After the matter was settled, Deng Xiaojun helped Guo Youning carry the burlap sack filled with items, urging her to leave quickly.
Given the way her eyes lit up at everything when she first arrived, he feared that if they stayed any longer, not a single coin would remain in their pockets.
Meanwhile, his uncle, after bidding farewell to the mystic, sincerely invited them to have tea at a nearby office.
To be honest, Guo Youning was also keen to meet the Black Market Boss. Big-ticket items like the "San Zhuan Yi Xiang" and televisions would surely fetch a good price in the capital's black market, but it had to be through someone reliable.
Deng Xiaojun looked at his uncle in surprise, wondering why he was being so unusually enthusiastic today. Normally, when he visited the black market, his uncle couldn't wait to shoo him away. Something out of the ordinary must be afoot—best to wait and see.
The three of them arrived in front of a few dilapidated-looking houses, where a guard at the door respectfully called out, "Hello, Mengzi Ge!"
The uncle nodded and asked, "Is the boss in?"
The guard replied, "Yes, he just returned, but he seems to be in a bad mood."
The uncle handed the guard a cigarette and led the two inside.
The interior was far better than the outside. The main hall was fully furnished with tables, chairs, and a sofa. A colorful little parrot, seeing people enter, chirped mischievously, "The God of Wealth is here! The God of Wealth is here…"
Sitting on the sofa was a somewhat distinguished young man in his early twenties, crossing his legs and sipping tea with a grim expression.
He impatiently kicked the parrot cage and snapped irritably, "God of Wealth, my foot! If you keep squawking, I'll pluck your feathers and make soup out of you."
His gaze swept over the newcomers, tinged with suspicion. "Mengzi, who are these distinguished guests?"
The uncle, who had been so authoritative in front of others, scratched the back of his head sheepishly and pulled Deng Xiaojun aside. "Boss, this is my nephew—not a guest of honor. But Master Zhang said the other one could solve your urgent problem, so I took the liberty of bringing her along."
The boss gave Deng Xiaojun a slight nod and studied Guo Youning with interest. Her oversized, worn work clothes hung loosely on her frame, and only her lively eyes were visible.
As he looked, a faint smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.
Guo Youning was also carefully assessing the boss. Despite his youth, flippant tone, and roguish demeanor, his sharp eyes revealed he was neither simple nor someone to be trifled with.
After a few seconds of mutual scrutiny, the young boss spoke casually, "You must be something, miss. Master Zhang never speaks idly. Tell me, can you get your hands on a television?"
Guo Youning had to admire the mystic. With his foresight, she was spared the need for introductions.
Deng Xiaojun was stunned once again. Was his old classmate really this capable? It made him question everything he knew.
His uncle, noticing his lack of awareness, pulled him into another room—a good subordinate knows when to step back.
Seeing that they were alone, Guo Youning found a suitable spot and sat down confidently.
She spoke frankly and without hesitation, "Let's not mince words. I do have a connection and can source some Plum Blossom Brand Watches, Phoenix Brand Bicycles, Butterfly Brand Sewing Machines, Panda Brand Radio Recorders, and Golden Star Brand Televisions. It all depends on whether you can meet the price."
Upon hearing this, the young boss abruptly uncrossed his legs, leaned forward with his hands on his knees, and his roguish smile vanished, replaced by a serious expression.
He said gravely, "Miss, are you serious? How many can you get? I, Wang Li, will surely offer you a satisfactory price."
Guo Youning pondered for a moment before speaking: "I'm just a middleman. How about three units each for our first transaction? That's the maximum I can authorize. If the deal goes smoothly, there's potential for a long-term partnership."
Wang Li gently pinched his chin with his right hand, pursed his lips in thought for a moment, and replied, "Alright. Do these goods require ration coupons? If not, bicycles are 230 yuan each, sewing machines 190, radios 110. The Swiss-made Plum Blossom Brand Watch is a rare find at 700 yuan apiece. As for televisions—if you can actually source such scarce items—I'll pay 1,300 yuan per unit. Does this price work for you?"
Guo Youning knew the retail prices of these items in department stores. Wang Li's offer was significantly higher, indicating genuine intent to cooperate. Who would have thought this boss could appear so presentable and agreeable when acting formally? She nodded in agreement, "Fine, the prices are fair enough. It's settled then—let's make it quick. We'll trade at midnight tonight in the grove behind the farmers' market." After a pause, she added, "Payment doesn't have to be in cash. Equivalent value in Old Items or gold bars is acceptable."
Wang Li's lips curved upward. The total for these goods would be 7,590 yuan. A same-day transaction meant he'd need to scramble for funds—using Old Items to offset part of the cost would be ideal. He smiled, "You're decisive, miss. We have a deal: half cash, half Old Items. Rest assured, there'll be no counterfeits. My ancestors were distinguished—my judgment is reliable."
Guo Youning was pleased with the outcome. Remembering she'd be sent to the countryside the day after tomorrow and lacked many supplies, she decided to procure them here. She asked, "Do you have daily necessities like cotton and iron pots in stock? I need to purchase some."
"Yes. Would you like to select them now, or shall I bring them during tonight's transaction?"
"Bring them tonight. I'll make a list—please prepare everything available and deduct the cost from the payment."
"Agreed!"
Guo Youning began compiling a list against what she lacked in her spatial inventory: 30 jin of cotton, two 10-jin cotton quilts, two ceramic basins, two thermoses, two kettles, two cups, five bottles of various liquors including Erguotou and Maotai, two small iron pots, two sheet-metal stoves, five jin each of available snacks like mahua and peach crisps… She listed every item she could think of for rural life.
Wang Li took the lengthy list and whistled softly, "Even dowry preparations aren't this thorough." He then called toward the door, "Xiao Liuzi, come in."
The person guarding outside entered promptly. Wang Li handed him the list and instructed, "Gather these items as quickly as possible."
Xiao Liuzi nodded and disappeared through a side door with the list.
With matters settled, Guo Youning stood to leave.
Wang Li ordered his brother-in-law to escort the guests, ensuring Deng Xiaojun and Guo Youning were safely led out of the Black market's perimeter.
The moment the brother-in-law left, Deng Xiaojun immediately transformed into a barrage of questions.
"Youning, can you really get televisions? What did you and the boss discuss inside? Weren't you scared of his unruly demeanor? They say this boss has deep connections, influential in both legal and underground circles—but he's righteous. He's a prominent figure in our South District. My uncle is his die-hard fan. Thanks to you, I had the honor of meeting him today…"
Guo Youning felt a constant buzzing in his ears and interrupted, "Stop! This person seems decent. I'm just acting as a middleman to help make the connection. I have a favor to ask of you. If anyone asks about who I am, please try to keep it confidential. Of course, if your life is at stake, your safety comes first."