Chapter 77
The boy’s voice sounded vague and indistinct; Tang Yu’an and Zhou Qi had to listen carefully to make out the words.
“Leaves?”
They exchanged glances, seeing the surprise and delight in each other’s eyes.
Tang Yu’an looked back at the ball of light and confirmed with the boy, “You want to trade leaves for candy, is that right?”
“Yes! Trade leaves! Candy… want to eat candy…”
Perhaps due to his excitement, as he spoke, the ball of light began to destabilize.
A system prompt appeared.
[30 seconds until the wisher awakens from the dream. Please confirm the transaction content as soon as possible.]
Tang Yu’an hurriedly said, “I’ll trade 10 pieces of rock sugar for one leaf.”
As the boy responded with an “Mm,” the ball of light slowly dissipated, and another system prompt popped up.
[You have completed a profitable transaction with a dream wisher. Points +40, Experience +6, Dream Fragment +1]
[You have received 1 Lan Hu Tree Leaf. Please choose a delivery address.]
[1. Peace Grocery Store Warehouse]
[…]
Seeing this, Tang Yu’an couldn’t help but cheer as he sat up.
“Brother Qi, it’s indeed a leaf from the Lan Hu Tree!”
As he spoke, he took out the leaf obtained from the exchange, along with the one Mo Ke had previously given him, to compare.
The two leaves looked identical in both appearance and color, though the one from Mo Ke was slightly larger but a bit duller in luster.
At just before six in the morning, when the temperature was still a bit low, the two leaves emitted a faint warmth, making Tang Yu’an feel like he was holding a hand warmer.
It was the kind of Lan Hu Tree that could adjust its temperature!
Tang Yu’an glanced at the map. In the area covered by fog beyond Jufeng Mountain, a large golden light spot had appeared, just like the young girl before.
Around that golden light spot, there were also a few green dots, probably the boy’s family.
“This child is from Lanhu Town!” Tang Yu’an said confidently.
Ever since Mo Ke mentioned it before, he had wanted to visit Lanhu Town, and he didn’t expect to establish contact in this way.
Zhou Qi nodded, corked the drifting bottle, and analyzed, “It seems that the dream message bottles we retrieve mostly come from areas around us.”
“Mm-hmm!”
Tang Yu’an labeled the boy with a nickname and, before the drifting bottle disappeared, quickly tossed it back into the Sea of Dreams.
This way, the chance of fishing out this drifting bottle next time would increase by 10%. He hoped to catch it again!
Looking at the drifting bottles bobbing up and down in the Sea of Dreams, Tang Yu’an couldn’t help but say, “I wonder if we’ll be able to fish up bottles from farther places in the future…”
“Logically speaking, it should be possible,” Zhou Qi said.
“Mm-hmm!”
With hopeful anticipation, Tang Yu’an closed the window and then sat down again to check the system information log.
The Seven-Day Sale and Weekly Quests had refreshed.
[Weekly Quests (Refreshes at 00:00 after seven days)]
[1. Complete transactions and make profits (0/80)]
[2. Cultivate 8 regular customers (0/8)]
[3. Use a Traffic Card once (0/1)]
As he expected, the difficulty of the weekly quests multiplied with the level increase.
But what he didn’t expect was that the weekly quests had added another one, and it was to use a Traffic Card!
“The system really keeps reminding us to attract more customers,” Tang Yu’an couldn’t help but mutter.
Zhou Qi nodded helplessly.
“It’s okay. If we can open a branch store, we can use the Traffic Card then.”
The trial branch they planned to open in the Desolate city was intended for external business; by then, using the Traffic Card would be most appropriate, but…
“The Traffic Card should only be usable for a single store, not effective for all stores once used, right?”
“Of course,” Tang Yu’an said matter-of-factly. “The system is so stingy.”
Just unlocking and upgrading the store had already cost him points twice!
“That’s true.”
Next, they looked at the Seven-Day Sale panel.
