Chapter 110: A Profitable Day at the Black Market

During the Spring Festival, Lin Xiaodou encountered two delightful events.

First, Mr. and Mrs. Liu adopted her as their goddaughter.

Second, her old friend Zhou Qinglang sent her a large parcel.

He truly was a busy fellow. Ever since he left a letter and departed, several months had passed without contact. She thought he might have forgotten her, but unexpectedly, he sent her a gift for the New Year.

When Little Golden Silk heard that Zhou Qinglang had sent something, she anxiously shrieked, urging Lin Xiaodou to open the package at once.

Little Jumping Spider and Little Brown Bear crouched nearby, watching curiously.

Lin Xiaodou opened the parcel, revealing about ten pounds of beef jerky wrapped in oil paper. The jerky was reddish-brown, sprinkled with sesame seeds, looking delicious and tempting.

There were also two packets of cheese blocks, golden on the outside, rich with a creamy aroma. Upon opening them, a captivating scent filled the air.

Little Golden Monkey and Little Brown Bear immediately drooled with desire.

Lin Xiaodou cut several small pieces with a knife, and the little creatures eagerly stuffed them into their mouths.

She tasted a piece herself; the flavor was truly excellent, though a bit rich. Lin Xiaodou decided to spread it on slices of bread for breakfast in the future.

Beyond the food, the parcel contained some exquisite items: a diamond-studded prairie cap, two small golden cups, and a large belt adorned with colorful gems.

Lin Xiaodou couldn't help but twitch at the corner of her mouth as she saw these things. Clearly, in Zhou Qinglang's eyes, she was a bona fide little treasure lover.

Though it couldn't compare with that treasure cellar from before, Lin Xiaodou was still quite happy. After all, it was the first time she had received a gift in this era.

There was a letter in the package as well. Upon reading it, Lin Xiaodou learned that Zhou Qinglang was at a research institute deep in the grasslands.

There, people were scarce and communication inconvenient, let alone sending things. Zhou Qinglang had gone to great lengths to have the parcel delivered.

Seeing how attentive he was, Lin Xiaodou resolved to send something in return.

Zhou Qinglang had stayed at her place for nearly a month, so she knew his tastes well. He preferred spicy food and sweets.

Lin Xiaodou prepared two jars of chopped chili sauce, one jar of beef paste, and a large jar of honey for him. She also packed two wind-dried sauced ducks, along with a photo of Little Golden Monkey, and sent it all off.

After mailing the package, Lin Xiaodou made another trip to the black market.

She had gone once before, to deal with that criminal gang. This time, she was there to make money.

The food in her space had piled up like mountains—tens of thousands of pounds of grain. Just sitting there, it was gathering dust; it was better to sell some of it.

With experience from her first visit, Lin Xiaodou entered the black market smoothly this time. Of course, she still wore a male disguise mask for added safety.

Lin Xiaodou wandered through the black market and noticed that Er Gouzi, who used to scout for customers everywhere, was gone—probably caught by the police.

Perhaps because of the police crackdown, the black market was missing many of its most ruthless characters, and the atmosphere was less oppressive.

Lin Xiaodou didn’t intend to sell things piecemeal—it was too troublesome and exhausting. She went straight to the person in charge and stated her purpose:

“I have a large batch of supplies for sale. I need to discuss it with your boss.”

Seeing her serious demeanor, the manager dared not delay and led her to meet the black market boss—Brother Cheng.

In the courtyard, Brother Cheng greeted her with a smile, “Young man, please sit.”

Lin Xiaodou nodded and took a seat.

Brother Cheng began probing, “How much do you have to offer?”

Lin Xiaodou replied, “As much as you need, I have.”

“Are you sure?” Brother Cheng’s smile faltered, thinking this person might be here to stir trouble.

Lin Xiaodou raised an eyebrow, “Of course. I’m here to do business sincerely, as long as your prices are fair.”

