Chapter 61

Seeing the elk curiously eyeing the pumpkin, Cheng Zhiyu smiled and asked Lin Jiashu, "Ask it if it wants to eat it."

Lin Jiashu relayed the question.

Having grazed on wild grass for months, the elk was inexplicably drawn to the pumpkin's enticing aroma.

This was no ordinary pumpkin; it was a mutated variety from the cultivation space, possessing an extraordinary allure for mutant beasts.

Upon hearing Lin Jiashu's words, the elk anxiously shifted its legs. It yearned to taste it but suspected these cunning humans might harbor ulterior motives.

Yet, the scent was simply irresistible!

Observing this, Cheng Zhiyu instructed Cheng Mo to use his Water ability to transport the pumpkin over.

Cheng Zhiyu offered a polite smile, "My apologies for disturbing you today. Please accept this pumpkin as our token of apology."

Lin Jiashu diligently translated.

The elk thought: *Wait, is this for real?*

It cautiously lowered its head, sniffed the pumpkin, and, detecting no immediate threat, finally succumbed to temptation, taking a tentative bite.

Elk: !!! *So delicious!*

Unconsciously, it opened its mouth wide and chewed rapidly, as if fearing someone might snatch it away.

Cheng Zhiyu had specifically chosen this pumpkin—a smaller one, though still weighing over ten pounds. However, compared to the mutated elk's enormous appetite, it was clearly insufficient. In no time, the elk had devoured it completely.

Elk: *So tasty, so tasty.*

It couldn't help but gaze at Cheng Zhiyu and the others with its clear, large eyes, its expression noticeably softening.

Cheng Zhiyu stated, "Since you've accepted our apology, we shall take our leave."

Lin Jiashu immediately translated.

Elk: !!!

Though it had initially wished to drive these humans away, now it found itself reluctant for them to depart.

The naive elk, completely oblivious to the humans' subtle maneuvering, grew anxious as they prepared to leave and hastily uttered: "Humans, do you have more of that delicious food from earlier?"

Lin Jiashu translated the elk's query.

Cheng Mo and the others had already anticipated Cheng Zhiyu's plan and played along, remarking, "Zhi Yu worked tirelessly to cultivate these pumpkins. Giving it even one is already quite generous. Don't push your luck."

Lin Jiashu promptly conveyed this message to the elk.

The elk felt a pang of disappointment. It made sense—after all, it had been subsisting on grass for months. Such a delectable pumpkin must indeed be a rare treat.

Cheng Zhiyu clarified, "Actually, it wasn't that difficult. The main challenge is that growing pumpkins requires water. Given the current water shortage, I only have what was grown previously, so I must be frugal."

Upon hearing this, the elk glanced at the spring it guarded, appearing conflicted.

*So that delicious food was cultivated? Could someone capable of growing such tasty things truly be malevolent? Certainly not!*

Ultimately unable to resist the pumpkin's allure, the elk made a modest proposal: "You may come here, but... you must provide me with one of those items every day."

Cheng Zhiyu suppressed a smile and replied, "If we have water, we can cultivate more pumpkins. We can offer you three a day."

Elk: *Three!!!*

*So many!*

Yielding to the pumpkin's temptation, it finally relented. After Cheng Zhiyu presented it with an even larger pumpkin, it granted them permission to approach the spring.

Cheng Zhiyu and the others proceeded to the spring, beginning the task of clearing animal carcasses and fallen leaves from its vicinity.

It appeared that animals had previously vied for the water here, resulting in numerous fatalities. The decomposing corpses, left in the water, had contaminated the downstream flow.

To avoid alarming the elk, they maintained a respectful distance and diligently focused on the cleanup.

The elk observed them cautiously for a while but, perceiving their harmless intent, relaxed and contentedly lowered its head to feast on the pumpkin.

*So delicious!*

Cheng Zhiyu and his team worked swiftly. They only ceased their efforts when fresh water began to flow from the spring and the upstream water no longer emitted a foul odor.

Tian Qiao cupped some water to wash his face. The underground water was exceptionally cool, and he closed his eyes in contentment. "Excellent! Now we just need to clean the section of the river leading to our village."

Cheng Zhiyu nodded, a smile gracing his lips, and generously offered the elk another pumpkin.

Elk: !!! *Such generous humans!*

Its regard for Cheng Zhiyu grew even more favorable.

