Since we manage to sell everything, we encounter several curious villagers on their way home for lunch. They cast furtive glances in our direction, clearly intrigued by our presence. I smiled and nodded in response to the friendly greetings thrown our way.
Amidst the crowd, I caught sight of the girl who had pushed Cree earlier. She shot me a venomous glare, clearly holding a grudge from our previous encounter. I couldn't help but stifle a chuckle, finding her reaction somewhat amusing.
Unfazed by her disdain, I continued on my way. A middle aged lady approaches me, her expression filled with curiosity and a hint of smugness.
"Oh you're the children who recently move in Old Wang's house right? I hear that you went to the docks to sell food, so how was it?
Before I could utter a word, she preemptively spoke, trying to offer some consolation.
"Dear, don't worry if your venture doesn't turn out as successful as you hoped," she said, her tone laced with a thinly veiled gloat. "Running a business isn't for everyone, you know. It's alright if you didn't sell anything. Seeing you return this early means you failed to sell"
I couldn't help but chuckle inwardly at her assumption. It seemed she was eager to witness our failure, and I couldn't resist playing along. With a calm smile, I replied, "Oh, thank you for your concern. It's true that running business is so hard."
She nodded, satisfaction evident on her face. "Well exactly! So why not give me some of your dishes so as not waste them right?" Shameless! I said to myself. How shameless this lady could be. On the first thought she like us to fail and now she wants to take advantage of us!
I maintained my composed demeanor, masking the bubbling excitement within me. "I'm so sorry Untie but we sold out!"
The lady's self-assured expression faltered, her gloating demeanor waning. I could see her tanned face visibly turning red. It seemed she had expected a different reaction from me. Nevertheless, she composed herself and replied, "Well, that's good. I need to get going first."
I nodded graciously, appreciating her 'well-meaning' words. "Thank you for your kind wishes. We'll continue to work hard!" She hurriedly went go.
Moments later, I heard Seeley and Cree burst out of laughter.
Cree, barely able to catch his breath between laughs, managed to respond, "Elder sister, you should've seen how embraced she was!"
Seeley chimed in, his laughter still contagious, "Yeah, you kept your cool so well, it was hilarious!"
I couldn't help but join in their infectious laughter.
"Oh, come on now," I replied, playfully swatting at Cree's arm. "You two were the ones who started it with your mischievous grins. I couldn't resist playing along!"
Cree's laughter subsided, and he looked at me with a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Well, it worked, didn't it? She didn't expect that response!"
Seeley nodded, still chuckling. "Yeah, she seemed taken aback. Maybe she learned a lesson not to underestimate us!"
"You know, guys, it seems like news of our little business venture at the docks has spread," I remarked, a playful smile tugging at the corners of my lips. "So, I have a feeling we might encounter more curious remarks from people passing by."
Seeley chuckled and nodded in agreement. "Yeah, Bal, we've already had our fair share of interesting encounters today. I wouldn't be surprised if we get even more attention."
Cree, his eyes wide with excitement, added, "But hey, isn't that what makes it fun? We're bringing something unique to the table, and people can't help but notice."
"You know, Cree, sometimes people tend to derive a strange satisfaction from witnessing others fail," I began, my voice filled with a mix of contemplation and understanding.
"It's not personal, really. It's just that when someone's life appears more challenging or miserable than their own, it somehow makes them feel better about their own circumstances."
Cree looked up at me, his young eyes full of curiosity. "But why is that, Elder sister? Shouldn't we be happy when others succeed?"
I chuckled, appreciating his innocence and genuine desire to understand. "In an ideal world, yes, we should celebrate each other's success. But people are complex creatures, and sometimes their own insecurities and struggles cloud their ability to rejoice in someone else's triumph."
Cree pondered for a moment, his brows furrowed in deep thought. "So, it's like they feel better about themselves when they see others struggling?"
I nodded, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Exactly, my dear brother. It's a human tendency to compare ourselves to others. When we see someone facing hardships or failing, it can give us a temporary sense of relief, as if we're not alone in our own struggles."
Cree sighed, his expression a mix of understanding and sadness. "But that's not fair, Elder sister. We should support and encourage each other instead of hoping for failure."
I couldn't agree more with Cree's sentiments. His young heart held an innate understanding of empathy and compassion.
"Maybe that's the reason they chase us out" Seeley quietly interject. I turn my attention at him and hug his arm gently showing my support.
He hesitated for a moment, then spoke softly, " Mybe our own relatives were bothered by the idea of us finding success and happiness because it would remind them of what they themselves have lost or missed out on."
I nodded, realizing the truth in his words. "Sometimes, seeing others thrive can act as a mirror reflecting our own shortcomings or unfulfilled aspirations. It can be uncomfortable for some people to witness the success they themselves long for."
Cree chimed in, his voice filled with empathy. "So, instead of supporting us, they tried to bring us down because they were jealous?"
I smiled warmly at Cree's understanding. "Jealousy can be a powerful emotion, my dear brother. It can cloud one's judgment and lead them to act in ways that are not always kind or fair. But we must remember that it's not our responsibility to fix their feelings of envy or bitterness. Our focus should remain on our own journey and finding happiness within ourselves."
Seeley nodded thoughtfully, his eyes shining with newfound clarity. "You're right, Bal. We shouldn't let their negativity affect us."
"We would take back everything Seeley. I promise you!"