"Mother," Wu Shao Yuan said, looking somewhat displeased. How could she just bring a stranger home? However, with an outsider present, he kept his objections to himself.
Knowing her son better than anyone else, Granny Wu immediately began to explain.
After listening, Wu Shao Yuan stepped forward and sincerely thanked Bai Jiu. "Thank you, Comrade Bai." The woman had kindly escorted the elderly lady back, so he had to show his gratitude.
Bai Jiu was startled by his bowing and quickly stepped aside. "Uncle Wu, what are you doing? There’s no need for this, really."
Granny Wu rolled her eyes. She knew exactly what kind of character her son had; he must have been suspicious of Bai Jiu just a moment ago.
"Alright, enough. Why are you back at this hour? Didn’t you say your work unit had a meeting?" Granny Wu pulled her son aside, making him sit down before she asked.
"It was just a briefing. I was worried about you, so I came back right after it ended." A few days ago, his mother had accidentally sprained her ankle while alone at home, and his wife had taken the children back to her family’s house, so he couldn’t help but worry.
"Since you’re back, go and bring your wife and children home. They’ve been gone for quite a few days now. Don’t go annoying the Yue family," Granny Wu said, glaring at her useless son. He was good in every way, except for being completely whipped by his wife. Still, she couldn’t be bothered to interfere too much.
Bai Jiu didn’t want to stay here any longer. She still had things to do! However, she hadn’t expected that Uncle Wu actually worked at the motor transport station.
"I know, Mother," he replied.
Bai Jiu stood up. "Granny Wu, since Uncle Wu is back, I’ll take my leave now."
"Girl, don’t be in such a rush to leave. I have something to discuss with you." Granny Wu glanced at her son, effectively shooing him away.
Once her son was out of earshot, Granny Wu asked, "Girl, are you selling things?" Before Bai Jiu could deny it, she continued, "I don’t have any bad intentions. I just want to buy some things from you."
Anyone who frequented the black market knew that people carrying large woven baskets like that always had good stuff inside.
Bai Jiu froze. It had to be said, her basket was completely empty right now. For Granny Wu to make such an assumption... it seemed she had underestimated the people of this era.
"You’ve seen it yourself. My family is truly having a hard time. The county’s supplies have gotten tighter and tighter over the years. Even though your Uncle Wu has a job, providing for such a large family is still very tough."
"Tough" didn’t refer to a lack of money, but a lack of ration coupons. There was nothing they could do; nowadays, you needed a coupon for absolutely everything. Coupled with the severe shortage of goods, even if you had money, there was nowhere to spend it.
"Granny..." Bai Jiu was somewhat tempted, but she couldn’t exactly conjure things out of thin air right in front of her. "How about this: tell me what you need, and I’ll go source some for you." These words were intentionally vague.
She had come to the county town specifically to sell things. That earlier incident had scared her half to death, but now, she certainly didn’t want to miss a golden opportunity. She had an idea.
"Good, good, good! Girl, I’ll wait for you right here at home then. If you have refined grain, that would be even better. I haven’t eaten refined grain in years," Granny Wu said excitedly. Her eyes were filled with anticipation, and she gulped as if the food she mentioned was already right in front of her.
This was only Bai Jiu’s second time selling goods, so her understanding of the market wasn’t entirely thorough. Seeing Granny Wu act like this, Bai Jiu didn’t think much of it.
"Alright, Granny, just wait for me at home."
After stepping outside, Bai Jiu remained on high alert. She couldn’t help it; once bitten, twice shy. If she didn’t keep her guard up, she was bound to suffer a loss.
Seeing that no one was tailing her and the pedestrians on the street seemed normal, Bai Jiu slipped into a secluded, empty area. From her space, she took out a good amount of high-quality goods and filled her basket. Of course, she didn’t forget a weapon for self-defense; she kept a dagger tucked close to her body. With her strength, even a strapping young man wouldn’t be able to get the upper hand against her.
About an hour later, Bai Jiu finally returned to Granny Wu’s house. She had barely finished knocking when the door opened from the inside. Bai Jiu didn’t dawdle and stepped inside briskly.
"Girl, you’re finally here. I thought I was dreaming today." Seeing her return, Granny Wu’s anxious heart finally settled.
Not long after Bai Jiu had left, Granny Wu had let out a deep sigh. Putting herself in the girl’s shoes, she figured that if she were in the same position, she probably wouldn’t have come back. So, seeing Bai Jiu return, how could she not be thrilled?
"What’s wrong, Granny?" Bai Jiu was a bit bewildered. Wasn’t Granny Wu being a little too excited? But then, thinking of the goods she had brought, she felt the reaction was entirely justified.
"It’s nothing, nothing. It’s just good that you’re back, good that you’re back. Quick, let me see what good things you brought." Granny Wu was slightly embarrassed—too embarrassed to voice her earlier doubts.