At daybreak, Hu Jiao Jiao got up, tidied up, and made breakfast. After eating, the two split up—one heading to the commune, the other to the fields.
“Work if you can, rest if you can’t. Don’t push yourself,” Hu Jiao Jiao reminded him.
“Alright. You be careful too,” Cheng Chen replied.
They locked the door and set off. At the edge of the fields, Cheng Chen went down to work, while Hu Jiao Jiao continued toward the commune. After walking for a while, she slipped into a roadside grove. Making sure no one was around, she entered her apartment space.
Now that there was another person at home, it wasn’t as convenient to come and go as before. The night before, she had felt the apartment shake slightly and had wanted to check, but with Cheng Chen beside her, she held back.
Once inside, nothing seemed different at first. But when she opened the door and looked out, she was startled—there was now another door across the hallway.
Previously, the corridor had only ever shown her own unit. Now there was a neighbor? Did I unlock something? Curious, she walked over, turned the handle, and with a click, the door opened.
Inside was… a rockery.
A full-on ornamental rock formation, absurdly placed in a small apartment. It took up most of the living room, with winding water flowing over it, wisps of white mist drifting about. At the center, beneath the rockery, was a small pool with a meditation cushion.
After exploring a bit, she realized—her “neighbor” must be some kind of cultivation enthusiast. In the kitchen, there was even an antique-style alchemy furnace. Next to it sat a white porcelain bottle labeled: Body-Shaping Strength Pills.
Almost without thinking, Hu Jiao Jiao poured one out and swallowed it with a sip of her spiritual spring water.
She clenched her fists—no immediate change. It felt like eating a chocolate candy, though a warm sensation spread through her body. She didn’t rummage further. Before leaving, she even said softly toward the empty room, “Thanks.”
Unbeknownst to her, after she left, the alchemy furnace began rumbling again, and a few talisman papers appeared on the table.
Back outside, Hu Jiao Jiao felt unusually light. She tested it by speeding up—and soon found herself running effortlessly. In just over ten minutes, she reached the commune, barely breaking a sweat.
At the supply cooperative, as expected, there were no bicycles available. The clerk said only a few were supplied each year, and they were all reserved in advance. If she needed one urgently, she’d have to try the county.
Without hesitation, Hu Jiao Jiao headed for the county.
Wanting to test her limits, she ducked into a secluded corner, entered the apartment, and quickly disguised herself. When she came out, she looked like a dark-skinned teenage boy, wearing clothes she had found in that mysterious neighbor’s place.
She started running again.
To others, she was just a blur. The more she ran, the more amazed she became. This pill is incredible… is it permanent or temporary? She didn’t even notice she had grown a bit taller.
She reached the county only half an hour later than the transport would have—an impressive speed—with just a light sweat.
Just as she was about to enter the department store, she spotted Su Yi going inside. Following her, Hu Jiao Jiao saw a brand-new bicycle on display—a classic “28-inch” model.
Su Yi was asking about the price: one bicycle coupon plus 150 yuan.
She hesitated—she had money, but no coupon.
Hu Jiao Jiao immediately thought of the coupon she had. Maybe I can trade it for more of her space-grown food… those things must be good for the body.
She followed Su Yi out.
“Comrade, wait!” she called in a lowered voice.
Su Yi turned. “You calling me?”
“I have this. Want it?” Hu Jiao Jiao got straight to the point, pulling out the coupon.
Su Yi’s eyes lit up. They quickly moved to a quiet corner.
“Where did you get this?” Su Yi asked, excited.
“What do you have to trade? Food, supplies—anything,” Hu Jiao Jiao said.
“I won’t take advantage of you. This kind of coupon goes for about 120 yuan. I’ll give you goods of equal value—rice, flour, fruits, vegetables,” Su Yi said.
“Then I want a bit of everything—rice, flour, produce, meat, eggs,” Hu Jiao Jiao said, nearly slipping back into her normal voice.
“Alright. Meet me at the woods east of the county at noon,” Su Yi said, then left without hesitation.
After she was gone, Hu Jiao Jiao returned to the store and went to the watch counter. She picked out a delicate silver-chain watch—Shanghai brand. Price: 120 yuan plus a watch coupon.
She happily bought it. A bicycle can wait, but I really need a watch.
Checking the time, she went to a state-run restaurant and packed ten meat buns and ten vegetable buns, then headed to the meeting spot.
When she arrived, Su Yi was already there—with a huge pile of goods beside her. Most eye-catching was that shiny bicycle.
Su Yi listed everything:
“See if that’s enough,” she finished, thirsty.
“No need to count—it’s plenty. You’re an honest person,” Hu Jiao Jiao said, grinning, then shamelessly held out her water bottle. “Mind if I…?”
Su Yi didn’t mind and poured her water into it, thinking it was just a small favor.
Hu Jiao Jiao was secretly delighted—finally got more spiritual water in me. She waved enthusiastically as Su Yi left, repeatedly saying, “You’re such a good person!”
After making sure she was gone, Hu Jiao Jiao quickly stored everything in her apartment.
Seeing it was already 2 p.m., she decided to check the scrap yard.
There, she struck gold—an old bicycle frame and two wheels (without tires). She bought them for 10 yuan, planning to assemble a bike herself.
Following a tip from the gatekeeper, she went to a nearby alley and bought used tires and some screws for another 5 yuan.
She didn’t haggle—everyone was just trying to survive.
After storing everything away, she removed her disguise, sent a letter at the post office, and took a ride back.
Her basket now held some rice, flour, and eggs, covered with cloth so no one could see what she carried.