Chapter 21: A Desperate Escape
At first, Yang Jiabo didn’t notice anything unusual. But after a week, the weeds under the peach tree began to grow exceptionally well, becoming lush and vibrant. Yang Jiabo looked suspiciously at the small fleeceflower. Was this what it meant by “taking care of grass”?
After that, Tengteng didn’t communicate with him again, making Yang Jiabo feel like he had imagined the whole thing. During the worst of his illness, he had experienced hallucinations. Yang Jiabo wasn’t sure if the small fleeceflower could hear him, but he still said to it, “These are just weeds. You don’t need to grow them.”
The small fleeceflower didn’t respond. Yang Jiabo wiped his face in frustration. Why was he expecting a plant to answer him?
Meanwhile, the medicinal herbs Yang Jiabo had brought back were sold to a collection station. His savings now amounted to a little over 800 yuan, but it still wasn’t much. With school not yet in session, Yang Jiabo continued working as a vegetable seller with Bai Cheng.
When Yang Jianjun had time, he would ride the tricycle to help transport the vegetables. If Yang Jianjun was busy, Yang Jiabo would hire a tricycle driver. With experience, the vegetables he bought in bulk were usually sold out by noon, and any leftovers were disposed of.
After Wei Jing returned, he occasionally helped out too. Wei Jing knew Yang Jiabo was trying to earn money, and since there was only so much they could sell each day, he didn’t come every day to avoid cutting into Yang Jiabo’s share.
One day, Li Guizhen approached Yang Jiabo and asked directly, “Jiajia, have you been selling vegetables at the street corner recently?”
“Yes.”
Although Yang Jiabo had tried to keep his vegetable-selling activities from Li Guizhen, it was impossible to hide forever. The spot where they sold vegetables wasn’t far from home, and there were people who knew them. Keeping it hidden for so long was already a feat.
“Where’s the money you made from selling vegetables?”
“I spent it.” If he didn’t say this, Li Guizhen would undoubtedly use the excuse that he was just a child to take the money and “keep it safe” for him. But once she took the money, it would mysteriously disappear.
“You’re always wasting money. Do you know how hard it is to earn money? Your tuition, food, clothes, and everything else cost money. Since you’ve been earning money by selling vegetables, I won’t give you any more pocket money.” Li Guizhen began her usual nagging.
“I only do this during the holidays when I have time. How much can a kid like me really earn?” Although Li Guizhen’s behavior was expected, Yang Jiabo felt he could still argue his case.
“Don’t think I don’t know. Your aunt told me you sell a whole tricycle of vegetables every day.” Li Guizhen didn’t believe him.
“Did she also tell you that the money isn’t all mine?” Yang Jiabo had known it would be trouble when his aunt knew. She was the type to tattle even if you didn’t do anything wrong.
“No.” Li Guizhen was taken aback.
“Then have you thought about where a kid like me would get the capital to start? How could I handle everything alone? I’m just helping someone else sell vegetables and earn a little money, about one yuan a day. If it weren't for my classmates, no one would even bother with me. Besides, I’m still in elementary school. I need to study. I can’t keep earning my own pocket money forever.”
“Well, you’ve earned quite a bit recently. Save it and spend it wisely. I won’t give you any pocket money this month.” Li Guizhen still didn’t fully believe him.
“Whatever.” Yang Jiabo thought bitterly. When Dad gets his salary, I’ll have to find a way to get more to make up for the loss.
Since Li Guizhen already knew, Yang Jiabo stopped hiding and continued selling vegetables every day. If there were a better way to earn money, he would have switched jobs long ago.
“Jiajia, why do you look so down today?” Wei Jing came to help and noticed Yang Jiabo’s lack of energy.
Yang Jiabo said weakly, “My mom cut off my pocket money again.”
Bai Cheng who was clueless, said, “What’s the big deal? I’ve never gotten pocket money.”
Yang Jiabo rolled his eyes. “If your mom gave you pocket money every day and suddenly stopped, you’d feel the same way.”
Bai Cheng frowned, thinking hard, then nodded. “I guess you’re right.”
“It’s fine. You can still earn a lot selling vegetables,” Wei Jing could only comfort him like this.
“I guess so.” Yang Jiabo sighed. Seeing someone with a basket approaching, he immediately put on a smile and went to greet them. He needed to work hard to earn money.
That day, after they finished selling vegetables, it was already lunchtime. Bai Cheng had to go home to cook for his sick grandmother. He was actually a good kid, just forced into it by his family’s poverty. Yang Jiabo invited Wei Jing to lunch. Since Wei Jing had been helping for several days without taking a share of the money, Yang Jiabo decided to treat him to Hangzhou-style soup dumplings.
These were Yang Jiabo’s favorite as a child. A basket of ten dumplings cost two yuan, and with a bowl of porridge for fifty cents, it felt like a feast. Yang Jiabo even generously bought Wei Jing a tea egg.
Wei Jing looked at it and ordered another one. Yang Jiabo thought, does Wei Jing really like tea eggs? But then he saw Wei Jing peel one and place it in his bowl.
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