The group entered the Songhua River Department Store, which was quite crowded. Jiahui was instantly stunned by the dazzling array of goods and the throng of people. Firstly, she hadn't expected so many people inside when the streets outside were relatively empty. Secondly, she had never been shopping in a department store before, so seeing so many items on the shelves at once left her momentarily speechless, though not without a touch of surprise. However, having grown up accustomed to good things, she quickly regained her composure.
Chen Lan, worried that her three sons would feel constrained and uncomfortable tagging along with the women in the department store, turned to the three of them. "You three go explore other counters in the store," she said. "See if there's anything that interests you. Remember to note down the prices."
The three boys were now young men, yet Chen Lan still treated them like children, subconsciously believing they hadn't grown up yet.
After watching the three boys head off to different counters, Chen Lan and Jiahui followed the four girls to the food counter. The round-faced girl enthusiastically pointed to the red sausages inside the display. "Auntie, this Qiulin Li Dao Si red sausage is the most famous in Harbin. Many visitors to Harbin buy it. It's quite impressive to give as a gift to friends or leaders."
The slender girl chimed in, "Auntie, Qiulin Company's large rye bread, Da Lieba, is also very famous in Harbin. Not only is it nutritious and filling, but it also keeps well. Its freshness lasts a long time. Taking this specialty item as a gift makes the gesture even more meaningful!"
Chen Lan chuckled at her words. "Indeed. While these aren't expensive, they are certainly substantial! I reckon one Da Lieba probably weighs about two jin, right? Carrying something this big all the way back home certainly makes the gift even more significant!"
As Chen Lan had no coupons, she could only do a superficial scan of the prices of various goods before planning to return to the guesthouse to wait for news.
Although Chen Lan felt that with Erzhuang taking the donation receipts to their administrative bureau, Xu Mingxuan should be fine, she was still uneasy without seeing him safe and sound. After all, Xu Mingxuan was still suffering. If his situation wasn't resolved quickly, he would continue to suffer, so Chen Lan's heart was still in a state of anxiety, feeling unsettled.
Jiahui, Jiayao, and her two younger brothers had been accustomed to modern conveniences since childhood, both in food and clothing. While Chen Lan didn't use the most expensive items for them, she always provided the best. Thus, after looking at the store's goods for a while, the children lost interest.
The four girls, however, were thoroughly enjoying their shopping. They were currently chattering excitedly by the fabric counter.
After Chen Lan and Jiahui greeted the four of them, they took their leave and departed the department store.
As the five family members exited the department store and walked down the street, Jiahui complained, "You need coupons for everything you buy. How are visitors supposed to manage when they come to Harbin?"
Chen Lan smiled and replied, "The country is implementing a planned economy. Factories produce less, and there are many who need these goods, so they are distributed by coupon."
Jiahe, who had been silent all along, suddenly spoke up. "I don't think this is good. The country should increase factory productivity and encourage more consumption. That way, the country will have more money for development."
Chen Lan was surprised by Jiahe's sharp economic insight and praised him, "You're right, son. For the country to become prosperous and strong, it must first start by improving people's living standards."
The five of them walked and talked, and soon arrived back at the guesthouse. When the attendant opened the door, they found that Erzhuang had not yet returned. Chen Lan couldn't help but feel worried.
Chen Lan instructed the three brothers to rest and conserve their energy in the room, as she planned to take them to the black market in the evening to broaden their horizons. She then lay down on the bed with Jiahui, closing her eyes to rest.
Lying on the bed, Jiahui whispered, "Mom, Uncle hasn't brought back any news about Dad yet. Has something happened to him too?"
Chen Lan patted her hand to comfort her. "Jiahui, don't let your imagination run wild and scare yourself. No news is good news. It means things are being resolved. If your father and uncle had really gotten into trouble, we five wouldn't be lying here sleeping; we would have been arrested long ago."
The mother and daughter chatted until they both drifted into a drowsy sleep. After some time, they heard knocking on the door, and then Erzhuang's voice. Chen Lan sat up with a jolt. Jiahui also woke up. Being young, she immediately sprang out of bed and ran to open the door, not even taking the time to put on her shoes.
When Jiahui opened the door, she saw Xu Mingxuan and Erzhuang standing there. Jiahui exclaimed with excitement, "Dad, you're okay! That's wonderful! Mom, it's Dad and Uncle!"
Chen Lan quickly got out of bed, put on her shoes, and walked over. She said, "Jiahui, don't make too much noise. Quickly, let your father and uncle come in. It's this late, they must be tired and hungry. They probably haven't eaten lunch yet, have they? Go to the next room and call Jiayao and your two brothers over to help. Then go to the hot water room and fetch some hot water for your father and uncle to wash up."
With that, she handed Jiahui a enamel basin and a towel. Jiahui took the basin and towel and left the room. Turning a corner, she knocked on the door of the adjacent room. In a short while, the three young men arrived. After excitedly greeting their father and uncle, they orderly began preparing self-heating rice and hot pot.
Taking advantage of this lull, Chen Lan asked Xu Mingxuan and Erzhuang to sit on the bed and rest, then asked, "What happened? Was the process not smooth?"
Xu Mingxuan shook his head and replied, "It wasn't that it wasn't smooth, but someone wanted to trouble me and couldn't find an excuse. They never expected that every donation from our two families would have clear receipts. They were hoping for a situation with no witnesses, but what they didn't anticipate was that the person who received the medicine I sold before liberation to raise funds for donations was a high-ranking official. After a few phone calls, they let me go, saying it was just a misunderstanding. They said every revolutionary cadre must undergo normal organizational review, and I shouldn't worry, as it was a test for me. They said I passed the test and asked me to stay and work in Harbin, without returning to Jiamusi. This is essentially a promotion."
Chen Lan smiled and said, "Brother Mingxuan, it seems you've turned misfortune into fortune! We should celebrate properly tomorrow."