It has always been cats catching rats, but this was the first time they saw a rat cunningly steal a cat. Although this cat was an owl, its nature was quite similar, after all, owls also eat rats.
The cute owl, after transforming, was only the size of a fist. Its former majestic and domineering appearance was completely gone. It became short and stubby like a cylinder, looking even more adorable. Otherwise, it wouldn’t have been tucked into a sock and carried away.”
The little gray rat carried a sock, with only the owl’s dumbfounded head peeking out from the sock. It seemed entirely comfortable with its situation. Only when the two figures disappeared did everyone’s attention return.
Shu Shuishui sighed, “Finally, the child has become a big rat.”
Everyone else was puzzled. What’s with this person’s expression of paternal satisfaction? And what does it have to do with a big rat?
Although they were curious, they had just met, so the people from Jiang Dianzhai didn’t inquire further. As for the Shui Jing Gong group, they had long become accustomed to Shu Shuishui’s leaps of thought, so not keeping up was considered normal.
The process of Jiang Dianzhai joining the Cangyu Mountains progressed faster than expected because both sides were actively promoting it. Jiang Dianzhai quickly organized an exploration team to enter the Cangyu Mountains in search of suitable habitat, and they got along well with the gray rats. Of course, the giant owl always followed above their heads.
As they spent more time together, the worldview of Jiang Dianzhai’s people slowly shattered and rebuilt. For example, life on Cang Zhan Star was no longer the same monotonous routine day after day; it had become somewhat different. In comparison to many others, life in a large base like Jiang Dianzhai was already quite good, with at least a lower mortality rate.
But living comfortably wasn’t that easy, especially in days without hope and purpose. Life was just about getting through one day after another. However, now, they seemed to see a different kind of life, a different way of living.
On this desolate Cang Zhan Star, they could live so comfortably, with that perfect balance of comfort. Not lazy, not impatient, progressing steadily, with brightness and hope ahead, making each day seem meaningful.
After learning about the micro-farms, the people from Jiang Dianzhai were even more excited, hoping to settle down soon, plant trees everywhere, accumulate planting points and obtain their own micro-farms.
The unexpected harmony of this major force meant there were no conflicts between them. Although they were not familiar with each other, it didn’t hinder their interaction and goodwill. After all, everyone knew that to survive in the Northern Hemisphere, they needed to unite.
This patient, non-hurried mode of communication through the Cangyu Mountains and the mutant gray rats was greatly appreciated by both sides. Unbeknownst to them, the Gray Rats Company had added another responsibility: gray rats diplomacy. Every day, gray rats carrying small flags moved back and forth between various bases. Some delivered messages, some transported items, and others simply served as guides or answered questions.
As the reputation of the Gray Rats Company grew louder, the daily earnings of the gray rats became quite substantial. Although the salary for each gray rat wasn’t high, the cumulative income for each of them was quite handsome.
This also meant that as a gray rat’s partner, Gu Langu was becoming wealthier by the day. Gu Langu’s mood visibly improved, exuding an aura of contentment every day, which at times made the people of Jiang Dianzhai question the authenticity of Gu Langu’s identity.
The Shui Jing Gong group, on the other hand, was used to such peculiarities and didn’t find it surprising. Needless to say, it had something to do with Shu Shuishui. But what exactly? That remained unclear at the moment. Of course, the major concern at the Shui Jing Gong, both above and below, was the ongoing migration.
The Shui Jing Gong found a suitable place to settle in the Cangyu Mountains. This residential area was discovered by combining several Feng Shui auspicious locations given by Shu Shuishui and the guidance provided by the gray rats. It was located deep within the mountains, with no established paths around, maintaining its pristine condition. However, the terrain was surprisingly gentle. After cresting the mountain peaks, one could look down and see this valley, or perhaps it could be called a basin.
It seemed like a colossal meteorite had once crashed here, creating a depression on the gently rising mountain range. Over time, erosion and weathering had transformed it into a natural basin. Lush greenery adorned the surroundings, with no dense tall trees, providing excellent sunlight and fertile soil.
