The town mayor also had his own agenda—he wanted his superiors to see his knack for recognizing talent. Moreover, if Nan Sheng started working at the government office, any credit earned would reflect well on the town administration.
Nan Sheng left her daughter at the government office, as it wasn’t convenient to take her to the black market. Before riding off, she pulled out a homemade mask from her pocket and put it on. The black market was crowded, and she couldn’t risk showing her face.
The black market bustled with people, though everyone moved quickly. The government turned a blind eye—partly because they were paid off, but also because they relied on the place for supplies.
Nine out of ten people who entered the black market were after grain. Once ten people filled the courtyard, no more were allowed in until someone left. Those who couldn’t get in took a number and wandered nearby, but no one dared linger too long on the street.
When Nan Sheng pushed her bicycle inside, someone immediately barked at her, "All the numbers are gone for today! Come back tomorrow!"
Seeing it was just someone in line, Nan Sheng ignored them and kept moving forward. Anyone trying to cut in would’ve been met with protests.
"What’s wrong with you? We’re all waiting in line. Even if you go up front without a number, it’s useless."
Though she didn’t recognize anyone, Nan Sheng didn’t let her guard down. She stayed silent, pretending to be mute.
Hearing the commotion, Shitou sent someone to check. A young man, noticing her familiar outfit and identical bicycle, approached and asked, "Comrade, is that you?"
It was a strange question—Nan Sheng had never given her name. She responded with a quiet "Mm," then asked, "Is Brother Yi here?"
Brother Yi wasn’t around. He was the only one with the connections to bring in large quantities of grain from neighboring counties. The young man ushered her inside to talk with Shitou.
Seeing that Nan Sheng knew the black market dealers, the crowd outside fell silent, sealing their lips tight.
When Nan Sheng removed her mask and hat, Shitou broke into a grin. He fetched two packs of pastries from the county and a bag of White Rabbit candies. "Comrade, you’re here! Take these back as a little treat."
With the drought dragging on, grain orders had skyrocketed, bringing in profits that would normally take years to earn. They reinvested the money into buying and selling grain, working around the clock.
Brother Yi had even said that when he returned, he’d share the profits with their "lady benefactor." Today’s gifts were just a small token.
"I can’t keep taking things for free," Nan Sheng said. "I came to ask Brother Yi if he’d be interested in the ice-making business. With this heat, the wealthy will pay top dollar for ice. I have the formula."
Shitou, who often traveled with Xiao Yi, had a sharp eye for opportunity. His face lit up at the mention of an ice-making formula. "Comrade, we’ll take it! Name your price!"
Good heavens—this wasn’t just a benefactor, she was practically their savior, bringing one lucrative idea after another.
Nan Sheng told him not to rush. "This time, I want a cut—10% for me, 90% for you. I’ll only provide the formula. You’ll need to source saltpeter first. The town government will start experimenting with ice-making tomorrow, but each village will have a quota. If you’re willing, there’s still a market."
Shitou was ready to agree on the spot, but Nan Sheng insisted on a written contract and clear accounts. His illiteracy made things awkward.
Still, he could arrange for saltpeter right away. If Brother Yi agreed when he returned, they’d start making ice tomorrow—they couldn’t fall behind the government.
The grain market was already chaotic, and the town had multiple black markets. Once grain prices surged, they’d stop selling. The ice business could thrive for at least another month.
Before Shitou could ask, Nan Sheng introduced herself.
"My name is Nan Sheng. I’m the second daughter-in-law of the Xiangyang Village production team leader. If you decide, come find me."
Before leaving, Nan Sheng also asked Shitou to help her obtain a thick stack of underground currency.
When she tried to leave, Shitou insisted she take the candies and pastries, strapping them to her bike’s rear rack. Outside, Nan Sheng wiped the sweat from her brow.
Honestly, such enthusiasm could be overwhelming.
Back at the government office, Nan Sheng carried several ice pops—one for herself, one for her child, and one for the clerk who’d watched her daughter.
Siqi happily munched on her ice pop from the back seat as Nan Sheng secured the goods on the bike frame and pedaled home. With one hand on the handlebars and the other holding her treat, she couldn’t have been more content.
Even on a bicycle, the midday sun was merciless. The heat seeped through her clothes, scorching her skin.
All she wanted was to get home, draw a basin of cool water from the well, and chill a bowl of mung bean soup.
At the hottest hour, villagers retreated for their afternoon naps. Nan Sheng rode straight home, rinsed her straw hat, and left it to dry under the eaves. After wiping herself and Siqi down, they settled in for a nap.
Before sleeping, she opened a pack of pastries and left them on the kang, in case the child woke up hungry.
But she didn’t wake naturally—someone was banging on the door and windows. Siqi stirred, her hair a wild mess, looking like a little ruffian.
"Open up! We’re the Bai family, here to pay respects to our daughter!"
Nan Sheng checked her watch—past three o’clock. She’d slept deeply. Good thing she’d locked the door, or the Bai family would’ve barged in.
She took her time getting ready. When Siqi whimpered "Mama," Nan Sheng reassured her, then braided the girl’s hair.
She was waiting. Someone would come soon.
Outside, the Bai family escalated from knocking to shouting curses. Nan Sheng pulled a firewood cleaver from under the kang.
She wondered how well it would work on heads.
About twenty minutes later, Lin Guozheng, Eldest Brother Lin, and Third Brother Lin arrived. A crowd of onlookers had gathered, waiting for the main event.
Lin Guozheng’s face was dark. "What’s all this shouting?"
The Bai family had brought four members—grandfather, grandmother, uncle, and aunt—all here to see their "grandchildren."
Old Lady Bai was defiant. "Is the person inside dead? We came all this way to mourn our daughter, and no one opens the door! Are you Lin family blind, marrying such a daughter-in-law?"
The spectators weren’t having it. How could the Bai family be so shameless, coming to mooch and acting high and mighty?
Granny Zhang’s daughter-in-law, who’d gone to fetch the Lin brothers, spoke first. "What business is it of yours who they marry? Don’t come to Xiangyang Village throwing your weight around."
"Pah! Of course it’s my business! My grandchildren are here—the Lin family has to acknowledge us!" Old Lady Bai clung to the two children as her bargaining chip.
Then the door creaked open. Nan Sheng stepped out, locked the door behind her, and placed straw hats on herself and Siqi. The cleaver in her right hand was hard to miss.
"Your daughter isn’t buried in the Lin house. If you’re here to mourn, why aren’t you up in the mountains instead of pounding on my door? Looking for trouble?"
