Chapter 244

After seeing the Chen brothers lower their heads and stay silent, Ye Cheng continued, "The demand for crayfish behind will be huge; relying on just the two of you we can't keep up. What you need to do is let everyone in the other villages know we want to buy, collect them; otherwise we'll have nothing to sell."

But we must not add explanatory words not in source. Let's translate more literally.

Original Chinese line 1:

"Seeing the Chen brothers lower their heads and remain silent, Ye Cheng then continued to say, 'The demand for crayfish later will be huge; relying on just the two of us we simply can't keep up. What you need to do is go let people in other villages know we want to buy, collect them; otherwise, if we have no goods, we'll have nothing to sell.'"

Let's break:

"Seeing the Chen brothers lower their heads and not speak,"

"Ye Cheng then continued to say,"

"The demand for crayfish later will be very large,"

"Relying on just the two of you we basically can't keep up,"

"What you need to do is go let people in other villages know we want to buy, collect them,"

"Otherwise, if we have no goods, we'll have nothing to sell."

We need to keep tone.

We'll produce: "Seeing the Chen brothers lower their heads and stay silent, Ye Cheng then said, 'The demand for crayfish later will be huge; relying on just the two of us we can't keep up. What you need to do is go let people in other villages know we want to buy and collect them; otherwise we'll have nothing to sell.'"

is explanation, skip.

Now line 2:

'"Tomorrow, you will go to each village to collect shrimp; understand?"'

Translation: '"Tomorrow, you will go to each village to collect shrimp; understand?"'

'"We need to let not only the nearby villages know we're buying, but also the more distant ones; only when we have enough supply will it be worthwhile."'

Line 3:

'"Okay, Brother Cheng, we'll go tomorrow and make sure to spread the word," Chen Zhangfu replied obediently.'

Translation: '"Not only must we let nearby villages know we are buying, but also let farther ones know; only when the supply is sufficient will there be profit."'

Line 4:

"After saying that, Ye Cheng looked at Aunt Qian and said, 'Aunt Qian, we're in business, so I'll say any unpleasant truths up front: right now crayfish is our exclusive business; I can teach you, but once you learn you must not spread it, okay?'"

Translation: '"Okay, Brother Cheng, we'll go tomorrow and make sure to spread the word." Chen Zhangfu replied obediently.'

【56】

Line 5:

'"Of course, A Cheng, you can rest assured—Aunt Qian is a person of integrity; otherwise your sister‑in‑law couldn't have brought me here." Aunt Qian said confidently.'

Translation: 'After saying that, Ye Cheng looked at Qian Shen and said, "Qian Shen, we're doing business; I'll say any unpleasant things up front. Currently crayfish is our exclusive business; I can teach you, but once you learn you must not pass it on, okay?"'

Line 6:

【66】

Translation: '"Of course, A Cheng, you can rest assured; I, Qian Shen, am a person who keeps my word—otherwise your sister-in-law couldn't have brought me here." Qian Shen said confidently.'

'"Yeah, A Cheng, you can relax—Aunt Qian and I are like family, totally reliable." Jiang Yunxiang added, vouching for Aunt Qian.'

Line 7:

'"Yeah, A Cheng, you can relax—Aunt Qian and I are like family, totally reliable." Jiang Yunxiang added, vouching for Aunt Qian.'

Translation: '"Yeah, A Cheng, you can relax; my Qian Shen is like family to me, trustworthy." Jiang Yunxiang added, vouching for Qian Shen.'

Line 8:

'"Alright, that's it: the two Chen brothers will collect the shrimp, then come back to help wash them; the three women will handle cooking and selling

Translation: '"Alright, that's it: the two Chen brothers will collect shrimp, then come back to help wash them; the three women will handle cooking and selling; when we go to town we must sell at several separate places, not mixed together, and we need to open up the market as soon as possible."'

【84】

Line 9:

Although Aunt Zhang and Aunt Qian didn't know what "opening the market" meant, they still nodded in agreement.

Translation: 'Although Aunt Zhang and Aunt Qian didn't understand what "opening the market" meant, they still nodded in agreement.'

