Rebirth in 1986: Unforgettable Regrets
Chapter 77 Childhood Memories (Third Update)

Chapter 77: Chapter 77 Childhood Memories (Third Update)

"I just wandered around." Tang Yue thought about the clothes and was sure that the effect would be great. She was in a very good mood as she asked, "Xiao Jun, shall we go check out uncle’s new store this afternoon, what do you think?"

"Sure." Tang Jun’s eyes lit up instantly, and he said with anticipation, "Is there a popcorn stand next to uncle’s store?"

"I don’t know if it’s there today." Tang Yue said with uncertainty: "How about you bring some corn kernels just in case, and if they’re selling, we’ll make some?"

"Okay." Tang Jun nodded vigorously.

"Bring three pounds of kernels, and if they have it, make extra to take home," Zhang Hualian said, bringing out food. Now that times were better, she didn’t want to skimp on the children’s food.

"Mom, you’re so nice." Tang Jun said happily.

Tang Zhengde handed him one yuan and said, "How are you going to pop popcorn without money?"

"Dad, you’re the best." Tang Jun’s words were as sweet as if they were covered in honey.

Tang Yue pursed her lips and said, "Xiao Jun, money isn’t easy for dad to earn."

Her words had just begun when Tang Jun interrupted, "Sis, I know, I won’t waste it. If there’s any money left after buying popcorn, I’ll definitely save it to buy a pen."

"Knowing to focus on your studies, not bad," Tang Yue praised him.

After lunch, Tang Jun took three pounds of kernels and also carried some kindling following Tang Yue to Xinlou Road. Under a large tree at the entrance of the alley across from Xinlou Road, there was a middle-aged man making popcorn. Tang Jun happily approached, muttering about their good luck.

This popcorn vendor isn’t here every day.

Tang Yue followed behind Tang Jun, watching as the middle-aged man turned a soot-blackened cylinder under which a fiery stove blazed, and the cylinder kept spinning. She hadn’t seen this sight in a very long time.

Popcorn in the future was all machine-made, but now, these childhood memories suddenly appeared before her eyes, making her feel surprised and unusually nostalgic.

There were many people in line for popcorn. Just as Tang Yue was about to remind Tang Jun to go to uncle’s store after getting the popcorn, she suddenly heard the man’s voice and subconsciously covered her ears—then a loud bang erupted, followed by the laughter of children.

White, plump popcorn was then scooped into a clean bag.

The children’s excited screams, even Tang Jun was elated. Normally, in their village, there would only be a few chances throughout the entire year to buy popcorn, and it cost money and needed firewood, so they rarely bought it.

"Xiao Jun, you stay here. After it’s done, go to uncle’s store. I’ll go first," Tang Yue instructed, "Don’t wander off. Go straight to the store after getting the popcorn, got it?"

"Sis, I know, I’ve been here a few times. I won’t get lost," Tang Jun replied, eyes glued on the middle-aged man. He held three pounds of corn, with three pieces of firewood at his feet, lining up behind the crowd.

Tang Yue reminded him once again until Tang Jun grew impatient, and only then did she leave.

Since they were preparing to open a store, Tang Mingli had temporarily stopped peddling his wares and was instead busy cleaning and organizing the shop for the past few days.

When Tang Yue arrived at the store, Tang Mingli had just finished sweeping it spotlessly clean. The storefront was quite large, enough to be divided into two separate shops with plenty of room to spare.

"Xiao Yue, you’re here! Help me take a look at how I should arrange the clothes," Tang Mingli said upon seeing her, immediately pulling her into the store and started discussing his ideas.

He planned to sell women’s clothes on one side and children’s clothes on the other, but he had also stocked some men’s clothing and didn’t want to give that up. Thus, he was unsure about how to arrange them.

"Uncle, there’s more demand for women’s and children’s clothing. As for men’s clothing, there aren’t many styles, and, uncle, think about it, the ones who buy clothes are usually young," Tang Yue analyzed, "I think it’s fine to just sell women’s and children’s clothes. Sometimes you need to be willing to let some things go."

Upon hearing this, Tang Mingli’s previous dilemma seemed to vanish like mist before the sun. Right, how could he be so greedy? If he tried to sell clothes for everyone, it would be too chaotic. Consequently, he definitely needed to abandon some.

"Xiao Yue, should I sell women’s clothing on this side or that side?" Tang Mingli asked again.

"Either side works. Also, I think the walls should probably be painted white, and you should also search for better shelves. Don’t pile everything up together like before," Tang Yue wished she could implement all the decoration styles from clothing stores in the future.

However, under the current circumstances, a simple makeover to keep the store plain and elegant, making it stand out from other shops, would suffice. Meals should be eaten one bite at a time, and roads should be taken one step at a time; that’s the way to stay on firm ground.

"By the way, uncle, do you know what a mannequin is?" Tang Yue asked further. She gestured with her hands and explained, "It’s made of plastic, like a person. We can place it at our store’s entrance with the best clothes we sell."

"Really? I didn’t know there was such a thing," Tang Mingli pondered after hearing about it. Suddenly, he remembered seeing something similar in the wholesale market. He said, "Is it worth buying though?"

Those things were not cheap, and when he saw them before, he was intrigued, wondering why clothes were displayed on a dummy.

"Yes, definitely worth it," Tang Yue confirmed, "Think about it; clothes are flat, but people are three-dimensional. Clothes only look beautiful when worn on the body. If they just hang flat, they won’t look as good as they do on a mannequin."

"All right, next time we stock up, you come with me," Tang Mingli immediately suggested, "We’ll look for them together then."

"Uncle, you really trust me so much. Aren’t you afraid that I’m just talking without thinking, and it won’t be worth it after we buy them?"

Tang Yue asked with a smile, always feeling that she was extremely fortunate to have encountered her uncle. If it weren’t for uncle, her money-earning ventures would not have been so easily accomplished.

Not to mention convincing her parents to open a store in the county.

Uncle always had a special trust in what she said, with not a hint of doubt. This feeling of being trusted wholeheartedly was wonderful.

"Of course, I trust you. If I didn’t, how could we have these good days?" Tang Mingli replied as if it were obvious. He never doubted Tang Yue – he didn’t understand much himself, but following Tang Yue’s advice never seemed to be wrong.

"Sis, this popcorn is really good!" Tang Jun entered the store hugging the bag of popcorn, eating, and talking as he walked.

"Xiao Jun, don’t talk while you eat," Tang Yue said as she poured a cup of water and approached, "Be careful not to choke."