Chapter 9 Eight

Mr. Cao packed up the car and did not deduct Xiangzi's wages.Mrs. Cao gave him two pills of "Sanhuang Baowa", but he didn't take it either.He never mentioned resignation.Although I always felt embarrassed for several days, Gao Mama's words won the final victory.After a while, life fell into place again, he gradually forgot about it, and all hope sprouted again.When he was sitting alone in the room, his eyes were shining brightly, thinking about how to save money and how to buy a car; His arithmetic is not very clever, but he often reads "six six thirty six" in his heart and mouth; this has nothing to do with the amount of money he has, but it seems that his heart is fuller when he reads the Tao like this, as if there is a book Account like.

He had a lot of admiration for Gao Ma, and felt that this woman had more thoughtfulness and ability than ordinary men, and what she said was copied from the root.He didn't dare to catch up with her to chat, but if he met her in the courtyard or at the gate, if she had time to say a few words, he would be very willing to listen to her.Every time she said something, it was enough for him to think about it for a long time, so whenever he met her, he would smile silly and flicker to make her understand that he admired her, and she would feel a little proud, even if he didn't have the time, I have to say a few words.

However, as for how to deal with the money, he didn't dare to just follow her idea.Her idea, he thought, was not a bad idea; but it was somewhat risky.He was very willing to listen to her, learned a lot of tricks, and was obviously generous in his heart; in practice, he still had the same old idea-not to give up money easily. That's right, Mama Gao did have a solution: since she became a widow, she gave away the little money she could have left over a month, one yuan was one piece, two yuan was one piece, and it was given to servants, second and third class For patrolmen and small businesses, the interest rate is at least three cents.These people are always anxious about a dollar, and even if someone lends them a dollar and counts it as two dollars, they have to stretch out their hands and take it.Otherwise, money will not teach them to see; the money they see is poisonous, and it will drain their blood when they take it, but they have to carry on.They have the courage to take up anything that can make them take a breather; life is to take a breath and talk about it tomorrow.Gao Ma, when her husband was alive, had suffered from this poison.Her husband came to her drunk, and he had to have a dollar to give away; if not, he would be drunk outside the house; she had no choice but to borrow the money immediately, no matter how much the interest was.

From this experience, she learned this method, not out of revenge, but as a reasonable, almost emergency charity.There are those who are anxious to use the money, and those who are willing to lend it out. Zhou Yu beat Huang Gai, willing to fight and suffer! In terms of purpose, since she thinks there is nothing she can't do, then in terms of method, she has to be more serious, and she can't use money to float on the water; what to say. This requires foresight, means, caution, and aggressiveness, so that all the eagles are released.She takes no less effort than a bank manager because she needs more care.Capitalism is the same regardless of size, because this is a capitalist society, like a very thin and huge sieve, sifting money from the top to the bottom bit by bit, the lower the money, the less money; at the same time, it also sifts down There are more ups and downs in doctrine, because doctrine is not afraid of being narrowed like money, it is invisible and can slip through any tiny hole.Everyone said that Mama Gao was amazing, and she admitted it herself; her strength was tempered by hardship and torture.When she thought of the hardships in the past, even her husband was so heartless and unreasonable, she gritted her teeth.She can be very kind or vicious, and she knows that she can't live in this world otherwise.

She also persuaded Xiangzi to release the money, out of good intentions, and if he wanted, she could help him: "Tell you, Xiangzi, in your pocket, one coin will always be one coin! Let it out, and the money will pay off! That's right, what are our eyes for? Let go of the money after you see it, and you can't let it go bald." Tailed eagle. When the time comes, the patrolman won't pay any profit, or won't return his capital, so go to his patrol officer! In a word, his job must be put on hold, dare! Find out when they pay their wages, and block their pockets; Pay back the money, Xinxin②! We have to have a good idea of ​​who to release one to ten; well, let it go out and touch the pot in the sea, is that okay? You listen to me, you will be right!"

Xiangzi didn't need to say anything, his air was enough to show that he admired Gao Ma's words.When he was alone in the calculation, he felt that money in his own hands was more secure than anything else.That's right, it's dead if you do this, and the money won't be paid; but it's true that you can't lose it.He took out the few dollars left over in the past two or three months—all cash—gently, and turned them over one by one, so as not to make any noise; the cash was so bright white, thick, and conspicuous, that he felt it was absolutely impossible. Let go, unless it is used to buy a car.Everyone has their own way, it is inconvenient for him to follow Gao Ma all the time.