Line 10:

【96】

Translation: '"As for the money, I'll take 10% of the profit, the Chen brothers 30%, and each of you three will get 20%."'

Line 11:

Actually, it's not a lot of money, and Ye Cheng doesn't really need it, but we still have to have this rule.

Translation: 'Actually this money isn't much, and Ye Cheng doesn't necessarily need it, but we must have this rule.'

Line 12:

【108】

Translation: 'Everyone had no objections; although more people means less money each, this is Ye Cheng's business, and once the crayfish volume increases, sales will definitely rise.'

Line 13:

At 50 catties a day, selling for 500 yuan, a 20% profit gives you over a hundred yuan — not bad.

Translation: 'If we calculate 50 catties per day, selling for 500 yuan, 20% is over a hundred, which is not little.'

Line 14:

【120】

Translation: 'Seeing that everyone had no objections, Ye Cheng finally emphasized the food safety issue of the crayfish once more.'

Line 15:

First, they must be washed clean to ensure hygiene; second, the quantity must be limited, with each person allowed to buy at most two catties.

Translation: 'First, they must be washed clean to guarantee hygiene; second, the quantity must be controlled, each person can buy at most two catties.'

Line 16:

【132】

Translation: 'Then there's also the branding: Ye Cheng requires them to sell the shrimp under the label "Baiyun Village Ye Family Crayfish" when they sell.'

Line 17:

Once we have a brand, we can later introduce new flavors and such, which will allow us to expand the business; even if someone later copies it, people will still recognize the brand.

Translation: 'Once we have a brand, we can later introduce new flavors and such; only then can we scale up the business, and even if someone counterfeits later, people will still recognize the brand.'

Line 18:

【144】

Translation: 'After Ye Cheng finished speaking, it was already late, so they dispersed; Ye Cheng played a game for a while, then played with Old Huang, and then went to sleep.'

Line 19:

The next day, Ye Cheng was still half-asleep when someone woke him up.

Translation: 'The next day, Ye Cheng had just fallen asleep in a daze when someone woke him up.'

Line 20:

【156】

Translation: 'He opened his eyes and saw that it was his older brother Ye Guowei.'

Line 21:

"Brother, why are you up so early?" Ye Cheng said, rubbing his eyes as he got up.

Translation: '"Brother, why are you up so early?" Ye Cheng rubbed his eyes and got up.'

Line 22:

【168】

Translation: '"It's already 8 o'clock, and that's still early." Ye Guowei looked listless.'

Line 23:

"We don't have to clock in for work, and we didn't say we're going out to sea — 8 o'clock isn't early, is it?" Ye Cheng muttered.

Translation: '"We don't have to clock in for work, nor did we say we're going out to sea; 8 o'clock isn't early, is it?" Ye Cheng muttered.'

Line 24:

【180】

Translation: '"Your brother is used to going to the dock to work, so he sleeps restlessly; besides, didn't you say today we'd go to the village to talk about contracting the tidal flat?"'

Line 25:

After Ye Guowei said that, Ye Cheng understood — his older brother is just a worrier by nature.

Translation: 'After Ye Guowei said that, Ye Cheng understood—his older brother is just a worrier by nature.'

Line 26:

【192】

Translation: 'He quit his job, doesn't want to enjoy a good day, just wants to get back to work quickly.'

Line 27:

"All right, brother, wait for me to have breakfast and I'll go with you to the village. Besides, if you go that early, there won't be anyone at the village committee anyway."

Translation: '"Alright, brother, wait for me to eat breakfast, I'll go with you to the village. Besides, if you go that early, there'll be no one at the village committee.'"

Line 28:

【204】

Translation: 'Baiyun Village isn't some government office; the village committee usually has no one on duty, Chen Jinhai will come by when it's time, plus there's an accountant—so just those two people.'

Line 29:

Ye Guowei didn't object, so he just squatted in Ye Cheng's courtyard and smoked.

Translation: 'Ye Guowei didn't object either, so he just squatted in Ye Cheng's courtyard smoking.'

