I Am Cultivating in the Apocalypse-Chapter 858 - 948: Jing Shu’s Missing Family

At this moment, in the Jing Family villa in the South Sea.

Grandma Jing brought out a plate of nang wrapped meat from the kitchen and placed it on the dining table, which already had seven or eight dishes prepared. Today was a family gathering, with Third Aunt and Youai coming over, so she simply put together a table full of dishes. After setting down the dish, Grandma Jing anxiously called out towards the inner room, "Old man, has the girl replied yet?"

In the room, Mr. Jing was also frowning, clutching his phone and repeatedly refreshing something. Shaking his head, he replied, "No... I told you, it’s just poor signal. Think about it, it’s been so many days, she must have crossed the border. In this kind of environment, you think everywhere is like our country, trying to restore this and rebuild that. Don’t worry, the girl will be fine!"

Despite his words, his hands kept swiping through his phone messages, and although his movements were somewhat clumsy, the old man’s anxiety was evident.

Not long after, Mr. Jing, Mrs. Jing, and Third Aunt Youai arrived. Grandma Jing just finished bringing the last pot of coconut chicken soup to the table, "Have some soup first, have some soup. This is Wenchang Chicken stewed with coconut water. It’s a local delicacy here, first time making it, give it a taste."

Mr. Jing used a big spoon to serve soup to Mr. Jing, while examining the ingredients scooped up, "Wow, Mom, we have chicken that’s not fresh at home, and there’s coconut water, but are these fresh green kumquats local? They’re not easy to find."

Mr. Jing accepted the bowl of soup with pride, saying, "Hehe~ you all have been busy, no time to check out what I’ve planted in the backyard’s backyard, that new patch I fixed up! Not just kumquats, I’ve planted jackfruit, mangoes, dragon eyes, and all sorts of things! I even planted Thai lemongrass, when it’s grown, let your mom make lemongrass shrimp for you!"

Mr. Jing was a bit surprised, "Wow, I really haven’t checked it out. But, dad, where did you get these seedlings?"

Mr. Jing, while sipping soup, proudly held up one finger, "Traded for a pack of cigarettes, one pack with 20 sticks, I traded for 20 seedlings. Your mom says it’s the best pack of cigarettes I’ve ever smoked in my life~ hehe"

Talking about trading cigarettes for goods, others might weigh the options, but the Jing Family is now engaged in such trades. As apocalypse order stabilizes and countries focus on restoration, more people’s demands beyond basic needs are increasing, and cigarettes have become a hard currency.

"Oh... that’s right, a pack of cigarettes, that’s nothing for our family." After saying this, Mr. Jing turned to Third Aunt Jinglai, as if remembering something, and said, "By the way, speaking of cigarettes, Jinglai, last time you mentioned wanting chili peppers, I first asked around Sichuan and Yungui, planning to trade tobacco, but unfortunately, peppers there either can’t be produced or lack spiciness. Later on, I figured, chili should be sought in Ganpo! And sure enough, got a response this morning, they’re now producing really spicy ones, I’ve ordered 30 tons to try, if suitable, it’s a good business line. I calculated, these 30 tons of chili, with freight and labor, if using our cigarettes for exchange, it would cost just one pack."

Third Aunt nodded constantly, "Yes! So many people migrated over here, everyone can eat now, and they start to demand this and that, lots of chili lovers too, with the seaside humidity, and no sun. The demand for chili is growing, and bringing it at this price, selling it triple here will be no trouble. If this batch of chili from Ganpo is suitable, we could have another source of income. Hey, brother, how much for this pack of cigarettes, I must pay you!"

Mr. Jing waved his hand, "Oh... though it’s your sister-in-law who manages the money, would she let you pay for this? Let’s talk about it after it’s finalized! Right, honey?"

After his generous remark, Mr. Jing quickly turned to Mrs. Jing with a flattering look.

At the dinner table, Mrs. Jing, who hadn’t spoken a word, finally opened her mouth. Everyone then noticed that Mrs. Jing had her brows knitted all along, "Ugh... money isn’t the issue. Since yesterday I’ve been messaging Jing Shu, and she hasn’t replied. I know, maybe it’s bad signal abroad, or there could be various objective reasons... but I just can’t help..." as she spoke, Mrs. Jing instinctively clutched her chest.

After Mrs. Jing’s words, the entire family fell silent, realizing each one couldn’t reach Jing Shu. Though only two days had passed, these two days felt incredibly long.

Mr. Jing quickly embraced Mrs. Jing’s arm, comforting her while saying, "It’ll be alright, our Jing Shu isn’t going abroad on behalf of the country for the first time, having weathered so many storms, she’s always come back safe and sound. Plus, I hear this time the nation has gathered top experts from across the country to go, there won’t be any danger. I’ll inquire shortly, see what’s going on, let’s eat, let’s eat, don’t worry too much, our Jing Shu will be fine."

Even though Mr. Jing, usually not very articulate, also felt a bit worried for his daughter, now he could only quickly change the topic to prevent the family from falling into anxiety.

"By the way, have you all heard? Our country’s previously planned ’Breaking Dawn’ project is set to be implemented next month! Dozens of satellites have been deployed, slowly absorbing and eliminating the haze in the atmosphere, and soon enough, sunlight will gradually return!"

Jinglai chimed in, "I’ve heard, I’ve heard, but what’s vexing is Old Mi suddenly jumping in saying our country’s action will threaten their national security! They’re planning to use their satellites to stop our Breaking Dawn operation, such a global troublemaker! Made me so mad, planning to take over their former consulate here and turn it into a pigsty!"

"Good! That’s a good idea!"

Only Wu You’ai, quietly finished her meal and stayed on the adjacent sofa. Absent-mindedly browsing her phone. She had also seen the news about the country’s fleet sent to the Middle East temporarily losing contact, and even messaged Jing Shu, but got no response.

Leaving the conversation with Jing Shu on WeChat, the last message from Jing Shu was during a nighttime chat with Wu You’ai, where Jing Shu wrote:

"Everything here is fine, don’t worry. If it so happens that I really can’t return this time, I should just be somewhere else. Though the resources left at home are limited, I’m glad our family over the years has developed the courage and ability to survive stubbornly. Believe that clouds will part, skies will open, and the sun will surely rise again!"

Wu You’ai tightly gripped the phone; it won’t happen, she will definitely be alright! Anyone else might get into trouble, but not her! She must come back safe!