With the military acting as a mediator, Song Wei finally had a legitimate channel to sell her prized bluefin tuna and other seafood. On the same day, a military jeep transported her catch to the Friendship Hotel in the city.
When the bluefin tuna was unloaded, it caught the attention of several foreigners nearby.
“OMG, is that a bluefin tuna?”
These foreigners, accompanied by interpreters, were stunned. Their eyes widened as they rushed toward the fish, unable to tear their gaze away.
“Such a massive bluefin tuna! Was it just caught from the sea?”
“Is this fish for sale? Can I buy it?”
One blonde-haired, blue-eyed man eagerly stepped forward, looking at the tuna as though it were a priceless treasure.
“It’s enormous! I’ve never seen a tuna this size. Taking it back would amaze my friends. Is it dead?”
Song Wei replied calmly, “It just died, so it’s very fresh.”
She explained further, “It was knocked unconscious by an orca while still in the sea but didn’t die. Even after reaching the shore, it survived for a while, probably out of shock. Unfortunately, it perished during transport due to the lack of sufficient seawater.”
The interpreter relayed Song Wei’s words to the foreigners, and they were astounded.
“An orca?!”
Their jaws practically dropped as if they had heard an unbelievable tale.
Song Wei nodded, her expression composed. “Yes. A while ago, we rescued a young orca near the coast. Today, when we went out to sea, we encountered its pod. Perhaps as a gesture of gratitude, they gave us this bluefin tuna as a gift.”
This was the truth. Since the origin of the tuna couldn’t be hidden, Song Wei cleverly used the orcas as a cover story to legitimize the fish and deflect potential envy. After all, if others wanted to compete, they would have to rely on their own orca connections.
Additionally, she played up the story’s intrigue and mystique to boost the tuna’s value.
“They truly are intelligent and loyal marine creatures,” she added. “I even took several photos, though they haven’t been developed yet.”
Hearing this, the foreigners expressed regret about not seeing the photos and became even more interested in the tuna.
“Miss Song, when your photos are developed, you must show them to us. I’ve never heard of such an incredible story!”
At the time, information was primarily disseminated through newspapers, television, and radio. Cameras were rare, so documenting such extraordinary events was uncommon.
Journalists’ access to timely information was limited, and photos of incidents involving orcas were nearly impossible to obtain. Even if someone recognized the story as headline-worthy, they could only rely on second-hand accounts.
Song Wei’s tale of rescuing an orca and receiving a bluefin tuna as a token of gratitude captivated the foreigners. Most importantly, she claimed to have photographic evidence.
She conversed naturally with the foreigners, showing no timidity. In fact, she seamlessly engaged with them.
One of the men even pulled out a camera and asked to take a photo with the massive tuna.
“It’s unbelievable how large it is. I must take a picture and send it to my friends to make them jealous!”
“Too bad I can’t take a photo with the orcas you mentioned,” another remarked wistfully.
Song Wei shrugged. “That truly is a pity. They left after delivering their gift. The ocean is vast, and I don’t know if I’ll ever see them again.”
After taking the photos, the wealthy blonde man, who had initially expressed interest in purchasing the tuna, decided to buy the entire fish.
“Sadly, it’s already dead, so taking it back to share with my family and friends would take too long. Instead, I plan to host a tuna banquet tomorrow at the Friendship Hotel and invite everyone there to taste this rare delicacy.”
Another foreigner exclaimed, “Orlen, you’re such a generous and wealthy gentleman! It would be an honor to attend your banquet.”
Clearly enjoying the praise, Orlen turned to Song Wei. “Beautiful Miss Song, I hope you’ll join us as well.”
Song Wei raised an eyebrow. “Of course, I’d be honored. May I bring my fiancé along?”
“What? You have a fiancé? You look so young!”
They turned to Lin Zhen, scrutinizing him. “He looks intimidating.”
Song Wei chuckled. “He’s indeed formidable, but so am I.”
“To show my gratitude,” she added, “I’ll share some of the orca photos with you once they’re developed.”
Orlen beamed with joy. “Miss Song, you’re both beautiful and generous. Feel free to bring your friends along as well.”
He even included Song Jing, who had accompanied Song Wei, as a gesture of goodwill.
In the end, the bluefin tuna sold for an impressive 2,300 yuan. Although the price was on the high side, Orlen was more than willing to pay, given the story of the orca’s gift.
He also bought the remaining “big green dragons” (a type of fish) and a portion of the abalone. Other foreigners purchased additional seafood.
Without needing any sales pitches, Song Wei sold out her entire haul and even secured an invitation to a high-end banquet.
The trip earned her over 3,000 yuan—a windfall!
On the way back, Song Jing could hardly believe it.
Lin Zhen muttered, “I can’t believe that fish was worth so much. That foreigner spent a fortune on the fish and even hosted a banquet for the entire Friendship Hotel. He must be out of his mind!”
Song Jing added, “For the wealthy aristocrats abroad, this amount is nothing. Their business deals here often involve tens of thousands.”
“Well, that’s certainly rich,” Lin Zhen remarked.
“One day, our country will also be prosperous,” Song Jing said with conviction.
Lin Zhen nodded.
Song Wei insisted they attend the banquet. “Why not? Free food, and we’ll gain valuable experience.”
To avoid embarrassment, the trio went to the department store the next day to buy new clothes.
Lin Zhen and Song Jing looked dashing in their military uniforms. However, Song Wei opted for something unique.
She designed a long dress herself, using light blue fabric, and took it to Aunt Lian, who was skilled in sewing.
The dress featured a simple yet elegant design, blending elements of a qipao and a Western-style gown, complete with a white lining for modesty.
Aunt Lian admired the creation. “This dress is beautiful, but hardly anyone wears dresses these days. You might attract some gossip.”
Song Wei replied confidently, “I know, but I’m wearing it to the Friendship Hotel for the banquet. Those foreign women will dress elegantly, and I won’t let them look down on me. It’s fine if I lose face, but I won’t embarrass our country!”
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