A few people saw that Chen Lan really didn't have any good suggestions, so they stopped insisting that she offer something. Since the items had already been selected, Xu Mingxuan quickly paid the bill. They were just waiting for the salesperson to pack everything before putting it directly into the backpack. It was at this point that Xu Mingxuan remembered the backpack was already full.
So Xu Mingxuan turned back to Chen Lan for help. Chen Lan immediately understood and took out a large canvas bag, like the ones used for quilts in her past life, from her thick cotton coat pocket, which was actually from the system's warehouse. She casually handed it to Xiang Xi, who was standing next to her. Xu Mingxuan and Xiang Xi carefully placed all the pewterware products the salesperson had packed into the canvas bag. Then, with Xiang Xi carrying the bag, Xu Mingxuan, shouldering the heavy backpack, held Chen Lan's hand and quickly walked out of the exhibition hall, heading back. Xiang Xi and Andre also followed closely out of the hall.
Chen Lan was very confused. She quickened her pace to catch up, creating some distance between herself and Xiang Xi and Andre, and then asked in a low voice, "Mingxuan Ge, aren't we shopping anymore? Are we going back now?"
Xu Mingxuan held Chen Lan's hand, walking back quickly, and nodded in agreement. Chen Lan quietly asked again, "We're going back so early? Why not shop for a while longer? Have we run out of money?"
Xu Mingxuan still nodded and explained in a low voice, "Lan'er, we don't have much of the rubles we exchanged left, but don't worry, it's more than enough to stay in the hotel!"
Chen Lan persistently continued to ask, "Then why are we rushing back? I still want to look around the flea market some more."
Xu Mingxuan patiently explained in a low voice, "Lan'er, haven't you noticed that there are more and more people in the flea market now? We bought quite a lot today. I'm worried we might attract attention. If we do, it'll be troublesome. So, we can't come to the flea market for a few days. We have to wait until later to come back and browse."
Chen Lan felt Xu Mingxuan's words made a lot of sense. Precaution is better than cure. It's not easy to be out, and safety is the most important thing.
The group soon reached the entrance of the hotel. As they were about to go in, Andre stopped, looking like he didn't intend to enter. Xu Mingxuan looked at him with surprise. Andre then spoke to explain, "Nikolai, I think it's still early. I want to go to the state-run department store here to have a look. Do you still have any goods in the car? If you do, give me some samples, and I'll go to the state-run department store here to ask if they want our goods. If they do, we can deliver them this afternoon."
Xu Mingxuan quickly asked, "Andre, we brought a lot of goods knowing we were coming here. Do we still have a lot of cargo? Do you really not need us to go with you?"
Andre shook his head and explained, "I'm not too familiar with the buyers at the department store here; we're only acquaintances. Nikolai, it would be better if you didn't go! Most of the goods in the department store are state-allocated, and the prices are basically fixed! Buyers purchase fewer goods themselves. However, Christmas and New Year are approaching, so their purchasing tasks are heavy. I'm going this time using the excuse that I've over-purchased to transfer some goods to them. We can also exchange goods. I believe they'll agree to accept them after seeing our goods! Nikolai, but they are very resistant to outsiders, so Nikolai, you cannot go with me. I'm afraid if you go, they'll take the opportunity to lower the price of our goods!"
As Andre spoke, he suddenly stopped, paused, and then asked again, "Nikolai, is exchanging for supplies also acceptable? Can you exchange for grain, sausages, and canned meat?"
Xu Mingxuan nodded and replied, "Yes, exchanging for supplies is fine, as long as it's food. Andre, my friend, thank you. I'll have to trouble you then."
Andre waved his hand carelessly and said, "Nikolai, what are you thanking me for? What trouble? Am I not also doing this for a larger share for myself? Alright, let's hurry and get the items! It's almost Christmas and New Year, and if we go late, I'm worried they'll all be out purchasing."
Chen Lan heard Andre's words and thought, "Right! How could I forget? January 7th is Russian Orthodox Christmas, and January 14th is Russian Old New Year. Starting from the beginning of January, for two weeks, it's a time of revelry for Russians! Russia has a good tradition of exchanging gifts between friends and relatives during Christmas and New Year! Most importantly, it is said that during Christmas and New Year, Russian families will set up Christmas trees and are particularly fond of them, usually keeping them for a long time."
Thinking of this, Chen Lan immediately helped Xu Mingxuan open the canvas cover of the truck and climbed into the back. While Xu Mingxuan was organizing the sample goods for Andre, she quickly ordered three models of old-fashioned Russian Christmas trees from the system, along with many Christmas decorations. These items had been accumulating in the factory warehouse for many years. Their quality was completely fine, but they were outdated, so no one wanted them even for scrap. Now that Chen Lan agreed to take them all, the manufacturer was naturally very happy. They only charged a symbolic amount of money before packing and shipping everything to Chen Lan. Chen Lan also selected some good-quality scarves and silk scarves from the system warehouse, as well as plush toys and glittering small accessories in various styles.
It is said that silk scarves are ranked first in gift-giving in Russia. Whether for young girls or older ladies, giving a silk scarf is always a good choice. The wide variety of colorful silk scarves is not only a preferred choice for warmth but also adds a unique charm to Russia.
Andre took the samples handed over by Xu Mingxuan and was surprised to find Christmas trees and decorations among them. He asked, "Nikolai, why didn't you mention you brought Christmas trees and decorations earlier? These items are always in short supply every year! Normally, Christmas goods are quickly snapped up once they arrive at the department store."
Xu Mingxuan replied with feigned embarrassment, "Andre, there were too many varieties of goods brought this time. I was afraid of damaging these items, so I put them in a corner. Then, over time, I forgot about them."
Chen Lan also came over to help Xu Mingxuan with the delivery. Xiang Xi and Andre started loading them onto his car. The group cooperated well, and soon everything was ready.