"What is this?" Deng Guang saw this strange thing for the second time. "I remember now, you pulled one of these yesterday too. Is this thing edible?"
"Not sure, but we can try tasting it after bringing it back." Qin Ziwen broke off a Gray Sweet Potato from the root.
Deng Guang found it novel. "I've never seen this thing before."
Qin Ziwen put it into his backpack. "I always find them in muddy ground. You should keep an eye out for them too."
On the return journey, they eventually found seven Gray Sweet Potato plants in the wild muddy areas. These things were quite scattered. Two of the root tubers showed signs of being gnawed on, suggesting local animals do eat Gray Sweet Potatoes.
On the way back, he set up the Fish Trap, sprinkling some earthworm meat inside and tying it to a tree on the riverbank with rope.
Then he set up three hidden Rope Snare traps. The trap locations were not far from the Fish Trap, making it convenient to check tomorrow.
"Can these traps actually catch animals?" Deng Guang had never seen Rope Snare traps before, just thinking they looked quite professional.
Qin Ziwu said: "They sure can! We caught a field mouse with one before."
Deng Guang's eyes lit up. "Then why not set up a few more?"
Qin Ziwen shook his head: "No more rope. Setting these up requires that kind of slightly elastic rope, and it has to be sturdy too. Otherwise, even if something gets caught, it could easily break free."
Deng Guang said without hesitation: "I think I have some at home! I'll bring some out tomorrow!"
The location where the Fish Trap and Rope Snares were set up was some distance from the residential complex. This area was already beyond the "regular" search zone of the complex residents, belonging to the wilderness. The only concern was that large wild beasts like the wild crocodile might be attracted by prey caught in the Fish Trap and damage it from the outside.
Outside the east gate, a young man wearing glasses and a suit, with a very approachable smile, had just finished talking with a few people ahead and had given them something.
Seeing Qin Ziwen approach, the young man quickly stepped forward. "Hello, my name is Guo Xiaochun. I used to work in industry consulting. Here's my business card."
Taking the card, it read "Tianma Human Resources Service Co., Ltd.", Intermediate Consulting Consultant, Guo Xiaochun. On the back, written with a marker pen was the address: Building 6, Unit 2, Room 201.
Guo Xiaochun spoke eloquently: "Brother, could you briefly introduce what kind of work you do? No problem if you'd rather not say. I'm currently compiling statistics on talents from all industries in our residential complex. I believe technology can play a bigger role if shared.
If you ever have needs in this area later, or even want to learn certain skills—like carpentry, bricklaying, or need a doctor for medical issues—I can help make connections. And if you have a special skill and want to obtain food through your expertise, I can also help promote you.
And it's not just vocational skills. If you have material needs or want to list items for sale, I can connect you with suitable buyers and sellers. Time is money. Sometimes finding what you need by asking door to door is too time-consuming. I can directly connect you."
Qin Ziwen looked at the business card. The back also had the address written with a marker pen: Building 6, Unit 2, Room 201. "This is somewhat interesting."
Guo Xiaochun gave a simple, honest smile: "My health isn't great, so I'm not cut out for outdoor hunting and such. I used to work in this field, so I'm just returning to my old trade. Brother, my talent and skill consulting services are free. I don't charge for listing materials for sale either; it's all free promotion. I only charge a tiny fee for information consulting, but it's absolutely not much—won't make things difficult for you!"
Guo Xiaochun made a "tiny bit" gesture with his fingers. "Just enough to get by, just not starve. I'm not greedy."
Guo Xiaochun had a baby face, looking harmless and very approachable.
"Hmm, what is information consulting?"
Guo Xiaochun said cheerfully: "Well... it's some relatively special information. Situations where you might not be convenient to appear personally, so I act on your behalf. Rest assured, client privacy is absolutely guaranteed. You can also sell information to me or list it with me for sale."
Special information, situations where you're not convenient to appear personally...
Qin Ziwen thought of several possibilities, pondering thoughtfully, and joked: "Alright, then I wish you prosperous business and growing success. I'll keep the card and contact you if needed. You'll have to give me a discount then."
Guo Xiaochun put his hands together, repeatedly thanking him. "Great, thank you, brother, thank you, brother."
Qin Ziwen, having taken the card and about to leave, thought of something, stopped, and asked: "Boss Guo, is anyone selling water in the complex now?"
Guo Xiaochun quickly replied, "Can't accept 'Boss Guo'—just call me Xiao Guo. Selling water? Yes, yes, a few neighbors told me they sell treated cooled boiled water, all boiled water. But very few are willing to buy water, mainly because there's a river right next to the complex.
The river water here hasn't been chemically polluted, no heavy metals either. After filtering and boiling, it's directly drinkable. The technical difficulty isn't high. Although filtering and gathering firewood are a bit troublesome, nobody lacks time right now. Most would rather handle the trouble themselves than spend food to buy water. Plus, many feel more assured drinking water they boiled themselves."
Qin Ziwen understood.
After having more spring water at home, he had also considered whether to sell water to obtain supplies.
But now it seemed difficult to sell.
There were two issues.
First, he knew the water from the spring was clean and safe to drink, but others didn't know. There was a trust gap unless he voluntarily revealed the spring.
Second, water resources around the complex were too abundant. After clearing out the crocodiles once, fetching water from the river had become safer.
He temporarily shelved that idea for now. Storing water wasn't bad either. Once the farmland was ready, they would need lots of water for daily irrigation.
Just as Qin Ziwen was about to leave, Guo Xiaochun called out to him, "Brother, I can tell you're a straightforward person. I'll give you one piece of information for free."
"Go ahead."
Guo Xiaochun said: "This afternoon, a neighbor fetching water got his leg bitten by a crocodile and was dragged into the river. It seems the crocodiles in the river have become more cunning now. They won't be easily lured ashore, only ambushing people in the water."
"Today?" "Yes, just this afternoon. You brothers weren't in the complex during the day, so you probably didn't know yet."
"Got it. Thanks."
After the three left, Guo Xiaochun straightened his sleeves. Seeing another group returning from the wilderness, he put on his standard smile again and warmly went to greet them.
Deng Guang sighed, "The riverbank is unsafe again now."
Qin Ziwen said gravely, "It seems our competition with the crocodiles isn't over yet. It's just that the crocodiles laying low the past couple of days made many people let their guard down."
After parting ways on the fifth floor, Qin Ziwen planted the Gray Sweet Potatoes at home. But there were too many Gray Sweet Potatoes, and the soil dug up earlier wasn't enough.
He went downstairs with his brother again to the complex entrance, dug several large bags of soil, and carried them home.
"Exhausted." Qin Ziwu put down the bag, rubbing his lower back.
Qin Ziwen said, "Not done yet. Sort through the soil, pick out any bugs and such, so they don't eat the sweet potatoes."
Special information, not convenient to show up...
......