Chapter 94

Peering towards the noodle stand, they saw Summer and Logan working smoothly together.

The tables under the awning were never empty, with one group finishing and another taking their place.

Summer and Logan moved with practiced efficiency, assisted by a young girl from the village who helped wash and return the dishes.

After watching from a distance for a while, Gabe couldn't help but comment, "Business is good. They must be making a lot today."

Grace responded, "It's the team's stand, not theirs."

Gabe persisted, "Even so, with a share of the earnings, they're probably doing quite well."

No one else spoke.

Henry watched the seamless teamwork between Summer and Logan, saying nothing.

It was almost laughable.

The food he once took for granted was now something he could only watch from afar.

To eat it now, he would have to part with forty cents and a food coupon.

Losing interest, he turned and walked away.

Charlie and Gabe quickly followed, and the rest soon trailed behind.

Cecilia hesitated, glancing back multiple times.

Finally, she couldn't resist and asked, "Can't we get a bowl to share?"

Lily also felt tempted.

Grace retorted, "Have some self-control, will you?"

Cecilia muttered to herself, "But it smells so good…"

***

"Phew…"

Summer and Logan sat down on small stools, both exhaling in relief.

As expected, there were far more customers today than before. They had been busy from morning till the sun began to set.

Amy, who had just finished washing the last of the dishes, sat down to rest as well.

Having worked with Summer and Logan for a while, Amy felt more comfortable around them, though she still mostly focused on her tasks and rarely spoke.

Summer had invited her to help, and the team gave her work points for it.

As they rested, the watermelon vendor, now selling apples and pears, seized the moment and spoke up, "Summer, when you've caught your breath, let me know. I've got my food coupons today, and I'd like a bowl of noodles."

Summer looked over and smiled, "Sure, give me a moment to rest."

The vendor continued, "I've been holding off all day so I wouldn't bother you while you were busy. Your business is really good."

Summer replied with a smile, "It's because of the Mid-Autumn Festival. Lots of people are here today."

The vendor shook his head, "It's not just that. You've got skill."

He pointed across the street, "Look at the lamb soup stand."

The lamb soup stand had set up after Summer's success, hoping to attract customers. 

However, their business was slow.

Summer didn't compare herself to others, so she just asked, "Do you want meat with your noodles?"

The vendor huffed, "I've waited two months. Of course, I want meat!"

After resting, Summer got up to make his noodles.

With everything prepared, it didn't take long to cook the noodles, blanch the vegetables, and top it with the sauce.

The vendor nearly teared up tasting the noodles he had craved for months.

After finishing, he sighed contentedly, "Worth every bit of the wait and the forty cents!"

***

As the market wound down at dusk, Summer, Logan, and Amy packed up their stand and carted everything back to Willow Creek.

On the way, Summer asked Amy, "Tired?"

Amy shook her head with a smile, "Not really. It was fun."

Having grown up in the countryside, her daily life was filled with monotonous chores. Today's experience was unique and enjoyable for her.

Summer smiled back, "We'll bring you along for the next big market day."

Amy, full of gratitude, said, "Thank you, Miss Summer!"

Summer was exhausted, but happy. Back at the team headquarters, they didn't count their earnings and headed straight to the dormitory to rest.

They washed up and went to bed.

The next morning, they got up at their usual time, ready for school.

Sitting at the table with Logan for breakfast, Summer noticed the silence.

Looking around the kitchen, she noticed something missing.

She stared at the corner and asked, "Did they run out of grain?"

Usually busy, she hadn't noticed until now.

Logan glanced at the corner and then back, saying, "Wasn't it bound to happen?"

Summer slowly ate her bread, lost in thought.

Logan, watching her, asked, "You're not planning to help them, are you?"

Summer quickly replied, "Of course not!"

She looked at Logan, "I was thinking that with the money we made over the summer and yesterday, plus a few months of stipends, we might have enough to build our house. If not, we can advance some work points from the production team. It should be enough, right?"

Logan paused, "You want to move out as soon as possible?"

Summer nodded firmly, "As soon as possible."