Chapter 166: Chapter 166: Deal Closed, A Letter Arrives

“Haha, you flatter me! So, does that mean you agree?” Gu Qinghuan shamelessly probed.

Cheng Fusheng raised an eyebrow and smiled, “After what you just said, if I refuse, wouldn’t that make me look incompetent?”

“Haha, not at all! You’re more than capable. Now, let’s talk about the semiconductors and sewing machines, shall we?

“This Red Lantern brand semiconductor sells for 98 yuan at the department store. I’ll give it to you for 70 yuan, no ration tickets needed. You can easily sell it for at least 120 yuan, right? That’s a clean profit of 50 yuan per unit. How does that sound?

“And finally, the sewing machines. I have Butterfly brand ones. The department store sells them for 150 yuan, but I’ll let you have them for 120 yuan each.”

Cheng Fusheng had no objections to the prices. It was clear Gu Qinghuan wasn’t really an expert—the profit margins she offered were more than generous.

He was just worried that the prices were so low she might be trying to set him up. Better safe than sorry.

“Where’s your stock? How are we going to do this?”

Gu Qinghuan knew he was wary, so she steeled herself and said, “How about this, Brother Fu? I trust your character, so I’ll take a bit of a risk—let you inspect the goods first, then pay. How about that?”

She really had no other choice. There was no way Cheng Fusheng would pay first and take the goods later, and these weren’t small items she could carry around. If she wanted to make the sale, she’d have to gamble on his integrity.

But then again, would a black market boss really risk his reputation for a few thousand yuan?

Cheng Fusheng finally gave a genuine smile. “Alright, we’ll do it your way.”

The deal was finally struck.

Thirty bicycles for 4,600 yuan, fifty semiconductors for 3,500 yuan, and ten sewing machines for 1,200 yuan.

A total of 9,300 yuan.

Gu Qinghuan would only get the money after delivering the goods.

She planned to rent a temporary warehouse on Dingsheng Street for the delivery.

She and Cheng Fusheng agreed to meet at midnight on Dingsheng Street for the handover, and he’d bring transportation.

Since there were many warehouses on Dingsheng Street, Cheng Fusheng didn’t suspect anything.

After leaving Cheng Fusheng, she quickly rented a warehouse on Dingsheng Street. While no one was around, she placed an order through the vending machine for the goods, put everything in the warehouse, and locked it up.

At midnight, Gu Qinghuan snuck out of her house, rode her bike to the warehouse, and Cheng Fusheng arrived right on time with the money.

He brought a truck and four or five workers to help move the goods.

Niu Zhuang and his men went in first to inspect the goods, while Gu Qinghuan and Cheng Fusheng waited patiently at the door.

“Aren’t you afraid I might double-cross you?” Cheng Fusheng finally asked the question that had been on his mind.

After all, he had the men and the truck, and she was all alone.

Of course Gu Qinghuan was afraid—nothing ventured, nothing gained! But she was fully prepared. If Cheng Fusheng really tried anything, she’d just toss them all into her space and let them fend for themselves.

Inside her space, she was in complete control—no one could touch her.

Who would get the short end of the stick then was anyone’s guess!

But she could also tell Cheng Fusheng wasn’t that kind of person, so she just flattered him, “You have a clear gaze and an air of righteousness. I can tell you’re a man of principle, so I’m not worried.”

She had to thank all the flowery compliments she’d been practicing lately—she could spout them effortlessly now.

Her words clearly pleased Cheng Fusheng. In his line of work, even his family despised him. This was the first time an outsider had praised him.

“You’re pretty sharp. I’ll consider you a friend. If you have more goods in the future, come to me. If I can’t sell them, no one else can.

“My reputation in Beijing is built on being fair and honorable. You’re lucky you ran into me—I won’t touch you, but I can’t vouch for others.” Cheng Fusheng grinned, teasing Gu Qinghuan a little.

“When you’re in disguise, didn’t you think to do something about your hands? An auntie’s hands aren’t this soft!”

He was letting her know he’d seen through her disguise.

Gu Qinghuan quickly hid her hands—she’d overlooked that detail.

Her hands weren’t exactly pretty, but they were still different from a middle-aged woman’s.

This guy was really something, staring at people’s hands for no reason.

Niu Zhuang and his men finished checking the goods, and Cheng Fusheng walked over.

“Boss Fu, everything checks out. No problems,” Niu Zhuang said excitedly.

With this big job done, all the brothers would get a nice payout—they could have a great New Year.

