Lin Xiaoman, a corporate drone with modern degrees in both finance and agriculture, dies suddenly after staying up all night revising reports. She wakes up as an orphan on the brink of starvation during the famine of the 1960s. Her dilapidated house is drafty, her rice jar is nearly empty, and just as she's about to close her eyes and give up, the [National Prosperity Cashier Mall System] drops into her lap!
"Ding! Recharge 1 yuan (modern equivalent) to exchange for 10 jin of coarse grain! Unlock a Level 1 convenience store, which can be opened to villagers!"
Lin Xiaoman's eyes light up. No need to go out looking for supplies? Recharge and get grain, and she can even open a store? This lie-flat life is set!
Recharge 10 yuan to unlock white flour and pork, which villagers can exchange for with ration coupons. Recharge 100 yuan to unlock basic medicine and sewing machines, and the neighbors line up to trade. Recharge 1,000 yuan to unlock agricultural machinery blueprints and penicillin, and the state comes knocking to propose a partnership. Recharge 10,000 yuan to exchange directly for a high-yield seed bank and a weapons maintenance manual, turning the store into a state-run, specially supplied mall!
From a little store at the village entrance to a covert nationwide supply station, she recharges for goods and opens up her shelves to help ease the famine.
The village chief clutches the food coupons he exchanged: "Comrade Xiaoman, this store couldn't have come at a better time!"
A military district leader comes to her door: "Comrade Lin, the country wants to secure all your supplies!"
Lin Xiaoman slumps on the sofa. "I'm happy to cooperate, as long as you provide food, lodging, and security. I won't handle the checkout at the store, and don't even think about setting me up with someone."
From then on, Lin Xiaoman guards her automatically operated store, protected like a national treasure by the state. She lies flat, recharges, and lives like a goddess.
Some people resent her good luck. She raises the malted milk powder she just exchanged for: "Can't help it. I paid for it, and the state has my back!"
The subject matter is good, but the pace is too fast, which makes me feel like I missed chapters.