Chapter 642: Yearly Surplus
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Soon after, everyone helped Old Madam Yang pack and move her stall. Yang Xiaoxun was grateful but did not know how to thank them.
Afterward, the villagers asked when they could see her perform again, and she said, “Since the New Year is in two days, Miss Su told us to perform again after the celebrations. She’s also preparing new scripts for us.
“Miss Su also said we’ll perform whenever Su Teng Market opens. She’ll announce it to everyone before it happens.”
Su Binglan told her crew these things and allowed them to spread the news so everyone would know when the next play was.
The villagers grew excited when they heard Yang Xiaoxun’s words. They knew they could watch the play for free, too, The villagers were reluctant to part with Yang Xiaoxun, and she even gave the children a few toys she had made.
The children loved their gifts and started calling her Sister Yang. The young lady blushed and was still in a daze even after everyone had left. However, her heart felt warm, and her eyes lit up.
She finally realized she was passionate about acting and performing. She felt delighted and confident with her new passion. Moreover, Yang Xiaoxun knew people would respect her grandmother if she performed well.
Yang Xiaoxun approached her grandmother and massaged her legs, asking, “Was it tiring for you today, Grandma?”
Old Madam Yang could not stop smiling as she pulled her granddaughter to sit beside her. “I’m not tired, dear. I was excited to see you on stage just now. I can’t describe my feelings then, but I knew 1 was proud of you. So many people talked about you when they came to buy pancakes from me.”
Yang Xiaoxun smiled when she saw how happy her grandmother was. The duo had a new lease on life.
Yang Xiaoxun said, “Grandma, I discovered that everyone in my team has no relatives. We discussed it as we made dumplings together. Miss Su arranged a big room for us to cook and eat together.
“We also received our bonuses today, and I considered buying a house in the neighborhood after the New Year celebrations.”
There were several rows of houses behind the staff dormitory. The construction team built it after completing the staff dormitory, and Su
Binglan had yet to sell them.
Although she planned to sell them soon, she would build more houses in the area after the New Year. Su Binglan planned to sell the houses at affordable prices, too.
After some thought, Yang Xiaoxun decided to buy a house and settle in Su Teng Village.
Old Madam Yang patted her granddaughter’s head and said, “l believe in you,
Xiaoxun. I earned a lot today. Here’s the money.”
The older woman was reluctant to spend even a penny because she wanted to save them for her granddaughter.
Old Madam Yang made pancakes throughout the day without taking a break. She sold over 300 pancakes in a day because of the play in the afternoon. She had earned more than one silver tael that day.
In the past, Old Madam Yang and Yang Xiaoxun could work hard for a year and never earn this much money.
Yang Xiaoxun revealed her bonus and said, “This is how much Miss Su paid me for my performance today. Each of us received one silver. Although the production team didn’t make much today, Miss Su prepared everything for
us.”
The production crew was grateful to Su Binglan and wanted to perform well for her. That way, they could earn more money for Su Binglan.
However, Su Binglan did not mind making the play free to watch because she wanted to gain popularity first. She also planned to build a theater since many people had to sit far away to watch.
After that, she could charge for the tickets. Of course, she would not overcharge the people. Still, Su Binglan knew she could cover costs because many people enjoyed her play.
Even if there were a theater, Su Binglan would let the people watch her play for free. She even considered doing a tour.
The Su family returned home in the evening. They were still immersed in the play and discussed it nonstop.
Su Wenwu was still humming the tune as his mother said, “Binglan, your play was excellent.’
Su Fengmao added, “l couldn’t get enough of it.”
Su Binglan smiled. “I’ll arrange for the crew to perform again after the New Year. Since the celebrations are in a few days, we should let them be with their families.’
Su Wenzhe was thrilled. “It’s so lively this year.”
“It feels different from last year, right?” Everyone agreed with Su Wenzhe.
“l bought a few fish in the morning,” Shen Qiuhua said, “We’ll have enough for everyone during the celebrations.”
Su Binglan looked at the fish and said, “They look nice and fresh, Mother.
Let’s have some grilled fish tonight.”
“What’s a grilled fish?” Shen Mohen’s eyes lit up.
‘That’s another new word. I wonder if it tastes good. As expected, I can only eat new foods at Aunt Qiuhua’s house.’
“Grilled fish is delicious and easy to make,” Su Binglan said, “It’s different from the steamed fish we typically eat. You’ll know what I mean once you’ve tried it.’
Shen Mohen felt he had become a foodie since visiting his aunt’s house. That was because his cousin had excellent cooking skills.
Shen Mohen did not like going into kitchens in the past. In that era, it was customary for men to stay away from the kitchen. However, everyone in the Su family willingly helped to cook.
The family enjoyed helping each other and made it a tradition.
Meanwhile, Su Binglan prepared the ingredients to add to the grilled fish.
“This dish is similar to hotpot, but the taste differs entirely. We can add tofu skin and other things to it.
“Let’s have dinner in the east hall this time. It’ll be more convenient to make grilled fish there.”
Everyone was excited to try the new dish Su Binglan had mentioned. Since many people were at home, she prepared two big fish dishes.
After trying the dishes for the first time, everyone praised Su Binglan’s cooking.
“l never knew we could eat fish this way.”
“It’s so delicious, Sister!”
Su Binglan even cooked rice for everyone to have with the fish. She added sweet potatoes to the rice and steamed them, making them sweeter and more fragrant.
While eating, the family discussed the play. Su Fengmao said, “Binglan, your grandparents were thrilled today. They enjoyed your play and spoke highly of your songs and stories..”