Chapter 46: Emergency Relief (Part 3)

The old lady had a clear understanding that without food to eat, these jade jewellery had no value whatsoever. No matter how valuable something might be, it couldn’t be eaten to sustain life. Just like during the apocalypse, things like money became worthless, and all people wanted was food.

At the same time, the old lady’s words revealed a hint of bitterness and helplessness.

However, these items held great value for Zhao Xiulan. She knew that in another ten or twenty years, after this period of hardship passed and the country resumed development, entering a prosperous era, these items would appreciate significantly.

While Zhao Xiulan might only need to give a little grain right now, in the coming prosperous era, these items would become a huge fortune.

Zhao Xiulan said to the old lady, “Auntie, since that’s the case, I’m willing to exchange grain with you.”

The old lady asked excitedly, “Girl… you… you’re really willing to exchange with me?”

“Yes, Auntie, I know these items are valuable, and you need grain, while I like these things. Isn’t it perfect for us to exchange? I have the grain in my basket. It’s not convenient to trade here. Let’s go, Auntie, I’ll escort you home and give you the grain.”

Seeing the old lady’s situation, Zhao Xiulan couldn’t help but worry. It was convenient to give grain while accompanying her home.

The old lady also knew that this place wasn’t suitable for trading, and with her weak body, she didn’t insist.

“Girl, that’s too much trouble for you.”

“It’s okay, Auntie. I don’t have anything else to do anyway.”

Supporting the old lady, Zhao Xiulan followed her guidance and headed towards the old lady’s home.

On the way, they chatted for a while. The old lady’s family name was Chen, so Zhao Xiulan addressed her as Auntie Chen.

As Zhao Xiulan had guessed, Auntie Chen was not an ordinary person.

Sometimes, a person’s temperament couldn’t be hidden, especially that scholarly air, which could only be cultivated over many years.

Auntie Chen’s demeanour suggested that she had come from a wealthy family.

Seeing the house where Auntie Chen lived confirmed Zhao Xiulan’s speculation.

Auntie Chen lived in a small villa. In the county town, two-story buildings were rare, let alone such a small villa, which only extremely wealthy families could afford.

However, the yard of the small villa was already quite dilapidated, with some areas clearly damaged. Although the exterior of the villa looked good, many parts inside had been damaged.

There weren’t many things in the house, just a few pieces of old furniture, even the chairs and tables were wobbly, repaired with patched-up wood.

On the table were a hot water jar, two enamel basins, and several pairs of bowls and chopsticks.

Near the door, there was a small iron pot rack, probably used for cooking.

There was also a worn-out coal stove, with an iron kettle heating water on top.

The other rooms on the first floor were empty, with only a small, dilapidated bed in the room near the south.

The furnishings inside the house contrasted greatly with the architecture of the small villa.

Seeing this scene, Zhao Xiulan couldn’t help but sigh.

Thinking about Auntie Chen’s background and the current situation in the small villa, Zhao Xiulan had already guessed it. Presumably, because Auntie Chen was once very wealthy, she was labeled as having a bad background and received special treatment, leading to her current situation.

There were many people like Auntie Chen, many large landlords and capitalists who ended up like this because they were wealthy.

After helping Auntie Chen into the house, Zhao Xiulan let her sit down.

(End of Chapter 46)