"Xiao Lei, now that you’ve been admitted to university, you’re an adult." "Tell me, what gift do you want?" Getting into university is a big deal, Zhang Yu felt a significant gift was necessary. What gift? Zhao Lei had truly never considered it, "I think things are pretty good right now." "Of course, buying a watch requires a watch coupon, so let’s buy a second-hand one." Right now, it’s uncertain if the second-hand goods store has watches. Newest update provided by novèlfire.net She had visited before and saw a JSD watch priced at over 200, which amazed her, even though she didn’t know how much this watch would cost in the future. But forty years later, wearing this on the wrist, it’s definitely worth money. Without thinking, Zhang Yu bought it, fortunately, she still had money. "Really buying me a watch?" Zhao Lei was surprised. "Of course, with a watch, you can manage your time better during class." University students have to live on campus. Having a watch helps in grasping time better, "When you return home on Saturday evenings, you’ll also manage your time better." Capital University is a bit far from home, biking takes about 40 minutes. Zhao Hong looked towards Zhao Lei enviously, Zhang Yu noticed the little girl’s envious eyes, "When you get into university, mom will buy you one too." Actually, Zhang Yu didn’t want to say that she’d buy a watch when she gets into university because realistically, the little girl might not receive such a reward. But Zhao Lei earned this reward for getting into university, it wouldn’t make sense to change the reward for the little girl. "Okay." Zhao Hong didn’t know what Zhang Yu was struggling with internally, just knew she was now more motivated to get into university. Zhang Yu, carrying two kids, rushed to the second-hand goods store with money, indulging in a wild shopping spree. While dreaming of making big money here is wishful thinking, one can still find several good items that don’t require coupons. Like watches, wool blankets, and thick carpets—though troublesome to handle, they caught Zhao Hong’s eye. Zhang Yu felt the wool carpet, it was hand-made, which delighted her. Thinking of bringing it home, she wondered if she could unravel it into yarn, clean it thoroughly then use high-temperature drying a few times to turn it into a sweater. Yarn is good stuff, but sadly it also requires coupons to purchase. Zhang Yu managed to get some flawed yarn through a barter system after meeting someone working at the department store, yet it wasn’t nearly enough. Zhao Lei looked puzzled at Zhang Yu, who was excitedly buying several carpets as if finding treasure, trying to discourage her but decided against it, rare to see her so happy. Thus, neighbors in the community were puzzled seeing Zhang Yu bringing back several carpets, not understanding why she’d buy them. Even though going barefoot on their attic would be cleaner, buying so many wasn’t necessary. Everyone thought Zhang Yu was wasteful, "These are hand-woven wool carpets." "If disassembled, they become yarn, just need a good wash." She regretted saying this since cleaning and drying happen in the community, and wasn’t keen on mentioning it. Upon hearing Zhang Yu, everyone widened their eyes and felt the rugs, "It is pure wool." "And the color is pretty bright." People immediately stopped complaining that Zhang Yu wasn’t living wisely and praised her for knowing how to live. Zhang Yu felt proud, see, she knew once everyone found out, they’d definitely say she’s amazing. Upon knowing which second-hand goods store, wealthier neighbors didn’t want to miss out. "It’s a bit far from the courtyard." Not only is it a bit far from the courtyard, but also from the waste station. "I heard from a colleague that watches there are newer." Zhang Yu explained why she went there. "You bought a watch for Xiao Lei?" Everyone was amazed, looking at Zhao Lei with jealous eyes. Zhang Yu nodded, "I didn’t have watch coupons, couldn’t buy new ones, but for school, he needs something for timekeeping, so I thought of buying a second-hand one." Upon thinking, everyone agreed; during that era, purchasing big-ticket items wasn’t about money but rather getting coupons was the issue. They stopped concerning themselves with wool carpets, instead focused on Zhao Lei’s wristwatch. Everyone kept expressing admiration, "Nice watch." Though a second-hand watch, many didn’t even have one themselves. Realizing that no coupons were needed, they asked for the price, and upon knowing it, everyone was shocked. "It’s not much cheaper than department store prices." Once everyone learned the price, they initially thought of checking if it’s cheaper to buy a watch and changed their minds. People again felt Zhang Yu was foolish, given how much new watches cost, even she didn’t realize buying a new one was better. Zhang Yu felt helpless, "Of course I know new watches are cheaper, but I don’t have coupons; if I did, I’d want to buy a new one too." "Since I can’t get a watch coupon, including its value..." Zhang Yu let them calculate themselves. "I’d rather get a second-hand one, at least it’s safer than taking risks." Since Zhao Lin’s incident was exposed, the black market is feared by everyone. No mention of it, let alone daring to visit, fearing the repercussions if caught. And most importantly, during the last operation, several major black markets were dismantled, many of their leaders apprehended. Whether they’re thoroughly cleaned up is unknown, Zhang Yu dared not ask, for now at least the black market is timid, fearing further troubles. Thinking about it, everyone agreed, "Getting coupons now is indeed challenging." "Considering this, the watch isn’t bad." With transaction records, even if someone begrudged and reported, proof was readily available. "Go take a look." Residents of the courtyard, disregarding status, found obtaining these coupons unlikely, mostly the leadership living in buildings get them. "By the way, leaving, grab a wool carpet, not many left." Zhang Yu added. Good items are rare, many find them, yet she’s genuinely kind, willing to share discoveries. Upon hearing this, none lingered to discuss further, quickly departed. The bustling courtyard, now scarcely populated. Zhang Yu happily pushed items home, from now none will discuss her excessive shopping, only busy washing yarn. Once home, Zhang Yu gently opened her hearty acquisitions and carefully took out some paintings. She hadn’t expected to find notable modern paintings in the second-hand goods store, not affordable now, but worth at least several hundred W in the future.