Chapter Thirty-Six: Opening a Shop, and You Predict Misfortune Again

"My good man, I can tell you’re someone who knows quality when he sees it."

"Just look at the craftsmanship of these work clothes. Only the finest fabrics are used. Feel the texture—see how sturdy it is?"

"Let me tell you, I wear one myself. I caught it on a nail while working the other day; I thought for sure it would rip a huge hole, but it only left a tiny scratch. It didn't affect the wear at all."

As he spoke, Liu Er gestured to the work clothes he was wearing to show everyone. Then, he turned to an elderly woman and said, "Ma'am, rest assured, these socks are made of high-quality cotton thread. They are incredibly durable."

"If you buy them and they fall apart after a few washes, just come back to me. I’ll refund your money and give you a new pair for free."

"Our boss opened this business solely to ensure everyone can get the best goods for the least amount of money."

Despite Liu Er’s earnest tone, the crowd remained skeptical. Just then, a burly, dark-skinned laborer walked into the shop. Having worked on the docks for years, he had a great need for protective gear. He picked up a pair of rubber-soled shoes, felt the material, and tried them on, finding them to be a perfect fit. He then picked up a set of work clothes and inspected them carefully.

"Boss, how much for the rubber shoes and the work clothes?"

"Seventy wen for the shoes, one hundred and thirty for the clothes. That comes to exactly two hundred wen," Liu Er replied with a smile, adding, "My friend, look at these rubber shoes. The tread pattern on the soles is designed to keep you steady on slippery surfaces. They are perfect for your work at the docks."

"And these work clothes? They’re durable and breathable. You’ll be absolutely comfortable wearing them while you work."

The laborer thought it over. The price was indeed reasonable, and the items looked good—at most, it was only two days' wages. "Alright, I'll take them," he said.

Liu Er quickly added, "Sir, you have a great eye! Since your purchase has reached two hundred wen, you’ve earned a chance at our lucky draw!"

The laborer's eyes lit up. "A lucky draw? That’s wonderful!"

Liu Er brought out the draw box and said, "Go ahead and draw, sir! You might just win the grand prize!"

In truth, Liu Er had already calculated everything. This laborer was his first customer, and he had to make sure he had a positive experience to attract more people. Thus, he had quietly rigged the box.

The laborer reached into the box and pulled out a slip of paper. Liu Er took it and announced loudly, "Congratulations, sir! You’ve won the second prize: one hundred wen off any purchase of three hundred wen or more!"

The laborer hesitated. "That’s a great discount, but I’ve already bought the shoes and clothes. What else should I buy?" He glanced at the socks on the shelf. "These look decent, and my family could use them. If I buy two pairs, I can use the coupon."

Thinking that it was still a good deal despite the extra spending, the laborer gritted his teeth and said, "Boss, I'll take two pairs of socks as well."

Liu Er felt a thrill of success but remained calm. "Coming right up! That’s one hundred wen for the two pairs of socks. Added to the previous two hundred, that’s three hundred total. After deducting the one hundred wen prize, you only need to pay two hundred."

The laborer paid and left the shop satisfied with his goods. Seeing that he had truly won a prize and obtained good value, the other customers lost their reservations and began picking out items.

"Boss, give me a set of work clothes."
"I want three pairs of socks."
"Do you have these rubber shoes in a larger size?"

The sound of inquiries filled the shop, and Liu Er and his assistants were kept busy. While handing over goods, Liu Er didn't forget to keep selling: "Buy with confidence, everyone. The quality is guaranteed. If you find anything wrong, come back and see me anytime. We’ll be stocking even more great goods in the future, so please come back often!"

...

[Ding!]
[The Limin Grocery Store has successfully opened...]
[It has attracted a large number of customers!]
[However, such booming business has caught the attention of many merchants, and some local officials have also taken notice...]
[Because of insufficient kickbacks offered to these officials, Liu Er's Limin Grocery Store is slated for seizure after only one week of operation...]
[Liu Er is to be arrested...]

Upon hearing the system's prophetic notification, Chen Tong frowned. He immediately decided to take Tie Niu and ride with all haste to the "Limin Grocery Store." When they arrived, the shop was still bustling with customers, and business was thriving.

Liu Er was busy waiting on patrons. When he looked up and saw Chen Tong, his eyes brightened. He quickly set aside his work and greeted him with a joyful face. "Big Brother, you've finally come!"

"You wouldn't believe it—business has been incredible since we opened! We have so many people coming in every day that we're almost sold out of work clothes, socks, and rubber shoes."

Chen Tong smiled and nodded. "Brother Liu, it seems you've done a fine job."

Liu Er scratched his head, looking bashful. "That’s all thanks to your brilliant ideas and these high-quality goods. If it weren't for you, I’d never have achieved this."

Chen Tong looked at the busy scene in the shop, smiled with satisfaction, and said to Tie Niu, "Tie Niu, bring the goods out."

Tie Niu stepped forward and opened several large bundles he had brought, which contained one hundred sets of work clothes, rubber shoes, and socks, all neatly packed. Seeing the stock, Liu Er’s eyes widened, and he said with excitement, "Big Brother, you really are a timely rain! These goods have arrived at just the right moment; a few days later and I would have been completely sold out."

Liu Er excitedly moved the goods into the shop. After setting them down, he turned to the counter, pulled out a box filled with copper coins and a few silver banknotes, and respectfully handed it to Chen Tong. "Big Brother, this is our profit from this period. Have a look; all the coins and notes are here."

Chen Tong took the box, glanced at the banknotes, and said to Liu Er, "Brother Liu, I don't want the banknotes. I only want the copper coins."

Liu Er looked puzzled. "Big Brother, banknotes are so convenient and lightweight. The copper coins are heavy and take up so much space—why would you only want the coins?"

Chen Tong smiled but didn't answer directly. He simply said, "Brother Liu, don't ask so many questions; just do as I say. From now on, keep all the copper coins for me and use the banknotes for your own working capital."

Although Liu Er was still confused, he trusted Chen Tong implicitly. He nodded and said, "Very well, Big Brother. Since you say so, I will do as you ask."