Song Tan’s Chronicle - Chapter 57

Despite hurrying, they still arrived a bit late at the vegetable market.

At the end of March, the weather was warming up, and the market was bustling with a variety of fresh produce.

As soon as Song Tan set up her baskets, she noticed the neighboring vendor looking at her longingly.

Ever since he hesitantly bought a bundle of milk vetch from her, he couldn’t stop thinking about it. But as a fellow vegetable seller, buying from the competition felt wrong. What would customers think if they saw him doing that?

Every day, he struggled internally, eyeing his own pile of vegetables with conflicted feelings. And every time he finally decided to buy some, she had already packed up and left.

Today was no different. He was caught in the same cycle, ignoring his own fresh cabbages.

Song Tan noticed and felt a bit envious. After all, she was starting to get tired of eating milk vetch every day, despite its spiritual energy enhancement.

Cabbages, on the other hand, were different.

Their crisp texture and lack of bitterness made them appealing. Plus, they had a short growth cycle, and could be harvested in just a couple of weeks, especially with a bit of spiritual energy to speed things up.

She made a decision on the spot:

This afternoon, she would have Qiao Qiao prepare the garden, and they would plant seeds tonight!

…

As usual, the 200 pounds of milk vetch she brought were very popular.

With no need for weighing, and with everyone paying in round numbers via QR code, Qiao Qiao was handling less cash these days.

His actions had become more skilled. As long as he didn’t speak, no one could tell there was anything wrong. Eldest aunt Mao Li had been browsing the market for a while and saw a crowd up ahead, so she went over to check it out.

“Hey, what’s going on there?”

She asked a nearby vegetable vendor, casually snapping a leaf off a cabbage.

The vendor, also watching the crowd, replied without thinking:

“They’re selling milk vetch, twenty yuan a pound…”

His tone was both envious and craving.

Turning to see the woman snapping his cabbages, he rolled his eyes: “Hey, why are you snapping my cabbage leaves? If you want to buy, just buy.”

Mao Li responded defensively: “I’m buying vegetables. These old leaves aren’t good. I’m just snapping them off. Don’t worry, I’ll buy the ones I snap.”

The vendor blocked her hand: “Look, lady, it’s too early in the season for old leaves on these cabbages. If you’re buying, then buy. Don’t waste them.”

Mao Li, annoyed, shot back: “Who said I’m not buying? How much per pound?”

“Six and a half.”

“Gosh,” Mao Li sighed, “You vendors are getting greedier. These wouldn’t be worth a thing in the countryside.”

The market was full of people like her, with big gold chains and small bracelets, haggling over every cent.

The vendor raised his voice: “This isn’t the countryside. And these prices are seasonal. Look around if you don’t believe me.”

Failing to haggle, Mao Li grumbled as she stuffed six or seven snapped cabbages into a bag: “Weigh these.”

She grabbed another bag and stuffed the snapped-off leaves in: “I’ll take these old leaves too. Nobody else wants them anyway.”

The vendor had blocked her too late. If she decided not to buy now, he couldn’t really do anything about it in a law-abiding society.

So, with a dark look, he weighed the vegetables: “Seven and a half.”

Mao Li dug through her waist pouch for change: “Who cares about fifty cents these days? Just seven yuan.”

The vendor tapped his QR code: “Scan to pay.”

His face was so dark that Mao Li didn’t dare push further. She muttered as she scanned the code, promising herself she wouldn’t come back.

As the vendor watched her walk away, he saw her heading toward the milk vetch stall that was about to close!

…

Mao Li saw her niece, Song Tan, amidst the dispersing crowd. After all, milk vetch wasn’t very popular; hers was probably the only stall selling it.

But seeing everyone with full bags, she felt a bit envious.

“Tan Tan, I thought you were joking about selling vegetables after college, but you’re really doing it? And doing well, it seems!”

Qiao Qiao’s face scrunched up: “Eldest aunt, Qiao Qiao is selling vegetables too!”

Mao Li glanced at him, ignoring him, and continued praising Song Tan:

“You’re such a good kid, beautiful and hardworking. I’ll help you find a good match, someone in the city so you won’t have to work so hard.”

She lowered her voice: “Don’t worry, with your looks and education, we’ll ask for a good dowry. Then Qiao Qiao won’t have to worry about money when he marries.”

Song Tan raised an eyebrow: What’s the meaning of this?

It seemed like she was here to cause trouble.

Song Tan forced a smile: “Eldest aunt, are you here to buy vegetables? I have three pounds left, that’s sixty yuan.”

At this price, Mao Li’s movement froze as she picked through the bundles.

“Twenty yuan a pound?”

She exclaimed, “Tan Tan, I know you want to make money, but this is too much! This milk vetch isn’t worth that. Even feeding it to cows is wasteful. How can you charge your own family twenty yuan a pound?”

Standing up, she spoke sternly: “Tan Tan, as your elder, I have to say something.”

“Selling vegetables is fine. We’re not ashamed of you working hard. We’re all laborers.”

“I didn’t even plan to come here; it’s too far and expensive. But your cousin-in-law is kind-hearted and said we should support family. So here I am. But you, selling vegetables, should consider family ties.”

Song Tan calmly replied: “Eldest aunt, I gave you five pounds for free last time. Isn’t that enough consideration for family?”

“My vegetables are known for being this price. If you want them, buy them. Don’t talk about supporting me; I don’t lack customers.”

“And about fairness… My vegetables are worth this price. If you don’t want to spend the money, the lady behind you is waiting.”

Indeed, there was a lady behind, dressed in a silk blouse with a jade bracelet, her hair impeccably styled, looking much more elegant than Mao Li.

She had been watching the commotion—along with other vendors around.

Being called out, she graciously responded: “Yes, the girl’s vegetables are excellent. My family buys from her regularly. My daughter was in a rush this morning and missed them, so she asked me to come.”

She skillfully scanned the QR code for Qiao Qiao: “Sweetie, pack the remaining three bundles for Auntie.”