Chapter 93: When the Sky Falls

TL: Etude

Seeing Chen Jianghai about to pay, Zhu Yinyin quickly grabbed his arm to stop him.

“Brother Chen, there’s really no need. These are just vegetables from our own fields, not worth much. Besides, you helped me last time, so consider this as my treat.”

Chen Jianghai gave her a look, then glanced at the book in her hand, a high school Chinese language textbook.

“Are you… planning to go to college?”

Zhu Yinyin paused, managing a forced smile: “No, I’m just reading aimlessly to pass the time.”

Chen Jianghai looked at Zhu Yinyin, knowing she wasn’t speaking her true thoughts, but he didn’t probe further.

Everyone has their secrets.

It was a fleeting meeting, and since she didn’t wish to share, there was no need to delve deeper.

“You must take the money, or I won’t accept the vegetables.”

Chen Jianghai was firm in his stance.

Unable to refuse any further, Zhu Yinyin accepted Chen Jianghai’s money.

Before leaving, Chen Jianghai couldn’t help but say, “If you want more time to study, I can offer you a stable job.”

Hearing this, a glint of eagerness flashed in Zhu Yinyin’s eyes.

But she seemed conflicted and hesitant, as if considering something.

“Think it over. My shop is at Pozijie Street. If you’re interested, come and find me.”

Chen Jianghai, not wanting to pressure her for an immediate answer, left with a slight smile.

At that moment, Zhu Yinyin reminded Chen Jianghai of a documentary he had seen in his previous life.

The documentary focused on children in mountain villages struggling to study, some without even access to books.

The longing in those children’s eyes for knowledge was exactly like what he saw in Zhu Yinyin.

This stirred a compassionate feeling in Chen Jianghai.

Meeting by chance was a kind of fate.

If he could help, then he would.

Of course, Chen Jianghai wouldn’t just give Zhu Yinyin money. What he offered was an opportunity.

Whether she could seize it depended on her own choices.

After returning home and putting away the vegetables, Chen Jianghai went to his warehouse.

Just as he arrived, he saw a crowd gathered at the entrance, unsure of what had happened.

Initially worried, Chen Jianghai felt relieved upon seeing Zhao Changgui sitting at the entrance.

The crowd at the door noticed Chen Jianghai too, quickly surrounding him.

“Master Chen, when will the TVs be in stock?”

“Yeah! I’ve come several times now. Why is there still no stock?”

“Aiguo took my deposit, promising to prioritize my order!”

…

Hearing the complaints, Chen Jianghai understood they were all waiting for the assembled televisions.

“Sorry to keep everyone waiting, but assembling televisions is a technical task, and I’ve been working overtime.”

Chen Jianghai apologized.

After much talking and making promises, he finally managed to persuade the crowd to leave.

Not long after the group left, Fang Aiguo emerged.

“Brother Hai, those people were really desperate, scared me to death!”

Fang Aiguo said somewhat exaggeratedly, patting his chest.

Chen Jianghai couldn’t help but smirk: “Hey, you’ve become clever, hiding away!”

Seeing Fang Aiguo’s reaction, Chen Jianghai knew these people must have approached him before.

Fang Aiguo laughed awkwardly: “Brother Hai, I had no choice. They’ve been cornering me for several days, insisting on getting their orders.”

“Just hang in there for a while.”

Chen Jianghai thought for a moment and then said, “Don’t go to Qiang’s place for now. Wait until the shop is renovated and move all the electronics there.”

Fang Aiguo’s eyes widened in surprise. “Brother Hai, you’ve already found a shop?!”

“Yes, I’ve signed the contract. Renovations start tomorrow, and I’m hoping to move there soon,” Chen Jianghai nodded in response.

Fang Aiguo followed up with another question: “Brother Hai, how many televisions can you assemble in the next few days?”

He had heard the promises Chen Jianghai made to those people.

Although those promises were somewhat ambiguous, leaving some room for maneuver, he still wanted to know the progress to feel assured.

Chen Jianghai teased him, “What’s the matter? Are your hands itching to sell TVs after a few days’ break?”

Fang Aiguo scratched his head and chuckled sheepishly, “Mainly, it’s the customers pushing for it. We can’t miss the opportunity to make money.”

Chen Jianghai patted his shoulder and said, “Don’t worry, Aiguo. I’ll stay here until the shop is ready and try to assemble as many TVs as possible.”

“Alright, Brother Hai, I was waiting for you to say that!” Fang Aiguo said excitedly, rubbing his hands together.

…

For the next few days, Chen Jianghai immersed himself in the warehouse, focusing solely on assembling televisions.

Fang Aiguo and Zhao Changgui also helped out.

Under Chen Jianghai’s guidance, they had learned the basics of disassembling and assembling the exterior. However, the installation of the core internal components still relied solely on him.

Of course, Chen Jianghai didn’t expect much help from them in this area and thought to himself that he should take on a couple of apprentices when possible.

Otherwise, relying on his own two hands, he’d be exhausted!

During this time, Chen Jianghai also visited Xu Dong at the component factory to buy a large batch of parts.

The recent surge in TV assembly had led to significant wear and tear of regular components.

Taking this opportunity, Chen Jianghai also discussed his shop opening with Xu Dong.

Through Chen Jianghai, Xu Dong had made some profit.

Knowing about the shop opening, Xu Dong naturally offered his congratulations, insisting on attending the opening.

…

That day, after finishing work at the warehouse, Chen Jianghai rushed home to cook.

But as soon as he entered the house, he found Lin Wanqiu sitting at the doorway, her eyes red and swollen as if she had been crying.

Chen Jianghai’s expression changed instantly. He quickly approached her and asked with concern, “Wanqiu, what’s wrong? What happened?”

Hearing his voice, Lin Wanqiu hurriedly wiped her eyes, managing a weak smile, “It’s… it’s nothing.”

“Nothing? You think I didn’t see? What’s going on? Tell me!”

Chen Jianghai said anxiously.

Wanqiu was generally strong-willed, preferring to bear burdens silently.

In his previous life, she endured many hardships and tribulations following him, always enduring without complaining to others.

Lin Wanqiu shook her head: “Jianghai, it’s really nothi…”

Before she could finish, Chen Jianghai firmly grasped her hand, speaking earnestly.

“Wanqiu, I am your man. No matter how big the issue, I will bear it. Please don’t keep it to yourself. Tell me, okay?”

Lin Wanqiu, looking at Chen Jianghai and hearing his caring words, couldn’t hold back her tears any longer.

“What happened? Speak out. There’s always a solution!”

Chen Jianghai, seeing her state, was extremely anxious. He opened his arms and embraced Lin Wanqiu, gently stroking her hair.

Lin Wanqiu, leaning on Chen Jianghai’s shoulder, said with a choked voice, “I… I might lose my job.”

“Ah? Just this matter?”

Chen Jianghai raised his eyebrows in surprise.

He had thought it was something more serious, but it turned out to be this issue.

Of course, a stable job was incredibly important for many people. Losing it could feel like the sky was falling.

…

If you’re enjoying the story, please leave a rating or review. Thanks!