“Alright, get the guys to load up!” Cheng Fusheng ordered, and the men started moving the goods.

A black canvas bag was tossed into Gu Qinghuan’s arms—the one Cheng Fusheng had brought with him.

“Count it. The money for that semiconductor is included too. I never shortchange anyone,” Cheng Fusheng said proudly.

Gu Qinghuan hadn’t expected this little bonus—she got a free semiconductor out of it. She liked this boss’s style.

For the first time, she experienced what it meant to count money until her hands cramped—almost all the bills were in ten-yuan notes.

Hundred-yuan bills were rare in those days; hardly anyone used them.

It took her ages to count the over 9,000 yuan.

If only she could use a money counter.

By the time Cheng Fusheng’s men finished loading the goods, she was still counting. The group just stood there watching her—it was quite a sight.

“All good, the amount’s right.”

“Deal’s done. If there are any issues later, I’m not responsible,” Cheng Fusheng said, then left with his men.

He figured if Gu Qinghuan dared to make this kind of money, she must have some way to protect herself.

Suddenly, Gu Qinghuan called out, “Boss Fu, does your family have a lot of antiques?”

Cheng Fusheng looked at her, puzzled.

“If you’re willing, would you be interested in selling some? Or, if you can help me collect some cheap pieces, I’ll pay for them,” Gu Qinghuan said on a whim.

A few of the items Cheng Fusheng carried looked plain but were actually quite special. Plus, he was fiddling with a pair of antique walnuts, which made her suspect he had access to more.

Back in these days, antiques were cheap and everywhere, but in the future, they’d be worth a fortune.

She suddenly realized she’d been going about things the wrong way. If she just put a few antiques in the vending machine, the money would come rolling in!

Why bother with all this heavy lifting?

What a miscalculation.

Cheng Fusheng nodded. “Sure, I’ve got plenty of that stuff. Come by anytime.” Lots of people couldn’t pay their debts and used antiques as collateral, so he’d accumulated quite a collection.

“Great, thank you. Safe travels.”

After seeing them off, Gu Qinghuan locked up the warehouse and slipped into her villa in the space.

She’d found another way to make a fortune.

Today’s total income: over 9,000 yuan.

After subtracting costs of 4,620 yuan, she made a net profit of 8,730 yuan—most of it from the watches.

Dealing with these big items was a hassle; watches were much easier money, though she couldn’t risk taking out too many at once.

She still had nearly 10,000 yuan at home, plus a thousand or so from selling pastries with Xia Lian, and now another 8,700 yuan from today. That would last them a long time.

She changed out of her disguise, washed her face, took a hot bath, and quickly fell asleep in the big bed in her villa.

The next morning, she left the warehouse, returned the key and deposit, then went to the state-run restaurant to buy twenty big meat buns before leisurely riding her bike home.

By this time, Lanting should have finished cooking the porridge.

Now that he was home for the holidays, there was someone to help with the chores.

She rode the bike she’d used last night straight home—sometimes they needed it, and Lanting and Ruxue could use it for school.

When she got home, Lanting looked at her in confusion. “Sis, when did you go out? I didn’t even see you leave.”

“Mind your own business! Hurry up and serve breakfast, I’m starving. I bought buns. Are the three kids up yet?”

“Yeah, they’ve been up for a while. They’re in the back playing with the rabbit.”

Ever since the new furniture arrived, Dabao and Beibei had started sleeping in their own beds.

Youran still slept with Zhong Luoning.

Gu Qinghuan had switched all the family’s cooking and drinking water to spiritual spring water, so everyone was in great health—they hadn’t been sick at all this winter.

Youran played wildly with Dabao and Beibei every day. In this loving and accepting environment, she’d become much more lively. She still didn’t speak, but her responses were obvious.

She’d react to anything you said—aside from not talking, she was almost like any other child.

Even Xiao Zhuo was surprised. He’d been involved in Youran’s treatment for two years and knew her case well.

And then there was Fang Zhengping. The Fang family had consulted him before, but they weren’t satisfied with his treatment plan. In the end, Gu Qinghuan, the “fake doctor,” had nearly cured her.

From Xu Huai’an to Xu Youran, to Fang Zhengping, and even Zhong Luoning—Gu Qinghuan had solved all their psychological problems one by one.

It wasn’t exactly mystical, but Xiao Zhuo had even come to discuss these issues with her. He found that Gu Qinghuan really did have a knack for treating psychological problems—her methods were unique but always effective.

Maybe she really did have a talent for psychology.

