"Hahaha, his dad did a good job."
Hearing her spouse's words, Mrs. Lu laughed heartily, happily picked up a few more pieces of meat for her man, and settled him with a beaming smile, "Eat more, dear."
Susu gave her father-in-law a thumbs up, a grin on her face, "Dad truly is the Lu Family's stabilizer."
Xiao Yu followed suit, "Grandpa is so amazing!"
Father Lu's face turned red with all the praise from his wife and daughter-in-law, and, a bit embarrassed, he gestured with his hands modestly.
Since the textile factory started to intervene in managing the stalls across the way, that stall-grabbing old lady would look at the mother and daughter-in-law with contempt every time she saw them.
Days passed, yet their own business remained stable. Susu was keen on expanding the business.
"Aunt,"
Susu was a bit surprised to see her aunt at the door and hurriedly invited her inside.
"Mom, Aunt's here."
Aunt Liu Fen helped Mrs. Lu with the work, the two women chatted as they labored.
"What's wrong with elder sister-in-law? She's been sighing ever since she walked in."
Aunt Liu Fen let out a long sigh, her face full of worry, "It's nothing but family issues. Xian Yue just got back a few days ago, and her two sisters-in-law have been making snide remarks. They never stop complaining that Xian Yue got divorced and returned to the parental home to freeload."
"That can't be right. When Old Mrs. Wang came to make a scene, weren't the eldest daughter-in-law and the second daughter-in-law quite nice? It's only been a few days."
Aunt Liu Fen grew angry at the mention of it, huffing, "It's all because I noticed Xian Yue's clothes were all patches on top of patches, so I bought her a new outfit.
And now, all day they imply things like 'a married daughter is like water spilled out of the house,' as if they're pointing fingers at me and the old man."
"Xian Yue always hustles with chores around the house, and she even helps take care of her nephews. Besides, Father Lu's salary every month goes to support his two brothers, and I even take care of the kids at home. They're always coveting the little we have in our pockets."
Mrs. Lu frowned, thinking the two daughters-in-law were a bit too much. The elder brother earned more than 30 yuan every month, how much could the couple spend? Wasn't most of it given to support their two sons' families?
"Aunt, can you believe they complain about me spoiling my daughter by making her new clothes? And now, all day they accuse us of favoritism. It's my money, and I'll spend it on whoever I wish."
"Sister-in-law, not to criticize you, but you and my brother should hold onto some money. While you're still not old, you should save. With money in hand, your daughters-in-law won't dare mistreat you or my brother out of respect for the money."
Mrs. Lu truly felt sorry for her elder brother, who supported the family every month only to be unappreciated in the end.
Seeing the daughters-in-law busy around the house, Aunt Liu Fen felt envious, "You're the lucky one, look how filial Susu is. When you and your daughter-in-law go out together, people who don't know any better might think you're mother and daughter."
Hearing someone praise her daughter-in-law, Mrs. Lu's smile reached from ear to ear.
Aunt Liu Fen sat for a while, but left when the mother and daughter-in-law were about to set out for the stall.
"Susu, I'll take Xiao Yu to the textile factory to set up the stall. Will you be okay by yourself?" Mrs. Lu was a bit concerned.
"I'll be fine. Just go straight home after you finish selling."
The three parted ways at the crossroad, with Xiao Yu waving his little hand earnestly.
Susu, carrying a basket on her back, headed straight for the movie theater near the county.
There were many young people around the movie theater, along with dating couples and men and women out on blind dates.
There were a few vendors selling peanuts, melon seeds, and drinks at the entrance.
Susu picked a conspicuous spot where there weren't many people and started to call out.
"Fragrant marinated dishes and meats, come take a look and have a taste~"
"Having some marinated dishes while watching a movie, satisfies cravings and tastes delicious~"
Many people were drawn by this voice and saw a pretty woman with delicate features.
"How much are these? Can I try some? Let me taste, and if it's good, I'll buy some."
"Vegetarian dishes are 60 cents a pound, meat dishes are a dollar twenty a pound."
Susu deftly took out the tasting samples from her carrying basket and handed them out to the people who had come over.
"Everybody try some; if you like it, it's never too late to buy."
People back then were quite simple, and nobody was shameless enough to sample without buying.
"Mmm, not bad, not bad, tastes good. Give me half a pound of the meat and half a pound of the veggies."
"I'll take half a pound too..."
...
Susu had already portioned out the vegetarian and meat dishes into half-pound packages at home, so now she was swiftly taking money with one hand and delivering goods with the other.
The entire carrying basket of marinated goods sold out even quicker than expected.
By the time Mrs. Lu cycled home with Xiao Yu, Susu had already prepared the meal and was waiting for them.
"Mom, Xiao Yu, you're back, just in time to wash your hands and eat."
Seeing this, Mrs. Lu looked happy, "How did it go? Sold everything?"
"Yeah, it all sold out quickly."
Susu's face was filled with a smile, and as she served the rice, she said, "It finished early, so I have already made dinner."
During the meal,
Susu discussed hiring help with Mrs. Lu, and upon seeing her mother-in-law's surprised face, she quickly explained.
"Mom, now that we're selling separately, the daily demand for marinated goods has basically doubled; the two of us adults and one child just can't keep up."
"Plus, I don't want you to be so worn out. Ever since we started selling marinated goods, we haven't even had time to make lunch, and Dad can only eat in the canteen."
Mrs. Lu quickly stated that she had no objections, "Susu, do you have someone in mind already?"
"Not yet. That's why I'm talking to you about it, Mom. I was thinking you know more people in the county, so you could see if there's someone reliable. For food work, we need someone clean and trustworthy," Susu said.
Mrs. Lu immediately thought of her niece Xian Yue and said straightforwardly, "Susu, what do you think about the child Xian Yue? If she's suitable, I was thinking of having Xian Yue come over to help."
Susu frowned; to be honest, she wasn't very familiar with her cousin from her elder sister-in-law's side, having only met her a few times, and she didn't know her temperament or character.
"Mom, I don't know much about Xian Yue. What do you think of her?"
Mrs. Lu promptly responded, "The child Xian Yue is honest and well-behaved, and she's also diligent and clean. It's just that she's a bit timid. Her two sisters-in-law are always quarreling at home, and their words and actions show their contempt for Xian Yue.
Couldn't we let Xian Yue come here to give it a try? If the child isn't up to it, you won't have to say a word; I'll step in and send her away."
Mrs. Lu felt a little embarrassed but, thinking of her poor niece, wanted to lend a helping hand and looked anxiously at her daughter-in-law.
Susu thought about it and felt it was feasible, so she nodded in agreement.
"Ah, Mom, I'll go to Aunt's house this afternoon to talk about this," Mrs. Lu said, nodding her head happily.
"Sure, she'll get 25 dollars a month, and she can eat with us. If she does well in the future, I'll definitely give her a raise," Susu nodded and added, "Mom, if possible, let Xian Yue stay with us. It's more convenient for work, and it saves her from having to put up with the judgmental looks from her sisters-in-law at home."