Chapter 14
"What?"
"Nothing."
Xia En lowered his head, turned around, took two steps, and then came back. Chu Huaiqin thought he had something else to say, but he actually took away the half jackfruit in Chu Huaiqin's hand.
After returning to the camp, he didn't sit with the others. Instead, he went to a corner and cut the skin with a dagger, put the meat in the pot, and placed the pineapple core on a banana leaf he had picked. As he did all this, his face was calm, his eyes dark, as if he was lost in thought.
Xiao Dugui and the others on his team looked at each other in bewilderment, not daring to approach. Ever since teaming up with Xia En, he'd mostly been a loner, occasionally catching a glimpse of hostility in his eyes. His aura was so overwhelming that the others didn't want to get close to him. Now, Xia En's dejected demeanor made everyone want to stay away even more.
Su Feichen and Xiao Dugui exchanged a glance, then grabbed their daggers and went looking for something to eat. Shao Tai limped toward Xia En and said softly, "Xia En, let me help you!"
"Need not."
Xia En didn't even raise an eyebrow. He specialized in digging out the jackfruit meat bun and squeezing the core out of it. Shao Tai thought for a moment, squatted down, and said while holding out his hand, "It's okay, I... huh..."
A silver light flashed, and the dagger stopped just in front of Shao Tai's chin. Shao Tai was so scared that his eyes widened instantly, fear in his eyes, and he slowly retracted his hand before touching the jackfruit.
"I said, no need." The dagger moved away from Shao Tai's chin, and the previous action seemed unintentional. He continued to lower his head and dig out his fruit core.
Shao Tai bit his lips tightly, his face full of grievance. He stood up and staggered away. His foot was injured after traveling for the past two days.
"Xia En is such a pig! He was trying to help but still got scared. What a joke!"
"Xia En said from the beginning that he didn't need it, so who insisted on sticking to him all the way?"
"Hey, what's Xia En? Our Taitai is the son of the Shao family, the richest family in Tianjin. What's he so arrogant about? He just has a pretty face, but he acts like someone owes him eight million."
"That's right, so what if you're rich, so what if you're the boss, you deserve to have no friends."
"If you don't want to see his expression, don't come over. Do you think everyone is blind? Who doesn't know what Shao Tai is thinking?"
"Even if I could be the director of Qingshang Technology, I wouldn't want any friends."
Everyone in the live broadcast room was shouting that Xia Entropy was a bad boy. After Xia Entropy separated all the jackfruit cores, he found that his hands were covered in mucus and could almost be used as 502.
Xia Entang gently stuck his thumb and index finger together and pulled them apart, sticking and pulling, pulling out strips of white silk. He stared at it intently, not knowing whether he was lost in thought or just finding it amusing.
"It looks like fun, but how do I clean this thing?"
"Wipe your hands with oil before you dig so they don't get sticky."
"Amazing! I've learned a lot."
"People from rural areas would know better, but city dwellers probably don't. But we can't use oil carelessly under these conditions. Chu Huaiqin also dug it directly with his hands."
Shao Tai's fans were still scrolling, but whether it was because Xia Entropy had so few followers or something else, no one paid any attention to them anymore. Slowly, the discussion in the livestream shifted. A1's livestream also cut to a shot of the monk bailing and the girl fishing. The girl's feet had been washed and re-bandaged. She leaned against the bridge, one hand holding onto a bridge pillar, the other holding a wooden stick with a fishing line attached.
Lin Zhinan blushed when he saw Chu Huaiqin coming over, "Brother, I didn't catch anything."
"Maybe the stream below is too fast. It doesn't matter if you can't catch any fish." Chu Huaiqin had asked his sister to come fishing before, not expecting him to catch any fish. He had asked her to come fishing because he saw that she was in a low mood. It was mainly because of the little monk. "How is the water jib?"
“Those pots are full.”
The young monk pointed at the pots lined up not far away and spoke proudly. Chu Huaiqin looked over, surprised. The young monk was about to ask him what was wrong when he saw him walk straight past the pots, walk to a bush, squat down, and dig under it with his hands, digging out a lump of earth the size of his arm.
"Ah, it's cassava." The little monk also came over and reached out to dig. He found one after another. The two of them dug out seven or eight cassava in total from this place.
"We have dinner," Chu Huaiqin said with a smile, "but we still can't eat enough."
"I'm fine, I can eat." The little monk licked his lips. He was hungry.
"If you can eat it, you can only eat half of it." Chu Huaiqin did not give in at all.
The people in the live broadcast room were confused as to why the little monk was not allowed to eat.
"This thing is poisonous. Eating too much will cause poisoning. The ones we eat in supermarkets now are all processed, but the ones grown in the countryside are generally not processed. At most, they are dried in the sun for a few days before being eaten."
"Ah, then why do you still want to eat?"