Were it not for its ingrained caution, it would have been tempted to nuzzle up to Cheng Zhiyu.

Although Cheng Zhiyu and the others were curious about the elk's resistance to the zombie virus, they recognized that it had not fully lowered its guard and refrained from pressing the issue.

There would be future opportunities, in any case.

Cheng Zhiyu informed the elk that they would periodically return to clear the riverbed and deliver pumpkins.

Elk: *Delicious food! Happy!*

After bidding farewell to the elk, Cheng Zhiyu and his team noted that the river section leading to their village was approximately a kilometer long. Cleaning it solely by themselves would be an arduous and time-consuming task.

They decided to return to the base first and request Lin Kang to dispatch an additional team.

Another challenge was that the nearest water collection point from their base was still several tens of meters from the river. Though not a great distance, it was outside the base and posed constant dangers. A solution for water collection was still needed.

Lin Kang was overjoyed to learn that the spring had been cleared. "Excellent! With the river cleaned, the base's water resource issues can finally be resolved."

He immediately dispatched personnel to clear the riverbed. The zombies along that route had already been dealt with by Cheng Zhiyu's team, so it was relatively safe. Ordinary people were also sent to assist.

Participating in such an outing was considered a mission, offering substantial contribution points, and everyone understood the critical importance of water resources, making many eager to go.

To ensure their safety, Lin Kang also assigned Superhumans who were generally amiable towards ordinary people to protect them.

The group set off with enthusiasm. Though a little nervous about venturing outside the base, they were also filled with joy, knowing that upon their return, they would finally have water to drink.

Regarding future water collection, Lin Kang stated, "We'll send Superhumans daily to fetch water. It's only a few tens of meters away."

Cheng Zhiyu found this approach problematic. Sending Superhumans daily would mean dedicating their valuable time to water collection, increasing operational costs. Furthermore, how much water could Superhumans fetch each day? Would they be expected to fetch water constantly?

Would ordinary people truly have easy access to water?

However, Cheng Zhiyu did not directly contradict him but instead reminded him, "Our base has over a thousand people, so our water consumption must be quite significant."

"You're right. If we assign too many people to fetch water, it'll be wasteful; too few, and it won't suffice," Lin Kang agreed, a frown creasing his brow. "But we can't send ordinary people either. If they encounter danger, they'll be completely defenseless."

Cheng Zhiyu remarked, "I recall people in the village often used water pumps in the past."

Lin Kang slapped his forehead, suddenly remembering such devices. He sighed and shook his head, "Ah, the apocalypse hasn't been that long, and I've already fallen into the habit of relying solely on people to solve problems."

Villagers used to employ water pumps to draw water from the river for irrigating their vegetable plots, so finding a water pump would not be difficult.

Once the river was cleared and the water pump installed, it wouldn't be long before everyone in the base would have access to drinking water.

——

"Hey? What are you all discussing?" someone asked curiously, noticing a small group huddled together.

"Good news!" the speaker exclaimed cheerfully. "I heard Old Cheng's son has cleared out the river. It might not be long before we can have drinking water again!"

"Really?" Upon hearing this, the person instinctively licked their dry, chapped lips.

"Why would it be false?" the speaker retorted, giving him a stern look. "Old Cheng's son has done a great deal of good for our base."

At this, everyone nodded in agreement, feeling profound gratitude towards Cheng Zhiyu. If not for him, they wouldn't even be contemplating drinking water—they'd still be worrying about their next meal.

Though they still faced food shortages, hadn't they seen the base beginning to reclaim land? Once farming commenced, they would have renewed hope.

Reflecting on this, their perpetually troubled faces involuntarily broke into smiles.

On their way home, Cheng Zhiyu and his team were frequently stopped by villagers eager to chat. One fellow villager even produced a packet of tea leaves he had long cherished and pressed them into Cheng Zhiyu's hand. "Son, I don't have much to offer, but please take this."

People felt that mere verbal thanks were insufficient; they wished to offer something tangible. However, Cheng Zhiyu, observing the man's gaunt appearance, found it difficult to accept something for free—even though tea held little practical value for survival in these times.

Nevertheless, Cheng Zhiyu did not outright refuse. Instead, he said, "I've actually been craving some tea, but how can I possibly accept this from you?"

