The car's headlights and the sound of brakes drew everyone's attention. Heads turned as they watched Jing Shu step out of a red BYD Song, bundled tightly in a one-piece suit from head to toe.
"Wow, there's still someone driving an energy car. Impressive."
"What's the big deal? Didn't you see Su Mali's driver just drop her off?"
"Last year, a BYD Song was only worth a few tens of thousands. Only people without much money would buy it. Jing Shu's really lucky."
She thought everyone would be inside, but instead, they were all standing by the door. So much for being low-key.
If embarrassment could kill, Jing Shu would be dead right now. She had told Su Mali that she would pick up the submarine quietly, but Su Mali had actually moved it over directly. Now, with everyone watching, her acquisition was completely exposed.
Su Mali's eyes lit up as soon as she spotted Jing Shu. She ran over with her arms crossed tightly over her chest, her princess dress swaying with every step.
Why run like that, with arms crossed? People said that women with big breasts have this problem: when they run, their breasts shake violently and they have to hold them up.
Jing Shu looked down at her breasts with a sigh. Sadly, she never had that problem.
Before she could react, warm, soft hands clasped hers. Su Mali beamed. "Jing Shu, you're finally here."
"Huh? Uh, yeah, I'm here," Jing Shu replied instinctively, but something felt off. Back in high school, she'd spoken fewer than a hundred words to Su Mali, yet this girl acted like they were lifelong friends.
Oh right, Su Mali treated everyone this way.
"Did you bring the stuff?" Su Mali asked expectantly.
Jing Shu nodded.
"Great! Come on, Jing Shu. I also brought your shark submarine. If it's inconvenient for you, I can have it delivered to your home later."
Without waiting for a reply, she pulled Jing Shu over to the submarine and handed her the keys. "It's yours now. Full 280 horsepower, and I filled it up with diesel for you."
Jing Shu marveled at her trusting nature. No checking goods, no second thoughts. How did someone like this survive the apocalypse?
Their old classmates looked on with envy, jealousy, and resentment. Here was Su Mali again, handing away something massive. Did Jing Shu really trade antidote for it? Jing Shu glanced around and spotted familiar faces: Mu Xiaoxuan, Zhang Lingling, He Shouwu, Wang Chao, Xie Zihao, and Nima.
"Thanks," Jing Shu said, accepting the keys. She finally got a close look at the sleek blue amphibious shark submarine. It was five meters long, about one meter wide, with a two-meter wingspan. If she put it in the Cube Space, it would take up at least ten cubic meters.
The submarine had seats in the front and back, with four retractable wheels underneath for land use. Its top land speed was around 50 km/h, but water was where it truly excelled.
Jing Shu ran her hand along its smooth surface. Its fully enclosed design would keep red nematodes and other bugs out. She had planned to get a boat next year, knowing everything would be flooded and red nematodes would be everywhere near water.
She never imagined she'd get such a perfect gift package so soon. A vehicle that could function as both a submarine and a boat was rare. And this sleek blue shark was simply stunning. She loved it.
Jing Shu already knew where she'd mount it: the lift rack at the back of her Conqueror RV, originally meant for an off-road motorcycle, would now hold the submarine. Perfect. Now all she needed was the RV.
Zhang Lingling led the applause. "Congrats on closing the first big trade of our swap meet! Jing Shu, you really scored. It's been years since I last saw you, and you're even prettier now. Prettier than our class beauty, Nima!"
Nima stood among the crowd, her red hat covering her greasy hair. She wore a long black down jacket and high heels that accentuated her long legs. Light makeup added a touch of elegance, making her look polished in the dim light.
But when a few flashlights shone her way, her illusion cracked. Her blackened hands and the grime under her nails were impossible to hide.
She looked like someone who'd been working in a coal mine. Truthfully, everyone was in similar shape, except for a few who managed to stay clean.
Nima clenched her teeth and shoved her dirty hands into her pockets, silently wondering how these people stayed so clean despite the water shortage.
Meanwhile, Jing Shu stood out effortlessly. Her fluffy red-hooded one-piece looked like cozy pajamas, paired with warm boots. She looked casual, playful, and effortlessly beautiful.
When several flashlight beams landed on her face, Jing Shu frowned, pulled out a high-powered flashlight, and shone it back at them, blinding a few onlookers. They quickly lowered their lights.
"Jing Shu, what did you trade for the submarine? Was it antidote? Where did you even get antidote?"
"Yeah, I'm curious too."
"Su Mali, what else do you want? Can I have your bag?"
The crowd buzzed with chatter.
"Come on, let's grab your stuff," Jing Shu said, heading to her car.
Su Mali followed her eagerly, hopping into the car as well. Jing Shu pulled out a wooden box and opened it, revealing honeysuckle flowers. "This is the best medicine for carbuncles. Try it first. If you need more, I've got some."
"Thank you so much!" Su Mali said, delighted.
"And that CNG tank—did we agree on one tank for one vial of anesthetic?"
Su Mali nodded. "Yes. We're running low on anesthetics too, so I'll take as many as you have."
Jing Shu had traded four pig legs with Alan for seven vials of anesthetic. She had planned to use them for Wu You'ai, but never did. She kept three as a precaution and exchanged four for four large CNG tanks, complete with equipment.
She planned to research anesthetic plants once her medicinal herbs matured. Right now, the Cube Space was packed to the brim.
Still, Jing Shu didn't plan to change her planting ratios: six cubic meters for fruit, six for vegetables, and six for medicinal herbs. She would diversify only after the next upgrade of the Cube Space.
"Su Mali, you're leaving already?"
"You're taking all these things too? I thought you were here to swap."
After calling her driver, Su Mali prepared to leave. Her quick exit drew jealous glances at the pile of goods she'd acquired.
Su Mali smiled sweetly. "I've already gotten what I wanted. As for the rest, I'll only trade for things I'm interested in. If you've got something I like, contact me. For now, I'm heading out."
Even as a "foolish" spender, Su Mali clearly had her own principles.
With her arms full of goods, Su Mali left, and the swap meet suddenly felt a lot less exciting.