"I'm not, I didn't, I'm framed," Xie Sui hastily explained, but Zhang Wenfeng's suspicious expression, as if judging him a scoundrel, didn't waver.
"This is ridiculous, Wang Tie Zhu, I'm warning you. We can joke around, but you're not allowed to say anything inappropriate to Wan Wan. Otherwise, our brotherhood is over."
Xie Sui said earnestly. He had a clear conscience and was only afraid that the stubborn Wang Tie Zhu would say something to Lin Wan Wan, causing unnecessary trouble.
"I know, but if you wrong Sister Wan Wan, I won't help you."
"That's impossible. I've made up my mind. My wife and children are the most important. I just want them to live a good life."
The topic ended there. Upon reaching the county town, they first went to the Chinese Medicine Station to sell the scorpions and cicada shells. This time, Xie Sui didn't rush off. He took two wild pheasants and found the stationmaster's office.
"Stationmaster Hu, still working? You're truly dedicated to serving the country. You must be exhausted."
"Little Xie, have a seat. It's my duty. Is there something you need?"
Stationmaster Hu, who dealt with Chinese medicine, was very amiable and lacked any bureaucratic airs.
"Nothing much. My father at home caught two wild pheasants and insisted I give them to you to supplement your health. Because you helped us, we found a way to make money. Please accept them, or I'll be beaten when I get home."
Stationmaster Hu chuckled, "You! Don't do this next time. We have salaries, and the country provides for us. We can't take advantage of you."
"It's not taking advantage, it's just a small token of my appreciation.
Also, I was wondering if the scorpions could be processed. It's dangerous to keep them alive at home; getting stung would be quite troublesome."
Xie Sui was worried about his children. The two little rascals were very mischievous. If they were to play with them carelessly, it wouldn't be a laughing matter.
"That is indeed a potential hazard. They can be processed simply. The easiest method is to roast them over a fire. Wash them clean and roast them in a pot until semi-dry. This way, they'll fetch a higher price."
"How much would that be worth?"
"Ten yuan per jin, as they lose weight, the price per unit increases."
Xie Sui was satisfied. "That's good. The main thing is safety. I won't bother anyone else. Could you give me some antidote medicine? In case of a sting, it would be convenient for self-treatment."
"You're young, but quite thoughtful. I'll write you a prescription. Go to the Western Pharmacy and buy some ointment; it works faster.
Generally, we don't have highly venomous scorpions here. Unless you're surrounded by scorpions and the venom is too much, you won't lose your life."
At most, it would be a bit painful. Villagers would just smear garlic or boil scorpion grass to treat it.
"Thank you very much."
Buying medicine back then wasn't as readily available as it is in later times. Without a prescription, it was difficult to obtain, and regulations were strict.
Xie Sui also inquired about other medicinal herbs needed at the Chinese Medicine Station. There were many medicinal herbs on the mountains; digging them up would mean money.
The most common were dandelions and honeysuckle. Goji berries were also present, but not in large quantities, and no one thought of selling them for money.
Indeed, the mountains were full of treasures; only people who could discover them were missing.
Stationmaster Hu appreciated earnest younger generations and even gave him a book on medicinal herbs. Xie Sui thanked him and left with the book.
It was nearly noon when he came out. Xie Sui habitually raised his wrist to check the time, only to find his bare skin. There were no fancy watches from his previous life, just his pale wrist.
"I need to buy a wristwatch."
Xie Sui sighed, "I still don't have enough money to spend!"
"Brother Xie, did you sell them?"
Because Master Xu had gone back on his word, Zhang Wenfeng was worried that something would go wrong here too.
Xie Sui's sigh made him even more nervous.
"Of course, I sold them. I even got a method for processing scorpions, so I won't have to worry about catching them anymore."
"Then why are you sighing?"
Zhang Wenfeng wanted to roll his eyes. He was scared to death.
"I'm sighing because I can't earn enough to spend!"
Wang Tie Zhu: "..."
Zhang Wenfeng: "..."
They didn't want to talk to him. Wasn't he earning enough?
He was making twenty to thirty yuan a day. How much more did he want to earn? Were people like them, who earned a few yuan a day, supposed to just die?
They suspected Xie Sui was showing off, but they had no proof.
"Quickly, to the gate of the textile mill. The sisters will be off work soon, and our goods will be left unsold."
He had fooled the children a few days ago, and today he was going to target the sisters.
Xie Sui thought with delight, "With women and children in my grasp, I'll have the world!"
Didn't Daddy Ma from his previous life become the richest man in the country by profiting from women?
By the time they reached the gate of the textile mill, they were a little late. However, due to Director Gu's promotion, many sisters who wanted to buy canned goods were waiting and hadn't rushed home.
They were willing to buy the canned goods for 1.5 yuan, a whole yuan cheaper, saving enough money for a jin of pork.
Unfortunately, the shelf life was too short, and they wished they could buy more cans.
"Here they come, here they come!"
"Young man, why are you so late today?"
"I ran into some trouble. The wild game that was originally ordered reneged. I cried by the roadside for a while, and all my capital was lost. I'm ruined."
Xie Sui pretended to wipe his eyes. Zhang Wenfeng looked up at the sky. Xie Sui's words were truly effortless.
But the sisters ate this up. Their sympathy immediately overflowed. "It's just a small matter! It's just some wild game. It's good for us to have some improvement at home. Sisters, aunts, we'll buy it all!"
"Thank you so much, sisters. I'll treat you next time."
The wild pheasants and rabbits were not sold expensively, the same price as those sold to state-run restaurants. They were live, and the female workers who originally wanted to help felt like they had gotten a good deal.
This young man is honest; he's someone we can rely on!
Even Wang Tie Zhu's fish were sold out completely, and many people wanted to buy more but couldn't.
"Will there be more tomorrow? I want to buy some more fish. This fish is fresh."
Wang Tie Zhu stammered, "I'll go catch some early tomorrow."
The honest boy's response made everyone burst into laughter. With so many women around, the boys were always the targets of teasing. Wang Tie Zhu's face almost caught fire; he hadn't had a fever that high even when he was sick as a child.
"Disperse, everyone! Stop bullying the honest boy. What kind of behavior is this!"
Director Gu shooed everyone away, rescuing Xie Sui and the others.
As the crowd dispersed, Xie Sui called out to Director Gu, "Sister Gu, you've helped us so much. I'd like to treat you to a meal to express my gratitude. Please do me the honor."
"This..."
"Is it inconvenient? Then I'll bring some local specialties to your house another day. I don't have much else, but I have plenty of fresh cornmeal and sweet potato noodles!"
"You're too kind. I helped you, not for your reward."
"Sister is kind, and I can't be stingy. How about the state-run restaurant?"
Xie Sui pulled Director Gu along and went to the state-run restaurant.
"Director Gu, what brings you here for a meal today?"
The waitress greeted her. Don't underestimate a woman director; in a large factory like the textile mill, she had considerable influence. When important guests arrived, she was qualified to host them, so she was very familiar with the staff at the state-run restaurant.