The three young men efficiently prepared the self-heating rice and hot pot, and they would be able to eat in fifteen minutes.
Jiahui had also fetched hot water. Er Zhuang, who was about to wash his face, was greatly surprised when Chen Lan mentioned the celebration the next day. He asked in astonishment, "Sister-in-law, did you get the money?"
Chen Lan shook her head and said with a smile, "Not yet, but a few of us just went out and found out where the black market is. It happens to be the weekend, and the black market is open. So, I'm planning to go to the black market tonight to exchange some money and ration coupons to tide us over. Otherwise, we'll have to sleep on the streets tomorrow night. Er Zhuang, am I right?"
Xu Mingxuan, who had just finished washing his face, heard Chen Lan's words. While wiping the water off his face with a towel, he asked in surprise, "Er Zhuang, do we have no money? Why haven't I heard you mention it?"
Er Zhuang wiped the sweat from his face and replied a little sheepishly, "Brother, I originally had over a hundred yuan left. But you know, something happened to Jiandang a while ago. I kept about ten yuan from our combined salaries as an emergency fund, and sent the rest of the money and coupons, along with the leftover hundred yuan, to Baozi and the others."
Xu Mingxuan just sighed after hearing this, then said in a low voice, "I wonder how Jiandang is doing now. Baozi's letter only said that Jiandang injured his leg while repairing the reservoir. I don't know how serious it is, or how his treatment is going. Fortunately, he was injured on duty and can receive treatment at a large hospital outside. Why don't we write and ask Baozi and the others to send Jiandang to Harbin for treatment? This is a big city, and the medical standards should be higher." Su Dan Novel Network
Er Zhuang nodded in agreement and said, "Leg injuries can't be taken lightly. If we don't find a good hospital for treatment soon, it's very likely to leave after-effects like Commander Zheng and Tiezi. When the weather changes, their legs will ache as if being pricked by needles. How painful would that be!"
Chen Lan immediately interjected, "Then what are you waiting for? Hurry up and send a telegram to have them send him over!"
Xu Mingxuan said, "Lan'er, don't rush. Things are not as simple as you think. It's useless to rush this matter. So many people coming here will incur significant expenses. My comrades' families are all quite poor; each of them earns money to support their entire family. Their elderly parents are not in good health and require medication year-round, so they don't have any spare money for this trip."
Chen Lan asked understandingly, "Brother Mingxuan, you want to wait until you and Er Zhuang get your salaries next month before asking them to come, right?"
Seeing Xu Mingxuan remain silent, Chen Lan continued, "Brother Mingxuan, the money problem is really easy to solve. Have you considered that by the time you get your salary, it might be too late? Perhaps by then, Jiandang's leg bone will have healed crookedly. Then he'll have to live with a limp for the rest of his life."
Xu Mingxuan hesitated for a moment when he heard Chen Lan's words, but for Jiandang's leg, he decided to go for it. He signaled to Jiayao, who was standing beside him. Jiayao immediately understood, pulled Jiahe with him, opened the door, looked around, and then walked out with Jiahe, closing the door behind them. The two brothers then stood at the doorway and chatted quietly.
Seeing his two sons go out to keep watch, Xu Mingxuan lowered his voice and asked with some urgency, "Lan'er, you really have a way to get money? You're not thinking of selling gold, are you? You mustn't take risks. It's a sensitive time now, and the authorities are cracking down severely. If you're caught, we'll be in serious trouble."
Chen Lan replied with a smile and in a low voice, "Brother Mingxuan, where are you going with this? How could I sell gold? I'm even thinking of collecting gold and antiques in the black market!"
Xu Mingxuan asked curiously in a low voice, "Lan'er, you're not selling gold? Then do you have a way to get money very quickly?"
Chen Lan said proudly in a low voice, "A wise man has his own plans. You all have to follow my command tonight."
So, Xu Mingxuan and Er Zhuang discussed the evening's plan of action with Chen Lan while eating. Xu Mingxuan and Er Zhuang would return to their old trade, taking Xing and Jiahe to scout and keep watch. Jiayao, with his secret weapon, would be responsible for negotiating with the black market people. Chen Lan and her daughter Jiahui, being more capable in combat, would be responsible for protecting Jiayao's safety and handling the exchange of goods.
After discussing some details about the exchange, possible contingencies, and corresponding countermeasures, they went to find a hotel attendant to book another room.
Because this room was very important and crucial for their smooth departure tonight, Chen Lan personally went to find the hotel attendant who had shown them the way earlier.
The attendant seemed a bit puzzled when Chen Lan said she needed another room. Chen Lan explained, "My revolutionary partner has also come to Harbin on a business trip, so my husband and I want to book a room for just the two of us."
The attendant did not make things difficult for Chen Lan but asked, "Sister, do you have your marriage certificate with you?"
Chen Lan was taken aback; she really hadn't prepared it. She laughed awkwardly and said, "You know, I didn't expect my husband to come to Harbin on a business trip, so I really didn't bring my marriage certificate."
The attendant immediately became serious and said, "Comrade, our hotel has regulations. Without a marriage certificate, even if you are a real couple, you cannot share a room."
Chen Lan immediately replied, "We will abide by the hotel's rules and will not share a room. Absolutely not. Um, Comrade, could you do me a favor? I'm allergic to my nose and have rhinitis. I can't stay in a damp room; I sneeze a lot. Could you trouble yourself to arrange another room with a back window that gets sunlight? Such a room is more ventilated."
After speaking, she handed the red silk scarf in her hand to the attendant.
The attendant had already taken a liking to the bright red silk scarf Chen Lan was holding. Its color was fiery red and truly vibrant, much more vivid than the silk scarves sold in stores. So, upon seeing Chen Lan offer her the scarf, she unhesitatingly reached out, took it, and tucked it into her pocket.
Since she had accepted the gift, the rest of the matter was naturally resolved very easily. The attendant, having accepted Chen Lan's silk scarf, was naturally very accommodating. She opened several rooms with back windows for Chen Lan to choose from. Chen Lan selected a room with a window facing the road and thanked the attendant profusely.