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TNAB Chapter 15

Mint leaves rooting

“I’m so envious,” Wei Li said, holding a spoon and pointing to a researcher on the screen. She turned to Zhao Linong, who was standing next to the bed, and asked, “Do you know who he is?”

Zhao Linong followed her finger to the screen. The man was wearing a white coat and had a gentle smile. He looked to be in his early thirties and was standing next to Luo Fanxue, the two appeared to be deep in conversation.

“…Yan Shengbian?”

Wei Li looked at Zhao Linong in surprise. “Junior sister, you know him too?”

Zhao Linong shook her head. “Just a guess. The news mentioned two researchers’ names.”

In the video, Luo Fanxue and the man were the focus of attention, and since the news had mentioned his name, it was easy to figure out who he was.

“Junior sister, you’re smart,” Wei Li praised before returning to the screen. “Yan Shengbian is 48 this year, but he looks so young. Don’t be fooled by his gentle appearance, though—he’s very powerful!”

Zhao Linong, unfamiliar with the researchers at the central base, listened quietly.

“He’s known as the ‘nightmare of the alien plants’! Did you know the bullets in the Guardians’ guns are his creation?” Wei Li said excitedly, slapping her thigh. Suddenly, there was a “crack.” She froze, grabbing Zhao Linong’s hand in panic. “Junior sister, did I break my leg again?”

Zhao Linong looked down and reassured her, “No, it’s just the plaster cracking.”

The cast on Wei Li’s leg had yet to be removed.

Seeing the plaster fragment on the bed, Wei Li sighed in relief. “Where was I?”

Zhao Linong repeated, “The bullet in the gun is from him…”

“Right! The bullet is his invention,” Wei Li continued.

“But isn’t Yan Shengbian an agronomy researcher?” Zhao Linong asked.

“He is, but more specifically, he developed the special ammunition,” Wei Li said, waving her spoon. “When the plants mutated, soldiers used their bodies to shield people from the alien plants, but it wasn’t effective. Those alien plants above level C grew too fast and were too aggressive. Then Yan Shengbian developed special ammo that could kill them, allowing humans to build the central base. Since then, they’ve expanded to ten bases.”

Zhao Linong glanced at the screen again, but the news had already switched back to the host.

“Luo Fanxue’s joint research with Yan Shengbian must be a big deal. If they succeed, she might become the next Yan Shengbian,” Wei Li said confidently.

Before, on the road outside the base, Zhao Linong had seen Guardians using those guns. After being hit, the alien plants withered almost instantly.

At the time, Zhao Linong was too close to see the full process, but the researcher who developed that ammunition was truly impressive.

“Did you fart?”

As they were talking, a middle-aged doctor walked in, spotting the bowl of porridge in front of Wei Li. He asked seriously, “I told you to only eat after you pass gas, right? What are you thinking?”

Wei Li stammered, “No, I haven’t eaten yet.”

The doctor frowned. “You come to the hospital every few days. It’s your fault!”

Wei Li looked down at the tempting porridge, tightly gripping her spoon, and muttered, “I haven’t even touched it yet.”

Seeing this, Zhao Linong quietly put the porridge on the bedside table. “Senior sister, wait until you’re better.”

The doctor glared at Wei Li. “I’ll have the rest of your cast removed. Get out of the hospital as soon as possible—you spend half your time here!”

Wei Li didn’t respond, feeling as though the doctor was accusing her of enjoying the hospital.

“Junior sister, go ahead and leave. I’ll treat you to dinner when I’m better,” Wei Li told Zhao Linong.

Zhao Linong nodded and left.

As soon as she left, the doctor sat on the bed, snatched the spoon from Wei Li’s hand, and picked up the porridge. As he started eating, he asked, “Who’s the new student?”

“Shan Shengchen! That’s my porridge!” Wei Li tried to take it back, but the movement hurt her abdomen, forcing her to lie down again.

“It’ll taste bad if it gets cold. I’ll buy you more when you get better. I haven’t eaten all day,” the doctor said, taking a big gulp of the porridge. “So, who’s the new student?”

“A freshman from Class C of Agronomy,” Wei Li said, lying down helplessly. “Second uncle, I’m hungry too!”

Shan Shengchen quickly finished the porridge and then grabbed an apple from the bedside table. “How did you meet a freshman from Class C?”

“She wanted to buy some chicken manure, and my leg was broken. I asked her to help with a few things,” Wei Li replied lazily.

