Cree and I took our positions, ready to promote our new dish. With a mischievous twinkle in my eye, I started shouting, trying to grab the attention of passersby.
"Step right up, ladies and gentlemen! Behold, the miraculous pickled fish, a taste that will transport you to gastronomic heaven! You won't believe the explosion of flavors in every bite!"
Cree, not one to be outdone, jumped in with his enthusiastic voice. "And over here, folks, we have the incredible sugar-filled flatbread, the perfect balance of sweetness and chewiness! It's like a party in your mouth!"
We both laughed, enjoying the lively banter as we vied for the attention of potential customers.
"Come on, don't be shy! Try our pickled fish, and your taste buds will thank you forever!" I continued, raising my voice to cut through the bustling noise of the market.
Cree chimed in, showcasing his charisma. "And don't forget about the fufu, folks! It's the fuel that will keep you going all day long! Don't miss out on this energy-packed delight!"
People passing by couldn't help but be drawn to our spirited marketing. Some stopped to inquire about the pickled fish, intrigued by its unique flavor combination, while others curiously eyed the sugar-filled flatbread.
People began to gather, forming a line in front of our makeshift stall. As the line grew longer, I found myself juggling conversations with multiple customers while Seeley efficiently handled the transactions, his small fingers swiftly counting the coins.
The hours flew by, and by the time the morning sun reached its peak, our baskets were nearly empty. We only have 2 remaining packets of pickled fish so I plan to take it home when, I saw Merchant Shi eagerly following an old man clad with brown robe.
I watched as Merchant Shi approached the old scholar with his persuasive arguments and charming smile. From what I heard he is on a mission to convince the old man to enroll his son in his esteemed class.
Merchant Shi began with a polite bow, trying to appeal to the old man's sense of wisdom. "Respected sir," he said, "I believe that my son possesses great potential and would greatly benefit from your class. I assure you, it will be a transformative experience for him."
The old scholar, with a look of disdain, scoffed at the merchant's words. "Transformative experience, you say? I've heard enough empty promises in my lifetime. Your son's education will not be determined by your whims and fancies."
Merchant Shi, undeterred by the old man's snobbish snort, tried to maintain his composure. "But sir, your class offers unparalleled knowledge and opportunities. It will open doors for my son and shape his future."
The old man raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. "Do you truly believe that my class holds the key to my son's success? Education is not merely about attending fancy classes; it is about nurturing curiosity, discipline, and a thirst for knowledge. Your grand claims mean nothing if they cannot instill those values."
Merchant Shi faltered for a moment but he quickly regained his confidence and replied, "Sir, I understand your skepticism that with a right environment only can a young minds can flourish, where critical thinking and creativity are nurtured."
The old scholar chuckled dismissively. "Flourishing minds, you say? Your son's intellect will flourish under the guidance of capable teachers and through his own dedication. There is no need for me and besides my class are full."
Merchant Shi's shoulders drooped, realizing that his efforts were in vain. "I respect your decision, sir," he said, trying to hide his disappointment. "But should you ever reconsider, please let me know."
As Merchant Shi walked away, shoulders slumped, he seemed disheartened by the encounter. Sensing his disappointment, I decided to lighten the mood. "Looking for some comfort food, Merchant Shi?" I asked, flashing him a mischievous smile.
He looked at me with a glimmer of hope in his eyes. "Do you have any braised meat left?" he inquired, trying to hide his eagerness.
I couldn't resist teasing him a bit. "Well, you see, Merchant Shi we don't have any braised meat today."
His face fell, and he let out a defeated sigh. "Ah, what a disappointment. I was really craving that braised meat."
I couldn't keep up the act any longer and burst into laughter. "But we do have another dish. Its pickled fish and flatbread with sugar filling, perhaps you would like to try?"
Relief washed over his face, and he chuckled along with me. "You had me there, Bellona! I'll take a generous portion, please. I need something to lift my spirits after that encounter with the old scholar."
I handed Merchant Shi the fragrant packet of pickled fish, and he eagerly dug in. "Delicious as always, Bellona!" he exclaimed between bites. "Pack all the remaining portion you have for me"
Unknow to me, the old scholar whom Merchant had converse earlier had come to our stall, accompanied by Cree. They both had mischievous grins on their faces, and I couldn't help but wonder what they were up to.
"Good day Miss, you're Bellona, right? Little Cree's elder sister?" the old scholar greeted me with a twinkle in his eyes. "I have brought along a young accomplice who insists on making amends."
I looked at Cree, who was trying his best to suppress a mischievous giggle. "Cree, what have you gotten yourself into this time?"
Cree couldn't contain his excitement any longer and blurted out, "I accidentally bumped into the old scholar earlier, and as an apology, I gave him half of my precious piyaya!"
I can only helplessly shrugged my shoulder.
The old scholar nodded, still holding the half of piyaya in his hand. "Indeed, your brother's heartfelt gesture touched my heart. He insisted that I accept this as a token of his apology."
I playfully scolded my little brother, "Cree, you're lucky that the old scholar is so forgiving. But next time, try not to bump into people, kay?"
Cree nodded, his face a mix of sheepishness and excitement. "I promise, Elder Sister!"