"Because I'm hungry."
Some celebrity fans were amazed and said they didn't expect that they could learn so much by watching a variety show for their idols.
"Sister, let's go back." Chu Huaiqin pulled the person up to reel in the fishing line, and then carried two pots of water to the camp. The little monk followed behind happily with seven or eight cassavas in his arms, looking very silly.
hunt.
"Bang!"
Loud gunshots suddenly rang out, bringing with them an echo. Everyone in the camp stopped what they were doing and looked at each other.
"Is someone hunting?" Su Huaichen asked doubtfully.
"No, that's not the sound." Chu Huaiqin said.
"It's a toy gun," Xia En came over, his slime-covered hands rubbing against his pants, then suddenly remembered and put his hands behind his back, "It should be a modified toy gun."
As Xia En finished speaking, two more gunshots rang out, and then Director Huang's voice came from the drone: "Guo Wan, Zhao Le is out."
"Looks like they've caught up with Group A2." Chu Huaiqin listened intently. Two more gunshots rang out, and then the drone announced again, "Yang Ling, Lan Tianhua, out."
Everyone in Group A3 looked at each other in bewilderment, while Group A2 and the livestream were in an uproar. The only difference between Group A3 and Group A was the sound of gunfire. The audience watched helplessly as Group A2, resting, was shot down with a colorful rifle by a group of men in camouflage uniforms who suddenly appeared. Some people hotly criticized the director's lack of integrity; how could anyone have prepared for such a sudden appearance? Others were disappointed, saying, "With such reaction speed, they should just go back to being celebrities and stop playing survival games."
"I heard a rumor that the format for today's international competition has changed. I heard Director Anthony and Elena mentioned that they want something different this year."
"I find it a bit strange too. Where did the pursuit segment come from in previous years? But it's here this year. I'm sure the higher-ups are making some moves."
"If the competition system becomes more severe, will there still be a place for China?"
The live broadcast room was filled with worry. After hearing the echoing gunshots, Group A3 looked at each other, and looked around vigilantly, fearing that someone would suddenly appear.
"Huaiqin, why do you think the director added this plot?"
"To train the participants' running ability?" Last year, one of the venues for the international competition was the African savannah, where they were chased by lions from time to time. The Chinese participants had to give up in the end because they could not outrun the lions.
Su Huaichen obviously also thought of last year's race. He imagined himself running in front with an empty stomach and the lion chasing him from behind, and he felt a little nervous.
"Let's make some food first. If we wait a little longer, someone might actually show up." Chu Huaiqin felt there was no need to worry too much. "Feng Shan, you and An Shunan, go ten meters forward and be on guard."
"No problem." Feng Shan, who was peeling cassava, stood up and patted his butt. He called An Shunan, who was gnawing on raw jackfruit, and the two walked towards the only way to get here.
"Is it delicious?" Feng Shan asked as he saw An Shunan eating with relish.
"Try it," An Shunan handed Feng Shan a piece. Seeing his surprised look after he chewed it twice, he couldn't help but smile, "It tastes sweet, right!"
"Well, it's delicious. Give me two more pieces." Feng Shan thought that the white-looking flesh was inedible, but he didn't expect it to have flavor.
"Actually, April is the season for jackfruit. When I was in my hometown, we would pick the unripe jackfruit and put it in a pile of grass. After a week or half a month, it would become ripe." An Shunan ate it with relish.
The camera of A1's live broadcast room cut over when he was explaining the science. The people in the live broadcast room originally thought that this thing was not edible, but seeing Bingxiang eating it with relish, they unconsciously wanted to try it too. So soon, a high-search term appeared in the search bars of major shopping malls: unripe jackfruit.
Data Officer: ...
The A3 camp was spurred on by the A2 group, and everyone's movements quickened. Besides the rind, the cassava has a 2mm-thick white skin inside, which must be peeled to reduce the toxins. They didn't cook all the cassava they brought back, but only five. They cut one into two sections and put it in the water. After the water boiled, they changed the water and boiled it again, for a total of three rounds. For the final round, the cassava wasn't submerged in water, but steamed in a double boiler, with the lid half-covered to allow the air to escape.
After Chu Huaiqin explained the details of the steps to Lin Yongfu, the live broadcaster was stunned. Cassava can be detoxified in this way. He learned something.
"You're such a delicate person, you can't cook, right? Shouldn't the name Chu Huaiqin be removed?"
"I don't think so. Didn't you see him rushing on the road during the day? I'm really worried that he might collapse at any time."
"Haha, actually I think the name 'Squeamish' is pretty relatable."
After the cassava was put into the pot, the core of the jackfruit was also put into the water. This was simple, just boiled directly. It didn't take long for the cassava to be cooked first, and the aroma wafted out. Everyone swallowed their saliva unconsciously. Chu Huaiqin took out the knot and carefully broke it open. The inside was white and tender, and the smoke wafted out. It looked very appetizing and wanted to eat it.