The middle-aged man shook his head with a wry smile. "It's nothing. This tea is of no use to me. You... you've brought us hope. I'm not afraid to admit it—I used to think life was so bitter, wondering what the point of living even was. But now there's hope again. I've endured for so long; how could I possibly give up now?"

Moved by his words, Cheng Zhiyu said, "I cannot accept this for nothing, or I will feel uneasy. Let me offer you something in exchange. I will bring it over later."

The middle-aged man waved his hand dismissively. "No need, no need."

Cheng Zhiyu said no more, intending to deliver something later regardless.

Upon returning home, he sliced two pounds of pork and filled a bucket with water, then went to deliver them to the middle-aged man.

The tea the man had given him was of good quality; by pre-apocalypse standards, it would have been worth far more than what Cheng Zhiyu offered. However, in the apocalypse, such items had lost much of their value, and Cheng Zhiyu was cautious not to give too much. If others also wished to exchange items with him in this manner, should he agree or refuse? Refusal might cause offense.

While he wasn't afraid of offending people, he preferred to avoid dealing with such complications.

When the middle-aged man saw Cheng Zhiyu actually bringing items, he initially intended to refuse. However, at the sight of the meat and the much-needed water, he found himself unable to voice any refusal.

Cheng Mo, like a loyal shadow, followed Cheng Zhiyu everywhere. He carried the meat and water, placing them on the table in the middle-aged man's house.

The middle-aged man looked somewhat ashamed. "Ah, how can I accept these from you?"

In his view, Cheng Zhiyu had done so much for the base; it was only right to thank him. He had nothing better to offer than some relatively good tea he had saved from before the apocalypse.

He never expected Cheng Zhiyu to bring him gifts in return.

He naturally understood that the tea's value could no longer be measured by pre-apocalypse standards, so he felt Cheng Zhiyu had given too much.

However, seeing his six-year-old granddaughter staring longingly at the piece of meat, he could only accept, his face flushing.

After a moment's thought, he asked Cheng Zhiyu and the others to wait.

He retrieved a brand-new tea set from his room and said, "How can one brew tea without a tea set? This set of mine has never been used. While it's not top-quality, it's perfectly adequate. I... have no use for it. Please take it."

As Cheng Zhiyu was about to decline, the middle-aged man immediately interjected, "Please accept it. This item cannot be eaten or drunk. Consider it my way of thanking you. If you accept it, I will feel more at ease."

With such words spoken, Cheng Zhiyu sighed and ultimately did not voice his refusal.

Cheng Mo asked curiously, "How does one use this thing?"

The middle-aged man smiled. "Shall I demonstrate for you?"

He then produced the tea set, initially planning a silent demonstration. However, Cheng Mo, who intended to learn how to brew tea for Zhi Yu later, found it difficult to understand.

Zhi Yu had been holding that box of tea, repeatedly praising it as good tea, so he must surely enjoy drinking it.

Cheng Mo promptly brought over a basin of water, allowing the man to demonstrate slowly.

The middle-aged man: "..."

He shook his head, boiled a kettle of water, and began brewing tea with fluid, graceful movements. Though he appeared to be a rough man, his actions at that moment were surprisingly pleasing to watch.

After observing, Cheng Mo felt he had learned enough. He packed up the tea set, intending to brew tea for Cheng Zhiyu upon their return.

The middle-aged man escorted Cheng Zhiyu to the door and was about to head back inside when he heard a cold sneer nearby.

Turning, he saw his neighbor, Xiang Qizheng, standing at his own doorway, arms behind his back, his face grim and filled with mockery.

Xiang Qizheng said in a sarcastic tone, "Some people, all day long, only know how to scheme about flattering others."

The middle-aged man, recalling that Xiang Qizheng had previously clashed with Cheng Zhiyu and held a grudge, understood why Xiang Qizheng was behaving this way.

He retorted coldly, "Someone as petty as you is truly rare. Instead of having the ability to find your son yourself, you blame others. If you're so capable, why don't you go look for him yourself?"

Xiang Qizheng, stung by the remark, his face flushed crimson, raised his voice, "Wu Li! And I thought you were a good neighbor! You won't help me, but you'll help that little brat Cheng Zhiyu!"

The middle-aged man, Wu Li, frowned. "Say that again? I don't know how you have the nerve. If you're so capable, why don't you return the rice you received?"

Xiang Qizheng was speechless for a moment. How could he possibly return the rice? He wasn't foolish. After stammering for a while, he finally blurted out, "Why should I return it? The base issued it!"

