Chapter 58
“Regarding that question, you’d better ask Brother Chi Hao yourself.”
While Tang Yu’an was struggling to answer, Zhou Qi timely spoke up to resolve the situation.
Tang Yu’an blinked and quickly nodded in agreement.
Yes, exactly. Chi Hao went to the Desolate city on a mission. Judging from his mysterious demeanor, he probably hadn’t told Hong Li the specifics.
Now that he’s been recruited as an employee by the “Mysterious Merchant,” it’s unlikely he’ll disclose anything about the Desolate city.
At worst…
When they return, he could intimidate Brother Chi Hao, telling him not to reveal the existence of the Grocery Shop System; otherwise, the Mysterious Merchant might revoke his privileges or something.
Brother Chi Hao shouldn’t expose the shop then, right?
Hong Li scrutinized them suspiciously.
She knew that Chi Hao went to the Desolate City with a mission, but he and Old Xie had been tight-lipped about the specifics, not even telling her, his own sister.
Could it be that these two youths were also sent by the fortress on some mission?
But what kind of mission would be entrusted to two seemingly underage kids, one of whom was an ordinary person without any abilities?
Hong Li felt that these two youngsters might be trying to fool her, but…
Looking at Tang Yu’an, she felt an inexplicable goodwill toward him. Could it be because he saved her incompetent brother?
But the young man beside him didn’t give her the same feeling.
Hong Li pondered for a moment and decided not to press further, instead asking something else.
“Where are you staying now?”
“At the Jade Pavillion Inn,” Tang Yu’an didn’t hide it; after all, it was easily verifiable.
Hong Li nodded; that was indeed a good place.
In a way, the Jade Pavillion Inn might be even safer than her own guard station. For these two youths to find it on their first visit was quite impressive.
“Will you be staying in Jufeng Town from now on?” she continued.
Tang Yu’an and Zhou Qi exchanged glances and finally chose to tell the truth: “No, we’re just here to purchase supplies; we’ll be leaving the day after tomorrow.”
As for where they were going, Tang Yu’an narrowly avoided revealing it.
Hong Li stared at them for a while, seeing that they clearly weren’t willing to disclose their destination. She ultimately decided not to force the issue.
“Alright, since you saved Chi Hao, I should repay you.”
Hong Li said, “Is there anything you want? Or any help you need from me?”
“Anything is fine?”
“Yes, anything.”
Tang Yu’an belatedly realized that they seemed to have latched onto a very powerful figure!
Just earlier in front of the Jade Pavillion Inn, he had witnessed the influence of this Mountain Lord. Within the realm of Jufeng Mountain, probably no one had more prestige than her, right?
But…
Thinking about the questions Hong Li had just asked them, Tang Yu’an regained his clarity.
After all, this was their first meeting, and Hong Li didn’t seem as easy to fool as Brother Chi Hao. Her identity also made it impossible for them to reveal the existence of the Grocery Shop—
If she knew the shop contained abundant supplies, wouldn’t she act to seize them in order to develop Jufeng Town?
Tang Yu’an hadn’t forgotten the dark side of the wasteland that Grandpa Li had told them about.
How did Hong Li support so many guards under her command?
The workshops where production-type ability users worked day and night must also exist in Jufeng Town—and they were likely officially operated.
Although they had the Little Guardian Halo, but…
Tang Yu’an didn’t dare to gamble. After experiencing that robbery incident, he felt he couldn’t test human nature with precious supplies.
At this moment, Zhou Qi quietly held his hand, clearly thinking of the same issue.
The two exchanged glances, silently communicating, and finally Zhou Qi spoke up: “Thank you for your kindness, but we haven’t encountered any difficulties for now.”
There’s no such thing as a free lunch; any benefit requires a corresponding price.
Although they saved Chi Hao, that was between them and Chi Hao, and it was better not to involve Hong Li lightly.
Hong Li looked at them in surprise, not expecting the two youths to actually refuse her help.
She pondered, then asked: “Will you be coming back to Jufeng Town in the future?”
