While Xu Feng was observing Qin Huairu, she was also sizing him up.
She recognized this tall and handsome man, but her impression of him wasn’t exactly good.
“Aunt Guihua, are you asking me to help find another city man for your daughter Qin Huairu?”
Qin Zhenguo was also visibly tempted by the sight of Qin Huairu.
“Zhenguo, just keep an eye out. We’re not asking for much, just someone with a city household registration and a stable job.”
Qin Huairu’s mother really had the nerve. With those standards, she dared say it wasn’t asking for much?
“Sure, Huairu is pretty, but with that kind of demand, even city girls would be competing.
She might as well be with me. Compared to city folks, our family’s strength isn’t lacking at all!”
To show off, Qin Zhenguo patted the handlebars of his bicycle.
“This girl is determined to marry into the city. Zhenguo, do your best, and if it works out, we’ll be sure to reward you generously.”
While it was true that Qin Zhenguo’s family had one of the best conditions in the countryside, the man was unreliable.
He ran to the city constantly—not the type to settle down.
No way was Qin Huairu’s mother going to hand over her precious daughter to someone like that.
“Alright then. I’ll keep an eye out when we get to the city.”
Though he was clearly eager, Qin Zhenguo didn’t dare make a move. They were all from the same village, after all.
Xu Feng, seated in the back, also gave Qin Huairu a glance. But now wasn’t the time for distractions—he had more pressing matters.
Once they left Qin Village, Qin Zhenguo had Xu Feng switch to the front and start pedaling.
First, Xu Feng’s height and weight meant it was harder to carry him. Second, Qin Zhenguo had been spending too much time and energy chasing after brothels—his body was already worn out.
With Xu Feng pedaling, the bike’s speed picked up immediately.
Despite the rough road, Xu Feng’s skill made up for it.
After about an hour of riding, a man in a blue factory uniform appeared ahead.
“Xu Feng, stop for a second. Brother Li, heading to the countryside to collect goods again?”
The man called Xu Feng stopped as well. “Yo, Zhenguo, heading into the city for some fun again?”
From the tone of their voices, it was clear they were familiar with each other.
“Fun my foot. My dad asked me to drop something off for my uncle.
Brother Li, you’re the one living it up—riding around all day on your bike. Found anything good lately?”
Brother Li patted the deflated canvas bag. “Times are tough everywhere. It’s hard to find anything good these days.
I’ll look around your Qin Village, and if I come up empty, I’ll head back.”
Without lingering, Brother Li got back on his bicycle and pedaled off in the opposite direction.
Xu Feng continued riding and curiously asked Qin Zhenguo about the man.
“You mean Brother Li? He’s just a low-level buyer from the Red Star Steel Mill.”
Qin Zhenguo’s tone carried a dismissive sneer—completely different from the polite words he had used just moments before.
But Xu Feng could clearly sense the envy in his voice.
Of course—if he had that kind of job, he’d have a city household registration.
After all, anyone could ride a bicycle.
“There’s work like that? How come no one comes to our village?”
Seeing how ignorant Xu Feng was, Qin Zhenguo took the chance to boast.
“Your Xu Village is so poor it echoes. Of course, buyers wouldn’t go there.
The real reason for these jobs is because there’s not enough good stuff in the city, and too many people.
So they turn to the countryside.”
Xu Feng understood now—this was about sourcing rare goods for privileged people.
“Do they offer high prices when they buy?”
If the prices were good, he wouldn’t have to risk the black market.
“High? Hell no. If the prices were good, wouldn’t people be lining up to sell?
Forget it.”
He was right. Xu Feng gave up on that idea and stuck to his black market plan.
“Brother Zhenguo, do you know about the black market in Sijiu City? I heard you can find rare things there.”
Xu Feng didn’t know much. Better to ask a fool like Qin Zhenguo than a stranger.
“Heh, know it? I’ve been there!”
Bragging in front of a country bumpkin felt great. Qin Zhenguo proudly spilled everything he knew.
Xu Feng chimed in, “Brother Zhenguo, you’re really knowledgeable. Tell me more!”
“It’s not as mysterious as you think. On the black market, you don’t need ration tickets. The prices are just higher, that’s all.
Life in the city isn’t as easy as you imagine. Add in the risk of being accused of profiteering, and the black market became necessary.
After hearing that, Xu Feng got a rough understanding of the black market’s workings.
“After we’re done visiting the brothel, I’ll take you there. It’s near Jingxiang Alley. With the full moon these days, it’s definitely open.”
Now that he had the key info, Xu Feng stopped chatting and pedaled hard.
Another hour passed, and they were near the city gates. Qin Zhenguo had Xu Feng get off and let him ride.
In the city, pedaling the bicycle himself looked better—it might even catch the eye of a pretty widow.
“I’ve spent so much energy on that worthless burden lately. Brother Zhenguo, let’s go to Donglaishun for some mutton hotpot.
Otherwise, I won’t have the strength to visit the brothel tonight.”
If you’re going to scam someone, you’d better be prepared to get scammed yourself.
“Uh… better not, brother. Donglaishun isn’t cheap.”
Qin Zhenguo just wanted to ditch Xu Feng. No way he was going to spend that kind of money.
“Then you go have fun on your own. I really don’t have the energy.”
As soon as he heard that, Qin Zhenguo panicked.
“Alright, alright! I’ve been craving Donglaishun anyway. If we’re out, we should enjoy it.”
Spending a little money for Xu Feng’s wife? Worth it.
Gritting his teeth, Qin Zhenguo led Xu Feng to Donglaishun.
Standing at the entrance and seeing the grand signboard, Xu Feng was already drooling.
“Waiter, bring us two jin of mutton to start. Make sure the portions are generous—don’t skimp.”
Someone else was paying, so Xu Feng was going to eat his fill.
“Sir, no need to worry. Donglaishun is a century-old brand. We’d never short our customers.
Would you like anything else?”
“Pickled garlic, vermicelli, sauerkraut—bring all the proper side dishes. Hurry up, I’m starving.”
The waiter responded and headed off to prepare.
“Brother Zhenguo, I’ll order these first so we can start eating. One jin of mutton each—sound good?”
“Eight yuan… two jin… yeah, sounds good.”
Qin Zhenguo did the math in his head. His heart was bleeding.
He hid the bitterness in his eyes. Telling himself this was Xu Feng’s last meal made it easier to bear.