Deng Xiaojun stood frozen in shock. How had this become a matter of life and death? Had she crossed the Black Market Boss?
His gossip-fueled excitement instantly vanished, replaced by deep concern. "Tell me the truth—did you cause major trouble? I can't handle that kind of big shot!"
Guo Youning rolled her eyes dramatically. "What would I need you to handle? I just mean if your uncle asks about me, avoid mentioning my identity if possible. You can relay messages for me. As a young woman—and one about to be sent to the countryside—getting too close with them isn't good for my reputation."
Deng Xiaojun's anxiety immediately dissolved. This morning had been truly eventful, with Guo Youning constantly challenging his perceptions of her.
This vibrant, mysterious version of her seemed to glow. Having such a friend was wonderful, and he no longer felt the weight of the burlap bag in his hands.
Patting his chest, he declared, "We're good comrades—I'd never betray you. Since you're leaving soon, let me treat you to a farewell meal. Who knows when we'll meet again?"
Guo Youning considered how he'd helped her complete today's deal and buy meat. Treating him to a proper meal as thanks seemed appropriate.
"Sure," she agreed readily. "It's almost mealtime. I'll go home first to put my things away and change clothes. Let's meet at the South Branch of the State-Owned Restaurant in one hour."
She took the burlap bag from him and turned to leave.
Deng Xiaojun's lips curved upward. "It's a date."
Guo Youning nodded and departed, finding a secluded corner before vanishing into her space with all her belongings.
After storing the items in the warehouse, she shook her sore hands and arms, thinking how weak this body was.
She remembered her previous life—alone, practicing taekwondo for years to avoid being bullied. She'd reached fourth-degree black belt, with her coach praising her talent. Five or six ordinary men were no match for her, and her body had been strong and capable.
Now, this frail body could barely lift anything. She needed to train it properly, or she'd suffer greatly in the countryside.
One step at a time, she told herself. First, handle the present. After washing up and changing clothes, just as she prepared to leave her space, "Cock-a-doodle-doo!" reminded her that chickens and pigs awaited her care.
Sighing, she headed to the backyard, grabbing handfuls of sweet potato leaves from the vegetable patch along the way—yesterday's makeshift solution.
The animals grew restless at her approach, emitting "cluck-clucks" and "oink-oinks" demanding food.
She tossed most sweet potato leaves into the pigpen, then noticed several bags of rice grains and corn mash outside the chicken coop—their designated food.
Looking closer, she discovered simple feeding equipment and automatic waterers in the chicken coop. One refill should last several days.
Perfect. She busily refilled everything.
Collecting eggs from the nests, she was surprised—over fifty chickens had laid seventy-plus eggs in two days. Excellent. The Chicken Butt Bank needed proper management.
With the equipment, raising chickens became easier, but ten pigs posed a major challenge. They couldn't eat only vegetables. If chickens had special feed, pigs must have proper feed too.
Having just taken over this Farmhouse Paradise days ago, the previous staff had handled all livestock care. Now this hands-off manager suddenly had to do everything herself, feeling completely helpless.
She recalled staff mentioning these were rare new pig breeds—fast-growing with strong disease resistance.
If she raised them well and bred them in large numbers, perhaps after going to the countryside, she could rely on them to make a living!
With this thought, her feelings of disgust for the smell, dirt, and hassle vanished. She resolved to become an outstanding swineherd.
Filled with hopeful aspirations, Guo Youning inspected the three adjacent single-story houses.
Haha, they were all stocked with feed for the chickens and pigs. The three rooms were piled high with hundred-pound bags of grain powder, cornmeal, soybean meal, unhusked rice, and crushed corn…
Scattered on a table in the corner were numerous guides on raising chickens and pigs, including even "Postpartum Care for Sows."
There was no time to read them carefully now. She scooped some of each powder into a large bucket, added water, mixed it well, and poured it into the trough to manage one meal for now. She would study the guides seriously when she had time.
After finishing these tasks, Guo Youning quickly picked some fresh cucumbers, peppers, eggplants, tomatoes, and leafy greens from the field… filling a basket to the brim. She had to bring something back from her outing.
Peeking outside to ensure no one was around, she slipped out of the space and soon returned to the residential compound.
This time, the intersection was quiet, with no gossipers in sight. By the time she got home, her mother, who worked at the neighborhood office, had already returned.
As soon as she saw her, her mother asked worriedly, "Did you buy all this meat, pig's feet, and large and small intestines? One jin of meat coupon couldn’t possibly buy such good stuff. You didn’t go to that kind of place, did you?"
Guo Youning first placed the basket in her hand on the Eight Immortals table, then slowly replied, "Those things were bought with the help of my classmate who works at the Meatpacking Plant. No coupons were used, but the meat cost forty cents more per jin."
After speaking, she returned the meat coupon to Tang Xin and pointed to the basket. "These vegetables were also picked by my classmate who took me to an old farmer’s house. Come take a look—they’re especially fresh. I even skipped going to the supply and marketing cooperative just for them."
Hearing this, Tang Xin patted her chest and broke into a smile. "That’s a relief. I was so worried you’d secretly gone to the black market to scavenge. Listen, Mom says you mustn’t go to that place unless it’s absolutely necessary."
As she spoke, she lifted the cloth covering the basket. Good heavens—it was a huge basket full of fresh fruits and vegetables.
She laughed joyfully, "Haha, it’s been so long since I’ve seen such fine vegetables. Ningning is really capable. You must thank your classmates properly. Wait here—Mom will show off her skills at noon and cook a couple of good dishes."
Guo Youning felt very guilty. Not only had she gone to the black market, but she also planned to sneak out that evening for a transaction.
Remembering the appointment she had made, she spoke apologetically, "Mom, my classmates found out I’m leaving soon and decided to have a gathering at noon today. I won’t be eating at home, and I need to head out now."
"Good! You should go out more often and spend time with your classmates. Look at you—just one outing and you’re already full of energy."
As she spoke, she pulled out five yuan, one jin of grain coupon, and the meat coupon she had just returned, handing them to her. "Take these and have a good meal."
Guo Youning had no reason to refuse and obediently accepted them. "Thank you, Mom! But this is too much."
Tang Xin affectionately tugged her braid, thinking how much she would miss this well-behaved child in just a couple of days.
Softly, she said, "Take extra, just in case. Go on now—don’t keep people waiting. Mom needs to deal with that meat and offal too. In this hot weather, they spoil easily."
Guo Youning nodded meekly, went to her room, slung a green book bag over her shoulder, and hurried out without even changing her clothes. The one-hour appointment was almost due.
She wasn't accustomed to being late, especially when inviting someone to a meal—keeping others waiting was unacceptable. By the time she arrived, Deng Xiaojun was already waiting at the restaurant entrance.
Guo Youning hurried forward to greet him, "Brother Xiaojun, sorry to keep you waiting! Something held me up. What would you like to eat? It's my treat—thank you for your enthusiastic help today."