He even asked if she wanted to study psychology with him—he’d take her on as a student for free.

Gu Qinghuan considered it for a moment, but in the end, let the thought go."

"Chapter 167: Zhong Zijun’s Letter, Preparations Before Going Home

Zhong Luoning took the three children to feed the rabbits some carrot and vegetable leaves, then they all washed up and had breakfast.

Ming Ruxue showed up at the table right on time for the meal.

“Huanhuan-jie, what’s for breakfast today?”

“Big pork buns from the state-run restaurant, plus douzhi and porridge.”

Ming Ruxue picked up a big pork bun and took a bite. “If you ask me, the buns from the state-run restaurant still aren’t as tasty as the ones you make, Huanhuan-jie.”

“Oh, stop flattering her! Let’s see if my sister gets flattered all the way to the sky by you.” The two bickered like usual.

Gu Qinghuan could only shake her head helplessly.

*Knock knock.*

Dabao quickly put down his chopsticks and ran out.

“I’ll get the door!”

Gu Qinghuan hurried after him.

“Mama, it’s the postman!”

“There’s a letter for Gu Qinghuan. Are you Gu Qinghuan?” The postman handed over a letter.

“That’s me.” Gu Qinghuan nodded and signed for it.

“Mama, who’s the letter from?” Dabao craned his neck to see.

Gu Qinghuan laughed and patted his head. “Go study hard. Once you learn more characters, you can help Mama read letters.”

The letter was from Xujiatun.

Gu Qinghuan’s expression turned serious as she opened and read it.

She skimmed through it quickly, and after finishing, she started pacing anxiously.

Zhong Luoning noticed and came over to ask softly, “Huanhuan, is something wrong?” She rarely saw Gu Qinghuan like this.

The letter was from Zhong Zijun. Because of winter transportation delays and regular mail, it had taken over a month to reach Gu Qinghuan.

Zhong Zijun briefly mentioned the danger she’d encountered and how Ji Linhai had saved her. She also asked when Gu Qinghuan would return to Xujiatun, and inquired about Lanting and Zhong Luoning.

Although Zhong Zijun didn’t go into detail about what happened, Gu Qinghuan could sense the danger and felt worried.

After Gu Yunchuan was brought to justice, Gu Qinghuan had written a letter home, thinking she’d be back in Xujiatun soon, so she hadn’t said much.

“It’s nothing,” Gu Qinghuan shook her head at Zhong Luoning, then handed the letter to Lanting. He was Zhong Zijun’s biological son, after all—he deserved to know.

Lanting took the letter, confused, but after reading it, he exploded with anger. “Sis, what kind of people are these! Mom won’t be bullied in the village, will she?”

Silly boy—when a tiger falls to the plains, even dogs dare to bite. Of course Zhong Zijun was suffering; she’d already endured all the hardships life could throw at her.

“No way, Sis, we have to go check on her! Otherwise I won’t be at ease,” Lanting blurted out.

Gu Qinghuan fell silent, deep in thought.

She had too many concerns.

On one hand, Xu Huaian had been gone for over half a month without returning, and she worried something might have happened to him.

On the other hand, she had heavy responsibilities: Lanting, Ming Ruxue, two kids, Zhong Luoning and her son—they were all her responsibility. Leaving anyone behind didn’t feel right, especially with the New Year coming up.

If she took Lanting and the two kids back to Xujiatun and left Ming Ruxue and Zhong Luoning behind, she’d never be at ease.

She’d just promised Nan Sheng and his wife to look after Ming Ruxue, and had taken three thousand yuan from them.

Not to mention Zhong Luoning and her son—both were ill and needed care. If the Xu family came looking for trouble, they’d be defenseless.

But she was also anxious about the situation in Xujiatun. Anything could happen during the winter.

Ji Linhai was a good person, but he had his own life and couldn’t watch over Zhong Zijun every day. Zhong Weiqian and his wife were unreliable, both old and frail, and needed Zhong Zijun’s care themselves.

Thinking of all this, Gu Qinghuan laid her worries out for everyone.

“That’s the situation. I’m really in a bind.”

After hearing this, Dabao and Beibei were the first to raise their hands. “Mama, wherever you go, we’ll go!” As for Dad, he could take care of himself—for them, sticking with Mama was what mattered.

Ming Ruxue swallowed the last bite of her bun. “Sis, me too! Wherever you are, that’s where I’ll be. Don’t leave me behind.” She didn’t want to spend the New Year alone.

Lanting, of course, felt the same way. Knowing what his mother had gone through, he was eager to pack up and leave immediately.

