Chapter 18: Selling Mooncakes

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As soon as Su Li heard this, she knew the mooncake matter was halfway settled. While Cheng Jundong was handling the succession paperwork, she took advantage of being the elderly matriarch to chat casually with those nearby. She learned that Yang, the old man who was substituting for Cheng Jundong, came from a well-off family with three sons all employed. A good family background and many children meant strong purchasing power.

“Mom knows. I’ll go to town today and bring the mooncakes over to visit,” Su Li said, patting Cheng Jundong’s shoulder. He took two eggs out of his pocket and handed them over.

“Keep these for yourself,” she said.

“They’re in exchange for the mooncakes,” Cheng Jundong replied.

“If the mooncakes are yours, then they’re yours. If you don’t eat them, give them to your wife or daughter,” Su Li said.

Cheng Jundong was touched again—his mother was thinking about his wife and daughter. The tender scene between mother and son was witnessed by fifth brother Cheng Junguo, whose sense of urgency instantly surged. He hadn’t expected the eldest brother to be so sly and quietly win their mother’s favor.

After Su Li finished speaking with Cheng Jundong, she packed her things and got on the cart that fifth brother had prepared.

“Mom, is this comfortable? I put two layers of bedding for you,” Cheng Junguo said.

“No wonder it feels different. My son is really capable and knows how to care for his mother,” she replied.

“Of course!” Cheng Junguo beamed proudly and smiled at Cheng Jundong.

Cheng Jundong didn’t understand at all. Not only did he not understand, he told Cheng Junguo, “Fifth brother, that’s a good plan. I’ll do the same next time.”

Cheng Junguo thought: Has he just taught his rival how to compete for favor?

Su Li chuckled silently and called for fifth brother to move on.

Cheng Junguo, eager to show off, didn’t rest the whole way and pressed on to town. Su Li got off and headed to the residential compound.

Northeasterners were all warm-hearted, and for Su Li, an elderly lady, asking around about Yang the old man from the sugar, tobacco, and liquor factory was no trouble at all.

“I’m looking for Yang’s wife; she’s my cousin,” she said.

“Is that so? They live far away; haven’t been here for a long time,” came the reply.

Su Li, the cousin with great connections, found Yang’s home. The old lady there was at home with her grandson who hadn’t gone to school. Seeing Su Li, she was momentarily stunned—who was this?

“Cousin, I’m little Cheng! With the festival coming, I made some mooncakes myself to bring over for you to try.”

Yang’s old lady immediately understood.

“My girl is here and you didn’t even send a message? Come in quickly,” she said.

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Su Li had come alone, and Cheng Junguo was waiting in the distance, so Yang’s old lady felt at ease.

The two elderly ladies went inside, and Su Li politely apologized.

“Sorry for dropping in unannounced,” she said.

“Nonsense, I was the one who first sent word,” Yang replied.

Their eyes met, and the unspoken understanding made the upcoming arrangement quite reliable.

After tasting Su Li’s mooncakes, Yang’s old lady praised repeatedly, “Girl, your skill is really good. I’ve eaten so many mooncakes, but none as delicious as yours. Do you have more at home?”

Su Li realized she was interested.

When someone offers a ladder, you climb it willingly.

“Yes, big sister, tell me—is there anyone who would want these? To be honest, with five sons and the old man gone, I lie awake all night worrying.”

Yang’s old lady was bold; her earlier hint was intentional.

If Su Li asked, she would play along; if not, it was fine.

But Su Li was sharp, having risen from nothing to become the company’s second-in-command. She perfectly understood the higher-ups who cared little.

The two elderly ladies tacitly agreed and started cooperation.

One mooncake was priced at three mao; the supply and marketing cooperative had none at two mao and required mooncake tickets. Selling at three mao was reasonable.

Su Li made and delivered; Yang’s old lady secured reliable customers and earned two fen per mooncake.

Su Li left the remaining ten mooncakes in her basket with Yang’s old lady and promised to bring another batch tomorrow.

Yang’s old lady was efficient; after Su Li left, she visited a few well-known clients.

Su Li left Yang’s home and walked toward Cheng Junguo, smiling.

Cheng Junguo, bored stiff, was biting on a blade of grass, shaking his leg.

“Mom, why did you take so long?”

“Foolish boy, look.”

Su Li unfolded a small handkerchief filled with fragmented two-yuan bills.

Cheng Junguo didn’t understand. Su Li whispered, “Mom sold the mooncakes.”

Cheng Junguo’s eyes widened instantly, his heart pounding wildly. His mother was engaging in speculative business?

“What kind of look is that? I’m doing this for you. Getting married nowadays needs three big items, thirty-six pieces, eighty-four legs—isn’t our family’s little savings far from enough?”

“It’s fine. If something happens and I get caught, it’s me. It has nothing to do with you guys.”

Su Li spoke with heroic solemnity, making Cheng Junguo’s heart ache even more.

“Mom, I won’t tell anyone.”

Su Li pursed her lips silently. Not telling anyone meant not opposing either. The money earned would go to him.

So fifth brother had a conscience, but it was limited. The road to discipline was long and arduous.

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“All right, this is our secret!”

Cheng Junguo, eager to solidify his position, was immediately happy. Sharing a secret made people feel closer.

Su Li got on the cart, went to the supply and marketing cooperative, bought some items, then returned.

Back at home, Su Li kept a close watch on the second daughter-in-law while she cooked lunch, not allowing her to sneak a bite.

Li Meilan was frustrated. Sneaking tastes while cooking was her greatest pleasure, but the matriarch was watching so strictly.

“Li Meilan, what’s that look? You’re cursing me in your heart, aren’t you? You’re so ungrateful. If you want to eat, then eat. Afterward, you can live in the bathroom—won’t kill you!” Su Li reprimanded her sharply, and Li Meilan obediently quieted down.

Lunch was cornmeal pancakes with stir-fried potatoes and a few cucumber sticks to quench thirst, delivered by fifth brother Cheng Junguo. That was the meal.

In the afternoon, Su Li continued making mooncakes, making Li Meilan drool and pace around.

“Second daughter-in-law, stay away from me! Don’t tease me right in front of my eyes!”

“Mom, my legs brought me here.”

Su Li thought: You can’t argue with a fool.

Before four in the afternoon, eldest son returned early from work, preparing for the night shift.

Su Li pulled the eldest aside and told him about the mooncake sales.

“You already knew about this, so I’m telling you. Don’t tell anyone else—just the two of us.”

Eldest son Cheng Jundong frowned, worried. “Mom, I’ll help deliver mooncakes.”

If anyone got caught, he’d take the fall.

Su Li understood and showed a disdainful expression. “No, you have the whole family. I’m just one old lady. If they catch me, they still have to feed them. No need to discuss this—I’ll go alone.”

Cheng Jundong lowered his head in guilt, afraid she would implicate him.

Without allowing contradiction, Su Li glanced at him and changed the subject.

“I’m planning to send the eldest and second granddaughters to school after the autumn harvest.”

Cheng Jundong looked up sharply, stunned.

“You’re so startled—it’s scary. They’re my granddaughters after all. If we have no money, we won’t send them; if we do, of course they’ll go! But don’t tell the kids yet; wait until after the harvest. Besides, school is busy with the autumn break now.”

“All right, hurry up and eat. You still have work.”

Su Li waved her hand dismissively and turned away.

Cheng Jundong imagined: His mother risked everything selling mooncakes to raise tuition for the eldest and second granddaughters?