It used to be in a family surnamed Fang, the master and the whole family, even the servants, had a gold savings account at the post office.Mrs. Fang also persuaded Xiangzi: "You can set up a book for one dollar, why don't you set up one? There are only a few who are strong and strong, and there are three hundred and sixty days a year. It cannot be sunny every day. It is not troublesome, reliable, and profitable. When it is saddled, it can be used. How convenient is it? ? Go, go ask for a form, you can't write it, I'll fill it in for you, kindness!" Xiangzi knew she was kind, and knew that the cook Wang Liu and the nanny Qin Ma had books, so he really wanted to give it a try.But one day Miss Fang asked him to put in ten yuan, and he looked carefully at the little booklet, there were words on it and a little red seal; all in all, hmph, it must be as heavy as a small toilet paper.After handing in the money, someone drew a few words on the booklet and stamped it with a small seal.He felt that this wasn't a hoax, it had to be a hoax; if you put white flowers in it, you'd be done with someone else's three or five pictures, and Xiangzi wouldn't be fooled by it.He suspected that the Fang family had something to do with the business of the post office—he always thought that the post office was a business with semicolons everywhere, probably with a very old name, at least similar to Ruifuxiang and Hongji—that’s why they were so enthusiastic about helping them. Business.

Even if this is not the case, it is better to have cash in your hand than to have it in a booklet, much better!The money on the booklet is just a few words! As for the bank, he only knew that it was a "seat" place, and that if the policeman didn't stop the car from being parked there, he would definitely be able to get a "buy and sell".As for what was going on inside, he couldn't figure it out.That's right, there must be a lot of money here; but he doesn't understand why he only comes here to tease money; anyway, he doesn't easily have a relationship with them, so he can't worry about it.There were many, many things in the city that he didn't understand, and listening to friends discussing in the teahouse made him even more confused, because each person had a different explanation, and none of them could explain it well.He didn't want to listen to it anymore, and he didn't want to think too much about it. He knew that if he wanted to rob, it would be better to rob a bank; since he didn't want to be a bandit, he could just keep his own money and don't worry about other things.He thought it was the most sophisticated way.

Gao Ma knew that he was eager to buy a car, so she gave him another idea: "Xiangzi, I know you don't want to let go, so it's a good idea to buy your own car early! If I were a man, if I also pull a car, I have to pull my own car; pull and sing, everything Don’t ask for help! If I can do this, I won’t change it if I have a county magistrate! Pulling a cart is hard work, but if I were a man and had the strength, I wouldn’t be a policeman even if I pull a cart; evergreen in winter and summer, always on the street Standing on the bed, only earning the two money in a month, no extra money, no freedom; as soon as you grow a beard, you still blow it, it’s not getting any better. I mean, yes, if you want to buy a car quickly , let me give you a good idea: start with one meeting, ten people, at most twenty people, two yuan per person per month, you use the first meeting; isn't it about forty yuan right away? Yes ④ You have some savings, let’s do it, let’s get a car, it’s all about the overall situation! When the car is in hand, you can get a black lottery for a while ⑤, it’s not profitable, and it’s a decent thing, it’s right for you My mind! If you really want to invite me, I'll give you one, and I won't be careless! How about it?"

This really made Xiangzi's heart beat faster!If you really want to scrape together thirty or forty yuan, plus the thirty or so in Mr. Liu's hand, and the few yuan you have now, wouldn't it be around eighty?Although it is not enough to buy a 100% new car, it can always be done with a 80% new car! Besides, in this way, he can go to fourth master Liu to get the money back, so that it doesn't seem like a big deal to keep it on hold.If it's probably new, it's probably new. Whatever it is, hold on to it, and change it when there's a surplus. But where can we find such twenty people?Even if you can make it, it's a matter of face. Why don't you just invite me when you wait for the money to be used? Why don't people invite me to come tomorrow?

