Chapter 6

The manager, who had originally planned to hide in the back, thought he could just avoid the situation and let it pass.

Who would have thought this girl’s background wasn’t simple? In those days, most people working in the Public Security Bureau had military backgrounds and connections across various sectors. How did he end up provoking such an influential person today?

Seeing that he couldn’t continue pretending to be absent, the manager had no choice but to come out, smiling and apologizing.

“Young lady, I’m really sorry. This is just like a flood rushing into the Dragon King’s temple—a misunderstanding among our own people. Please don’t take offense at my ignorant sister-in-law. Come, come, I’ll personally take you to the back. We’ve got some high-quality goods on special. Whatever you want, I’ll sell it to you at a discount—as compensation. What do you say?”

“Manager, I’m not someone who refuses to forgive after gaining the upper hand. Look, if she had even half your attitude, how could I have stayed angry? Of course I love discounts, but I’d feel bad if you had to take the loss yourself. Don’t you think so?”

The manager, being a shrewd man, immediately caught the deeper meaning in Lin Jiayi’s words. After thinking for a moment, he decided to sacrifice his sister-in-law. “Don’t worry. The difference will come out of her pay. After all, she’s the one who made the mistake.”

Lin Jiayi was delighted. Now this was fair. How could someone make a mistake and face no consequences? That wouldn’t do at all. She considered herself a kindhearted comrade—she hadn’t caused anyone to lose their job, and she even saved herself some money.

“Manager, let’s go then. I need a lot of things. I’m heading to the northeast countryside, so there’s plenty I’m lacking. You’ll have to give me a really good deal!”

The manager was stunned. He had assumed she was just a little girl out window-shopping, not someone who would actually buy much. He thought he’d only lose a bit. But now, judging by what she said, this was going to be a major shopping spree. He could almost hear the sound of his hair turning white.

Still, since he’d already spoken, he could only grit his teeth and follow along.

“This fabric looks nice. I’ll take all of these bolts, and also those two over there.”

The manager wiped imaginary sweat from his forehead. “Miss, that one is men’s fabric—it might not suit you!”

“No problem, I can use it for my dad. He hasn’t had new clothes made in ages. Don’t worry, Manager—so you won’t feel guilty, I’ll buy even more to help support your sales.

I’ll take all that cotton too, and those two thermos flasks. These sets of clothes look good, gloves, leather shoes too. A few kilos of those pastries, more White Rabbit candies and fruit candies…”

The manager clutched his trembling heart. “Miss, these things don’t keep long. By the time you head to the countryside, they’ll be spoiled. What a waste!”

Lin Jiayi didn’t care in the slightest. Please—she had her secret space. The porridge she’d stored that morning was still warm. There was no way he could imagine her advantage.

“No worries, I’ve got money. If it spoils, it spoils. I’ll also take a few new quilts, enamel mugs, enamel basins, towels, extra brown sugar. Bring out different grades of cigarettes and alcohol too—they’ll be perfect for gifts later…”

As Lin Jiayi rattled off items nonstop, the manager’s belly fat trembled with each word. He felt like he’d burned all his calories for the day just standing there.

By the time Lin Jiayi left, she was completely carefree. Since she had bought too much to carry, the manager had to arrange delivery to her home. She got piles of goods without spending much money—it was simply too perfect.

By now the sun was high. Lin Jiayi rubbed her empty stomach. Yes, she needed food. Braised pork, big meat buns—here she comes!

Sure enough, novels really do imitate life. Both dishes were delicious. Lin Jiayi waddled out of the state-owned restaurant clutching her belly, much to the amusement of the canteen lady who had served her.

When Lin Jiayi returned home, Lin Dong was already waiting for her.

“Daughter, you bought so many things. Do you still have enough money? If not, Dad can give you more.”

Lin Dong truly doted on her. If it had been another family, the stick would already have come down on her back.

“Dad, they delivered everything so quickly! I got them all at half price. I still have plenty of money. You’re back so early? Is everything already settled?”

Lin Dong smiled proudly. “My daughter is really capable. Don’t worry, Dad won’t hold you back either. Having connections makes things easier. Look, I got everything done this morning.

Yao Qingqing will be on the same train with you in ten days, heading to the northeast countryside. I also asked an old comrade to help. There’s a retired soldier there, just a few years older than you, who can take care of you.

I’ve also finished handing over my work. The day after tomorrow, I’ll officially report to my new post. Tomorrow we’ll get a vehicle and move directly into the housing allocated by the Public Security Bureau. It’s bigger than here—three bedrooms, one living room, a kitchen, and even a small courtyard.”

Lin Jiayi was very satisfied. It seemed that since ancient times, government jobs always came with the best benefits.

“Dad, since we’re moving tomorrow, should we buy more things for the new house? How about we go shopping together?”

“Good idea. I’ve already arranged for the old furniture here to be sold. They’ll come haul it away tomorrow. The new house is fully furnished, everything brand new. Tomorrow I’ll take you to the Friendship Store so we can pick up some fresh items.

The day after tomorrow, when the old lady returns, she’ll probably bring those two along to make trouble. You should be prepared.”

“That’s perfect! I love dealing with troublesome people—it’ll be good practice. Once I’m in the countryside, there will be plenty more opponents. I can’t afford to lose.”

Although Lin Dong often didn’t quite understand his daughter’s way of speaking, it didn’t matter. He could guess her general meaning. This was good—she was lively, full of energy, like someone truly alive. He was willing to spoil her like this forever, keeping her happy.

If Lin Jiayi had felt like she was being too extravagant earlier at the supply cooperative, then at the Friendship Store, it was Lin Dong who showed her that extravagance ran in the family.

He wanted to buy her everything he saw—scarves, hair ornaments, hair clips, watches, leather shoes, dresses, Lenin-style jackets, little shoulder bags, even imported clothes and snacks.

“Dad, it feels like we’re stocking up for a shop. It’s too much. Maybe we should stop?” Lin Jiayi tugged carefully at Lin Dong’s sleeve.

Lin Dong nodded. “Yes, we should stop. I’ve run out of foreign exchange coupons. Next time I’ll exchange more and we’ll come again. It’s getting late anyway, let’s head home for dinner.”

Lin Jiayi was utterly shocked. So the only reason he stopped was because he couldn’t buy more—not because it was too much? Lin Dong had been reborn, but she was the one enjoying the results. Not bad, not bad. At this rate, Yao Qingqing’s novel was already in tatters.

Father and daughter lugged their big and small bundles home. Lin Jiayi collapsed onto the sofa, exhausted, not wanting to move. Her father, on the other hand—well, no wonder he had been a soldier. His stamina was something else.