"Mom, where are we going now?" Song Yu asked, holding Song Xinran's hand as they stepped outside.
Song Xinran said, "We're going to the library first."
Song Yu widened his eyes: "The library?"
Song Xinran asked, "Does Xiao Yu know what a library is?"
Song Yu quickly nodded: "I know! It's a room with lots of books where children go to find things."
Song Yu had seen the word "library" on television. Cai Yang loved watching TV at home and could always find channels showing cartoons.
Song Yu liked it too. If his uncle wasn't home, he could sit on the stool and watch with Cai Yang. Though he had no say in what to watch, he still enjoyed it immensely.
If his uncle was home, he would sweep the main room while secretly glancing at the TV.
The scenes on television always fascinated Song Yu—they showed a world he had never experienced.
Now he was going to the library too?
The thought of the cartoons he'd seen made Song Yu bounce with excitement.
"Mom, are we going to the library to find things too?"
Song Xinran said, "Yes, we're going to look for books. Remember, Xiao Yu, don't speak loudly in the library."
Song Yu nodded vigorously.
Song Xinran hailed a pedicab to take them to the library. She planned to check newspapers, periodicals, or books about purchasing water heaters.
In her previous life, she could simply search online for anything she wanted to buy, getting endless information and smart price comparisons—extremely convenient.
But now, even mobile phones were rare in their city, and information was highly inaccessible. Buying big items under these circumstances relied solely on bargaining and luck.
Song Xinran disliked going into battles unprepared, especially since a water heater was a major purchase and she was currently short on funds.
At the library, after a simple registration, they entered. Song Xinran went straight to the newspaper and periodical shelves, while Song Yu imitated his mother, carefully flipping through books until he found one with a brightly colored cover.
He couldn't read, so he only looked at the pictures. Fortunately, he picked up a comic magazine. His eyes widened as he opened the first page—so many pictures!
Though illiterate, Song Yu could roughly understand what the characters in the comics were doing. His little finger traced the panel-by-panel images, moving slowly, his eyes unblinking. When he encountered something he didn't understand, he simply skipped it.
When Song Xinran finally called him to leave, Song Yu was reluctant. Remembering not to speak loudly in the library, he whispered, "Mom, the cartoon was so fun."
Song Xinran was puzzled, thinking the library had been completely quiet with no TV sounds.
Song Yu gestured like he was holding a book, his eyes shining brightly: "There are cartoons inside the book!"
Song Yu had previously thought only TVs could show cartoons. Discovering that library books had them too expanded his understanding of the world.
Song Xinran understood and smiled: "Those are comics. Does Xiao Yu know how to read?"
She thought Song Yu couldn't possibly be that clever—he was only three, and there was no early education in rural areas.
The grown-up male supporting character in the original story hadn't become a genius hacker either.
But Song Yu nodded: "I can read!"
Song Xinran widened her eyes, wondering inwardly if her involvement had changed Song Yu's world so drastically?
Song Yu extended one little finger: "One!"
Two little fingers: "Two!"
Three little fingers: "Three!"
Then she couldn't continue, but looked up excitedly at Song Xinran and said: "Mommy, I know numbers!"
Song Xinran didn't know whether to laugh or cry, patting the little one's head: "Xiao Yu is so amazing!"
Song Yu smiled with pursed lips, her eyes half-crescent.
But Song Xinran thought to herself that after buying the water heater, she would get Song Yu two books. If Song Yu wanted to learn characters, she could teach her.
However, right now she had to attend to an important matter. Having read extensively about water heaters at the library, she now possessed considerable knowledge about current water heater models and wouldn't be easily fooled by salespeople—in fact, she might even be able to outsmart them.
The appliance store in the mid-afternoon was bustling with people, resembling a noisy beehive. Nearly every shop had customers, with promoters shouting through megaphones about "major discounts and special offers!" Some stores had banners proclaiming shocking clearance prices. Though Song Xinran didn't have much money in her pocket yet, seeing this scene gave her a sense of thriving economic activity.
This was Song Yu's first time in such a place. While feeling nervous, she also grew curious, obediently holding tightly to her mother's hand and sticking close to Song Xinran's side, though her eyes occasionally darted around to take in the surroundings.
Song Xinran finally found a water heater store. The moment she stepped inside, a salesperson enthusiastically approached: "Miss, looking for water heaters? Our brand is reputable and reliable, currently running a promotion—buy one get one free! Today's the last day!"
