The timeline system has gone awry; they insist that steamed buns are a magic pill.

"Wow, Li Qingqiu, you're really something! You're lazy, good-for-nothing, and penniless, yet such a beautiful girl still sees you as her 'white moonlight.' Heaven must be blind. Wait, I'm Li Qingqiu now. If she doesn't see me as her 'white moonlight,' then maybe I can get some more out of her?"

Wu Xiaoyue noticed a glint of greed in Li Qingqiu's eyes. She suspected that Caiju's benefactor might not be a good person, and she should warn Caiju against falling for his tricks.

"Chrysanthemum..."

"Xiaoyue, thank you. I will pay you back the industrial vouchers as soon as possible." Han Caiju has now been promoted to a full-time employee and earns two industrial vouchers with a monthly salary of over forty yuan.

Wu Xiaoyue sighed, hoping that Caiju could see reality clearly and realize that the person in front of her was probably not a good person, so she shouldn't get too involved.

"This is all I have left." Han Caiju handed five industrial vouchers to Li Qingqiu. Li Qingqiu didn't stand on ceremony. This woman had just triggered a mission, so she was probably like a heroine in a story about breaking off an engagement.

The "white moonlight" filter probably won't last long in the face of reality, so Li Qingqiu might as well take as much as he can; it's not a loss anyway. As for the task that Han Caiju values ​​highly, he'll have to think about it carefully.

Thank you.

"You're welcome."

Han Guodong, who was standing nearby, almost clapped and cheered when he saw this scene. He had been thinking about how to embarrass Li Qingqiu, but now he had embarrassed himself, saving Li Qingqiu the trouble of taking action.

As expected of a country bumpkin, only concerned with immediate gains. I certainly wouldn't do that, since having Caiju owe me a favor is much better than a few industrial vouchers.

No wonder some people say Li Qingqiu is a hothead and an idiot. He did something really stupid, but that's for the best. Caiju probably already hates this kid.

Han Guodong felt that his opportunity had come. He thought that the fool was not worthy of Caiju, and that only he was the right match for her.

"Oh, Qingqiu, you should have said you needed industrial vouchers earlier. I still have a few here."

"How could I possibly accept that, Guodong? Don't laugh at me, but I really almost did. Thank you so much." Upon hearing this, Li Qingqiu thought, "Well, it would be a fool not to accept industrial vouchers that are handed to him like this."

Han Guodong never expected that Li Qingqiu would be so shameless. He had originally wanted to say a few straightforward words to make himself look good, but who knew that this kid would actually do it.

"Where's your face? Where's your skin?" Li Qingqiu didn't care about Han Guodong's thoughts. "Guodong, look, is your industrial voucher at home or at work? Why don't I go with you to get it after dinner? We're old classmates, aren't we? You're so considerate."

"I have it with me." Han Guodong reluctantly pulled out a few industrial coupons. You have to admit, this kid actually has some savings. Li Qingqiu had no idea that Han Guodong was saving them up to buy a radio.

This all went to Li Qingqiu, who was heartbroken. He glanced at Han Caiju and saw that her expression was even more unpleasant. Han Guodong thought to himself that this wasn't too bad a loss. "Caiju, look at this person. Do you see clearly now?"

Li Qingqiu's actions left Wu Xiaoyue completely stunned; this Li Qingqiu was utterly shameless. "Caiju, your old classmate..."

"Xiaoyue, I know. After repaying the favor, we'll just be ordinary old classmates." Han Caiju looked at Li Qingqiu, and became even more disappointed as she saw him happily counting the industrial vouchers.

As expected, it was Runtu. Han Caiju sighed and then breathed a sigh of relief. This was good too; that person had finally died in her memory.

"Hey, why are you all staring at me? Aren't you going to order anything?"

"I'll go, I'll go." Han Guodong hurriedly stood up. Now it was his turn to shine. With Li Qingqiu as a comparison, he felt his chances of winning were much greater.

"Give me more fried meatballs."

Li Qingqiu shouted, and Wu Xiaoyue was speechless. He really didn't treat his old classmate like a human being.

"Caiju, are you alright?"

Wu Xiaoyue was a little worried about Han Caiju. Han Caiju smiled faintly, with a hint of self-deprecation. "It's okay, I've come to terms with it. I was overthinking it. We're from two different worlds, it's just that I see things more clearly this time. It's fine, Xiaoyue, I'm really okay."

Wu Xiaoyue knew a little about Li Qingqiu and Han Caiju's affair; it could be described as a hero saving a beauty. However, judging from the current situation, this hero might not be such a reliable hero at all.

Wu Xiaoyue disliked people who were greedy, loved to take advantage of others, and were full of petty calculations. Caiju probably felt the same way.

Han Guodong seems better than Han Guodong. Although Han Guodong is a bit calculating, he has a good job, doesn't take advantage of others, and is also very warm-hearted.

"Caiju, I think Han Guodong is actually quite good."

