A few days ago, Xinyan found Zhang Daliang from the black market and put out a large batch of goods smuggled from the south. They agreed to release another batch of grains, fish, chicken and duck eggs, fresh vegetables, fruits, and tea on the twenty-ninth of the lunar month.
She originally planned to release the goods on the night of the twenty-eighth, but knowing that her father and Su Jingsong were both soldiers, she feared that even if she was careful, she would still make some noise. At that time, she might not be able to explain clearly and would end up worrying her father.
So, she arranged with Zhang Daliang to meet at half-past six in the morning on the twenty-ninth. During winter, it gets light late, and she arranged the place to be in a grove fifteen miles away from her home.
At that time of day, it was still dark. By the time they completed the transaction, it would just be getting light. She could say she went out for her morning exercise when returning home, as she had a habit of doing morning exercises, which everyone knew about.
This time, all the goods came from the space, which was just in time for visits during the New Year, family gatherings, and other needs. Having cooperated with Zhang Daliang so many times, she found this person to be reliable, and naturally, he offered a good price.
The reason Zhang Daliang did this was that he knew the food he got from her was of top quality. These items were not supplied to ordinary people. He handed them over to weave connections, and there was still more demand than supply, so he naturally didn’t put small profits over the bigger picture.
After Yanyan left a few hundred meters away and confirmed that no one was following her, she immediately stashed the case in her hand into the space.
Yes, this time Xinyan had told Zhang Daliang in advance that she would exchange antiques, jewelry, and jade. She knew that after this, these items might not be so easily brought out to exchange for food and drink as before.
Though the Third Plenary Session allowed the development of individual household businesses, many policies were still unclear, and at first, hiring workers wasn’t permitted. It wouldn’t improve until 1980, so right now, she wasn’t in a rush but focused on accumulating funds.
She had some memory of these matters, knowing that by 1980 she could start small-scale activities, but to truly let loose, that wouldn’t be until after 1983.
Anyway, she had the space available, so smuggling goods from south to north could quickly bring in money.
Once policies loosened and conditions matured, she would have ample opportunities. For now, it was more practical to focus her energy on her studies and learn several languages.
Moreover, helping the publishing house translate those foreign books brought a considerable income at the time. After all, a journey begins with a single step, and it couldn’t be rushed.
When she entered the house, she was still carrying a few fish. The fish, which she carried all the way back, had now frozen into blocks of ice.
Han Jingchen saw her entering the courtyard: "Yanyan, have you been out for morning exercise?"
As he spoke, he noticed the fish in her hand: "Where did the fish come from?"
Xinyan raised the fish in her hand: "While I was out doing morning exercise, I came across a local selling fish and bought a few. Anyway, we’ll have many people at home, and we can finish whatever we prepare."
Hearing his daughter say this, he didn’t suspect anything.
After all, Xinyan just got some ordinary grass carp, which could be found in nearby reservoirs.
Han Jingchen laughed as well: "You’re right about that."
Saying this, he turned around and went inside to grab an envelope: "Here, take this money. If you see something you like these days, you can buy it."
Xinyan waved her hand and said: "Dad, I still haven’t finished spending what you gave me last time. There’s no need to give more."
Han Jingchen didn’t listen to her, extending his hand: "Take it. Dad’s money is yours."
Hearing these words, Xinyan thought of her past life. If her father hadn’t had an accident, perhaps her life wouldn’t have been so miserable.
Maybe encountering her father’s car accident in this life was heaven’s way of compensating her.
Before she could react, Han Jingchen already handed her the envelope: "Take it, and buy what you like."
Xinyan looked at the envelope in her hand, feeling a surge of warmth: "Thank you, Dad."
Han Jingchen rubbed Xinyan’s head: "Silly girl, don’t be polite with your father."
Thinking of how this life diverged entirely from the previous one, Xinyan couldn’t help but flash a radiant smile at Han Jingchen: "Got it."
Han Jingchen thought about how his young lady would get engaged after the New Year, and his mood suddenly turned sour as he stroked Xinyan’s hair: "Before I realized, my Yanyan had grown up. I won’t lose you again. In the future, as long as you look back, I will always be behind you."
How could Xinyan not understand the meaning behind his words? Her eyes welled up with tears: "Dad."
She immediately rushed into Han Jingchen’s embrace: "Dad, from now on, we will be well, and we will wait for mom together."
Han Jingchen patted Xinyan’s shoulder. Hearing his daughter’s words brought comfort to his heart: "Yes, she will come back. We will wait for her together."
At this moment, Gu Wanqing was staring at the myriad of lights outside the window, thinking about the person she wanted to see, feeling that she couldn’t wait another moment. She left matters to her assistant and booked the earliest flight for tomorrow.