*
[Seven-Day Sale (Remaining Refresh Time: 6 days)]
[1. Beginner Healing Bandage (3/3): 100 points per roll]
[Description: Magical item]
[Effect: Each roll can be used 10 times, restoring 10% of the user’s HP each time (ineffective at full HP)]
[2. Beginner Healing Potion (3/3): 200 points per bottle]
[Description: Magical item]
[Effect: Each bottle can be used 10 times. After consumption, restores 1% of the user’s HP every 30 minutes for 4 hours, can slowly heal the user’s injuries (consuming multiple doses at once can stack duration, up to 3 times)]
[3. Beginner Recovery Potion (2/2): 200 points per bottle]
[Description: Magical item]
[Effect: Each bottle can be consumed 10 times, restoring 10% of the user’s mana each time]
*
As expected, just as Zhou Qi had predicted, after today’s refresh, both the types and quantities of items in the Seven-Day Sale had increased.
What was delightful was that the exchange quantities for the Beginner Healing Bandage and the Beginner Healing Potion were both 3 this time.
With a grand gesture, Tang Yu’an swept up all the sale items.
After spending 1,300 points, he now had a total of 5 complete rolls of Beginner Healing Bandages, 4 bottles of Beginner Healing Potions, 3 bottles of Beginner Recovery Potions, and 7 Cold Remedy Pills.
Of course, the bandages and potions could be used multiple times, and there were still some unused from before.
In short, looking at this box full of special medicines, not only Tang Yu’an but even Zhou Qi was full of joy.
At least for the short term, they didn’t have to worry about running out!
Even though this spree had reduced their points balance to 6,922, but…
[Employee ” Xiao Cao” completed a profitable transaction with a regular customer. Points +10, Experience +1]
[Employee ” Xiao Cao” completed a profitable transaction with a customer…]
It was just past six o’clock, and they hadn’t even gotten up yet, but the diligent Xiao Cao had already started business!
By the time Tang Yu’an and Zhou Qi tidied up and went downstairs to wash up, the girl had already completed 19 profitable transactions, earning him 36 experience points and 102 points.
At the same time, Xiao Cao had also completed 3 types of daily tasks for him, including attracting 8 customers.
In this way, their daily tasks for today were basically done easily, and the points balance returned to seven thousand.
” Xiao Cao is really capable!”
Tang Yu’an couldn’t help but praise, “Brother Qi, do you think I should issue a guidance task and give her some points as a reward?”
The previous guidance task was very successful, basically setting her on the right track.
But now that they had returned to the Desolate city, they couldn’t keep track of the siblings’ information, so it was harder to craft guidance tasks.
Zhou Qi thought for a moment, then shook his head and said, “Too much might be counterproductive. If you really want to reward her, you can save it up and give it to her the next time she levels up.”
This way, it would motivate her even more to level up and make more profitable transactions.
“Alright then.”
Tang Yu’an didn’t insist.
“Meow—”
At this time, he noticed that Wang Cai had woken up, and the status bar no longer showed the “Energy Digestion” prompt.
So it had finished digesting?
Tang Yu’an held it and examined it for a while.
Unfortunately, in its cat form, he couldn’t see anything, only noticing that its originally yellow-brown pupils seemed to have a hint of green.
Yellow-green eyes—it was quite beautiful.
Wang Cai wagged its tail, meowing happily at Tang Yu’an.
“Here, this is for you.”
Tang Yu’an took out the meat and egg pancake he had saved from last night and fed it to Wang Cai.
[“Wang Cai” Loyalty +5]
[“Wang Cai” is full and content; after some searching, it found 73 points for you]
Tang Yu’an happily rubbed Wang Cai’s head.
Smelling the aroma, Yin Bi came over, staring eagerly at Wang Cai and Tang Yu’an.
After the purification spell’s cleansing, Yin Bi’s entire body was so white it seemed to glow. It stuck out its tongue, smiling slightly—it was simply stunning.
Just looking at it made one’s mood lift!
Tang Yu’an quickly rubbed the beautiful dog’s head and then fed milk to it and Yuan Bao.
As for the remaining meat and egg pancake, there was one left, but he planned to take it to Black Pearl.
“Have some milk first; we’ll make lizard eggs for lunch.”
