Reborn in 72, I hunt to support my family and spoil my younger sister rotten.

The backyard was a secluded place. Director Zhang inquired carefully about the meat and then asked in detail about Li Xiangyang's background.

"Wild boar meat," Director Zhang said thoughtfully, stroking his chin, "and the price..."

"Forty-eight yuan," Li Xiangyang said bluntly. "If you think it's too expensive, then forget it."

"You're quite the straightforward young man," Director Zhang chuckled, "but I really can't offer that price..."

“Director Zhang,” Li Xiangyang said seriously, “this is wild boar meat. A serving of braised pork here would cost you at least one yuan and fifty cents. So, you're guaranteed to make a profit. Besides, this isn't a limited supply.”

Director Zhang was momentarily stunned upon hearing this, not expecting to encounter someone truly knowledgeable. He then burst into laughter: "Alright. Forty-six, one point no more."

"Director Zhang," Li Xiangyang changed the subject, "actually, I'd like to ask you for a favor."

"Oh? Tell me about it." Director Zhang became interested.

"Could you give me forty dollars in cash, and exchange the remaining six dollars for coupons? I need to buy some things for the house."

Director Zhang squinted at Li Xiangyang for a moment, then suddenly laughed: "You little rascal, you've got some ideas. What kind of tickets do you need?"

"Two feet of cloth coupons, and if you could give me some fine grain coupons, that would be even better, along with some oil coupons," Li Xiangyang said, expressing his thoughts. "Of course, it would be even better if you could also include some sugar coupons."

Director Zhang smiled and shook his head: "You seem to want everything. Fine, I'll have the accountant give you a mixed package."

He knew that for a young man from the countryside like Li Xiangyang to think of this, it meant that he was truly quick-witted.

Once the wild boar meat was sold at the restaurant, getting a receipt and reimbursement was a piece of cake for him; exchanging it for a few receipts was just a small matter.

"Alright, for the sake of your effort, I'll get it done for you." Director Zhang patted Li Xiangyang on the shoulder. "Wait here, I'll have the accountant issue the paperwork right away."

Soon, the accountant brought over a small envelope. Li Xiangyang opened it and saw that it contained forty yuan, two feet of cloth coupons, three catties of fine grain coupons, half a catty of oil coupons, and even four ounces of sugar coupons.

These tickets are even scarcer than money these days.

"Thank you, Director Zhang," Li Xiangyang said sincerely.

"Don't mention it," Director Zhang waved his hand, "If you have anything good in the future, remember to think of our restaurant first."

"Definitely, definitely," Li Xiangyang replied with a smile.

Leaving the restaurant, Li Xiaohua asked curiously, "Brother, how did you know about this place?"

Li Xiangyang smiled but did not answer.

He couldn't very well say that he had dealt with Director Zhang too much in his past life, could he?

After dealing with the meat, Li Xiangyang took his mother and sister to the largest supply and marketing cooperative in the county.

Pushing open the heavy wooden door, a blast of warm air greets you. The supply and marketing cooperative is bustling with people, and long queues form in front of the counters.

In those days, most people who could buy things at the supply and marketing cooperatives had jobs.

"Brother, look at that scarf, it's so pretty!" Li Xiaohua said softly, pointing to a red wool scarf in the counter.

Li Xiangyang smiled and turned to his mother, "Mom, is there anything we need at home?"

Just as Li's mother was about to speak, a clear voice suddenly rang out: "Comrade, please line up."

Looking up, I saw that the person speaking was a young female sales clerk.

She wore a blue work uniform, had neatly combed short hair, a pretty face, and a graceful demeanor.

His tone carried a hint of arrogance, and his eyes swept over the simple clothes of Li Xiangyang's family with a slight disdain.

In those days, sales clerks at supply and marketing cooperatives were highly sought after.

Not only is the salary stable, but you also have frequent access to various scarce resources.

For the average person, getting into a supply and marketing cooperative is almost impossible without a good family background and connections.

Li Xiangyang smiled calmly: "Comrade, we're here to buy New Year's goods. Here are cloth coupons and fine grain coupons."

As he spoke, he pulled the envelope containing the tickets from his pocket.

The saleswoman's attitude changed immediately.

Cloth coupons and fine grain coupons were both scarce resources, and those who could afford them were clearly not ordinary farmers.

"Oh, then what do you need?" Her tone softened considerably.

"Get my sister that red scarf, and two feet of blue cloth," Li Xiangyang said, glancing at the goods displayed in the counter. "Also, two jin of white sugar and one jin of rapeseed oil."

The saleswoman deftly took out the goods, glancing at Li Xiangyang out of the corner of her eye as she did so.

Although the young man was simply dressed, he was composed and spoke with tact, not at all like a boor.

"Your cloth ration coupons are new," she said, checking the coupons. "Cloth ration coupons are hard to come by these days."

"Yes, I had someone else replace it," Li Xiangyang replied casually.

"Comrade Li, you look unfamiliar to me. Which unit are you from?" the saleswoman asked while arranging the items.

“I’m from Xiaoliang Village,” Li Xiangyang said directly. “I hunt in the village.”

"Hunting?" The saleswoman's eyes lit up. "You mean hunting wild game in the mountains?"

"right."

"That must be quite dangerous, right?" she asked with a hint of curiosity.

Li Xiangyang smiled and said, "It's alright, you'll get used to it."

Li's mother, who was standing nearby, watched her son's conversation with the saleswoman, and her eyes lit up.

This young woman looks stylish and is efficient in her speech and actions; she seems like a good girl.

"Young comrade," Li's mother suddenly asked, "how old are you?"

"Auntie, I'm twenty years old." The saleswoman replied politely, her face slightly flushed.

"You're about the same age as our Xiangyang," Li's mother said with a smile. "What's your name?"

"My name is Lin Qiaomei."

"A good name." Li's mother nodded. "Your job is quite good."

Lin Qiaomei understood the implication in Li's mother's words, and her face turned even redder: "Yes, I've been working here for two years."

By this time, Li Xiangyang had paid and packed his things: "Mom, we should go."

"Alright, alright." Li's mother glanced at Lin Qiaomei with reluctance. "Little Lin, come visit our village sometime."

“Okay, Auntie,” Lin Qiaomei replied with a smile, watching Li Xiangyang’s family leave.

Stepping out of the supply and marketing cooperative, Li Xiaohua excitedly wrapped her new scarf around her neck: "Brother, that lady was so pretty!"

Li's mother chimed in, "Yes, she seems well-educated and reasonable. Son, what do you think..."

“Mother,” Li Xiangyang interrupted his mother, “all I want right now is for you and Xiaohua to have a good life. We can talk about other things later.”

Li's mother sighed, but didn't say anything more.

She knew her son was stubborn and wouldn't easily change his mind once he made up his mind.

However, she secretly memorized the name Lin Qiaomei.

In those days, a girl who could work in a supply and marketing cooperative must have come from a good family background.

Perhaps this is my son's chance.

On the way back in the donkey cart, Li Xiaohua fell asleep in her mother's arms.

Looking at his sister's happy smile, Li Xiangyang felt a warmth in his heart.

This trip to the city not only solved the family's urgent problem, but also allowed me to buy some things that my sister and mother wanted.

Although it cost some money, seeing how happy they were made it all worthwhile.

As for Lin Qiaomei... Li Xiangyang shook his head.

In this day and age, marriage involves more than just the feelings between two people.

Family background, workplace, and so on are all factors that must be considered.

For him now, the most important thing is to make a good living for his family.

As for the rest, just let nature take its course.