1990s: Spring Water Family

Chapter 155 Keep it up, young man!

"okay."

The others, accustomed to following his orders, agreed in unison.

There are youth hostels near the train station; a triple room costs 30 yuan per day.

Gu Bin booked two rooms, registered his ID card, and paid three days' rent.

The young men and women were excited upon their arrival. After putting down their luggage and taking a short rest, they set off again for their destination – the Bund.

-

"Damn, there are so many people from Shanghai."

Not long after leaving the hotel, the young men and women gained a new understanding of this international metropolis.

Wang Fan was shocked by the passengers' aggressive way of squeezing onto the bus and complained about it endlessly.

"I've never seen so many people before when I traveled by bus in Jinan."

Wu Meng was still shaken, looking at her white shoes covered in footprints, and felt like crying.

"I'm not waiting anymore, I'll take a taxi."

After failing to board three buses in a row, Wang Fan was completely defeated and gave up on taking the bus.

Gu Bin waved and hailed two taxis.

Once they got into the taxi, the young men and women had another extraordinary experience.

Taxis in Shanghai are ridiculously expensive, and they also charge extra when there's traffic congestion.

From the train station to the Bund, the streets were crowded with cars. As my cousin watched the numbers on the meter keep rising, her heart raced.

Although they were still some distance from the Bund, she couldn't stand it any longer when she saw the fare had already jumped to 50 yuan and called for a car ahead of time.

The taxi driver glanced at her through the rearview mirror and muttered something in dissatisfaction.

A country bumpkin like me, I have no money for a taxi.

Although he was speaking Shanghainese, which my cousin couldn't understand, she automatically interpreted his expression as one of contempt.

"I'm a little carsick and want to get out of the car for some fresh air."

Lin Xiyu, being quick-witted, used her motion sickness as a pretext to ease her cousin's embarrassment.

"What's wrong with country people?"

My cousin got out of the car, still fuming: "One day, I'll be richer than you all."

"What happened? Why did you get off the bus?"

The taxi carrying Gu Bin and his two companions followed closely behind and also pulled up on the side of the road.

"I'm not taking this seat, it's too expensive."

My cousin waved her hand irritably: "It's only a short distance, and it costs fifty yuan. I might as well walk."

"High cost of living in Shanghai"

Gu Bin smiled helplessly: "That's how taxis are; they're a bit pricey."

"It's expensive, so be it."

Wang Fan was very unhappy: "If we don't take a taxi, we'll have to squeeze onto the bus. Do you want to be squeezed into a meat patty?"

I don't care.

My cousin was worried about the money and wouldn't listen to anyone's advice: "I'm not taking a taxi anymore."

"Ugh."

Gu Bin rubbed his temples, feeling a headache coming on.

The teenagers hesitated for a long time between taking a taxi or squeezing onto a bus, but ultimately chose to walk.

Relying on my youth and energy, I walked to the Bund.

-

The elderly women in Shanghai are very warm and friendly. They are very patient and detailed in explaining directions to anyone who asks for them. However, their Mandarin is not standard and is mixed with local Shanghai dialect, making it difficult for people to understand them.

Gu Bin used gestures and guesses to finally get the route to the Bund from the two kind old ladies.

He drew a simple map on a piece of paper and led the group, following the map's guidance, wandering around the alleyways characteristic of old Shanghai for quite some time before finally emerging from the alley.

"Look, that sign says Nanjing Road."

"Damn, we're finally here. My legs would have given out if we had walked any further."

"Wow, Nanjing Road is really something else! So many beautiful Western-style buildings, a world apart from the old streets and alleys we just saw. It's like two different worlds just one street away."

"The old alleyways of Shanghai really opened my eyes. Bamboo poles stretched out to hang clothes, and my shorts fell down from them, almost hitting me in the face."

"Hahaha"

After walking for a long time, they finally arrived at their destination. The boys and girls were very excited, and all their fatigue vanished.

-

"Xi Yu, this trip was totally worth it. People from Shanghai always dress so well."

"The jeans they wore were all nice in color and style, making their legs look slim and straight."

"The wool sweaters are beautiful, they feel amazing to the touch, so soft and comfortable, and they're even cheaper when bought off-season."

"The T-shirts are even more amazing! I've never seen such a trendy style in Jinan."

"Wow, this is the real Shanghai export clothing! If I buy it and resell it, it will definitely sell like hotcakes and I'll make a fortune."

-

When my cousin came to Nanjing Road, it was like discovering a new continent; she wandered around every shopping mall.

Any fashionable pedestrian, regardless of gender, will be subject to scrutiny and judgment, attracting considerable attention.

"If you want to resell it, you definitely can't buy it on Nanjing Road."

