What else could they do? The chicken had already nestled comfortably in their laps, so soft, so cozy, so captivating.
Li Dayou sighed, thought for a moment, and then said seriously with gratitude, "We understand your kindness. Alright, we will accept these chickens. Leaving other matters aside, just the eggs alone are truly a godsend for us, practically saving our lives. Credit where credit is due, we remember this kindness. We might not have much influence in the Imperial Capital, but if you ever need help here, we might not dare promise anything, but making connections is not a problem. Our department doesn’t have other skills, but we do know people in all the other departments."
Jing Shu raised her eyebrows, not expecting such a pleasant surprise. In the Imperial Capital, being unfamiliar with people and processes makes everything more difficult. Finding official connections is almost impossible, which can feel like having money but nowhere to spend it. Handling official business isn’t a problem; it’s the minor annoyances that are the real hassle. Moreover, having one more friend means having an extra path to take, and she was very satisfied with this unexpected gain.
"Alright... I will definitely speak up if I need help in the future," Jing Shu said unreservedly. Relationships are built this way; today I ask for your help, tomorrow you ask for mine. The less you engage, the more distant you grow, fearing to trouble others and thus hesitating to speak up.
Having heard Jing Shu say this, Li Dayou and the others all breathed a sigh of relief. Their relationship grew closer, and they could finally accept this luxurious gift without any reservations, thinking to themselves that they would definitely help Jing Shu without hesitation should she ask. Everyone had been worrying about their return provisions when Jing Shu provided egg-laying hens, hitting right at the heart of what they needed.
Amidst the roaring sound of the airplane, they found stroking the hens incredibly comforting and were loath to let go, not to mention finding them dirty. In fact, they weren’t dirty at all; Jing Shu had bathed them before departure, and the hens looked spirited, with heads held high—truly prime hens.
Li Dayou and his group then began to examine their chickens and soon came to ask Jing Shu, "How should we raise them? Should we feed them boiled water or just mud water? What should they eat? How often should they eat? Won’t they catch colds easily or get sick?" and so on.
The other pharmacists in the airplane cabin looked on enviously. However, they were too busy preparing their contest entries and organizing a large amount of data to pay further attention to President Jing.
Just as Jing Shu was about to speak, Wang Dan, holding a chicken, jumped out and said in astonishment, "Wait, Miss Jing, why does this chicken look different from ordinary chickens? We used to raise chickens back home... This chicken is bigger than ordinary chickens, that’s one thing, but their claws are way too sharp, and if you look closely, their heads look almost like dinosaurs. Could this be a new breed from the apocalypse?"
"A new breed? Can chickens have new breeds?" New ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄhapters are published on 𝓷𝓸𝓿𝓮𝓵✦𝕗𝕚𝕣𝕖✦𝙣𝙚𝙩
"So that means these aren’t ordinary chickens then."
Li Dayou also took a look.
Jing Shu smiled slightly, "These chickens are indeed a new breed from the apocalypse, called Dinosaur Chicken. They are easier to raise, perfectly suited to apocalyptic conditions without falling ill. They don’t need boiled water, aren’t fussy about food, and you don’t even have to feed them grains; they can fend for themselves, feeding on mud and insects and absorbing Dark Pigment for nourishment. Occasionally feeding them red earthworms can enhance their nutrition. If you want more eggs, just feed them more insects. Moreover, they have combat abilities. Though they can’t compare to wolves or lions, with their surprise element and sharp claws, handling two grown adults at once wouldn’t be a problem. Once they recognize their owner, they remain loyal, making them perfect for guarding homes."
Listening to Jing Shu say this, the Seed Exchange team members were all flabbergasted.
"Goodness, these chickens are truly all-rounders, guarding homes, laying eggs, and the key is that they don’t waste food! If these were to breed and multiply..."
Jing Shu shrugged and smiled, "The only drawback is that due to genetic sequence and species segregation issues, they can’t reproduce. The eggs they lay are to be eaten, not hatched; so, you really need to cherish them."
Wang Dan scratched his head, "That’s true. If they could breed extensively, these chickens that don’t consume food could end the apocalypse, and eggs wouldn’t be so scarce and valuable."
What had been thought of as a luxury turned out to be top-notch! Everyone further understood the preciousness of the Dinosaur Chicken, its biggest advantage being that it lays eggs without consuming grain. For a moment, holding their chickens felt like holding a lump of gold.
Li Dayou also instructed everyone, "Miss Jing gifted us with these new breed of chickens for the apocalypse; we must remember her kindness. Moreover, since such top-notch chickens are so rare and precious, let’s keep the chicken’s function, breed, and source a secret to avoid bringing trouble to Miss Jing in case someone targets her. Secondly, it’s also for our own safety—possessing valuable items can be a crime."
"Don’t worry Captain, such good fortune we’re holding onto it tight."
"Exactly, we all get it—quiet fortunes make fat purses, only a fool would show off."
Jing Shu nodded silently. At this critical moment, she truly wanted to keep a low profile.
"Miss Jing, then it’s goodbye for now. If you encounter any problems in the Imperial Capital, you must contact us."
Jing Shu waved her hand and watched as Li Dayou and his group left in a chauffeured vehicle. She sighed. There’s no never-ending banquet under the heavens, after all. Li Dayou was immediately summoned by the higher-ups to discuss his job; escorting the Seeds back to Wu City had been delayed by half a year—the merit or demerit of which was yet unknown. She hoped for a positive outcome.
Jing Shu wrapped her thick cotton coat tighter and stamped her feet in the mud. The sky in the Imperial Capital was hazed with smog, dreary and heavy, limiting her visibility. At a glance, the aura of ancient resilience and heft was palpable, as if a giant, coiled dragon was ill.
The airport was largely non-operational, mostly sunken in mud, though the runway and surrounding roads had been cleared. Some planes still came and went, and transport vehicles were active, indicating significant business. However, these days, entering the airport required a permit; not just anyone could get in. The surrounding areas were dotted with lights, appearing far more prosperous compared to the stark bleakness of Wu City.
The temperature in the Imperial Capital wasn’t as cold as in Wu City, only about minus ten degrees Celsius, whereas Wu City was now approaching minus thirty degrees Celsius. But still, standing in such temperatures for half an hour was cold.
"Danai, weren’t the people from the Imperial Capital Pharmacist Association supposed to meet us?" Jing Shu asked, a group of pharmacists shivering in the cold wind behind her.
Danai adjusted his glasses worriedly. "They said we brought too many medicinal materials. They also mentioned that too many people have come for the competition, so they’re asking us to wait in line here."
From the crowd, a meek voice said, "President Jing, look over there. The people getting off that plane are also from a provincial Medicine Association. A special car picked them up right after they arrived, even though we got here before them."
Jing Shu frowned. She hadn’t expected to face such discrimination just upon arriving in the Imperial Capital. The Medicine Association’s logo was printed on the special car. It appeared hazy under the airport’s bright lights, but the lettering itself was clear.