Line 30:

【216】

Translation: '"Your sister-in-law also got up early, saying she's busy with crayfish matters, leaving me alone and a bit bored." Ye Guowei said softly.'

Line 31:

Ye Cheng smiled helplessly and said, "Brother, this is what you call the after‑effects of retirement — once you stop working, you feel life has no value. Don't worry, we've got the tidal flats contracted, so you'll have plenty to keep you busy."

Translation: 'Ye Cheng smiled speechlessly and said, "Brother, this is what you call the after‑effects of retirement—once you stop working you feel life has no value. Don't worry, once we contract the tidal flat you'll have plenty to keep you busy."'

Line 32:

【228】

Translation: 'At 9 o'clock, Ye Cheng pulled Ye Guowei out the door, first not going to the village committee but to Chen Jinli's house—that is, the home of the Chen brothers Chen Zhangfu.'

Line 33:

"Uncle Chen, are you home?" Ye Cheng shouted as soon as he entered.

Translation: '"Uncle Chen, are you home?" Ye Cheng shouted as soon as he entered.'

Line 34:

【240】

Translation: 'Chen Jinli came out, saw them, and immediately beamed, "Ah, Guowei and Lao Er are here! Come in, come in—you're here to see our two boys, aren't you? They went out early this morning to collect shrimp as you told them, and they're very eager."'

Line 35:

Ye Cheng took out two cigarettes and placed them on the table, saying, "Uncle, I'm not looking for them — I'm looking for you."

Translation: 'Ye Cheng took out two cigarettes and placed them on the table, "Uncle, I'm not looking for them—I'm looking for you."'

Line 36:

【252】

Translation: 'Chen Jinli felt a little embarrassed, "Lao Er, why are you bringing stuff? You're helping my two sons do business; I haven't even thanked you yet—how can I accept your gifts? Take them back quickly, or people will say we have no manners."'

Line 37:

"Old lady, hurry up and make tea — we have an honored guest," Chen Jinli shouted toward the house.

Translation: '"Old lady, quick, make tea—we have honored guests." Saying this, Chen Jinli called out into the house.'

Line 38:

【264】

Translation: 'The Chen family madame came out, saw that it was the two Ye brothers, and was also very warm.'

Line 39:

It's amazing how things change — they used to fight, and now they're so enthusiastic. As they say, "no fight, no friendship."

Translation: 'Speaking of which, it's amazing—they used to fight, but now they're so enthusiastic; what do you call that? "No fight, no acquaintance."'

Line 40:

【276】

Translation: '"Ah, why are you bringing stuff when you come? Hurry and take it back." The Chen madame picked up the cigarettes and handed them to Ye Cheng.'

Line 41:

She had heard from her two sons that following Ye Cheng into business would let them make big money, so at this point they couldn't accept anything from the God of Wealth.

Translation: 'She had heard from her two sons that they were going into business with Ye Cheng and would make big money later, so at this point she couldn't accept the God of Wealth's gifts.'

Line 42:

【288】

Translation: 'Ye Cheng pushed the cigarettes over, sat down, and handed Chen Jinli a cigarette, "Uncle, I've come to ask you for a favor; just take this and smoke it."'

Line 43:

Hearing Ye Cheng say he was looking for him for something, Chen Jinli became a bit doubtful and said, "Old man, I'm getting old — all I have is a bit of strength, I can't really help you."

Translation: 'Hearing Ye Cheng say he was looking for him for something, Chen Jinli became a bit doubtful, "Lao Er, I'm old—aside from a bit of strength, I can't really help you."'

Line 44:

【300】

Translation: '"Uncle, if you can help, I'll get straight to the point: my brother and I want to contract the village's tidal flat so my older brother can do some aquaculture."'

Line 45:

"Contract the tidal flats?" Chen Jinli thought for a moment and said, "No problem — after all, nobody else is contracting it."

Translation: '"Contract the tidal flat?" Chen Jinli thought, "No problem—after all, nobody's contracting it."'

Line 46:

【312】

Translation: 'Ye Cheng smiled, "But we still need the village committee's approval; this is just a preliminary talk with you—you know I've had some run‑ins with the village chief."'

