Chapter 12

Their garrison was located in Hecheng.
Even though Harbin was gradually replacing Hecheng’s former prominence, Hecheng was still a bustling city.

The train station, once hailed as the number one stop in northern Manchuria, was still a remarkable sight in this era.
There were even people bringing photographers specifically to take photos there.

Before the country completed its transformation period, Heilongjiang Province was thriving thanks to its heavy industries, creating countless jobs. The people here looked far more energetic than those back in the Hongshan Brigade.

Although there was still a big difference compared to future generations, Xia Wenhua could already see the vitality radiating from the city.

She once had an employee from Heilongjiang who told her about how the First Department Store in Hecheng had been a local wonder in the ’50s and ’60s.
So, before Wang Weiguo even asked where they should go shopping, Xia Wenhua had already made up her mind.

“I’ve long heard about how well the First Department Store was built, and how well-stocked it is. Let’s go there!”

Wang Weiguo, being a local, grinned even more brightly when he heard her say that:
“Wow, Sis-in-law even knows about our First Department Store! Not to brag, but aside from being a little crowded, there’s nothing wrong with that place. Even that Lianhua Store can’t compare to our First Department Store’s grandeur!”

Xia Wenhua had indeed heard of the store’s reputation, and now that Wang Weiguo talked it up, her curiosity grew.

The train station was only about ten minutes away from the department store, and soon, the car pulled up at its entrance.

Though the world outside was still somewhat unstable, the public security was excellent. The car bore a military license plate, so no one with poor judgment would dare touch it.
Wang Weiguo parked confidently outside and followed the family of four into the store.

The First Department Store was truly worthy of being the pride of Hecheng in this era. The three-story building was rare for the time.
Even Pei Songbai, who had traveled for years, had never seen a more luxurious place.

He instinctively glanced back at Xia Wenhua, only to find not even a trace of amazement on her face. It was as if such a department store was no big deal to her.
Something stirred quietly in the depths of his heart.

Xia Wenhua was not only nearly ten years younger than him, but she had also lived a wealthy life before.
Even a large department store like this was just “normal” to her.
Now that she was willing to live a simple life with him, he absolutely could not let her suffer.

The First Department Store was the most well-stocked in all of Hecheng, so naturally, it was also crowded.

The first floor sold daily necessities, and it was practically jam-packed as soon as they entered.
Xia Wenhua glanced at the pastries and candies on display at a nearby counter, but decided to come back for them later.

Since, according to Pei Songbai, they had nothing in their home at the family compound, they had to buy kitchenware first.

The second floor sold pots and pans.
The large iron woks of the time were all handmade, so their quality was guaranteed.

However, due to certain limitations, while iron wasn’t as rare as before, it was still not cheap.

She had already asked Pei Songbai and learned they had a small courtyard home with a firewood stove and two small burners.

As soon as she entered the floor, she spotted two pots in the corner and pointed them out:
“Comrade, how much are these pots?”

Compared to the packed first floor, the second floor was relatively quiet.
Even those who came up were usually just browsing. Few people actually bought anything.
The shop assistant was sitting and knitting with yarn, and despite the group standing nearby for some time, she hadn’t even looked at them.

Hearing Xia Wenhua’s question, the assistant immediately frowned and looked over.

But when her eyes landed on Xia Wenhua and saw Pei Songbai in his military uniform behind her, she paused—then instantly smiled.

“Oh, little sister, are you joining the army household? Which pot are you interested in? Let me show you!”

Department store employees in this era had iron rice bowl jobs—a secure, lifelong position.
Those who could work here not only had personal competence, but also strong family backgrounds.
Arguing with customers wasn’t unusual.

Chang Yingying, this salesgirl, had previously worked at a counter on the first floor.
Because she got into an argument when someone interrupted her knitting, her uncle, the department director, transferred her to the quieter second-floor station.

She had a bad temper, spoiled since childhood.
But here in the Northeast, practically no one dared to disrespect military personnel.

Her previous impatience was instantly soothed by Pei Songbai’s military uniform, and her attitude toward Xia Wenhua was surprisingly friendly—drawing curious glances from nearby counters.

Xia Wenhua didn’t know what Chang Yingying was thinking, but since the girl had a good attitude, she responded with a polite smile.

“Hello, Comrade. I just wanted to ask the prices of this pot and that one over there?”

At the Guxian supply co-op, pots were usually only available in one or two sizes—and people fought over them.

To give credit where it’s due, Heilongjiang at this time really was impressive. The First Department Store had a display of over ten different kinds of pots, which was dizzying to look at.

Though Chang Yingying had a bad temper, her product knowledge was solid. Even though she’d only worked here a few days, she had already memorized all the prices.

“The large one is 25 yuan and requires three industrial coupons. The small one is 20 yuan and two coupons. Which one do you want?”

When she said the price, Wang Weiguo, standing behind Pei Songbai, couldn’t help but suck in a sharp breath.

He only earned 20 yuan a month, and industrial coupons were something you only got one of per year.
Just buying a pot would require years of saving.
No wonder the wives in the compound always said you had to save for years before getting married—it was true!

Xia Wenhua had money and wasn’t shy about spending it.
But when it came to industrial coupons, she didn’t have any. Instinctively, she glanced at Pei Songbai.

Pei Songbai, being attentive, immediately pulled out a small cloth pouch from his pocket, counted out five industrial coupons, and placed the rest in her hand.

“These are industrial coupons. I traded for them from others when they needed cash. Since you’re joining the household now, I’ve saved them for you. Whatever else you need—just buy it.”

Xia Wenhua had only casually asked, but Pei Songbai immediately understood what she meant.

She gave him a look that said, “Not bad, you’re learning,” then took the industrial coupons but didn’t accept the cash he offered.

“Comrade, I’d like both of these pots, please. Thank you.”

Even Chang Yingying was shocked by her boldness:
“Comrade, you want both pots?”

Most families were lucky to own just one pot.
Some still used clay pots to cook. The slightly wealthier ones exchanged for an old iron pot and patched it up for years.

But here was Xia Wenhua, directly buying two brand-new pots in perfect condition.
In everyone’s mind, this was nothing short of extravagant behavior!