Chapter 3: Stockpiling, Stockpiling, Stockpiling

If she were truly transported to a famine-stricken era, besides rice, flour, oil, and other essential supplies to maintain physical energy, the sweetness of candy couldn’t be missing. After all, in her 20 years of life, the sweet and heartwarming moments deeply etched in her memory were from when she ate her first piece of Big White Rabbit candy at the age of four.

Even now, closing her eyes, she could vividly recall the candy slowly melting in her mouth, its milky texture caressing every taste bud.

Each sweet sensation chased away the loneliness and helplessness she felt in the orphanage.

Ruan Xiaotang subtly averted her gaze, tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear, and discreetly hid the tears welling up in her eyes.

Her voice tinged with nostalgic sadness, she said, “100 kilograms of Big White Rabbit candy, fruit candies, brittle candies, soft candies, chewing gum, rock sugar, and nougat.”

The sugary taste stimulation indeed triggered the release of more dopamine.

Her gloomy mood immediately dissipated.

“Miss, miss, you haven’t bought any cooking oil!”

Seeing the girl giggling happily after ordering the candies, the manager was puzzled. He couldn’t find any cooking oil on the long list she’d been reciting.

“Young people are inexperienced,” he thought. “How can you cook without oil?”

He couldn’t help but remind her.

“Oh, right! How could I forget that? 100 barrels of each type of cooking oil you have.”

The reminder snapped Ruan Xiaotang out of her reverie.

“Thwack!”

A heavy slap landed on the solid wood desk.

The manager’s computer screen trembled.

He calmly typed, glancing sideways at Ruan Xiaotang.

His gaze finally settled on her slender, fair hands.

He furrowed his brow in surprise.

He wondered, “Did this girl practice iron sand palm? That slap was quite forceful, yet she remained unfazed. She must have some skills; she’s not simple!”

Ruan Xiaotang signed the documents and settled the bill.

The manager beamed, assuring her, “We will ensure your order is delivered promptly and in perfect condition.”

Ruan Xiaotang smiled and stood up, “Thank you, Manager.”

The manager patted his chest, “I’ll have everything delivered to your designated location by ten tonight.”

“Great, thank you, Manager!”

She had bought so much, and there was still so much money left in her card.

It was beyond her expectation.

Ruan Xiaotang quickly left the farmer’s market and headed towards a large chain supermarket to continue her shopping spree.

Food and drink were no longer a worry.

Next up was clothing and daily necessities.

She moved towards her next target.

Her shopping spree had only one purpose: to spend every penny in her card, leaving not a single cent behind.

When it came to spending money, Ruan Xiaotang was like a woman possessed, full of boundless energy.

She didn’t bother with lunch; in fact, she didn’t feel hungry at all.

Energetic and brisk, she strode into the supermarket.

As soon as she entered the main hall on the ground floor, she was stopped by the throng of people.

It wasn’t a weekend or a sale day, yet so many people were shopping at this time.

The popularity was undeniable.

“Miss, do you need a shopping cart?”

A female employee in a gray uniform and name tag thoughtfully pushed a shopping cart to Ruan Xiaotang’s side.

“Thank you!”

Ruan Xiaotang smiled politely, took the cart, and walked inside.

With such attentive service, it was no wonder they were making money.

She arrived at the household goods section.

Ruan Xiaotang enthusiastically waved to a nearby employee.

“Hello, ma’am, what can I help you with?”

The employee, ever-responsive, quickly jogged over.

Ruan Xiaotang picked up a pack of sanitary napkins, carefully checked the production date, and said seriously and resolutely, “I’m here today representing a charitable organization to purchase daily necessities for left-behind children and elderly people in mountainous areas. Since the purchase amount is large and the items are varied, may I make this purchase as a bulk order?”

“Certainly. I’ll take you to Manager Liu’s office now.”

Ruan Xiaotang followed the employee to the VIP bulk purchase service center on the second floor.

She was greeted by a woman in her thirties.

Dressed in a sharp black suit, with impeccable makeup and demeanor, she welcomed her into the office with a warm smile.

“Hello, ma’am, please have a seat. I’m Liu Wenya, and I’ll be happy to assist you with your shopping needs.”

After Ruan Xiaotang sat down, she got straight to the point.

Her gaze unwavering, she looked at Manager Liu.

“My purpose here, as your staff should have informed you, is to bulk purchase 5 million yuan worth of daily necessities. Due to time constraints and the urgency of the task, I only have one request: expedite the delivery.”

Manager Liu replied confidently, “As a chain supermarket, we have ample stock and strong resource coordination capabilities. For your order volume, we can deliver the goods by eight tonight.”

“Thank you, Manager Liu.”

Manager Liu opened the inventory list on her computer, gestured for Ruan Xiaotang to come closer, and pointed out that the list included pictures of each item for easy selection, avoiding omissions and unnecessary trouble.

Ruan Xiaotang took the tablet, swiping her finger lightly. The numerous products were neatly organized, with prices clearly displayed.

The service was indeed thoughtful and meticulous.

Hygiene Products:

“10,000 packs of sanitary napkins, tissues, wet wipes, daily sanitary napkins, overnight sanitary napkins, liquid sanitary napkins, overnight pants, sanitary pads, baby diapers, baby wet wipes, 5,000 bottles of baby bath wash, 500 bars of baby soap, baby clothes, hats, socks, and shoes in various sizes and ages, 300 sets of each.”

“Pacifiers, bottles, formula, toothpaste, toothbrushes, tooth powder, shampoo, shower gel, conditioner, laundry powder, laundry detergent, laundry beads, fabric softener, hand soap, facial cleanser, soap, and bar soap, 100 of each.”

These were essential daily necessities in that era.

She was used to shampoo and laundry detergent, not laundry powder.

Ruan Xiaotang didn’t look up, her eyes following her finger as it scrolled down, her mouth running like a machine gun.

Manager Liu, on another computer, quickly typed on the spreadsheet.

The two worked in perfect harmony.

“Pencils, crayons, erasers, notebooks, pens, brushes, chalk, erasers, rulers, compasses, globes, basketballs, soccer balls, ping pong balls, badminton rackets, socks, and school bags—as many as you have.”