Lanlan saw Zhang Dashen’s expression and felt sad too. Since she survived modern times, she believed she should handle things better now. After much discussion, she insisted on leaving. Zhang Dashen said, “Daughter, if you’re determined to go, I can’t stop you. Come back and visit us when you can.” She turned and pulled out three Dragon Silver coins, forcing them into Lanlan’s hand.
“Adoptive mother, I can’t accept these!” Lanlan knew the currency of the Dragon Dynasty was called “Dragon Coins,” which included gold, silver, and copper coins. One gold coin equaled ten silver coins, and one silver coin equaled ten copper coins. Zhang Dazai’s monthly military pay was only ten copper coins. Accepting these three gold coins, hard-earned as they were, felt wrong.
However, Zhang Dashen insisted, and Lanlan reluctantly accepted them, thinking, “I’ll treat this as a loan and repay her double later!”
The next day, with a bit of excitement, she left Dragon Ridge Village with Big Brother Dazai.
[Text: Chapter Nine – Meeting the Cool Guy]
“Lan Mei, where are you planning to go?”
“Big Brother Dazai, can I go to the military camp with you?”
“Okay, this way I can take care of you. Our kitchen always has a few aunties helping out!”
“You can keep them company!”
“Thank you, Big Brother Dazai! You’re so kind!” Lanlan expressed her happiness, jumping around. Fortunately, the Dragon Dynasty allowed women in military camps without gender discrimination.
Dazai thought, “I really don’t know what she’s so happy about. She’ll probably struggle after a few days.”
However, he underestimated Lanlan. Coming from a poor background, she wouldn’t be easily discouraged. With her stubborn personality, she would endure no matter what.
Less than a day’s journey later, they arrived at the army base. Zhang Dazai explained to the kitchen squad leader that a spot had just opened up for Lanlan.
Sitting on her assigned bed, she noticed several blisters on her feet. In modern times, she could travel more comfortably.
Reflecting on how she had reached a management level before this, she cursed her fate for landing in this situation again. A sudden thunderclap startled her—she didn’t want to be a sacrifice to the heavens. “Not even letting me curse, really!”