"Xiaoyue, please stop talking..." Han Caiju sighed indifferently. "I don't want to think about personal matters anytime soon..."

"All right."

Wu Xiaoyue glared at Li Qingqiu, who seemed completely unaware of missing out on a good marriage. Li Qingqiu muttered to himself, "Is there something wrong with Wu Xiaoyue's brain?"

When Li Qingqiu first arrived, Han Caiju would stop him from getting any closer. Now that he's asking for some benefits, he's being made to look like a heartless man. Women are just like that.

The white moonlight has suddenly become Runtu, who was supposed to be dismissed with just a meal. Now that he has asked for benefits, she is feeling uncomfortable and has developed quite a few faults.

However, this could be a good opportunity to seduce Han Caiju. Perhaps it can be useful in the future. As long as one has no woman in their heart, a woman is the best tool.

Li Qingqiu was very clear about this. If he really tried to curry favor with Han Caiju, he would probably be kicked aside.

"The food is here."

Korean Dongle happily ordered food, got the receipt, waited for the food, and served it, working up a good buzz. Li Qingqiu thought to himself, "This guy is just like a bootlicker in later generations."

The four people ordered three dishes: fried meatballs, stewed tofu, scrambled eggs, and three catties of rice. This meal would definitely be considered a luxury nowadays.

"It's a pity they don't have stir-fried pork slices today. Their stir-fried pork slices are very good. Qingqiu, it's not easy for you to come to the county. I originally wanted to invite you to try it. But the fried meatballs are also good. They're not available every day. You should eat more." Han Guodong smiled and spoke very politely, taking care of Li Qingqiu.

Wu Xiaoyue felt that Han Guodong was a good person, but Han Caiju frowned slightly. Li Qingqiu thought to himself, "Are you saying this to Han Caiju? It's true that you are a farmer, but you are from a county town, so you are actually quite well-off."

"Then I won't stand on ceremony. We live in the countryside and we only eat meat a few times a year, let alone fried meatballs. Who can afford to fry meatballs?"

"There's no way around it, the countryside is poor. Caiju, Xiaoyue, you don't know, I often go to the countryside. Some families have many children, let alone meat, they can't even afford dried sweet potatoes. Some are better off and only eat two meals a day in winter, right, Qingqiu?" Han Guodong said, moving the fried meatballs in front of Li Qingqiu.

"That's right. Guodong, you know the countryside. Putting aside others, just take our production team. This spring and summer, there was a severe drought, resulting in a reduced grain yield. Each family's ration of grain is several tens of kilograms less than in previous years. The whole team is trying to find ways to do more sideline work to increase income, otherwise, we might have to eat tree bark during the lean season."

Li Qingqiu ate rice, kept picking up meatballs, and also ate plenty of tofu and eggs. He ate at least half of the dishes by himself, and also ate a lot of rice.

Han Guodong's lips twitched as he watched. This guy was really shameless. Caiju said she would treat him, and he ate like a madman. Country bumpkins are just too easily swayed.

Han Caiju didn't say anything, but sighed upon hearing about Li Qingqiu's situation. "It's tougher in the countryside."

Have you thought about going to the city to find work?

"Going to the city? No way. I have no education and no skills. What can I do in the city? Sigh, at least I can still eat in the countryside." What would I do if I went to the city to sign in? Besides, I'd get more attention in the city. The countryside is better.

Even if they investigate spies and agents, they won't investigate production teams in the countryside; it's pointless. If there really are spies or agents lurking in the production teams, they're useless.

Only a fool would infiltrate a production team; what could they possibly do? Stealing poison to kill a few cows would be considered good. But it's different in the city. If you act strangely, someone might find something to use against you, and one report could ruin your career.

"That's true, Qingqiu, you're not young anymore. If you ask me, you should hurry up and find a reliable and hardworking wife."

Han Guodong mentioned Li Qingqiu's age, and Wu Xiaoyue quietly asked Han Guodong how old Li Qingqiu was. When she learned that he was twenty-five, Wu Xiaoyue shook her head silently.

Caiju is only twenty years old. She has a good education, a strong job, and is beautiful. Her family situation has also improved, and her parents have both returned to work. Whether it is family background, job, or appearance, Li Qingqiu can't get her. Now, there's also the age factor.

The two were worlds apart. Fortunately, although Li Qingqiu was a bit greedy, he knew to some extent that he couldn't possibly be with Caiju.

"This feels so good. I haven't had such a satisfying meal in days."

Li Qingqiu wiped his mouth and ate as much rice as he wanted. He ate almost all the meatballs. He felt really comfortable. It was nice to have meat to eat every day.

"Guodong, do the math."

"I've already given it to you."

Han Caiju took out money and grain coupons and handed them to Han Guodong. Li Qingqiu said that two yuan a month and two jin of grain coupons were definitely more than enough.

"Caiju, you gave me too much."

