Colorful years

Grandma was known for her shrewdness, while Grandpa was kind-hearted. Their approaches to life complemented each other, but also inevitably became a source of conflict between the couple.

Once, a customer came into the shop with a torn garment in his hand, seeking repair. After a meticulous examination, Grandma gave a relatively high price based on the extent of the damage and the materials needed.

Upon hearing this, Grandpa frowned, thinking the price was too high and might scare away customers. "This price is really too high. People are just getting a small repair done, and you're charging such a high price. Who would want to come back?" Grandpa said anxiously.

Grandma retorted vehemently, "What do you know? The fabric, the thread, and our labor—everything has a cost. If the price is low, how can we make a living?"

Grandpa shook his head helplessly and said earnestly, "We can't just look at these small profits. We have to think about the customers. If the prices are reasonable, people will come back often."

Grandma glared at Grandpa, her tone tinged with displeasure: "All you know is how to be soft-hearted. How can you do business like this!"

The two argued back and forth, their voices growing louder, filling the tailor shop with a tense atmosphere. Grandpa's expression grew increasingly serious; he stood firm on his position, believing that business should be conducted with conscience. Grandma, hands on her hips, was adamant, insisting that only by ensuring sufficient profits could the tailor shop survive.

On another occasion, a regular customer brought in a complicated garment and requested alterations. After some deliberation, Grandma gave her a price.

Grandpa, however, remembered the loyal customer's past patronage and felt they should be given a discount. "They're a regular customer, so let's charge less. They'll come back again in the future," Grandpa said.

Upon hearing this, Grandma immediately retorted, "Even regular customers can't always take advantage of us; we also need to earn money to support our families!"

Grandpa sighed and said earnestly, "We can't be too fussy. They keep coming back because they trust us."

Grandma angrily slammed the account book on the table: "If you're always like this, how are we supposed to live?"

Such disputes were common in tailor shops.

During arguments, Grandpa always seemed quite helpless and anxious. He tried to persuade Grandma but didn't want the conflict to escalate. Grandma, on the other hand, became emotional and argued vehemently to protect the tailor shop's interests.

However, despite their constant arguments over pricing, the two continued to run the tailor shop together afterward.

In most cases, it was Grandpa who chose to compromise and give in to Grandma. And Grandma, sometimes, would also consider Grandpa's feelings and make some concessions without suffering any loss herself.

Perhaps it is this approach of seeking balance amidst contradictions that has allowed the tailor shop to maintain a stable business through their joint efforts. However, each scene of conflict vividly reveals their differences in business philosophy and their varying expectations for life.

The tailoring job and the part-time job as a musician together formed an important pillar of the family's finances.

Grandpa's superb tailoring skills provided the family with a stable income. He poured his heart and soul into the tailoring of every garment, whether it was an exquisite cheongsam or a practical work outfit, each piece embodying his exquisite craftsmanship and boundless enthusiasm.

Customers raved about the clothes Grandpa made, and word spread, making the tailor shop increasingly prosperous.

The steady stream of clothing orders not only earned Grandpa's craftsmanship widespread recognition, but also brought considerable income to the family.

Although Grandma was slightly less skilled at tailoring, her ability to attract business and manage accounts made an indispensable contribution to the family's finances.

She warmly greeted every customer, patiently introduced the fabrics and styles, and successfully facilitated one transaction after another with her excellent communication skills.

Her shrewdness and accuracy in accounting ensured that every income was clearly and accurately recorded in the family's financial accounts.

However, the family's finances weren't solely dependent on the tailor shop's regular operations. On special occasions, Grandma would proactively ask for payment, which became a significant supplement to the family's income.

Once, a customer ordered an expensive silk dress but tried to lower the price when picking it up. Grandma argued her case, clearly outlining the cost of the high-quality silk fabric used and the immense effort and time Grandpa had invested in its creation.

Grandma was firm in her attitude but gentle in her words, and ultimately succeeded in getting the customer to pay the original price.

On another occasion, an old customer had been owing money for a long time. Grandma personally visited the customer, first chatting with him about everyday things and asking about his recent situation with concern, and then subtly mentioning the outstanding debt.

The regular customer looked embarrassed, so the grandmother considerately offered to pay in installments. Through the grandmother's tireless efforts, the debt was eventually recovered gradually.

In addition, Grandpa occasionally works part-time as a musician. He is always invited to play at weddings, celebrations, funerals, and other important events in the town.

Although the income from this part-time job is not fixed, each payment helps to support the family's finances.

It was Grandpa's tailoring skills, Grandma's business acumen, and their unwavering determination to actively seek payment when facing difficulties that together supported the family's finances, allowing their lives to stabilize and improve.

Don't underestimate this small tailor shop; it's just a husband-and-wife operation. It supports a family of eight.