Chapter 111: Preparing for a Rainy Day

It was just past seven in the evening when Old Su returned home from work.

In those days, most people had yet to realize the dangers of smoking. Official agencies worldwide rarely imposed restrictions. America had countless smokers, and cigarette companies like Marlboro advertised without restraint, reaping huge profits.

After hearing the whole story from his son, Old Su—who prided himself on having weathered many storms—couldn’t sit still. He rummaged through the drawer, pulled out a cigarette, and lit it.

He already knew there was a nearby “supermarket,” but never imagined that half of its shares belonged to his own family, worth well over a hundred thousand dollars. He desperately needed a moment of calm.

This sum was staggering for the Su family. Even before using money for Grandma Su Mu’s medical treatment, they had never amassed such savings.

Old Su took a drag, smiled, took another puff, and kept smiling.

His grin was so dazzling that Su Mu found it frightening. In his memory, his grandfather had always been stern and taciturn, but now he seemed utterly uncharacteristic.

Suddenly, Old Su stood up, hands clasped behind his back, and walked out. Su Dingcai, standing by the door, curiously asked, “Dad! Where are you going? Dinner’s ready!”

The old man didn’t answer, quickening his pace. He intended to inspect the supermarket closely before eating; otherwise, he wouldn’t be able to stomach the meal.

A business worth over a hundred thousand dollars, yet he didn’t even know what they sold. All he’d heard from his son was that business was booming, profits were high, and he was so excited his face flushed.

He smiled at everyone he met, walked with a straight back, almost wanting to shout about his family’s newfound wealth. But knowing better, he kept quiet, barely containing his pride.

Everyone dreams of becoming wealthy, but only a few succeed. Abilities, vision, and luck all vary. Suddenly having a chance to make money made the whole family ecstatic.

Su Mu guessed where his grandfather had gone and felt unusually content. Often teased for being “all talk, no action,” this time he finally earned some respect. Picking up his white bowl, he asked his father, “Where’s Mom? Shouldn’t she have finished work already?”

“I’m not sure,” his father, Su Dingcai, shook his head. “Maybe she’s working late at the supermarket. There were plenty of customers during the day, so it must be even busier at night. I went by this evening, and many items had already sold out.”

Both father and son were unusually cheerful today.

Su Mu remained calm, picking up a piece of braised pork and placing it in his bowl. “Does she have enough to eat? Should I bring her some food?”

His father hadn’t thought of this and nodded. “Yes, I’ll stir-fry a few dishes. You take them to our employees.”

“Oh, so they’re our employees now?” Su Mu teased, making Su Dingcai blush and put down his bowl in embarrassment. “I’ll start cooking now. You eat quickly and bring the food while it’s still hot. The small restaurant might have customers, so I can’t leave just yet.”

...

The small restaurant occasionally delivered takeout, with food boxes and delivery bicycles.

Su Mu rode his bicycle to the supermarket and found the parking lot packed with cars, and many customers carrying bags outside the entrance. His spirits lifted.

He went straight to the warehouse to find his mother and saw a mountain of empty cartons piled outside—proof that business was booming.

Inside, his mother was wiping sweat from her brow, while a few employees busily moved boxes. Su Mu approached with a smile and called out, “Mom, have you eaten? Dad asked me to bring some food over.”

“No, too busy to eat. Your grandfather was here a moment ago and went to look around inside.”

His mother’s joy was evident as she pointed to the stock in the warehouse. “It was packed full this morning, but now a large section is empty! Just the apples alone sold dozens of boxes. We just got another shipment. You see, the cashiers have been working nonstop since opening!”

Working for others and helping your own family make money were two very different experiences. Though busy with opening day, her mood was especially bright.

“I saw that. You eat first; you still have a few hours to go.”

Su Mu glanced around, scratching his head in frustration. “At this rate, there won’t be any goods left to sell tomorrow. I just looked through the window, and half the shelves are empty. The stock is too little.”

“Yes, Boss Han already called the suppliers. Some fruits haven’t even arrived in the warehouse before being taken out to sell,” his mother added.

The dishes were still hot as she invited her colleagues to eat together.

After greeting them politely as the junior family member, Su Mu returned to Boss Han’s office, only to find the door locked and no one inside.

Since it was just one supermarket, Boss Han handled all matters, so only one office was set up. Other positions had yet to be established.

After looking around, Su Mu didn’t find his grandfather but spotted Helberg wearing the supermarket’s uniform. Before going home in the afternoon, Boss Han had agreed to keep him on, and Helberg was helping arrange the goods.

Originally, Su Mu was supposed to pay Helberg’s salary, but now the supermarket was covering it.

In other words, Helberg had become an “intern” at the supermarket, a status slightly above the cleaning ladies, responsible for assisting Boss Han with company matters.

Seeing Su Mu nearby, Helberg panted and said, “I still don’t understand why you Chinese like such awful-tasting liquor. It’s already sold well, cheaper than the market price, and some people bought entire cases.”

Helping him arrange the goods, Su Mu replied, “Like many older Chinese, they think whiskey tastes like medicinal wine. Every place has its own customs.”

“I was planning to come find you tonight. That Mr. Han only offers me $600 as an intern wage. Even if I become a formal employee next month, it’s only $1,200 a monthI'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that request.