Chapter 567: Chapter 567
"Has Li Dayou and his group been settled in properly?" Jing Shu asked anxiously.
In the past few days, having devoured too much of the black liquid, she fell into a deep sleep for over ten days while exploring the upgraded space. She hadn’t managed any affairs, and in the meantime, she had troubled others a lot. On the way back, she had acted like an indifferent boss, and the two parties had gone their separate ways again. To date, she hadn’t had a proper conversation with Wang Dan and the people accompanying Li Dayou.
If it weren’t for these people, her Seeds would have been gone long ago. Jing Shu had always intended to thank them properly. Now, hearing the news, she was pleasantly surprised. It was time to repay their kindness.
Jin Tianci sipped his tea, stealthily fished a few raisins from his pocket to chew, and said, "Everything’s arranged, and the report for the Imperial Capital has been filed. In a few days, there’s a plane flying to the Imperial Capital, and they will return on it. Later, I can take you to meet them. You really should thank them properly."
Jing Shu exhaled and smiled, "Of course."
Jin Tianci then asked Jing Shu with a smile, "So, about the portion of Seeds you’ve set aside for the government, how do you plan to sell them? And the radiation-proof medicine for the Seeds, how do you intend to sell that? I already know about the Imperial Capital wanting to buy your medicine. They brought it upon themselves, heh. You can put forward any demands; let’s negotiate so that we don’t follow in the Imperial Capital’s footsteps and also don’t affect your relationship with Wu City."
Jing Shu twirled her hair around her finger, glancing up at Jin Tianci, who didn’t seem in a hurry, then looked down again.
"What’s the matter, haven’t you thought it through?" Seeing Jing Shu remain silent, Jin Tianci smiled and suggested, "How about using it to offset your previous debt? Or perhaps you have some materials in mind you’d like to exchange? Let me give you a little tip: with Wu City’s reserve supplies, as long as they are available, you could have your pick of anything. I know you’re not short on food, but there’ll come a day when it runs out, right? The situation is getting worse, and it’s harder to get a good yield from crops now. You’ll need to stock up on food that can be stored for a long time, won’t you? All sorts of canned fruits, various canned meats, even the Jun ration developed in 2020 that contains a large volume of nutritious food. If nothing catches your eye, AHEM, I could exchange them for the top-notch snacks from Gold Dominator’s private stash. What do you want?"
Jing Shu scratched her cheek and looked down. AHEM. It wasn’t that I hadn’t thought it through; I planned it long ago. The reason I didn’t speak was that I felt somewhat embarrassed and was expecting to be rebuffed.
Seeing Jing Shu’s lack of response, Jin Tianci arched an eyebrow slightly. This indifferent demeanor likely means she’s already made up her mind, doesn’t it? I hope it’s not some outrageous demand.
Finally, Jing Shu lifted her head, her eyes determined. Oh well, I have to say it sooner or later. She coughed lightly, steeling herself. This isn’t being outrageously demanding. I was tempted by what Qian Duoduo offered, but I understand all too well that the apocalypse isn’t something that will end in just a few years. Therefore, for long-term planning, I don’t want so many things right now; I’m not lacking. Moreover, letting others know I’d exchanged a large quantity of materials with Jin Tianci would be asking for trouble. Wealth should not be flaunted; during the apocalypse, one shouldn’t show off food. Stay low-key, stay low-profile.
"We’re all friends here, aren’t we?" Jing Shu also said with a smile.
Jin Tianci became a little wary. Suddenly saying something like that... she’s either up to something cunning or deceitful.
"Towards Wu City, naturally, it’s not like with the Imperial Capital. The radiation-proof medicine I formulated last time was just enough for the remaining Seeds. Let’s consider it a gift to the government, how about that?" Jing Shu said seriously. "Of course, you’re aware of the value of that medicine and what I exchanged for it with the Imperial Capital previously."
I’m giving you something of such high value, so mentioning a slightly excessive request next shouldn’t be a problem, right?
Jin Tianci didn’t show the expected smile. Instead, he became even more vigilant, his eyebrows furrowing. What exactly is Jing Shu up to? Offering it for free? This must be because what she’s about to say is too outrageous! After all, there’s no such thing as a true ’buy one, get one free’ deal in the world – the value of the ’free’ item is always factored into the one being purchased!
Jin Tianci didn’t say whether it was good or bad but said, "What exactly are you thinking? Just tell me directly, no need to beat around the bush."
"Look at what you’re saying. Didn’t you just mention we’re all friends here, that Wu City is my home city? Since it’s my home city, of course, this portion of Seeds I’ve separated should be contributed to Wu City. Talking about selling or not selling, wouldn’t that hurt our relationship? And right now, with the food shortage, emergency supplies should indeed be used where they’re most needed. I daren’t take them for myself, and I’d dare even less to touch Gold Dominator’s private snack stash. Last time, he snatched something of mine, but I got it back. You didn’t see how scary Gold Dominator’s glare was, did you..."
Jin Tianci stood up in surprise, immediately saying, "No need for formalities, Jing Shu. You should have said so earlier! If this batch of Seeds is a gift from you, Wu City will remember your kindness, and the nation will remember your good deed..."
"Not for free," Jing Shu said, waving her hand. She had gone through hell and high water for these Seeds and survived two calamities.
Jin Tianci rolled his eyes, a rare display that nearly shattered his composed demeanor. Forcing a smile, he squeezed out the words, "The conditions, then? Be straightforward."
"The medicine is free, and the Seeds are free. But of everything the Seeds yield, I want a thirty percent share."
"You might as well go rob someone—it’d be faster!" Jin Tianci snapped, practically apoplectic. He had never encountered anyone so... so capable of making such an outrageously greedy demand.
"You know you can’t just rob them. Most crops have gone extinct, and my batch of Seeds is currently the most comprehensive collection available. Moreover, I’m not charging unless they actually yield crops. Isn’t that a bargain?"
Jin Tianci gulped down his tea before catching his breath. "You know the situation with farming now; yields are seriously declining. Half of what’s grown needs to be set aside as seed stock. If you take thirty percent, what’s left? At most, I can give you a ten percent share. Then, in the future, whatever is planted, you could at least have the first taste."
"You also know that I can not only grow medicinal herbs but also farm. My mom is from the Ministry of Agriculture; our whole family knows how to farm. Even during the apocalypse, our yields won’t be low. Later on, have me come over to supervise, and I guarantee your harvest will be good. You won’t lose out—thirty percent in exchange for extinct Seeds, isn’t it worth the price?"
"Twenty percent, no more. At most, I can also compensate you with unplanted Seeds equivalent to twenty percent of the yield from the planted ones."
"Done, deal," Jing Shu agreed cheerfully. Actually, I only wanted twenty percent from the start. I just asked for more because I expected to haggle. This is a great deal for Wu City.
Jin Tianci gave a wry smile. "I never thought there’d come a day when the government would be taking out a loan from you."
First, they would use Jing Shu’s Seeds. After they were harvested, they would repay Jing Shu with the produce. In the most difficult times ahead, Jing Shu would still have a share of food. And for now, by not taking so much food herself, Jing Shu was alleviating the government’s food shortage pressure and avoiding causing herself trouble.