Step by step, a gentle breeze leads to a smooth path

Zheng Xiangqian told Tingnan to tell Song Xiuying that they should go back in two days. They could stop by the county town to buy New Year's goods on the way back, so as not to delay their business.

Song Xiuying always listened to her son, so she took advantage of these few days to help Qian Shuzhen and Zhao Xiaojuan wash the quilts and clean the house. It's a local custom to have a thorough cleaning and wash the bedding before the New Year, and not to wash the quilts during the first month of the lunar calendar.

Zhao Xiaojuan was very grateful to her sister-in-law. Her children were all young, and Song Wanxing didn't do any housework. With the end of the year approaching, having someone to help would make things much easier. Song Xiuying knew that Zhao Xiaojuan had taken good care of Tingnan over the years, even more so than her younger brother Song Wanxing, so it was only right that she help her with some chores.

Her family's life is much better now, and her eldest brother has changed a lot. Tingnan still has a lot of say in the family. After Song Xiuying's visit, she was completely relieved.

Ting Nan certainly had a say, and right now Song Wanli was discussing with her: "Ting Nan, do you think we could raise the price of my family's bamboo products?"

"Uncle, is there a place at home that needs money? Are you short of cash?" Tingnan didn't know why Song Wanli suddenly wanted to raise prices; the family should still have some savings.

"No, I just noticed that many things have gone up in price, meat, sugar, and some daily necessities have all increased in price," Song Wanli said.

Ting Nan didn't rush to refute. She asked, "Uncle, if the price suddenly goes up, how much do you want it to go up?"

"Let's raise each by two points!" Song Wanli considered for a moment; raising it too much was unlikely.

"Uncle, our business has always been pretty good. Other brigades also make bamboo products, but we haven't had our business taken away by others. Do you know why?" Ting Nan had been running around to several brigades and knew the market situation.

Song Wanli said, "Tingnan, is it because you're running around so often?"

“Uncle, it’s not because of me. It’s because we have a group of regular customers. First, they like our products because of your excellent craftsmanship and durability; second, they like our products because they are affordable and of good quality. So everyone accepts and is used to buying from us.” Seeing that Song Wanli didn’t speak, Ting Nan continued, “Uncle, let’s do the math. If we suddenly raise the price, we will definitely lose some customers. Will the two cents increase make up for it?”

"It seems impossible," Song Wanli said, looking at Ting Nan.

“Uncle, it’s probably not possible. That’s why many businesses adhere to the principles of ‘small profits but quick turnover’ and ‘good quality at low prices.’ If we raise prices, it will definitely be detrimental to our future sales channels and volume.” Song Wanli nodded, agreeing.

“Uncle, we’ve made our living from this business all these years. We should be grateful to our customers and not raise prices.” Ting Nan doesn’t yet understand what it means to cherish what you have or what it means to be humble. She just follows her heart and acts as a conscientious merchant.

"Okay, I'll listen to you, no price increase!" Song Wanli agreed with Ting Nan's opinion, and they could make ends meet.

After several days of special training, Zheng Xiangqian returned. Zheng Ruidong kept talking to Tingnan, his eyes shining with excitement. He had gained a lot from Teacher Zuo and then received training from Master Gao. Although he was exhausted, he was incredibly happy and excited.

Life should be like this: nourish yourself in the things you love, and face life and challenges with a full spirit!

The two brothers rested for one night, then carried the various gifts given to them by their grandmother and uncles, preparing to go to the market to buy New Year's goods before returning home.

No one was sad about this farewell; everyone felt that their hearts were together and that they could meet again at any time.

Ting Nan also went to the street to visit Master Liu. She didn't tell her mother and brothers, not because she didn't believe them, but because she thought it was better to avoid trouble.