TL: Etude
"Brother Hai, I've already sold five televisions!" Fang Aiguo exclaimed with a palm outstretched, dancing with excitement.
Chen Jianghai nodded calmly, continuing to stir-fry without stopping as he casually replied, "Hmm, not bad. Aim to sell off the remaining ones quickly too."
Seeing Chen's indifferent response, Fang Aiguo couldn't help but raise his voice to remind him, "Brother Hai, Brother Hai, we made money, a whole one thousand five hundred yuan!"
Chen Jianghai waved his hand dismissively, "I know, I know! Just over a thousand yuan, look at you, is it really worth such fuss?"
What a thing to say!
Just over a thousand... yuan?
Observing Chen Jianghai's expression, it was evident that he wasn't just putting on an act.
He genuinely wasn't concerned about the money!
Fang Aiguo was dumbfounded.
This was not at all what he had expected!
So he was the only one acting foolishly happy here.
Was he... just a monkey, then?
Chen Jianghai, without pausing his work, continued to inquire, "What prices did you sell them for?"
"They all went for three hundred each; the buyers came together this time, so I had to offer them the same price," Fang Aiguo said with a twist of his mouth, somewhat helpless at the lost opportunity to raise the price.
Chen Jianghai served the stir-fried pork strips into a plate and gave a thumbs up, "Nice work, Aiguo. I'm finding you to be quite the sales talent!"
"Heh, I thought you would think they were sold too cheaply, Brother Hai." Fang Aiguo paused for a moment, then scratched his head and chuckled sheepishly.
If Chen Jianghai didn't show some reaction soon, he was really going to start doubting his life choices.
Chen Jianghai patted his shoulder encouragingly, "Next time you encounter such a situation, make the call yourself. I've given you the base price and the authority to act. You need to be flexible and adapt to the actual circumstances."
The same old saying, it's better to teach a man to fish than to give him a fish.
To enable Fang Aiguo to stand on his own feet in the future, he must cultivate his own abilities.
Chen Jianghai had entrusted him with selling these second-hand appliances alone as a way to give him practice.
With enough effort, he wouldn't only earn money but also learn how to cater to customers, how to sell, laying the foundation for his future development.
"I get it, Brother Hai. Here's the money, please count it." Fang Aiguo took a stack of cash out of his pocket and placed it on the table.
Chen Jianghai didn't bother to count, simply pulling out three "Old Mao" notes and handed them over, "This is for you."
"Brother Hai, this isn't right, it's too much!" Fang Aiguo didn't take it.
Chen Jianghai simply laughed, "It's a reward for you, no more words, just take it."
"Well then, I won't be polite!" Fang Aiguo, his face beaming with joy, happily pocketed the money.
He felt that this kind of life, with a goal and enthusiasm, was exactly what he had always wanted.
Chen Jianghai, without much concern, slipped the rest of the money into his pocket without counting it.
Fang Aiguo couldn't help but say, "Brother Hai, you didn't count the money. Even among brothers, we should settle accounts clearly!"
"It's fine, I trust you."
Chen Jianghai said with a smile, and turned back to continue his cooking.
If he didn't trust Fang Aiguo, he wouldn't have entrusted him with this task in the first place.
Besides, with the friendship from a past life, Chen Jianghai was quite confident in Fang Aiguo's character.
Fang Aiguo then earnestly assured Chen Jianghai, "Brother Hai, thank you for trusting me so much, I will definitely do my best and not let you down."
"Enough with the sentimentality. Haven't you eaten yet? Wait for your sister-in-law (since they're "brothers") to come back and we'll eat together, you can also taste my cooking skills."
Chen Jianghai looked up at him, saying with a smile, "Don't just stand there, help me out and get the dishes on the table."
Fang Aiguo quickly nodded, taking over the steaming braised fish, "Right away!"
"Oh, Brother Hai, there's another thing I need to tell you."
After arranging the plates on the table, Fang Aiguo suddenly seemed to remember something and slapped his forehead exclaiming.
"What is it, just say it!"
Chen Jianghai didn't even turn his head to reply, as if frying vegetables was the most important thing at that moment.
"Brother Hai, didn't you ask me to keep an eye out for a suitable shop around Pozijie Street?"
"Did you find one?" Chen Jianghai couldn't help but raise his eyebrows and ask.
He had been pondering about opening a shop quickly, as that would mean everything was finally on the right track.
Fang Aiguo hurriedly responded, "I did see a nice shop. The lease just ended there, and I've spoken to the owner. We're going to take a look tomorrow."
"Good, then we'll go together tomorrow." Chen Jianghai agreed immediately.
He had considerable trust in Fang Aiguo's judgment.
Since Fang Aiguo thought it was good, it certainly couldn't be too far off the mark.
Before long, Lin Wanqiu returned.
Seeing Fang Aiguo there, she was slightly surprised.
"Hello, sister-in-law!"
Fang Aiguo, who was assisting Chen Jianghai, greeted Lin Wanqiu warmly as soon as he saw her.
Lin Wanqiu gave Fang Aiguo a glance, nodded slightly, but didn't say anything.
Seeing Lin Wanqiu's reaction, the smile on Fang Aiguo's face stiffened, a bit awkward.
At that moment, Chen Jianghai came in with the dishes, "Wanqiu, Aiguo is having dinner with us today. Go wash your face and get ready for dinner."
"Okay."
Lin Wanqiu replied and walked out.
Fang Aiguo then lowered his voice and said, "Brother Hai, maybe... I should go back to eat?"
"No need, sit down." After saying this, Chen Jianghai pressed Fang Aiguo's shoulder and made him sit.
Fang Aiguo wanted to leave, but he didn't want to contradict Chen Jianghai.
"Mhm."
Fang Aiguo decided that he would just quietly be a mute, eat quickly, and leave.
Chen Jianghai spoke confidently, "Believe it or not, after a while, your sister-in-law will change her opinion of you."
"That's unlikely!" Fang Aiguo said with a wry smile.
Of course, he knew what kind of impression he had left on Lin Wanqiu in the past.
Chen Jianghai then comforted him with a smile, "Aiguo, you're not who you used to be. Don't underestimate yourself."
Fang Aiguo smiled sheepishly when his thoughts were read, "Brother Hai, don't say that. I know my own worth without your help."
Chen Jianghai, however, was resolute and patted his shoulder, "Just watch! It won't be long before everyone completely changes their opinion of you!"
Hearing this, Fang Aiguo nodded emphatically, "I understand, Brother Hai!"
It wasn't long before Lin Wanqiu came back after washing her face and silently sat beside Chen Jianghai.
"Alright, let's eat!"
Chen Jianghai picked up his utensils and called everyone to start.
"By the way, Aiguo, where have you been selling televisions these past few days?"
After taking a few bites, Chen Jianghai suddenly asked.
Fang Aiguo quickly swallowed his food and answered truthfully, "I've been selling around Qingnian Road, there are more people looking to buy televisions there."
"Right, I repaired two more today. Remember to go to the warehouse to get them tomorrow. We'll need some more parts for the rest; I'll notify you when I have them ready." Chen Jianghai seemed to mention casually.
Fang Aiguo nodded, "I understand."
Hearing this, Lin Wanqiu couldn't help but ask, "Jianghai, have you started selling televisions?"
Chen Jianghai shook his head and pointed at Fang Aiguo, "Wanqiu, it's not me who's selling them. Aiguo is the one selling, and today he already sold five televisions."
Hearing this, a look of mild astonishment appeared on Lin Wanqiu's face.
He had such capability now?