Chapter Sixty-Four: Which Company Has the Best Excavator Technology?

“You’re really willing to part with this? Ah, what a world,” muttered Ah Quan, still grumbling under his breath.

But Jiang Huan felt a jolt of energy at the sound of his voice.

“This voice… it sounds awfully familiar.” Jiang Huan took the initiative to move closer. “Were you the one on the second floor who warned two survivors looking for something not to go to the police station?”

Ah Quan was still sighing when he heard this, and it took him a moment to react. “Ah, it’s you? You even gave me a bag of flour. Thank goodness you listened to reason. Later I heard that a few stubborn ones tried teaming up with others for safety, but they all ended up as someone else’s meal.”

Ah Quan’s expression grew somber.

He said this, but those people were strangers to him. Still, seeing people gone never sits well with anyone.

“Yes, that was me. We didn’t go, but I heard later those who did were wiped out by the official base?”

“That’s what happened. Several trucks drove in that day, making a huge commotion. I wanted to check it out, but someone advised me that things over at the official base weren’t as convenient as in the city. I heard there’s a severe class divide, so I stayed here. Now you’re out scavenging, and we just happened to have someone desperate enough to try their luck in a crowded place, so we asked you to take him along. Who would’ve thought we’d be connected by fate like this?”

Back in the car, he’d spoken little and kept his face covered, so Jiang Huan hadn’t recognized him.

With this connection, Jiang Huan invited them to stay in Building Six.

She also mentioned her own interest in ink ingots.

Old Zhan immediately perked up. He’d been worrying about how to thank Jiang Huan for giving them a lift, and now he said at once that he still had a few pieces of ink jade.

“Ink jade?”

Old Zhan explained, “It’s medicinal ink—valuable for its medicinal properties. Naturally, it contains many rare herbs, and no corners were cut in the process. It’s even more valuable for both collection and use.”

Jiang Huan feigned keen interest. “Perfect, I like collecting things too. From gold and silver to antiques, there’s nothing I don’t fancy. If you’re willing to part with it…”

She glanced at the child. Three pieces of ink for a year’s supply of milk powder.

Old Zhan’s eyes widened in disbelief.

Wonderful! He could definitely find three pieces of ink, and his grandson would have milk powder for a whole year.

Beside him, Bai Weishuang was utterly focused. She immediately handed the ink stick in her hand to Jiang Huan. “Here, Sister Jiang, I have no use for this and no interest in collecting it. If I’d known you wanted it, I wouldn’t have jumped in earlier.”

“It’s your kind heart; others only thanked you and that’s how this came about. It’s all because you’re a good person.” Jiang Huan would never refuse a goodwill gesture. She asked again if Bai Weishuang really didn’t want the ink stick. “If the apocalypse ends one day, you could use it to trade for renovation money.”

Bai Weishuang shook her head. “If you really want to give me something, just cover the milk powder. Then I can help other newborns next time.”

Jiang Huan didn’t argue further and took it in her hand. “Alright, I’ll keep it. Later, come to my storeroom and take whatever you need. Just sign your name.”

Bai Weishuang suddenly grinned mischievously. “Can I take a whole box of instant noodles?”

Jiang Huan thought she’d ask for something more. “Take them, and grab some drinks and snacks while you’re at it.”

“Yesss!” Bai Weishuang cheered, delighted.

Old Zhan was eager to fetch the ink ingots for Jiang Huan right away, but she told him to settle in first. “If you don’t mind, the two of you and the child can stay together. There’s just a vacant suite in Building Six.”

Both Ah Quan and Old Zhan thanked her profusely, carrying their few belongings upstairs. Wang Ping and Liu Ling soon came down and provided them with some supplies.

“They’re not gifts. Everyone living in Building Six has been vetted—we’re not dealing with bad people here. Miss Jiang just wants everyone to be comfortable first. Later, when you go out scavenging, you can pay her back. Don’t feel burdened. Just see what you’re missing and sign for it on credit.”

Old Zhan chose a baby bottle, a pack of tissues, and some fuel. Ah Quan took a bit more, since after a night’s rest he’d be able to go out scavenging again.

Jiang Huan went upstairs and dropped the ink stick into the unboxing device.

She wasn’t disappointed.

[Hui Ink Stick, worth 750 credits.] It was worth even more than the same weight in gold.

This unboxing device really had refined taste.

Because she’d spent so many points last time, even with this 750, she barely had over 1,900 points left, so she didn’t open another box right away.

The next day, Old Zhan left his grandson temporarily with Ah Quan. He wanted to take Jiang Huan to fetch the ink ingots. Jiang Huan’s off-roader had been totaled at the forest cabin, so she borrowed Old Zhang’s car.

As soon as they got in, she cranked up the heat, making Old Zhan marvel at her extravagance.

She pressed the gas, and with Old Zhan’s directions, they arrived in no time.

They got out and went looking for the ink, finishing the task in one go.

Before getting back in, Old Zhan looked wistfully at the distant ruins.

“What’s wrong?” Jiang Huan asked.

“That was the cultural center of our collectors’ association. Many priceless treasures are buried there. But since you can’t eat or drink them, and excavation is nearly impossible, no one’s tried to salvage them. I just hope they haven’t all turned to dust.”

Jiang Huan memorized the location. After dropping Old Zhan off, she set out alone, found a discreet spot, and waited until dusk. When she was sure there were no survivors passing by, she leapt up and swung her arm across the open ground.

A massive silhouette rose out of nowhere.

Standing beside it, Jiang Huan barely reached the height of its wheels—she had to stand on tiptoe.

It was a construction excavator, one she’d collected during her outlaw days, always thinking it might come in handy. She never expected its first use would be to hunt for ink ingots.

Still, digging for those was as good as digging for money—Jiang Huan was motivated.

She climbed onto the machine and settled into the cab, familiarizing herself with the controls.

At first, she fumbled like a child with a new toy; her awkward attempts were almost painful to watch.

But in less than twenty minutes, she’d mastered forward, reverse, left, right, digging, and lifting.

“Ha! When it comes to excavator skills, no one beats Jiang Qiang from Xingcheng Community,” she laughed. Maybe she’d make a name for herself yet.

Once she’d gotten the hang of it, she quickly began her first dig.

With a rumble and a crash, a corner of the massive ruins was scooped away.

Jiang Huan tossed aside rubble and building materials, then went in for a second, a third, a fourth dig…

Soon, what looked like display cases began to emerge. Donning a hard hat, work gloves, and non-slip shoes, she ventured in to hunt for treasure.

She quickly found a segment of ink stick—though, unfortunately, it was broken.

Luckily, she found several complete scholar’s treasures soon after, and even a high-quality imitation painting, still clutched tightly in the arms of a corpse who’d died protecting it. Jiang Huan left that alone and searched other corners.

After a thorough search, her haul was impressive. She considered the matter, then used the excavator to cover the unknown person’s body once more.

At least, until the apocalypse ended, he should be left undisturbed.

(End of chapter)