Chapter Twenty: That Sister Is Truly Beautiful

The backyard was a secluded spot. Director Zhang carefully inquired about the meat and then asked in detail about Li Xiangyang’s background.

“Wild boar meat, huh,” Director Zhang stroked his chin thoughtfully. “The price, well…”

“Forty-eight yuan,” Li Xiangyang said bluntly. “If you think it’s too expensive, then forget it.”

“Young man, you’re straightforward,” Director Zhang chuckled. “But I really can’t pay that much…”

“Director Zhang,” Li Xiangyang said seriously, “this is wild boar meat. Even a single portion of braised pork costs at least one yuan fifty cents. By that calculation, you’re making a sure profit. Besides, this isn’t a limited supply.”

Director Zhang was momentarily stunned by this and hadn’t expected to meet someone who truly understood the trade. Then he burst out laughing. “Alright. Forty-six, no more than that.”

“Director Zhang,” Li Xiangyang shifted the topic, “actually, I’d like to ask you for a favor.”

“Oh? Go ahead.”

Director Zhang’s interest was piqued.

“Of the forty-six, could you give me forty yuan in cash and exchange the remaining six for ration coupons? I need to get some things for the house.”

Director Zhang narrowed his eyes as he examined Li Xiangyang for a moment, then smiled. “You’re quite the planner. What kind of coupons do you want?”

“Two feet of cloth coupons, if you could give me some fine grain coupons that’d be even better, and some oil coupons too,” Li Xiangyang laid out his request. “And if you could throw in some sugar coupons as well, that’d be perfect.”

Director Zhang shook his head with a smile. “You want everything, huh? But alright, I’ll have the accountant prepare a mix for you.”

He knew that a young rural man like Li Xiangyang, who had thought of this, was truly sharp.

Getting wild boar meat into the restaurant and invoicing it was straightforward; exchanging some of the payment for coupons was just a small favor.

“Fine, for your thoughtfulness, I’ll arrange it,” Director Zhang patted Li Xiangyang on the shoulder. “Wait here, I’ll have the accountant prepare it right away.”

Soon, the accountant brought a small envelope. Li Xiangyang opened it and found forty yuan in cash neatly placed inside, along with two feet of cloth coupons, three jin of fine grain coupons, half a jin of oil coupons, and even four liang of sugar coupons.

At this time, these coupons were even rarer than money.

“Thank you, Director Zhang,” Li Xiangyang said sincerely.

“No need for thanks,” Director Zhang waved his hand. “If you come across anything good in the future, remember to think of our restaurant first.”

“Absolutely, absolutely,” Li Xiangyang smiled in agreement.

Leaving the restaurant, Li Xiaohua curiously asked, “Brother, how did you know about this place?”

Li Xiangyang just smiled without answering.

He certainly couldn’t say that in his previous life he had dealings with Director Zhang too many times.

After settling the meat matter, Li Xiangyang took his mother and sister to the largest supply and marketing cooperative in the county.

Pushing open the heavy wooden door, a wave of warm air greeted them. The cooperative was bustling with people, with long lines at the counters.

In this era, those who could shop at the cooperative usually had work units.

“Brother, look at that scarf—it’s so pretty!” Li Xiaohua whispered, pointing at a red wool scarf behind the counter.

Li Xiangyang smiled and turned to his mother. “Mom, take a look—what else do we need at home?”

Just as Li’s mother was about to speak, a crisp voice suddenly rang out: “Comrade, please line up.”

Looking up, they saw a young female sales clerk.

She wore a blue uniform, had neatly trimmed short hair, a delicate face, and graceful demeanor.

Yet her tone carried a hint of arrogance, and her gaze swept over Li Xiangyang’s family with a slight air of contempt, noting their simple clothes.

At this time, sales clerks at the supply cooperative were highly sought after.

Not only did they have stable wages, but they also regularly came into contact with scarce goods.

Ordinary people rarely had the family background or connections to get into the supply cooperative.

Li Xiangyang smiled calmly. “Comrade, we’re here to buy New Year supplies. Here are cloth coupons and fine grain coupons.”

He took out the envelope containing the coupons from his pocket.

The sales clerk’s attitude immediately changed.

Cloth and fine grain coupons were scarce commodities; anyone who could produce these clearly wasn’t an ordinary farmer.

“Oh, what do you need then?” Her tone softened considerably.

“Get my sister that red scarf, and two feet of blue cloth,” Li Xiangyang said, glancing at the goods on display. “Also, two jin of white sugar and one jin of rapeseed oil.”

The sales clerk efficiently retrieved the items and began packing them, casting glances at Li Xiangyang.

Though he dressed plainly, his manner was composed and his speech measured — not at all uncouth.

“Your cloth coupons are new,” she said while checking them. “These days, cloth coupons aren’t easy to come by.”

“Yes, I had someone trade for them,” Li Xiangyang replied casually.

“Comrade Li, you look a bit unfamiliar—what unit are you from?” The clerk asked as she packed.

“I’m from Xiaoliang Village,” Li Xiangyang answered directly. “I hunt in the village.”

“Hunting?” The clerk’s eyes brightened. “You mean going up the mountain to catch wild game?”

“Yes.”

“That sounds dangerous,” she said, curious.

Li Xiangyang smiled. “It’s alright once you get used to it.”

Li’s mother watched the exchange, her eyes shining.

This young woman appeared fashionable and efficient — a good girl indeed.

“Little comrade,” Li’s mother suddenly spoke up, “how old are you?”

“Auntie, I’m twenty this year,” the clerk answered politely, cheeks slightly flushed.

“About the same age as our Xiangyang,” Li’s mother smiled warmly. “What’s your name?”

“My name is Lin Qiaomei.”

“Nice name,” Li’s mother nodded. “Your job must be quite good.”

Lin Qiaomei blushed more, sensing the meaning behind Li’s mother’s words. “Yes, I’ve been here for two years.”

By then, Li Xiangyang had finished paying and packed everything. “Mom, we should go.”

“All right,” Li’s mother said reluctantly, glancing once more at Lin Qiaomei. “Xiao Lin, come visit our village when you have time.”

“Okay, Auntie,” Lin Qiaomei smiled, watching as Li Xiangyang’s family left.

Outside the cooperative, Li Xiaohua happily wrapped the new scarf around her neck. “Brother, that sister is really pretty.”

Li’s mother agreed. “Yes, she looks well-mannered. Son, what do you think…”

“Mom,” Li Xiangyang interrupted, “right now, I just want you and Xiaohua to live well. Everything else can wait.”

Li’s mother sighed but said no more.

She knew her son was stubborn and once set on something, he wouldn’t easily change his mind.

Still, she quietly made a note of the name Lin Qiaomei.

In this era, a girl who worked at the supply cooperative must have a good family background.

Perhaps this could be her son’s chance.

On the way home, riding the donkey cart, Li Xiaohua fell asleep leaning against their mother’s chest.

Li Xiangyang looked at his sister’s happy face, feeling warmth in his heart.

This trip to the city not only solved the family’s urgent needs but also bought some cherished items for his mother and sister.

Though it cost some money, seeing their happiness made it all worthwhile.

As for Lin Qiaomei… Li Xiangyang shook his head.

In this time, marriage involved more than just feelings between two people.

Family background, work unit, and other factors were all crucial considerations.

For now, his priority was to ensure a good life for his family.

Everything else could take its course in time.