Thinking of something, Tang Yu’an got up and went outside the grocery store to check, and sure enough, he saw the prey delivered by Black Pearl.
But this time, it wasn’t a small lizard but a black-gray bird.
He looked at the map; Black Pearl had already returned to the abandoned parking lot. He didn’t know when it had been delivered.
Tang Yu’an picked up the bird and returned to the grocery store.
“Black Pearl came again?” Zhou Qi asked.
“She delivered a bird and then went back. We’ll bring her some food later.”
“Okay.”
Zhou Qi went into the kitchen to prepare breakfast, and after finishing the cleaning tasks, Tang Yu’an had some free time.
He heated a cup of milk and sipped it slowly, thinking if there was anything he had forgotten…
Oh, right!
Tang Yu’an opened the Interdimensional Shop.
Although the Mutant Lantern Fruit hadn’t sold these past few days, he had persisted in listing it daily, just in case…
Huh?
[Available Points for Withdrawal: 500]
The background balance had increased!
Tang Yu’an’s eyes lit up, meaning his Mutant Lantern Fruit had sold again?
[23:31:50]
[Sold “Mutant Lantern Fruit” x1, Available Points for Withdrawal +500]
Tang Yu’an couldn’t help but laugh aloud, put down the empty cup, and ran to share the good news with Zhou Qi.
“Brother Qi, we have another 450 points incoming!”
This directly offset a third of the points spent on the Seven-Day Sale!
Zhou Qi skillfully flipped the egg mixture in the pan, raising an eyebrow upon hearing this, and said somewhat surprised, “The Mutant Lantern Fruit sold?”
“Yes!”
Tang Yu’an nodded and said, “Should we list another one?”
Looking at the empty product slots, he originally wanted to list another Mutant Lantern Fruit, but soon changed his mind.
The Dark Green Spider had eight legs, each worth 50 points; if he filled the maximum price, it would be 500 points.
“Why not try selling spider legs? After all, this spider is unique to our world and takes up space…”
His proposal was approved by Zhou Qi.
So, Tang Yu’an listed the Dark Green Spider legs at a price of 500 points.
“Hope some sucker buys it!”
If it didn’t sell again, he would switch to lizard eggs. A lizard egg was 100 points; at ten times the price, he could sell it for 1,000 points.
However, Tang Yu’an preferred to keep them to eat himself.
“Time for breakfast.”
“Okay!”
Breakfast was simple, but it included eggs, vegetables, and staple food; Tang Yu’an ate very contentedly.
Seeing him full of energy, showing no signs of illness, Zhou Qi finally felt relieved.
After the meal, Tang Yu’an went to check on his plants—
Because the daily tasks were basically completed, they didn’t need to rush out for business today; they could set off later.
After Chi Hao left, the temperature in the house returned to normal.
Although Zhou Qi absorbed heat when at home, it wasn’t as much as Chi Hao. Compared to last night, the plants in the house weren’t in as good condition, but they weren’t wilting.
After watering them, they looked more vibrant.
The soybeans they planted earlier had sprouted; two small tender sprouts hid in the dark brown soil, appearing fresh and green under the morning light, particularly delightful.
Tang Yu’an smiled, and after watering the plants inside, he ran to the awning outside.
Because there wasn’t enough space at home, they kept only one or two pots of each plant, and the extra pots were left outside.
Naturally, these plants couldn’t withstand such harsh conditions and had withered in the flowerpots.
Because he had been mentally prepared, Tang Yu’an wasn’t too upset.
He took out some wild vegetables with roots from his personal warehouse and replanted them in the pots.
These wild vegetables were traded from Jufeng Mountain; they grew in this world and should be able to survive.
After finishing, Tang Yu’an clapped his hands and sat on the doorstep.
The boy rested his chin in his hands, looking at the slightly misty sky outside, just like he had done countless times in his original world.
“Whoosh—whoosh—”
He heard the sound of wind, gentle and soothing.
He didn’t know if it was an illusion, but today’s wind sounded clearer and louder than usual, even though it wasn’t a windy day.
