Chapter 143: Zhang Ling Ling's True Intentions

“What exactly does Su Mali’s family do? Oh my God, did you see her casually tossing Cartier items around?”

“I saw several luxury watches that she was using as a bracelet… Her family must not be short on money. Why not trade us some water?”

“That’s ridiculous. Have you ever seen a wealthy person complain about having too much money? Do you think anyone would refuse money? Now that water is so scarce, do you think anyone would turn down free water?”

Zhang Ling Ling pulled a few people into the empty mall, which had been completely cleared out—there wasn't a single piece of clothing or even a needle left, just a sea of trash and large equipment that couldn't be moved.

Like in many post-apocalyptic movies, where malls are filled with new clothes, jewelry, and designer bags that the protagonist happily collects and tries on… none of that existed here.

Either people had taken everything home or traded it for food at low prices.

Anything left behind belonged to those who had died suddenly and hadn’t had the chance to collect their things. It was known that thieves had even stolen the doors to trade for work points, and the mall had already been searched several times.

“Alright, let’s hurry in and see what we can trade,” Zhang Ling Ling urged.

It was like wandering through a ghost market, with everyone holding flashlights, inspecting unwanted items strapped to the back of bicycles. Some were comparing lists on their phones, while others had already agreed on what to trade.

Jing Shu and Yao Zixin had also agreed in advance. Yao Zixin brought planning diagrams for Jing Shu to confirm and modify, while Jing Shu brought 10 liters of water as a deposit. The two agreed to discuss details once the trade meeting dispersed.

Compared to the sunny and handsome school hunk he used to be, Yao Zixin had changed significantly. After half a year of poor nutrition, he looked pale and emaciated, but his handsome features were still evident, making him more attractive than other classmates.

About twenty people showed up, mostly riding bicycles, with a few on electric scooters. The flashy Xie Zihao even drove a BMW energy vehicle.

However, the place reeked of unpleasant sour odors—smelly feet, bad breath, body odor, and so on. Jing Shu couldn’t wait to leave; she put on a mask to cover herself up.

Jing Shu followed behind, observing this small trading event, where anything could be exchanged—towels, cloth, pots, and pans.

She saw someone trading a bag of potato chips for three packs of sanitary pads, another trading formula for He Shouwu's floral spray, and Xie Zihao swapping a can of luncheon meat for cold medicine.

Speaking of formula, Jing Shu thought it was time to make some more. It was an essential item for home and travel—dried milk powder could be made into milk with just hot water and added cereal. But she wanted to wait until she made another batch of ice cream first.

Zhang Ling Ling’s family used to deal in medical auxiliary equipment, which wasn’t purely medical devices. To Jing Shu's understanding, they sold medical accessories, like screws, which, though small, were crucial and profitable before the apocalypse.

But after the apocalypse… medical equipment had become very valuable. Yet, without medicine, even the most valuable equipment was useless, not to mention auxiliary devices.

However, Zhang Ling Ling’s family had made a small fortune recently.

As everyone seemed to have completed their trades, Zhang Ling Ling suddenly stood up mysteriously and pulled out a box the size of a basketball. “Everyone, quiet down and listen. This trade meeting is actually a benefit for all of you.”

“You all know water is scarce, right? Just look at how desperate things are—nobody has brought water to trade.”

The classmates nodded in agreement. Everyone's lips were cracked, and they kept swallowing saliva. Unable to hold back, they pulled out their water bottles to sip a little.

Zhang Ling Ling’s smile grew wider. “So, this is one of the popular medical devices we sell, a solar distiller. It’s originally used in the desert. Just bury it in the ground and install it according to the instructions, and it will continuously provide moisture from the air. And it’s drinkable!”

“With this, you won’t need to trade work points for water anymore. The distilled water will be more than enough!”

The students’ eyes began to light up. Yes, they had learned about this method before, but how had they forgotten it?

Seeing their reaction, Zhang Ling Ling nodded in satisfaction. “Now, our batch is almost sold out, and I’m offering you this benefit because we’re old classmates.

A distiller costs 20 work points. Moreover, if you introduce someone else to buy one, you’ll get 2 work points back.

Plus, the person you introduced can also introduce someone else to buy one, and they’ll get 2 work points, and you’ll get 1 work point.”

Jing Shu narrowed her eyes. She couldn't quite remember why she had left the group in her past life, but now, as the scene played out, she began to recall some unpleasant memories… this situation was related to Zhang Ling Ling.

Seeing the confusion on her classmates’ faces, Zhang Ling Ling quickly took out paper and pen to calculate:

“For example, if you, Wang Chao, buy a distiller for 20 work points, and you introduce Mu Xiaoxuan to buy one, you’ll get 2 work points back. If you introduce another person, you’ll get 2 work points again, and if that person introduces others, you’ll get 1 work point.

If Mu Xiaoxuan introduces Jing Shu, then Mu Xiaoxuan gets 2 work points, and you get 1 work point. As long as the person is introduced by Mu Xiaoxuan, she gets 2 work points, and you get 1 work point.

If Jing Shu introduces someone else, you get 0.5 work points, and Mu Xiaoxuan gets 1 work point.”

“Do you understand? In the end, you not only get a distiller for free but also continuously earn work points.”

Mu Xiaoxuan suddenly realized, “Isn’t this just a pyramid scheme? You have to buy a distiller first, then introduce everyone to buy one, and keep bringing in more people?”

Zhang Ling Ling shot Mu Xiaoxuan a glare. “How is this a pyramid scheme? Do you even know what you’re saying? A pyramid scheme has no product. We’re holding an event using this high-end distiller. It can distill water. You see, it won’t take long to distill this can of water. This is a great product that everyone would want, especially now that water is so scarce. Just ask around; who wouldn’t want this distiller?”

The students began to stir, clearly tempted by the offer. Who wouldn’t want free equipment that could distill water?

Mu Xiaoxuan asked again, “But I saw in the news that many people have dug wells several dozen meters deep and still found no water. What if this distiller doesn’t produce any water when buried underground?”

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