Chapter 235: Her Eldest Daughter Didn’t Come
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Although he was selling goods, working at Qiao’s Small Eatery was an eye-opener. You can find almost all types of foods and ingredients there.
It was an experience of learning the unheard and seeing the unseen!
Shopkeeper Niu had a deep understanding of this. He followed the staff, holding a notebook in one hand, a pen in the other, and humming a song. His mouth couldn’t help but curve into a smile. He was genuinely delighted.
Qiao Mai locked the storeroom’s door and joined them in the front.
Tianshui Town was bustling with activity. A significant portion of the crowd had gathered for the wedding, while others were there to display their merchandise, buy goods, or be passersby.
People assumed it was a local market day and were surprised to learn that it was the wedding day of the town mayor.
“Wow, the town mayor is finally getting married; that’s quite an achievement. It’s not easy.”
When they found out the bride was the embroidery shop’s owner, they were even more surprised.
“Yeah? What’s the big deal? They’ve been close for a while.”
“Tell us more about it!”
People gathered and began discussing, revealing details from the young days of Lu Sanniang and Mayor Qian.
Qiao Mai sat in front of her shop, eating sunflower seeds, listening intently.
As the people talked, they noticed that Qiao’s Small Eatery had stocked new items, and they all rushed into the shop. Meanwhile, the staff was busy adding labels to the goods on the shelves.
Several dozen baskets of goods from Lucky Garden had been placed in the backyard. The staff used exquisite bamboo baskets to pack fruits and nuts and then arranged them on the shelves.
Each basket was neat and well-organized with price tags.
Inside the shop, the sunshine was abundant. In the center were fruits, on the left were nuts, and on the right were various snacks.
Some customers marveled, “Shopkeeper Niu, it seems your boss wants to make a fortune from Mayor Qian’s wedding!”
“Yeah, why not? It’s a rare occasion for the mayor to get married. Everyone’s gathering here, and you should take some snacks home, right?”
“Yes, that’s right. I’ve noticed many unfamiliar items here.”
“No problem, as long as you want to buy, you can taste them. If you don’t like them, you don’t have to buy them.”
“Haha, everyone has their preferences. Oh, I can’t resist the look of those fresh peaches. Are they expensive?”
“We’re still in the process of pricing them; we’ll start selling them shortly.”
Shopkeeper Niu set the prices and answered the customers with a cheerful attitude.
Since he had come to the snack shop, he had never argued with a customer. He
was always smiling, and his happiness was genuine.
With such an owner, working was a pleasure.
With Qiao Mai’s backing, most people didn’t dare to cause trouble. The shop was getting numerous customers, and the boss would reward them occasionally. Who wouldn’t be happy?
There were customers inside the shop, some sitting and some standing.
Some could have visited Mayor Qian’s residence, but until the bride was received and the banquet started, they felt that staying in the shop was a better choice.
Qiao’s Small Eatery had more to offer than Mayor Qian’s house, and it was aesthetically pleasing. The most important thing was the fragrance of the fruits that greeted them as soon as they entered the shop.
Shortly after, there was a loud firework outside Mayor Qian’s house. Mayor Qian, dressed in red, stood at the front door with matchmakers and guests following him.
It was time to receive the bride. Since the bride’s house was nearby, they hadn’t prepared a sedan chair. Instead, Mayor Qian would escort her back.
A red carpet was laid from Mayor Qian’s house to Lu Sanniang’s. It was clear that Mayor Qian had gone to great lengths for this wedding.
With her hands behind her back, Qiao Mai followed the bridal party. She was there to show her appreciation.
Meanwhile, Lu Sanniang had long prepared eighty dowry carts. They were guarded by Mayor Qian’s security personnel.
Xiu Hong and Xiu Yu guarded the veiled Lu Sanniang, and Ruyi wiped away tears quietly. They looked as if today was their daughter’s wedding.
In reality, she was crying tears of joy. Her mother had finally found a man who genuinely loved and cared for her. Now, they wouldn’t have to worry about her.
