The sisters-in-law, exhausted, collapsed onto the sofa after moving two large bags of items into their living space. They gasped for air, sweat trickling down their temples like streams.
After a short rest, Chen Lishu got up to fetch water. Once they had washed up, they began taking out the clothes from the bags and organizing them one by one.
"Third sister-in-law, look, these clothes still have labels," Gu Xingping exclaimed in surprise while looking through the clothes, "Exquisitely made, Made in... Huh? This doesn't look like Pinyin, it's English, isn't it?"
Chen Lishu glanced over. It was indeed ‘Made in China’.
Ready-made clothes exported abroad, and only costing one foot of cloth ticket? The two women exchanged glances. Could it be a scam?
Sensing their doubt, Chen Lishu smiled and said, "Comrades. My ready-made clothes have labels with English on them. Look at all these people coming and going. Why don't we find a place, and I'll show you one, and you'll know."
Seeing her earnest expression, and considering how much they would lose if they missed out on clothes truly meant for export, they agreed.
After a brief whispered discussion, the two women readily accepted Chen Lishu's suggestion.
The group went to a rarely frequented alley across the street. Chen Lishu took out the clothes and specifically showed them the labels. The two women were immediately impressed by the styles and even more convinced that they had to buy them upon seeing the English on the labels.
They quickly picked out two pieces of clothing and one skirt, paying forty-five yuan and three feet of cloth tickets in total.
Seeing Chen Lishu sell three items so quickly, Gu Xingping also felt eager to try. Although her first attempt felt like stealing, and her throat felt as if it were stuffed with cotton, making her tongue stiff, she managed to sell one item.
Upon receiving the money and tickets, Gu Xingping felt as if she had accomplished something remarkable. She looked at Chen Lishu and smiled like a child, "Third sister-in-law, how was it? Am I very capable too?"
Chen Lishu smiled and nodded, "Congratulations, little sister, you've finally taken your first successful step."
"Grandma, look who that is," Chen Baozhu pointed out their location to Old Madam Chen from across the street, "I told you I saw them carrying a big bag out early this morning. Turns out they came here to peddle goods."
As fate would have it, Chen Baozhu's wife was giving birth in town and happened to see Chen Lishu and Gu Xingping carrying things out of their home. At first, he merely glanced at them and didn't think much of it. He encountered them again while out buying things, so he rushed to bring Old Madam Chen over.
"Good, I knew this wretched girl was restless. She was a speculator herself and then blamed your father for it. Let's see how I deal with her today."
Seeing her about to rush over, Chen Baozhu immediately stopped her, "Grandma, if you rush over now and she denies it, there's nothing we can do."
Old Madam Chen asked, "Grandson, what do you suggest we do?"