Chapter 524: 524. Passersby Can Jump (Additional Chapter 10 for Monthly Tickets)_1 Chapter 524: 524. Passersby Can Jump (Additional Chapter 10 for Monthly Tickets)_1 Early in the morning, Old Zhao sorted out the vegetables brought in from the warehouse at the back before setting them up in his small storefront.

On a normal day, arranging them outside the door would suffice–they’d be sure to be gone soon anyway.

But not today.

In the scorching heat, with the sun beating down directly on his spot, even with a canopy for shade, the vegetables wouldn’t stay fresh for long if left outside, so he had to place them inside.

By the time he had everything organized, it was already 7:00–today, with the heat, he brought in the vegetables a bit earlier.

Just as he finished setting up, he saw a young woman turn into the alley from behind.

Old Zhao took a closer look: “Xiaofeng, why are you so early today?”

Xiaofeng was a regular customer who had switched over from Song Tan’s place, specializing in scallion pancakes and needing a good amount of scallions every day.

Although he heard she was a single mother with a child, making every day a bit of a financial struggle, the daily amount of scallions she bought made her a stable and long-term quality customer.

“The scallions you ordered, I set them aside inside just for you. I thought you wouldn’t come to pick them up until 9:00.”

Old Zhao hurriedly went inside to fetch the vegetables as he explained.

Xiaofeng didn’t mind: “No worries, I’m not in a hurry, take your time.”

She started selling scallion pancakes at 6:00 every day, and by 8:00, when she’d finish selling, she’d tidy up before making her way to the vegetable market.

So she always paid in advance and made reservations.

Although Old Zhao’s spot wasn’t competitive and he had ceased reservations, seeing her struggling, he did reluctantly agree to accommodate her.

Xiaofeng remembered this in her heart.

At this moment, she smiled:
“Uncle, I’m not setting up my stall today, so I’m not in a rush.”

She finally couldn’t help but share, “Today’s my son’s birthday. We’re going to the mall to have fun at 9:00, so I’m hurrying to buy everything I need now.”

Compared to six months ago, Xiaofeng’s spirit was much better now.

In the past, she used to sell buns and such, and though she could make a bit of money from the daily hustle and bustle on her own, it was tiring and the income was just so-so.

But ever since she switched to making scallion pancakes, not only had her workload decreased significantly, but her daily income had also multiplied several times.

Now, half a year later, she had even quietly looked at several houses–no need for anything big; even 50 square meters would be enough for the mother and son. And she didn’t need a particularly good school district, an old dilapidated apartment would do.

In Yun City, these old houses in a slightly remote location, older and a bit worn, could be purchased for a couple hundred thousand.

Xiaofeng counted her savings every day, feeling like life had a direction at last, and even the smile on her face at this moment seemed particularly happy.

Old Zhao was taken aback, then he too began to smile, “Kids grow up so fast–oh, right,” he asked casually while packaging the scallions for Xiaofeng, “You’re here early today, I still have some eggs left, would you like some?”

Eggs, huh…

Xiaofeng hesitated.

At 10 yuan each, they were definitely not within their normal budget. But her son was so understanding and had it tough enough already; his classmates went to amusement parks for birthdays and festivals, and they, wanting to save money, could only afford the play area in the mall…

Xiaofeng bit her lip, “Alright, give me two…” She paused, then with a mix of reluctance and happiness, she changed her mind, “Make it four. My silly boy, if I don’t eat, neither will he–he’s that stubborn.”

“That’s the child being thoughtful–still, you’re the only one providing for the household right now, you need to take good care of your health first.”

Old Zhao swiftly packed 4 eggs for her and then cautioned her carefully, “Make sure to hold onto them well. These eggs might seem expensive, but they’re in high demand, just like the scallions you asked for. I’m telling you, they’re absolutely worth more than their price!”

He even passed on his heartfelt advice, “If you want the original flavor, just boil them in plain water. But if you want something even tastier, fry one in oil–hey, I’m telling you, it’ll be so delicious that you’ll salivate on the spot!”

As he spoke, Old Zhao himself started to crave them.

Xiaofeng was also filled with anticipation.

However, as she turned to leave, she saw watermelons displayed in the corner and couldn’t help but ask, “Do you have smaller watermelons?”

Old Zhao was taken aback, “At this time of the year, there are no small melons, only big ones.”

Moreover, the one displayed wasn’t even for sale; it was a gift from his nephew to Song Tan for hauling stuff for him, which Song Tan then gave to Old Zhao, who in turn kept one for himself…

After a pause, Old Zhao added, “Forget it, I’ll cut it for you… Do you want a box for 20?”

Xiaofeng fell silent–she had neither time in the morning nor evening, and she often browsed the local group chats; how could she not know that the whole watermelons with rind were twenty yuan per kilogram?

At that moment, she nodded repeatedly, “Yes, I’d like that. Thank you, Uncle.”

“We’re old acquaintances, why say such things?”

Old Zhao uttered nonchalantly as he swiftly sliced open the watermelon he had intended to keep for himself.

As soon as Xiaofeng left, he hurriedly wrapped the cut piece with cling film and stuffed it into the fridge–the box he cut for her weighed over a kilogram! How could Old Zhao always end up doing business at a loss?

On the other hand, Xiaofeng happily carried her purchases home.

When she arrived home, her child had already finished breakfast and completed the holiday homework for the day, looking at her with surprise:
“Mom, what time are we leaving?”

Xiaofeng smiled and responded, “It’s now 7:30. Give mom a moment to get ready, and we’ll leave at 8, okay?”

As she spoke, she took out 4 eggs from her bag, “Today’s your birthday, so we’re going to have eggs–how about eating two, okay?”

“And this–the vegetable seller sold me a box of watermelon for cheap, it’s the really tasty kind. Let’s try it together…”

While talking, she started boiling water for the eggs, and didn’t forget to efficiently wrap the scallions she had just bought and put them in the fridge.

Turning back, she saw her son still seated at the dining table, staring longingly at the watermelon and then pitifully at her.

The slight pang in Xiaofeng’s heart instantly turned into a soft warmth, “Mom will cook the eggs first, you eat them.”

The heat was particularly oppressive in the top floor apartment that morning, with even the incoming breeze feeling warm.

But to Xiaofeng, life had never seemed so good.

Only when the water for the eggs started boiling and the eggs began to gently roll did she calm herself and turn to look at her son–only to see that he had somehow made his way to the kitchen, his forehead beaded with sweat, yet he held a fork up high, with a piece of juicy watermelon skewered on it:
“Mom, you eat first.”

Xiaofeng’s eyes moistened immediately, and she leaned down to bite into the watermelon, then instantly widened her eyes:
“No wonder everyone raves about it–try it, son, the watermelon is really delicious! Mom will work hard to earn money, and next year on your birthday, shall we eat a whole one?”

Seeing her son nodding innocently, she lovingly patted his small head. Mother and son stood in the kitchen, each enjoying a piece of the watermelon until more than half was gone.

Only when the last bite of the sweet, refreshingly cool watermelon hit their stomachs did they come back to their senses, “Oh no, how did we start eating this first!”