Traveling through time with spatial abilities, the scientific research genius is a little sweet.

Chapter 8 Xiangyang Textile Factory

Su Nuannuan added three drops of spiritual spring water to her water tank.

The family members are severely malnourished, and Su Nuannuan is worried that her parents, who are already old, will not survive the remaining year, as they still have to work in the fields.

The spiritual spring water can quickly replenish the body's energy. She will then try to find some food for her family to help them recover.

In the afternoon, Su Nuannuan didn't go out. There was a lot of land in the space, and Su Nuannuan wanted to plant crops on it all. Su Nuannuan discovered that the space was controlled by her will; whatever she desired, everything in the space was at her disposal, although it did consume some of her mental energy. However, the spiritual spring water could replenish her mental energy.

Without needing to lift a finger, Su Nuannuan had a single thought. The once flat land began to soften. After tilling about an acre, Su Nuannuan felt a sharp, stabbing pain in her head.

Knowing this was a sign of depleted spiritual energy, Su Nuannuan drank a cup of spiritual spring water. She felt a warm current flow through her body, and her spirit began to recover. Su Nuannuan found wheat seeds in the warehouse on the first floor, soaked them in the spiritual spring water for half an hour, and began to sow them.

Su Nuannuan planted wheat entirely on the one acre of land she had cultivated. She hadn't experimented with how much the spiritual spring water affected plant growth, but it was definitely more effective than the mountain spring water from outside.

Su Nuannuan was surprised to find that after planting the wheat, she could feel her mental strength had increased significantly, and her mind had become clearer, allowing her to think about problems faster. Thinking back to some fantasy novels she had read, Su Nuannuan guessed that frequently using her mental strength might have contributed to its growth.

Afterwards, Su Nuannuan planted an acre of sweet potatoes and an acre of corn. This confirmed her suspicion that continuously using her mental energy could indeed strengthen it.

As dusk fell, the villagers began to return home to cook. Today, the Su family returned even earlier.

As soon as he entered, Su Erqiang started shouting at the top of his lungs.

"Mom, I want to eat braised rabbit."

Su's father stepped forward and punched Su Erqiang hard on the back, saying irritably.

"What are you yelling about? Do you want the whole village to know we're having meat? Honey, the kids have worked so hard these past few days, let's roast half a rabbit tonight."

Su Erqiang was hit by his father and immediately became obedient.

Upon hearing the second half of their father's sentence, all four children of the Su family looked at their mother, their eyes gleaming with longing. Even Su Nuannuan, who had grown accustomed to lavish meals in her previous life, couldn't help but feel a surge of joy. Although she wasn't particularly materialistic, what child from a normal family would endure hardship without facing it?

Seeing that all four children wanted to eat meat, Su's mother gritted her teeth and agreed to Su's father's request. Su's mother went to cook, while Su's father, along with his three older brothers, prepared the pheasant and rabbit.

Seeing that she was the only one with nothing to do, Su Nuannuan went into the kitchen.

"Mom, let me help you start the fire."

Su's mother was already sitting behind the stove, but she swallowed back the words of refusal that were on the tip of her tongue. After spending the past two days together, Su's mother felt that her daughter's mind had truly cleared up. She turned around and, where Su Nuannuan couldn't see, wiped the corner of her eye with her sleeve.

In her past life, Su Nuannuan often helped her grandmother cook. Therefore, she was very familiar with this kind of rural stove. In no time, she had the fire going.

Father Su also brought over half a rabbit that had been prepared. The rabbit meat was very fresh, and Mother Su first marinated it with spices. Since it was a rare treat to eat meat, Mother Su scooped a large spoonful of lard into the pot, sautéed scallions, ginger, and garlic until fragrant, and then poured the rabbit meat into the pot. Instantly, the aroma of meat mixed with the fragrance of scallions wafted out of the kitchen.

The three Su brothers couldn't stop drooling as they smelled the delicious aroma in the air. Su Erqiang even pressed his face against the kitchen window, watching his mother cook.

Those outside the kitchen were already dazzled by the aroma, let alone Su Nuannuan, who was right in front of the pot. The rich meaty smell kept tempting her, and she noticed that Su Nuannuan's eyes were fixed on the rabbit meat in the pot.

Su's mother was instantly charmed by her cuteness, took out a bowl, and put a piece of rabbit meat on Su Nuannuan's plate.

"Nuan Nuan, try it first. This meat is a bit tough, it needs to be stewed longer before you can eat it."

Already starving, Su Nuannuan took the bowl and took a bite. The rich meaty flavor made her squint her eyes. It was a bit hard, though, and would hurt her teeth.

Upon seeing this, Su Erqiang hurriedly went into the kitchen and tugged at his mother's sleeve.

"Mom, I want some too, can I have a piece?"

Su's mother waved Su Erqiang away, saying something.

"Get out of here! The meat isn't cooked yet. It would be a waste to give it to you."

Su Erqiang pouted, looking unwilling. However, he eventually left the kitchen under pressure from his mother.

Su Nuannuan covered her mouth and chuckled. It turned out that her second brother was a foodie.