Shan Shengchen turned and looked her in the eye. “Yan Jingshui from Class A of Agronomy is someone you should get to know.”

“Yan Shengbian’s daughter?!” Wei Li’s eyes lit up with excitement. “What’s she doing at the Ninth Agronomy Base? Where’s Yan Liushen?”

Wei Li hadn’t told Zhao Linong that Yan Shengbian had twins.

“You always want to be in the middle of things,” Shan Shengchen sighed. His niece loved being nosy, but it often got her into trouble.

“But you just told me to get to know her!” Wei Li said, feeling wronged.

“Yan Shengbian never does anything pointless. If his daughter is here, there’s a reason. You should get close to her,” Shan Shengchen advised. “With her knowledge, she could easily get a job as a planting officer at another base. I suspect it’s related to the mutated plants.”

Wei Li stared at the ceiling. “Second uncle, do you think I can find that out?”

Shan Shengchen paused, holding the apple, almost biting his tongue. He then put it down, thought for a moment, and sincerely apologized to Wei Li, “I’m sorry, I overestimated you.”

In the past few days, the tomatoes in the field had started to bloom one after another.

Zhao Linong stood on the ridge, checking the upcoming weather. The climate at the Ninth Agricultural Base was similar to the East China region of her world, with plenty of rain from late May to June.

This was precisely when the tomatoes were fruiting; waterlogging could easily make them sick.

“My tomatoes are blooming too!” He Yuesheng bent down to inspect the plants and suddenly shouted.

“They’ll bloom in large numbers soon.” Zhao Linong glanced at the tomato plants. “It’s going to rain heavily the day after tomorrow, so we need to prepare. If the pollen gets washed away, pollination won’t happen, and we won’t get fruit.”

“Really?” He Yuesheng stood up, scratching his head. “When did the teacher say that?”

Without moving, Zhao Linong calmly replied, “Teacher Kang put a tomato growth record in the second class. There were notes under the photos. Didn’t you notice?”

The small notes under the photos were often overlooked, and He Yuesheng hadn’t read them.

He tried to recall but eventually gave up. “I must’ve been chatting with someone else at the time.”

Zhao Linong, unfazed, simply said, “Pay more attention in class next time.”

After staying in the field for a while, they took the car back to the city.

When Zhao Linong returned to the dormitory, she noticed that Tong Tong wasn’t there. According to her usual routine, she should have been back by now.

 

After waiting for another hour, Zhao Linong couldn’t help but send a message to Tong Tong, asking why she hadn’t returned yet.

Tong Tong replied quickly: [I’ll be back soon!]

Zhao Linong sat back in her chair, relieved. As long as she was okay, that was what mattered. About half an hour later, the dormitory door creaked open, and Tong Tong finally walked in, drenched in sweat and holding a bright orange rose in her hand.

Zhao Linong stood up instinctively. “This is…”

Tong Tong smiled, dimples forming on her cheeks, and handed the flower to her. “The first flower to bloom this month. It’s for you.”

Zhao Linong had seen countless flowers, raised them, and received all kinds of gifts, yet none had made her feel as conflicted as this one. Maybe this flower was too special, too precious.

She glanced at Tong Tong’s flushed, sweaty face, and handed her a tissue. “Why did you walk back from Ting?”

Tong Tong awkwardly wiped her face, explaining, “I thought I could take the cut Ting roses on the bus, but the driver wouldn’t allow it.”

“You walked back?” Zhao Linong asked, concern slipping into her voice.

Tong Tong waved her hand dismissively. “I caught a ride with a classmate at first, but she had to turn back, so I walked a little.”

It wasn’t particularly hot in May, but judging by how much she was sweating, it was clear she had walked much more than just “a little.”

Instead of probing further, Zhao Linong asked, “Will you be able to take it into the city?”

Tong Tong nodded. “Yes, after inspection.”

Zhao Linong looked down at the vibrant orange rose in her hand, appreciating its beauty before meeting Tong Tong’s gaze with sincerity. “Thank you. It’s lovely.”

“I think so too,” Tong Tong said, her face lighting up. “It’s so beautiful. Smell it! There’s a faint fragrance, like tung.”

Even though Zhao Linong already knew what a tung flower smelled like, she leaned in to inhale its delicate scent, as if experiencing it for the first time. A small smile tugged at the corner of her lips. “It smells wonderful.”

That night, Zhao Linong made a rare trip to the base’s supermarket. She bought a small vase, placed the rose in it, and set it by her window. Since arriving at the base, she had only spent her points on necessities, so this was the first time she had spent on something “useless”—yet she felt it was worth every bit.