That just left Zhong Luoning and her son.

Everyone looked at them.

Zhong Luoning spoke up, “Yuran and I are fine with it. It’s just that we might trouble you all on the way…”

“No trouble at all, Sis! With me around, what’s there to be afraid of?” Lanting patted his chest. He’d been eating well lately, seemed to have grown taller and stronger, and was starting to look like a real man.

Since everyone wanted to go, Gu Qinghuan stopped hesitating and decided to take everyone back to Xujiatun for the New Year.

There was plenty of space on the big kang at home—no need to worry about sleeping arrangements.

The only regret was not being able to wait for Xu Huaian. She’d thought he’d be back in a week, but it had been half a month with no sign of him. She didn’t know what kind of mission he was on, or if it was dangerous.

But there was nothing she could do about it now.

The whole family sprang into action.

Taking so many people by train to the Northeast wasn’t a simple matter. There was a lot to prepare.

First, the tickets: four adults, three kids, plus luggage. They couldn’t squeeze into hard seats—they had to find a way to get sleeper tickets.

But with the New Year approaching, sleeper tickets were hard to come by.

If Ming Ruxue hadn’t volunteered to help get tickets, Gu Qinghuan might have forgotten she had such a lucky charm on her side.

After all, Ming Ruxue was a little princess with special connections—getting a few sleeper tickets would be a piece of cake.

So that task was left to her.

Gu Qinghuan also reminded her to let her parents know, so they wouldn’t worry.

Next was visiting people and giving gifts.

With the New Year coming, it was important to visit elders and close friends with gifts. Relationships needed to be maintained.

First up was Xu Lei and Xia Lian’s family. Gu Qinghuan rode her bike over, bringing 30 jin of white flour, 30 jin of rice, a 3-jin slab of pork fat, and a 5-jin chunk of fatty pork.

She’d wanted to bring some wild chickens or rabbits from her space, but there just wasn’t time, so meat would have to do. All that fat and meat would be enough for them to have a good New Year.

These gifts were not just for the holiday, but also to thank Xu Lei for all his help recently.

Gu Qinghuan had always been someone who repaid kindness with kindness, and grudges with grudges.

She remembered Xu Lei’s help.

She explained to Xia Lian that she’d be heading back to the Northeast soon, so their business would have to pause.

But the finished products on hand could be sold, and the leftover raw materials were hers to deal with as she pleased.

Xia Lian was a bit disappointed, but quickly understood and asked if there was anything she could help with.

Gu Qinghuan handed over the gifts she’d brought.

Xia Lian was shocked by how much there was. “Huanhuan, I can’t accept all this. Old Xu will scold me if he finds out.”

“Auntie, Lanting and I couldn’t have managed without Uncle Xu’s help. Our families will keep in touch, and I really want to thank him. Please accept it,” Gu Qinghuan said sincerely, so Xia Lian had no choice but to take it.

Xia Lian didn’t have much to give in return, so after thinking it over, she dug out a string of prayer beads from her cupboard for Gu Qinghuan.

“Huanhuan, our house is bare, don’t laugh at me. These beads were left by my mother. They’re made of small-leaf red sandalwood and are worth a bit. I’m just passing them on to you—please take them.” She pressed the beads into Gu Qinghuan’s hand.

These things weren’t worth much now—you couldn’t even trade them for a few jin of grain.

People couldn’t get enough to eat, so trinkets like this didn’t matter.

But in the future, they’d be valuable. As the saying goes, gold is precious in troubled times, antiques in times of peace.

“I can’t accept this—it’s a keepsake from your mother!”

“If you don’t take it, take your gifts back too,” Xia Lian said helplessly.

Seeing she couldn’t refuse, Gu Qinghuan accepted.

Xia Lian packed up all the pastries she’d made in the past couple of days and tied them to Gu Qinghuan’s bike, along with some homemade pickles.

Gu Qinghuan paid her for the goods and wished their family a happy New Year in advance.

On the way back, she put the pastries in her space, keeping a dozen boxes of Beijing-style treats for gifts.

The rest she put up for sale—the pastry business was finished for now.

That afternoon, she visited Zhang Zheng, Qu Hanwen, Xiao Fengying, and the Fang family with gifts.

Even though she knew about Qu Hanwen and Xiao Fengying’s relationship, she still gave them gifts separately—they weren’t a family yet, after all.

She specially organized her warehouse in the villa space and put together several sets of gifts."

"Chapter 168: New Year Gifts from Every Family