Because Liu Dazhuang was also going, Li He asked Li Mei to make a few more pancakes and put five dollars in his pocket.


    Before daybreak, the two brothers got up quickly, fished out the bags of eels from the ditch, and put them on the cart.


    Liu Dazhuang didn''t even wait for the two brothers to call him. He simply came over himself.


    This saved them trouble. Otherwise, they would have had to go into the alley and shout, causing a lot of noise.


    When they arrived at the county town, they went to North Street first and unloaded a few bags.


    This place was similar to South Street.


    Li He said to them,


    "You stay here. Do you two remember the route? Whoever sells out first can go find the other one. If you get lost, just ask for directions. Do you know where to go?"


    They both nodded.


    "If you encounter any trouble, be patient and don''t lose your temper. This place is different from home. If someone tries to pick a fight, run away first. Don''t worry about anything else. Safety comes first."


    "We''re not stupid. If we run into a lot of people, what else can we do but run?" Da Zhuang said with a grin.


    "No matter how many people there are, you are not allowed to fight."


    "Got it. Take Da Zhuang to South Street quickly. Some people are already here to buy vegetables. I''ll go and prepare first. There''s more than 300 kilograms to sell."


    Li Long opened the bag and rolled it up so that customers could easily pick out the eels and loaches they wanted.


    When they arrived at South Street, they set up their stall in the same spot as yesterday and parked the cart at the edge of an open space in the distance.


    Although it was far away, it was still within sight, ensuring that no one would take it away.


    Just like yesterday, Li He ate two pancakes and drank some water.


    Then he took Liu Dazhuang to greet a few aunties who were buying vegetables before letting Dazhuang handle things on his own.


    With his arms folded behind him, Li He observed.


    Dazhuang was quite skillful, much better than him at handling customers.


    In just a short while, more than 50 kilograms of loaches and over 30 kilograms of eels were sold.


    It was a much better start than yesterday.


    After all, they had regular customers from the previous day.


    Besides, meat tickets were limited, whereas loaches and eels didn''t require them, making them a cheaper alternative.


    Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    Seeing that Dazhuang could manage things here, Li He felt reassured about going to the provincial capital.


    "Da Zhuang, I''m leaving now. I''m heading to the provincial capital. Once you meet up with Lao San, just go home directly. Don''t wait for me. I''ll return on my own."


    "Got it. Go and do your thing."


    Da Zhuang was thrilled.


    He had earned dozens of dollars in such a short time.


    Today was an eye-opener for him.


    Li He tucked a few newly exchanged food coupons into his pocket and hurried to the bus station.


    The bus station was small, with only two buses to the provincial capital every day.


    Li He arrived early, found a seat by the window, and was about to take a nap when the ticket seller approached.


    "Comrade, two cents."


    An older lady with a torn canvas bag collected the money, tore off a ticket, and handed it to Li He.


    After sitting in the bus for over an hour, he arrived at the bus stop.


    However, he couldn''t find the bus route he remembered on the sign.


    After all, it had been more than thirty years.


    Left with no choice, Li He asked a passerby,


    "Brother, can I ask how to get to the aquatic product wholesale market?"


    The man wasn''t surprised to see Li He, a country bumpkin in patched shoes and a worn-out shirt.


    He responded kindly,


    "You mean the Provincial Aquatic Products Supply and Marketing Company, right?"


    Li He suddenly realized—so that was the name!


    At present, everything was state-run, much like the supply and marketing cooperatives.


    These cooperatives bought dry goods from individuals, such as fur, bristles, herbs, and mushrooms.


    There was no private wholesale market at all.


    "Brother, yes, that''s the one. Can you tell me how to get there?"


    "Take Bus No. 3 from here. Go straight to Shouchun Road. It''s at the intersection of Shouchun Road and Fuyang Road."


    "Thank you so much, brother."


    Li He''s memory quickly clicked into place.


    Though the city had changed drastically in later years, the street names had mostly remained the same.


    The bus rumbled along with a large gas bag strapped to its back.


    It looked dangerous, filled with natural gas.


    Back then, the fare was one cent per stop.


    Fourteen stops would cost a total of 1.4 cents.


    The ground outside the Aquatic Products Supply and Marketing Company was wet from constant deliveries.


    Trucks from local suppliers came and went, transporting goods.


    Li He ignored the strong fishy smell in the air.


    After wandering around for a while, he finally spotted an office door.


    Just as he was about to enter, someone stopped him.


    "Hey, hey! I''m talking to you! What are you looking around for?"


    "Hello, comrade. I''m looking for someone. Is your manager here?"


    Li He turned his head to see an older man in gray standing in front of him.


    Not wanting to seem rude, Li He smiled, though he felt a bit awkward.


    The old man gave him a once-over, his eyes filled with disdain.


    Li He sighed inwardly.


    It was true—clothes made the man.


    His mended outfit was acceptable in the countryside, but here in the city, it marked him as an outsider.


    "You must be tired. Have a cigarette."


    Before coming, Li He had spent 70 cents at the supply and marketing cooperative to buy two packs of Hongtashan cigarettes.


    Although he didn''t smoke now, he had been a heavy smoker since he was twenty-five.


    The old man accepted the cigarette without hesitation.


    Lighting one up, he exhaled a smoke ring and said,


    "Young comrade, serve the people. What do you need to talk to our manager about?"


    Li He smiled.


    "We live by the Huai River. During the rainy season, the fields are full of eels and loaches, and they ruin the crops.


    To protect grain production, we actively eliminate these pests.


    However, eels and loaches are also nutritious.


    So, in the spirit of serving the people and improving material living standards, I wanted to ask if your company would purchase them?"


    The old man chuckled and pointed to a document pinned to the bulletin board.


    "Can you read? Take a look for yourself."


    Li He studied the document carefully.


    It detailed a speech by the provincial party secretary, emphasizing fishery''s importance in socialist agriculture.


    Fishery production needed to expand to balance the rural economy.


    Li He slapped his thigh in excitement.


    "Whether this works out or not, I owe you one!"