Chapter 59
While it's great to be able to upgrade in two directions at the same time, as just analyzed, "bigger is more beautiful" is not currently suitable for them.
But it’s still worth being happy to be able to have it all in the future.
Tang Yu'an's eyes fell on the second option, unable to hide his excitement.
The upgrade is coming soon! What new features will appear after the store upgrade? I don’t know if the rewards will be big?
With this mood, he excitedly clicked the upgrade button.
However, unlike what he imagined, the new system prompt that appeared was——
[Ping An Grocery Store (Quality is Strength!) Level 0]
[Level 1 Upgrade Conditions: Merchant Level 5 (Already Met), Shop Popularity 100 (Already Met)]
[Do you want to deduct 1000 points and upgrade the main store "Hean's Grocery Store" to level 1 (Excellence is Strength!)]
Tang Yu'an: ...
Looking at the system text that popped up, a big question mark appeared above Tang Yu'an's little head.
Didn't they just deduct 1,000 points? Why are they deducting more?
He finally earned nearly 5,000 points, and almost half of them were gone in an instant. QAQ
"What's wrong?" Zhou Qi asked after hearing his complaint.
Tang Yu'an began to explain to him. Although he said he felt heartbroken, his reason told him that the money had to be spent.
He could only sigh and say, "Well, just deduct it."
How can you become stronger without spending money?
Anyway, after deducting these 1,000 points, he still has nearly 3,000 points. If he sets up a stall to sell salt tomorrow, he can earn a lot more!
Zhou Qi reached out and touched his cheek, "It's okay, we will earn it back."
"Um!"
Tang Yu'an gritted his teeth and clicked on the upgrade button.
【Deduction successful! 】
As 1,000 points were deducted, the system upgrade prompt popped up a series of messages again.
Congratulations! The main store, Heian General Store, has been upgraded to level 1 (Excellence is strength!)
[New "Decoration" section]
[Unlock the furniture upgrade function and upgrade furniture. For details, please go to the "Decoration" section]
["Super Container" +1, delivered to the "Ping An Grocery Store" warehouse]
[Added a new "Dream Message in a Bottle" section, where you can click on the panel to equip the main store "Ping An Grocery Store"]
[New "HR" section, employee management function upgrade, can provide more standardized management of employees, please visit the homepage for details]
Furniture Upcycling!
As they had guessed, this direction could improve the internal functions of the grocery store.
But what is a dream bottle? It looks a bit magical.
Tang Yu'an quickly opened the main page and found that there were indeed three more functional sections on the page: "Decoration", "Human Resources" and "Dream Message in a Bottle".
He clicked on the last one.
[This tile needs to be materialized to view its function. Please click on it in the main store "Hean Grocery Store" and equip it in the main store.]
It actually needs to be materialized before it can be viewed?
Does this mean a new piece of "furniture" has been added to the grocery store?
Tang Yu'an guessed. Although he was very curious about what the "Dream Message in a Bottle" was, he could only wait until he got back to see it.
Then he exited the page and clicked on "Decoration".
This page is also simple, with only three functional blocks: [Decoration Plan], [Furniture List], and [?].
That question mark will probably be unlocked after further upgrades, or it may be an upgrade in the direction of "bigger is more beautiful".
He first opened the decoration plan and took a look.
[Decoration Plan (Current)]: The main store "Ping An Grocery Store" has an initial level of decoration style that is ordinary and unremarkable.
[Click to equip (Note: Furniture cannot be restored to its original state after upgrading or replacing, only the appearance is retained)]
【Decoration Plan 2】: Blank
【Decoration Plan 3】: Blank
In addition to the initial decoration style, there are two blank slots, which seem to allow him to save new decoration plans.
Perhaps this was just a one-click switch function to facilitate his renovation, but Tang Yu'an was stunned by it.
Initial plan...
This is what his house looks like now.
