Chapter 589: Chapter 17: Differential Treatment
Xiao Xian and Zhang Yiyi each carried two big bags of stuff, with one box of beer alone weighing dozens of kilos.
"What are you bringing in so much beer and Xianheng Peanuts for?" The beer was something Yiyi had sneakily bought after Zhuo Feng left; the rest were snacks and daily necessities common amongst girls. Surely they weren’t picking up habits from that group of big guys at Mao Dazhu’s place the other day.
"Sell them. After half a month of effort, I’ve figured out all the goods on the shelves of the Strategic Goods Center and made a detailed price list. This is, according to my research, the stuff most likely to make money." Zhang Yiyi spent her days playing dead on the sand to observe lizards. Having done this many times, she couldn’t always pretend to be asleep, so she took the opportunity to watch people who went to the Goods Center and what they bought.
Her view coincided with Wang Shuai’s.
Robot Romeo One’s picking ability is surprisingly bad, and also quite monotonous (if robots have any taste, that is). She thought that due to the Goods Center in Area C having so few items and unreasonable prices, aside from new students like herself and Xiao Xian who always lacked stuff, nobody else should come here to buy things.
Yet, upon observation, she found that the Goods Center was doing well, although she hadn’t figured out the exact reason. However, she did discover a few bestsellers that were selling like hotcakes.
"That day, while buried in the sand, I overheard two Intermediate Class students passing by saying they specifically came to Area C to buy beer." The price of beer was even more expensive than instant noodles—300 Heaven-defying Value a can, an absolute luxury item. Yet, such a luxury actually found buyers, as Yiyi heard that each Intermediate Class trainee could only purchase 5 cans per month. "There’s a loophole in the system, different Goods Centers don’t keep a cumulative count, so many people would specially come to Area C to buy beer. After some calculations, since beer sells so well, I’ll put it up on the alumni BBS for sale, 100 cheaper per can than at the Goods Center, and free delivery for purchases of 3 cans or more. These Xianheng Peanuts are perfect for pairing with beer, selling at 100 Heaven-defying Value per pack." Zhang Yiyi racked her brains to come up with this method to earn Heaven-defying Value.
Even though Xiao Xian said she could share her Heaven-defying Value with her, Yiyi was not happy to always take advantage of Xiao Xian.
"It sounds feasible," Xiao Xian also saw Zhang Yiyi’s intentions and didn’t insist, helping her carry this big pile of stuff. After the introduction of the concept of Heaven-defying Value, Zhang Yiyi became a giant in RMB but remained a dwarf in Heaven-defying Value.
After receiving surprised glances from the security at the Southern Hua Science and Technology Institute and its guards, they finally arrived at that gate of the North Campus. Xiao Xian, as usual, swiped her Heaven Card and had the corresponding Heaven-defying Value deducted, but the exceptionally thick gate did not open immediately as usual.
The ground began to shake, and something bulged from the ground. After a long absence, Juliet One emerged from the earth, "According to the security management regulations of the North Campus, the Institute prohibits carrying contraband inside."
Robot Juliet One listed a long string of prohibited items: non-North Campus personnel, alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, poisons, flammable, explosive materials, military or police equipment, radioactive substances, corrosive items, and controlled knives.
"It’s stricter than airport security checks, at least they don’t check for cigarettes and such," Zhang Yiyi’s grand plan fell through. To get in, she would have to discard the box of beer. Well, at least she could still bring in Xianheng Peanuts, better than nothing.
Xiao Xian looked at Zhang Yiyi, who had a face full of resentment. He didn’t know whether to comfort her or laugh at her.
Before heading back to the dormitory, Xiao Xian went to the supply center once more to check how well the Cushions had sold in the past two days.
Five Cushions were sold within two days; not especially good sales, which was probably also related to the lackluster sales ability of the Goods Center in Area C.
That evening, Xiao Xian took out the bamboo weaving manual provided by Mao Dazhu and began to study new weaving techniques. As for Zhang Yiyi, not willing to give up, she posted her Xianheng Peanuts on the alumni BBS at the price of 100 Heaven-defying Value per pack.
The next morning, as usual, Xiao Xian went out to cut the grass. Zhang Yiyi turned on the computer, and the first thing she did was to open the alumni BBS, hoping to see someone patronize her business.
"Wow! Someone actually bought it, and they bought 3 packs at once," Zhang Yiyi was thrilled. Her first pot of gold had arrived.
Although Zhang Yiyi was a bit excited, she figured she still had to attend classes before going out. Under the strict supervision of the central computer, she had started taking basic courses and had gained a comprehensive understanding of the attributes of lizards.