Line 47:

Now Chen Jinli understood, and he hummed softly, "Jinhai, you're just not sharp, stubborn as a mule, holding the village chief's position but unable to do anything — don't worry, I'm also on the village committee, and I agree."

Translation: 'Chen Jinli then understood, and hummed softly, "Jinhai, you're just not bright, stubborn as a mule, occupying the village chief's seat and unable to do anything—don't worry, I'm also on the village committee, and I agree."'

Line 48:

【324】

Translation: 'Ye Cheng's purpose was exactly that; Baiyun Village's village committee has five members total, three of whom are from the Chen family, and Chen Jinli is one of them.'

Line 49:

He was afraid Chen Jinhai would give him trouble, so he deliberately came first to give a heads‑up.

Translation: 'He was afraid Chen Jinhai would give him trouble, so he deliberately came first to give a heads‑up.'

Line 50:

【336】

Translation: 'Upon hearing Ye Cheng's purpose, Chen Jinli had no delay; he immediately stood up and said, "Come on, Guowei, Lao Er—let's go to the village committee now; this tidal flat is lying fallow anyway, and contracting it would bring the village some income."'

Line 51:

Yes, and then there's Jinshui — he's also on the village committee.

Translation: '"Right, and we'll also bring Jinshui—he's also on the village committee."'

Now we need to output each line with 【N】 prefix.

Make sure each translation is on a single line, no internal line breaks.

===TITLE===

This is what you call the after‑effects of retirement.

Then

: mentions Ye Cheng? Actually line: "Tomorrow, you guys will go to each village to collect shrimp, understand?" It's spoken by Ye Cheng? Not explicit but context. No named entity besides maybe "each village" generic. So none new.

Not only must we let the nearby villages know we are buying, we must also let the farther ones know; only when the supply is sufficient will there be any point to it.

"Okay, Cheng bro, we'll go tomorrow, I guarantee to spread this news." Chen Zhangfu replied obediently.

After saying that, Ye Cheng looked at Qian Shen and said, "Qian Shen, we're in business, so I'll lay out any unpleasant truths up front—right now the crayfish is our exclusive business; I can teach you, but once you learn it you can't spread it, okay?"

"Of course, A Cheng, you can relax—I, Qian Shen, am a person who keeps my word; otherwise your sister-in-law couldn't have dragged me over." Qian Shen said confidently.

"Yeah, A Cheng, you can relax—your Qian Shen is like family to me, trustworthy." Jiang Yunxiang added, vouching for Qian Shen.

"Alright, then the Chen brothers will collect the shrimp, then come back to help wash them; the three women will handle cooking and selling. Once we're in town we must sell at several separate spots, not mixed together, and we need to open up the market quickly."

Although Aunt Zhang and Qian Shen didn't understand what "opening the market" meant, they still nodded in acknowledgment.

"As for the money, I'll take 10% of the profit, the Chen brothers 30%, and each of you three will get 20%."

Actually this money isn't much, and Ye Cheng doesn't necessarily need it, but we still need to have this rule.

No one had any objections; although more people means less money each, this is Ye Cheng's business venture, and once the crayfish volume increases, sales will definitely go up.

Based on 50 catties a day, selling for 500 yuan, 20% comes to over a hundred—quite a bit.

Seeing that everyone had no objections, Ye Cheng once again emphasized the crayfish food safety issue.

First, they must be washed clean to ensure hygiene; second, the quantity must be limited—each person can buy at most two catties.

Moreover, there's the branding point—Ye Cheng demanded they sell the shrimp under the label: Baiyun Village Ye Family Crayfish.

Once the brand is established, we can later introduce new flavors and expand the business; even if someone counterfeits later, people will still recognize the brand.

After Ye Cheng finished speaking, it was already late, so they dispersed; Ye Cheng played a game for a while, played with Old Huang, then went to sleep.

The next day, Ye Cheng had just fallen into a drowsy sleep when someone woke him.

He opened his eyes to see it was his older brother Ye Guowei.