Lin Xiyu had her own perspective: "Although there are many shopping malls on Nanjing Road, the prices are also high. There's no rush. After I start school, I'll help you find out where locals in Shanghai buy their clothes and find suitable sourcing channels."

"Good sister, I'm entrusting this matter to you."

My cousin was overjoyed: "Wool sweaters are in high demand before the Lunar New Year. Let's try to stock up on more and make a fortune during the holiday."

"Row."

Lin Xiyu readily agreed: "I'll let you know when I have the information. We can discuss the specific amount later."

"That `s a deal."

My cousin was full of confidence: "I heard my mom talk about wool sweaters a couple of years ago. They were very fashionable in Jinan. Many of her colleagues asked her to come to Shanghai to buy them. Wearing them during the Chinese New Year makes you look very prestigious."

"Buying out of season is cheaper, but since it's not the right season, fewer people will buy it, and you'll end up with unsold stock."

Lin Xiyu was more thoughtful than her: "Think carefully about how much to buy. Don't end up with tight funds and have to buy on credit. Liu Ye isn't here this time, so no one will be willing to let you withdraw your salary in advance."

"Ugh"

Reminded by her, her cousin's face fell: "I just didn't have enough capital, otherwise I really wanted to go all out."

Lin Xiyu genuinely cared for her cousin: "I have about 3 yuan here, I can lend you some first."

"Xi Yu, my dear sister, you are so kind."

My cousin was so moved that she burst into tears, hugged her, and spun her around.

"OK OK."

Lin Xiyu was both amused and exasperated: "Stop spinning, it's making me dizzy."

"Xi Yu, I won't let you spend your money for nothing."

My cousin put the person down and perked up again: "Let's consider selling clothes a partnership. You'll be in charge of sourcing the goods, and I'll be in charge of selling them. We'll split the profits."

"Partnership, you know?"

Lin Xiyu was somewhat tempted: "It's not impossible, but it's hard to say right now. If there are too many things to do at school, I can't guarantee that I can keep helping you with the procurement."

"You don't need to run errands yourself when sourcing goods."

Wang Fan, with her sharp ears, overheard the sisters' conversation and seized the opportunity to interject: "Find a suitable supplier, establish a long-term partnership, and just give them a call if you need any styles, and they'll ship the goods over."

"I have a bad eye."

My cousin was unusually modest: "Xi Yu should still choose the style and color." "Choosing the style is no problem."

Lin Xiyu breathed a sigh of relief: "I'm good at this. As long as I don't have to carry the clothes myself to the train station to ship them, it's fine."

"yeah."

My cousin made a victory sign, her mood brightening: "Great! With you saying that, little sister, I can already see money flying in the sky!"

"Xi Yu, I truly admire you."

Wu Meng, envious, also came over with a smile: "No wonder my mom said you're smart. You guys came up with money-making ideas as soon as you arrived in Shanghai, unlike me, who just plays around and forgets the scenery as soon as I see it. I haven't made any progress at all."

"You actually believed what your aunt said?"

Lin Xiyu smiled modestly: "What is there to admire about me? It was my cousin who wanted to start a business and gave me a hand. I benefited from her help."

"From now on, I'll follow you."

Wu Meng affectionately took her arm: "Now that you've made money, give me a hand too."

"Row."

Lin Xiyu readily agreed: "When I want to be my own boss someday and start my own company, I'll definitely tell you, and we can do business together too."

"OK."

Wu Meng was satisfied, her excited little face flushed, and she nodded repeatedly.

"Everyone here is quite ambitious. They all want to start their own companies and be their own bosses. I can't fall behind."

Wang Fan's competitive spirit was ignited by the three girls. Standing on the banks of the Huangpu River, he pointed to the skyscrapers under construction in Pudong New Area across the river, brimming with ambition.

"Sooner or later, I will own a skyscraper of my own there!"

We believe in you!

"Keep it up, young man!"

Surprisingly, the boys and girls didn't criticize him and gave him a very enthusiastic welcome.

"Hahaha."

Wang Fan was overjoyed and laughed heartily.

At that moment, no one could have predicted that a carefree young man's joke on the banks of the Huangpu River would become a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Years later, he seized the opportunity and, riding the wave of the construction industry, actually owned his own skyscraper in the place he had promised, becoming a powerful tycoon with substantial capital.

-

In May 1993, Shanghai Metro Line 1 opened, running from Xujiahui to Jinjiang Amusement Park.

My cousin rarely comes to Shanghai, so naturally she wants to try some new and exciting activities.

Having never ridden a subway or roller coaster before, a trip to Jinjiang Amusement Park is a must.

The next morning, the teenagers took the subway to Jinjiang Amusement Park and bought a package ticket with great enthusiasm, planning to ride all the thrilling and exciting rides, including the log flume, roller coaster, Ferris wheel, and swing ride.

