Chapter 198: Beating the Old Folks
Once they entered the department store, Ning Xiyue’s eyes were wide with amazement. It felt like stepping back into the modern era to shop at a classic department store.
The clothing here was stylish, truly at the forefront of fashion for this era. A black wool coat on display could still be worn today without looking outdated, perfectly matching the retro style popular when she had traveled through time.
The modified Zhongshan suit resembled the contemporary small blazers that were fashionable now.
The little leather shoes at the nearby counter were practically identical to modern “big head shoes.”
Fashion really is a circle—it comes back around, and classics never go out of style.
Besides trendy clothes, the store also had all sorts of electronics. Radios, for instance, were neatly arranged by brand and specification in rows.
No wonder her signed-in items included so many electronics; there were just so many options.
Many large manufacturers of mechanical devices were nearby, which meant that the department store was well-stocked and supplies were abundant. It allowed them to see dozens of radios lined up at once, which thrilled the mechanically inclined Ning Qingyuan.
He couldn’t move his feet once he reached the radio counter, his eyes practically glued to the displays.
“Wow! Sis, look at all these radios—Haiyan brand, Swan brand, S City brand, Panda brand—all the latest models! We should get one to take home to listen to the news and stories. Just thinking about it makes me happy.”
“You will. I’ll get one for you later,” Ning Xiyue promised generously.
Her brother’s birthday was just a few days away—a perfect opportunity.
The radio she had signed in was exactly a Haiyan brand. By then, she could give it to her brother as a gift—no excuses needed.
Ning Qingyuan, thinking his sister was merely reassuring him, smiled broadly and replied, “My sister is so thoughtful! I thank you in advance.”
After leaving the radio counter, the three continued shopping, eagerly buying items.
“Ah! Quick, over here! A new batch of defective sweaters just arrived. Let’s rush before they’re gone. No ticket, but cheap—move fast, don’t hesitate!”
Ning Xiyue, who was just looking at shoes, heard the excited shout and quickly put them down, running with the crowd.
“Brother, Comrade Ji, keep up! Let’s grab the discounted defective sweaters.”
People who received the news ran from all directions at lightning speed. Many waved their hands in excitement, heading to the same spot. If one didn’t know better, they might think it was a marathon’s final sprint.
Ning Xiyue and her companions ran even faster, blending into the crowd.
With the protection and guidance of her two male companions, Ning Xiyue successfully overtook many skilled elderly shoppers, reaching the front of the defective sweater counter amid envious gazes to select her items.
She felt a sense of satisfaction receiving the envious and jealous looks from the older shoppers. Finally, she could defeat the “grandpas and grandmas”—a revenge of sorts for always being pushed out of discounted goods in her past life.
How satisfying!
Ning Xiyue began selecting quickly.
The sweaters were all authentic cashmere. This batch wasn’t small; the issues weren’t huge but noticeable: some had large machine oil stains, some had asymmetrical cuts, and some had loose threads.
She deliberately chose the ones with oil stains. Aside from the stains, these sweaters were perfect—quality guaranteed.
Oil might be a problem for others, but not for Ning Xiyue. She had formulated a solution to remove the oil entirely.
A quick wash later, and the sweater would be as good as new—a cost-effective way to get premium items.
Such opportunities were rare. Ning Xiyue unapologetically selected six sweaters, having the clerk wrap them in her cloth bag. She paid and squeezed through the crowded store.
The elderly woman next to her was even more ruthless, picking ten at once. She only stopped after Ning Xiyue had checked out and left.
Ning Xiyue didn’t care about others. Entering was hard, leaving was no easier. She squeezed out of the crowd, half-bent, letting out a big breath. “Phew, it’s so crowded. No wonder everyone falls for defective items.”
“Yeah, it’s crazy. First time I’ve ever squeezed with so many people for clothes,” Ning Qingyuan said, tidying his messy hair and smoothing the wrinkles from his clothes, smiling happily.
Only Comrade Ji’s careful protection kept her hair and clothes perfect—like she hadn’t even participated. Admirable.
“It’s my first time in such a lively scene too. Luckily, Xiyue got her sweaters. Did you find any you really like?”
Ji Yanming’s bright smile reflected his happiness. He had never experienced anything like this—it was delightful.
The three laughed heartily.
At that moment, a clerk standing above the crowd shouted, “Defective items are gone! Those still outside, disperse! Come back next time.”
“What? They’re gone already? I didn’t get any!”
“Next time, I’ll run faster and push harder.”
The crowd groaned, some in regret, some in determination.
Ning Xiyue quietly pulled her bag in front of her to avoid drawing attention. She whispered to the two, “Let’s go somewhere else to talk.”
They moved to a quieter corner. Ning Xiyue proudly shook the bag, opening it to show the others.
“Ta-da! I got six sweaters. Quality, style, and color are all good. Just some oil, but that’s no problem for me.”
“Awesome, sis! You grabbed six great sweaters with so many people here.”
Ning Qingyuan gave her a double thumbs-up, having seen many people fail to get anything.
Ji Yanming nodded with a smile.
“Haha, this was a team effort. Without you two clearing the way, I’d never have made it in. Here, pick whichever you like. Comrade Ji, come pick too.”
Ning Xiyue laid five sweaters over her arm.
One for each family member.
The extra one was a gift to thank Comrade Ji for his help in recent days.
“And mine?”
“Of course. You’re our biggest contributor. I’ve noted your help these past days. Here, I picked this gray sweater—it’ll look great on you.”
Fearing refusal, Ning Xiyue selected the sweater herself and handed it to him.
“Alright, I’ll take this one. Thanks.”
Ji Yanming’s previously cold and stern expression vanished, replaced by an unrestrained smile. He held the sweater, examining it with delight.
