Selling Firewood 卖柴火
The other day, I met two countrywomen in the street, who were selling the firewood in the market. I was taken back when they told how heavy each bundle was. 100 jin at least, my god! Seeing my suspicion, one of them unloaded hers and let me have a try. Until my back was bent down did I find I couldn’t stand on my feet no matter how I struggled. Futher inquiries and I knew they were Hani(哈尼）ethnic minorities and had trudged 4hours along the mountain trail. The firewood was sold by jin(斤） and a bundle was worth around 10 yuan. They would carry them back home if there were no buyers.
4 hours’ toiling up the rugged mountain trail with an extra-heavy load is only for 10 yuan. But wait! I was also told this kind of a market was open only once a week, which means they would have to wait another week to try luck if no deal was made this time.
Along the mountain muddy road were more and more people advancing toward the market, with more budles of firewood and even cattles. I couldn’t help but crossing my fingers for them, hoping them to sell at a good price. Such market must have existed for thousands of years, If I am not mistaken. Would their business always thrive even though they just make peanuts? What would they do if they couldn’t make the both ends meet?…….I dunno.
Maybe my previous fear about their fate was unnecessary. They are a tough breed after all, for which I could do nothing but show deep respect.
