After Xu Mingxuan confirmed with Chen Lan, he didn't hesitate. Turning back, he started chatting with the Russian old lady in Russian again. When the Russian old lady heard from Xu Mingxuan that he wanted to buy all the stones on her stall, her expression was one of great surprise and confusion. After repeatedly confirming with Xu Mingxuan in Russian that there was no mistake, she became very happy.
Despite this, the Russian old lady did not try to rip them off. She just chattered away with Xu Mingxuan. Xu Mingxuan explained, "Lan'er, the auntie said she has many more stones like these at home. She's too old to move them all, so she only brought some smaller ones this time. If we like these stones, she'll bring more next time at the border market for us to exchange."
Chen Lan naturally nodded in agreement. Where could she find such a good deal? Of course, she wouldn't refuse.
In the end, besides asking for twenty jin of sugar and twenty jin of salt, the Russian old lady exchanged for one long padded coat identical to Xu Mingxuan's for her old man and one for each of her five sons. She also exchanged for a pair of warm snow boots for each of her five sons, a floral scarf and a pair of cotton gloves for each of her five daughters-in-law. Her grandsons received toy tractor models, and her granddaughters received shiny hair clips, beautiful imitation hair flowers, and plush dolls. She didn't ask for anything for herself.
Chen Lan thought to herself that this Russian old lady was indeed a kind person and seemed to dote on her granddaughters very much.
After the deal was settled, Xu Mingxuan stayed at the stall to pack the stones. Chen Lan, holding the "Cu Liushi" she had been clutching, put it into her pocket, which was actually her system warehouse, for better safety.
Then, carrying two large backpacks, she and the Russian old lady went to a secluded spot where no one was around. She took out the items the old lady wanted to exchange from her and Xu Mingxuan's two super large backpacks, showed them to the old lady for inspection, and then gave her an additional pair of snow boots, a pair of cotton gloves, and a dark brown padded hat. She also gave the old lady two large backpacks to carry her new items.
The Russian old lady was beaming with joy after receiving all the items. She thanked them profusely in Russian, but Chen Lan understood none of it.
Thus, everyone got what they needed and was completely satisfied. Watching the Russian old lady walk away with two large bags of exchanged goods, Chen Lan, with her own super large backpack on her back, turned to find Xu Mingxuan, who was responsible for packing the stones. When she reached the stall, Xu Mingxuan had already packed all the stones into a snakeskin bag and was waiting for Chen Lan.
Chen Lan, relying on her strength, bent down, picked up the not-so-light bag of stones, and slung it over her shoulder. In that instant, she instantly moved the stones in the bag into her system warehouse. Then she asked, "Mingxuan ge, should we look around more, or go back now?"
Xu Mingxuan said without thinking, "Lan'er, the stones are too heavy. If you want to keep looking around, we can leave the stones on the ox cart and then continue browsing."
Chen Lan immediately said, "Mingxuan ge, it's fine. Father-in-law has already helped us store the stones. If you don't believe me, try lifting the bag?" With that, she handed the empty bag to Xu Mingxuan.
Xu Mingxuan took the empty bag Chen Lan handed him, his face full of disbelief. He had personally packed those stones into the bag one by one! And he had watched Lan'er put the bag on her shoulder right in front of him. How could a bag of stones just disappear in such a short time?
Xu Mingxuan was completely bewildered. He was a typical materialist and didn't believe in ghosts or gods, but how could he explain this situation?
Chen Lan ignored his disbelief. Besides, there was no way to explain this, so it was better not to.
Without paying attention to Xu Mingxuan's distress, she took his hand and led him to a stall in the far corner where no one was visiting. The stall owner was an old lady with a weather-beaten face. She was selling black fungus, porcini mushrooms, and oyster mushrooms she had picked from the mountains. Everything was neatly cleaned and arranged.
Chen Lan asked, "Auntie, what would you like to exchange for these mushrooms?"
The old lady said shyly, "Daughter, to be honest, I know these things aren't worth much. But there's nothing I can do. It's been a drought this year, and the crops are poor. The adults can eat wild grass to get by, but my grandson is too young to eat it. He's crying from hunger and doesn't even have the strength to cry anymore. I want to exchange for some grain to feed my grandson."
Hearing the old lady's words, Chen Lan's nose instantly felt sore. She sighed and replied softly, "Auntie, it hasn't rained much this year. It's really not easy for you to find these things. It shows you have good luck. We'll take all your fungus and mushrooms. I'll get you the grain for exchange right away."
With that, she took out a large bag of cornmeal and a large bag of sweet potatoes from her backpack and said softly, "These things are a bit heavy. We're worried about you walking back with them. Auntie, where do you live? We have an ox cart and can give you a ride back."
When the old lady saw the two large bags full of items, although she hadn't seen what was inside, she knew from her experience that these two large bags definitely contained grain. She waved her hands and refused, "Daughter, my things are all picked from the mountains and are not worth much. The grain you're giving me is too much. Just give me a jin or two of grain, and it can be enough to cook gruel for my grandson for a few meals."
The old lady's words made Chen Lan's nose start to feel sore again. What a good old lady! So pure and kind. Even when her own family was struggling, she didn't want to take advantage of anyone.
Chen Lan ignored the old lady's refusal and said, "Auntie, don't refuse anymore. Think about your grandson. If a child is starved, they won't grow up well."
Hearing Chen Lan's words, the old lady stopped refusing and just kept wiping her tears, whispering, "Good person! Daughter, you are truly a good person!"
Chen Lan quickly comforted her softly, "Auntie, don't be like this. There are too many people here, and it's not good if others see it!"
Hearing this, the old lady immediately wiped her tears with her sleeve and began to pack up efficiently. Xu Mingxuan, who had been silent beside them, squatted down and helped the old lady pack. Chen Lan also quickly put the two large bags into her backpack.
After everything was packed, Chen Lan lost the mood to continue shopping. She and Xu Mingxuan helped the old lady walk towards where the ox cart was parked.