The Zhou family swallowed hard, suddenly realizing that Zhou Ye seemed to have truly changed!
She was no longer the little girl who could be ordered around at will!
Zhou Yuanyao, truly someone who handled major affairs, made a decision on the spot: “Fifty thousand is impossible, but we can give you ten thousand!””
“Oh?”
“Ten thousand in cash! Plus some National Grain Coupons!”
“Dad!”
“Old Zhou!”
“Father?”
The Zhou family was dumbfounded—were they really giving it to her just like that?
Zhou Ye remained silent…
Zhou Yuanyao thought Zhou Ye disagreed and couldn’t help raising his voice: “Zhou Ye, I’m your uncle! You know the family’s situation well! Back when your parents’ incident happened, we spent a lot of money! Ten thousand is already the limit!”
“Fine!”
Zhou Ye agreed with a smile!
Zhou Yuanyao hadn’t fully processed it yet—after all, she had just threatened to kill their entire family!
Yu Wen reacted quickly; though she didn’t understand why her husband agreed to give so much, she trusted he had his reasons!
“So it’s settled then, ten thousand it is!”
“Heh…” Zhou Ye chuckled, wiped her mouth, and left the dining table.
When the others thought about eating, they realized there was no other food on the table!
Zhou Zijiao fumed: “That bitch, what’s going on? An ungrateful wretch! We arrange a marriage for her, and she dares to ask for money?”
“Exactly, Mom and Dad, why are you so soft-hearted?”
Zhou Zijun was also very displeased.
She never knew the family had ten thousand in cash—the first time she heard of it, it was being given to Zhou Ye, an outsider?
Zhou Yuanyao and Yu Wen left together, cautiously looking around to ensure no one saw them before sneaking out.
They even disguised themselves!
Zhou Ye followed them and discovered they had returned to their grandparents’ old house in the suburbs.
The old house was dilapidated, its roof gone!
The yard was overgrown with weeds…
Though the family’s hundred thousand was missing, Zhou Yuanyao and Yu Wen were only angry and slightly panicked—they must have had a backup plan!
So this was it?
Indeed, Zhou Ye’s demand for money wasn’t just about the money—it was to locate their stronghold!
It seemed this was the place!
Sure enough, before long, Zhou Yuanyao and Yu Wen carefully climbed out of the cellar!
Carrying a cloth bundle in their hands!
“I can’t stand seeing so much given to that wretched girl!” Yu Wen grumbled quietly.
“Enough, didn’t I say she’ll pay it back double sooner or later?” Zhou Yuanyao said viciously.
Yu Wen’s expression finally improved.
Zhou Ye watched calmly as they walked away…
The cellar was truly spacious. When she was young, she never went down there, afraid of the dark. Who would have thought the couple had expanded it—quite practical indeed.
Switching on her flashlight, she saw over a dozen large boxes and some earthenware jars.
The first few large boxes were filled with cigarettes—clearly embezzled goods! Next to them were several boxes of liquor.
Various brands were present, but Maotai dominated.
Innermost stood a special large red box containing cash and gold bars—the cleanest of them all! A quick glance estimated the cash at around a hundred thousand or so!
Gold bars were plentiful, varying in size.
Boxes neatly stacked on the left held assorted fabrics in gray, black, red, beige, and more…
The boxes on the right, surprisingly, contained foreign books and blueprints…
In the most inconspicuous corner, there were several boxes covered in thick dust. Inside were some jewelry that Zhou Ye vaguely remembered—her grandmother’s dowry!
She checked the earthen jars, which were all filled with grains and seasonings…
Without even blinking, she took everything!
The cellar was completely empty…
Zhou Ye felt much better… Uncle, this is the grand gift your niece prepared for you. Do you like it?
With money in hand, it was only natural to go shopping for more supplies.
She headed straight to the International Market, where most items didn’t require ration coupons, though prices were slightly higher. Still, you get what you pay for—it was worth it!
But…
“Well, well, little girl… What are you doing here?”
Turning around, she saw Bald Head waving at her with five or six brothers in tow!
Nearby shopkeepers, upon spotting Bald Head and his crew, grabbed their belongings and fled in terror!
Seemed like they were here to collect protection money!
Zhou Ye: “What do you want?”
“Nothing much, just ran into you by chance! What brings you here, little sister?”
“Call me Miss Zhou.”
Zhou Ye said expressionlessly.
Bald Head rubbed his scalp and let out an awkward chuckle…
“Boss, the little sister doesn’t like you calling her that… Heh… Gah…” One of his lackeys tried to tease but abruptly cut himself off when he met Zhou Ye’s gaze.
How to describe it? His voice just died in his throat!
The scene of the iron pot incident began replaying in his mind…
Bald Head asked eagerly, “Miss Zhou, are you here to shop? The manager here is one of my guys. What do you need? I can make things convenient!”
Zhou Ye’s eyebrows twitched. Oh? Only a fool would refuse help when offered.
As for reporting them?
Would he dare?
“Lead the way!”
Bald Head took Zhou Ye straight to the International Market manager’s office!
“Xiao Liu, this is my friend. She’s here to buy some things—give her the best price!”
“Sure thing, boss!”
Who would have thought this refined-looking market manager was connected to a crime boss!
“Miss, what would you like?”
Zhou Ye spoke softly: “Paper and pen.”
“You want to buy paper and pens? No problem, I can give you some for free!”
Zhou Ye looked at Xiao Liu as if he were an idiot…
Bald Head kicked him hard: “Are you stupid? She means for you to take notes!”
“Ah, right right! One moment please!”
After preparations were made…
“One crate of lighters, one hundred crates of toilet paper, one hundred crates of feminine products, one hundred flashlights, one thousand batteries; Two crates of scented soap, two crates of laundry soap, one hundred bottles of shampoo, one hundred towels, one hundred sets of toothbrushes and mugs; One hundred pairs of gloves, socks… Raincoats, rain boots… Down jackets, cotton-padded clothes, leather boots, rubber shoes, sneakers… Sportswear, overcoats…”
When Zhou Ye finished, she saw Xiao Liu and Bald Head staring at her with mouths agape, seemingly unable to believe what they’d heard.
Zhou Ye frowned!
“Did you write everything down?”
Bald Head asked curiously: “Little sister, why do you need so much stuff? This will cost a fortune!”
Zhou Ye ignored him and told Xiao Liu: “Just these items. Prepare them and deliver to this location. I’ll send someone to pick them up.”
“Understood! How will you be paying?”
“Here’s a thousand as deposit. You’ll get the balance upon delivery.”
Zhou Ye stood up: “You have only one day. I’ll come for the goods tomorrow morning.”
After Zhou Ye left, Bald Head stroked his chin and said greedily: “Heh… what a cold little girl! But… she’s clearly loaded! How interesting!”
Xiao Liu wiped his sweat and said, “Brother… this…”
“Get ready, when the time comes, we’ll…”