Come on, in this poor age, there are often times when there is a crash!A hero doesn't ask for help; simply, he has a life to buy a car, buy it; he doesn't ask for help! Seeing that Xiangzi didn't move, Gao Ma really wanted to tease him, but when she thought about his straightforwardness, she felt embarrassed: "You're really good! Chasing pigs in the small alley—go straight; that's fine!" Xiangzi didn't say anything, and when Gao Ma left, he nodded to himself, as if admitting that his death was admirable, and he was very happy. It's already early winter, and at night, the alleys sell sugar-fried chestnuts, peanuts, and the sad "night pot vomiting".Xiangzi bought a large-sized gourd jar with tiles on the spout of the chamber pot.The first business deal, the chamber pot seller couldn't get any money, Xiangzi felt relieved, seeing that small green chamber pot was very interesting, it was green and pouted, "No more change, I'll buy this one! " Putting down the stuffy gourd jar, he sent the little green chamber pot inside: "Young master, why didn't you sleep? Here's a treat for you! " Everyone was looking at Xiaowen—the little boy of the Cao family—taking a bath, and they couldn't help laughing when they saw this thing.The Caos didn't say anything, they probably felt that although this trick was a bit stupid, Xiangzi's kindness should be accepted, so they all smiled and expressed their gratitude to him.Gao Ma's mouth will not be idle: "Look, really, Xiangzi! It's such a big man to come up with such a brilliant idea; what a displeasure!" Xiaowen liked this game very much, and immediately poured water from the bathtub into the small pot with his hands: "This small teapot has a big mouth!" Everyone laughed harder.Xiangzi straightened his body -- because he didn't know what to do when he was proud -- and walked out.He was very happy, this was something he had never experienced before, everyone's smiling faces were all towards him, as if he was a very important person. Smiling, he carried out those few pieces of cash again, put them gently one by one into the stuffed gourd jar, and said in his heart: This is more reliable than anything else!Enough to count too many, let's touch the wall; clap, and find that there are more tiles than tiles! He decided not to ask anyone else.It is Liu Siye who is so reliable, after all, sometimes he is obviously awkward, the money can't be lost, it is in Liu Siye's hands, but he is always a little worried.Money is like a ring, it is always better to keep it in your hands.This decision made him happy, and he felt as if his belt had been tightened again, making his chest straighter and harder. It was getting colder and colder, but Xiangzi didn't seem to notice it.With a certain idea in mind, there will be more light in front of your eyes; you will not feel cold in the light.Ice was first seen on the ground, and even the soil on the sidewalk had solidified, showing dryness and firmness everywhere. The black soil had turned slightly yellowish, as if the moisture had been dissipated.Especially in the early morning, when the soil ridges rolled up by carts are bordered with frost, the morning glow is blown away by a small wind, revealing a very high, blue and refreshing sky; Xiangzi is willing to pull the cart for an early run After a while, the cool wind blows into his cuffs, making him shiver like taking a cold shower, and feeling happy.Sometimes there was a strong wind that beat him out of breath, but he lowered his head, gritted his teeth, and dived forward, like a big fish floating against the current; the stronger the wind, the greater his resistance, as if It's a fight to the death with the wind.A strong gust of wind made him breathless, he closed his mouth, and after a long time, he burped, as if he had been stabbed in the water.After hiccupping, he continued to run forward, rushing forward, nothing could stop the giant; no muscle in his whole body was loose, like a green worm besieged by ants, he shook his whole body to resist.This sweat!After putting down the car, he straightened his waist, let out a long breath, and wiped the yellow sand from the corner of his mouth. He felt that he was invincible; seeing the wind covered in dust sweep past him, he nodded.The wind bent the trees beside the road, tore apart the shopkeeper's cloth cover, uncovered the newspapers on the wall, and dimmed the sun. Singing, shouting, roaring, reverberating!Suddenly gallop straight, like a frightened big elf, sprinting away; suddenly flustered, rolling in all directions, like a demon who decides to ram into it without knowing why; suddenly sweeps, taking advantage of the unexpected attack Everything, twisted the branches, blew the roof tiles, and broke the wires; but Xiangzi was watching there; he just came out of the wind, and the wind didn't do anything to him!The victory belongs to Xiangzi!When there is a favorable wind, he only needs to hold the handlebars firmly, and he doesn't have to run, the wind will turn the wheel for him, just like a good friend. Naturally, he was not blind, so he must have seen those old and weak coachmen.They were wearing ragged clothes that could be torn through in a gust of wind, or torn in a gust of strong wind; something was tied to their feet.At the entrance of the car, they were trembling and their eyes were like thieves. No matter where someone came out, they would all ask, "Car?!" Thin and torn clothes.As soon as they stopped, their sweat froze on their backs.When the wind hits, they can't