Having received another pack of cigarettes, Master Li declared magnanimously, "Niece, if you need meat in the future, just come to me directly. I may not have large quantities, but getting some for an occasional treat won't be a problem."
Guo Youning had been waiting for these very words. Her two younger siblings were at the age where they needed proper nutrition. If she could get more meat to supplement their diet, they would grow up healthier.
Although she had meat in her space, even a whole pig, she didn't know how to butcher it, nor could she find an excuse to take it out.
She quickly seized the opportunity, "Uncle Li, I won't stand on ceremony then. In a couple of days, I have to go to the countryside in Heilongjiang. I've heard that place is freezing cold with nothing available. My mother wants to make some meat sauce for me to bring along, but we can't buy any meat. Could you save some extra for me tomorrow? Please have pity on your newly acknowledged niece."
Guo Youning even played the sympathy card. Having benefited from her, Master Li had no reason to refuse.
Looking at Guo Youning's bright, lovely face, he shook his head pityingly, "You poor child. Uncle Li will save ten jin of premium pork belly for you tomorrow, but you'd better come by six o'clock. Any later and I might not be able to hold it for you."
After a pause, he added, "The meat coupons can't be short."
Guo Youning had no shortage of meat coupons in her space. She thanked him with a beaming smile and agreed.
With her objective achieved, the two bid farewell and left the Meatpacking Plant.
Preoccupied with the matter of the "thank-you letter," Guo Youning waved goodbye to Deng Xiaojun and prepared to head straight to the black market.
Noticing she was going the wrong way, Deng Xiaojun lowered his voice, "Aren't you going home? That's the direction of the black market. You're not really planning to buy incense and paper money, are you? And going there with your real appearance?"
Of course, Guo Youning wouldn't go like that. She intended to find a secluded spot, store the basket in her space, and disguise herself before going.
In her previous life, her biggest hobby had been reading novels, and she had read plenty of era-themed ones, so she had some understanding. However, faced with Deng Xiaojun's worried expression, she could only pretend to know nothing.
Feigning innocence, she said, "I'm just going to secretly buy some incense and paper money. Do I really need to be that cautious?"
Deng Xiaojun looked serious, thinking to himself that no matter how shrewd she seemed, she was still a girl who hadn't seen much of the world and needed his guidance as her big brother.
He spoke earnestly, "Do you know what incense and paper money are? Feudal superstition. Do you know where you're going? The black market, which gets raided all the time. It's only because I, your brother, value loyalty that I'm telling you this. Otherwise, one report and you'd be caught, waiting to be criticized and struggled against. You're really worrying me. Since I'm off duty today, first take your things home, then change into some shabby clothes and cover your face. I'll take you there myself."
His gaze lingered on her face for a few seconds. He clicked his tongue twice and shook his head, "Your looks are too striking; you're easily remembered. Forget it, I'll see this through to the end and help you buy it. I'll let you in on a secret—I have connections there."
Guo Youning's eyes lit up. She hadn't expected this young man to be so well-connected at his age. Having contacts in the black market was fantastic!
The "San Zhuan Yi Xiang" items and television sets in her space were of no use to her and would only depreciate over time.
Thinking about how she would need capital for business, buying property, and purchasing land after the reform and opening up, if she could sell them, it would bring a substantial profit. Ideally, she could exchange them for more antiques and gold bars.
Her eyes darted around, and she looked at Deng Xiaojun with a sly expression, a smile playing on her lips. The more she thought about it, the happier she became.
Deng Xiaojun felt both unnerved and secretly excited under the beauty's gaze. Was she reconsidering and wanting to be with him because she saw how capable he was?
Her heart raced uncontrollably, thumping wildly. With slightly flushed cheeks and a hint of shyness, she spoke: "Don't look at me like that. If you have something to say, just say it. I'll agree to anything I can do."
Guo Youning couldn't possibly guess his inner thoughts. Her eyes sparkled as she said, "Brother Xiaojun, you're so straightforward! I'm just curious about the black market—I've never been there before. Brother Jun, please be kind and take me to broaden my horizons. By the way, are your contacts in the black market reliable? You're not just making it up to fool me, are you?"
At seventeen or eighteen, youth is full of vigor. Deng Xiaojun couldn't stand being provoked. He blurted out, "The person in charge of security there is my own uncle. Going there is as easy for me as visiting the supply and marketing cooperative…"
Only after the words left his mouth did he remember this wasn't something to be shared. He quickly slapped himself twice, muttering in frustration, "Stupid mouth, always running off without a filter!"
Guo Youning pressed her lips together, stifling a laugh. This young man wasn't very cunning—loyal and fun, he'd make a great friend.
She gave a thumbs-up, pretending admiration. "Big brother, you're amazing! Not only do you have connections at the Meatpacking Plant, but you can even strut around the black market. You absolutely must take me to see it!"
Deng Xiaojun looked at Guo Youning with mixed feelings, his heart in turmoil. How had this once so innocent girl become so cunning?
He really was stupid—just a little provocation, and he'd revealed his uncle's secrets. This must not get out. If anything happened to his uncle because of his big mouth, it would be truly unforgivable.
He sighed and spoke dejectedly, "Youning, this stays between you, me, and the heavens above. Remember to keep it secret! Since I've said this much, I'll take you there. Hurry back to put your things away and disguise yourself. I need to prepare too. Let's meet by the back wall of the People's Hospital."
Having gotten what she wanted, Guo Youning patted her chest and responded with a sweet smile, "I, Guo Youning, value loyalty most. I promise to keep this buried deep inside—I won't mention it to anyone. See you soon."
"Yeah, see you soon."
They parted ways, and Guo Youning happily dashed toward the steel mill residential compound.
When she arrived at the residential compound, she happened upon a group of gossipy grandmothers and daughters-in-law gathered along the only path, chatting away.
When they saw Guo Youning with her basket, their eyes lit up with curiosity. An old woman with inverted triangular eyes, high cheekbones, a pointed chin, and thin lips stopped her.
In an unpleasant, raspy voice, she said, "Guo Erniu, you're better now? I heard you were faking illness to avoid being sent to the countryside. Why aren't you keeping up the act?"
Guo Youning really wanted to roll her eyes at her. In these times, a good reputation and high ideological awareness were extremely important.
Although the original owner had indeed considered this idea, she absolutely wouldn't take the blame for it.
Guo Youning replied seriously, "Third Grandma, you should speak with evidence. A few days ago, I was so sick I couldn't even get out of bed—all the neighbors know. The sent-down youth movement is a great strategy proposed by Chairman Mao. The countryside is a vast world where much can be accomplished—it's a place I truly long for. You can't casually slander people like this."
Third Grandma, seeing how this usually silent and dull girl dared to challenge her, felt unwilling to let it go.
Her expression instantly changed. She curled her lips and said disdainfully, "With your delicate constitution, accomplishing great things? Aren't you afraid your tongue will trip? Someone like you going to the countryside would only hold back the hardworking farmers!"
As she spoke, her eyes flickered and landed on the cloth-covered basket in Guo Youning's hand. A corner peeking out revealed something red and white that looked very much like meat. She reached out to lift the cloth.
The others also fixed their gazes on the basket, greedily asking, "Erniu, where did you get so much meat? Did you go to that kind of place?"