funbook-pk Chapter 57 But, isn't this taking your jobs away from us?
Chapter 57 But, isn't this taking your jobs away from us?
Seeing that she looked ready to roll up her sleeves and start a fight, Lin Chang'er laughed out loud, "Auntie, don't be in a hurry. The Lin family didn't come to bother me. They have something else they want to discuss with you and Uncle today."
Then he called out from the other end of the main hall, "It's time. Everyone, go and sit down by the sandy field. Little Goldfish, you lead everyone in reviewing the words we learned yesterday."
"Yes, Mother," the little goldfish replied from the other end of the main room.
Then came his stern urging voice, "Xiaoman, it's time, wake up quickly."
"Little deer, wipe your mouth clean."
"Uncle Li, don't eat yet, eat during your break later."
Lin Chang'er was leading Aunt Zhou into her room.
When Aunt Zhou heard her son's name called, she immediately turned around and saw Zhou Li running out of the main room with his chubby cheeks.
She said apologetically, "This child is only focused on eating."
Lin Chang'er smiled and said, "It's alright, just study hard when you're learning."
Aunt Zhou responded, "It's only because you, Chang'er, have a good temper."
The two entered the house chatting and laughing. Lin Chang'er poured water and invited Aunt Zhou to sit down before slowly saying, "I asked Si Lang to invite you and Uncle over today, firstly to thank you for taking care of our family during this time, and secondly..."
Lin Chang'er paused, and Aunt Zhou urged her, "Just tell me what you need, and I'll do whatever I can to help you."
Lin Chang'er pursed her lips. "Your aunt knows that we've been collecting seafood to sell these past few days, right?"
Upon hearing this, Aunt Zhou slapped her forehead. "I came here today to talk to you about this too. After hearing what Brother Li said yesterday, I was so worried that I couldn't sleep all night!"
After saying that, she took Lin Chang'er's hand and said earnestly, "Chang'er, it's not that your aunt can't stand to see you doing well, but the seaside is so dangerous!"
In previous years, there were some daring people who wanted to make a living from the sea, but who ended up with a good outcome?
They were swept away by the waves, and we never got them back. Take my advice, let's find another way to make a living, or just honestly farm. Let's not do this kind of risky business anymore.
Lin Chang'er was touched by her words, but said, "Auntie, what you said makes sense, but you also saw it."
Our Linshui Village has a large population but little land, and we can't grow anything in the fields. After working all year round, we can't even afford three meals a day.
If we don't find a way to increase our income, we'll only get poorer and poorer. It's fine for us to just get by and live a normal life, but what about the next generation? Li Ge'er, Si Lang, Jing Zhe, Bai Lu, Xiao Man, and the others.
Are we to expect them to live the same kind of life?
Aunt Zhou frowned, caught in a dilemma. Chang'er was right. They could just make do and get by, but how old were Li Ge'er and the others?
In the future, Li Ge'er will also get married and have children. Does he have to live like this for generations to come?
Taking the opportunity, Lin Chang'er added, "Auntie, the tides actually follow a pattern. As long as you understand the pattern, there will be no danger."
Aunt Zhou pursed her lips. "So, Chang'er, you've already figured out this pattern?"
Lin Chang'er nodded; naturally, she couldn't reveal that she possessed a marine weather forecasting system.
However, the timing of tides can indeed be calculated.
She said, "Although my father did not achieve much in his official career, he often traveled and studied in his early years. He happened to meet a knowledgeable person who taught him, and he then taught me. Now, following the algorithm he taught me, I have figured out the pattern, and after looking at it for the past few days, it is pretty accurate."
Aunt Zhou nodded to herself, "That's what Lin Xiucai taught me, then it must be right."
His eyes gleamed as he looked at Lin Chang'er, "So, Chang'er, what do you mean?"
Seeing that she had softened, Lin Chang'er continued, "Today I went out to sell goods and saw quite a few people on my way there and back. I estimate that the beach will become lively starting tonight."
I don't care about anyone else, but my aunt and uncle have treated our family well. If my aunt is willing, she can come with me to collect seafood starting tonight.
Aunt Zhou was startled, then paused, "But, isn't this taking your jobs away from us?"
These words made Lin Chang'er laugh. She waved her hand and said, "Auntie, the sea is so big, it's not just my sea, is it?"
Besides, whether you'll find anything good depends on luck!
Aunt Zhou was relieved to hear this. "That's great, but I can't read or do accounting. I'm afraid I'll get cheated again when I go back to selling goods."
Lin Chang'er sensed her concerns. "I originally had two ideas. One was that I would pay my aunt 20 coins a day to pick up seafood, and I would keep whatever seafood she found. The other was that my aunt could pick it up herself and sell it to me at the market price, or you could go to the town or county to sell it yourself."
Aunt Zhou's eyes widened. 20 coins a day? Or rather, one night.
That man who carries the heavy loads only earns 30 coins a day!
What more could I ask for?
Aunt Zhou said, "I know myself well. I'm not cut out for this kind of business. Chang'er, it's already a great deal for me that you're willing to hire me. I'll go fishing with you tonight."
Lin Chang'er didn't nod. "No rush. Wait until Uncle comes back, and Auntie discusses it with Uncle before you reply. Whether you help me, pick them up and sell them yourself, or sell them to me, it's all fine."
Aunt Zhou waved her hand, "I can make the decision on this matter. Besides, if I pick them up and sell them myself, your uncle won't be able to explain it to the clan later."
"Chang'er, you've thought of everything for us, what am I still dawdling for?"
After saying that, he glanced into the courtyard again, where the little goldfish was doing a spot check in a very professional manner. This time, Zhou Li was called on. Although he stumbled a bit, Zhou Li still answered correctly.
Aunt Zhou smiled with relief, then suddenly her eyes reddened and she choked up, saying, "Chang'er, Auntie, Auntie really doesn't know how to thank you enough, I, I, Auntie..."
As she spoke, she suddenly stood up and was about to kneel down. Lin Chang'er was startled and quickly supported her, saying, "Auntie, what are you doing? You're making me feel so bad. Please get up."
Lin Chang'er's body was petite, and it took a lot of effort to get Aunt Zhou back into her seat.
Aunt Zhou wiped her eyes and sobbed, "Chang'er, you don't know, all these years, what I've cared about most is that Li Ge'er hasn't been able to go to school."
Lin Chang'er was unaware of the Zhou family's situation. She was just wondering why the Zhou family, who were considered middle to upper class in Linshui Village, could afford to support their only son, Zhou Li, if they gritted their teeth.
But, “Auntie, Li Ge’er is the same age as Si Lang. Although he started school a little late, it doesn’t necessarily mean he can’t succeed. If you want, you can send him to school now.”
Aunt Zhou shook her head, sighed, and told the story of how the entire clan had pooled their resources to support a scholar.
Lin Chang'er frowned upon hearing her words.
You might say that the old patriarch of the Zhou family lacked vision, but he was indeed farsighted. However, if you're talking about his insight, how many promising talents did he inadvertently eliminate?