Chapter 404: Chapter 404

Luckily, before the apocalypse, Jing Shu had downloaded all the major encyclopedias, which now made searching for information very convenient.

"Coffee contains Coffee Bean Alcohol and Coffee Alcohols, which have anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory effects. Coffee can enhance the liver’s biochemical detoxification processes, protecting the body from Aflatoxin and other carcinogens."

"Coffee grounds are a natural deodorizer. When placed in a container, they absorb various odors. They are also a natural insect repellent. Spreading some coffee grounds around the yard can help keep insects and ants away. Mixing them into potting soil helps plants grow better due to their high nitrogen content. Laying coffee grounds on the soil surface can also deodorize and prevent insects. Besides, coffee grounds have many other clever uses..."

Jing Shu clapped her hands, finally remembering. "Right, coffee has another important use in the apocalypse. It can prevent the spread of a new type of zombie virus two years from now. This means if humans are infected with the new zombie virus, drinking coffee daily can inhibit the growth of rotting flesh. Although it doesn’t have a noticeable effect on the Undead creatures in the apocalypse, it can effectively wear down the invading species that will appear two years later.

Moreover, coffee grounds are also quite useful. A few years into the apocalypse, the stench of rotten eggs could be overwhelming. If we piled coffee grounds around the house, wouldn’t it reduce the stench?

All in all, coffee is indeed very useful!"

Jing Shu suddenly knew what to plant in the six spare plots of her Eighth-Order space: coffee! Its medicinal value alone offers significant benefits. More importantly, two years from now, it can help suppress viruses from new invading species. Considering its uses in waste management, as fertilizer, and more, coffee is versatile; truly, every part of it is a treasure.

"The best part is that freshly ground coffee tastes amazing. Without milk, it’s an Americano. With milk but no sugar, it’s a latte. With frothed milk and cinnamon powder, it’s a cappuccino. With sugar, chocolate, and cream, it’s a mocha. And with milk and caramel, it’s a caramel macchiato!" Jing Shu had once worked in a coffee shop because she could drink coffee at half price, and her favorite was mocha—the taste of chocolate, milk, and coffee was truly unforgettable.

"Can I pick up some of the fruit that has fallen to the ground?" Jing Shu asked, her eyes sparkling. It had been about thirteen years since she last had coffee.

Eiffel shrugged. "Of course. Feel free to pick up what’s on the ground, but don’t touch what’s on the trees; those are the boss’s treasures."

Jing Shu delightedly picked a pouchful. Unfortunately, she had neither the tools for grinding coffee nor many of the ingredients. Ah, to be in a snowy world, looking out at the snowscape while brewing some coffee, adding however much milk and sugar I wanted; it would be delightful.

After picking up the Seeds, Jing Shu immediately filled the six plots of land. If they didn’t grow, she could come back in a few days and stealthily take some more Seeds. She just didn’t expect to achieve one of her goals so soon.

Little Black looked completely baffled. Just a few coffee beans made her this happy? He truly couldn’t fathom the thoughts of this powerhouse. Monk rubbed his head; he also couldn’t understand women’s thoughts.

Eiffel at last brought the three of them to the Medicinal Materials Cultivation Center. This place was much more advanced. It looked more like a scientific research facility, featuring soilless cultivation and simulations of pre-apocalypse sun vaults. In short, there were many methods of cultivating medicinal materials, but none were effective. The situation here was even more dire than it had been at the Wu City Herbal Medicine Association. These medicinal plants suffered from congenital deformities and most died in their initial growth stage. Official source ıs 𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹·𝑓𝑖𝑟𝑒·𝗇𝗲𝘁

"If you can cultivate these medicinal materials successfully, you can have whatever you want. Of course, we also have a Seed Bank you can enter to select some Seeds and replant. Once you accept this job, you must not leave the castle until the task is either completed or abandoned. However, in return, your salary will be very generous, equivalent to that of a Third-class citizen."

Eiffel laid out various tempting conditions. However, he didn’t mention the consequences of failure, nor did he inquire about or scrutinize her skills. He didn’t even seem worried that she might be there to freeload and deceive them. Jing Shu touched her chin. If someone really tried to trick them, would they die miserably?

"Alright, I’ll take the job." Jing Shu didn’t need to overthink it; she wasn’t actually here to cultivate medicinal materials for others. If the starting point is high, perhaps I can access better things, right? Will I have more options then? It seems giving them a little something sweet upfront is essential.

With their own agendas in mind, Jing Shu quickly secured a respectable job at Austin Castle and immediately threw herself into her work.

Faced with these exotic herbs, which likely wouldn’t even survive in her space’s Spiritual Spring, Jing Shu decided to start with the Seed Bank.

Everywhere they went, people used "Identity Cards" to swipe for access, similar to an access control system. This involved an iris scan and the input of a random verification code received via a separate channel. This three-factor authentication process confirmed their identity. The security level was impressively high, virtually eliminating any risk of theft.

Even to enter the Seed Bank, Eiffel had to apply for permission from his superiors, and only Jing Shu, who had just been hired, was allowed in. The Seed Bank resembled a massive cold storage unit. Its exterior was caked in ice, and the internal temperature was extremely low. Rows of tall shelves held neatly arranged boxes.

Each box was labeled, and there were even Seeds from various countries!

"This is the largest Seed Bank in Austin, containing four hundred thousand Seeds. To date, it holds two-thirds of the world’s Seeds," Eiffel explained.

Jing Shu gaped. Before the apocalypse, she had traveled everywhere to buy Seeds, acquiring only about ten thousand types, which had been sufficient for her needs. She had even thought of preserving some of the nation’s vital Seeds by purchasing all available varieties to store in her space. But upon arriving at this Seed Bank, she realized her collection of ten thousand types of Seeds was insignificant in comparison.

No, this time I must get these Seeds too! Domestically, vast quantities of Seeds were lost during the fifth and sixth years after the apocalypse, leading to the extinction of many species in the eighth and ninth years. I absolutely have to preserve some of these Seeds. Jing Shu had already mentally claimed these Seeds. For now, however, she and Eiffel could only observe from the doorway. Anything they required would be fetched by a designated specialist. Jing Shu was already plotting how to secretly infiltrate the Seed Bank and take everything.

It’s a shame the Seed Station is air-gapped. I wonder if the Sulfuric Acid Ants could tunnel through this rock? But the temperature is too low; snakes might withstand it, but they couldn’t burrow in... Jing Shu’s eyes darted about as she pondered.

After selecting a dozen or so types of medicinal plant Seeds, she left the Seed Station. Eiffel settled Jing Shu in an empty medicinal plant cultivation laboratory and informed her that during this period, she could eat in the cafeteria for free.

As Eiffel was speaking, his nose suddenly started to bleed.