Zhou Qi paused; this was also something that couldn’t be concealed. He had to nod: “Yes, we’ll need to come to the town to purchase supplies again after some time.”
Hong Li thought for a moment and nodded: “I can give you a token. As long as the guards see this token, they won’t attack you, and within their ability, they can offer you some assistance.”
“As for others, there’s nothing I can do.”
There were plenty of unruly people on the wasteland. Even though she was the ruler, she couldn’t control everyone in the town; many still didn’t listen.
Tang Yu’an and Zhou Qi really wanted to refuse. Since Chi Hao’s token could be sensed by Hong Li, this token would likely be the same.
They truly didn’t want to attract too much attention. Although this mountain lord might not have ill intentions, it inherently meant danger for them.
However, Hong Li was a decisive person and didn’t give them the chance to refuse.
“Alright, it’s decided then.”
Hong Li tossed back the metal piece from Chi Hao to Tang Yu’an. “When you go back, tell Chi Hao to get over here as soon as he’s healed.”
Tang Yu’an hastily caught the metal piece.
Standing beside him, Zhou Qi almost imperceptibly frowned.
He seemed to have noticed that when Hong Li threw the metal piece, there was a faint red glow on the back of her hand.
It looked like a small patch of scale-like skin, reflecting slightly under the sunlight.
When he tried to look more closely, Hong Li had already withdrawn her hand.
She frowned, her face looking somewhat unpleasant. “Alright, if there’s nothing else, you can go now.”
Originally calm and composed, Hong Li suddenly urged them: “As for the token, I’ll have the guards send it to the Jade Pavillion Inn. If you encounter trouble in Jufeng Town in the future, you can come find me.”
Facing Hong Li, whose status and strength were formidable, Zhou Qi didn’t dare to probe further.
However…
“Your promise to give us the token—is it in exchange for us agreeing to pass on a message to Brother Chi Hao?”
Upon hearing this, Hong Li slightly frowned, feeling that his words were a bit convoluted.
But she still nodded with a hum.
“Alright.”
As Zhou Qi agreed, Tang Yu’an’s system message popped up.
[Employee ‘Zhou Qi’ completed a transaction with a new customer, with no profit or loss. Experience +3.]
Great, they’ve developed Hong Li into a customer! Tang Yu’an was overjoyed.
As the manager of Jufeng Town and someone with powerful abilities, she could definitely go to places others couldn’t!
“Then we’ll take our leave,” Zhou Qi said.
“Mm-hmm, Sister Hong Li, we’ll be going now,” Tang Yu’an added.
Hong Li nodded.
Zhou Qi pulled Tang Yu’an toward the exit. After taking a few steps, he looked back to see Hong Li standing there, the hand she had just withdrawn hanging by her side, trembling slightly.
Faintly, there seemed to be red light flickering.
If he wasn’t mistaken, that was the hand Hong Li had used earlier to remove the fire poison from Wang Hu and the others.
Perhaps…
She wasn’t removing the fire poison but absorbing it?
Could those fire poisons also affect her?
*
Before Hong Li noticed, Zhou Qi quickly withdrew his gaze and left the guard station with Tang Yu’an.
Tang Yu’an was being led by him, walking forward. Although he seemed to be daydreaming, he was actually opening the map, marking all the light spots in the guard station, including Hong Li.
Earlier at the cave entrance, he had also marked everyone present.
Including the woman on the stretcher.
“Brother Qi, do you think that A-Lian… looks familiar?” Tang Yu’an whispered.
Zhou Qi pressed his lips slightly. “Jin Lili?”
“Exactly!”
Tang Yu’an nodded. “You think so too, right? And she has a daughter.”
Although the guard captain said her daughter was eaten by the mutated snakes, perhaps after escaping, she was found by Tie Jin?
“She seems to have been greatly affected by losing her daughter…” Tang Yu’an mumbled.
Zhou Qi responded with a hum but didn’t say more.
In this matter, they didn’t seem to have room to intervene.
Even if Jin Lili was really her daughter, could they have Tie Jin send Jin Lili back to her? In such a cruel world, Jin Lili could only survive by staying with Tie Jin.