Song Xinran paused slightly, thinking this familiar sales pitch already existed back in 2002. Without responding, she held Song Yu's hand and browsed through the store.
Though Song Xinran's knowledge of water heaters wasn't extensive, she had personally selected all appliances during her previous life's home renovation, giving her some familiarity with various types. While technology wasn't as advanced now, certain principles remained consistent. Moreover, having just reviewed relevant information at the library, she knew what aspects to prioritize in current water heater models.
Seeing her browsing independently without engagement, the salesperson began forming assumptions. After assessing Song Xinran—though simply dressed, she carried an elegant demeanor suggesting financial comfort—the salesperson quickly caught up with a smile and introduced a nearby model: "Miss, check out this water heater—stainless steel inner tank! Nano sterilization! Particularly powerful heating, boils water extremely fast, plus freeze-proof technology, completely safe even in snowy weather!"
Naturally, this model was recommended because it offered the highest commission at 18%!
"And this model is on special today—original price 899, now only 699! Purchase includes a free showerhead!"
The commission for this single unit would be over one hundred—a huge profit if sold!
Noticing Song Xinran turning to look, the salesperson beamed with delight, deploying all the trained sales rhetoric: "This model features fully stainless steel inner tank! Imported safety shield technology—safety is the most crucial aspect of water heaters nowadays. Newspapers have reported people dying in bathrooms while showering—that's what happens with unsafe units! With ours, you needn't worry at all. All components are German imports. You know about Germany, right? Germans are incredibly meticulous—they destroy anything with even minor defects!"
Hearing these words, Song Xinran felt her vision darken. But it seemed in this era, people loved hearing such talk—always believing foreign moons were rounder and imported goods were superior.
Yet applying these claims to water heaters was pure gimmickry. Song Xinran leaned slightly forward, picked up the nameplate beneath the water heater, and suddenly asked, "Is this a forced-exhaust type water heater?"
The salesperson paused momentarily, thinking she actually knew her stuff, then smiled and said, "This model isn't. This is a flue-type heater with exceptional smoke extraction efficiency. It heats rapidly and uses imported constant-temperature valves with smart temperature control—guaranteed bathing comfort!"
Song Xinran thought this salesperson was trying to fleece her like a fool. She immediately dropped any pretense of politeness and stated bluntly, "This doesn't even have an exhaust fan. During strong winds, exhaust gases would backflow directly. I'm afraid shortly after installation, I'd end up featured in newspaper reports."
Pointing at the text on the nameplate, she continued, "It clearly says 'Prohibited from installation in enclosed spaces.' Are you suggesting customers hang it on trees and bathe in open fields? That would certainly provide ventilation—no worries about carbon monoxide poisoning either."
The salesperson's smile strained under Song Xinran's sarcasm, barely maintaining composure while insisting, "Miss, this model has safety guarantees! We're a major brand—these can last ten years without issues!"
Song Xinran responded with a flat "Oh": "Last ten years without breaking? If users don't survive the first year, I suppose it could indeed sit around forever."
"Show me other water heaters. I only want forced-exhaust types," Song Xinran said sternly.
The salesperson inwardly cursed. Forced-exhaust water heaters were new arrivals in their store, destined to become the standard format. Though expensive, their commission rate was pitifully low at only 3%—still amounting to a few dozen yuan. Gathering himself, the salesperson guided Song Xinran: "All models here meet your requirements. Feel free to browse."
Song Xinran's eyes immediately landed on a silver-gray model. Checking the price tag of 1399 yuan, she thought, "Of course the best-looking one is expensive."
She cut directly to the chase: "Which manufacturer supplies the pressure relief valve? What's the rated outlet pressure? Which gas sources are compatible?"
The salesperson froze completely, thinking training never covered such details. His confidence wavered: "Miss, could you repeat that?"
"Where's the manual? I'll read it myself," Song Xinran demanded.
The salesperson stiffened: "Manuals are packaged with the water heaters. Can't be accessed before purchase!"
Song Xinran nearly laughed in frustration. With a cold expression, she stated: "According to Consumer Rights Protection Law, consumers have the right to request product specifications, manuals, and after-sales service details. You're operating a major store yet openly violating the law? Coincidentally, I'm quite familiar with the Market Supervision Bureau. Shall we pay them a visit together?"①
The salesperson's eyes widened. Having worked in this industry for years facing countless customers, he'd never encountered anyone quoting legal statutes directly.
