Going home for the Chinese New Year with a year-end bonus of 100 million

Zhou Yao is indeed a local expert.

Instead of taking Yang Fan to those large home appliance stores, she went into a well-known old street-front shop area behind the market.

The area is lined with shops selling all sorts of things, exuding a vibrant atmosphere of everyday life.

She first entered a hardware and electrical appliance store that looked quite old.

"Aunt Su! Is Aunt Su here?" Zhou Yao called out cheerfully as soon as she entered the door.

Behind the counter, a middle-aged woman wearing an apron and with permed hair looked up, and upon seeing Zhou Yao, her face immediately lit up with a smile:

"Oh! It's Yao Yao! What brings you to my place today?"

"Oh, who is this young man?" She looked at Yang Fan curiously.

"Aunt Su, this is my older brother, Yang Fan," Zhou Yao introduced naturally, then pointed to the various heaters displayed in the shop:

"We're looking to buy a small electric heater. We need one that's good quality, heats up quickly, and is energy-efficient! Can you recommend one?"

"Sure!" Aunt Su came out enthusiastically, pointing to one of the options and saying:

"This one has a ceramic heating element, heats up quickly, has no open flame, is safe, and has a moderate power output."

"Many people who work in the market buy this; it's very useful!"

"How much is this, Aunt Su?"

"This one's marked at 180. But Yao Yao, you buy it..." Aunt Su's eyes darted around, and she grinned from ear to ear, "Auntie will give you the lowest price, 130!"

Upon hearing this, Zhou Yao pouted and stepped forward to take Aunt Su's arm, starting to act coquettishly:

"Oh, Aunt Su~~~ Look, I'm already calling you 'auntie,' what kind of relationship do we have? Are you still making money off me and my brother?"

"Can you make it cheaper? One hundred! Is one hundred okay?"

"If that's alright, I'll be a regular customer. My older brother and his family just rented a stall in the market, and they'll definitely buy all their hardware tools, power strips, and stuff from you!"

Aunt Su laughed as she was shaken, pointing at Zhou Yao's nose:

"You little rascal, with that mouth of yours! I just can't do anything with you! Fine, fine, a hundred it is!"

"I'm selling it to you at a loss! You'd better keep your word and come back often!"

"Thank you, Aunt Su! You're the best!" Zhou Yao immediately beamed and let Yang Fan pay the bill.

Then, I skillfully picked out two high-quality multi-functional power strips and a large circle of wire conduit, and after some haggling, I didn't spend much money in total.

Yang Fan watched from the side, secretly marveling at the sight.

This week, Yao's bargaining skills were both natural and impressive, and the key was that those uncles and aunts really fell for her charm.

After buying the appliances, the two went to a general store and bought a sturdy folding table and a thick, waterproof plastic tablecloth. Again, after Zhou Yao showered them with sweet talk, calling them "Uncle this, Uncle that" and promising to "come often," the price was reduced even further.

Carrying these "spoils" back to the car, Yang Fan couldn't help but sigh:

"Zhou Yao, I never knew you were such a bargaining pro! Your network is amazing, you seem to know people everywhere you go."

Zhou Yao placed the heater in the back seat and proudly raised her chin:

"That's right! Big brother, don't you know who I am? I grew up here! These uncles and aunties have watched me grow up from a little girl, how could they not know me?"

"Besides, I'm the kind of person everyone loves, flowers bloom for me, and cars get flat tires just by looking at me!"

Her narcissistic words, coupled with her smug expression, completely amused Yang Fan.

"But seriously," Zhou Yao said, fastening her seatbelt, her tone becoming more serious.

"Big brother, after giving you the idea for the little sun, I thought about it again on the way and I have another suggestion."

"Oh? Go ahead." Yang Fan started the car.

"You can go to the labor protection supplies wholesale market over there and buy a few military overcoats! They're really thick and sturdy, and they're excellent at keeping you warm and protected from the wind! The street vendors outside sell them for ridiculously high prices, but they're cheap at the wholesale market. A good one will only cost a hundred or two hundred yuan."

Zhou Yao's eyes sparkled:

"Buy one for your parents, uncles, and aunts. They can wear it while working, and with thick cotton shoes, they'll stay warm even in the wind!"

Yang Fan's eyes lit up immediately upon hearing this.

A military overcoat! How could he not have thought of that!

Although this thing may not look very "fashionable", it is definitely a powerful tool for keeping warm outdoors, and its practical value far exceeds that of those nice-looking down jackets.

"Zhou Yao!" Yang Fan couldn't help but turn to look at her, his eyes filled with admiration.

"Your brain is really sharp! You even thought of that! Great, let's go over there now!"

Seeing that Yang Fan approved of her suggestion, Zhou Yao felt a sweet warmth in her heart, and her smile became even brighter.

She likes the feeling of being needed and valued.

"That's right! Look who came up with the idea!" She lifted her chin, her confidence returning.

"Brother, I've got another great idea for you! Remember the internet fee we agreed on before!"

"It'll count! It'll definitely count!" Yang Fan promised with a smile.

"You've worked hard today. Once I've bought the army coat and cotton shoes, I'll treat you to a big meal, and then you can play as much as you want at the internet cafe!"

"Alright! You're a true friend, brother! Let's go, off to the labor protection market!"

"I also know someone over there, I guarantee I can get you the lowest price!" Zhou Yao excitedly pointed the way, like a dutiful little tour guide.

As the car slowly drove away from the market, Yang Fan took one last look at his still somewhat empty stall through the car window.

I imagined my parents sitting behind the table by the fire, wearing thick military coats, waiting for the sun to rise... That image made the cold market feel warm and comforting all at once.

By the time the car returned to the rented courtyard, it was already getting dark.