Chapter 187
The sky was just beginning to lighten when Emily Johnson stepped out with her bamboo basket.
"Little sister-in-law..."
"Emily, over here!"
With the New Year approaching, the villagers were busy preparing for the festivities. Their so-called "New Year goods" were nothing more than cheap candies that didn't require ration coupons. Only the better-off families could afford to splurge on broken biscuits.
"Emily, heading to town for New Year shopping?"
Emily shook her head. "I'll buy those in a few days. We ran out of soy sauce, and I thought I'd see if there's anything good without coupons. Last time, I stumbled upon nylon socks from out of town—they were in high demand."
At her words, the eyes of the nearby aunties lit up.
"Emily, you must tell us if you find anything good again!" one auntie said eagerly, rubbing her hands. "My kids haven't had new clothes in years."
"Exactly! Fabric coupons are so hard to come by," another chimed in.
Emily smiled and nodded. "If I find anything, I'll definitely let you all know."
After getting off the oxcart, the younger sister-in-law pulled her aside and whispered, "Don't mind those old aunties—always looking to take advantage. They're nowhere to be seen when there's work to do, but they’re quick to gossip."
Emily felt a warmth in her heart. "Don’t worry, sister-in-law. I only said I’d tell them—not that I’d buy for them."
The sister-in-law finally relaxed. "Where are you headed?"
"The post office."
"I’ll go to the Supply & Market. I’ll wait for you here when I’m done."
After parting ways, Emily hurried to the post office. She hadn’t replied to the last letter—she wondered how her original family would react. But with mountains and rivers between them, surely they wouldn’t come looking for her in person?
"Is there a package for Emily Johnson?"
The postal worker looked up. "Just a letter."
Emily handed over her reference letter and took the thin envelope. Holding it, she felt an inexplicable unease.
Tucking the letter away, she made her way to the Supply & Market, where the line already stretched out the door. The sister-in-law waved at her from a corner. "Emily, over here!"
Emily squeezed through the crowd and noticed two bulging cloth bags at the sister-in-law’s feet.
"You bought so much?"
The sister-in-law lowered her voice conspiratorially. "Rumor has it there’ll be a batch of flawed fabric arriving this afternoon. I came early to secure a spot."
Just then, a commotion broke out in the store. A salesperson shouted, "New shipment of brown sugar—no coupons needed!"
The crowd surged forward like a boiling pot. Emily stumbled, and the letter slipped from her hand, landing on the ground with a soft plop.
As she bent to pick it up, her eyes caught a bright red official seal in the corner of the envelope.
It was... the stamp of the Military District Political Department?