"The house design draft is on discount now, only two hundred and fifty-eight points!"
"What?"
"Master, this is the current promotional price! Normally it's three hundred and eighteen points. But Master, don't worry, if you can upgrade the system, I can provide you with some basic knowledge for free."
"Such a good deal? How do I upgrade it?"
"Once you've spent enough points, the system will upgrade automatically. By then, it might even give you a storage space! You know, there's someone here whose system did that; after upgrading several times, the system directly gifted his master a storage space. Unlike us, we haven't even upgraded yet, let alone earned more points. Master, you need to work hard."
Hearing this, and thinking about her pitiful 2.5 points, Xu Xiu became even more determined to venture into the deep mountains.
Originally, she had thought accumulating points would be easy, but unexpectedly, it was so difficult.
Of course, that wasn't the only thing; Zhang Zixuan's 880,000 points alone were nearly the death of her.
After the meal, Xu Xiu took her basket and carried back all the bamboo shoots that Liu-Tou and Qi-Tou had dug up.
"Mother, the bamboo shoots nearby are almost all dug up. Tomorrow we'll have to go further away."
"Are you tired? If you're tired, rest for a day before going again!" Xu Xiu said sympathetically.
They were just two children, only six or seven years old, yet they were handling responsibilities adults should worry about.
"We're not tired. Mother is the tired one; you have to carry such heavy bamboo shoots back home every day."
Hearing this, Zhang Zixuan, who was beside them, fell silent.
He looked down at the wheelchair he was sitting in and asked, "Is the place you're going next to the bamboo grove to the right of the backyard?"
"Yes, that's closer to us."
"That area is flat. I can go carry them tomorrow."
"No need. You stay home and peel these bamboo shoots. Besides, the plantain needs washing too, so someone always has to be assigned to that job, right?"
"But I don't want you to work so hard."
"I don't feel its hard work. However, I might be back later tomorrow; I'll carry them back then."
"Where are you going tomorrow?" Zhang Zixuan asked worriedly.
For some reason, he had a feeling, as if she was going to do something very dangerous.
Hearing this, Xu Xiu immediately fell silent.
She knew she couldn't tell Zhang Zixuan the truth; it would only cause him unnecessary worry.
After all, in his eyes, she was just an ordinary woman.
To him, going into the deep mountains to hunt was clearly equivalent to courting death.
Seeing Xu Xiu silent, Zhang Zixuan anxiously added, "Don't even think about doing anything dangerous."
"What are you thinking? I just want to go to the neighboring Li Family Village to ask how much their blue bricks cost."
Hearing this, Zhang Zixuan breathed a sigh of relief. Then, as if remembering something, he continued:
"But that wouldn't take a whole day. Don't save those few pennies; take an ox cart there. It's less tiring and saves a lot of time."
"Hmm, I'll wait for the ox cart at the village entrance tomorrow!" Xu Xiu replied without thinking.
The next day.
Prompted by her biological clock, Xu Xiu woke up very early.
She hadn't forgotten she was going into the deep mountains today.
But when she turned over to get her clothes, she realized Zhang Zixuan had already gotten up long ago.
Because he had a wheelchair, Zhang Zixuan had gradually gotten used to it. Often, he could manage sitting in it without needing help.
Of course, it might also be because he was eating well now and had more strength in his arms.
"Awake? I've already made breakfast; it's in that pot over there. Go eat quickly!" Seeing Xu Xiu come out, Zhang Zixuan pointed at the pot on the ground with a smile.
"You got up so early?"
"I was already awake. Lying there sleepless, I might as well get up," Zhang Zixuan said softly.
He was very satisfied with their current life.
Most importantly, he could no longer bear the pain of watching his wife and children being bullied while he was powerless.
Now, they not only had dozens of taels of silver, but they also didn't have to suffer the bullying and beatings from the old household.
Even if he had to sit in this wheelchair for the rest of his life, he was willing.
As long as his wife and children were safe.
"Hmm, I'll be leaving after I eat. Will you be alright at home?" Xu Xiu asked casually.
She naturally knew there wouldn't be any problems. Not only did Zhang Zixuan know some martial arts,
But Zhang Zhiyong and Zhang Haifei would also be coming over frequently these days to process the plantain, so nothing would happen.
"What problems could there be? Just set your mind at ease!"
After taking a couple of sips of porridge, Xu Xiu pointed to the soybeans she had soaked in a wooden bucket the night before and said:
"I've already soaked these soybeans. If you have time later, could you steam them for me?"
"I was just about to ask you. Why did you soak so many soybeans? You can't eat this much in one or two meals."
"These aren't for eating. I'm using them to make something new," Xu Xiu said mysteriously.
"Something new? What new thing?"
"You'll know when I make it."
Seeing Xu Xiu unwilling to elaborate, Zhang Zixuan didn't press further.
Xu Xiu had already given him many pleasant surprises these past two days. Slowly, he seemed to be getting used to it.
"Remember, steam them until they are cooked through. If you can mash them easily with your fingers, that's done."
"Okay!"
Xu Xiu hastily ate the white porridge Zhang Zixuan had cooked. Seeing there were also steamed buns in the pot, she put two into her basket.
Just before leaving, as if remembering something, Xu Xiu turned back and instructed Zhang Zixuan:
"I'm not sure if Manager Wu will come today, but it's very likely he won't. No matter how anxious he is, he should probably wait a couple more days before coming again. Please keep an eye out."