Qiao Mai watched Mayor Qian as he welcomed his bride, holding her hand, and walked down the red carpet into the Qian residence.
She sighed in relief. Lu Sanniang was now in good hands with Mayor Qian, and she didn’t have to worry anymore.
However, there was one regret on this joyous day Her eldest daughter hadn’t come.
It was probably not because Ruxin didn’t want to come; Shopkeeper Lu was upset with her and hadn’t told her about the wedding.
After completing the welcoming and seeing-off duties, Qiao Mai returned to Qiao’s Small Eatery. Her grandmother had just sat down.
“So many people. There are as many guests as in weddings of wealthy families in the capital.”
“Yes, Mayor Qian is well-liked, upright, and kind-hearted. Naturally, he has many friends.”
Qiao Mai waved to her staff outside and called them over. “Take some of the new items and set up a few on the table for Grandma to taste.”
“Yes, Mistress!”
There weren’t many customers in the shop at this moment. Most had gone to Mayor Qian’s house, and even if they were tempted, they knew they should visit Mayor Qian’s wedding at least for a while.
Despite following along with the commotion at the groom and bride’s procession, they couldn’t help but think about Qiao’s Small Eatery. They worried the snacks might be sold out if they arrived too late.
The staff prepared a plate with uncommon fruits and nuts and brought it over.
Old Mistress Wang immediately reached for the strawberries and cherries. “I love these.”
“Don’t eat too much of them.”
“Understood, housekeeper. By the way, why don’t you show your face?” “I won’t go; there are too many people, and it’s chaotic.”
As they talked, they saw some people coming out of Mayor Qian’s house, wiping their mouths.
When they spotted Qiao Mai, they felt a little embarrassed.
“Madam Qiao, why didn’t you go?”
“Watching the shop. I’m close to the bride and groom, so it doesn’t matter whether I go or not. What’s up with you? I guess the wedding banquet has started?”
“Eating is enough. I was thinking about your goods; otherwise, they might get sold out.”
“Oh, please come in. If it’s late, they might run out!”
The customers entered the shop and saw some people making purchases, so they immediately joined in the frenzy.
“I want that one, that one, and that one!”
“Cream strawberries are five taels of silver per catty, big cherries are five taels of silver per catty, and peaches are one tael of silver per catty. How many catties would you like?”
“Damn, that’s so expensive!”
“The cost price is high, plus transportation and labor costs. Besides, it’s not even April yet. To be able to eat such fruits is like a unique opportunity.” “Alright, I’ll take ten catties of peaches and five catties of others.”
“Great choice!”
Watching from behind the window, Qiao Mai could see the customers with pained expressions. These men didn’t mind spending on expensive drinks but hesitated when buying snacks for their families.
Old Mistress Wang, sitting by the side, was amused. Among the customers inside the shop were both wealthy and ordinary people.
They bought these treats for their children, who loved the snacks here. Even though they usually refrain from indulging, they let their children enjoy today because of the joyful occasion of the mayor’s wedding.
For customers like these, the shop assistants often provided a bit more than what they paid for.
They wanted them to feel satisfied and not regret their purchases.
Qiao Mai had instructed her shop assistants to treat customers who could save money for their shop purchases with generosity.
Several customers inside the shop lamented, “Shopkeeper Niu, these prices you set are quite expensive! My family will go bankrupt with one purchase.”
“Bah! Let’s not talk about inauspicious things. These prices are much cheaper than in the capital. If the shop isn’t located in this small town, you wouldn’t have the chance to taste these. The wealthy families don’t even mind paying ten taels per catty for what they want. Take these peaches, for instance. Even if they cost one tael of silver per catty, you’d still think they’re expensive. If that’s the case, my boss will take them home to enjoy.”
“Not expensive, it’s not expensive! I’ll buy it. I can’t win against your mouth..
Haha!”
Updat𝒆d fr𝒐m freew𝒆bnov𝒆l.c(o)m