Chapter 31: The Rewards Arrive

Gu Xi watched as the other party humbly introduced herself. After a moment’s thought, he realized that if he were to go to Taolin Town, he would inevitably encounter some minor troubles along the way. It would be wise to first secure this person who had proactively offered herself, possessing some medical knowledge. Regardless of whether she was highly professional, having some medical common sense would definitely provide additional security during the journey.

"Would you be willing to join my team?" Gu Xi took the initiative to extend the invitation.

Yun’er’s heart leapt with joy upon hearing this. Ever since she learned that Old Man Ding had been recruited, she had wanted to volunteer but had not yet had the chance before the chaos erupted. If anything were to happen to Old Man Ding in the future, even something as simple as eating would pose a problem for her. Though inwardly pleased, her expression remained calm and composed. She had survived in this place for so long because she had her own methods.

"Since Master Xi wishes for me to join, I shall accept without hesitation. However..." she replied.

However? What could she possibly hesitate about? Was she going to negotiate terms with him? Gu Xi’s suspicion was piqued. "But what is it? Tell me."

"I’m just worried that my limited medical knowledge won’t be of much help to you later on, and I might only cause you trouble," she answered softly.

Such emotional intelligence! Absolutely exceptional! This woman before him was not simple.

"Haha, don’t worry. If I come across good medical books later on, I’ll be sure to give them to you," Gu Xi responded.

This reminded him of the current deficiency in medical knowledge. When the system eventually offered rewards in this area, he could focus on seeing if it could help her—and himself as well. Another person joining his side was certainly advantageous. Not bad. Now he had someone who knew planting and someone knowledgeable in medicine. Yet, something still felt missing. Of course—the guards. The group of guards had yet to be dealt with.

"Wang Ming, go check on their situation," Gu Xi summoned Wang Ming.

Not long after, Wang Ming returned from the basement where the others were detained.

"Since we only eat dinner at night, it’s been a full twenty-four hours from yesterday to today. Everyone seemed too hungry to even talk to me, and no one responded. They just refuse to surrender," Wang Ming reported in detail.

When he had first gone down, his master scolded him a few times. The others joined in, but it was all rather feeble. Normally, a grown adult could survive twenty-four hours without food or water without reaching physical limits, and their consciousness would not yet be on the verge of collapse—yet they still refused to surrender.

"I’ll die here today if I must! I won’t surrender!" Wang Ming imitated their words vividly, somewhat amusingly. But Gu Xi was not in the mood for humor.

"If their spirits haven’t broken yet, then let them stay hungry a little longer. I have a plan," Gu Xi said, a bright idea striking her.

She then inquired with Yun’er; Wang Yi would take about twelve more hours to regain full consciousness. Within this time frame, she had enough opportunity to break the stubborn guards’ will.

"Bring them up one by one later, then bring them before me. Just stand by my side. I want them to see how I reward you," Gu Xi instructed.

At the word "reward," Wang Ming’s eyes instantly lit up. Though he didn’t know what it would be, it was his first time being rewarded, and the excitement made him highly motivated, almost euphoric.

Night had fallen, and Gu Xi hadn’t eaten either—she was hungry as well. Wang Ming swiftly gathered everyone as per Gu Xi’s instructions.

"Boss! It’s done!" he declared proudly, like a Doberman showing off.

"Good job," Gu Xi praised him.

Wang Ming’s master, seeing his apprentice so obsequious, spat disdainfully. "Shameless, spineless dog!"

Hearing the insult, Wang Ming lifted his foot, ready to kick back, but Gu Xi stopped him with a hand.

"Ignore him. Come, I’m going to reward you now."

Gu Xi summoned the system. Suddenly, numerous foods appeared before Wang Ming’s eyes: ten boxes of strawberries, ten boxes of blueberries, and two boxes of pomelos. The fruity aroma quickly filled the entire room, intoxicating enough to catch the attention of anyone passing by.

"Here, eat as much as you want. This is your reward," Gu Xi said.

Wang Ming’s eyes sparkled, nearly ready to kneel and lick her feet.

But that was not all.

Gu Xi then produced ten cups of instant noodles, ten packs of compressed biscuits, and twenty starch sausages from her space.

"This is the second wave of rewards," she announced.

Upon hearing this, Wang Ming was nearly beside himself. It was the first time he had ever seen so much delicious food, and all of it was his reward. He could hardly believe it and felt as if his life had been turned upside down.

"You’re better to me than my reborn parents! Forget about doing everything for you in the next life—I’m already devoted for this one!" Wang Ming’s attitude only made his master feel even more disgusted, rolling his eyes skyward.

Gu Xi noticed the reactions among the guards. Some looked at Wang Ming with envy, while others showed clear disdain. It became evident that when the former city lord was in charge, those people had received rewards. Wang Ming, on the other hand, had been exploited but was now inspired by his predecessors.

"Enough with the flattery. There’s more rewards," Gu Xi replied coolly.

She hadn’t expected several packs of instant noodles to inspire such devotion. This world was truly chaotic.

Upon hearing there were more rewards, Wang Ming was nearly moved to tears.

Gu Xi then produced an entire box of self-heating rice meals. Wang Ming opened a pack to find a variety of flavors: fish-flavored shredded pork, fish-flavored eggplant, tomato beef brisket, spicy duo-flavored dishes, and more.

Wang Ming had never seen such things before—it was like a whole new world had opened up to him!

Moreover, Gu Xi had found a large pot from the city lord’s house. She hung the pot up and placed a portable stove beneath it.

What was she planning?

The guards almost lost their composure witnessing this scene.

After placing the rewards on his side, Wang Ming also came to help Gu Xi.

"Listen, brothers, whether you surrender or not is your business. I’m just hungry now and planning to make some hot pot," Gu Xi said casually.

Hot pot? What was that? The others had only heard rumors, never seen it.

They exchanged glances, bewildered, as Gu Xi poured some cooking oil into the large pot and then added the hot pot base, stir-frying it.

The aroma wafted through the air, intoxicating.

Others in the city caught the scent as well.

"Damn, what is that smell? It’s so fragrant it’s almost soul-stealing," Wang Ming exclaimed, fascinated and amazed by the food Gu Xi was preparing and the spices in the pot.

He was not alone; every member of the guard team was similarly entranced, their minds completely captivated by the alluring aroma.