say doesn't matter. We haven't broken the law, so it's none of the government's business."

"real?"

"When you go to the market, there are fewer vendors shouting, and how many of what they say is true?"

"That's true."

Zhang Fengxia was quick-witted and immediately understood. She nodded slightly, but her brows remained furrowed.

"The towns are different from the countryside; people there eat government-supplied grain."

"There's no difference. They also need to eat, they're careful with their money, and the government will arrest them if they break the law." Zhang Wenshan said calmly, trying his best to help his older sister break down her illusions.

In the future, I definitely can't do everything myself when selling things.

My older sister started weaving baskets to sell at the beginning of the year. Although she only managed to sell one, it was just that her method was flawed.

They can be nurtured properly.

Besides, there's no one else at home. How can I convince my parents to give up farming and go into business?

It's absolutely impossible right now.

"That's true." Zhang Fengxia scratched her head, the unease on her face fading slightly. Her gaze fell on the string of crucian carp, and her eyes lit up. "Shall I give it a try?"

"Okay!" Zhang Wenshan smiled and handed over the fish, then stopped in his tracks.

It's not that I intentionally wanted to see my older sister make a fool of herself, but some walls you have to hit yourself first.

"Get out, get out, I'm not buying."

"You dare ask for eight cents for something that costs three cents in the market? Does it even weigh two ounces?"

Before long, the sound of cursing and swearing came from the courtyard. Then Zhang Fengxia came out with the fish in her hand and fled in panic, her face flushed.

Seeing this, Zhang Wenshan covered his mouth and his shoulders kept shaking, feeling uncomfortable from holding it in.

"What are you laughing at? I said the same thing as you just said, why can't it be? There are other women in this family who have just given birth, too." Zhang Fengxia frowned and began to review the situation.

"Because of poverty, she was probably also a mean mother-in-law who didn't like her daughter-in-law."

Zhang Wenshan pointed it out with a smile.

"The auntie from the previous house washed very new clothes and swaddling clothes, which shows that she has money and is willing to spend it. But look at this house, who knows how many times it has been sold."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Fengxia immediately turned around and ran back to the large courtyard she had just been in.

He peeked through the crack in the door, then hurriedly ran back, his voice full of surprise.

"That's right, little brother, you're amazing."

"Keep an eye on you too." Zhang Wenshan continued walking with his older sister, slowing his pace and sharply scanning every courtyard gate they passed.

"His family seems wealthy, so it should be fine."

"His family is poor; you can tell they live frugally."

"Those two should be dating. You used to say that crucian carp is good for a girl's health..."

Along the way, he kept selecting potential customers and took the opportunity to teach the older sister various sales techniques and sales tricks.

Soon, only two small crucian carp remained out of the thirteen.

"One cent, five cents... eighty-two cents!"

Zhang Fengxia clutched the change in her palm, counted it three times over, and after confirming that it was correct, she couldn't help but jump up on the spot, like a child of about ten years old.

Fresh crucian carp costs three cents a pound in the market.

These two and a half pounds of fish actually sold for more than 80 cents!

"The workers in town only earn about thirty yuan a month. If we have more fish, aren't we the same?" Zhang Fengxia's voice trembled, and every word was filled with excitement.

"How about we do business together?"

"Yes, yes, you're the smartest, little brother. Let's hurry up and sell the remaining two."

"No rush, let's go to the state-run restaurant."

"Ah? You go ahead, I need to sell the fish, and get the food coupons..." Zhang Fengxia said, reaching into her pocket.

"We're going to do business together," Zhang Wenshan said without waiting for a reply, pulling his older sister forward.

He wasn't lying.

There is a moderate number of fine-scaled fish in the underground river northwest of Chishongtun (click to view the exact location)

Although there is only one piece of intelligence today, it is worth a fortune.

The presence of an underground river indicates that the area is sparsely populated, and the moderate number suggests that the fish are in large groups. Based on his understanding of the fine-scaled fish, this wave might just be enough to pay off his family's debts.

The only thing to consider is the sales channels.

The state-run restaurant had a small entrance, with a red plaque bearing the words "Serve the People" hanging on its dusty walls. Below it was a prominent notice.

"Customers must not be assaulted without cause."

The menu next to them listed more than ten dishes, which looked quite plentiful and the prices were reasonable. Eight cents was enough for the brother and sister to have a hearty meal.

"I... I'll wait for you outside!"

Zhang Fengxia's hard-won courage vanished again, and she couldn't move her feet.

Zhang Wenshan didn't say anything and just pushed the person inside.

It was just past nine in the morning, and the shop was deserted. The greasy tables and chairs were empty, and behind the window, a plump woman wearing a white apron was yawning.

"What do you want to eat?"

"Two bowls of stir-fried noodles, but no food coupons."

"Seven Mao... Hey Xiao Zhang, it's been a while since you've come."

The plump woman behind the glass looked up and immediately smiled.

"Of course, I've lost weight from starvation," Zhang Wenshan joked casually, making his older sister laugh.

"You're talking nonsense. Who is this comrade?"

"My sister."

"They really do look alike, each one is full of energy. Sit down for a bit, and the noodles will be ready soon."

Watching her younger brother chatting and laughing familiarly with the people at the state-run restaurant, Zhang Fengxia was so shocked that her mouth dropped open. She didn't come to her senses until she was pressed down onto a stool.

"Why do you seem so familiar with me?"

"I've been here a few times."

Zhang Wenshan touched his nose.

The original owner was an apprentice, receiving a monthly allowance of eighteen yuan. He never shortchanged himself and was a regular at the state-run restaurant. Plus, he was good-looking, so everyone had become familiar with him.

"Then...can I return one bowl? I'm not hungry." Zhang Fengxia realized that 35 cents a bowl of noodles was too expensive.

"If you can't get a refund, just eat it without worry. We'll earn the money again tomorrow," Zhang Wenshan patiently reassured him.

The eldest sister's reaction is a microcosm of the rest of the family.

They thrive in the village, but become intimidated in the town, filled with a sense of awe. To do business, they must overcome this barrier.

Before long, the plump woman came over carrying two large, rough porcelain bowls.

The alkaline noodles were rolled out with great elasticity, piling up to the rim of the bowl, while two pieces of golden, crispy fried pork cracklings were soaked in the soup.

The aroma wafted straight into my nose.

"Hey lady, wanna order some fish?"

Zhang Wenshan ignored the noodles on the table and silently blocked the fat woman's path.

"Do you think this state-run restaurant is my family's business?" The plump woman glanced at the two small crucian carp, making no attempt to hide her disgust.

"You've misunderstood," Zhang Wenshan said, stuffing two small crucian carp into the plump woman's hand. "These are for you to try."

Beside her, Zhang Fengxia, still immersed in the aroma of stir-fried noodles, shuddered.

Want to try something new?

Isn't that just giving it away for free?