EBE Chapter 241 Antique Book Shop in Shanghai
Chapter 241 Antique Book Shop in Shanghai
It was time to go to Shanghai to collect the subsidy again, and Zhuang Chaoying lay in bed. "Ah Ling, I still want you to come to Shanghai with me this time. We haven't gone out together in a long time, and we can do some sightseeing along the way."
Huang Ling stopped knitting. "Chao Ying, I want to go too, but the factory is so busy with the merged workshops, and I'm in the production department, so it's really hard to ask for leave right now. You go alone, and be careful on the road."
Zhuang Chaoying listened, and although she was a little disappointed, she nodded understandingly.
Before leaving, Huang Ling packed the tea that Pengfei had brought back last time and a piece of cured meat into Zhuang Chaoying's luggage bag.
As she packed, she instructed, "Chaoying, take these things to Chairman Wang. He has a wide network and many connections. If anything happens in Shanghai, he can help you out. We can't be impolite."
Zhuang Chaoying looked at the considerate Ah Ling. "Okay, I've remembered everything, so don't worry."
At this moment, Zhuang Chaoying was sitting on a train bound for Shanghai.
Suzhou is very close to Shanghai, just over an hour's drive away, and the train slowly pulled into the station.
Zhuang Chaoying carried her luggage bag and walked out of the station exit with the flow of people.
He stood in the bustling station square, easily flagged down a tricycle, and headed towards the Shanghai Writers Association.
Upon arriving at the Writers' Association, Zhuang Chaoying paid the fare, got off the tricycle, straightened her clothes, and walked straight into the Writers' Association building with her work ID.
He arrived at Chairman Wang's office and knocked on the door. "Knock knock knock!"
"come in!"
Zhuang Chaoying pushed open the door and saw that only Chairman Wang was inside, so she closed the door behind her.
Chairman Wang was reviewing documents at his desk when he looked up and saw him, a smile spreading across his face. "Chao Ying's here. Have a seat. I'll finish reading the documents in my hand soon, just wait a moment."
Zhuang Chaoying sat down on the sofa. "Uncle Wang, no rush, you go ahead with your work."
Ten minutes later, Chairman Wang took off his reading glasses and carefully placed the documents into the file box on the cabinet.
Seeing that he had finished his work, Zhuang Chaoying immediately got up, took out two cans of tea and cured meat from her bag, and handed them over. "Uncle Wang, this is tea that my sister brought me from your province. Please try it. Maojian is a specialty there, and it has a very unique flavor. And this cured meat is also homemade."
Chairman Wang smiled and accepted the gifts. "Chaoying, you always bring me things whenever you come over. You're too kind. You're so thoughtful."
Zhuang Chaoying smiled. "You are the elder, and I am the junior. This small token of my appreciation is only right."
After exchanging pleasantries, Chairman Wang took out a wad of cash from his drawer and handed it over. "I've already prepared this for you. Sign it and count it."
Zhuang Chaoying took the money and began to count it carefully.
As I counted, a thought began to creep into my mind: This number isn't right.
I receive a monthly subsidy of 48 yuan, which adds up to 288 yuan over six months. However, I have significantly more money in my hand, a full 348 yuan.
Before Zhuang Chaoying could even ask, Chairman Wang explained with a smile, "This year, our association is undergoing a rating process. After everyone's unanimous discussion, I've promoted you to the next level. Now your subsidy is 58 yuan. Chaoying, your abilities are evident to all. You've published so many influential and well-known works. Everyone is convinced by your promotion and has no complaints."
Zhuang Chaoying's eyes lit up with joy upon hearing this. "Uncle Wang, thank you so much! And thank you to the association for recognizing me. I will definitely work harder in my creative endeavors and live up to everyone's expectations."
Zhuang Chaoying put the money into her pocket.
Then, he took out his personal seal from the inside pocket of his jacket.
He lightly dipped his finger in the red clay and pressed it firmly onto the signature panel.
"Thank you, Uncle Wang. How about we grab a drink tonight? I know a nice little restaurant nearby, let's get together."
Chairman Wang waved his hand. "You've really made something of yourself this time, Chaoying. Didn't you bring your spouse?"
Zhuang Chaoying smiled. "I wanted to bring her along, but my husband's workplace has merged workshops, and he's been incredibly busy, so he couldn't make it. I'll definitely bring her next time I have the chance to visit you."
Chairman Wang smiled, pointed at him, and laughed heartily. "I knew it! Haha! Okay, you have to come along next time."
Chairman Wang escorted him to the main gate, and the two exchanged a few more pleasantries before parting ways.
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After turning around, Zhuang Chaoying planned to go to the antiquarian bookstore.
I boarded the bus.
The antique bookstore was quite crowded on Sunday. As Zhuang Chaoying entered the bookstore, a faint fragrance of books wafted towards her.
He looked around and saw that the bookshelves were full of books, some of which were even stacked together, and there were also many piled on the ground.
Zhuang Chaoying walked inside, her eyes searching the bookshelves.
On the second shelf, he saw a set of thread-bound books with yellowed pages, which looked quite old.
Zhuang Chaoying took out a book.
[System, how much will the system buy back this set of books for?]
[In response to the host, these are twelve contemporary antique-style photocopies, worth 120 yuan each, which the system will recycle.]
After hearing this, Zhuang Chaoying frowned slightly, put the book back on the shelf, and continued walking forward.
This time, he saw a set of books that looked even more worn out, with the cover almost torn apart, and he couldn't help but wonder: Could this also be a photocopy?
[System, how much will the system buy back this set of books for?]
[In response to the host, this is a thirteen-volume woodblock print set of "Geography for Humankind," a complete set of sixteen volumes, missing three volumes. The system's buyback price is 6,500 yuan.]
The system's response delighted Zhuang Chaoying.
Zhuang Chaoying quickly and carefully took out the thirteen books, handling each one with care.
The thirteen books stacked together were about twenty centimeters thick, not too thick.
He carried the books and went straight to the counter. "Comrade, could you please wrap these up?"
The sales clerk took the book, skillfully packed it in kraft paper, and then carefully tied it with rope, his movements clean and efficient. "That'll be one hundred and twenty-two dollars and fifty-seven cents in total."
Zhuang Chaoying counted out exactly the amount of money from her pocket and handed it over. Sure enough, it was a good item; it wasn't cheap no matter the era.
However, when he thought about the recycling price given by the system, he felt that the money was well spent.
Zhuang Chaoying put the book into her luggage.
Zhuang Chaoying immediately sold it to the system and made another 6,500 yuan.
As he walked out of the bookstore, he noticed that there was a department store next door, and thought he would bring Huang Ling some gifts back with him.
I went into the department store and bought two bottles of Friendship face cream, picked out two lipsticks, and also chose a bottle of perfume.
When I got to the counter on the first floor, I saw that they were selling plastic flowers, red and white.
When I asked the price, it was over two yuan. Although it was a bit expensive, I still bought it.
After buying them, he packed them all into his suitcase.
Finally, I bought two boxes of butterfly cookies at the pastry shop.
He was carrying a full suitcase, ready to go home.
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