If the furniture in the grocery store is upgraded in the future, and even the houses are upgraded and renovated, then his home will also become unrecognizable, right?
Realizing this, Tang Yu'an's excited mind calmed down a little.
He felt that he might make the right choice intellectually, but he would inevitably feel lost emotionally.
He doesn't want to change his current home. Even though it is small and dilapidated, it is where he and his parents have lived for more than ten years, and it is filled with their family memories.
And now…
With the initial decoration plan in place, perhaps he won't be afraid of changes.
As long as he wants, he can change back anytime!
Tang Yu'an became happy again and quickly shared his new discovery with Zhou Qi.
"If we miss our current home in the future, we can always change it back!"
Tang Yu'an said with sparkling eyes: "Our memories can remain."
After a moment of hesitation, Zhou Qi also smiled.
After all, Tang Yu'an's childhood memories were also his. If he could keep this thought, it would be perfect.
Tang Yu'an exited the decoration plan and clicked on the furniture list. He was now particularly looking forward to the new features.
The first item in the furniture list is the new container he just acquired. He can click it to view detailed information.
【Super container capacity】
[Level: lv1]
【Dimensions: 2x1x0.5 (unit: meter)】
[Description: Magical item, exquisite and compact, takes up little space, and can hold items 20 times its own volume]
[Upgrade Conditions: Points x1000, Psychic Stone of Any Attribute x1, Vine Plant x1, Space Stone x1]
[Level 2 Effect: Can hold items no less than 100 times its own volume. The specific multiple depends on the quality of the Space Stone.]
After reading the entire introduction, Tang Yu'an's eyes lit up.
This container really lives up to its name, it can hold a lot of things!
The original volume of the cabinet was only 1 cubic meter, but it can actually hold 20 cubic meters of things. If it is placed in his small warehouse, it is equivalent to having 19 cubic meters extra out of thin air!
Moreover, this container can be upgraded and can hold at least 100 cubic meters after the upgrade.
This is bigger than his warehouse!
The upgrade conditions are a bit difficult. The first three are okay, but what is the last space stone?
"Could it be materials from the magical world?" Zhou Qi said.
On the draft paper in front of him, he had quickly written down the information that Tang Yu'an had just told him.
"Well, you might have to buy it in the Plane Shop." Tang Yu'an nodded and said, "These 1,000 points are well worth it."
As the number of items they traded increased, his warehouse was indeed insufficient. Now that he had an additional container that could expand the space, the problem could be alleviated a little.
If you continue to upgrade the store in the future, you may be able to unlock more furniture like this.
Tang Yu'an exited the message, and all that was left were the other furniture he currently owned. There was also an "upgrade and transform" button next to it. He clicked it, and a new interface popped up immediately.
[Please select the furniture that needs to be upgraded from the following options]
【1. Signboard】【2. Container】
3. Refrigerator 4. Freezer
[5. Broom] [6. Rag]
[Next page]
Many options appear on the new interface.
So, the signboard refers to the "Ping An Grocery Store" sign hanging on the door of their house?
Tang Yu'an clicked on it out of curiosity.
【Shop sign】
[Level: lv0]
[Description: An ordinary signboard, with no function other than displaying the store name]
[Upgrade Conditions: Points x100, Wood Planks x5, Fluorescent Agent x1, Milk (1000ml) x1]
Tang Yu'an looked at the upgrade conditions and couldn't help but have a big question mark in his head.
He understood points and planks, but what the heck was 1000ml of milk? Why did you need milk to upgrade your sign?
The upgrade effects are described below.
[LV1 Effect: After upgrading, it can emit a cool light, which is still dazzling even in the dark (the color of the light is determined by the fluorescent agent)]
[Attraction effect +50%. When customers enter a 100-meter radius of the grocery store, they will be 100% aware of the store.]
Ah, it worked great, but he didn't need it!
At least for now, the location of the grocery store cannot be exposed.