Brother Cheng couldn’t help himself. He had managed the black market for years and had never encountered such a braggart.

He frowned, “If you’re here to cause trouble, you’d better leave before I lose my temper!”

“Looks like I came here for nothing today,” Lin Xiaodou sneered, standing up. “You’ll regret your decision.”

With that, she turned to leave.

Just then, Brother Cheng called out, “Wait!”

Lin Xiaodou’s lips curved faintly. This was a contest of will—whoever lost their composure was the loser.

Clearly, Brother Cheng had lost.

He finally had tea brought over and tentatively asked, “I want twenty thousand pounds of brown rice, ten thousand pounds of white flour, five thousand pounds each of brown sugar and eggs. Can you supply them?”

Lin Xiaodou nodded immediately, “Yes!”

Brother Cheng was startled. He’d intentionally stated a huge demand, but this person truly had it.

“When will the transaction take place?” he asked.

If it was real, he would have to treat her like a VIP—such a reliable supplier was rare.

“Tonight at two o’clock, in the small grove outside the town,” Lin Xiaodou replied.

Brother Cheng’s eyes glinted, “Alright.”

They proceeded to negotiate prices: brown rice at thirty-eight cents per pound, white flour at seventy cents, brown sugar at one yuan sixty cents, and eggs at eighteen cents each.

All without ration coupons—more than triple the price at the supply co-op.

The prices were reasonable enough; Lin Xiaodou had no objections.

With the details settled, Lin Xiaodou got up to leave.

Brother Cheng originally wanted to have someone follow her.

But on second thought, if Lin Xiaodou truly was a supplier, he would risk offending her.

After weighing his options, he decided to wait for the night.

Time flew by, and soon it was two in the morning.

Brother Cheng, accompanied by over a dozen men with torches, found Lin Xiaodou already waiting.

Brother Cheng chuckled, “Young man, you’re early.”

It seemed she was genuine; otherwise, she wouldn’t be so punctual.

Lin Xiaodou’s expression was calm. “Just trying to make a living.”

Brother Cheng twitched at the corner of his mouth—such a large deal described as merely making a living? Clearly, this person was hiding her true abilities.

With pleasantries exchanged, it was time for the main event.

Brother Cheng glanced at the carts beside Lin Xiaodou. “Young man, may I inspect the goods first?”

“Go ahead.” Lin Xiaodou single-handedly lifted a cart loaded with supplies and brought it over. “Here, inspect them!”

Brother Cheng and his men were stunned.

Good heavens, what kind of person was this, with such strength!

Was she deliberately showing off, to intimidate them?

Brother Cheng felt anxious. Though he prided himself on honesty in business, this person was clearly not to be trifled with.

If he paid and she didn’t deliver, he’d be at a huge loss.

Lin Xiaodou seemed to sense his concerns and spoke calmly, “Don’t worry. As long as you don’t have any other intentions, we’ll transact as usual.”

At her words, Brother Cheng relaxed, “Alright!”

During inspection, Brother Cheng was bewildered throughout.

He realized these supplies were all top quality—the goods were exceptional.

In the end, he was getting the better deal; this was an unexpected windfall!

The transaction went smoothly.

Once the goods were in hand, Brother Cheng finally relaxed.

“Young man, your supplies are excellent. If you have more in the future, come to me. I’ll treat you to the best tea!”

“Agreed!” Seeing the bundle of crisp banknotes, Lin Xiaodou was in high spirits.

After bidding farewell to Brother Cheng, she quickly departed.

Back at the mountain cabin, she counted her money and smiled.

She had earned more than twenty-three thousand yuan today—how wonderful!

Her savings before moving to the countryside had totaled around one hundred thousand, plus the ten thousand she’d taken from the evil gang.

Adding today’s earnings, her total savings were around two hundred thirty thousand, along with over ten thousand nationwide ration coupons.

Wow, another step closer to buying a house.

It had been another delightful day!