Chapter 159: Chapter 159

In the pitch-black cellar, the two sisters sat together taking stock of their current supplies.

Two large bags of cured meat, one bag of dried fish, five crates of canned meat, two large hams, two big bags each of dried seaweed and various vegetables, two big bags of red dates and peanuts, two crates of eggs, two jars of pickled vegetables, five large bags of White Rabbit milk candies, and ten cans of malted milk powder gradually obtained through their little friend's help from the provincial capital.

Additionally, they had about 200 jin each of rice and flour, plus some corn, sweet potatoes and peanuts.

It wasn't that they hadn't wanted to stockpile more earlier—urban residents at this time not only had ration quotas but also needed grain coupons to purchase food.

What they had now was accumulated over the past six months through Third Sister making various excuses and An Ning specially collecting grain coupons from everywhere.

But both sisters clearly understood that for three years, these supplies alone wouldn't be enough. As urban residents, according to regulations, non-heavy labor adults only received 27 jin of rationed grain monthly—about 20 jin being coarse grains like corn, with only 7 jin of refined rice or wheat.

Children's rations were reduced by nearly half from that, totaling less than 20 jin.

This meant their family currently had about 26 jin of refined grain and 75 jin of coarse grain per month.

Even this wasn't guaranteed—supplies might be cut off or reduced anytime. From An Ning's perspective, their county's normal supplies could only last three more months at most, until year-end.

The sisters exchanged glances and almost simultaneously took out their savings.

An Ning had 207 yuan and 30 fen plus a pile of miscellaneous coupons, while Third Sister... well, after emptying her stash, only had a pitiful 31 yuan and 20 fen.

Looking at her younger sister's substantial pile compared to her own meager amount, Third Sister felt slightly embarrassed for a moment.

Over the past year, although both sisters had been submitting writings, Third Sister's typing speed and acceptance rate paled in comparison to her little sister's—especially since An Ning particularly enjoyed visiting factories to research heroic figures or "model pioneers" known for endurance and helpfulness.

Her refined writing and vivid stories frequently got published, bringing considerable reputation to the factories mentioned.

At first it was fine, but later she'd receive warm welcomes from factory directors whenever she visited, with occasional notifications about special goods—over half their current supplies came this way.

Looking at the sister who barely reached her chest, Third Sister covered her face.

Ha! After transmigrating, was she still living off someone else?

But thinking of the coming three difficult years, Third Sister quickly straightened up, carefully glancing at her sister:

"Little sis, with the situation worsening outside, we should stock more food—especially non-perishables and grains."

"About your money..."

Here, Third Sister's face reddened and her words faltered.

Understanding her meaning, An Ning smiled understandingly, her still-chubby cheeks showing shallow dimples:

"It's fine, sis, use it all. Our family of four can't rely on anyone else—more food means more peace of mind."

Sniffling, Third Sister hugged her tightly, about to plant a big kiss when An Ning cheerfully added:

"Money can always be earned again anyway!"

Clutching her meager savings, she silently shed two streams of tears.

In the following days, the sisters worked separately—An Ning contacted the meatpacking plant for ten more crates of defective canned goods (discreetly obtained through different people to avoid attention), plus several crates of biscuits from the factory.

Her chubby friend also helped procure several large cans of malted milk powder, rare bags of White Rabbit candies, and even...

"Beef jerky? And dried squid!"

Delighted, An Ning opened the cloth bag, her eyes lighting up before gratefully patting her friend's shoulder.

Truly a kindred spirit!

"From our first meeting, I knew we'd get along!"

After a pause, he said: "My dad has friends in coastal areas sending seafood at year-end. If you want..."

Before he finished, An Ning was already nodding vigorously.

Refusing the earnest deposit offered, the chubby boy merely gave a cool nod, saying they'd see when the time came.

Trusting her reliable friend, An Ning didn't insist, happily chewing fragrant beef jerky that lifted her recent "exhausted" mood.

Meanwhile, Third Sister made quick progress procuring grains through connections, pretending not to notice the unusually plump rice mixed into coarse grains, which An Ning happily blended into their rice jar.

Even elementary-school-aged Little Brother Yang contributed by catching fish with his honed skills.

That evening, after enjoying delicious braised fish, the sisters rose to return to their room when their mother Li Xiaocao unexpectedly pulled out neatly folded money and coupons from her pocket, stuffing them into the girls' hands:

"If you're short, I have some here too!"

"I'm not as clever or well-connected as you, but more food means more security for our family."

Stunned by the money and her mother's rough hands, Third Sister froze.

Having worked barely six months after accounting for rent, Little Brother's tuition and daily expenses, her mother likely had little left—these dozens of yuan were probably her entire savings...

"Who knew our frugal mom could be so generous when it counts!" Third Sister mused in bed that night.

An Ning softly replied:

"Sis, remember? Mom was only married off for a small bag of sweet potatoes during a famine."

If you could even call it marriage—wasn't it essentially a purchase?

"Mom wasn't even fifteen when married..." An Ning sighed.

This was why, despite their mother's weakness—unable to stand up for her daughters beyond sneaking them food—neither An Ning nor the original host resented her much.

Xiaocao—just the name revealed her circumstances. Not all flowers can bloom in mud.

The reality was that purchased goods and a worthless husband left no room for dignity.

Third Sister's chatter died in her throat. Fifteen—she'd be fourteen after New Year...

Shivering at the thought, she finally whispered into the darkness:

"Little sis... thank goodness, thank goodness..."

For what exactly, she didn't say.