Bryan worked on his last market place project for several weeks now. The product he wanted to sell was his novel, total 20 copies. I doubted how popular it could be compare to others' cookie, bread, or sandwiches. But he didn't care.
On the Market day, after I received the ticket at the entrance ($200 in market currency), I got lost immediately in this "super market". The place was made by two classrooms by taking down the middle separator wall. There should be about 80 merchandisers (sales men and women) who came from three different classes (grade 3-5). They were selling plants, craft, coupon book, mushroom candy, ice cream sandwiches, etc..
I spot Bryan's booth right away. He sold almost 10 copies that time (not too bad). The rule here was: parent could not buy own child's product. Oh well, there was no point to stay around here.
Off I went. The first thing I bought was a paper boat, from a boy who's rather shy and quiet. The boat was plain. Since he didn't make much sale yet, I wanted to encourage him.
After 10 minutes, my hands were full, most for Hannah like sea shells, crafts and play doll, a cookie for grandma and a mushroom candy for myself. Hannah and Grandma would be thrilled if they were here. What should I get for dad, oh, I just saw the perfect thing: a coupon book for father (father's day is coming).
Finally, Bryan shouted out excitedly: "I sold them all!". It's to hear others' talking, because the room was filled by about 80 students and 100 family members. Perhaps parents have the special hearing to their own kids' voice. Before I could congradulate him, Bryan dived into other booths for treasure hunt already. Now, he needed to spend all the "money" he just made. Some girls were very clever. They often took break, put on a temp close sign, and went shopping some goodies.
Later, Bryan described his sales trick: The begining price was $40/copy. Then he put on a sale for just $10/copy, which attracted a couple of buyers. After one minute, he bumped the price back to $40 and sold them all. (Perhaps the parents and kids were trying to use up all the market price money that time -- Mom's theory)
Market Place is one of the most favorite activities Bryan had at his new school West Mercer. It is fun!
Oh, here is the beginning from Bryan's novel: The Wrath of Ilcormad.
Prologue - The Orb
In a dim room, an evil scientist set to work. He had been defeated one too many times by Byron. He, the greatest and most wicked sorcerer of all, Ilcormad, planned to destroy Byron and rule the world. He needed a substance made of evilness, made of darkness, powerful enough to destroy even Byron’s magical thunderlives. He used all different types of deadly ingredients, from venomdoom to sealflower, to create his darkness orb. His evil plan… was nearly complete!
He took disguise of a zombie swampmonster and set off to the dock, where only Byron, himself, and two other people remembered, for, by his experiments, Byron went there daily. He took his orb, which would instantly inject venom into the person the orb was thrown at, sealing them into a spine cave forever, cursing them with painful death curses, for now, was his chance to defeat Byron and rule the world.