Tang Yu'an closed the signboard upgrade page and opened the container to take a look.
【Container】
[Level: lv0]
【Dimensions: 2 x 1.2 x 0.8 (unit: meter)】
[Description: A cabinet made of ordinary wood, without doors. The use of partitions to effectively utilize the vertical space is perhaps its only advantage.]
[Upgrade Conditions: Points x200, Wood Planks x10, Metal Blocks x10, Any Psychic Stone x1, Any Mutated Fruit x1]
Why does upgrading a container require mutant fruits?
Tang Yu'an looked at the upgrade effect below again.
[Level 1 Effect: After upgrading, you will get a very sturdy cabinet that can bear a weight of 1000 kg. Even bullets cannot penetrate it. Seeds placed in the lowest compartment have a chance of mutation.]
Wow, a container that can mutate seeds? That looks interesting.
But...shouldn't the main function of a cabinet be storage and display?
Tang Yu'an set his sights on the fifth option.
【broom】
[Level: lv0]
[Description: A broom made of low-tech materials like plastic. It's quite old, and while it doesn't affect its usability, it's not far from being scrapped.]
[Upgrade Conditions: Points x200, Dry Cells x5, Metal Block x5, Beer (500ml) x1]
Tang Yu'an looked directly down to see the upgrade effect.
[Level 1 Effect: After upgrading, you will get an electric broom that can be used for cleaning the entire house. It will clean the floor of your home very cleanly. Each charge can work for 2 hours.]
0.0
A broom that cleans automatically!
Isn’t this the same as the sweeping robots advertised on TV?
It only works for two hours per charge, but it's only level 1, so it's sure to be able to upgrade further! Perhaps one day it'll even have a timer or remote control function?
When Tang Yu'an thought of this, his eyes lit up.
That way, even if they leave the grocery store, they don’t have to worry about not completing their daily cleaning tasks!
He couldn't wait to upgrade his broom! Unfortunately, the broom was in the grocery store, and Chi Hao also needed it.
Although he could use his telekinesis skill to get it, it would be bad if he scared Brother Chi Hao, and he also had to find a way to get beer.
As for the 200 points... I feel it’s not so bad!
Tang Yu'an had to admit that he was hooked by this carrot and actually felt no pain in spending 200 points.
He looked at the "rag" option again.
【rag】
[Level: lv0]
[Description: A rag that has been used for at least 10 years. After countless repeated uses and washings, it has become tattered and can no longer be seen in its original state.]
[Upgrade Conditions: Points x200, Linen (1.2 x 1) x1, Milk (1000ml) x2]
[LV1 Effect: After upgrading, you will get a brand new rag with powerful stain removal capabilities. No matter how stubborn the stains are, they can be easily removed. Soaking it in clean water will make it clean as new again.]
This upgrade material also requires milk. Although it is incredible, the effect after the upgrade is somewhat magical.
It would be nice if there was a rag that could automatically wipe the table... Tang Yu'an thought, wondering if such a function would appear in future upgrades.
The refrigerator and freezer upgrades are nice too!
【refrigerator】
[LV1 Effect: Can absorb heat and convert it into electricity, reducing energy consumption by 50%]
【Freezer】
[Level 1 Effect: Absorbs heat and converts it into electricity. Chance to trigger the special effect: "The hotter, the colder." The higher the ambient temperature, the better the cooling effect. The electricity conversion effect is best when exposed to the scorching sun.]
You can save electricity after upgrading!
The upgrade materials for these two types of furniture both require beer, which they don’t have ready-made. However, if they have wheat, maybe they can try brewing it themselves?
Of course, the points required for upgrading and transformation are not small. It would be fine if you don’t know the effects of these upgrades, but how can you resist being tempted after knowing them?
However, without enough points to squander, they can only choose to upgrade the furniture that they need most and is most practical.
"Bang!"
Tang Yu'an was just about to click on the next page when he heard the sound of something being smashed downstairs, which scared him.