Seeing Song Xinran's serious, unyielding expression, he panicked. This customer clearly possessed knowledge that couldn't be brushed aside. He hurriedly handed over the manual and all relevant documentation.
Song Xinran accepted them coldly, carefully examining the materials.
Only when she fell silent did the salesperson relax. After a moment, he couldn't help muttering under his breath: "Knowing this much… Could she be from the Supervision Bureau?"
Song Xinran, with her sharp hearing, caught that remark. She closed the instruction manual, slapped it on the counter, and glanced back at the salesperson with a faintly mocking smile. Casually, she remarked, "Last time I came with my colleagues, there weren't any of those outdated products."
The salesperson froze, his mind racing—last time, colleagues, products…
The Market Supervision Bureau had just inspected the appliance store the previous week. The salesperson had been present then, watching as the store owner came out, bowing and scraping. All the products on display were uniformly new models; the outdated flue-type and direct-vent models had been moved to the warehouse.
There had been a group of five or six people, all in uniforms, and the salesperson couldn't recall their exact appearances. But now, looking at Song Xinran—her eyes sweeping critically over the store's merchandise—and the child standing obediently beside her, unflinching, it was clear they weren't ordinary, uninformed customers.
Recalling that earlier scene, the salesperson studied Song Xinran more carefully and grew increasingly alarmed. The more he looked, the more she resembled one of the officials from the Supervision Bureau.
Regret washed over him. How could he have been so blind earlier, failing to recognize her?
If the boss found out he'd tried to push outdated products on a Supervision Bureau official, the store would face another round of rectifications, and the boss would skin him alive!
The salesperson's expression shifted unpredictably as he scrambled to think of a way to salvage the situation. Then, like a heavenly melody, Song Xinran's voice broke through:
"How much for this model?"
Asking about the price meant there was still room for negotiation. Today, the official wasn't in uniform—maybe she was here to shop!
The salesperson suddenly understood and smiled obsequiously. "I'll give you the employee price—nine hundred!"
This was the genuine bottom price, with no commission for the salesperson, and it was strictly limited to employees with over a year of service, with a cap of two units per person.
But now, he couldn't care less about the commission. His only goal was to appease this formidable presence before him, hoping she wouldn't return in uniform to cause trouble later!
Song Xinran raised an eyebrow slightly. "Does it still come with the showerhead?"
The salesperson beamed, wrinkles creasing his face. "Of course, it does!"
As Song Xinran signed and paid, she added offhandedly, "Deliver it to this address in Lingde Town. If my mom asks, just say it cost two or three hundred."
That simple statement made the salesperson think even more. Market Supervision Bureau personnel surely lived in the city—she must be buying the water heater for her mother. He hurriedly agreed, "Of course, of course! Comrade, you're so filial. Our water heater is the safest—perfect for elderly use!"
He didn't even mention delivery fees.
Song Xinran gave a noncommittal "Hmm," paid, took the receipt, and left. The installation crew would deliver and set up the water heater the next day.
The salesperson bowed and scraped as he escorted Song Xinran out of the store. Watching her retreating figure, he wiped the sweat from his forehead, relieved to have seen off this formidable guest. He'd have to instruct the installer to do a thorough job—no cutting corners. This was someone you didn't want to cross!
Once she was a distance away, Song Xinran couldn't help but laugh.
Unexpectedly, she also heard Song Yu let out a sigh. Surprised, she looked at the little one. "What's wrong, Xiao Yu?"
Song Yu said, "Mom was really angry earlier."
Song Xinran curved her lips into a smile. "Were you scared, Xiao Yu?"
Song Yu shook his head. Earlier when his mother was angry, he had also kept a straight face, looking very serious. Now he smiled and said, "Mom not angry with me, I not scared."
Being young, he couldn't express complex sentences yet, but Song Xinran understood his meaning – she wasn't angry with him, so he wasn't afraid.
Song Xinran smiled and said, "Xiao Yu is so clever. Mom was angry because the shopkeeper uncle tried to cheat us."
Song Yu pursed his lips: "That's very bad!"
"Now let's go look at piggy banks."
Song Yu's eyes immediately lit up upon hearing this: "Mom remembered!"
Song Xinran said gently, "Mom will always remember what she promised Xiao Yu."
