The two won were the village’s masters of gossip, and Gu Jiaojiao’s appearance imdiately had them concocting a whole lodrama in their minds.
They might have loved to gossip, but that didn’t an they lacked a conscience.
Now, hearing about Gu Jiaojiao’s background, their sense of justice suddenly flared.
"How shaless! Very few stepmothers are any good. No wonder she had you sent to the countryside!"
"Exactly. You poor girl, you’ve had such a tough life."
Having gained the two won’s sympathy, Gu Jiaojiao received preferential treatnt for the rest of the journey.
Xu Wenwan felt like dying.
She had wanted to expose Gu Jiaojiao’s phony, pretentious act, but these two were so useless. They were actually sympathizing with her.
She glared at Gu Jiaojiao, absolutely fuming.
Gu Jiaojiao t Xu Wenwan’s sullen gaze, the corner of her mouth twitching into a slight smile before her expression returned to neutral.
Xu Wenwan: "..."
’I knew it! This woman is faking it!’
And yet, the other three people were looking on with sympathy. An expression of utter disdain crossed her face.
’These three idiots have all been fooled by Gu Jiaojiao!’
’Too bad I’m the only one who can see through Gu Jiaojiao’s phony mask.’
At this mont, Xu Wenwan felt as if she were the only sober person in a world of drunks.
The ox-cart soon arrived at the County Town. After agreeing on a ti to et for the return trip, everyone went their separate ways.
Gu Jiaojiao, thinking of Xu Wenwan’s system, quietly said to Yu Fangfang, "Be extra careful on the road."
Yu Fangfang froze for a mont before nodding.
Although she didn’t know why Gu Jiaojiao had said that, she was indeed a bit more vigilant when she was with Xu Wenwan.
Compared to Xu Wenwan, her sister-in-law, Yu Fangfang trusted Gu Jiaojiao more.
Xu Wenwan was unaware of all this. She was in a hurry to complete her mission, so she found an excuse to part ways with Yu Fangfang midway.
For so reason, after they separated, Yu Fangfang felt much more at ease.
After leaving Yu Fangfang, Xu Wenwan went to the street corner designated by her system, preparing to "run into" soone.
Gu Jiaojiao didn’t know about this. She planned to sell the fountain pen first, but she didn’t know where the black market was.
However, Gu Jiaojiao had a plan. She found a spot and began to observe the passing crowd.
All sorts of people ca and went. With just a glance, Gu Jiaojiao could tell if they were the person she was looking for.
After observing for about ten minutes, Gu Jiaojiao’s gaze fell on an older woman carrying a basket. The woman’s steps were hurried.
As she walked, she kept darting her eyes from side to side.
Gu Jiaojiao imdiately began to follow her.
She followed skillfully, keeping a distance that was not too close to be noticed, but not so far that she would lose her.
Soon, she followed the woman down a deep alley.
The alley opened into a winding lane. At its entrance, two young n were squatting and smoking, but their eyes were not idle, constantly scanning their surroundings with vigilance.
The older woman handed over a ten-cent coin with practiced ease, and one of the young n waved her in.
Gu Jiaojiao didn’t follow imdiately. Instead, she stood to the side and observed for a while.
Her gaze fell on the two n outside.
These two were extrely wary of unfamiliar faces. They would question them in detail and only let them pass after confirming there were no issues.
’These must be the people I’m looking for.’
Gu Jiaojiao picked the one who seed to be in charge, walked straight up to him, and said in a low voice, "I’ve got so goods. You interested?"
The man glanced up, looking her up and down. She was well-dressed and attractive, looking like soone from a wealthy family.
He dealt with people like her all the ti and could size up the situation at a glance.
He knew there was business to be had, but he still glanced around warily.
Once he was sure it was safe, he gave his companion a look and then spoke to Gu Jiaojiao.
"Follow ."
Gu Jiaojiao didn’t hesitate and followed the man directly.
The man led her around a few corners and stopped in front of a small courtyard, where he began to explain.
"This is our black market’s Third Master. He handles the big deals. You can show him whatever you’ve got."
Gu Jiaojiao nodded, showing no sign of fear the entire ti.
The man found this surprising.
If it had been an ordinary woman following a strange man like him, she would probably suspect him of having ill intentions, but this woman before him was perfectly composed.
But he was running an honest business, so of course, he had no untoward thoughts.
The man knocked on the door a few tis. It was quickly opened by a man with hair like a bird’s nest.
Gu Jiaojiao was a little surprised.
He didn’t look very old.
The first man whispered a few words in the ear of the man with the ssy hair. The ssy-haired man sized her up and then let her in.
Gu Jiaojiao walked inside, and the large gate closed behind her.
The ssy-haired man sat on a rocking chair in the courtyard, squinting at Gu Jiaojiao.
"Let’s see what you’ve got."
Without wasting any words, Gu Jiaojiao took it out.
It was a solid gold fountain pen.
In this day and age, a solid gold fountain pen was certainly not cheap.
The ssy-haired man glanced at it. He didn’t know much about fountain pens, but this one was solid gold—rare and high-class. It would be a pretty good gift for his Brother Leng.
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