As the old scholar introduced himself as Scholar He and asks, "Do you happen to have any remaining flatbread? It is quite a delicacy."
I couldn't hide my disappointment as I replied, "I'm afraid we've recently run out of flatbread, Scholar He."
Scholar He's face fell slightly but before I could think of a solution, the ever-enthusiastic Merchant Shi butted in with a suggestion.
"Well, well, Scholar He, if you're in dire need of flatbread, why don't you take my portion? I insist," Merchant Shi exclaimed, a mischievous glint in his eyes.
I glanced at Merchant Shi, surprised by his sudden generosity. "Merchant Shi, are you sure about this? It's your portion, after all."
Merchant Shi grinned and waved off my concern. "Oh, no worries at all, Bellona! Scholar He here is a man of wisdom and intellect. It's only fair that he gets a taste of our delectable flatbread. Consider it a gift from me."
Scholar He looked at Merchant Shi in gratitude, his eyes twinkling with appreciation. "Merchant Shi, your kindness knows no bounds. I am truly grateful for your offer."
With a quick nod, Merchant Shi handed over his portion of flatbread to Scholar He.
As I handed out the last of the flatbread, I noticed Scholar He's eyes lighting up with sheer delight. It was as if the sight of those delectable treats had transported him to a realm of pure happiness. But being the dignified scholar that he was, he attempted to maintain his composure, but failing miserably in the process. As he did not even allow his servant to receive the flatbread and immediately grab them close to his chest, like protecting a priceless treasure.
I couldn't help but chuckle as I watched his failed attempt at restraint. "Oh, Scholar He, it seems my flatbread has won over your heart. I must say, it does have a magical effect on people."
Scholar He blushed slightly, his hands clasping the flatbread with affection. "Well, Bellona, your culinary skills have truly bewitched me. These flatbreads are simply divine!"
I grinned mischievously. "Ah, the power of food! It has the ability to melt hearts and bring joy to even the most stoic of scholars. Consider it my secret weapon."
Scholar He chuckled, unable to hide his delight any longer. "Indeed, your secret weapon has captured my taste buds and my heart." What a clever little lass! Its just a pity she was a girl, if she is a boy I could consider accepting 'him' to my class.
He slightly paused and the turn to fact Merchant Shi "In gratitude for this culinary delight, allow me to extend an offer. You can send your son to my class tomorrow for me to observe him but let me clear, whether I accept or not depend on him tomorrow."
Upon hearing Scholar He's agreement to let Merchant Shi's son attend his class, Merchant Shi couldn't contain his excitement. He jumped up and down like an overjoyed rabbit, expressing his gratitude in the most exuberant manner possible.
"Scholar He! Scholar He! You are truly a beacon of wisdom and generosity! Thank you, thank you, thank you!" Merchant Shi exclaimed, his voice overflowing with enthusiasm.
Scholar He chuckled at the merchant's enthusiastic display. "Merchant Shi, there's no need to thank me so profusely. It's my pleasure to offer this opportunity to your son. Education is a gift that should be accessible to all."
Merchant Shi continued to shower Scholar He with thanks, his gratitude pouring out like a waterfall. "I am forever indebted to you, Scholar He! You have bestowed upon my son a chance to learn and grow. May the heavens bless you abundantly!"
Unlike modern times when businessmen held power, in ancient time merchant have the lowest status, and so could Merchant Shi hope for other than making a legacy that would elevate their standing.
As Scholar He bid farewell and began to leave, Merchant Shi suddenly turned towards me, his face beaming with delight. "Bellona, my lucky star! This wouldn't have been possible without your amazing flatbread. Please, accept this as a token of my gratitude."
He handed me a gleaming gold ingot, and my eyes widened in surprise. "Merchant Shi, this is too generous! I cannot accept such a valuable gift." But I already give the old ingot to Seeley HAHAH. See if you can take it back now.
Merchant Shi waved away my protests with a jovial grin. "Nonsense, my dear Bellona! Consider it a small fortune for bringing good fortune into our lives. You are a true lucky star, and this is just a small token of my appreciation."
I couldn't help but laugh at his theatrics. "Well, Merchant Shi, I suppose I'll have to start calling myself the Lucky Star of the Marketplace. But truly, I have to congratulate you. Soon you'll have a scholar in your family. You must not forget me then Boss Shi!"
He winked playfully. "Oh, you do really have a sweet mouth, little lass. May your good fortune and delicious dishes never cease!"
And with that, we bid farewell to Merchant Shi, his gratefulness lingering in the air, and a shiny gold ingot in my hands. It was a funny and unexpected twist of fate, all thanks to a simple flatbread.
It looks like that Scholar He is a foodie and quite high in rank since Boss Shi eagerly waited for him like a puppy, can I bribe him with food so that I can also send all of my brothers to his class? I wonder if he would let us pay.
With a final round of thank-yous and farewells, we closed our stall for the day, ready to restock and prepare for tomorrow's market.
Cree and I exchanged a high-five, our faces beaming with accomplishment. "We did it, Elder Sister!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with excitement.
I chuckled, giving Cree a playful nudge. "Yes, we did, Cree! We made quite a show, didn't we?"
Seeley grinned, joining in our celebration. "You guys were amazing! Let's go home."