25 Cents Story - Autumn

With first couple of weeks' success on lemonade sales, Daughter decides to expand it a bit. Therefore, Dad buys her two bigger jars and one bigger cooler with rollers so as to save the number of round trips for re-fills. Of course, Dad does not forget to count those expenses into Daughter's future revenue. Also, Daughter likes this strategy.

Soon hot summer day passed before anyone realizes. Another Saturday comes with drizzles and wind. Looking through the living room window, Daughter wonders, "Dad, it seems no lemonade day for today. What others can I do to...?"

"Well, we can make some dumplings together today." Dad interrupts, "I know you and your brother like it for lunch. We can make more so that you can try to sell it in the community."

"Wow, that is a good idea!" Daughter blinks, "But, how much each could I sell for?"

"You could start with 50 cents for each dumpling. If people like it and you sell them quickly, good." Dad starts his pricing lecture, "If not, you have to lower it then."

"OK. It sounds good." Daughter is rolling up her sleeves, "Dad, when can we start making the dumpling?"

"How about now?" Dad walks towards the kitchen.

Everyone in the family starts to work. Dad pours wheat flour and water into the mixer. Mom mixes ground pork with ingredients. Daughter and her brother rinse the Chinese cabbage. Mom chops and dices. Dad twists. Daughter stirs cabbages and seasoned meet together, while her little brother cleans the counter top. Dad pulls out a small chunk of dough and kneads. Mom puts final touch on the filling. Her little brother fills water into the cooking pot...

Within another 50 minutes, about 40 boiled dumplings are already in the plate for Daughter and her little brother. After everyone has a delicious dumpling lunch, Dad prepares about 25 fried dumplings in a stainless food tray with a small pack of sticks on the side covered by foil. Daughter is also ready. Followed by her little brother holding the umbrella, she walks out of the door. Both soon disappear in the mist of rains.

About half an hour later, both rush into the door.

"Dad, " Daughter gasps, "We sold all of them!"

"Great! Congratulations!" Dad smiles.

"They all like it and want more." Her little brother adds.

"I like to do more." Daughter pleads, "Could you please help me make more?"

"OK. Time is for helping Mom for house work, kids. At the same time, I will make and cook more for you. Once you finishes, you could go out again." Dad agrees with further commitment, "This time, I will charge you my share of cost for each dumpling you sold."

"Sure, Dad. How much do I need to pay you?" Daughter offers.

"Well, the dumpling costs about 10 cents each in material and 8 cents in labor. So, I charge you for just 18 cents total for each one sold." Dad negotiates, "Also you need to think how to treat your little brother for his effort as well."

"OK." Daughter nods her head hard to give Dad no time to change his mind, " I will give you 18 cents and him 15 cents."

As promised, Dad fries another 25 dumplings. 30 minutes later, the crew of two, as always, walk out and disappear in the mist of drizzles. Through the glass of storm door, appears Dad's smile.