When going into the deep mountains, many people stayed inside overnight.
Xu Xiu herself thought about it, but she knew that if she told the truth, Zhang Zixuan would definitely not agree to her going.
After all, the deep mountains were full of fierce beasts.
Every year, many hunters lose their lives in those mountains.
She wasn't sure when she would be back, so it was best to mention this possibility to Zhang Zixuan now.
"Okay. If he comes, I'll tidy up the things in the yard first before letting him in."
After saying this, Zhang Zixuan looked curiously at the basket on Xu Xiu's back and asked:
"Huh? Aren't you going to Li Family Village? Why are you carrying a basket?"
Hearing this, Xu Xiu forced herself to reply calmly, "I plan to buy something to bring back. Why? Is there a problem?"
Sure enough, after hearing Xu Xiu's words, Zhang Zixuan didn't suspect anything further.
In reality, it is quite normal for people here to carry a basket when going out.
It wasn't until she walked out of the courtyard that Xu Xiu finally breathed a complete sigh of relief.
It seemed she needed to find an opportunity to confess some things to Zhang Zixuan.
Otherwise, she would have to explain to herself every time she went into the deep mountains, which was too troublesome.
Looking at the mountain peaks behind the thatched cottage, Xu Xiu couldn't help but sigh; the saying 'live off the mountains' really held true.
Just the wild vegetables at the foot of the mountain ensured their family of five wouldn't starve.
The sky had just begun to lighten, and Xu Xiu was already walking towards the mountain path.
The deep mountains were far away. She not only needed to hunt prey but also needed to save some points.
More importantly, she had to come back the same day.
Otherwise, Zhang Zixuan would definitely worry about her.
"Coco, I'm heading into the deep mountains now. If there's anything good, remember to remind me!"
"I know, I know. Even if you didn't say it, I would know. But don't get your hopes up too high."
"Why?"
"Didn't I say it before? I can only scan within about two meters. If you want me to scan further, you need to spend more points."
"But I need to have points to spend first," Xu Xiu couldn't help but retort.
"Come on, you can do it."
Xu Xiu: "..."
However, along the way, Xu Xiu really did see quite a few good things.
"That thing ahead looks like a star anise," Xu Xiu said, spotting something resembling a star anise in the distance.
"Coco, quick, help me see if that tree is a star anise tree."
"Move a little closer! It's more than two meters away; I can't scan it."
Hearing this, Xu Xiu walked forward a bit more.
"Yes, yes, yes! This is star anise! Quick, quick, collect it!" Coco said excitedly.
Xu Xiu: "..." Could she say she wanted to dig it up and plant it herself?
Coco probably heard Xu Xiu's thoughts and continued, "This star anise tree can be collected for 200 points."
"That much?"
"Mhm!"
"Collect it, collect it! Collect it immediately!" Xu Xiu answered without hesitation.
A star anise tree? Since the first one appeared here, naturally there would be a second one.
She truly didn't believe she couldn't find a second one.
She had always wanted those seasonings from the apocalypse. Whether braising, stewing, or boiling, dishes made with those seasonings tasted completely different.
Thinking this, Xu Xiu wasn't in such a hurry to enter the deep mountains anymore.
Points? She could earn them just as well by walking slowly along the mountainside on her way in.
Her main goal was points anyway.
"Master, Master! Look to your right! Is there something moving?"
Before she could find another star anise tree, Coco's voice rang out in her mind again.
Hearing this, Xu Xiu immediately walked in the direction Coco indicated.
But when she saw what was inside, she was instantly startled.
"It's a snake! Does the system collect snakes too?"
"Yes! This thing is valuable! Quick, quick, collect it!"
"You want it alive?" Xu Xiu asked.
"Yes! Dead ones aren't worth as much."
"Gasp... Its head is triangular! A head like that clearly means it's venomous."
"Don't worry, you just need to touch it slightly," Coco said again.
Hearing this, Xu Xiu took two more steps forward.
But seeing its menacing triangular eyes and the front half of its body reared up, Xu Xiu hesitated again.
"Let me make this clear first: if it bites me, will the system take responsibility?"
"The system will provide you with the corresponding medicine, but it will also require your points to deduct the cost."
Xu Xiu: "..." Did that even count as providing it?
"Oh, come on! Be careful. While it's not paying attention, it just touches its tail. Who told you not to work harder to upgrade the system? If it were upgraded, you wouldn't have to do this manually."
The last part clearly turned into a mutter.
Hearing Coco's complaining tone, Xu Xiu felt a bit guilty herself.
The system had been active for several days now, but she still only had 2.5 points.
Thinking about it that way, she really felt a bit sorry for Coco.
Thinking this, Xu Xiu immediately drew her dagger and quickly moved behind the triangle-headed snake.
Before the snake could react, her right hand holding the dagger swiftly reached for its tail.
Instantly, the triangle-headed snake disappeared before her eyes.
"Well? Was it collected? How many points is this snake worth?"
"Huh? Why hasn't it shown up yet?" Coco said curiously.
"Could it be worth zero points?"
"It shouldn't be. Maybe the points value is high, and the system needs to calculate it. That's happened before. Or maybe the system is malfunctioning. But don't worry, anything I can scan will give some points, more or less."
Xu Xiu: "..." Why did she feel like Coco's words weren't actually comforting?
Saying that made her feel worse.
What did Coco mean, 'don't worry'?
She had risked her life to catch that venomous snake!
If she only got another 2.5 points or something, what meaning would her life even have?