Around this time, everyone in the village had gone home to cook, and there weren't many people near the Su family's house, so the aroma of the rabbit meat went unnoticed. Otherwise, someone would have already come asking for it.

That evening, the entire Su family ate to their hearts' content, even chewing up and swallowing the rabbit bones.

Su Nuannuan's eyes twitched repeatedly as she watched. The bones contained a lot of phosphorus and calcium, which was just right to supplement the three brothers' nutrition. Fortunately, the bones had been stewed until they were very tender by Su's mother, so they could be gnawed on without using their teeth.

After dinner, Su Nuannuan suddenly remembered that she had promised to go play with Yu Weiwei the next day.

She'd never visited a county town 60 years ago before, and this was a good opportunity to see if she could make some money there. If all went well, she'd be going to study in Beijing in two months. Although there were subsidies for university students in those days, Su Nuannuan planned to send all the money home.

The supplies in her spatial storage were enough for her needs, but Beijing was a crowded and suspicious city. Taking out these things without a reason would inevitably arouse suspicion. In the heart of the capital, Su Nuannuan didn't want to attract too much attention. Therefore, making money was imperative!
"Mom, I'm going to the county town to visit my classmate tomorrow, so you don't need to cook lunch for me."

"Okay, I'll get you fifty cents in a bit."

Su Nuannuan quickly waved her hand, refusing the money her mother offered. The Su family wasn't wealthy, especially in the last two years. Su's parents were worried about their two daughters who had married far away, so they frequently sent them money.

Ignoring Su Nuannuan's refusal, Su's mother stuffed the money directly into her shirt pocket.

Su Nuannuan had no choice but to accept it.

The next morning, Su Nuannuan got up and entered the space. She found that the grains she planted yesterday had already grown into seedlings. She hadn't expected the spiritual spring water to have such a significant impact on plants.

Su Nuannuan felt that she would be able to reap the rewards in two more days.

After finishing breakfast, Su Nuannuan arrived at the village entrance, intending to take an oxcart to the county town.

The oxcart from the 60s looks very vintage. An old yellow ox pulls the reins, and behind it is a simple wooden frame that can seat two or three people.

Hongqi Village is about ten kilometers away from the county seat. Most villagers walk to the town, but Su Nuannuan would spend a penny to take an oxcart.

The oxcart moved slowly along the dirt road, but the lingering smell of cow dung was unbearable.

About half an hour later, Su Nuannuan felt like her bottom was about to be shaken in two, and finally they arrived in the county town.

"Warm!"

Su Nuannuan immediately recognized the familiar voice and tone as that of her best friend, Yu Weiwei.

Sure enough, Su Nuannuan turned around and saw Yu Weiwei, wearing a floral dress, running happily towards her.

Seeing the little girl's face covered in sweat, Su Nuannuan wiped it off for her with a cotton handkerchief.

"Warm and cozy, you're the best."

Yu Weiwei held Su Nuannuan's hand with emotion, her eyes brimming with tears.

Seeing Yu Weiwei's aggrieved look, Su Nuannuan knew that the other woman was in a bad mood today.

"What's wrong? You seem a little unhappy today."

Although Su Nuannuan is a year younger than Yu Weiwei, in front of Yu Weiwei, she is a close friend with whom she can share her girlish thoughts.

So, after Su Nuannuan asked her, Yu Weiwei told her about her grievances without thinking.

"After the college entrance exam, my parents cooked a big feast for me. But the next day, they dragged me to check the answers and estimate my score to see if I could get into university."

"The results of it?"

"My parents discovered my grades weren't good enough for college. Wow!"

Yu Weiwei burst into tears at the end of her story.

Ever since they estimated her score, her parents have treated her like completely different people.

Today, she finally couldn't hold back anymore, had a fight with her family, and ran away.

Seeing the little girl's tears streaming down her face, Su Nuannuan held back her laughter. She gently patted Yu Weiwei's back and softly comforted her.

"Don't cry, you can always take the test again next year. Look, I have a treasure here."

As she spoke, she took out a string of synthetic glass bracelets from her sleeve.

The colorful glass bracelet shimmered in the sunlight, immediately catching Yu Weiwei's attention. Yu Weiwei, who had been crying, stared intently at the bracelet hanging in front of her.

The bracelets were sold at a supermarket boutique for ten yuan each, and Su Nuannuan had many more in her space.

“My older sister bought this for me. Seeing that you were so sad, she gave it to you.”

After making up a lie, Su Nuannuan put the bracelet on Yu Weiwei's wrist.

Yu Weiwei fell in love with the bracelet the first time she saw it.

Feeling a little embarrassed for taking advantage of her friend for the first time, Yu Weiwei blushed. However, she liked the bracelet so much that she wanted to buy it directly.

"Nuan Nuan, this must be very expensive. How much is it? I'll give it to you."

Yu Weiwei made a move to take money out of her pocket.

Su Nuannuan quickly covered the other person's hand.

She swore she really didn't want to make money off this naive and spoiled rich girl.

"Do you still consider me your best friend? You gave me so many things before, what's wrong with me giving you a bracelet?"

Su Nuannuan said righteously.

