Chapter 163: Scarce Resources

Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

Su Wen carefully put the special ticket into her pocket the next day and went to the county town with Su Qing. It was much faster riding a bicycle there. They made a beeline for the mall as soon as they arrived.

It seemed they had arrived in the nick of time. The store selling sewing machines only had one left in stock.

Initially, the salesperson refused to sell it to them. The whole country was experiencing a shortage of sewing machines. On the black market, sewing machines were going for over 20 times their original price.

Inflation was the result of scarcity.

In the city, men would buy bicycles while women, especially married women, would purchase sewing machines. It was said that the shortage was so bad that no one could buy sewing machines in the big cities, even if they could afford them. The store still had a sewing machine because no one in town could afford it. This was the same situation many other stores in the countryside were facing.

If one wanted to get their hands on a sewing machine, they would have to rely on their connections. Because Su Wen had none, the sales representative was unwilling to part with the last of his stock.

With no other options, Su Wen fished out the special ticket Hengyang had given her. Immediately, the salesperson did a 180 and happily sold her the sewing machine. Moreover, the sales representative arranged for the mall to have someone deliver it to their doorstep. Su Wen was very pleased with the services rendered. Transporting a sewing machine back home on their bicycle would have been difficult.

“Big Sister, what are these special tickets? Why are they so influential?” Su Qing felt her head spin, and she felt dizzy trying to keep up with events. She had long grown used to being rejected and looked down on by others. One look at her was enough for anyone to know she was a country bumpkin.

Su Qing had spoken timidly, unsure of herself as she interacted with the salesperson. However, when the salesperson turned to her looking dismissive, she froze, not knowing what to say.

Before she could bury her face in embarrassment, Su Wen rescued her, brandishing the special ticket to attract the salesperson’s attention.

Su Wen’s actions helped Su Qing vent her frustrations and saved her from an awkward situation.

Su Qing had never felt greater self-worth than she had at that moment. It made her feel like she was walking on clouds.

“Special tickets allow a person to buy something even if it may not be on sale,” Su Wen patiently explained, “Our request was within reason. The store was just being difficult, trying to bully us like that. They probably want to resell the special ticket to someone with connections.”

“Then wouldn’t that be bad?”

“Why would it?” Su Wen asked.

“Wouldn’t whoever gets the special ticket try to get more? What if…” Su Qing stammered, “What if they try to use us to gain more of them?” Su Qing did not like the answer her mind conjured in response to her question.

Su Wen laughed. “That’s not a bad idea! Society is built on relationships. Everything we do creates a new connection. Who’s to say this new connection will be harmful to us? Sometimes, having someone owe you a favor is better than reaping instant gains. Favors are priceless. Why would I turn away someone who comes knocking, hoping to build a relationship? Don’t you know the importance of building one’s reputation?”

“Why do you say that?”

“Benefits! That’s what we’re after. Only with a good reputation will others be willing to play ball with you,” Su Wen answered earnestly, “Interpersonal relationships are key to success. When you have good interpersonal relationships, others will be willing to help you if you ever encounter trouble. Of course, this goes both ways. Any relationship is one of give and take.”

Maintaining interpersonal relationships was almost an art; it required profound knowledge and great people skills.

“Let’s use what happened today as an example. Earlier, the salesperson was unwilling to sell us the sewing machine because, to put it bluntly, she looked down on us. Was the salesperson wrong? Not really. At least from a business standpoint. Selling it to us would have served no purpose, and the store might have even taken a loss since we weren’t anyone important in their eyes.”

Su Wen was afraid she would mislead Su Qing, so she went into greater d “Imagine if you were the salesperson and Sun Yunyun and I went up to yc buy sewing machines. Who would you sell the only sewing machine left il stock?”

“Of course, I’d sell it to you!”

Su Wen spread her arms wide and said, “There you have it! It was the san thing for the salesperson earlier.” Su Wen’s eyes sparkled mischievously continued, “The special ticket was the deciding factor. Without it, we wou have obtained the sewing machine.”

“Now, listen well. I hope you’ll always be down-to-earth, serious, and responsible when you work. Never use your status for personal gain..”

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