“Whirr—whirr—”
Behind him came the sound of the sewing machine working; Tang Yu’an turned to look.
At some point, Zhou Qi had cut the fabric; now, under a small lamp, he was working on making clothes at the sewing machine.
“Brother Qi, are you making clothes for Lili?” Tang Yu’an got up and walked over.
“Yes.” Zhou Qi nodded.
Jin Lili was still small and didn’t need much fabric, and the style she needed was simple; cutting the fabric and stitching it together was enough.
Soon, a little dress was completed.
Zhou Qi chose cotton fabric, soft and absorbent, suitable for daytime wear.
As for colors, since they hadn’t spent points to unlock more, they currently only had black, white, and gray to choose from. Zhou Qi compromised and chose gray.
Besides the little dress, he also made a pair of loose pants for the girl.
Since he had started, he made an extra set for easy changing and washing—even though washing clothes was a luxury in such an environment.
“Brother Qi’s craftsmanship is really good!”
Tang Yu’an admired the little dress, not stingy with his praise. “Now that we have fabric, you can make yourself a few sets of clothes to wear.”
Zhou Qi was still wearing Dad Tang’s clothes, which obviously didn’t fit.
“Mm, I’ll make some when I have time.”
It was already past eight o’clock; they should set off.
“Okay!”
Because they weren’t pressed by transaction tasks, their mindset for going out this time was much more relaxed than before.
“We should still earn experience and points when we can, but if we can’t, there’s no need to force it.”
While packing, Zhou Qi discussed their next action plan with Tang Yu’an.
They still needed to visit their customers daily, but they didn’t have to rack their brains to make transactions like before.
After all, customers’ needs were limited; how could they make three profitable transactions every day? Plus, now that they had Xiao Cao, an excellent employee, they could free up time to do other things.
“Mm-hmm!” Tang Yu’an agreed wholeheartedly.
“When we get back later, I want to see how to upgrade furniture, and I also wanted to make a water purification device, but haven’t had time to research…”
“Then there’s the stone mill, pressure cooker…”
“Also, we need to transfer the lizard eggs from the giant lizard’s lair; the task of clearing dangerous creatures hasn’t been completed yet…”
“Oh, and selecting a location for the branch store! That’s the most important thing coming up.”
“There are so many things to do!” He couldn’t help but sigh.
Zhou Qi listened as he listed them, nodded, and said, “Let’s take them one at a time.”
If they could successfully establish the branch, they could wait in the store for customers to come and trade, truly freeing up time.
“Mm-hmm!”
After leaving the grocery store, Tang Yu’an skillfully cast the Lightness Technique on Zhou Qi.
Zhou Qi bent down to carry him and suddenly frowned.
Why did An’an feel lighter than before? Could it be that his body consumed too much after last night’s fever?
Zhou Qi thought that he’d have to nourish him well later, while Tang Yu’an habitually opened the map.
“Brother Chi Hao runs so fast!”
He was already approaching the first outpost of Jufeng Mountain; if he went faster, he might reach Jufeng Town before evening.
Zhou Qi nodded, “Hope he can make it smoothly.”
Although the property he asked from Hong Li might not meet their requirements for building a branch, having a fixed asset was better than none.
Even if they didn’t use it as a branch in the future, they could consider other uses.
Zhou Qi carried Tang Yu’an and set off, first delivering food to Black Pearl, then heading to Granny Guo’s house.
*
“Kang Kang, are you full?” Granny Guo looked at her grandson and asked.
“Mm!” Kang Kang nodded vigorously.
Granny Guo didn’t believe him, reached out to touch his belly, and after finding it indeed round and full, finally let him go.
She looked at the leftover potatoes and mushroom soup on the table, feeling troubled for the first time because there was too much food.
Granny Guo hadn’t had such abundant food storage for a long time; besides over 40 potatoes, she also had brown rice, mushrooms, wild vegetables, fruits, and the whole-wheat steamed buns the two boys had given her last night.
Because she had too much food stored, she didn’t control the amount well, leading to making too much breakfast.
This was truly a happy problem.
They couldn’t finish it now, and if left until noon, it might spoil… Granny Guo finally decided to pack the leftovers and take them to Old Li.
