Chapter 565: Chapter 5: Skillful Side Hustles 2
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"We need mats. Without stools or blankets, the mats can serve multiple purposes. But do we really need cotton quilts? Worst case, I can sleep in my clothes," Zhang Yiyi also knew that the Heaven-defying Value should be spent on essentials, and reluctantly put the 3+2 biscuits back on the food shelf.
"You haven’t seen what kind of environment it is outside? It’s a desert, even if it’s an environment simulated by the North Campus. Since it can simulate it so realistically, it’s bound to be very cold at night. Without a quilt, you won’t be able to endure it." The price of quilts was reasonable, one hundred Heaven-defying Value for one. Xiao Xian picked out two newly-made cotton quilts, spending one hundred Heaven-defying Value each for them.
Then they bought a ten-kilogram bag of rice for one hundred Heaven-defying Value, a dozen eggs for thirty Heaven-defying Value, a bottle of fermented bean curd for ten Heaven-defying Value, and spent another ten Heaven-defying Value on various seasonings.
"We’re still short two mats. Ah, one mat costs one hundred Heaven-defying Value? That’s way too expensive," Zhang Yiyi pinched her card, seeing that the hundreds digit had already started with a one, she felt a pang of distress. She pondered whether she could go without mats, but then thought of the hard bed planks and how uncomfortable her spine would feel against them.
Xiao Xian didn’t say anything. She looked around the store. Romeo One didn’t mind people shopping inside; it was busy outside, dealing with a clump of cattail that grew too tall on the outside of the center. Unlike Juliet One which had a gear rim, Romeo One found it somewhat difficult to deal with the cattail.
"Romeo One?" Zhang Yiyi thought Xiao Xian was going to negotiate the price.
But Xiao Xian took out a pair of scissors and cut down the bunch of sun-dried yellowish grass, and Romeo One mechanically expressed its thanks.
"Can I process these grasses for you?" Xiao Xian showed off her Spiritual Rhinoceros Scissors. Under the sunlight, the scissors glittered with a dazzling light.
After a moment of "thought" from Romeo One, or more precisely, after providing the relevant data feedback to the Central Computer, it said, "Ten Heaven-defying Value per day." These cattails grown in Section C of the desert have strong vitality; as soon as they receive one rainfall, they grow extensively.
For Romeo, the clearing job was a big problem.
"That’s fine, but I have a condition: I want to take these cattails for free." That was the main reason Xiao Xian offered her help.
Clearing the cattails wasn’t a big deal; although they couldn’t compare with Intelligent Grass and be directly woven, now was not the time to be outside. It’s better to be frugal when possible.
Romeo One agreed without hesitation, even though it didn’t understand why this new student wanted to take the useless cattails.
Xiao Xian and Zhang Yiyi immediately got busy and after cutting roughly the amount needed for two mats, they left with the cattails.
That evening, Zhang Yiyi cooked while Xiao Xian simply washed the cattails and then infused them with Silver Space Spiritual Energy.
Perhaps because they had grown in the North Campus, these cattails had especially long fibers. After processing, the cattails regained their green hue. From a distance, they looked very similar to the Jade Mats that Mao Dazhu mentioned before, very cool to lie upon during the day.
The cattails, once processed by Silver Space Spiritual Energy, became soft and even gave off the unique fresh scent of living cattails. This unique plant aroma, smelled in such a barren environment, was refreshing and made for a comfortable night’s sleep.
What surprised Xiao Xian even more was, the seemingly ordinary cattails emitted a gentle and prolonged aura. When touching the body, they could regulate the temperature difference the environment caused, which was very beneficial for Zhang Yiyi.
After weaving two mats, Xiao Xian also made a cushion and placemats out of the cattails, adding a few more touches to the room, making it look warmer.
Later that night, the temperature outside plummeted, dropping from the initial fifty degrees to around zero.
Fortunately, Xiao Xian and Zhang Yiyi were prepared, and with the cattail mats and cotton quilts, it was possible to have a peaceful night’s sleep.
That night, Xiao Xian didn’t rest immediately, but instead entered her space.
Although the environment at the North Campus was harsh, the Spiritual Energy here was much more abundant than outside. She took out the Cultivation Heart Method from the Mei Family, given to her by Mei Nian, and started breathing exercises in the space.
The next morning, Zhang Yiyi stretched her feet under the bed, intending to slip on her shoes, only to realize when her feet touched the ground that she had to be cautious even about buying a pair of slippers with her Heaven-defying Value.
To save on electricity bills, Zhang Yiyi and Xiao Xian had some of the cold leftovers from last night.
They discussed and decided to start formal studies that day. They only had time to review the basic guide to campus life the day before and had not looked at the North Campus’s course setup.
Considering that even the campus of the Reverse Genius Class was so peculiar, the course setup was likely to be extraordinary.
They turned on the computer, and Central Computer Shakespeare started explaining again, "Since everyone needs to choose different classes, please arrange your own class times accordingly." Sharing a dorm could save costs, but when using the Central Computer, Xiao Xian and Yiyi had to allocate their time reasonably.
"Let’s do this: I promised to help Romeo One clear the cattails. It’s cooler in the morning, so I’ll go help in the morning, and you can study. I’ll study when I come back in the afternoon; as for the evening, we can use it to review," Xiao Xian made arrangements and left Zhang Yiyi in the dorm, heading out with her Spiritual Rhinoceros Scissors.
Before leaving, thinking of the scorching sand she would face all morning, Xiao Xian also brought a cushion with her. (To be continued. If you like this work, we welcome you to visit to give your recommendation ticket and monthly ticket. Your support is my greatest motivation.)
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