The First Customer: An Elderly Woman
After a while, an elderly woman wearing simple but well-maintained clothes approached Li Mei's booth. Her face was weathered with age, but her eyes were sharp, scanning each jar of salves and tinctures carefully. Li Mei greeted her with a warm smile and bowed respectfully.
"Good morning, elder," Li Mei said, her voice steady but tinged with a hint of nervousness. "Would you like to try some of my healing remedies?"
The elderly woman tilted her head, her eyes narrowing as she examined the display. "Are these your creations, child?" Her voice was low, but there was a certain weight to it, as though she carried a great deal of life experience.
Li Mei nodded proudly. "Yes, elder. These remedies are made with herbs I have grown myself, and I have carefully crafted each one. They can help with various ailments—whether you are tired, sore, or need a boost of vitality."
The elderly woman sniffed the air, intrigued by the calendula salve displayed at the front of the stall. She picked up the small jar and opened it, inhaling deeply. The scent was soothing, a blend of floral and herbal notes, and it seemed to relax her.
"This smells pleasant," the woman murmured. "I have arthritis in my hands. Do you think this salve can help ease the pain?"
Li Mei smiled gently, feeling a sense of confidence surge within her. "Calendula is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, elder. It can help soothe pain and reduce swelling in the joints. I recommend massaging it gently into the affected areas every day."
The elderly woman's face softened as she tested the texture of the salve. "It's smooth, and it absorbs quickly," she remarked, nodding to herself. She looked at Li Mei for a long moment, then asked, "And what about this bottle of ginseng tincture?"
"That is ginseng tincture," Li Mei explained with enthusiasm. "Ginseng is known to boost vitality, improve circulation, and help with general fatigue. It can strengthen the immune system and provide energy, especially for those feeling weak or run down."
The elderly woman studied Li Mei carefully, weighing the words. After a long moment, she placed the ginseng tincture back on the counter, opting instead for the calendula salve and a small bag of herbal tea blend.
"I will take these," she said, placing a small coin on the counter. The exchange was simple but significant to Li Mei.
With a graceful movement, Li Mei wrapped the salve and tea blend in cloth and handed them to the woman, her hands steady now. "Thank you for your trust, elder. I hope the remedies help."
The elderly woman smiled, nodding her approval. "I'll see how they work. Perhaps you will be my healer from now on, child."
Li Mei watched as the woman slowly walked away, a quiet pride blossoming in her chest. This was her first real sale, and it felt like a victory.