As for A-Lian… she might not even be able to protect her own life.
Tang Yu’an understood this reasoning, but he just felt that A-Lian was very pitiful.
“Lili can’t be sent back… but we can tell her that her daughter is still alive, so she won’t be so sad.”
Zhou Qi thought for a moment and nodded.
Anyway, they were returning the day after tomorrow. If they went to the cave again today, perhaps they could develop another customer.
But before the two could go far, they saw Old Li anxiously waiting by the mountainside.
It was apparent that he was looking for them, so Tang Yu’an and Zhou Qi quickly went over.
“Grandpa Li!”
Seeing them appear safe and sound, Old Li couldn’t help but breathe a sigh of relief.
“Did the mountain lord give you any trouble?” he asked worriedly.
Tang Yu’an shook his head and said cheerfully: “No, no, Sister Hong Li just wanted to talk to us.”
Old Li was stunned. “You know the mountain lord?”
“We didn’t before, but now we do.”
“I see…”
Old Li didn’t ask further. The manager was also from Qingmu Fortress; perhaps they had some connection. “Then let’s go back.”
After this ordeal, most of the morning had passed, and the sun was already high in the sky.
The sunlight was scorching, heating the ground and causing waves of hot air to rise.
Fortunately, Tang Yu’an had the Hu Leaf given by Mo Ke, which made him feel less like he was about to combust, but he was still drenched in sweat and uncomfortable.
Seeing the weather and Old Li’s concerned expression, Tang Yu’an nodded and decided to wait until it was cooler to find A-Lian—moreover, if they waited for Hong Li to send the token via the guards, it might be safer to move around the cave area with it.
The bustling crowds on the road had disappeared. With nothing exciting to see, no one was foolish enough to bask under the scorching sun. By the time they returned to the Jade Pavillion Inn, the mountain had regained its tranquility, and Wang Hu had been moved back into the inn.
As soon as they entered, they smelled a strong medicinal scent.
Passing by the kitchen, they saw the boss lady brewing medicine—Hong Li had only helped them remove the fire poison, but their burned bodies still needed time to heal.
“Boss lady, do you need any help?” Tang Yu’an asked proactively.
To be honest, he had a good impression of this kind and generous boss lady. Now that he knew her husband was saved, he was genuinely happy for her.
Lin Meiyu was slightly startled. Seeing it was the guests who had checked in yesterday, a gentle smile appeared on her face.
“No need, you can go back and rest.”
Her eyes were clear and bright. Although she looked tired, the melancholy and sorrow from yesterday were gone, uplifting those around her.
“Okay, if you need anything, just let us know.” Tang Yu’an replied and went upstairs with Zhou Qi.
As for Old Li, after they went upstairs, he silently walked into the kitchen, took out a piece of pork from his basket. “We’ll be staying one more night.”
Lin Meiyu nodded and replied, “Alright.”
*
“Shi Tou and Xiao Cao seem to have left.”
Back in the room, Tang Yu’an moved a chair to the window and sat down.
The room was very stuffy, but since he had used the Shadow Umbrella too many times in the morning, there were only half the uses left for today, so he didn’t dare to use it again and decided to endure.
Just as he sat down—
[Completed Daily Task (3), Points +2]
[Congratulations! Completed all Daily Tasks, Lucky Wheel Spin +1]
Tang Yu’an’s eyes lit up.
Brother Chi Hao was quite proactive today, finishing the daily tasks so early!
Sure enough, rewards are the best motivation.
Tang Yu’an checked; adding the weekly tasks completed at the morning market, he now had two chances to spin the wheel!
“What’s making you so happy?”
After putting things away, Zhou Qi came over to him, placing a hand on his shoulder, and quickly absorbed the fire energy surrounding the young man.
Ah, that feels good!
Feeling the refreshing coolness, Tang Yu’an couldn’t help but sigh. He showed a delighted expression and then shared today’s gains from the morning market.
Besides the two wheel spin chances, their total points had reached 4,836, and they were only 10 points away from the next level-up.
If they worked a bit harder today, perhaps they could level up again.