Finally, they bought a relatively high-end piggy bank shaped like a lucky cat with a lock at the department store, spending 12 yuan.
This piggy bank was much bigger than the ones they had seen in town. Song Yu cherished it, holding it in his arms, the corners of his mouth curved upward the whole time.
Song Xinran also took Song Yu to a bookstore where she bought several books: one "Learning Characters Through Pictures," one "Grimm's Fairy Tales," and one comic book, spending a total of 28 yuan.
Song Yu hugged these books in disbelief: "Mom, are these all for me?"
Song Xinran nodded: "Yes, Xiao Yu was so focused reading at the library earlier. You can read these new books at home too."
Song Yu counted on his fingers: "Books are so expensive."
He had seen his mother give many ten-yuan bills – even one was a lot of money.
Song Xinran said, "Isn't this why Mom and Xiao Yu work hard to earn money – to buy things like this? It doesn't matter if it's expensive, as long as Xiao Yu likes it."
Song Yu nodded, somewhat understanding.
After shopping, the two slowly wandered around the county town. Song Yu was curious about everything around him – there were so many shops in the city selling all kinds of things, so many people walking everywhere, the roads were wide and clean with green trees on both sides, and colorful flowers in the roundabout center.
Song Yu felt his eyes couldn't take in everything fast enough. Suddenly, he spotted a toy store with several Ultraman doll sets displayed at the entrance. Song Yu looked over and paused his steps.
Song Xinran noticed this and felt like laughing inwardly, thinking that children's attraction to Ultraman started this early in this era.
"Does Xiao Yu want to buy Ultraman?"
Song Yu shook his head: "Xiao Yang likes it most."
Song Yu thought that if Cai Yang were here, seeing so many Ultraman toys, he would surely jump for joy.
Cai Yang had one at home that his uncle bought him. Cai Yang cherished it so much that even after breaking Ultraman's arm, he glued it back together and continued playing with it.
Cai Yang treasured it greatly, often showing it off in front of Song Yu but never letting him touch it, saying he might break it.
Song Xinran didn't say anything, but simply took Song Yu into the toy store and bought him a doll.
When she placed the doll in Song Yu's hands, Song Xinran asked softly, "Is it only Xiao Yang who likes it? Doesn't Xiao Yu like it?"
Song Yu hugged the doll with both hands, looking up at her with his small face, his childish voice saying, "I like it a little."
But now he had touched an Ultraman doll – so this was what it felt like.
After strolling around and shopping, the two returned to Xiang Manyuan restaurant. After having dinner, the same bus took them back to Lingde Town.
Song Xinwen sighed with emotion, "Attending banquets in the city is really different. The restaurants are bright and spacious, and the service attitude is excellent. This afternoon, while I watched them play mahjong, they even served us several plates of fruit."
Song Xinran teased, "Sis, why don't you host your thirtieth birthday in the city too?"
Song Xinwen immediately waved her hands, lowering her voice as she spoke, "Do you know how much this table cost? I overheard them chatting this afternoon—it's 650 per table!"
"Wow, Huang Yun's family must be really wealthy."
"Sis, you guys really dive deep into conversations, even picking up such details." Song Xinran was genuinely impressed. Back in their town, whenever there was nothing to do, Song Xinwen loved sitting in tea houses and chatting with others, then coming home to share gossip with Song Xinran. Song Xinran thought she had incredible energy.
Song Xinwen brushed it off, "This is nothing."
Then, she sighed again, "We didn't set up our stall today—I bet the neighbors are laughing their heads off. Do you think they assume we got scared and quit?"
"Who cares what they think? We'll just do what we need to do!"
The next morning, someone knocked on Song Xinran's door—it was the installer for the water heater.
The installer was quite polite and finished the job quickly, testing it several times to ensure everything was working before leaving.
As soon as the person was gone, Song Xinwen went over to inspect it, touching and examining it while clicking her tongue, "This little thing costs nine hundred? It's so expensive."
Song Xinran laughed, "You'll see how convenient it is when you take a shower tonight."
As they were talking, Ding Sisi, who had just gotten out of school at noon, ran over and called out as soon as she entered, "Aunt Song!"
Song Xinran asked, "What's up?"
Ding Sisi, panting from running, said, "My classmates went to buy Bobo Chicken yesterday but didn't see you. They were worried you'd stopped selling it and insisted I come ask."
