Chapter 18 - 018 Meister
Jigu Commune is quite large, with a large population housing two major factories, one textile and one oil refinery, hence it hosts two supply and marketing cooperatives, two non-staple food stations, similar to a small county town.
Luckily, there are only a few streets in the commune. Li Xianglu, wearing a mask and a hat, cautiously looked around. She knew Ge Sanmei was also going to visit the supply and marketing cooperative today, and she absolutely could not afford to be recognized.
The supply and marketing cooperative consists of a long row of single-story buildings, already packed with people. The employees, dressed in black gowns with white collars, appeared exceptionally fashionable. They stood inside the counters, each wearing an expression of impatience.
Some people were buying soap, others were seeking matches, and still others needed cold cream. Everyone was desperately scrambling to buy things, and the busiest area was undoubtedly the western side selling cloths, crowded with people checking the fabric designs, incessantly asking for prices, while the employees looked visibly annoyed, complaining that these rural folks always came during market days, many asked but few bought! Truly exasperating!
Li Xianglu stood near the door at the industrial products area and saw Ge Sanmei and an excitedly expressive Li Jianwen at the cloth selling area. Ge Sanmei, in her familiar loud voice, stammered, "Comrade..." then hesitated, unable to continue, and lacked her usual domineering manner.
Seeing this, Li Jianwen stepped forward and politely said, "Comrade, two meters of that blue cotton, and one meter of the black rough fabric."
Ge Sanmei immediately contradicted, "No, no, not the cotton, it's too expensive, all rough fabric."
Li Jianwen frowned and said, "Mom, I want a garment of cotton. Wearing rough fabric is too embarrassing."
Ge Sanmei hesitated, and the impatient employee asked, "Which one do you really want!"