What's going on? He and Zhou Qi exchanged a glance, then stood up and walked towards the door.
When they opened the door, they saw that Old Li had already arrived at the stairs, and their conversation with Lin Meiyu could be heard.
"Boss lady, are you okay?"
"It's okay, it's okay, I just dropped a bowl."
After hearing her reply and confirming that it was not a big deal, Old Li did not go downstairs.
He turned back and saw Zhou Qi and Tang Yu'an opening a crack in the door and looking out. He waved his hand and said, "It's okay, go in."
Then he also went back to the next room.
Tang Yu'an and Zhou Qi did not obey.
The boss lady and Wang Hu's experience points haven't been brushed yet! The two of them can brush up to 10 experience points at most. If they can get these 10 experience points, Tang Yu'an can reach another level.
Tang Yu'an took out a ceramic bowl from his personal storage.
This was something someone exchanged for when he was selling salt. Maybe he could trade it to the boss lady now?
The two looked at each other, then quickly left the room, closed the door and went downstairs.
-
There are four rooms on the second floor. Lin Meiyu and her husband live in the innermost room on the left.
When they arrived at the door, they smelled a strong herbal scent coming from the room.
The doctor, who is respected as Mr. Zhang, must be quite capable to be able to find these herbs that can cure diseases and save lives in the apocalypse. I wonder if he is a survivor before the catastrophe like Grandpa Li.
The door was open.
The porcelain bowl broke on the floor, but no one picked it up.
Lin Meiyu, who was decocting medicine in the kitchen with a smile on her face, now sat blankly by the bed, looking at a loss.
Wang Hu, lying on the hospital bed, had his skin color restored to normal after Hongli cured him of the fire poison, but he did not seem to have recovered his vitality. He lay on the bed with a pale face, dying.
Zhou Qi looked at Wang Hu and was stunned.
Wang Hu's breath was very weak, almost the same as when Chi Hao was dying before, except that his life was lost at a slower rate than his. However, if he was not treated, he would definitely die.
Although Tang Yu'an did not have Zhou Qi's perception, he could also see that something was wrong.
"Boss lady..." he shouted.
Hearing the noise, Lin Meiyu mechanically turned her head and saw that it was two little guests. She quickly raised her hand to wipe away her tears, looking strong.
"Why are you here?"
She bent down to pick up the broken pieces of porcelain. "The ground is covered with debris. If you have anything to say, please stand at the door and talk. Don't prick your feet."
"Boss lady, are you okay?" Tang Yu'an asked with concern.
Lin Meiyu paused, then smiled bitterly and said, "What could possibly happen to me? I'm not the one in trouble..."
Seeing her state, Zhou Qi put away the ceramic bowl he had brought with him, then went to get a broom and dustpan, and walked into the house and said, "Boss, let me do it."
He cleaned up the broken porcelain pieces with swift movements.
Tang Yu'an came to the bedside, looked at Wang Hu, and asked, "Hong...Didn't the Mountain Master detoxify him? Why does the situation still look so bad?"
Lin Meiyu, who had been able to hold back her tears, suddenly couldn't hold back her tears anymore.
She covered her face and tilted her head to the side, choking with sobs and unable to speak.
After Zhou Qi cleaned the floor, he looked at Wang Hu's condition and guessed, "Although the poison has been removed, his body has been damaged by the fire poison and is riddled with wounds. These wounds will not heal immediately just because the fire poison has been removed."
"His condition is still very dangerous, Madam, you'd better find a doctor to see him."
Lin Meiyu closed her eyes and said, "I've looked for him, but Mr. Zhang was taken away by the guards. They said they can only come and treat him tomorrow."
"I had no choice but to try using the remaining herbs."
"I didn't expect that he just vomited out all the medicine he drank. Not only did his condition not get better, it got even worse..."
She tried hard to calm down, but eventually couldn't help sobbing.
