Chapter 33: Drama About Family Ethics That Arose Because of Grapes

After the last tabulation, they discovered that Zhou Kun had brought 25 more kilograms of grapes than the amount he stated over the phone. The elderly men and ladies behind almost got into a bloody fight because of those 25 kilograms of grape. 

When all the orders were combined, Zhou Kun discovered that he had sold a total of 1825 kilograms of grapes for a total of 109,500 yuan. 

"Little Zhou, remember to inform us immediately once you have stock." Amidst the enthusiastic greetings, Zhou Kun drove away from Jinlan Residences with the empty truck. 

What Zhou Kun did not know was that the batch of grapes, which were sold out as soon as they appeared, had been building its reputation in a special and peculiar way.

That night, many families in Jinlan Residences found themselves with at least tens of kilograms of grapes in their homes.

"Mother, where did you go to purchase so many grapes?" asked Zhao Yumei who felt a headache upon seeing her mother bringing home such a large quantity of grapes. She thought to herself, 'What's the point of buying so much fruit? Isn't it better to purchase fresh fruit every day? Besides, can we eat grapes every day?'

"Oh, it's a group purchase with the other residents of the estate." 

"You bought so much? Were they cheap?" 

"Not much cheaper than usual. They cost 30 yuan per 500 grams, I bought 15 kilograms." 

The elderly lady raised three fingers in a proud manner. After all, plenty of the other residents, who had bought lesser, regretted not buying more. Fortunately, she had foresight. 

"What kind of grapes cost 30 yuan per 500 grams? Mother, did you get cheated out of your money?" Zhao Yumei's thoughts were not uncalled for. The elderly lady had always been a penny-pincher. Yet, she purchased 15 kilograms of grapes that cost 30 yuan per 500 grams in one go. It was unlike her usual spending habits.

"What do you mean I got cheated? You, youngsters, spend hundreds of yuan when you go out for a meal. What's wrong with me buying some grapes?" 

Zhao Yumei was getting a headache from her mother-in-law's stubborn attitude. However, her mother-in-law was, after all, not as close to her as her own mother. Hence, she could not say anything. 

As soon as her husband arrived home, Zhao Yumei told him about it. She said, "Mother was cheated out of her money today. She spent 900 yuan on 15 kilograms of grapes."

"900 yuan? That's 30 yuan for 500 grams of grapes, which is pretty expensive. However, you have to think of it this way. It's better to let her spend 900 yuan on something that makes her happy than on health care products."

Zhao Yumei was displeased with how her husband indulged her mother-in-law. Due to such, she continued, "Since she's willing to purchase grapes that cost 30 yuan per 500 grams, she might very likely purchase health care products that cost 30,000 yuan a box in the future. After dinner, you should have a proper talk with your mother." 

Originally, Li Hongyuan felt that his mother's purchase of fruit was nothing to make a fuss about. After all, her monthly pension was entirely enough to support her spending habits. Besides, her few filial children would give her quite a large sum of money every month. It was only right for her to spend her own money. 

However, his wife did make sense too. There were plenty of swindlers and scams that were targeted at the elderly in society nowadays. He felt that he had to have a talk with her mother, in order to prevent getting cheated again in the future.

During dinnertime, Li Hongyuan felt that the atmosphere at the dining table was rather good. Consequently, he saw the opportunity to broach the topic. He said, "Mom, I heard from Yumei that you bought a lot of grapes today."

Old Mrs. Li got excited at the instant that she heard her son mention grapes. She answered, "Yeah, the residents of the estate and I bought the grapes together today. Someone in our estate knows a fruit wholesaler. I heard that the fruits were delivered directly from the cold storage warehouse. When I collected them, they were still chilled!" 

Old Mrs. Li recounted her purchase of the grapes with relish, clearly not noticing the expressions of her son and daughter-in-law.

"Mother, I heard that the grapes are being sold at 30 yuan per 500 grams. What kind of grapes can fetch such a high price? You actually bought 15 kilograms at one go too." 

How could old Mrs. Li not understand what her son was driving at since he had already made it so clear? "What do you mean? What's wrong with me, an old lady, spending my own money? Is 30 yuan per 500 grams of grapes considered expensive? Go to the supermarket and see if you can find any fruit that's cheaper now!"

"Mother, don't be so anxious. I didn't mean anything else. I just want to say..."

"Enough, I don't want to hear you lecturing me. I bought some fruit for you guys to try out of goodwill and yet, it has become a mistake of mine. It's up to you to decide if you want to eat them! When Yingzi comes, I'll let her bring the grapes home, lest you find them to be an eyesore!" 

Old Mrs. Li was referring to her daughter, Li Yingzi. 

Old Mrs. Li put her bowl down with a loud thud and returned to her room without even finishing her food. 

"Look, she's been brainwashed by them." 

Initially, Li Hongyuan did not take it seriously, but after seeing his mother's attitude, he instantly felt that the old lady had been brainwashed by the fruit seller. 

There was a strong tension in the air in the house, and this situation continued until Li Hongyuan's son, Li Qinming, who was a student in middle school, returned home. 

"Grandma, is there any food at home? I'm starving..." asked Li Qiming who looked for food as soon as he got home after an evening self-study session. 

"Qiming, I'll cook some egg noodles for you now. Have some fruit to curb the hunger first," said old Mrs. Li who then stuffed some washed grapes into her grandson's hands. 

Li Qiming did not like eating fruits in the first place, and he refused to even eat vegetables. He was a big boy who only liked eating meat, thus making his family members rather worried. 

Perhaps because he was too famished, Li Qiming wasn't picky that day, and he simply ate the grapes after picking them up. However, after taking two bites, he found the grapes to be particularly delicious. 

"Grandma, where did you get these grapes from? They taste so good." 

"Why? Do you find them delicious? I bought plenty of them. I'll save them all for you." 

"I knew it, Grandma, you dote on me the most!" As old Mrs. Li's favorite grandson, Li Qiming was very good at buttering her up. He cajoled her to the extent that she was elated. 

"You worthless little rascal. A few grapes are all it takes to bribe you. If you like them, I'll wash some and let you bring them to school tomorrow."

The movement in the kitchen naturally did not escape Li Hongyuan's eyes. Seated in the living room, he watched as his son finished the remaining half of the grape. He began to feel a little curious and wondered whether the grapes were really that delicious. 

The grape actually made a person who dislikes fruit and vegetables change his palate. Or is this little boot licker just trying to coax her and make her happy?

After some hesitation, Li Hongyuan picked up a grape and popped it into his mouth. 

The green grape was not as sour as he imagined and remembered grapes to be. The rich floral fragrance spread in his mouth and instantly conquered Li Hongyuan's taste buds with its pure sweetness.

The grape was actually even better than the grapes he had eaten in his own country!

On a previous domestic trip in the country with Zhao Yumei, the rather stingy Zhao Yumei bought some Qingwang grapes, which were claimed to be the most delicious grapes in the world. 

The steep price of nearly 600 yuan per bunch made Li Hongyuan feel the pinch for a long time. However, the taste was indeed memorable.

Previously, Li Hongyuan felt that it was the best grape he had ever eaten, but now he felt as if they weren't as delicious as the grapes that he was holding onto. 

"Who said you could eat the grapes..." questioned the elderly lady who was behind him.