"Have Li Dayou and the others been settled?" Jing Shu asked anxiously.
A few days ago, after absorbing too much of that black liquid, she'd fallen unconscious for over ten days. Sure, the Rubik's Cube Space had upgraded, but she'd spent all that time studying the changes and hadn't managed to handle anything else. She'd troubled others a lot during that period too, and on the way back, she'd basically turned into a hands-off boss. The two groups split up afterward, and to this day, she hadn't had the chance to properly thank Li Dayou and Wang Dan's team.
If it weren't for them, her seeds would've been gone long ago. Jing Shu had always wanted to repay that kindness, so when she heard the news, she couldn't hide her excitement. It was about time she did something in return.
Jin Tianci sipped his tea, then discreetly pulled a few raisins out of his pocket and chewed them before saying, "Everything's arranged. The report to the Capital's been sent, and there's a flight heading there in a few days. They'll go with it. Later, I'll take you to see them. You should really thank them properly."
Jing Shu let out a breath and smiled. "Of course."
Jin Tianci smiled back, his eyes narrowing like a fox's. "So, about that batch of certified seeds you separated, how do you plan to sell them? And that potion that shields seeds from radiation, what price do you have in mind? I already know the Capital wants to buy some from you. They've made their own mess, haha. You can ask for whatever you want. We can negotiate. I don't plan on repeating the Capital's mistakes or ruining our relationship with Wu City."
Jing Shu started twirling a strand of hair, pacing in circles. She'd look up at him now and then, then drop her gaze again.
"What's wrong, still haven't decided?" Jin Tianci teased with a knowing smile when she didn't reply. "Want some advice? You could offset your previous debts. Or maybe you'd prefer to trade for supplies? Between you and me, Wu City's reserves are all open to you. You can take whatever you like.
I know you're not short on food, but it doesn't last forever, does it? Things are getting worse. Crops aren't producing much anymore. You should stock up on long-lasting food, like canned fruit, canned meat, or that new Jun Ration developed back in 2020. It's got big portions and full nutrition.
If that's still not tempting enough, cough, I can even trade from Jin Baba's private stash of top-grade snacks. Just tell me what you want."
Jing Shu scratched her cheek awkwardly. It wasn't that she hadn't thought about it. She'd made up her mind a long time ago. She just hadn't said it yet because, well, it was kind of embarrassing.
Jin Tianci arched a brow. Her silence made him suspicious. If she wasn't reacting at all, she probably had some crazy request brewing.
Finally, she lifted her head, eyes firm. Whatever, she'd have to say it sooner or later. She cleared her throat, bracing herself. It wasn't like she was being greedy. Sure, Qian Duoduo's list of offers was tempting, but Jing Shu wasn't stupid. The apocalypse wouldn't end in a few years. She was thinking long-term. She didn't need a pile of flashy goods now.
Besides, if people found out she'd traded with Jin Tianci for a whole batch of supplies, she'd be painting a target on her back. Flaunting wealth was a death wish in times like these. Low profile. Always keep a low profile.
"Come on, we're all on the same side, right?" Jing Shu said with a smile.
Jin Tianci's smile froze. Whenever someone started with that line, it was never a good sign.
"When it comes to Wu City, I'm not treating it like the Capital," she said seriously. "The potion that cancels radiation effects—there's still enough left for the rest of the seeds. You can take it as my gift to the government. How about that? Of course, you know how valuable that potion is. You remember what I got in exchange from the Capital last time."
"There, I just gave you something priceless," she thought. "So what I say next shouldn't sound too outrageous, right?"
But instead of smiling, Jin Tianci looked even more cautious. His brows furrowed, eyes narrowing with curiosity. What was Jing Shu up to? Giving away something that valuable? That could only mean one thing—the next part was going to hurt.
Because in this world, nothing truly came free. Anything "free" just had the cost hidden somewhere else.
He didn't say yes or no. Instead, he said, "Alright, spit it out. What's on your mind? Don't dance around it."
"Oh come on, you said it yourself, we're all one family here. Wu City's my home city, right? Since it's my home, of course I'll contribute. Talking about buying and selling would just make it awkward. Besides, food's scarce now, and all supplies should go where they're needed most. I wouldn't dare keep it for myself, and as for Jin Baba's private snack stash—forget it. Last time he intercepted my stuff, I took it back, and the look he gave me after was terrifying."
Jin Tianci's expression brightened instantly. He stood up in excitement. "You're too kind, Jing Shu! You should've said so earlier. If you're donating this batch of seeds, Wu City won't forget your kindness, and the country will remember your contribution!"
"Not donating," she said quickly, waving her hand. Those seeds had nearly cost her life—twice.
Jin Tianci almost rolled his eyes. It was rare for him to break character, but he still managed to smile and say, "Alright then, what's your condition? Out with it."
"The potion's free, and the seeds are free. But I want thirty percent of whatever's grown from them."
"You might as well rob me, it'd be faster!" Jin Tianci almost spat out his tea. He'd never seen anyone so shamelessly bold.
"You know I can't rob you," she said calmly. "Most crops have gone extinct. My seeds are the most complete collection still around. And I'm not even charging you if nothing grows, so it's a pretty good deal."
Jin Tianci chugged down his tea before catching his breath. "You know how bad the soil's gotten. Yields are already pathetic. Half of whatever we harvest has to be saved for replanting. You still want thirty percent? What's left then? I'll give you ten percent at most. Be happy you'll at least get to taste the new harvest."
"You know I'm not just good with medicinal herbs, I can farm too. My mom worked in the Agriculture Department, and my whole family knows how to grow things. Even in this apocalypse, our yield's solid. If you let me help guide your planting, I guarantee you'll get better results. Three-tenths for near-extinct seeds, that's a fair price, isn't it?"
"Twenty percent," he countered. "That's the highest I'll go. And I'll even give you an extra twenty percent of the unplanted seed value as compensation."
"Deal," she said immediately, smiling. Truth was, she'd only been aiming for twenty percent all along. She'd just asked for more to leave room for haggling. For Wu City, it was still a very good deal.
Jin Tianci gave a helpless laugh. "Never thought I'd see the day the government owed someone like you a loan."
They'd use Jing Shu's seeds now and repay her later with food once they'd harvested. Even during the toughest times, she'd have her share of food reserved. And since she wasn't taking immediate supplies, it also eased the government's food shortage without making things harder for her.