Who knew that seeing several boxes of face cream and clam oil in her room last night would drive Su Nuannuan crazy with a headache.

Because these were all obtained by the original owner through deception and trickery from Yu Weiwei.

Yu Weiwei was easily fooled by the original owner of this body after only a few attempts. And Yu Weiwei, being rather dim-witted, always managed to be fooled.

Seeing that Yu Weiwei still wanted to say something, Su Nuannuan quickly changed the subject.

"Weiwei, I brought some money with me today. Let's go shopping at the department store."

Yu Weiwei's attention was indeed diverted.

"Okay, I'll treat you to candy later."

Sure enough, shopping is the best way for women to relax and shake off all their unhappiness. The two walked hand in hand towards the department store.

Unlike the bustling prosperity of the previous era, the department stores of this time are full of a sense of the past.

Maltose, comic books, bulk soy sauce and liquor... all these were characteristic of this era.

Yu Weiwei looked at the newly published comic books on the shelf with great interest.

Su Nuannuan glanced at it; it was a collection of classic Chinese novels and folk tales.

Knowing the plot well, she followed behind Yu Weiwei with little interest.

Suddenly, she saw a salesman carry out a bag. He dumped everything from the bag onto the table, and colorful scraps of fabric spilled out.

At the same time, a saleswoman walked over and sorted through the pile of scraps of fabric.

These scraps of fabric are in high demand and are often bought to mend clothes. Or they are gathered together, and strips of the same color are sewn together to make short-sleeved shirts.

Seeing these scraps of fabric, Su Nuannuan had an idea. She remembered that she had some elastic bands in her space, and with these scraps of fabric, she could make all sorts of hair ties.

She knew several ways to make hair ties, which she could teach her family to make and sell in the city.

Su Nuannuan was confident that the hair ties she made would be popular.

Seeing that quite a few people were already heading towards the direction where scrap fabric was being sold, Su Nuannuan quickly stepped forward.

No coupons required for scrap fabric, no purchase limit, five cents per pound.

Taking advantage of her height, Su Nuannuan snatched 20 kilograms from a group of elderly people.

She found a burlap sack in her spatial storage and stuffed it all inside. With all her might, she carried the 20-pound scraps of fabric on her back, staggering to a corner.

Using the burlap sack as cover, Su Nuannuan quickly stuffed most of the scraps of fabric into the space. Worried about being discovered, she finished quickly.

With the sack on her back, Su Nuannuan felt much lighter.

When they found Yu Weiwei, they saw her engrossed in reading a children's book of "Journey to the West," completely devoid of her earlier sadness and distress.

"Weiwei, have you finished shopping?"

Upon hearing Su Nuannuan's voice, Yu Weiwei snapped out of her reverie and started reading the comic book. Seeing Su Nuannuan carrying her things, she quickly went to help her.

"Nuan Nuan, what's in here?"

"Scraps of cloth."

"Nuan Nuan, do you want these scraps of fabric?"

Su Nuannuan, who was massaging her shoulders, nodded. Of course they needed it; whether her family would eat meat or coarse grain buns in the future depended on these scraps of cloth.

"Nuan Nuan, if you want some, I'll have my mom bring some back from the factory for you."

"Your mother?"

Su Nuannuan looked at Yu Weiwei in surprise.

Yu Weiwei nodded and continued.

“My mother is the head of the purchasing department at Xiangyang Textile Factory. There are a lot of scraps of fabric in the factory that no one wants.”

“I need it! Give me the scraps of cloth, and I'll pay you five cents a pound.”

Su Nuannuan was very happy. With these scraps of fabric, the Su family would have another source of income.

The two continued browsing and came to the watch counter. Yu Weiwei stared at the watches in the glass window with shining eyes.

The watch is a Shanghai brand, with a quartz dial and a classic silver-white design, very similar to the one she ordered from a small shop in Yiwu.

"you want?"

Seeing that Yu Weiwei seemed to really like the watches inside, Su Nuannuan had an idea. Thinking of the five thousand Shanghai brand watches in her spatial storage, she decided to find time to give the little girl one.

"Of course, but they're too expensive. I heard from my mom that several young people in their purchasing department want to buy watches. But, you know, department stores only get one or two every few months, so they can't possibly get them."

Upon hearing this, Su Nuannuan had an idea.

"Weiwei, I have something to do, let's stop here for today."

"Oh, it's not even noon yet, and my mom still wants you to come over for lunch."

Every time Su Nuannuan went to town to visit Yu Weiwei, she would eat at her house. Yu Weiwei's parents knew her. In front of Yu's parents, Su Nuannuan pretended very well; they only saw her as a girl from a poor family who studied hard. Therefore, every time Su Nuannuan visited Yu's family, Yu's mother would prepare lots of delicious food for her.

Furthermore, Yu Weiwei was the only girl in the Yu family, and they doted on her. Therefore, they were also very friendly to Yu Weiwei's best friend. Su Nuannuan wasn't stupid; every time Yu's mother offered her something, she would refuse, but Yu's mother would force it on her, and in the end, she would leave with a full load.

Su Nuannuan sometimes had to admire how well she could take advantage of others without having three souls and six spirits.

(End of this chapter)