Mr. Jing and His Little Husband

Chapter 17

Because of the autumn harvest, starting from tomorrow, Jing Yi would have five or six days to handle the business at the pier by himself.

On the way to the pier market today, Jing’s father kept giving instructions endlessly. Jing Yi initially went along with it, but as he saw his father becoming more and more passionate, his expression gradually turned numb...

Suddenly, it became quiet around him. Jing Yi turned his head curiously to see what his father was looking at and saw his father squinting his eyes, seemingly confirming something.

“Dad, what are you looking at so intently?” Jing Yi asked curiously.

You see, his father didn’t know anyone at the pier or in town. Following his father’s gaze, Jing Yi also looked in that direction. There was a middle-aged man standing next to Lin Fulong, whom they didn’t know.

“I feel that the person standing at our stall up ahead looks a lot like a big brother I worked with before,” his father said, squinting his eyes and walking over to confirm.

“It is really him! Hahaha, didn’t expect to run into him.” Saying that, he left his eldest son and walked briskly over to greet him.

“Hey, big brother, do you remember me? We used to work together in Mr. Liu’s courtyard. Is your health better now?” Jing’s father walked up to the middle-aged man. This uncle looked about the same age as his father, but taller and stronger. When the strong man turned his head and saw Jing’s father, he immediately grinned, “Remember! Big brother, long time no see. Is your health better now?”

“Hahaha, it’s all good now. The incident happened suddenly, and I couldn’t contact you afterwards. I never had a chance to thank you in person,” Jing’s father sincerely said.

“Hey, no need for thanks. When working in the city, us rural folks help each other out. It’s just a small effort,” the strong man waved his hand, telling Jing’s father not to worry about it.

Then, he called over the nearby Lin Fulong and Dongjiang Dongshan, saying, “My surname is Lin, this is my husband Lin, and these are my two little sons. May I know how to address this brother?”

As soon as Lin Fulong saw this situation, he immediately understood the cause and effect, and hurriedly greeted them, “Brother Jing, Xiao Yi, you’re here.” Then he turned to Lin’s father and explained, “Lao Lin, this is Brother Jing and Xiao Yi, who will be taking over our stall every day. It’s really a great fate.”

Unexpectedly, the person Jing’s father had been wanting to find, who had helped him before, was Lin Fulong’s husband, Lin Ling.

This was truly a fateful encounter. Naturally, the two families warmly introduced and chatted with each other. Jing Yi tried several times to join the conversation but couldn’t get a word in. He also wanted to chat with his future father-in-law for a few words!

The bond between Jing’s father and Lin’s father started from that unfortunate incident.

More than half a year ago, Mr. Liu’s family in town built a separate courtyard, which was a large construction project. Besides hiring a construction team, they also recruited workers from the villages around town.

It was a rare good job during the idle season in the countryside. The pay was good, and they paid daily. Jing’s father happily went to work together with several uncles from the village.

Coincidentally, Wangjiazhuang, where the Lin family resides, is on the way back to Xiwancun from the town’s pier. It’s just a short turn off the main road, so they can pass by on their way home without delaying their morning business.

There’s no need for extravagant gifts, just prepare some homemade soups and food. It’s uncomfortable to make the gifts too lavish.

He should prepare a small gift specifically for his younger brother, Chuxia. If Jing’s father doesn’t come along tomorrow, he plans to wander around town. Whether he’ll find an opportunity to give the gift, that remains to be seen. A man should always be prepared.

After chatting for a while, Uncle Lin’s family happily returned home. Jing Yi was so absorbed in his thoughts that he missed the meaningful glance Uncle Lin gave him when he turned back.

The next day, Jing Yi went to the pier to do business on his own. Though he was busy, his face was much sturdier than his father’s. Even when faced with urgent demands, he didn’t mind. He would calmly appease them with a smile on his face and work at his own pace.

Settle one transaction before starting the next. In a small business, it’s important to avoid cancellations.

Besides, there are many scammers in the countryside. If they know you can cancel orders easily, all sorts of people will come and take advantage of you. It’s better not to do business with such people.

When the goods in several barrels were sold out and it was almost time, he tidied up the cart and headed towards the town. He planned to store the cart at Jixiange.

Jing Yi’s father wasn’t with him today, so there was no one to take turns buying lunch for him. He hadn’t eaten lunch yet, so he planned to have a meal before calmly doing some shopping.

When he arrived at the back door of Jixiange, he directly found Xiao Zhang and told him not to bother Mr. Huang, the shopkeeper. He just needed to leave the cart there. Xiao Zhang readily agreed and told him to go about his business without worries.

Jing Yi strolled leisurely through the market, first finding a stall selling delicious braised pork noodles and having a meal. After eating his fill, he continued to wander, intending to buy a sachet or wooden hairpin for Chuxia. It wouldn’t be too expensive but would convey his heartfelt intentions.

The market was as lively as ever. On the east side was the vegetable market, and on the west side were daily necessities. People were busy selecting fresh vegetables, meat, fabrics, and cotton. The market was filled with shouting, arguing, laughter, idle chatter, and bargaining. It was a continuous symphony of sounds.

Coming from the cold concrete of the modern world, Jing Yi felt a deep sense of familiarity in this bustling atmosphere. He walked and observed along the way until he reached a stall specifically selling sachets and handkerchiefs.

“Young man, are you buying this for someone at home?” It was rare to have a young bachelor come to the stall, and he had a peculiar appearance. The stall owner, a middle-aged woman, eagerly asked.

“Yes, Auntie. How much is this embroidered bamboo sachet? It caught my eye.” Jing Yi had already set his sights on a sachet. The cloth was a light green color, and it featured several slender green bamboo stalks embroidered with varying shades of green and yellow threads. At the bottom were yellow tassels, making it exquisite and elegant.

“You have good taste, young man. This delicate sachet is the last one. It’s filled with insect-repelling and fragrant herbs. Originally priced at 30 wen, I’ll sell it to you for 28 wen. If you use it well, remember to support my business in the future.” The friendly stall owner said warmly.

“Thank you, Auntie.” Jing Yi thought the price was reasonable and didn’t bother to haggle. He happily paid.

After carefully placing the sachet in his pocket, he continued to wander through the market, planning to buy some pork and roast chicken to bring back for his family’s meal.