Chapter 139: The Street Stall Economy Begins

Shen Guodong flatly rejected the idea, saying, "It’s not a big deal. I’m familiar with how these things work."

"Besides, there are some fatal flaws right now. For instance, if you rent a storefront, you have to worry about renovations and attracting foot traffic. That’s too much trouble. It’s better to just use a diversionary tactic and set up a street stall."

Liu Yuexian and Liu Yueru exchanged glances. Since Shen Guodong had his own ideas, they felt it wasn't their place to object. "Fine, we agree with your point of view."

Liu Yuexian’s opinion of Shen Guodong had shifted; the man actually seemed quite clever, or at least he possessed a decent head for business.

Once they had finished trying on the clothes, Liu Yuexian said, "Brother-in-law, I’m going to stay here with you tonight. Can you clear off the sofa or something?"

Shen Guodong was stunned. "Wait, you aren't planning on sleeping with your sister, are you?"

Liu Yueru chimed in, "Of course. My sister and I haven't seen each other in a long time. What’s wrong with her staying with me?"

Liu Yuexian nodded in agreement. "Exactly. I haven't seen her for so long; surely you won't begrudge us sharing a bed?"

Shen Guodong realized he had been outmaneuvered. It was a case of two women against one, and he had no say in the matter.

Shaking his head, he conceded, "Alright, alright. You two take the bedroom, and I’ll sleep on the sofa. Just make sure you help me set up the street stall with these clothes tomorrow morning."

After the sisters finished washing up and retreated to the bedroom—presumably to whisper to each other—Shen Guodong, not bothering to intervene, picked up the phone and dialed Baldy’s number.

Baldy, who had been contemplating going out for a drink, was surprised to see Shen Guodong calling. "What’s up, Brother Shen? Why the late-night call?"

"It’s like this, Baldy. Do you know which intersections in Fengcheng are the busiest? Places where people go to shop or where there’s a lot of foot traffic, especially near the universities?"

Baldy replied, "There’s a small tavern near Xinjiekou that should be pretty good. It’s usually crowded. Why do you ask, brother?"

"I’m looking for a spot to set up a street stall. I just wanted to know which location would be best."

Baldy was dumbfounded. "What are you saying, Brother Shen? Setting up a street stall? That’s hardly the kind of thing you should be doing, is it?"

Shen Guodong shook his head. "It’s not like that. I just have an idea. Just tell me which location is best."

Baldy replied, "Well, that specific intersection at Xinjiekou has a lot of people and decent foot traffic. It’s mostly young people hanging out there. What are you planning to sell, Brother Shen? Do you need me to help you source some inventory?"

"No, I’ve already prepared everything."

After hanging up, Shen Guodong lay down on the sofa. He was awakened the next morning by the chatter of the two women.

He looked on, bewildered, as they bustled about in the kitchen.

After he finished washing up, Liu Yuexian shouted, "Brother-in-law, hurry up and eat! Let’s head out once we're done."

"Head out? Where to? Isn't there work today?"

Liu Yueru replied, "It’s Saturday, so there’s no work. You’ve been so busy lately; you should stay away from the factory for a while."

Shen Guodong checked the calendar on the wall. Sure enough, it was Saturday. Between the factory renovations and everything else, he had completely lost track of time.

"Alright," Shen Guodong said. "Since it’s Saturday, there should be plenty of people out shopping. Let’s head to Xinjiekou."

Liu Yueru and Liu Yuexian stared at him. "Did you eavesdrop on our conversation last night?"

Shen Guodong looked confused. "What? Who was eavesdropping? I’ve been busy as hell."

"You say you weren't, but my sister and I decided last night that we wanted to go shopping at Xinjiekou today. Why are you heading there too?"

Shen Guodong blinked. "You’re going there? That works out perfectly. I didn't eavesdrop—I just decided that was the best place for the stall."

The sisters were surprised. "You’re starting the street stall today?"

"Of course. I was planning to wait for the holidays, but since it’s Saturday, the foot traffic should be high. Might as well go now."

Without hesitation, Shen Guodong called Baldy, who sent two of his men over with a small cart to haul the two large boxes.

Shen Guodong had spent the previous night carefully selecting the clothing. He didn't bring everything; he only brought twenty pieces.

He was banking on the concept of hunger marketing.

If he brought all the stock out at once, it would look cheap, like a wholesale clearance. But by only offering a dozen or so pieces, it created a different impression.

After breakfast, Baldy’s two men arrived.

"Manager Shen, our boss sent us. Just tell us what you need done."

Seeing the two well-mannered young men, Shen Guodong said, "Take these two bags to Xinjiekou and wait for us there. We’re heading over now."

The two men complied, heading straight for Xinjiekou with the bags.

Liu Yueru and Liu Yuexian changed into casual clothes and accompanied Shen Guodong to Xinjiekou.

It was nearly 10:00 AM when they arrived.

Because it was in the north, the weather wasn't too hot, and thanks to the rare Saturday, the streets were bustling.

Seeing the lively scene, Shen Guodong smiled. "Let’s see if we can get off to a good start." He spread a black cloth out on a street corner.

Nearby, other vendors were selling vegetables, snacks, and handicrafts.

In the past, Shen Guodong wouldn't have given these vendors a second glance, but now he was one of them.

Although he had been given a million-dollar renovation fund, he lacked other sources of income, and he needed to generate cash.

He took out a few hangers, displayed some of the clothes, and laid the rest out on the black cloth.