One Monday morning, the students were talking about their homework in the classroom. Last weekend, their homework was to sell something. They would use the money they made to buy school things for the children in poor areas. Now it was time for them to show how successful they were.
Liu Ling was the first one to speak. "I made some cakes and sold them. I made 40 yuan," she said happily. "My friendly words and smiles helped me. At the same time, the cakes were rally delicious." "Good," said the teacher.
Yang Mei said, "I sold newspapers. I made 55 yuan and I told everyone that newspapers can tell us what is happening around the world." "Very good, Yang Mei," said the teacher.
Li Hang said, "I sold my toys and I made 62 yuan. I told everyone they were much cheaper than new toys." "Great!" said the teacher.
Then it was Zhou Yi's turn. Everyone looked at him. Zhou Yi walked to the front of the classroom and put a box of money on the teacher's desk.
"1,242 yuan," he said.
"1,242 yuan!" said the teacher. "What did you sell?"
"Toothbrushes," said Zhou Yi.
"Toothbrushes?" the teacher asked. "How did you do it? How many toothbrushes did you sell to make that much money?"
"I found the busiest street in town," said Zhou Yi, "I set up a chocolate stand (货摊) and invited everybody who walked by to taste my chocolate for free. They all said, 'Your chocolate tastes good but it makes my teeth black!' Then I said, 'It is. Do you want to buy a toothbrush?' "