She knew that someone in the guard wanted Wang Hu's life, otherwise it would not be such a coincidence that Wang Hu's men were all sent to patrol the mountains at this time.
If it had been delayed for just one more day, Wang Hu might not have survived. Unfortunately, the guards had asked Zhang Lao to leave under the pretext of the administrator's orders...
Apart from Wang Hu, Lin Meiyu has no relatives in Jufeng Town and doesn't know what to do.
Her special ability is the power of words, which sounds powerful, but only she knows the limitations and disadvantages of this ability.
She didn't know what other people's words were like, but her words were good and bad.
Moreover, the greater the consequences of the words, the longer it will take to take effect, and the greater the price one has to pay.
It was said that her words from Meiyu Pavilion had come true more than ten times, but in fact, they only came true two or three times. The rest were either bad luck for her or Wang Hu secretly took care of them.
Why did she know this? Because if it came true, she would become seriously ill and would have to stay in bed for at least two or three months.
During this period, Wang Hu, who grew up with her, took care of her and helped her through the difficult times.
Now that he was about to die, Lin Meiyu also lost her soul.
If only she could be stronger... she couldn't help but think, then she wouldn't have to be afraid of other people in the town, then she would have a say in front of the mountain master, then... Wang Hu wouldn't have to die.
She covered her face and cried bitterly.
"If he dies, I'm afraid I won't be able to live either..." She pretended to be strong in front of outsiders, but now she finally broke down.
Tang Yu'an couldn't help but feel sympathy.
Zhou Qi also frowned, his face looking serious.
Sympathy is one aspect, but on the other hand, if the proprietress is gone, the Jade House will no longer exist. In the future, when they come to the market town to do business, they will no longer have such a safe place.
Zhou Qi looked at Wang Hu lying on the hospital bed. He hesitated for a moment and said, "We can give it a try."
Lin Meiyu was startled and looked up at the two teenagers: "What are you trying?"
Tang Yu'an replied, "We can give it a try and see if we can save him."
"Do you know medicine?"
"A little bit."
Lin Meiyu, who was distraught, suddenly seemed to have found her backbone again.
"Really?" She grabbed Tang Yu'an's hand tightly, "Please save him! I can give you anything you want!"
"Boss lady, please calm down first..."
Lin Meiyu cried and shook her head.
Today's ups and downs made it impossible for her to remain calm. Whenever she thought of the misery in the future, she fell into panic.
She has been frail and sickly since childhood. It can be said that without her father and Wang Hu, she would have died long ago. Although she is in good health now, she has little ability to live independently in the wasteland.
The guards looked at her like jackals, tigers and leopards. She knew that as soon as Wang Hu died, they would try every possible way to make her leave Meiyu Pavilion and plot against her.
If she can't find a strong person to rely on, she will sooner or later end up in a tragic situation.
But the mountain master was not interested in her abilities. Perhaps she could show her strengths in the fortress, but in Jufeng Town, there was really not much place for her to use them.
Lin Meiyu doesn't want to depend on anyone other than the mountain master.
If Wang Hu could survive and live well, she wouldn't have to worry about this problem!
"Please save him! If you can stay at Meiyu Pavilion from now on, I can waive all your accommodation fees!" Lin Meiyu said anxiously, "And... and..."
She gritted her teeth, stood up and rushed to a cabinet in the room, opened it, and took out a small cloth bag from the secret compartment inside.
Lin Meiyu came back with the small cloth bag and said to Zhou Qi and Tang Yu'an, "If you can save him, if he survives in the end, then this thing will be given to you!"
She took the cloth bag in her hand and unfolded it, and saw two crystal clear stones lying quietly in the middle of the cloth.
One is deep blue and the other is light green, sparkling with beautiful tiny rays of light under the light.
Tang Yu'an and Zhou Qi were stunned.
Is this a crystal? And it has properties they've never seen before!
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