However, dreams are beautiful, but reality is cruel.

My cousin doesn't get dizzy no matter what she sits on; she's having a blast.

Wu Meng couldn't take it anymore. She got off the Sudden Wind Flying Chair and vomited profusely.

Wang Fan was riding the whitewater rafting boat, sitting at the very front. When he plunged down from a height, he got completely soaked.

Gu Bin was not spared either; sitting in the last row, he was also soaked.

Lin Xiyu was slightly better off, as she wasn't too wet, but she clearly felt a tightness in her chest the moment she swooped down from the height.

The rush of water into her body had already given her a warning, so she didn't dare to try any more thrilling roller coasters.

The group went through each attraction one by one, and with each ride they took, there were fewer and fewer people left to go. Only the older cousin and Li Liang insisted on riding the roller coaster.

Li Liang is tall with long legs, and his two long legs were cramped between the roller coaster seats. The strong impact caused his skin to bleed.

My cousin was unharmed and became the final winner.

-

We spent two days exploring the bustling city center, then visited the campuses of two prestigious universities, Fudan University and East China Normal University, and accompanied my cousin to complete her enrollment procedures.

My cousin had a great time on her three-day trip to Shanghai.

With the start of the school year approaching, Wu Meng and Li Liang also need to go to their respective schools to register.

My cousin said goodbye with reluctance and boarded the train back with the two of them.

-

East China Normal University.

With the arrival of new students, the campus was exceptionally lively. Lin Xiyu arrived early and was fortunate enough to be assigned a lower-level bed when the dormitories were being assigned.

Her dormitory room was on the sixth floor. It was a rectangular room with six people, a south-facing balcony, and a small space that could only accommodate three beds, a table, and a washbasin stand.

Personal toiletries were placed on the washbasin stand, and a large suitcase was stuffed under the bed.

As for the table, it's shared by six people, so it can only hold a mirror or something; it's basically just for decoration.

-

"Ah, I don't want to sleep on the top bunk."

"I'm scared to sleep on the top bunk."

What if it falls?

"Why did they get to take all the lower bunks first?"

"The lottery should be conducted fairly."

There are many female students in the English Department of East China Normal University. Where there are many female students, there are bound to be many disputes. When the lower bunks are full, the new students who arrive one after another will inevitably complain when they see that only the upper bunks are left.

A local Shanghai girl also moved into Lin Xiyu's dormitory. She was very delicate and insisted on sleeping in the lower bunk.

Her parents were exasperated by her antics. They wanted to scold her but couldn't bring themselves to do so, so they reluctantly looked around the dormitory and finally focused their attention on Lin Xiyu.

“Excuse me, could you switch places with my daughter? We’ve spoiled her a bit. She’s a restless sleeper and always tosses and turns. She even falls off the bed at home. We’re really worried about her sleeping on the top bunk.”

"Okay, go ahead."

Seeing that he spoke eloquently and his attitude was quite sincere, Lin Xiyu was eager to make a good connection with him. After only a second of hesitation, she agreed without any further thought.

"Thank you, little girl."

The girl's mother was taken aback by her daughter's quick agreement, then overjoyed: "Jingjing, come here quickly, thank you, classmate."

"Thank you."

The girl's name was Li Qing. She was happy to see that Li Qing was willing to give up the prize to her, so she stopped making a fuss and obediently came over to thank her.

"You are welcome."

Lin Xiyu exchanged polite greetings: "We'll all be classmates from now on, so it's only right that we help each other out."

"Little girl, what's your name?"

Upon hearing the familiar local accent, the girl's father's eyes lit up with surprise: "Where are you from? What's your hometown?"

"My name is Lin Xiyu."

Lin Xiyu said confidently, "I'm from Shandong, but my home is in Jinan."

"You're from Shandong, what a coincidence!"

To prove his point, the girl's father switched from a Shanghai accent to a somewhat broken Shandong dialect: "My hometown is also in Shandong, my ancestral home is Qufu, which is not far from Jinan."

"Oh, Qufu."

Lin Xiyu suppressed a laugh and enthusiastically chimed in, "Confucius's hometown is very famous; everyone in Shandong knows it."

"Xi Yu, this is my business card."

The girl's father was very happy to see that his daughter was practically from the same hometown as him, and he took out a business card from his pocket and handed it to her.

"From now on, we'll be entrusting Jingjing to your care. We've spoiled her a bit since she was little, and she can't stand the slightest grievance. Please take good care of her and help her out as much as possible. We won't let you suffer any injustice. Just let us know if you need anything. Come over to our house with Jingjing on the weekend, and have your auntie cook you some delicious food to nourish you."

"Thank you uncle."

Lin Xiyu took the business card and glanced at it. When she saw that it said "A certain clothing foreign trade import and export company," her heart skipped a beat.