As for the speculated meteorite, it didn’t exist. The origin of this basin, large enough to build a city, lacked specific evidence. It could only be said that the wonders of nature far exceeded human comprehension.
After a series of tests, it was confirmed that this basin would be the new residential area. Naturally, the Shui Jing Gong had to prioritize the migration. During this period, two smaller bases also found suitable living areas, although not very large, they were chosen for their suitability.
Near the docks, the number of people left behind dwindled. In these days, hardly any bases had come up empty-handed. Considering the vastness of the Cangyu Mountains, there were still plenty of suitable areas to live in; finding one depended on luck.
Before long, the Shui Jing Gong began its migration. Many bases sent people to assist. After all, the space in the fold was limited, and most supplies needed to be transported. Teams of people worked diligently, like rows of ants, to get the job done.
Shu Shuishui also carried his mini-ranch, eager to find a good spot for himself. Gu Langu followed alongside, holding Shu Shuishui’s micro-farm. Because a batch of grasshoppers was about to be ready for harvest in the coming days, Shu Shuishui paid extra attention to his ranch.
There were already some people who had explored the basin in advance, with a few tents pitched there, looking like stunted mushrooms from a distance.
This was where the role of the gray rats became prominent. They found the best paths and ensured the safe transportation of goods without any collisions, and with their speed, efficiency, and affordable prices, they received nothing less than five-star reviews.
After arranging the supplies in the basin, people began to disperse. Their journey was not only about delivering goods and building goodwill but also about confirming the location of the Shui Jing Gong. After all, their future life would inevitably involve coordination with the Shui Jing Gong
On the first day of their arrival, people celebrated a little. It was a rare gathering for the Shui Jing Gong, and even two mad scientists put aside their experiments.
Just when everyone thought the day’s atmosphere would end like this, an unexpected event occurred.
Well, it wasn’t entirely unexpected; it started with a loud sneeze from Shu Shuishui. Subconsciously, everyone looked over, only to see something flying into Gu Langu’s plate due to inertia.
Upon closer inspection, it was a small, colorful bundle, looking fuzzy. It seemed puzzled by the sudden change in environment and then suddenly noticed the many staring eyes. The fuzzy little creature quickly glanced around and, in the end, made a decisive move, swiftly diving between two slices of bread to become the filling.
Gu Langu, who rarely used cutlery, held a knife and fork, and fixed his gaze on his sandwich, furrowing his brow as if he suspected that the sandwich had suddenly been infested by insects.
The tiny creature brought into view by Shu Shuishui’s sneeze had captured everyone’s attention. Shu Shuishui also felt the lightweight missing from his head, but that wasn’t the most important thing. In his mind, there was only one thought: he had been exposed! After perfect concealment for so many days, it turned out that a single sneeze had shaken the little hummingbird off his head!
The hummingbird was probably asleep before, so it was completely unprepared. Now, in a hurry, it had to dive into the sandwich out of necessity. It was meticulously arranging its feathers one by one to prevent them from being exposed and noticed.
As Gu Langu’s curious knife was about to poke into it, Shu Shuishui rushed over and pointed at the sandwich, saying, “Gu Gu, it was the one who seduced me first! Believe me. I’ve only ever raised Gu Gu from the beginning to the end! As for Cui Cui, it’s just because it’s still too small. When it grows up, I’ll make a down jacket for Gu Gu!”
Everyone else was left speechless. Why did that sound so awkward? They all looked like they had something to hide. But really, it’s just a hummingbird; could it really make Gu Langu jealous?
Gu Langu hesitated for a moment but then gently lifted the sandwich with his knife. To everyone’s surprise, they found the little hummingbird hiding inside and sneakily nibbling on the sandwich. When the light shone in, the hummingbird chirped twice and quickly moved to a different spot, tucking itself closer to the edge, tucking its tail in between the sandwich layers.
And so, the first meal after their arrival passed amid everyone’s trepidation. After all, Gu Langu’s expression had been less than favorable throughout. People couldn’t help but feel sympathy for the little hummingbird, thinking that it probably wouldn’t survive to see next year.