35: A Successful Start
The old woman's purchase marked the first of many that day. Li Mei's booth became a quiet center of interest as more villagers stopped to inquire about her herbs and remedies. Some were skeptical, but others were intrigued by her explanations and the apparent healing properties of the plants she grew. By the end of the market day, Li Mei had sold several vials of tincture, dried herbs, and even a few bundles of ginseng roots. The money she earned wasn't much, but it was enough to feel the excitement of success for the first time.
As the market began to wind down, Li Mei packed up her remaining goods and made her way home. She felt a strange sense of accomplishment, even though the day had been simple. There was something powerful about offering something of value to others, something beyond the act of just selling. It was as though she had taken the first step toward building a bridge between her world and the village's.
That evening, as she sat by the fire, Li Mei gazed at the coins she had earned. She had begun to see the possibilities ahead—the opportunity to use her unique knowledge to make a difference. This first sale had not only been a financial success, but it had also given her something invaluable: a sense of purpose.
As the stars glittered overhead, Li Mei realized that the path she had set out on was only just beginning. There would be many more sales, many more people to help. But most importantly, there would be growth—growth in herself and in the world around her.
And that was only the beginning.