Kaizi, who had been hurrying out of the alley, stopped when he heard Anxin’s voice. He lazily glanced at her with a nonchalant and indifferent expression. Slowly, he asked,
“Oh, it’s you, Anxin. Why are you so late today?”

Anxin was usually punctual when coming to rent a car. It was strange to see her arriving late.

Picking up on Kaizi’s teasing tone, Anxin hid her unease and replied,
“I had some things to take care of. Am I too late? Did you save the car for me?”

She prayed the car was still available. Without it, she wouldn’t earn much money today.

Kaizi noticed the disappointment on her face and smirked faintly, his tone still lazy and teasing.
“Oh, you mean the one you usually rent?”

Anxin nodded eagerly.
“Yes, that one. Is it still here?”

She was ready to pay the usual rate. Time was money, and with her mom in the hospital and her siblings in the city, she needed every minute to make money faster than they could spend it.

Kaizi’s reply, delivered in his usual drawl, was like a bucket of cold water.
“Sorry, you’re late. Someone else already rented it.”

His casual words hit Anxin hard, sinking her into disappointment. She cursed herself silently—if only she’d paid a deposit the night before.

Forcing herself to stay calm, she asked,
“Kai, do you have any other vehicles available for hire? I’m willing to pay 20 yuan extra if you can rent me one.”

She was willing to make up for her mistake. As long as she got a car and hit the road, everything would be fine.

Kaizi crossed his arms, his voice as indifferent as ever.
“Sorry, all my vehicles are already rented out.”

Anxin was stunned.
“…”

It seemed she wouldn’t be able to work today. She sighed inwardly—perhaps it was better to spend the day at the hospital with her mother and start fresh tomorrow morning.

She quickly composed herself and asked,
“Could you at least save a car for me tomorrow? I can pay a deposit upfront.”

She dug into her pocket, ready to pay. She couldn’t risk missing out again tomorrow.

Kaizi watched her movements and responded slowly.
“No need to rush. Anxin, you just want to drive to make some money, right?”

Anxin froze and nodded.
“Yes, I’m driving to earn a living.”

What else would she be doing—joyriding? She didn’t have the luxury for that.

Kaizi’s next words surprised her.
“Can you drive a truck?”

Anxin blinked before nodding mechanically.
“I can. As long as it’s a vehicle, I can drive it.”

She wasn’t picky. Whatever could make her money, she’d give it a shot. If driving a tractor paid well, she’d even consider that.

Kai seemed pleased with her confidence and nodded.
“Good.”

Anxin raised an eyebrow, wondering what he was up to.

Kaizi’s tone shifted to business.
“I’ve got a job driving a truck. It pays 300 yuan a day. Interested? We’d need to start right now, and you’ll finish around 8 PM. If you’re not interested, come back tomorrow to rent a car.”

Anxin frowned, considering his offer. Driving a truck for 300 yuan wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t amazing either. After some thought, she countered,
“How about 400 yuan a day, paid in foreign exchange coupons? If you agree, I’ll take the job.”

For her usual earnings running a taxi while selling goods, 400 yuan was closer to her daily average. She wasn’t about to settle for less, especially for such grueling work.

Kaizi chuckled, looking at her with admiration.
“Four hundred? You sure drive a hard bargain.”

In the trucking world, 300 yuan was already a high wage. If she weren’t Anxin, he wouldn’t even consider negotiating.

Anxin stayed composed, her tone steady.
“Take it or leave it. If not, I’ll come back tomorrow for a rental.”

She was well aware that driving trucks, especially older models without modern comforts, was physically demanding. But money was money, and she couldn’t afford to waste time.

The two locked eyes in silence, as if daring the other to give in. Just as Anxin was ready to walk away, Kai sighed dramatically.
“Fine. You win. Four hundred in foreign exchange coupons. But we start now and wrap up by 8 PM. Deal?”

Anxin’s face lit up with a smile.
“Deal!”

She’d gladly work as late as necessary for that pay.

Kaizi led her to a warehouse on the outskirts of the city. Two men were already waiting by a large truck.