Chapter 20 Couple Watches

Xu Huaian twisted open the kettle and handed it to Shi Qingqian. “Have a sip of water.”

Shi Qingqian took the kettle and gulped down two large mouthfuls—swearing was surprisingly tiring work.

Soon, a man in his thirties appeared behind the salesperson. Xu Huaian positioned himself in front of Shi Qingqian protectively. “Leave the next part to me,” he said.

Shi Qingqian nodded.

The salesperson brought the manager over. The manager, looking apologetic, said, “We sincerely apologize, comrades. Our salesperson speaks bluntly and may have offended you. To make amends, I personally offer half a pound of candy?”

Shi Qingqian glanced at the manager. Half a pound of candy as compensation? Barely worth mentioning.

Xu Huaian squinted slightly, his expression serious, and pulled out his officer ID, showing it to the manager. “Sir, I am a soldier. Our country is a people-led nation, and no form of class discrimination is allowed. The behavior of your salesperson today seriously violates our social values. I demand that you give her proper ideological and political education so she truly understands her mistake.”

Seeing the officer ID clearly marked “Commander of the 19th Regiment, Southern Military Region,” the manager’s attitude immediately changed. He quickly nodded. “You are right, Comrade Officer. We will handle this strictly and organize ideological and political training for all employees to ensure this never happens again.”

Satisfied with the manager’s attitude, Xu Huaian didn’t press further.

Shi Qingqian returned to the watch display, tapping lightly on the glass above the couple’s watches. “Can I take a look now?”

“Yes, of course.” The manager personally removed the pair of Rolex watches from the display case.

Unlike the manager’s careful handling, Shi Qingqian directly picked up the men’s watch and put it on Xu Huaian’s wrist.

“Looks good,” she said with satisfaction.

Xu Huaian had never worn a watch before, but he knew Rolex wasn’t cheap. “I’ll just buy you one. I don’t need it.”

Shi Qingqian shook her head. “This is a couple’s watch set—meant for a couple, a future wife. Are you sure you don’t want it?”

Xu Huaian’s hand paused mid-motion. His eyes shifted between the two watches, a smile spreading across his face. He looked at Shi Qingqian and softly said, “I want it. If it’s a couple’s watch, we must have it. We can’t let someone else buy it.”

“That’s right,” Shi Qingqian said. “Manager, how much are these two watches in total?”

The manager’s face showed surprise. He had assumed they were just browsing, not planning to buy the two Rolex watches outright. Flustered, he hurriedly replied, “These are the latest Rolex models. Each is 1,800 yuan with a watch voucher, so together 3,600 yuan with two vouchers. If you buy the pair, I can give you a 10% discount, 3,240 yuan, as compensation for the offense.”

He nervously watched them, afraid the price would scare them away. But Shi Qingqian shook her head.

The manager exhaled in relief. “It’s fine if you don’t buy them.”

Shi Qingqian said, “No discount is needed. We’ll pay the full price.”

The manager’s eyes widened, incredulous. A 10% discount would have saved 360 yuan.

“Comrade, you don’t want the 10% off? Then… 12% off? No, it really can’t go lower.”

Seeing the manager still didn’t understand, Shi Qingqian placed the watch vouchers and 3,600 yuan directly on the counter. “Count it carefully.”

The manager stared at the thick stack of money, speechless. The salesperson also widened her eyes in shame and regret—if she had sold both Rolexes at once, her salary for the month would have tripled. Too late for regrets.

Other customers whispered in surprise and admiration.

The manager counted the money and returned 500 yuan to Shi Qingqian. She impatiently put both watches into the boxes and said before leaving, “As a soldier and the family of a soldier, we resolutely uphold the glorious tradition of not taking a single thing from the people.”

Everyone present fell silent. Looking at Shi Qingqian and Xu Huaian, their eyes were full of respect.

A refined middle-aged man watching them select items smiled with satisfaction.

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Shi Qingqian and Xu Huaian continued shopping at the department store. Besides the watches, they bought a sewing machine, a radio, bedding (eight sets), 24 pieces of various cloth, clothes, shoes, basins, thermoses, bowls, cups, candy, cigarettes, and alcohol.

The furniture in the store was limited, and Shi Qingqian didn’t like any of it. Xu Huaian said, “If you don’t like it, we can have Uncle Xu Erping from the village make it when we get back. He’s been making furniture his whole life. Whatever you want, he can make it.”

Shi Qingqian’s eyes lit up. “Perfect! We’ll have Uncle Xu make it. No need to buy.”

“What about a TV or refrigerator?” Xu Huaian had noticed her looking at the appliances section, assuming she wanted them. In fact, Shi Qingqian was just curious about what a 1975 TV looked like.

“Do you have a ticket?” Xu Huaian shook his head. “We don’t have tickets for TVs or fridges, but if you want them, I’ll figure out a way. It shouldn’t be too difficult.”

Shi Qingqian suggested, “Then let’s stay in the city for a night and look for a truck while we’re here.”

“Okay.”

After checking out, they temporarily stored their purchases at the department store. For such big customers, the manager didn’t hesitate.

They went to a state-run restaurant, ordered a few dishes, ate until full, and then visited the supply and marketing cooperative. After a full day of shopping, even Xu Huaian was exhausted.

After dinner, they used the reference letters to book two rooms at the guesthouse. Shi Qingqian locked the door and went to wash her hair and take a shower, having sweated from the day’s shopping.

After freshening up, she stood on the third-floor balcony, drying her hair, when she noticed a change on the screen in mid-air. Slowly, a line of text appeared:

[Today’s Event Countdown: 05:43:52]

Shi Qingqian paused mid-motion, went downstairs, picked up the remote, and pressed the confirm button. The screen now displayed:

Newlywed Furniture Set — [0 Points Free]

Free? And such a deal!

Without hesitation, Shi Qingqian pressed the purchase button. The next second, the furniture set appeared in the open area outside the villa.