Chapter 13 Long live the potato harvest! A bumper crop! Extra treat today!
Ever since Lin's Restaurant forcibly (?) took in that dwarf uncle named Shi Quan, whose temper was as foul and stubborn as his name, the restaurant's daily life has been proceeding in a delicate balance.
Lin Yue was promoted to curator, chief engineer, head cook, medic, stay-at-home dad, and diplomat, keeping him busy like a spinning top every day.
During the day, he and Gray continued to improve the infrastructure of the small building, such as reinforcing the walls with mud, trying to build a more decent roof, and also had to take time to weed and water the experimental fields, and take care of the potato seedlings that carried the hopes of the entire building.
When I get back in the evening, I have to change Shi Quan's dressings, feed him, and soothe his occasional outbursts of temper. I usually threaten him with "If you don't behave, you won't get any salt to eat," which works very well. I also take care of Xiao Fen, who also needs love.
Gray continued to play the role of the silent force and main infrastructure worker, silently taking on most of the dirty and hard work. He would occasionally go hunting, and although the results were inconsistent, he still made an outstanding contribution to the restaurant's protein source.
He maintained a respectful distance from Stone Fist, but at least he wasn't hostile.
Uncle Shi Quan, as an injured person, enjoys the highest level of patient treatment.
He eats and sleeps all day long. Occasionally, when Lin Yue changes his dressings or forcibly instills scientific healing concepts, he will utter a few loud curses. The content is so rich that even the system translation can hardly keep up, showing an extremely tenacious vitality.
However, under the continued temptation of salt, his attitude softened considerably, and he no longer kept saying that he would "leave as soon as his leg is healed."
Xiao Fen is the atmosphere-maker and the adorable little creature of the entire restaurant. Under Lin Yue's not-so-professional but still quite attentive care, her injured hind leg has recovered quite well, and she can already trot a little.
It was very curious about the new Uncle Stonefist, often circling around him, sniffing his thick beard with its wet nose from time to time, or trying to take away the tattered rags that Stonefist had taken off, which had a strong dwarf smell, as toys. Each time, this would cause Stonefist to roar in exasperation, which made Lin Yue both amused and exasperated.
The days passed by in this busy, mundane yet slightly chaotic atmosphere.
Lin Yue's most anticipated thing every day is to go to the experimental field to see his precious potatoes.
Since planting them, he had been eagerly awaiting their sprouting. Finally, on a sunny morning, when he went to check on them as usual, he was pleasantly surprised to find rows of tender green, tiny sprouts with curled leaves emerging from the flat ground.
"They've sprouted! They've sprouted!" Lin Yue was so excited he almost took off on the spot. He rushed back to the restaurant and loudly announced the good news, "Grey, Stone Fist, Xiao Fen, our potatoes have sprouted!"
Upon hearing the news, Gray put down his work and followed Lin Yue to the edge of the field. Looking at the tender shoots breaking through the soil, full of vitality, a rare smile appeared on his perpetually icy face.
Because of his leg injury, Shi Quan couldn't walk, so Lin Yue specially dug up a newly sprouted seedling and brought it back to him with the soil still on it to show him.
Shi Quan grunted in a muffled voice, but still leaned closer to take a closer look, muttering, "...Grows...really fast."
[System notification: The experimental crop [potato] has entered the seedling stage. It is growing well. Please remember to weed, loosen the soil, and water appropriately according to the weather conditions.]
In the days that followed, taking care of the potato seedlings became Lin Yue's top priority.
Following the system's instructions, he diligently cleared the weeds from the field, because the weeds in this cursed land were extremely resilient and would grow wildly if not removed within a day, thus loosening the soil around the potato seedlings and allowing it to breathe.
He carried water from the stream back and forth, carefully watering each seedling.
Gray would also come over to help during breaks from his heavy work. Stone Fist would impatiently wave his hand when Lin Yue described various delicious ways to eat potatoes, mainly to tempt him, but his ears would be perked up.
Xiao Fen... Xiao Fen is still responsible for chasing butterflies and grasshoppers on the ridges of the fields, and occasionally runs into the fields to leave a few footprints.
Time slipped away in this hopeful wait.
The potato seedlings grew taller and stronger day by day, their emerald green leaves unfurling and clusters of pale purple flowers blooming.
Lin Yue did some quick calculations and realized that from the time the seeds were sown until now, it had been about a month... Well, according to the time flow in this other world, he estimated it was about the same as on Earth, maybe even a little faster, probably more than a month?
"Is it almost... time to harvest?" Lin Yue looked at the stems and leaves that were beginning to turn yellow and wither, feeling a strong urge to harvest.
[System notification: The potato crop has reached maturity. Harvesting is now possible. Estimated yield: Lower-middle (limited by initial soil fertility and management level).]
"We can harvest now," Lin Yue said excitedly, rubbing his hands together. "Good news! Our potatoes are ripe. We'll have a good meal tonight."
This news undoubtedly injected a shot in the arm into this dull little restaurant.
Gray silently put down the stone axe in his hand, his eyes filled with anticipation.
Shi Quan even unusually asked Lin Yue to move him to the doorway so that he could witness the harvest firsthand.
Xiao Fen jumped around excitedly, as if she could already smell the aroma of potatoes.
The harvest has begun.
Lin Yue carefully dug away the soil around the potato plant roots with his modified stone shovel.
Soon, he dug the first round, golden potato out of the soil.