They were both people who had gone hungry; the old man shouldn’t mind. She hadn’t visited him in a long time; now that she had extra food, she could trade with him for some meat.
Just as she had packed up, the two boys came to the door.
“Brother Tang!”
After eating, Kang Kang, who had been holding the flower pot and refusing to let go, upon hearing the movements of Tang Yu’an and Zhou Qi, immediately put down the small sapling and ran towards the window.
Soon, Tang Yu’an was holding him as they walked into the house, with Zhou Qi following closely behind.
Seeing Granny Guo ready to go out, Tang Yu’an couldn’t help but ask, “Granny, are you going out?”
“Yes, I was just about to visit Old Li.”
“Kang Kang, do you want to go?”
Although they weren’t too concerned about points and experience for this trip, they couldn’t miss playing the “trading game” with Kang Kang.
Kang Kang hugged Tang Yu’an’s neck, looking eagerly at Granny Guo.
How could Granny Guo not see her grandson’s thoughts?
She smiled and shook her head, saying, “You play with him; I’ll go by myself.”
Thinking of something, she asked, “By the way, didn’t you say last night that that guy named Tie Jin entrusted you to buy clothes for his daughter in town?”
Tang Yu’an nodded.
“Did you manage to buy suitable clothes?” Granny Guo looked at the clothes on the two boys, a hint of longing and desire in her eyes.
She had long noticed that the two boys’ clothes were of good quality, and compared to the worn clothes she and Kang Kang wore, they looked brand new, which greatly attracted her attention.
Unfortunately, she had been worrying about having enough to eat and had no extra energy to pursue other things.
Now that she had food, naturally, she started thinking more.
Tang Yu’an couldn’t help but look at Zhou Qi. Zhou Qi nodded and said, “If you need, we can bring some over tomorrow.”
Granny Guo’s eyes lit up, “Do you have ready-made ones? I want to get one for Kang Kang too. What do I need to exchange?”
Zhou Qi explained to her using the same reason.
“You can make clothes?” Granny Guo looked surprised, “Then I’ll trouble you.”
As usual, she stuffed some fruits into the boys’ hands, and Zhou Qi continued to fetch water for her, conveniently earning 3 employee experience points.
After that, Granny Guo went to visit Old Li, while Tang Yu’an and Zhou Qi stayed to play with Kang Kang.
Because there were no Lantern Fruits hung up, today’s quantity was still six; finally, in the “trading game” with Kang Kang, Tang Yu’an earned another 299 points.
“Qingliang (Cooling fruit)… none…”
After the game, Kang Kang looked at the still bare sapling and said sadly.
Only one Qingliang Fruit had matured, and Tang Yu’an had eaten it last night, so there was none today.
But Tang Yu’an saw that small fruits had already formed on the sapling; they just needed time to mature.
“It’s okay; let’s let the fruit grow slowly this time.” Tang Yu’an patted his head, then took out the Lan Hu Tree Leaf he had obtained from today’s transaction.
“Look, I have this.”
As soon as Kang Kang saw the Lan Hu Leaf, his gaze was immediately drawn to it; he stared intently, as if entranced.
Seeing how much he liked it, Tang Yu’an said, “Thank you for growing the Qingliang Fruit for me; I’ll give you this Lan Hu Leaf.”
Anyway, he had another one, and there would be opportunities to trade for more in the future.
Kang Kang finally reacted.
He looked at Tang Yu’an, then at the leaf in his hand, and said, “Cool… warm…”
Unexpectedly, Kang Kang directly sensed the properties of the Lan Hu Leaf. Tang Yu’an nodded.
“Yes.”
He said, “This is a very magical mutant plant; it can adjust its temperature. When it’s hot, it emits coolness; when it’s cold, it releases warmth.”
Kang Kang listened carefully to his explanation, then looked at the leaf in his hand.
The leaf was much larger than his small hand; holding it was like holding a fan.
He stared at the leaf for a while, then suddenly said in a soft, childish voice, “I want… I want to grow it!”
“Cool… warm… grow it!”
