The couple hung the two large baskets they carried on the back seat of the motorcycle, one on each side, with a pole. Then, they rode the motorcycle to the "Bazashier" - the market in Pogranichny town. Today, many people were visiting the market, and almost every stall had one or two people gathered around. The couple's arrival also drew everyone's attention, or more precisely, their motorcycle did.
Seeing the envious glances from the people around, who were exclaiming in surprise, "Ural, Ural."
Chen Lan's mind suddenly recalled what "Ural" meant. It was the name of a sidecar motorcycle from the Soviet Union, commonly known as "Da Kuazi." This was a classic red vehicle from the Soviet era that had gained considerable fame since its inception.
The Ural motorcycle was characterized by its sturdy construction, antique appearance, ease of maintenance, and exceptional durability, making it particularly suitable for use on uneven rural roads. It was originally a special military motorcycle used by the Soviet army on the battlefield.
This type of motorcycle was very popular among "Kua Zi" enthusiasts in modern times. More importantly, it bore witness to the unforgettable historical period of the Great Patriotic War, carrying the glorious achievements of the Red Army in defeating the fascist forces, thus earning the deep affection of Soviet people.
Furthermore, the "Ural" motorcycle was a purely Soviet brand, initially developed and produced exclusively for the Soviet military. After the victory in the Great Patriotic War, it transitioned from being a military-only vehicle to both military and civilian use. It was also the only automotive product exported from the Soviet Union to M country during that period, once sparking a buying frenzy for Ural motorcycles in M country.
This motorcycle had a period of immense popularity in Chen Lan's previous life, with many young people finding it incredibly cool and stylish to ride. Chen Lan, out of curiosity, had looked up some information about the "Ural" motorcycle. The information stated that since its production, the appearance of this motorcycle brand had not undergone significant changes until modern times. It was precisely this retro aesthetic that attracted many customers who appreciated that style. It was rumored that even Hollywood stars like Brad Pitt had bought a Ural motorcycle, indicating its high level of popularity.
Chen Lan never expected that she would inadvertently be so fashionable. She had unwittingly acquired a "Ural" motorcycle that others dreamed of. It truly lived up to the saying, "A willow grows unintentionally."
It was no wonder that Xu Mingxuan was so excited when he saw this motorcycle! It seemed he also liked this style of motorcycle.
With the "Ural" motorcycle acting as a calling card, the people at the market were particularly friendly to the couple. It became much easier for the couple to exchange goods with the stall owners. They bought up all the fish from every stall selling fish. The fish vendors were all very happy, and it seemed they were very satisfied with the goods the couple had exchanged with them. They were all chattering, "I didn't expect the fish to be so popular today; I should have brought more if I had known."
After exchanging for the fish at the market, the couple did not linger and continued deeper into the market. Chen Lan wanted to exchange for more sausages to take back to the valley. After all, she had traveled abroad to their big brother Soviet Union, so she should at least bring back some authentic Soviet specialties for the children, her mother-in-law, and her mother to taste.
It was unclear if it was because Chen Lan was too eager to get the sausages or if it was due to luck as Xu Mingxuan had said, but as the couple was exchanging goods at a stall selling bread, they encountered a middle-aged man, slightly overweight and around thirty years old, who very proactively and warmly greeted them.
Xu Mingxuan politely shook hands with the middle-aged man, and Chen Lan nodded in greeting. Xu Mingxuan enthusiastically chatted with him in their native tongue. They talked for quite some time.
Xu Mingxuan then turned to Chen Lan and pulled her aside, quietly translating for her. After hearing Xu Mingxuan's translation, Chen Lan learned that this middle-aged man was a purchasing agent from the cooperative store in Pogranichny town.
He had noticed the couple from the moment he saw them exchanging goods with the stall owners. Because the goods the couple exchanged were of such good quality and at such low prices, he wanted to exchange some goods with Chen Lan and Xu Mingxuan for sale in the cooperative.
Upon hearing Xu Mingxuan's words, Chen Lan immediately beamed with joy. She never expected such good fortune, truly fulfilling the saying, "Searched high and low without success, only to find it when least expected." Good luck truly came in waves.
She immediately smiled and whispered a suggestion, "Brother Mingxuan, let's exchange for all kinds of sausages and grains." Xu Mingxuan nodded without saying anything further and turned back to chat with the purchasing agent again.
They quickly agreed on the exchange terms. After finishing his discussion with Xu Mingxuan, the middle-aged purchasing agent left in a hurry.
Xu Mingxuan and Chen Lan also packed up the frozen goods they had exchanged and left Pogranichny town on their motorcycle.
Long after the motorcycle had left Pogranichny town, Xu Mingxuan spoke to Chen Lan, saying, "Lan'er, I've already finalized the goods to be exchanged with the purchasing agent and agreed that this afternoon at two o'clock, we will bring the goods he needs directly to the town's cooperative and exchange them with him there. He's going back to prepare the stock now, and we also need to find a hidden place to prepare ourselves."
Chen Lan asked with some concern, "Brother Mingxuan, why is he so easy to talk to? Are there any problems?"
Xu Mingxuan chuckled and replied, "Lan'er, I didn't expect you to be so vigilant! I also asked about this. The purchasing agent said that their cooperative has opportunities for raises and promotions at the end of every year. He's been looking around the market for good quality items at low prices. He happened to meet us at the market exchanging goods, and he saw that all our items were very good. So, this year he wants to seize this opportunity well, create good results during the year-end evaluation, and get this raise and promotion."
Chen Lan never expected the outcome to be like this. She could only say that the purchasing agent was indeed very lucky to have chanced upon her and Xu Mingxuan coming to town for supplies.