But most importantly, it’s the level-up rewards.
His personal storage slots had increased to nine, and moreover…
“The number of authorized slots has also increased!”
With Tang Yu’an’s operation, Zhou Qi soon received a system prompt.
[The Mysterious Merchant has shared the usage rights of ‘Personal Storage Slot No.2’ with you.]
Zhou Qi now had access to another storage slot, filled with items Tang Yu’an had placed—this slot contained kitchenware, including pots, bowls, and everything.
If not for the stove being inconvenient to carry, An An might have brought that along too?
“There’s a lot in this slot; I’ll sort it out later,” Tang Yu’an said.
Since they shared the space, they needed to store some practical items that Brother Qi could use.
But fresh food couldn’t be omitted.
With the Remote Retrieval skill, the main function of the personal storage became preservation.
When more storage slots could be authorized in the future, and if Brother Chi Hao performed well, perhaps they could consider opening a storage slot for him.
But for now, forget it.
Speaking of skills…
“Remote Retrieval has reached Level 4!” Tang Yu’an said happily. “The range has increased tenfold again, now up to 1,000 kilometers!”
Zhou Qi was stunned, and a look of joy appeared on his face.
This meant they basically didn’t have to worry about not being able to access items from the Grocery Shop when they were out.
After all, in reality, the straight-line distance from Shanghai to Beijing is only about 1,068 kilometers. No matter how big the Desolate city is, it can’t be as big as an entire province, right?
And they wouldn’t be going that far in the short term.
As for the future…
Unless there’s some irresistible force, the road from the Desolate City to Jufeng Town is already fraught with danger; it’s unrealistic for them to leave and go somewhere that far.
Since in the morning’s transactions, Zhou Qi had also successfully raised his employee level to Level 3, Tang Yu’an downgraded and authorized the Remote Retrieval skill to him.
In this way, Zhou Qi could also access items from the Grocery Shop in Jufeng Town—but the number of times he could retrieve items was still limited to ten times a day.
“I wonder if it can be increased to 10,000 kilometers if we continue to upgrade,” Tang Yu’an mused.
Zhou Qi nodded and then speculated: “Perhaps after Level 5, it will become more difficult.”
Judging from the experience points required doubling after Level 5, it seemed that every five levels marked a new stage.
Tang Yu’an also felt this made sense. It’s unlikely they’d let him improve indefinitely, right?
But he was still very happy: “Having 10,000 kilometers is already great; we might not leave that far anyway.”
In the safe real world, the farthest they’ve gone was to the neighboring city for a trip, let alone in a perilous wasteland. Wanting to leave and go that far was extremely difficult.
And they couldn’t leave the Grocery Shop for that long either; otherwise, they wouldn’t be able to do the daily tasks, so such a long distance was completely sufficient.
“Yes, exactly.” Zhou Qi nodded.
Tang Yu’an continued: “Today, not only did we earn points and experience, but we also exchanged for a lot of wild vegetables and mushrooms.”
Those two large bundles were still in his personal storage; for the next period, they wouldn’t have to worry about not having fresh vegetables to eat.
It’s a pity that the Item List function could only be used in the shop; they would have to wait until they returned to sort it out.
“The map has also been upgraded, adding a mini-map mode!” Tang Yu’an explained to him how to use the mini-map.
Now, opening the map, within the scope of Jufeng Town, there were many silver dots. After the morning market dispersed, some dots had already left the town and gone into the mountains.
With the expansion by these new customers, the fog-covered areas on the map were getting larger and larger, and sooner or later, it would all be revealed.
“Shi Tou and Xiao Cao have also gone into the mountains,” Tang Yu’an said.
The brother and sister had their names marked; he wondered if they would keep their promise and come back.
If they did, they could get another six experience points.
“Yes.”
Zhou Qi nodded, and suddenly heard Tang Yu’an exclaim softly.
“What’s wrong?” he asked.
“There are two more guards near the Jade Pavillion Inn,” Tang Yu’an said, looking out the window.
