Chapter 6: Cell Phone Number

Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio  Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

Right after he dropped his pen, Wang Yan’s stomach started growling.

He had been too focused earlier on to realize his hunger. It was obvious how serious Wang Yan was about the whole idea.

After scarfing down his now cold breakfast, he put on his sling bag and took a taxi to the Xiawa Education Bureau Staff residences.

Ah, he had originally wanted to ride his bike there, but taking overall efficiency and productivity into account, as well as the unforgiving glare of the summer sun, he decisively swapped his two-wheel vehicle in favor of one that had four wheels.

He was ready to join the fast and the furious!

He stopped at an alley next to the Education Bureau, and after walking for about 650 feet, he finally found the three-story building.

The place was run-down and looked like it had probably been built thirty years ago. There was a sign that said: “School Office of the Xiawa District Education Bureau.”

The School Office was a subsidiary of the Education Bureau, but Wang Yan had no idea what the difference was. What he did know, however, was that they definitely had staff stationed there, because this was where his aunt, Wang Xiumei, worked.

The building didn’t get much sun, so he felt a cold draft the moment he stepped inside. However, it offered a pleasant reprieve from the heat outside.

Wang Yan went up to the third floor and knocked on the door of what he remembered to be the office. His aunt acknowledged his presence with a smile on her face.

“Yo. What are you doing here, you little rascal? Did you come to visit your little aunt? Come over here. Would you like some water?”

“Thanks, Auntie, but I’m not thirsty.”

Wang Yan sat opposite his aunt and said sweetly, “Looking good today, Auntie. You’re looking especially young. Did something good happen?”

Wang Xiumei grabbed his hand with a grin. “Woah, when did you get so smooth? What do you want? I’ll definitely help you if it’s within my ability.”

There was no time to waste, so Wang Yan didn’t bother with small talk. He explained what he needed right away.

“Auntie, I remember your department had a small pickup truck. Would I be able to borrow it for a couple of days?”

Wang Xiumei asked in puzzlement, “What do you need it for? Are you practicing your driving? How about you take our Baojun when your uncle gets off work?”

Wang Yan had already thought of an excuse beforehand, so he was able to reply promptly, “Ah, I have nothing to do during summer break, so I was hoping to acquire some real-world experience and earn some pocket money while I’m at it. My plan is to bring some watermelons over from our hometown to sell them at the markets here.

“Borrowing the small pickup truck will help me save money.

“I remembered the small pickup truck that your unit had and figured I might be able to borrow it since it’s summer break.

“What do you think? Will you be able to pull that off?”

Wang Xiumei had an indecipherable expression on her face.

“Well, I can, but… does your mom know about this?”

“I haven’t told my parents. I was planning to earn some money so that I could buy them an air conditioner.”

Wang Yan was a little bashful while mentioning his plan to buy them an air conditioner.

After all, he was going to get one installed for his parents whether he made a profit or not.

He wasn’t short on money; he just needed a valid excuse.

Starting a business would give him a legitimate excuse to improve the living conditions at home.

He planned on making a killing by selling watermelons.

Wang Xiumei’s smile reached her eyes. Holding onto Wang Yan’s hand, she patted him on the head.

It was actually a heartwarming gesture, but it made Wang Yan, who considered himself an adult, feel slightly awkward.

But a man who passed under low eaves had to bow his head…

‘So… fine! Go ahead and pat my head!’

Setting aside his masculine pride, he asked coyly, “Will you be able to make it happen, Auntie?”

“Humph!” Wang Xiumei snorted in response. Looking up, she said, “What good would it be being a department head if I couldn’t even grant such a simple request?”

Wang Yan held back his mirth and complimented her, “You’re awesome, Auntie! I knew you were the right person to ask!”

Technically speaking, a department head was simply a high-ranking teacher who didn’t even have an official administrative ranking.

Though the department head did manage some matters, they didn’t receive more pay for their extra duties. This was a situation unique to the school office.

The official term for the school office was the “Logistics Service Center.” One of its more important functions was to supply school uniforms, which was why they had access to a couple of pickup trucks.

Wang Yan wasn’t sure if the vehicles belonged to them or were borrowed from another bureau, but he had definitely seen them before.

He knew his aunt had been the right person to ask.

“Aw, since you’re being such a good boy, Auntie’s going to throw in a fuel card, so you don’t have to worry about gas!”

“Wow! Thanks, Auntie!”

Wang Yan was ecstatic. He knew he hadn’t made a wasted trip.

Just the vehicle and the fuel card alone would save Wang Yan 3,000 yuan.

That was a tidy sum right there!

Whether he would run out of funds later on was a worry for another day. Right then, every single penny would have to be stretched.

“Alright, I’m going to go look for the keys now. You wait for me in the office, ‘kay? I’ll treat you to a good meal at lunchtime.”

“It’s okay. I’m full of fighting spirit right now, not in the mood for food. I’ll go with you to collect the vehicle, then start working right after!”

“Good on ya! I’ll wait and see whether you earn enough to buy an air conditioner!”

Wang Xiumei chortled and led him out the door.

After she collected the key and brought Wang Yan to the vehicle, Wang Xiumei suddenly showed a brief moment of hesitation.

“Ah, Xiaoyan, how are your driving skills? It’s not easy getting to Wangjiao. Please don’t get into any trouble…”

Oh no, was she going to change her mind?

Wang Yan quickly patted his chest and reassured her, “Don’t worry! You know how much I love driving. I passed my driving test in a single attempt, so there’s nothing to worry about!”

There was no lie there.

It was common for boys to love driving and cars.

Wang Yan was no exception. Naturally, he had fantasized about owning his own car. He made sure to pay attention and give 100 percent when learning, so his driving skills were indeed pretty good.

“Okay then, take me for a spin!”

Wang Yan immediately ignited the engine and stepped on the brakes while disengaging the handbrake. He familiarized himself briefly with the vehicle, then drove it out of the yard.

After going around the block, Wang Xiumei was finally assured of his driving skills.

Although he wasn’t as practiced as someone who had been driving for a long time, he was a pretty stable driver and had none of the nervousness that new drivers usually had.

“Alright, I’m handing it over to you. If you get into an accident, make sure to call me right away.”

Oh, yeah!

He had settled his mode of transport!

After dropping his aunt back at her office, Wang Yan was about to leave, but his eyes suddenly landed on their storeroom.

“Auntie, may I make use of the storeroom, too?”

“Sure!” Wang Xiumei replied with no hesitation and wasted no time in looking for the keys.

“Later, I’ll inform the guard who’s on the night shift. Go ahead and use the storage space!”

Okay, storage space settled!

After he turned out of the yard, he headed to the gas station for a top-up, then made a call to a number he had found on 58.com, an online classifieds and listing website.

“Hello, who’s this?”

The call was answered by someone with a raspy voice, and the background was quite noisy.

“Hi there, is this the Qidian Cardboard Box Factory?”

“That’s right! You want to order boxes?”

“I do, but I have a special request. Is it alright if I pop by to take a look?”

“Sure, why not! We’re located in the Hexie District, 404 Shenhe Road. Do you know where that is?”

“No worries, I know how to get there.”

After ending the call, Wang Yan floored the gas and headed there in the black vehicle.