Chapter 22: The Return Journey

Early the next day, Sister Mei pulled her out of bed, and they set off early to have a breakfast rich in the characteristic flavors of Shanghai before heading to their destination.

While Sister Mei was picking things at the fish market, she told Sister Mei that she would wait for her outside the market. Shuxin quickly scanned the dark little alleys around, fearing that sister Mei might not find her if she was late. She also used her mental power to help locate her.

Before long, she found a small entrance, strolled around inside, and came out. It was her first time there today, aiming to gather some information without the intention of making any purchases. If she wanted to buy something, she would have done it yesterday.

After reuniting with Sister Mei, they went to the goods building and followed the same procedure, finding what they needed and then leaving. However, the goods building seemed more attractive than the fish market, and Sister Mei was still inside, so Shuxin had no choice but to go in and look for someone.

While Shuxin was looking for Sister Mei, she had just left a counter and was holding quite a few combat items in her hands.

“Sister Mei, it’s time. The bus leaves in two hours. Let’s come back next time; we’ll have more opportunities in the future.”

Shuxin pulled her out of the store and headed towards the bus station.

“I couldn’t help myself for the first time; it was just this once. I can’t buy like this in the future, or else my family will be bankrupt. The stuff inside is indeed good, but it’s too expensive, and I can’t afford too much,” Sister Mei joked about herself and advised Shuxin to take it easy. Shuxin listened quietly, thanking Sister Mei for her kind advice.

When they returned to the dormitory, others saw them carrying things and began to inquire again. They were not short on money, and since they were in a big city, they also wanted to browse around and buy some good items. However, they didn’t have Shuxin’s courage; they only dared to wander around nearby, fearing the hustle and bustle of the big city, and didn’t venture too far as they didn’t know where to go.

Sister Mei was also a cheerful person; she chatted with them and even told them specific places, promising to guide them next time.

When Shuxin and the others returned to Xinyang County again, it was already seven days later. The first train from Xinyang County safely returned; the station leadership organized a welcome ceremony for them, and there were reporters taking photos. Oh, I forgot to mention that when they left, the situation was similar; overall, the station’s publicity work was quite sufficient.

When Shuxin left the station, she also saw their group photo displayed in the station hall from when they left. The most eye-catching one was her. Although she wasn’t a leader and didn’t stand at the forefront, who could blame her for being good-looking? The train conductor had requested her to stand beside him, and when the photo was developed, she was indeed the most striking figure in the crowd.

The loose uniform worn by others looked incredibly good on her; with her slim waist and long legs, she looked perfect. Coupled with her exquisite features, she was simply eye-catching. More importantly, Shuxin’s appearance leaned towards elegance and grace, along with the decisive aura she honed in the apocalypse, making her a dominant beauty who would not appear seductive, thus nobody found her beauty inappropriate.

Thus, Shuxin, with her charming and dignified appearance and graceful demeanor, became the face of the Xinyang station.

Shuxin did not shy away from the opportunity to stand out; at only 16, she couldn’t simply remain a train crew member forever, so when the opportunity arose, she certainly wanted to aspire for higher positions.

Shuxin went to the ticket office to see if Huang Yao was working today. Upon discovering that she was, she gestured for her to come find her at the dorm after work. Huang Yao noticed her return and nodded in acknowledgment.

This time, being back on the train allowed for two days of rest, plus the half day today, making it two and a half days in total. This afternoon, she planned to buy the bicycle and then make another trip to the black market to trade some goods; otherwise, she wouldn’t have much capital left for purchasing next time she went to Shanghai.

Returning to the dormitory, Shuxin picked up a lunchbox from the cafeteria with two portions of food. When she entered the room again, she saw Huang Yao waiting for her. Shuxin wasn’t in a hurry, so she walked in slowly and set her things down. Before she could speak, Huang Yao started bombarding her with questions.

“Shuxin, you’re back! How was the trip? Was it fun on the train? How does it compare to Xinyang County? Are there really that many people in Shanghai?”

“Missy, with so many questions, how am I supposed to answer you? Can I take my time to explain?”

Shuxin casually took the food in her hands and started eating while talking. By the time she finished her story, her lunch had also been devoured. Huang Yao listened intently, her eyes wide with excitement, especially when Shuxin mentioned she had brought gifts for her and her parents. She was eager to see them, not even bothering to finish her meal, and pulled Shuxin to show her.

Seeing Huang Yao so enthusiastic, Shuxin could only take out the items for her. She feared if she delayed any longer, she might keep them to herself. She had packed the gifts for Huang’s family into a separate bag, making it easier to present them.

“These are seafood from Shanghai; I picked some good ones. Have Aunt Huang prepare them for eating. This is some imported cigarettes and snacks for your dad. And this is a dress for you—doesn’t it look good? I chose it myself. Oh, and I also got a silk scarf for Aunt Huang.”

Huang Yao watched as Shuxin pulled out each item from the bag, excitement bubbling up inside her. All of them were great gifts! She hadn’t even tried seafood before, and the dress was so much more beautiful than those in their county, proving the difference of a big city.

“You take the stuff back tonight after you finish work. I won’t take them today; I’ll come over to chat with Uncle Huang and Aunt Huang the night after tomorrow. I’m heading home directly now.”

Huang Yao nodded in agreement as she held up her dress, eagerly trying it on. She cared deeply for her good friend and was always supportive of her family.

Shuxin paid no mind to Huang Yao’s excitement; she urged her to go try the dress in her room while she tidied up and then took her things and stepped out.

After disguising herself, she went to the black market to sell the goods. She had spent so much in Shanghai; aside from the gifts for family and friends, she needed to earn back the rest at the black market.

She first placed the seafood on the ground, and the fishy smell wafted through the air, drawing everyone in to inquire about prices.

The fish outside were selling for 0.4 yuan per jin and required tickets. In the black market, they were sold for 0.6 yuan per jin. She set her seafood price at 1.2 yuan per jin, and people didn’t think it was expensive. This wasn’t river fish, but fresh sea products; those with connections in the black market would sell seafood for more than a yuan. Getting seafood for 1.2 yuan was considered a bargain.

In less than half an hour, the 300 jin of seafood Shuxin had brought was sold out. She had bought it for 0.4 yuan per jin in Shanghai, returning to Xinyang County for a net profit of 0.8 yuan per jin, totaling 240 yuan for 300 jin.

Oh yay! Just from the seafood alone, she had made a profit, not to mention she still had an additional 100 jin of better-quality seafood in her space. She planned to sell it all to Brother He in the black market for another good profit.

This 100 jin was more profitable than the previous 300 jin; what she sold in the black market was common fish, while the items for Brother He included abalone and sea cucumbers, which brought her 200 yuan, not to mention some bus tickets and other tickets as well.

Carefully exiting the black market, she made sure no one was following her before slipping into an abandoned house to change her outfit.

Returning to the black market, she sold some snacks and fabrics in bits and pieces. Realizing it was getting late, she planned to quit and head to the supply and marketing cooperative to buy a bicycle to return home, keeping the unsold items for herself.