"Not much." Han Caiju didn't say anything more. Han Guodong looked at Wu Xiaoyue, who shook her head. Caiju meant that the bill should be calculated based on the amount of food eaten. Li Qingqiu ate about half of the dishes and a lot of rice.

Li Qingqiu witnessed this scene but remained silent.

"Let's go."

Han Caiju said something to Wu Xiaoyue, stood up, and Wu Xiaoyue quickly followed. Han Guodong also hurriedly stood up. "Qingqiu, let's go together."

"No, I'll sit down and rest for a bit. I ate a bit too much."

Damn it, Han Guodong thought to himself, why don't you just eat yourself to death? Oh well, he was too lazy to care and quickly followed them out. Only after Li Qingqiu and the other two had left did he stand up.

"Eldest Sister"

"What's up?"

The woman in charge of issuing invoices and taking orders glanced at Li Qingqiu. Back then, the slogan of state-run restaurants was still "Do not beat or scold customers without reason." It was not surprising that the woman's service attitude was not very good.

Especially considering Li Qingqiu's appearance clearly indicates he's a country bumpkin, his claims about labor having no inherent hierarchy, just different social roles, are ridiculous.

She was just saying it; her attitude towards Han Guodong and Li Qingqiu was completely different.

"I want ten servings of fried meatballs."

"What did you say? Ten servings of fried meatballs! Do you know how much a serving of meatballs costs? Eighty cents, not eight cents! Don't mess with me!" The older woman was very angry and her attitude was very bad.

"I know, just issue the invoice, I have the money."

"You've got quite the nerve. Show me the money first." The older woman scoffed, "You don't look like someone who can afford to buy meatballs."

With a "smack," Li Qingqiu slammed a large black ten on the counter, startling the older woman. "What are you doing? Huh, what's this?"

"Money, please issue the receipt, ma'am."

"What are you yelling about? Just because you have money doesn't mean you can do anything. Let me tell you, there aren't ten portions. Each person can have a maximum of three portions, and that's it." The older woman snorted, "So what if you have money?"

"Three copies it is, let's issue the invoices."

Here you go, just wait.

The older sister wrote out the invoice and threw it on the table. Li Qingqiu ignored it, took it, and sat down to wait.

"Hey, Li Qingqiu, what are you doing here?"

"Wu Xiaoyue?"

Li Qingqiu muttered to himself, "Why is she back?"

"What's wrong with you?"

"Caiju forgot her bag, I'll come back and get it for her." Wu Xiaoyue thought to herself that she was doing Han Guodong a favor by creating an opportunity for them to be alone together, but she didn't expect that Li Qingqiu was still there.

"Three servings of meatballs are ready. Come and get them quickly, don't block the other people's way."

"They're here, they're here."

"Hmph, you want to buy ten servings? Really, you country bumpkin, you have no knowledge. Don't you know that meatballs, stir-fried meat slices, and braised pork are all rationed?"

Wu Xiaoyue was stunned. What did that mean? Li Qingqiu was waiting for meatballs and was planning to buy ten portions. Was this guy really that rich? She couldn't believe it.

Li Qingqiu stuffed the freshly fried meatballs into a canvas bag—no, a storage shelf—with brown paper. "And another serving of stewed tofu, please."

"That's all."

"Give me two catties of rice."

"Grain coupons".

"Give."

Li Qingqiu stuffed the lunchbox full of rice into his canvas bag and left the state-run restaurant without lingering. Wu Xiaoyue leaned against the corner of the wall, hesitated for a moment, and then followed Li Qingqiu.

Holding ten industrial vouchers in his hand, Li Qingqiu headed straight for the department store. It would be foolish not to use money and vouchers, and even more foolish not to seize the opportunity to enjoy life.

First, I bought a thermos, then a porcelain basin, toothpaste, toothbrush, and a complete set of towels—a whole shopping spree! "A radio, please."

"Red light, please give me a good signal."

Semiconductor radios are cheap, but not very good. Vacuum tube radios are better, although they are more expensive and require five industrial coupons, but they are worth it. Li Qingqiu is a person who doesn't care about money.

He can just spend it all and then earn more. His motto is "living paycheck to paycheck, I love living paycheck to paycheck." Most importantly, there's no entertainment these days, and Li Qingqiu is almost going crazy.

Quitting my phone was worse than being slowly tortured to death. Now that I have the chance, I'm definitely going to get one of the best electronic gadgets for young people these days.

"Sigh, we're back to square one."

The sixty or seventy yuan he had saved from selling winter bamboo shoots, plus the thirty or forty yuan he earned today, were all gone. He had also used up all his industrial coupons. This wave of spending made Li Gongzi's heart tremble with excitement. He was so generous.

Wu Xiaoyue watched, stunned, then completely stunned. She had spent over a hundred yuan to buy a radio, and it was even a Red Lantern brand one. She had been saving up to buy a cheaper transistor radio.

"Who exactly is this Li Qingqiu? Why does he spend money like that?"