The fruit core cooks very quickly. Just boil the water for a while and then boil it in boiling water for about five minutes.
“Rustle, rustle.”
A strange sound of running was heard, and those who were already a little alert stood up immediately, some grabbing sticks, some grabbing daggers. The little monk pulled his sister behind a big tree and hid her, leaving only his eyes exposed. Everyone's eyes were staring in the same direction, and they were a little at a loss for a moment.
"Huaiqin, what if it was them?" Su Huaichen asked what everyone was thinking.
Chu Huaiqin's eyes darkened, and the corners of his mouth smiled faintly: "Counterattack."
on site:……
Live broadcast room: ...
Chu Huaiqin was clearly smiling, so why did they feel a little cold?
“Crash!”
Two people covered in leaves and roots crawled out of the bushes. Everyone was about to shout "Charge!" and prepare to confront the "assassins" head-on, but unexpectedly, it was Bing Xiang and Jiang Yi Bo. They were holding a few papayas. Seeing Chu Huaiqin and the others, they hurried over and asked, "Did you hear the gunshot?"
The people in the camp breathed a sigh of relief, threw their sticks on the ground, sat down, and continued their previous work.
Bingxiang saw that no one cared and became anxious. "No, you guys..."
"I heard it," Chu Huaiqin squatted back in front of the stove and continued to add firewood to the stove. "Who do you think everyone was guarding against just now?"
After hearing this, Bingxiang remembered that something was wrong with everyone just now.
Bing Xiang and Jiang Boyi picked eight papayas. After cutting them, only three were ripe. Chu Huaiqin cut the raw ones and threw them into the pot with the jackfruit meat.
"What kind of dark cuisine is this?"
"Ah, is this really edible? Chu Huaiqin can't even cook, right? The fried fish he made before was fake, right? Call the little monk, everyone is going to get food poisoning."
"Brother, can you not cook it? It will cause harm if you eat it."
Chu Huaiqin’s fans also came out and flooded the screen with posts.
"Why do I remember some of Chu Huaiqin's fans saying he can cook?"
"I lied. I'm sorry."
Everyone in the live broadcast room: You admitted it so quickly.
"Breaking the lie, Chu Huaiqin really knows how to cook, five-star skills."
A barrage of comments with a black fist logo appeared. This was the logo of Chu Huaiqin's Black Support Group. Anyone who was a member of their Black Support Group would have to wear this logo when making comments about Chu Huaiqin in public.
"Haha, I see! The Black Aid Group. I was wondering why they were everywhere before, but they didn't show up this time. They're finally here. Late but they're here."
"I don't know why, but since there are black support groups fighting against counterfeiting, I actually think this pot of food is edible, hahahaha."
"Are Chu Huaiqin's fans real fans? They were actually exposed as fake by the black fan group."
“So there’s a saying that’s true: only your enemies know you best.”
Wild Survival Fans: What’s this all about?
Chu Huaiqin worked hard to prepare dinner and finally got the food out before dark. He called Bingxiang and An Shunan back. Everyone's first choice was cassava, after all, it was something you could eat at first glance.
The smell is right, and it is even more fragrant and soft when you put it in your mouth, and it is delicious.
"Try to dip it in some salt and oil. This will remove toxins and make it more fragrant." Chu Huaiqin put salt and oil on the lid of the pot, right in the middle.
The little monk tried it first. His eyes lit up at the first bite and he couldn't wait to take the second bite. When others saw it, they also tried it and found it delicious.
"I'm hungry. Is it really that delicious? I want to eat some too. I'll go see which online store still has cassava for sale."
"I can testify that the cassava coated with salt and oil is sticky and fragrant, with the unique aroma of peanut oil. It's really delicious."
"I want to eat it too. It's white and tender, and looks delicious."
Cassava was a popular dish, but there was so little of it. Those who had finished smacking their lips craved more, but they also knew Chu Huaiqin was right: their health was in danger at this time, so they had to be cautious. Ripe papaya was also delicious, but they were still hungry after finishing it. Everyone started peeling the core and eating it. It tasted a bit like cassava, with a more fragrant texture. But it was too annoying to eat, small, and had to be shelled. As they ate, they glanced at the three pots of white, yellow, and green stuff on the stove. But was it really edible?
Everyone looked at them questioningly, hesitant to act, but it was difficult to get them to give up eating. They had to climb mountains every day, and if they didn't fill their stomachs with that kind of exercise, they wouldn't be able to walk tomorrow.
"How about we cook the last bit of noodles?" Su Huaichen asked carefully. This noodles was the last 'life-saving' food and should not be touched easily.
