Chapter Fifty-Seven: Hoarding
Xin Li learned about Zhang Chen's whereabouts three days after He Mingzhou returned to his unit.
Although Zhang Chen had the inclination to take action, he ultimately failed to do so, so he was not severely punished. He was only punished by being sent to do volunteer work at the soon-to-open health clinic.
Moreover, Zhang Chen also had to help take the boat out to sea and go ashore to purchase supplies.
Everyone knows this is a dangerous and thankless task, which shows that the division commander was really furious this time and did not care about the relationship between uncle and nephew at all.
Zhang Chen accepted the punishment without a word, and after returning to his cabin, he packed his bags and set off on the ship.
Zhang Jinhua even took Xin Li along to join in the fun.
"You see, people just shouldn't do bad things. If everyone gets along well before, then there will definitely be a rift between them in the future."
"Actually, Zhang Chen is a really good person, he's just a bit too extreme in his personality."
"Besides, he's a good doctor, so we all like to go to him."
"Who would have thought this day would come..."
Zhang Jinhua shook his head and said with some emotion, "I only hope that he can have a profound realization after this incident and know right from wrong."
Xin Li glanced at Zhang Chen, who was standing on the deck staring at her, and smiled slightly, saying, "I don't think he'll be confused anymore."
It's not worth it for a woman who doesn't love him.
If the division commander punishes him severely this time, Zhang Chen might become completely corrupted.
On the contrary, if his conscience is not completely extinguished, he will inevitably come to a complete awakening.
The people on the island are all one family, and Zhang Chen isn't completely without feelings for them. I believe he'll know what to do next.
"Let's go back."
Zhang Jinhua wiped the sweat from his forehead: "It's getting hotter and hotter, which is not a good sign."
Xin Li's mind raced: "How so?"
Zhang Jinhua said, "Our island doesn't have a year-round spring-like climate, but the four seasons are indeed not distinct."
"Sometimes the temperature drops but it's still very hot here, and sometimes the weather should be nice but it's either raining or windy."
"We ordinary people can't really figure out things that are closely related to the sea."
"Based on past experience, a storm is bound to follow a period of extreme heat."
Zhang Jinhua said with some worry, "I'm really worried that there will be a typhoon."
Xinli couldn't help but turn her head and look at the distant sea.
The deep blue sea was calm and still, creating a seamless blend of sea and sky, a rare and beautiful sight.
But according to Zhang Jinhua, the sea could turn on you at any time and stir up storms. If the waves really come crashing down on such a small island, the houses might hold up, but the people might not.
"Sister-in-law, when are we going to the market?"
Upon hearing this, Zhang Jinhua's worry lessened somewhat.
"What, you want to go out and have some fun?"
Xinli nodded: "Yeah, I've been here for so long and haven't been ashore yet. I'm kind of thinking about going to take a look."
"I wonder if this place is any different from the markets in Shanghai."
"It certainly can't compare to the Shanghai Stock Exchange."
Zhang Jinhua said, "It seems there's a small event the day after tomorrow. If you want to go, you can go with them. I'll have your Aunt Yang give you a ride."
Aunt Yang was one of the women who came to learn the craft. Her husband had died, and she was raising her two children alone.
Okay.
Compared to the busy routines of others, Xinli seemed much more relaxed.
She waited idly at home, and finally, a week later, she got the chance to go to the market.
She quickly took out some money and other items that could be exchanged for meat and grain coupons from her spatial storage and put them in her pocket.
"You're just going to go like that?"
Aunt Yang and her daughter were carrying a large bamboo basket, which contained several snakeskin bags.
Compared to Xin Li's light travel, they looked more like they were going to a market.
Xin Li touched her nose guiltily.
She meant that she had a place to put all her things.
But I certainly can't admit it to their faces.
He simply said, "I'm mainly going there to broaden my horizons," and brushed it off.
"That's alright. Just remember to follow us. There are too many people at the market, and I'm afraid you might not be able to find your way back."
"Okay."
Xinli followed behind the mother and daughter. She noticed that Aunt Yang's daughter, Xiaohua, was staring at her curiously. Xinli then took out a box of candy from her spatial storage.
"Want some?"
Little Flower's eyes were full of curiosity: "What is this?"
Xinli explained that it was candy.
Xiaohua swallowed hard, her mouth watering, but shook her head and said she didn't want to eat.
Why don't you want to eat?
Xinli was very curious, even though she clearly looked like she wanted to eat it.
"Mom said I shouldn't take things from other people."
"Sister, you eat it yourself."
Xinli was surprised that the little girl was so sensible. She opened the box and handed her one.
"Try it."
Xiaohua looked at her mother expectantly.
Aunt Yang was initially hesitant to accept the gift, but after Xin Li said, "This stuff isn't worth much money, and it's a waste if it goes bad," she finally agreed.
Watching the little girl clutch the candy and savor it slowly as if it were some rare treasure, a hint of pity flashed in Xin Li's eyes.
Although this place is much better than the post-apocalyptic world, there is no zombie virus and no ruins.
The country is even developing and thriving.
But there are still too many impoverished places like islands.
With everything in ruins and needing to be rebuilt, people in every place can only ensure their own survival before they have the strength to develop upwards.
The people on the island are so simple and honest, and Xinli believes that good days are just around the corner.
But nobody knows what might happen during this time.
When Xinli thought of the typhoon that Sister Zhang had mentioned before, a layer of worry inevitably settled over her heart.
He Mingzhou is the garrison commander here, and it is his responsibility to protect the safety of the island.
After spending time with these people, Xinli gradually grew to like this simple and honest place.
She doesn't want the people here to live a life of displacement.
So she had to think of a way to help them.
Other things may require further planning, but food must be stockpiled first.
Xinli reorganized the list, confirmed the quantities, and went straight to the grain shop once the small boat was ashore.
"Xiao Hua, go with Sister Xin Li. If we get separated later, remember to take her to the dock and wait for me."
Little Flower obediently agreed.
Xinli thought this was good; children were easier to fool, and she wouldn't have to worry about people noticing when she put things into her space.
"Wait here for me, I'll come find you as soon as I've finished shopping."
Xinli bought Xiaohua a sugar figurine and asked her to wait at the door.
Xiao Hua exclaimed "Oh!" and looked at the things in her hands with curiosity. Seeing that her position was conspicuous, Xin Li was not worried about encountering anything, so she went to the back with the boss to discuss it.
Upon learning of a major client, the boss was overjoyed: "You really want this much? May I ask if you're trying to make a business deal or what?"
These days, it's not uncommon to see customers who spend so much; the boss wants to establish a long-term partnership with Xinli.
"I'm stockpiling goods."
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