novelraw Chapter 219: Selling College Entrance Exam Prep Materials
Chapter 219: Selling College Entrance Exam Prep Materials
Liu Cuilan leaned against the door: "It’s so early in the morning, why aren’t you at home sleeping? What are you looking for my third child for? Speak up clearly, or you can’t come in."
Everyone knew Liu Cuilan was a temperamental woman; she might look gentle and weak on the outside, but her temper was quite fierce.
Otherwise, how could she, a widow, raise so many children by herself after her husband passed away?
Aunt Wang scratched her head awkwardly and said, "Cuilan, we heard that college exams are about to resume. We’re hoping Xiaoxiao could help get some review materials for our kids while she’s at work."
The news had just come yesterday, and everyone hurried to run around to various bookstores in the city, but after visiting several places, they couldn’t find any relevant materials.
These are all rural families, scraping a living from the earth throughout their lives, thinking that this exam could change their children’s destiny. They’re determined to get the review materials no matter what.
"My third child works at a department store, not a bookstore, so she won’t be able to help you with that."
Liu Cuilan was already irritated after being woken early in the morning, and now that she knew they came looking for her third child to buy things, especially books, she was even more impatient.
Her third child had some abilities, but she wasn’t a wish-granting fairy; you think she can get anything you want?
"Cuilan, could you just ask Xiaoxiao to help us out? It’s about the children’s future, and don’t your own kids also have to take the exams?"
"Right, Xiaoxiao works at the city’s department store and knows many people and has good connections; please ask her to help us?"
A group of people started speaking all at once.
Just as Liu Cuilan was about to shoo everyone away, Su Xiaoxiao appeared, tousling her messy hair.
When the neighbors saw her, they rushed up eagerly, like cats smelling fish, shamelessly asking for her help for their children’s future.
"Xiaoxiao, could you please help us? We went to all the bookstores yesterday, and there’s nothing there..."
"Exactly, we’ve tried every avenue without success, so we’re really desperate and came to ask for your help."
Su Xiaoxiao rubbed her eyes hard, finally opening them thoroughly, her mind clearing a little.
It was a bit chilly in the morning.
She hunched her shoulders and nodded before the aunt finished speaking, "No problem, I’ll buy them for you."
"Yeah, Su Family girl, this is... Wait, what did you say?"
Someone spoke in disbelief, did this girl really agree so straightforwardly?
For something they’ve searched high and low without results, this young girl has agreed to help them buy it so easily?
"Isn’t it just college entrance exam review books? I have them right here."
As Su Xiaoxiao spoke, she took out the "Five Years College Exams, Three Years Simulation" book she had in her hand.
A thick stack of bound volumes with content from various subjects.
Since the college exams had just been reinstated, the content inside was compiled according to current circumstances.
Everyone was just trying their luck, not expecting that someone like Su would actually have the books.
The scene went wild instantly, people shouted excitedly to Su Xiaoxiao.
"Xiaoxiao, can you sell this book to me? I’ll pay an extra two cents."
"Pfft, something this hard to find? You’re only paying an extra two cents? I’ll offer double the price."
"Su Family girl, I’ll pay triple, you have to give me the book."
Su Xiaoxiao was a bit overwhelmed, she didn’t think the book would be such a hot commodity; she once used it as a prop to balance a table.
She cleared her throat and said, "Everyone, don’t worry, even though I only have one book, I can make copies for all of you. Anyone who needs one can register with me."
Someone couldn’t help but ask, "Xiaoxiao, how much for the copy?"
Su Xiaoxiao held up a hand and gestured a number: "Eight bucks, if you need it, come and register with me."
"That expensive?"
Some hesitated at the price, but most were determined for their children’s future, biting the bullet and getting in line to register.
Actually, the price Su Xiaoxiao demanded wasn’t expensive; printing costs were high back then, and a complete set of exam review materials could cost more than ten bucks.
And it’s still in high demand, not easily available without connections.
In a short time, she prepaid for more than ten copies.
When everyone had left, Su Xiaoxiao started calculating how many copies she needed to print, and Liu Cuilan came in through the door.
Seeing her mother’s unhappy mood, Su Xiaoxiao couldn’t help asking, "Mom, what’s wrong?"
"What’s wrong? It’s because I just heard about the college exam reinstatement, I called your elder brothers, and guess what? Neither of them wants to take it, your second brother maybe fine with his average grades, but your first brother is top-notch in the county, it makes me so angry."
Su Xiaoxiao hurried to comfort her, "Mom, don’t rush. I’ll call my brothers tomorrow and persuade them; they’re probably worried about their jobs."
Su Xiaoxiao understood her brothers’ concerns, the family’s situation had just improved a bit; if they quit to prepare for exams now, not only would they lose two incomes, but if they didn’t pass, they’d be caught in a dilemma.
Hearing this, Liu Cuilan’s expression softened; she actually understood her sons’ worries.
But as the saying goes, ’Of all professions, only studying is noble.’ She would sell everything she had to get all her children to go to school.
Thinking of this, she looked at Su Xiaoxiao: "Third child, what do you think? According to mom, all three of you should take the exam, college education offers more opportunities."
What Su Xiaoxiao admired about Liu Cuilan most was her foresight; though a rural woman, she had great vision.
Despite the family’s difficult conditions, she insisted that all her children go to school.
This was something many families couldn’t do.
Especially for families with daughters.
In those days, most families only saw girls as meant to marry well, nothing else mattered.
"Mom, don’t worry, I’ll definitely participate in the college exam."
She had just graduated high school, she didn’t even need much preparation, just a quick review of the materials.
The mother and daughter chatted for a while before Liu Cuilan got up to leave.
After the lights went out, Su Xiaoxiao lay on the bed, immediately logged into the gaming interface, and contacted the print shop owner she’d befriended before.
Agreeing on a price, she mailed the books over.
After a good night’s sleep, Su Xiaoxiao managed to get up early for work the next day.
As soon as she entered, she heard many salesclerks gathered discussing something.
She just put down her satchel when Zhang Yulan grabbed her: "Xiaoxiao, they’re saying there’s going to be a selection for outstanding sales clerks in the next two days,"