"Brother, why are you up so early?" Ye Cheng rubbed his eyes and got up.

"It's already 8 o'clock, and that's early." Ye Guowei looked listless.

"We don't have to clock in for work, nor did we say we're going out to sea—8 o'clock isn't early, is it?" Ye Cheng muttered.

"Your brother's gotten used to working at the dock, so he sleeps restlessly; besides, didn't you say today we'd go to the village to discuss contracting the tidal flats?"

Upon hearing that, Ye Cheng realized his older brother was just a worrier by nature.

He quit his job, doesn't want to enjoy a good day off, just wants to get back to work right away.

"Alright, brother, wait while I eat breakfast, I'll go with you to the village. Besides, you're going so early the village committee won't have anyone there."

Baiyun Village isn't some government agency; the village committee usually has no one on duty—Chen Jinhai will show up when it's time, plus there's an accountant, so that's just two people.

Ye Guowei didn't object, so he just squatted in Ye Cheng's courtyard smoking.

"Your sister-in-law also got up early, saying she's busy with the crayfish business, leaving me alone and a bit bored." Ye Guowei said softly.

Ye Cheng smiled helplessly and said, "Brother, that's just retirement syndrome—once you stop working you feel life has no value; don't worry, once we contract the tidal flats you'll have plenty to keep you busy."

At 9 o'clock, Ye Cheng pulled Ye Guowei out the door, first not to the village committee but to Chen Jinli's house—that is, the home of the Chen brothers Chen Zhangfu.

"Uncle Chen, are you home?" Ye Cheng shouted as soon as he entered.

Chen Jinli came out, saw them, and immediately beamed, "Ah, Guowei and Lao Er are here! Please sit, please sit—you're here for our two boys, aren't you? They went out early to collect shrimp per your instructions, very eager."

Ye Cheng took out two cigarettes and placed them on the table, "Uncle, I'm not looking for them—I'm looking for you."

Chen Jinli felt a bit embarrassed, "Lao Er, why are you bringing gifts? You're helping my two sons with their business—I haven't even thanked you yet, how can I accept your presents? Take them back, or people will say we have no manners."

"Old lady, hurry up and brew tea—we have distinguished guests!" he said, shouting into the house.

The Chen family lady came out, saw it was the Ye Cheng brothers, and warmly welcomed them.

Speaking of which, it's kind of amazing—they used to fight, but now they're so enthusiastic; what do you call that? "No fight, no acquaintance."

"Oh my, you brought something again? Hurry and take it back." The Chen family lady picked up the cigarettes and handed them to Ye Cheng.

She had heard from her sons that following Ye Cheng into business would bring big money, so at this point she couldn't accept the god of wealth's gifts.

Ye Cheng pushed the cigarettes over, sat down, and handed Chen Jinli one, "Uncle, I came to ask you for a favor—just go ahead and smoke it."

Hearing Ye Cheng say he needed something, Chen Jinli grew doubtful, "Lao Er, I'm old—aside from a bit of strength, I can't really help you."

"Uncle, if you can help, I'll get straight to the point—my brother and I want to contract the village's tidal flats so my older brother can do some aquaculture."

"Contract the tidal flats?" Chen Jinli thought, "No problem—after all, nobody's contracting it."

Ye Cheng smiled, "But we still need the village committee's approval—this is just a preliminary talk with you, since you know I've had some run-ins with the village chief."

Chen Jinli then understood, and hummed softly, "Jinhai, he's just not bright, stubborn, holding the village chief position but can't get anything done—don't worry, I'm also on the village committee, I agree."

Ye Cheng's purpose was exactly that—Baiyun Village's village committee has five members total, three of whom are from the Chen family, and Chen Jinli is one of them.

He was worried Chen Jinhai might give him trouble, so he deliberately came to give a heads-up first.

Upon hearing Ye Cheng's purpose, Chen Jinli didn't delay; he immediately stood up and said, "Come on, Guowei, Lao Er—let's go to the village committee now; those tidal flats lying fallow are still fallow, but contracting them out would bring the village some income."

"Right, and we'll also bring Jinshui—he's on the village committee too."