"Wow, the first one." Lin Yue held the mud-covered potato high in the air as if it were a gold ingot. "It's not small either."
Then, a second, a third... more and more potatoes were dug out! Big ones, small ones, round ones, oval ones, all different shapes, but all exuding a simple yet tempting aroma.
Gray joined the digging. He was strong and much more efficient than Lin Gao, and soon he had dug up a small pile of potatoes in his assigned area.
Xiao Fen excitedly dug at the soil with her paws, occasionally digging out a small potato, which she would pick up and excitedly shake her head, only to be snatched away by Lin Yue, who was both amused and exasperated.
“Ancestor, this is food, not a toy.”
Even Shi Quan, who was sitting at the door watching, became heavy-hearted as he looked at the potatoes being dug out, his Adam's apple bobbing incessantly.
He hadn't seen such a bountiful harvest in far too long, especially in this cursed land that was thought to be barren.
In the end, that small experimental field actually yielded a harvest... enough to fill two large baskets temporarily woven from vines.
Although by Earth's standards, this yield might not even be considered below average, for Lin Yue and his group, who had been eating bluebird wild vegetable stew for almost two months, it was simply a miraculous harvest.
Looking at the two large, heavy baskets of potatoes, everyone's face was filled with indescribable joy and satisfaction.
[System Notification: Completed the milestone event [First Crop Harvest]. Gained 200 Experience Points and 50 System Points. Unlocked new achievement [Gift of the Earth (Beginner)]. Agricultural skill proficiency increased.]
"That's fantastic!" Lin Yue excitedly pumped his fist. "Grey, Stone Fist, Little Fen, tonight we're having a 'potato feast'! Let you taste the bounty of the earth!"
The preparation for dinner was filled with unprecedented enthusiasm and anticipation.
Lin Yue personally selected the largest and plumpest potatoes and carefully washed them.
He threw some potatoes, skin and all, directly into the roaring fire, letting them slowly roast in the residual heat of the charcoal. This is the most primitive way to eat potatoes, but it also best preserves their original flavor.
He peeled the other potatoes with a newly sharpened, high-efficiency stone scalpel, cut them into large chunks, and prepared to make a deluxe, upgraded version of stew—potato stew with bluebird meat.
To celebrate the harvest, Lin Yue was exceptionally generous this time. He not only added extra, extremely precious salt that they had refined themselves, but also brought out a local spice plant that they had unexpectedly discovered a few days ago.
When the leaves of this plant are dried and crushed, they emit a unique aroma similar to a mixture of rosemary and thyme on Earth. Systematic testing has shown it to be non-toxic, and adding a small amount can greatly enhance the flavor of meat. Lin Yue gave it a simple and direct name—"Exotic Herb."
He carefully pinched off a small pinch of exotic herb powder and sprinkled it into the stewing broth.
Instantly, a richer, more complex aroma filled the air, a blend of meaty fragrance, potato starchy aroma, and salty umami. It made Gray and Stonefist, who were watching nearby, drool, and even Xiao Fen couldn't help but start barking and urging for dinner to start.
Gray was in charge of tending the fire and watching the potatoes roast, occasionally poking them with a stick to prevent them from burning.
Shi Quan watched Lin Yue busy himself with longing eyes, constantly urging, "...Are you done yet?...I'm hungry."
Xiao Fen stayed by the stove closely, her drool almost dripping onto the floor.
Finally, amidst much anticipation, the potato feast officially began!
The roasted potatoes were pulled out of the fire, their skins smoky with the aroma of charcoal. When broken open, the inside was golden, piping hot, and soft, fluffy potato flesh.
Ignoring the heat, Lin Yue grabbed one and stuffed it into his mouth, hissing and gasping for breath as it burned, while mumbling indistinctly, "Delicious, so delicious! This natural caramel flavor is amazing!"
Gray picked one up and ate it just like Lin Yue. Although he didn't have much of an expression, the light in his eyes said it all.
Stone Fist couldn't wait any longer. He grabbed one and started taking a big bite, almost burning his beard with the heat, but he didn't care at all. Even though it was just a charcoal-grilled potato, he made it look like his mouth was dripping with oil.
The stewed potatoes and bluebird meat brought the dinner to a climax.
The stewed potatoes, cooked until soft and tender, fully absorb the savory flavor of the broth and the salty aroma, melting in your mouth with a rich and satisfying taste. The addition of potatoes also makes the bluebird meat less dry. The thick broth is an excellent choice for mixing with rice… well, it's also perfect for drinking on its own.
This meal was the first time they had truly eaten their fill since arriving in this cursed land, both physically and mentally.
Everyone ate until their bellies were round and full, completely satisfied. Even Xiao Fen got a small piece of stewed potatoes and meat, and her little belly was bulging.
For the first time ever, Stone Fist didn't curse. He just leaned against the wall, burping contentedly, staring blankly at the fire, his eyes filled with a long-lost feeling of happiness.
[System Notification: Diner 'Stone Fist' has reached 100% satiety, his mood has greatly improved (satisfaction +50%, alertness -10%), and his stamina recovery speed has increased by 10%. Improved levels of key minerals in his body have been detected.]
Seeing everyone's satisfied expressions, Lin Yue felt a warm glow in his heart.
Indeed, there's no problem that a delicious, satisfying meal can't solve. If there is, then two meals will do.
With potatoes as a stable staple food, their lives finally reached a new level.
The future menu can finally say goodbye to the monotonous Bluebird stew and become more colorful.
"The best is yet to come!"
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