And where would all those things come from?
Beyond their meager savings, most could naturally only be squeezed out of their parents and siblings.
Material goods were already scarce in those days. With another mouth or even several suddenly added to the household, what could people do?
For a time, inside and outside the cities, everywhere, people argued, quarreled, and made a scene almost every day. Even bloody clashes were a common sight.
For their own survival and interests, countless brothers and sisters turned into bitter enemies overnight, willing to fight to the death over that tiny patch of ground on which to stand.
Of course, although the strife outside grew increasingly fierce, it had yet to disturb the peace of the Zhuang family's little courtyard.
Spring arrived, and snake gourds arrived with it.
Li Yiming sold goods in the square, carrying a basket on his back filled with small wares like towels and socks. When the urban enforcement officers came, he hoisted his basket and ran. Once they left, he returned to the square to sell again.
After several months, although he had been caught twice and lost quite a bit, he had made money overall-even more than factory workers earned.
With money in his pocket, his mind grew increasingly active. Having also broadened his horizons on his earlier trips to big cities like Shanghai, he soon became dissatisfied with how quickly he was making money.
He remembered what Zhou Cheng had once said. That was right-going into business for himself really was a good path.
Besides, the profits from small wares were nowhere near as hefty as those from watches and small electrical appliances.
Afraid the policies might reverse, he felt that if he was going to make money, he needed to make it as quickly as possible.