"It was given by young Cheng!" Wu Li retorted. "Don't pretend you don't know! You know it's from young Cheng, yet you eat his rice and curse him at the same time. Bah, shameless!"

Xiang Qizheng's face alternated between green and white. In his memory, Wu Li had always been good-natured and avoided conflict, which was why he had dared to speak as he did. He never expected Wu Li to scold him so unreservedly. For a moment, he was too furious to speak.

Wu Li snorted coldly. Such a person, who showed no gratitude and nitpicked over every trifle—offending him was no big deal. He wasn't afraid.

Ignoring Xiang Qizheng, he turned and went back inside, leaving Xiang Qizheng stamping his foot in anger. "Just wait! I'll see you get sold out and still only know how to count money for others!"

Xiang Qizheng kept telling himself that Wu Li wouldn't gain anything from Cheng Zhiyu—that guy was sharp-tongued and disrespectful to elders, hardly a good person.

However, that evening, he caught the scent of meat wafting from next door. Tossing and turning, unable to sleep, his stomach rumbling with hunger, he whispered to his wife, "What's going on? Where did Wu Li get meat?"

His wife, also too hungry to sleep, replied, "It was from Old Cheng's son. I saw it—a huge chunk of meat, and water too!"

Xiang Qizheng was unaware of this; he had only seen Wu Li hand a can of tea to Cheng Zhiyu.

Now, smelling that enticing aroma, he was salivating uncontrollably. If he had known it could be exchanged for meat, he would have...

His wife, hearing Xiang Qizheng's words, laughed at his naivety: "You've already offended Old Cheng's son—why would he be willing to trade with you? Besides, what kind of tea is yours? The kind you buy from a street stall, a hundred yuan a catty—how can it compare to Old Wu's tea?"

Xiang Qizheng was furious that even his own wife wasn't on his side!

He declared, "Enough. Stop talking, I've got my own plans!"

His wife rolled her eyes, thinking to herself: *What plans? You don't have any!*

——

Returning to Cheng Zhiyu's side, with the tea set given by Wu Li, they arrived home, heated water, and Cheng Mo began to brew tea.

Tian Qiao and the others, bored, gathered around to watch.

Cheng Mo's expression was serene; he completely disregarded their presence, poured a cup of scalding hot water, and commenced brewing the tea.

Cheng Zhiyu watched with keen interest, only to see the boiling water splash onto Cheng Mo's fingers several times. He then looked at Cheng Mo, who... remained completely unfazed.

Cheng Zhiyu: "..."

Tian Qiao coughed lightly: "Uh... Brother Hei, isn't your hand burning?"

Cheng Mo cast a dark glance his way.

Tian Qiao: "..."

Cheng Mo asserted confidently, "This tea is supposed to be this hot. What do you know?"

Tian Qiao: *I might not know about making tea, but I know about people. Whose fingers can withstand such heat?*

Even the tough-skinned Cheng Mo's fingers were somewhat reddened.

Cheng Mo insisted on completing the entire process, poured the tea into a cup, and presented it to Cheng Zhiyu. Chin in hand, he looked expectant: "Try it?"

Cheng Zhiyu took a sip and smiled: "It's delicious."

In truth, he couldn't distinguish good tea from bad at all, but he figured praising it was the appropriate response.

Cheng Mo was overjoyed, practically beaming with pride, and eagerly said, "After Zhi Yu finishes, I'll make more for you."

Tian Qiao, ever tactless, interjected, "Brother Hei, I'd like some too."

Cheng Mo immediately demonstrated a complete change of demeanor. One moment he was smiling at Cheng Zhiyu with his chin propped up; the next, upon hearing Tian Qiao, he gave him a cool look: "If you want some, just drink it. Why tell me?"

Tian Qiao: "..." *Fine, I'm not worthy.*

Zhou Min chuckled softly. *Tian Qiao, you really lack self-awareness.*

He quickly said, "Come on, come on, I'll make some for you."

Tian Qiao was surprised: "You know how to make tea?"

"Of course, isn't it simple?" Zhou Min said, dropping a few tea leaves into each person's cup, then pouring hot water over them. He made a gesture of invitation: "Drink up."

The group: "..."

Tian Qiao was incredulous: "This is what you call making tea?"

"Just tell me, is it brewed or not?" Zhou Min held his cup, blew on it, and took a sip. "Anyway, I think it all tastes about the same."