In the evening, Zhao Linong went to the base supermarket specifically, bought a small vase, and placed the flowers in it. Since her arrival here, every point of her resources had been carefully spent on necessities. This was the first time she had spent “useless money,” but she didn’t mind. For this flower, it felt worth it.

Before going to bed, Tong Tong, chatting casually, said, “Linong, my Teng Caihong isn’t doing so well. It hasn’t sprouted yet.”

Zhao Linong, who had already begun settling into bed, replied thoughtfully, “Keep an eye on the Central Base Network. Maybe someone will put Teng Caihong seeds up for sale. I’ll help you watch for it, too.”

“Okay,” Tong Tong replied, sounding a little more hopeful.

The next day at lunch, when they went to the cafeteria, He Yuesheng heard that Tong Tong had given Zhao Linong a flower and immediately said in a teasing, slightly jealous tone, “Why don’t I get one?”

Tong Tong, caught off guard, quickly tried to explain. “We agreed that the first flower would go to Linong.”

“If Yuesheng wants it, I…” Tong Tong began but was swiftly interrupted by Zhao Linong.

“If you want one, you can look at the photos,” Linong said, pulling out her light brain and showing He Yuesheng the picture she took of the flower.

He Yuesheng stared at her in confusion. “What?”

“A flower like that can sell for a lot of points. Don’t even think about it,” Linong stated coolly.

He Yuesheng sighed, disappointment all over his face as he shook his head. “I didn’t expect you to be this shrewd.”

Tong Tong, sensing the tension, tried to smooth things over. “It’s okay! I’ll give Yuesheng one when the next flower blooms.”

He Yuesheng, already feeling better, raised his eyebrows and said proudly to Linong, “Next time, I’ll grow some tomatoes and give them to you to eat.”

Linong was about to reply when her light brain buzzed with a new message.

Mold Gas Tank: [Schoolmate, I’m discharged! Come to the first canteen for lunch!]

AAA Farming Xiao Zhao: [Schoolmate, I’m already in the second canteen for lunch.]

Mold Gas Tank: [Ah? Then… are you free tonight? Come celebrate my discharge with me—my limbs are all intact!]

After thinking for a moment, Zhao Linong agreed. [Okay.]

As she turned off her light brain, He Yuesheng, ever curious, asked, “Who are you chatting with?”

“A senior invited me to dinner,” she replied simply.

“Where are you going to eat?” he probed further.

“No. 1 Canteen,” Linong answered.

He Yuesheng raised a thumb in admiration. “Fancy!”

The No. 1 Canteen, after all, wasn’t a place most people could afford to eat at regularly.

That evening, Zhao Linong arrived at the No. 1 Canteen for the second time in her life. Wei Li, waiting outside, practically bounced with energy when she saw Linong approach.

Jumping twice on purpose, Wei Li greeted her cheerfully. “It feels so good to have both feet on the ground again!”

Zhou Linong simply smiled. It’s better not to get injured again, she thought.

“Let’s go! Order whatever you like today—I’m treating you!” Wei Li declared enthusiastically, her generous spirit on full display.

True to her nature, Linong ordered modestly. Wei Li noticed and, not one to hold back took extra fruit and placed it on Linong’s plate. “Don’t hold back—I’ve got loads of points! My mom sent me some extra yesterday!”

Linong smiled faintly but didn’t say much. They sat at an empty table, where Wei Li filled the space with her usual chatter.

As they ate, Linong’s attention drifted toward the other diners at the No. 1 Canteen. The people here, mostly wealthy agricultural students and teachers from the Ninth Agricultural Base, appeared far more relaxed than the students from the second canteen. They laughed more and seemed carefree.

Her gaze eventually settled on a boy seated behind Wei Li. He was sipping from a glass thermos teacup, which contained mint leaves. Something about it was off, though. Linong frowned. The mint leaves… they’ve taken root.

“What are you looking at?” Wei Li asked, noticing Linong’s distraction.

Caught off guard, Linong shook her head and quickly replied, “Nothing, just… something.”

Wei Li, naturally curious, turned around to look, unknowingly setting off what might become trouble.

In the evening, Zhao Linong made a special trip to the base supermarket and bought a small vase, placing the bright orange rose delicately inside. Since arriving at the base, she had been meticulous with her points, using them only on essential items. But this was the first time she had spent her points on something seemingly “unnecessary”—and yet, she didn’t regret it at all. It felt worth it.

