Chapter 29: Free Tasting

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

Upon hearing that it was not a customer, the stall owner’s expression changed, but Xiaoxiao did not care. She continued, “When I smelled this fragrance just now, I felt your place would be full later. If I can freeload in a corner, I might be able to earn a few copper coins. At that time, I can eat these fragrant noodles.”

When he met such a sweet-talker, the stall owner couldn’t keep a stern face. He asked, “What are you selling?”

Xiaoxiao took out a few jars of various sizes. “Here, some pickled vegetables made by my family can’t be sold for much. My father is injured and wants to exchange some copper coins to buy medicine.”

Huh, how pitiful. The stall owner was a warm-hearted person. When he heard this, how could he refuse? Besides, if he were to sell other food, he would have to worry about his business being snatched. It was just bamboo shoots that no one wanted to eat. The children were just playing around. So what if he let them stay here?

When Xiaoxiao heard the stall owner agree, she smiled even more brightly. She even turned around and handed the stall owner a small jar of sour bamboo shoots.

“Uncle, you’re such a good person. No wonder you looked familiar when I saw you just now. My family is poor, so there’s nothing to thank you for. I’ll give you this jar of sour bamboo shoots if you don’t mind. Let the guests who came to eat noodles be a side dish so that we can have a chance to express our gratitude.”

After saying that, she picked up a piece and stuffed it into her mouth, indicating no problem with the food.

The stall owner could not refuse, so he accepted a few side dishes on the table. Anyway, side dishes were a bonus. The customers would be happy if there were more.

Although Ning Erlang was very happy that he finally had a place to sell the things, he felt sad about the small jar he had given away. Just as he sighed, his sister pulled him to the side and started to arrange things on the ground.

Although the sour bamboo shoots they sold were all stored in jars, Xiaoxiao still thought they had to pay special attention to hygiene when selling food, so she insisted on bringing a clean cloth. Then, she placed the jars on the cloth and took out a few pieces from a small plate. She poked them with a clean bamboo stick and kicked Ning Erlang.

Ning Erlang blushed. “Can I not do that?”

After taking a few steps, he turned around indignantly. “Why it’s me? Why don’t you guys shout?”

Xiaoxiao pointed at Ning Dalang. “Big Brother knows how to calculate, but do you? Do you know how much you should collect after selling?”

Ning Erlang became obedient. He did not understand those numbers.

Xiaoxiao pointed at herself again. “As for me, I’m your younger sister. Aren’t you embarrassed?”

He had the nerve to do so, but his big brother might beat him. However, his big brother looked like a scholar. With his sleeves rolled up and the muscles on his arms even harder than his, he could not defeat his big brother.

Ning Erlang could only look back like a young lady forced into a bridal sedan chair. He said sadly, “Sour, sour bamboo shoots, delicious sour bamboo shoots. Do you want to try them?”

After a few rounds, Xiaoxiao suspected that the passers-by did not hear what he was saying. She admired her second brother’s embarrassment for a while and finally let him go.

Xiaoxiao went forward to take the small plate and shouted.

“Sour bamboo shoots! Delicious sour bamboo shoots. Brothers, sisters, uncles, and aunties, please don’t miss it. Try them. If they’re not delicious, they’re free for you!”

Her voice and words, completely different from Ning Erlang’s, instantly attracted many passers-by. “Is it free if it doesn’t taste good?”

Xiaoxiao nodded and raised the small plate in her hand. “Here, this is for you to try. Eat first before buying. If you don’t like it, then don’t buy it. The price is fair and honest!”