Song Xinran chuckled, "Didn't you tell them I went to the city yesterday and didn't have time to set up the stall?"
"I did, but they didn't believe me," Ding Sisi leaned in closer and said, "Aunt Song, do you know why they're so worried?"
Seeing the girl's mysterious expression, Song Xinran pretended to be curious, "Why?"
Ding Sisi grinned brightly and said, "They said they'll never eat fried skewers again, hahahaha!"
This all started earlier that morning. When Ding Sisi arrived at school, she noticed her deskmate, Du Xue, was late and hadn't shown up even by the first class. Ding Sisi grew anxious and went to ask the teacher after class.
The teacher said, "Du Xue is sick and has taken two periods off."
At first, Ding Sisi thought Du Xue had caught a cold—many people had been getting sick with the recent temperature drop. But it wasn't until just before the third class that Du Xue trudged into the classroom and slumped into her seat.
Ding Sisi leaned over to check on her, "What's wrong?"
Du Xue lay her head on the desk, "I ate something bad. My mom took me for an IV drip again today."
After hearing her story, the surrounding students understood: Du Xue had started having stomach pains yesterday afternoon. Her mother took her to the town clinic, where the doctor diagnosed her with food poisoning, prescribed medication, and had her get an IV.
Du Xue had diarrhea several times, leaving her weak and exhausted. She felt a bit better after a night's rest, so her mother brought her to school after the IV this morning.
The classmates around her chattered, "What did you eat? It hit you so hard!"
"Is it the stall at the school gate? The teachers always say it's unsanitary and tell us not to buy from there."
"Is it Bobo Chicken? So many people in our class have eaten it!"
Ding Sisi flared up at the mention of Bobo Chicken: "Impossible! I saw Aunt Song make it with my own eyes, using the meat my mom sells. It's perfectly clean!"
Yao Xu stood up: "Stop talking nonsense! I'm the one who eats the most Bobo Chicken, and I'm completely fine!"
Just as everyone was arguing intensely, Du Xue finally spoke up: "It's not the Bobo Chicken…"
She felt somewhat embarrassed under Ding Sisi's gaze. "It was probably the fried skewer stall next to the Bobo Chicken."
Because the fried skewer stall was competing with the Bobo Chicken for business, Ding Sisi had specifically reminded her good friends not to buy from the fried skewer stall and to support Aunt Song instead!
But with such a huge price difference, how could Du Xue resist? Over the past couple of days, she had secretly bought quite a few fried skewers behind Ding Sisi's back, leaving her with no money to patronize the Bobo Chicken stall. Little did she expect that after just two or three servings of fried skewers, she'd fall ill.
However, Ding Sisi wasn't thinking about that now. Hearing Du Xue's words, she straightened up proudly. "See? Aunt Song's Bobo Chicken is clean! It's the fried skewers that are dirty!"
Yao Xu chimed in, "Exactly! I never buy from the fried skewer stall!"
But during class, their homeroom teacher had warned them never to buy from street vendors, saying they were completely unhygienic. She cited their classmate Du Xue as an example—she'd gotten sick from eating street food and had to take leave for an IV drip.
Ding Sisi didn't dare to refute the teacher openly, but she thought to herself: Aunt Song's food is perfectly hygienic! Our classmates have eaten so much of it without any problems, and it tastes amazing!
"Now none of them want to buy fried skewers anymore. They keep asking me whether Aunt Song will be setting up her stall today since she wasn't there yesterday," Ding Sisi said. "Our classmates really miss you."
Song Xinran smiled. "Of course I'll be there. Tell your classmates to come buy as usual."
Ding Sisi happily agreed and ran off to school.
Song Xinran thought to herself that the neighboring fried skewer stall had been running promotions for several days now. At their current prices, they probably weren't making any profit—might even be losing money on labor costs. Yet the husband-and-wife owners remained cheerful and even had the energy to mock her for not being able to sell her Bobo Chicken. Were they cutting corners with their ingredients?
Perhaps because of the elementary school student getting sick from food, Song Xinran's business improved significantly that afternoon.
The neighboring fried skewer stall was still bustling with promotional activity, but the moment the owners saw Song Xinran setting up her stall, their cheerful expressions immediately soured.
"What bad luck," Xiong Li pursed her lips into a stiff line. "Didn't she quit yesterday? Why is she back today?"
