Chapter 11

Someone asked, "It's lunchtime. Why are you just starting to prepare the sandwiches now?" Josh explained, "I wanted you guys to see the meat quality for yourselves." The workers exchanged looks. Someone couldn't help but say, "You're being too honest! That last time was just Gary spreading lies. Now you've got the butchers' stand right here, so we know your meat's good! "Start earlier next time. It'll be torture for us during our afternoon shift if we have to wait till evening for the sandwiches!" This was exactly what Josh wanted to hear. He said with a smile, "Sure thing! If you trust me, I'll start stewing the meat in the morning. It will be ready by lunch." Though they hadn't made a penny yet, the crowd asking for the sandwiches at their stand had Oliver and Ava overwhelmed. A dollar per sandwich seemed outrageous to them, but these factory workers didn't even blink at the price. Town folks' spending power was really way higher than those in the village. The meat stand was doing well too. Many preferred to head back home and make lunch, so the Walker brothers had managed to sell about 20 pounds of meat. They were thrilled at having such a great first day. It was worth hauling their stand all the way over here, after all. They even gave Josh two pork trotters in thanks. "Oh no, we couldn't…" Oliver started to refuse. But Josh accepted them. "Dad, it's their way of showing thanks. They're being generous, so refusing would be petty. But favors should be returned. Since you guys have worked all morning, please have some sandwiches and take some home. That's how we build lasting relationships." Zack beamed and gave him a thumbs-up. He said, "You really know the best things to say. Not only that, you do your business well. Alright, I'll accept it!" Watching their mature son handling business, Oliver and Ava exchanged glances and teared up a little. It was like their son had grown up overnight, which made them feel relieved and proud. Even if he failed the college entrance exam, they wouldn't mind anymore. With such a great character, he would succeed no matter what he did. Evening came, and the factory shift ended. The aroma of meat wafted through the air. Many were attracted by the smell and came over. Regular customers even started calling from far off, "Josh, set aside three for me! I'm coming!" "Got it!" "Josh, three for me too!" "Let me try one." "I'll have two." The crowd packed around the stand. Josh kept up friendly chatter while he worked non-stop. Oliver and Ava were flustered while they were helping out. In the end, they worked out a system where one would collect money, and the other one help Josh with the buns and meat. They got so busy they lost track of time. Darkness fell without them realizing it. When they got down to the last piece of meat, Josh covered the pot and announced they were sold out. Some people who had waited in line for long were disappointed to leave empty-handed. Josh handed out two free buns to each of them. "Sorry for making you wait so long. Please take these, no charge." Oliver and Ava tensed up. That flour had cost real money! How could Josh give them out for free? While some took the free buns gratefully and others politely declined, everyone's impression of the young businessman became even better. When Josh was back, Oliver whispered anxiously, "What a waste it is to give those buns to them. If we're sold out, we're sold out. Why give them away?" "The ingredients of a bun cost us maybe ten cents. After trying them, how can they not come back to buy next time? Each sandwich makes 50 to 60 cents profit. "Even if they eat two free buns or even four now, we'll make it back later. Business isn't about quick profits. Good relationships are what last," Josh explained. Oliver didn't fully understand but felt that his son had a point. Josh took the last piece of meat and made sandwiches for his parents. He then wrapped the rest and brought them to the butcher's stand. The Walker brothers didn't hesitate to accept. They had always been direct with how they felt, and they appreciated Josh's way of doing things. Zack clapped Josh's shoulder. With a broad grin, he said, "You just keep impressing us, Josh! It's a shame our daughters already got married, or I would've loved you as a son-in-law. That would have been amazing!" Josh laughed and returned to clean up the stand. Watching the cheerful brothers, Oliver and Ava stopped worrying about the giveaways. After giving out more than 20 free buns, a couple of sandwiches were nothing. Besides, they tasted incredible. The juicy meat and rich flavor had them both sighing with pleasure. They headed back after they were done cleaning up. Back home, they couldn't wait to count the day's earnings. Coins and food stamps were spread all across the table. They could hardly believe their eyes when they calculated the total and had to count multiple times. Josh came in after washing the cookware, and Oliver jumped up excitedly. He exclaimed, "Josh! Do you know how much we made today?" "How much?" "180 dollars!" Oliver almost fainted from excitement. He and Ava had to work sunrise to sunset by farming and making shoe soles, all for just a few dozen dollars monthly. Yet their son's food stand made 180 dollars in one day! Josh smiled and corrected him, "That's total revenue. After costs, profit's about 110 dollars." "Are you making fun of me? 110 dollars is a fortune!" Oliver laughed as he playfully tapped Josh's head. Ava immediately jumped to Josh's defense. She shoved Oliver away and shielded Josh. "What do you think you're doing? What if you damage that smart head of his? You don't deserve such a son! Does it hurt, Josh? Let me check." Josh rubbed his forehead. Smiling, he assured Ava he was fine. He knew that his parents were simply overwhelmed with joy. To a couple who lived in an ordinary village, making 110 dollars in a single day was nothing short of miraculous. Oliver sheepishly smacked his own head and said, "It's all my fault. Josh is too smart; we can't afford to hurt his head!" The whole family spent that night in high spirits. The next morning, though their wheat was ready for harvest, Oliver firmly refused Josh's offer to wake up early and help. It was only a few acres of field, so he and Ava could manage it themselves. Josh needed to focus on his sandwich business. After all, their entire wheat harvest probably would not match what Josh could make in just a few days.