Chapter 37: Selling Goods to Raise Money

She sent the message to every group in the residential community. Within five minutes, her WeChat exploded.

Friend requests kept pouring in, and people in the group were frantically tagging her.

1602: “Miss, I want some drinks, how much are they?”

1302: “Do you have anything to eat? Any instant noodles?”

0502: “I want instant noodles +1…”

Just then, Ye Mianmian sent a message too.

Ye Mianmian: “Sorry everyone, I was too tired and had been sleeping…”

Zhang Kaiyang: “Remember not to open the door for anyone. I’m worried that guy from the 9th floor might recognize you…”

Ye Mianmian: “Got it, don’t worry!”

Song Yi: “Everyone stay low-key for now. Don’t let others know we have supplies. Also, don’t open the door if someone knocks. Find something heavy to block the door…”

Zhang Kaiyang: “Brother Song, is it really that serious?”

Jiang Yuan: “A man’s wealth is his own downfall. Understand?”

Zhang Kaiyang: “Got it. But Yuan-jie, why are you selling things?”

Jiang Yuan: “To trade for supplies. Those things are useless to me anyway.”

Ye Mianmian: “Yuan-jie, take my cigarettes and liquor too. I don’t dare sell them myself.”

Jiang Yuan hadn’t expected Ye Mianmian to offer her goods too. If she accepted, and something happened later, it wouldn’t be good—she’d owe her a favor.

She wasn’t like Song Yi. He lived on the same floor as her; their survival was tied together. Only if everyone was okay could they all continue to thrive.

Jiang Yuan: “Mianmian, let me sell off my stuff first. I’m afraid I might not even be able to sell mine…”

Ye Mianmian: “No problem, Yuan-jie. You can come get mine anytime…”

Jiang Yuan: “Alright…”

She suddenly noticed that Zhang Kaiyang had renamed the group to “West District Self-Rescue Squad”! Typical young people—always bursting with energy.

Song Yi: “Zhang Kaiyang, watch your words in the group.”

Zhang Kaiyang: “I’ve just been a little too active… Brother Song doesn’t trust me… boohoo…”

Jiang Yuan stopped looking at the rest. The group was getting out of hand. She quickly edited another message:

“Only have cigarettes, alcohol, tea, and drinks. I’m looking for food—any kind. Cash is the last option. Read clearly before asking, don’t waste time.”

Copy, paste, forward—she had it down.

Already, 52 new friend requests had come in. Jiang Yuan opened the list and approved them all.

She copied the message again and sent it to each of them, then waited for replies.

1602: “Miss, what drinks do you have? How much?”

They lived in the same building, so Jiang Yuan didn’t make things difficult.

2101: “Big bottle of orange juice, 200, cash only.”

1602: “Deal, I’ll come pick it up now.”

With her first deal sealed, Jiang Yuan waited at the hallway entrance.

No rush for the others—one at a time.

Of course, she didn’t go alone. Jiang Xingzhi came with her, holding a kitchen knife.

The goal was simple—intimidate anyone with bad intentions.

Soon, 1602 came upstairs. Jiang Yuan opened the inner door—through the security gate, they could see each other and pass things through the gap.

1602: “Miss, do you have other drinks? My son really wants some. And if you have cigarettes, give me a pack. I brought cash.”

He pulled out 1,000 yuan and handed it over directly.

Jiang Yuan was pleased—this guy was serious.

“Wait a sec,” she said, heading back inside.

She brought out a big bottle of Sprite, a bottle of Coke, and two packs of cigarettes.

They were cheap brands, worth barely a dozen yuan normally—spoils from the other day.

She kept the expensive ones hidden to avoid suspicion.

“These okay?” she asked.

1602’s eyes lit up—it was exactly what he needed.

“Perfect! Thank you so much!”

He left happily with the items.

The couple from the 20th floor saw it all—the sale, and how much 1602 had walked off with. Their eyes turned red with jealousy.

Woman: “Hey girl, if you’ve got stuff, give us some too.”

Jiang Yuan disliked them. Every time they showed up, trouble followed.

Jiang Yuan: “First, I’m trading supplies. If you’re not trading, don’t waste my time.

Second, even if you’re buying, each item is 100 yuan—don’t try to haggle.

Third, we’re not friends. Don’t interrupt me making money.”

The “Compass Lady” crossed her arms and shrieked, “100 yuan for a drink?! Why don’t you just rob people!”

“Can’t afford it? Then don’t buy. Stop whining, you broke-ass.”

Woman: “Who are you calling broke?!”

Jiang Yuan: “You.”

Click-clack… woof woof woof… —Song Yi appeared, with his dog.

“You need help? My dog hasn’t had meat in days…”

Scarface Guy: “What, you think you’re tough? I can ruin this business of yours…”

He was a thug—no sense of reason.

Jiang Yuan raised her phone and started recording.

“Look everyone—this is the resident from the 20th floor. If you’re coming to trade, bring protection. This guy’s threatening to ruin our deals!”

Scarface: “You bitch! Put that down!”

Jiang Yuan: “Who you calling a bitch, you foul-mouthed bastard?”

Jiang Xingzhi had had enough. He charged with the kitchen knife.

Scarface: “Talking about your daughter, old man!”

Jiang Xingzhi really got mad and was about to attack. Song Yi held him back, and Jiang Yuan helped stop him too.

Song Yi: “You better behave, or no one’s getting out of this unscathed.”

Scarface: “What if I don’t? What’re you gonna do?”

SLAP

“Ahhh!”

Jiang Yuan saw it happen—Scarface clutched his arm, howling in pain.

Scarface: “You motherf—!”

SLAP

“Owwww!”

Compass Lady screamed and ran to him.

Compass Lady: “You just attacked someone! You’re done for!”

Song Yi: “Serves you right. You asked for it. Better behave next time.”

Scarface: “Just wait. I’m calling the police!”

Jiang Yuan burst out laughing. In times like these, police? Forget it—just getting through on the phone was a fantasy.

And Scarface? No way he had a clean record. She didn’t believe it for a second.

Jiang Yuan: “Go ahead! If you don’t call, you’re a coward!”

Scarface: “You’ll regret this…”

He left with Compass Lady supporting him.

Jiang Yuan: “Thanks… I didn’t know you knew how to use hidden weapons.”

Song Yi: “It’s not a hidden weapon. Just technique.

Those two won’t let this go. Be careful.”

Jiang Yuan nodded. She agreed.

Those two had been a menace too long. And now they lived right downstairs—too close for comfort.

If they wanted a clean solution, the only way might be… to slit their throats.