Chapter 493: Chapter 493

So, collecting rotten corpse insects with Virtual Coin and squeezing the labor out of these people had its many advantages. Though many Virtual Coins would go out, even more would flow back in, creating a beneficial snowball effect. Jing Shu’s snowball would keep getting bigger and bigger.

When Jing Shu stepped out, surprisingly, there was no crowd to spectate. Considering that the villa was the most luxurious spot in the vicinity, it usually attracted a lot of attention, but at some point, people stopped being curious. Instead, they were out and about with baskets on their backs, rummaging through fields and stinky ditches for insects.

Jing Shu then overheard two passersby discussing:

"Why go so far away to pick up stuff when we can just gather nearby? Isn’t that too dangerous?"

"What do you know? We should head to the pond; there’s more there. Remember, we need them alive; live ones are worth more. It’s not easy to have a factory collecting all kinds of rotten corpse insects—one hundred thirty kilograms for 1 Virtual Coin. Who knows how much they’ll take in? I’ve heard they’ve already collected from tens of thousands of people these past few days."

"We need to speed up. Besides, last year’s red earthworms swarmed so badly and got all picked up. Now everyone knows collecting insects can earn Virtual Coin. I’m just afraid that after all our hard work, they’ll stop accepting them when they reach their limit."

"Rotten corpse insects aren’t edible or usable as feed, so what are they collected for? I hope they don’t turn into some food we don’t know about and end up poisoning us."

"Afraid of what? Xiao Liz said the insects are just used for feed at what’s called the ’Red Worm Processing Factory.’ Plus, nowadays, without an ’apocalypse business license,’ everything is considered Black Market. If you report it, you can earn a lot of Virtual Coin. The factory is right at the border between New District and West Mountain. If they don’t have a license, we’ll report them. As long as the licensed products don’t kill when eaten, we’ll eat them."

"Who are we gathering these for, though? Weren’t red earthworms extinct? I heard they couldn’t breed anymore."

"Who knows? Maybe they’ve figured out a way. They’re collecting at fixed points every day here. The price is lower, but if we carry them to the factory, many people are waiting at the door. Let’s go there; the price is higher. Workers inside the factory pay top coin for these. We’re behind on the news, not sure why. The only thing is, I heard from Xiao Liz that the factory workers are fighting over them, something about exchanging for points. I don’t really understand."

"Bro, I want to work at that factory too."

Watching the two walk further away, Jing Shu floored the accelerator and vanished in a trail of dust, yet she couldn’t help but wonder, "Has the net for rotten corpse insects been cast this wide already? How long will Wu City’s Corpse Worms last for these people to dig? A month? Three months?" Jing Shu clicked her tongue and shook her head. Rotten corpse insects without a natural enemy might well be on the brink of extinction.

Jing Shu finally arrived at her Red Worm Processing Factory.

The massive energy-saving lamps at the entrance of the factory shone down, illuminating the hubbub reminiscent of a marketplace. The factory seemed more like a morning market or a flea market, with people carrying various containers and the sounds of hawkers echoing through the air—it was bustling with activity.

The place had completely changed its appearance, looking like a huge prison with tall stone walls now surrounding the entire factory. All the repair work, foundation laying, and cementing was finished, and the walls maintained their eerie slant, designed to powerfully deflect landslides to either side. It was unbelievable that such a massive factory had been completed in just a few days, securely enclosed within the walls except for the main and back entrances, which were the only access points left. One had to marvel at the frightening efficiency of the Huaxia people once they set their minds to work.

Jing Shu was very pleased! This would prevent the factory from being flooded by mudslides next year.

In front of the factory’s main gate stood a long line of people, roughly a hundred. In front of them were standard scales, followed by big sacks for collection, with visibly squirming contents inside. These people were dressed in thick coats and padded jackets, some even sporting hats. Their complexions were noticeably healthier, clearly indicating that they were factory workers who had earned points to exchange for supplies.

In contrast, those who came to sell rotten corpse insects, carrying baskets and plastic bags, were clad in tattered clothes, their faces sickly pale and their bodies as thin as sticks.

"Young man, count everything in this bag. Since you’re buying, why are you picking through them so carefully? There’s no need for this kind of fussiness!"

"Ma’am, our factory has strict requirements. If there’s even a bit of sand, soil, or a small stone, it’ll all be considered a job that needs redoing, and that would earn me a bad review. Then collecting this batch would have been for nothing."

"With so many insects, which one wouldn’t have a bit of soil on it?"

"You could clean them up before selling them to us."

"I’m not selling to someone as picky as you."

"Then please take care, Ma’am."

The lady then visited several other collectors of rotten corpse insects. Everyone was the same: exceptionally meticulous with their inspection. They wouldn’t accept even a speck of soil. Some collectors with bad tempers would start cursing on the spot and even took to the loudspeakers: Latest content publıshed on 𝔫𝔬𝔳𝔢𝔩~𝔣𝔦𝔯𝔢~𝔫𝔢𝔱

"I want to remind all sellers of rotten corpse insects and other kinds of bugs once again: if there are any foreign substances or impurities, none of us will accept your goods. Please check thoroughly before selling to avoid wasting everyone’s time. If anyone tries to be cunning or play any tricks, we’ll ban you altogether! We won’t accept your insects ever again!"

Consequently, many sellers hurriedly began picking out stones and soil from their insects.

A smile curled at the corner of Jing Shu’s mouth. The matter had sparked long debates in the factory. For instance, when a Collector handed in collected insects, the inspector, eyeing the *10 bonus, would scrutinize every detail, deeming insects with any soil or stones as not up to standard. Without a clear standard, nobody was satisfied. Eventually, after arguments arose, they asked Factory Director Su to make a decision. He instantly established the standard: "For every 100 kilograms, there can be no more than 10 grams of impurities; otherwise, the reward goes to the inspector instead of the Collector."

This standard met with opposition from many, but those who worked more diligently completed even more tasks, while the small faction of rebels, realizing resistance was futile, buckled down and got to work seriously. Inspectors also gained more incentive, uncovering numerous issues. If one enjoyed privileges in the factory that others couldn’t dream of, then they had to outperform the rest.

"Make way, make way, the shark is coming!"

"What’s that vehicle? I’ve never seen anything like it before the apocalypse."

"Damn, a big shot has arrived! It’s Boss Jing from our Red Worm Factory! The other day, it was this very shark that pulled up right at the dorm entrance, with Manager Tuo coming out to greet the big shot. Makes sense, today is the official opening, and the big shot would definitely want to come check it out personally."

"Let’s quickly finish up this last batch. Many people have already arrived today; let’s hurry inside!"

By the time Jing Shu arrived, there were already over thirty unfamiliar faces seated in the factory. Manager Tuo stood to one side looking like a subordinate, while Uncle was anxiously pacing in circles. Seeing Jing Shu, his eyes lit up. "Jing Shu, you’ve finally come; we’ve been waiting just for you."