Qiao Xiaomai left, with Tong Tiehu watching her retreating figure. He raised his hand to strike the big bell again. When the voices subsided, he announced, "The shop is now open. If you're not busy, folks, go have a look!"
"Alright, off you go!"
The crowd dispersed. Tong Tiehu and the Zhang Family made their way to their newly built house.
Some villagers followed them.
New things were few in the village, so aside from the Jiang Family's pork shop, the addition of a sundry goods' shop was worth a visit.
Upon reaching the new Tong residence, Tong Xingda, seeing the crowd approaching, began to set off firecrackers.
After the crackling firecrackers had finished, the children ran to grab any failed ones, while the adults poured into the house.
The room was simple, with two large jars filled with vinegar in the corner.
A counter made from three long tables was placed in the middle. On it, several large baskets of sprouts and maltose were displayed.