Yang Changhai comforted her, "Don't worry, dear. She can't compete with us—our business is several times better than hers!"
Xiong Li said, "Is she really going to keep clinging to our spot?"
"Impossible!" Yang Changhai declared. "We'll make sure she loses everything!"
But the fried skewer stall owners' hopes were destined to be dashed. Even before evening self-study sessions began, Song Xinran had sold out all her Bobo Chicken. She packed up and went home.
After dinner, Song Xinran taught Song Yu to read and write. Song Xinwen, having nothing else to do nearby, found the reading sounds giving her a headache. "I'm going out for a walk," she said.
Song Xinwen headed straight to the town's teahouse, the most crowded place where people loved gathering to chat and share gossip. The conversations covered all sorts of topics, and Song Xinwen found them quite entertaining, quickly joining in.
In the middle of chatting, someone suddenly approached her. "Hey, aren't you the one who sells Bobo Chicken!"
The speaker was a woman in her forties, wearing a rose-colored hand-knitted sweater with permed hair pinned behind her ears by a silver plum blossom hair clip, her face beaming with delight.
Seeing Song Xinwen looking somewhat confused, the woman quickly explained, "I also run a stall at the Third Middle School gate! My husband and I sell fried potatoes!"
Only then did Song Xinwen realize this person did look somewhat familiar. Since the other was being so friendly, she responded with an equally warm smile, "Sis, it's you! I saw your business was doing so well—how do you have time to come here now?"
The woman's cheerful expression immediately faded, and she muttered quietly, "Doing well? These past few days, all our business has been snatched away by that fried skewer stall!"
"When I didn't see you yesterday, I thought you'd quit. Seeing you out today finally put my mind at ease. If even a business as successful as yours is being forced to close, what hope is there for the rest of us?" The woman's voice was filled with resentment.
Song Xinwen hurriedly said, "How could that be? Your business is thriving!"
The woman lowered her voice, "Little sister, you're new here, so you don't know. Ever since that fried skewer stall started their promotion, we've all been suffering in silence!"
The woman glanced around before leaning closer to Song Xinwen's ear, "Little sister, I feel we get along well. Let's find a quieter spot to talk."
Song Xinwen herself harbored resentment toward the fried skewer stall, so hearing someone shared her views, she quickly nodded, "Alright!"
When they reached a less crowded area, the fried potato vendor began speaking, her tone full of complaints. All these stalls had been operating at the Third Middle School gate for a long time—the newest had been there at least half a year. Originally, everyone coexisted peacefully, chatting and sharing daily life during slow periods, even borrowing from neighboring stalls when short on cash. Their relationships were good, and no one had ever run promotions before—what kind of promotions could small stalls possibly offer?
But since the fried skewer stall introduced their promotion, not only had they stolen business, but regular customers were now asking why the other stalls didn't offer promotions too. The customers felt dissatisfied and stopped buying from them.
The stall owners were suffering but couldn't speak out!
Hearing this, Song Xinwen clenched her fist, "Exactly! They've been running this promotion for several days now. Every day it's packed with students, and our business has dropped significantly."
"Little sister," the woman grabbed Song Xinwen's arm, wearing a mysterious expression, "Do you know why the fried skewer stall can afford to run promotions for so long?"
Song Xinwen asked curiously, "Why?"
The woman leaned close to her ear, "I heard they use reconstituted meat skewers—the cheapest ones cost less than five cents to make! They come pre-packaged; they just open the bags and fry them. They don't even need to skewer the meat themselves!"
Song Xinwen's eyes widened in shock. Their own meat skewers, not counting labor and bamboo skewers, cost twenty cents just for the ingredients. They had to wash, cook, cut, and skewer everything by hand—it was very labor-intensive.
If that was the case, she now understood why the fried skewer stall could keep running promotions—they were practically guaranteed profits!
Seeing Song Xinwen's astonished expression, the woman said indignantly, "Aren't they ruining the reputation of our entire street with this? We've always used fresh meat!"
Song Xinwen nodded repeatedly, equally outraged, "We do too!"
The woman said angrily, "They're truly terrible. Stealing business is one thing, but doing something so unethical—if people found out, they'd be run out of here in disgrace!"
Song Xinwen agreed, "Exactly!"
Seeing her like this, the elder sister instead advised, "Little sister, I'm only telling you this because I see you're also an honest businessperson. Please don't tell anyone else."