"Don't you believe me?" Chu Huaiqin glanced at Su Huaichen. He was still eating cassava. Unlike others, his lips were not sticky at all, and his chewing movements were very light. He sat cross-legged on the ground, and if he put a sun behind his head, he would become a Buddha.
"How could this be?" Su Huaichen chuckled twice, stretched out his hand to take action, but hesitated to do so.
An Shunan was straightforward. After he finished eating the cassava, he took the bamboo bowl and scooped a spoonful directly. Instantly, everyone's eyes were on him. Seeing him lower his head and slurp a few mouthfuls of delicious food, everyone swallowed unconsciously and asked in unison, "Is it delicious?"
"It's delicious, but it lacks sugar." The bamboo bowl was small, and An Shunan finished it in a few bites. Still chewing, he reached out for more. This wasn't so easy. Bingxiang also reached out for more. Now that he was sure he could eat, he couldn't fall behind. There's a saying: If you're not active while eating, there's something wrong with your brain.
After a round of fighting over the soup spoon, everyone finally got their bowl. Feeling like they'd been tricked by An Shunan, they took a bite and were shocked. It wasn't that it was particularly delicious, but rather that it was surprisingly tasty. The jackfruit had a crisp, tender texture with a hint of sweetness, a texture Lin Zhinan quite liked, but they didn't. The papaya had been cooked like a half-cooked winter melon, firm and crunchy with a hint of sweetness. Lin Yongfu and the others preferred this.
Except for the first day, tonight is the day when everyone eats the most. After packing up and washing, everyone uses bamboo tubes to draw water. Lin Yongfu and Bingxiang think it is too slow, so they pick a banana leaf and roll it into a cylinder to draw water, and they name it: banana bucket.
"You will feel what it means to be beaten by nature." Chu Huaiqin watched the fun from the side.
Sure enough, the banana bucket was put into the water, and before it was lifted up, there was a splash. When it was lifted up, only the banana leaves were seen but no water. After trying several times, everyone had to use the old method, the bamboo tube.
Although they didn't have the means to bathe, they were eager to do so. After filling bamboo tubes and pots, they began to hang up the water, laughing and joking. His younger sister fetched some water, wiped herself, and went to sleep. Chu Huaiqin wove a simple hammock out of vines and lay down to watch the moon.
Flickering, far away. In the darkness, another pair of eyes was watching him.
The group of people didn't make any noise until almost ten o'clock before returning to the camp yawning. After everyone lay down and quieted down, in addition to the chirping of unknown insects, the sound of birds could be heard in their ears, which, combined with the sound of the stream flowing over the iron chain bridge, created a unique atmosphere.
"I can't sleep yet. Who wants to tell me a story?" A little monk stuck his head out from among the rows of tents and said to Chu Huaiqin, who was still sleeping in the hammock, "Brother, tell me a story!"
"Yes," Lin Yongfu also stuck his head out, "Brother Chu, tell me one!"
"I can't tell stories!" Chu Huaiqin truly couldn't. Ever since he was old enough to understand, his parents' relationship had been strained, and the atmosphere at home had always been tense. His mother, aside from crying, barely paid any attention to him. When he was ten, his mother divorced his father, and he moved abroad with her. Not long after, his mother unexpectedly became paralyzed. Chu Huaiqin's childhood wasn't exactly a happy one. No one had ever told him stories, and he had no idea what they were.
but……
"Tell me, tell me!" The little monk lay on the ground, supporting his chin with both hands, looking forward to it.
"Let me tell you a story!" Xia En came over and smiled, "Stop interrupting me!"
The few people who stuck their heads out looked at each other and shook their heads quickly. "How could I say you're disturbing me, with your fake smile on your face?"
Xia En crossed his arms across his chest, leaning against the tree next to Chu Huaiqin's hammock, and spoke slowly:
"Back in the 1980s, many people in rural areas had to rush to release water into their rice paddies in the middle of the night. Because the water in the reservoir was limited, people had to fight for it. That night, Chen Bo deliberately got up in the wee hours of the morning. He set out from home with his hoe, using the moonlight and no flashlight. He walked out of the village and along the ridges of the fields. He saw a man collecting firewood in the woods not far away. He raised his hand and asked, 'You're still collecting firewood so late?' The man said, 'Yes!'"
"After saying hello, Uncle Chen ignored the man. After reaching the fields and draining the water, he returned by the place where he had met the man on his way here. He found that no one was there, and even the grove had disappeared. Only then did he remember that no one would collect firewood in the middle of the night. Besides, there used to be a pond here!"
“Crash!”
"ah!"
The sound of the stream and the little monk's scream rang out simultaneously, and the others' throats moved, and a chill ran down their spines. They retreated back into the tent and went to sleep.
After Xia En finished telling the story, he turned and left.
Chu Huaiqin was lying on the hammock, swinging back and forth, deep in thought. He had once told this story to a little kid. Was it a coincidence?
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