In the fiery red era of the heavens, refrigerators are refreshed daily.

Chapter 24 24. The watchful family

Household registration booklet!
He didn't bring it with him at all today!
Even if I brought it, the price of this Plum Blossom watch is far more than 150 yuan, so it definitely needs to be registered.

Yang Guangming frowned and quickly looked away.

That Rolex? The tag clearly stated: 450 yuan. He completely abandoned the idea of ​​even asking the price.

"Oh, this price..."

Yang Guangming's face subtly revealed a hint of financial embarrassment and hesitation. He shook his head, his tone tinged with regret, "It's a fine watch, but unfortunately... the price is a bit steep. And..."

He pointed helplessly to the notice under the glass, "I didn't bring my household registration book either, so it looks like I can't come today."

The veteran shop assistant was clearly used to this kind of situation.

He nodded understandingly, his face showing no disdain. On the contrary, he felt more favorably toward Yang Guangming because of his honesty and discerning eye.

He carefully put the Titoni watch back in its place on the counter and locked it. Then, a professional, enthusiastic smile returned to his face as he pointed to the section for domestically produced watches:

"Little brother, do you need it urgently for work? We value practicality, punctuality, and durability. Our domestic watches are absolutely reliable!"
"Look, this Shanghai brand A-611..."

He skillfully selected a silver-cased, white-dial, simple three-hand watch from among the many watches available in Shanghai, and placed it back on the small velvet cloth:

"It's an older model, based on the classic 581 movement, but improved. It's solid and durable! It keeps quite accurate time. Our shop's technicians have also calibrated it, and the daily deviation is within 30 seconds."

The watch case shows normal wear and tear, look here..."

He touched the lugs and a few spots on the side of the watch with his gloved fingertips. "The bronze is exposed, but there aren't any major impacts. There are a few fine scratches on the crystal, but they won't affect the timekeeping."

The original steel bracelet is still there, but some links are a bit dark in color, but it's fine to wear it.

The key advantage is the affordable price, only 85 yuan, and no household registration is required. It's a cash-on-delivery service, very convenient!

Yang Guangming accepted the heavy Shanghai watch.

The product is quite substantial, carrying the genuine feel of domestic products from that era.

He imitated the experienced shop assistant, pressing the watch to his ear to listen carefully. The ticking sound inside was crisp, steady, and strong, without any extraneous noise.

He carefully examined the dial; the white lacquer was even, and the black markers and hands were clear, with no signs of oxidation or peeling of the luminous paint.

The calendar window is a single calendar with clear numbers.

Winding the watch with the crown felt smooth and without any resistance. Overall, it was probably about 70% new, which was exactly what he needed—understated, practical, and punctual.

"Master, your recommendation must be excellent. I really want it."

Yang Guangming put down his watch and pointed to the most noticeable wear on the watch case:
"The wear and tear is... quite bad. The strap is old too. I wear it to work, so I need it to be punctual and reliable. A slightly worn look doesn't bother me. Seventy dollars, okay? I'll take it and go."

In principle, old goods from Huai Kingdom are sold at a fixed price, but there is room for negotiation on some items.

Yang Guangming asked this question with a try-it-out attitude; it would be good to save some money if he could, and if he couldn't, it would just be a waste of breath.

"seventy?"

The elderly shop assistant frowned slightly, shook his head, and spoke with a touch of the persistence of an older generation:

"Little brother, you're too quick! You should know, this is a genuine Shanghai watch! A well-established brand! The movement is in such good condition that it won't break even after another ten or eight years!"

Look at the sound of it walking, so clear and solid! At least eighty dollars! Not a penny less!

He held up two fingers, his expression serious. Yang Guang knew this was a crucial moment for bargaining. He gave a sincere smile and softened his tone:

"Master, you see, I'm young and just started working, so I'm really short on money."

Seventy-five dollars, I'll add five more. That's the highest I can offer. Please help me out, consider it a good start for this young man's new job, okay?

He specifically emphasized the "new job".

The veteran shop assistant glanced at Yang Guangming's young yet composed face, then looked down at the weathered but still sturdy Shanghai watch on the velvet fabric, and recalled Yang Guangming's discerning eye and clear understanding of the price he had just displayed regarding the Titoni watch: knowing it was expensive but admitting he couldn't afford it, instead of making a fuss.

He hesitated for a moment, tapped his fingers lightly twice on the counter, and finally, as if making up his mind, sighed:
"Hey! Little brother, you know how to talk. Since you're in a real hurry to get to work, I'll make an exception and let you have it this time!"

Seventy-five yuan! That's the lowest price you can go! Go look around outside, you definitely won't find an old Shanghai watch with this movement in this condition for seventy-five yuan!

These were carefully selected and checked by our experienced chefs!

He specifically emphasized that the items were "carefully selected and proofread," as if to prove that the money was well spent.

"Okay! It's a deal! Thank you, master! You've been a great help!"

A smile spread across Yang Guangming's face as he readily agreed.

He immediately pulled out some money from another pocket, having deliberately kept some loose change separately beforehand.

I carefully counted out seven crisp, brand-new ten-yuan notes and five one-yuan bills, and neatly handed them to the old shop assistant.

The experienced clerk took the money, skillfully unfolded it, and carefully examined the anti-counterfeiting features and watermarks of each bill under the light. After confirming that everything was correct, a smile appeared on his face.

He opened the drawer, took out a three-part receipt book, placed carbon paper under it, picked up an old fountain pen with a gleaming nib from the counter, and began to fill it out stroke by stroke:

Item name: "One old watch of the Shanghai brand", amount: "75.00 yuan", date: "X month X day, 1969".

Then, a round red stamp reading "Huaihai Road State-Owned Trust Store" is affixed to the signature area.

He tore off the customer's copy and handed it to Yang Guangming along with the watch.

After thinking for a moment, he pulled out a small, clean, slightly yellowed piece of fine velvet from under the counter and handed it to Yang Guangming:
"Here, find some toothpaste at home, wet it, and gently wipe the fine marks on the watch face. It will make them clearer. Best wishes for a smooth start to your new job!"

"Thank you! Thank you so much!" Yang Guangming sincerely thanked him and accepted the receipt, watch, and velvet cloth.

He picked up the heavy Shanghai watch, unfastened the slightly worn steel bracelet clasp, and put it directly on his left wrist.

The cool metal case against the skin brings a heavy, reassuring feeling that instantly spreads from the wrist to the heart.

He glanced down at the silver-white dial, the clear black markings and hands, which displayed the time clearly in the afternoon sunlight streaming in through the shop's high windows.

The second hand ticked steadily, making a barely audible sound, as if measuring the rhythm of his new life.

Yang Guangming did not linger in the trust store.

The goal has been achieved. The money and ration coupons left in my pocket are the foundation for my future life and work, so it is not advisable to flaunt my wealth here.

　Hey, please cast a recommendation vote and a monthly vote, and I'll send Lao Shi a writing motivation package!

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(End of this chapter)