Tian Qiao: *Forget it, he couldn't taste the difference anyway.*

Tian Manman took a big gulp and praised: "Tastes good!"

Tian Qiao and the others were accustomed to it—Tian Manman wasn't particular; there was nothing he didn't find delicious or drinkable.

Cheng Zhiyan, noticing the lively activity, came over: "What are you all doing?"

"Drinking tea," Tian Qiao said. "Yanyan, want a cup?"

"Brother Tian, that's not how you drink tea," Cheng Zhiyan laughed, looking at Cheng Zhiyu. "My brother's way is the proper way to drink it."

Cheng Mo, who treated Cheng Zhiyu's younger sister well, brewed more tea and offered her a cup.

Cheng Zhiyan couldn't discern much difference either, but she still praised it: "It's delicious!"

After finishing her cup of tea, she waved her hand and said she was returning to her room.

Cheng Zhiyu pondered for a moment, finished his last sip of tea, and sought out his mother to inquire about Cheng Zhiyan's situation.

"I've noticed that every time she goes out with other Superhumans, she comes back in a rather low mood."

His mother had also noticed and shook her head helplessly. "It's been a bit better since you came back, but before, Yanyan was always frowning. I asked her what was wrong, but she wouldn't say. Ah."

Cheng Zhiyu quickly realized that Yanyan was likely afraid of worrying their parents.

He reassured his concerned mother: "It's fine, I'll look into it later."

As for how to investigate, his first thought was Aunt Wang. As a Superhuman and an elder, Aunt Wang had always been quite caring towards Cheng Zhiyan and would likely know something.

Cheng Zhiyu found Aunt Wang and explained his purpose. Aunt Wang was somewhat surprised: "Yanyan didn't tell you?"

Cheng Zhiyu frowned slightly and shook his head: "She hadn't mentioned it."

Aunt Wang sighed: "That child is just too sensible."

She continued, "Before, there was nothing she could do, but now that you're back, there's no need for her to be afraid of him."

After saying this, she added, "This matter is related to Yang Kai. You know Yang Kai, right? The one who fainted that day. That guy, he used to be a loafer in the village, and everyone looked down on him. But after the apocalypse, he suddenly awakened dual-type abilities and became a big shot.

He's also shameless—in his thirties and still unmarried, he set his sights on Yanyan..."

*Crack!* Aunt Wang watched in disbelief as her table disintegrated before her eyes.

Cheng Zhiyu withdrew his hand: "My apologies, I'll get you a new table later."

Aunt Wang cleared her throat lightly: "He didn't dare go too far, just saying he wanted to pursue Yanyan. Yanyan was constantly annoyed by him, so naturally, her mood wasn't good."

Cheng Zhiyu was so enraged he saw red. He took a deep breath: "Thank you. I'll be going for now and will return later."

Aunt Wang grew anxious: "Young Cheng, don't do anything rash."

She then thought of asking Cheng Mo to talk some sense into him, but then she heard Cheng Mo say: "Zhi Yu, who needs killing?"

Aunt Wang's knees buckled: "..." She decided she'd better go along and see.

At this moment, Yang Kai was completely oblivious to what was about to transpire and was busy boasting to his henchmen.

Henchman A grumbled, "Brother Yang, you have no idea—ever since Cheng Zhiyu returned, he's completely stolen our thunder!"

"Exactly," Henchman B chimed in, equally displeased. He couldn't stand seeing ordinary people living well—if their lives were comfortable, it wouldn’t highlight his own elevated status.

Henchman C added, "Everyone says that Cheng Zhiyu is incredibly powerful. What can we even do about it?"

Upon hearing this, Yang Kai instantly grew irritated. "Cheng Zhiyu, powerful? He's just a Plant-type Superhuman. His reputation is entirely due to the other Superhumans around him—completely undeserved. I could crush him with one punch. Ha, if he keeps acting so arrogant, I'll teach him a lesson sooner or later—break his legs and make him kneel on the ground begging me for mercy!"

The henchmen immediately cheered, "Brother Yang is mighty! Teach him a lesson now!"

However, the moment the words left his mouth, the door suddenly splintered into pieces. Fragments of wood cut one henchman's arm, and he howled in pain.

Just as Yang Kai was about to curse, he caught sight of Cheng Zhiyu at the doorway and couldn't help but tremble.