Before bed, Tong Tong approached Zhao Linong, sharing her concerns, “Linong, Teng Caihong doesn’t seem to be doing well. It hasn’t sprouted yet.”

Zhao Linong replied calmly, “Keep an eye on the Central Base Network. There might be Teng Caihong seeds available for sale soon. I’ll keep an eye out for you as well.”

“Thanks, that would be great,” Tong Tong said, her voice a little more hopeful.

The next day, during lunch at the cafeteria, He Yuesheng heard about the flower Tong Tong had given to Zhao Linong and couldn’t help but tease, “Why didn’t I get one?”

Tong Tong hurried to explain, “We agreed that the first flower would be given to Linong.”

Before she could offer anything more, Zhao Linong cut in, her tone firm but lighthearted, “If you want it, you can just look at the photos.”

She pulled up the images on her light brain, showing He Yuesheng the vibrant photos she had taken of the rose.

He Yuesheng blinked in confusion. “Uh, what?”

“A flower like this is worth a lot of points. Don’t even think about getting one for free,” Zhao Linong remarked coolly.

Disappointed, He Yuesheng shook his head and sighed. “I didn’t expect you to be so… shrewd.”

Feeling the tension rise, Tong Tong quickly tried to ease the situation. “It’s okay! I’ll give you the next flower that blooms, Yuesheng.”

Grinning in triumph, He Yuesheng shot a playful look at Zhao Linong and said to Tong Tong, “Next time, I’ll grow tomatoes and give you some to eat.”

Before Zhao Linong could respond, her light brain buzzed with a new message.

Mold Gas Tank: [Schoolmate, I’m discharged! Come to the first canteen for lunch!]

AAA Farming Xiao Zhao: [Schoolmate, I’m already at the second canteen.]

Mold Gas Tank: [Oh? Then… are you free tonight? Come celebrate my discharge—all limbs intact!]

After a moment’s thought, Zhao Linong replied. [Okay.]

As she turned off the light brain, He Yuesheng asked curiously, “Who are you chatting with?”

“A senior sister invited me to dinner,” Zhao Linong replied casually.

“Where are you going to eat?” He Yuesheng pressed.

“The No. 1 Canteen.”

He Yuesheng gave her an impressed nod. “Wow, fancy! The No. 1 Canteen, huh?”

The No. 1 Canteen, after all, wasn’t a place most people could afford to eat.

He Yuesheng gave a sincere thumbs up. “How generous!” he exclaimed, fully aware of how expensive the No. 1 Canteen was, especially compared to the other dining options on base.

It was Zhao Linong’s second time visiting the No. 1 Canteen, so the place felt somewhat familiar. When she arrived in the evening, she saw Wei Li waiting at the entrance. The moment Wei Li spotted her, she hopped twice on purpose, a playful grin on her face.

“It feels so good to have both feet on the ground again,” Wei Li said, sighing with relief.

Zhao Linong smiled, though she couldn’t help but think silently, *Better not to be unlucky again.*

“Come on, I’ll treat you to a feast,” Wei Li said as she tapped her light computer. “Order whatever you want today.”

Although the invitation was generous, Zhao Linong ordered conservatively. Noticing this, Wei Li grabbed some extra fruit and added it to Zhao Linong’s plate. “Don’t hold back! I’ve got plenty of points,” Wei Li assured her. “Even though treating my injury cost me a lot, my mom gave me more money yesterday.”

Zhao Linong listened quietly, choosing not to comment further.

They found an empty table and sat down to eat, with Wei Li doing most of the talking as usual. While Wei Li chatted, Zhao Linong glanced around the canteen. The atmosphere here was notably more relaxed compared to the second canteen. Some of the diners were teachers from the ninth agricultural base, while others were students—wealthier ones, judging by their demeanor. They seemed carefree, smiling as they enjoyed their meals.

A particular boy sitting behind Wei Li caught her attention. He was holding a glass thermos, with mint leaves floating inside. The scene was ordinary, but something about the mint leaves bothered Zhao Linong. Upon closer inspection, she noticed something odd—the mint leaves in the thermos had started to take root.

She frowned, staring at the thermos.

“What are you looking at?” Wei Li asked when she noticed the lack of response.

Zhao Linong quickly retracted her gaze. “Nothing, just…”

Curious as ever, Wei Li turned around to see what had caught Zhao Linong’s attention. Unfortunately, that glance triggered more trouble than either of them could have anticipated.

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