He pretended to casually glance out and saw a figure flash by the torch opposite them, hiding in a corner of the mountain wall where he couldn’t see.
But with the mini-map’s indication, Tang Yu’an knew he wasn’t mistaken.
He withdrew his gaze and, turning his back to the window, said to Zhou Qi: “Are they monitoring us?”
“Mm, possibly.”
Zhou Qi calmly closed the window.
Indeed, even with the Little Guardian Halo, they couldn’t let their guard down. He couldn’t be sure that the Halo worked on Hong Li, but she still sent people to monitor them.
“From now on, we need to be careful with our actions.”
“Mm-hmm.”
Fortunately, they had the Thousand-Faced Cloak; even if they took out good stuff, they wouldn’t be suspected.
The two tensed up for a moment, then gradually relaxed.
Anyway, with the rules of the Jade Pavillion Inn protecting them, their personal safety wasn’t threatened, and facing the guards monitoring them, they had no good way to deal with it.
So, Tang Yu’an opened the “Shop” tab again; he remembered the system prompt mentioned that the shop upgrade was also unlocked.
After clicking, the shop panel popped up.
As before, he only had one “Peace Grocery Shop” under his name.
[Peace Grocery Shop]
[Level: Lv0 Click to Upgrade]
[Description: An ordinary Grocery shop with no special features besides a large variety of goods.
Cumulative Transactions: 147]
[Cumulative Points Earned: …]
[Shop Popularity: 187]
Compared to before, the shop’s data had changed significantly. An upgrade button appeared after the level, and a value for shop popularity was added.
Tang Yu’an curiously clicked the upgrade button after the level, and a new page popped up.
[Please choose the shop upgrade direction]
1. Bigger is Better! (Unlock with 1,000 points)
2. Quality is Strength! (Unlock with 1,000 points)
There were actually options to choose from! And both options required 1,000 points to unlock?
Tang Yu’an couldn’t help but gasp.
“What’s wrong?” Seeing that he hadn’t spoken for a while and his expression was changing unpredictably, Zhou Qi asked.
Tang Yu’an told him the information he had just obtained, and the two began to discuss.
Zhou Qi took out pen and paper, wrote down the descriptions of the two options, and asked: “Can we choose both directions? Or does choosing one mean we can’t choose the other?”
“I don’t know; the interface doesn’t say,” Tang Yu’an shook his head.
“Then we need to choose the one that’s most beneficial to us.”
Zhou Qi analyzed: “‘Bigger is Better’ is easy to understand; it probably means expanding the shop’s scale.”
The Peace Grocery Shop was a very small shop, covering at most twenty square meters, so there was room for expansion.
But he didn’t know if expanding it to the size of a department store would still allow it to be called a ‘Grocery shop.’
“‘Quality is Strength’ probably means specializing,” Zhou Qi speculated. “It might focus on enhancing the internal functions of the shop.”
Tang Yu’an felt that made sense.
“Then let’s choose the second one!” he said directly. “I want to become stronger!”
And ‘Bigger is Better’…
Perhaps in a safe and harmonious situation, it would indeed be a good choice, but let’s not forget that they were still in a state where they couldn’t expose the shop.
If it turned into a big supermarket, it would be too conspicuous; it would be impossible not to be exposed.
Therefore, the direction of ‘small but refined’ was the most suitable for them at the moment.
“Yes, you’re right.” Zhou Qi also agreed with his idea.
So, Tang Yu’an chose the second option. Although the 1,000 points made him feel a bit of pain, thinking that they could go to the market again tomorrow, he felt somewhat comforted.
[Chosen shop upgrade direction: Quality is Strength]
[Do you want to deduct 1,000 points to unlock the upgrade direction for ‘Peace Grocery Shop’?]
Tang Yu’an chose [Yes].
[Deduction successful! Upgrade direction unlocked. For details, please check ‘Shop’]
Tang Yu’an returned to the previous page.
[Please choose the shop upgrade direction]
[1. Bigger is Better! (Unlock with 1,000 points)]
[2. Quality is Strength! (Click to Upgrade)]
Wow, so both directions can be chosen at the same time!