lift a step, but they have to drag the car away; when the wind hits them from above, they have to lower their heads to their chests; when the wind comes from below, their feet can't find the ground; Come, fly a kite with a wave of hand; the wind is coming from behind, they can't control the car and themselves.But they tried their best and tried their best to drag the car to the place, and they had to die for a few coppers.After a car was pulled down, the dust was turned into mud by sweat, and it was pasted on the face, only the three frozen red circles of the eyes and mouth were exposed. The days are so short and cold, and there are not many people on the street; such hard work for a day may not be able to earn a full meal; but the elderly have wives and children at home; the young have parents, siblings!In winter, they are all in hell, more alive than ghosts, but not as leisurely as ghosts; ghosts are not as tired as they are!Dying like a dog on the street is their greatest peace and comfort; it is said that the frozen ghost has a smile on his face! How could Xiangzi not see this?But he had no time to worry about them. Their sins are also his, but he is young and strong, able to endure hardship, not afraid of cold, not afraid of wind; having a clean place at night, and neat clothes by day, so he feels that he is not comparable to them, Although he is suffering with them now, the degree of suffering is not exactly the same; now he suffers less, and he will be able to escape from here in the future; The car went to starve and freeze.He believed that the superiority of the present guaranteed the victories of the future.Just like when you meet a car driver in a restaurant or outside the house, they don't want to chat together;The coachman's attitude towards the foreign coachman is a bit like Xiangzi's attitude towards those old and weak soldiers; they are both in hell, but at different levels.They didn't expect that everyone had to stand together, but each went their own way. Individual hopes and efforts blinded everyone. Everyone thought that they could start a family and start a business with bare hands, and each groped for his own way in the dark.Xiangzi doesn't think about others, he doesn't care about others, he only thinks about his own money and future success. The weather on the street is slowly getting older.On a clear and windless day, although the weather is dry and cold, the roadsides are more colorful: New Year pictures, gauze lanterns, red candles, silk head flowers, large and small honey offerings, all on display, making people feel happy, but also I'm a little uneasy; because no matter who thinks of a few days of happiness for the New Year's Day, it is difficult for everyone to be big or small.Xiangzi's eyes brightened, and when he saw the New Year's products by the roadside, he thought that the Cao family must give a gift; he would always pay a few cents for a drink.The festival reward is fixed at two yuan, not much; but for those who come to celebrate the New Year, if he goes to give it away, he has to get two cents for each trip.Get together is counting; not afraid of less, just start piecemeal; his stuffy gourd jar will not offend anyone!When he was free at night, he looked at this friend who only ate money but didn't want to spit it out, and advised him in a low voice: "Eat a lot, eat a lot, buddy! You've had enough, I'll give you a lot of money." That's fine too!" The New Year's Eve is getting closer and closer, and it's already Laba in a flash.Joy or fear force people to plan and arrange; it is still twenty-four hours a day, but these days are different from usual, they do not allow anyone to spend casually, something must be done, and all must be done towards the New Year's Eve, It seems that time suddenly has consciousness and emotion, which makes people think and be busy with it.Xiangzi is on the happy side. The bustle of the street, the sound of hawkers, the hope of rewards and change, the New Year's rest, and the imagination of a good meal...all make him happy and look forward to it like a child.He figured it out, if he was worth 80 cents, he had to buy some gifts for Fourth Master Liu.Courtesy is more important than people, he has to take something to go, firstly, he apologizes, he has not been able to see the old man these days, because the house is very busy; secondly, he can just ask for the more than 30 yuan.It pays to spend a dollar and get that sum back.Thinking about it this way, he gently shook the piggy bank, imagining how heavy and pleasant the sound would be if he added another thirty or more yuan.Yes, as long as he claims the money back, he will have nothing to worry about! One night, when he was about to shake the cornucopia again, Gao Ma called him, "Xiangzi! There is a lady looking for you at the door; I am coming back from the street, and she asked me directly for you." When Xiangzi came out, she He added in a low voice: "She's like a big black tower! She's so scary!" Xiangzi's face suddenly turned red as if it was covered with fire. He knew that something was going to go wrong! ① Release the eagle, that is, all are lost. ②Xin Xin means fresh and strange. ③Drum tease, which means repeated teasing. ④Horizontal is, that is, probably. ⑤ If you get a black lottery, then only the black lottery is left, and the black lottery is the person who used the money for the first time, and will not use the money again in the future, and only has the obligation to take the money. ⑥ Wow, we broke up.