The apocalypse struck, and I became a druid.

Page 71

Not to mention, you can also improve your proficiency in [Nature's Blessing] and [Rapid Growth] at the same time, killing two birds with one stone.

"Alright, Professor Ye, Professor Su, let's call it a day for today."

Han Ning clapped his hands, a smile appearing on his face.

"We've been busy for so long, we should take a break. Xu Ming should be rested enough too. I'll go call him over, we'll have something nice to eat tonight!"

Upon hearing this, Professor Ye and Su Mingke both stopped what they were doing and looked at Han Ning with some surprise.

Han Ning's current expression is completely different from his calm and cold demeanor at the Agricultural and Forestry University earlier.

"Take a rest." Han Ning handed them two bottles of water, then went out to find Xu Ming.

A short while later, Xu Ming came out with his daughter Xu Yinyin in his hand.

After a few hours of sleep, he felt much better, though he was still a little sleepy.

"Boss, what can I do for you?" Xu Ming thought Han Ning had some new work to assign him.

"Nothing much to tell you, we're having a get-together tonight, hot pot!" Han Ning said with a smile. "You're a good cook, so show off your skills today and cook a few dishes."

"Hot pot?!" Xu Ming's eyes lit up.

Han Ning waved his hand and said, "Go and prepare quickly. The meat, vegetables, and base ingredients are all in my storage room. Take whatever you need."

"Alright!" Seeing that the boss had spoken, Xu Ming stopped hesitating and immediately went into the storage room next door to start searching.

After waiting for a while, Han Ning saw Xu Ming looking stingy and reluctant to part with this or that.

I decisively took out several packets of hot pot base, dehydrated vegetable packs, several cans of luncheon meat, and vacuum-packed meat.

Soon, a space was cleared out in the center of the living room.

Han Ning brought over an electric portable power bank, luxuriously plugged it into a power strip, and used an induction cooker to boil water.

The red oil from the beef tallow hot pot broth melted in the pot, and its rich aroma instantly filled the entire room.

On the table were several bags of frozen meatballs (whether they were spoiled or not), several packets of vermicelli, and several plates of sliced ​​vacuum-packed cured meat, beef, and ready-to-eat chicken.

Han Ning also took the time to call Yu Na over.

He had originally named her Lin Qianqian, but Lin Qianqian was very career-oriented and was currently in a meeting with other awakened individuals to discuss future development matters.

Yu Na didn't come empty-handed; she brought a bag of dried black fungus and a few eggs.

Although the ingredients were simple, it was a rare feast in the apocalypse.

In addition, Xu Ming also cooked a few side dishes.

Stir-fried shredded potatoes with vinegar, stir-fried pork with wood ear mushrooms, braised beef with potato chunks...

The red broth in the pot was bubbling and steaming.

Han Ning, Xu Ming, Professor Ye, Su Mingke, Yu Na, and little Xu Yinyin sat around the stove.

Han Ning opened a beer and poured a glass for everyone, thoughtfully giving Xu Yinyin a Fanta.

"Come on, everyone, you've all worked hard." Han Ning raised his glass.

"To survive, and also so that... we can eat hot pot often in the future, cheers!"

"Cheers!" Xu Ming was the first to respond, taking a big gulp.

"Thank you, Mr. Han Ning." Professor Ye smiled, raised his glass, and took a small sip.

Su Mingke looked at the steaming hot pot and wine glasses in front of her, then at Han Ning's sincere smile. After hesitating for a moment, she finally picked up her glass, gently clinked it against Han Ning's, and whispered:

"Thank you."

After a few drinks and a bite of hot pot cured meat, I felt completely comfortable.

The atmosphere at the dinner table became lively.

Xu Ming began to recount the interesting and thrilling stories he had encountered when he was a sailor, which made everyone laugh and sigh at times.

Professor Ye shared some anecdotes about his work in agriculture.

Yu Na didn't say much, but had a faint smile on her face and occasionally served food to Xu Yinyin.

Xu Yinyin ate the meatballs in small bites, listening to the adults chatting, her big eyes curiously observing the newly arrived Grandpa Ye and Aunt Su.

Su Mingke was initially a little reserved, and just ate her food in silence.

But when Xu Yinyin innocently asked her, "Aunt Su, is this meatball delicious?"

She gazed into the little girl's bright eyes, a slight smile playing on her lips, and nodded gently.

"Well, it's delicious."

Outside the window, the rain poured down and the wind howled, as if it would engulf the whole world.

Inside the window, the fire flickered, the hot pot boiled, and the aroma of food mingled with laughter, creating a delightful atmosphere.

------

The above story is entirely fictional. Any resemblance to actual events or persons is purely coincidental.

Chapter 79 Jade-colored Potatoes

The next morning, after breakfast.

After a hearty meal and a good night's sleep, everyone was in great spirits.

As the leader, Han Ning stood in the suite's living room, assigning tasks for the day to everyone.

"Old Xu, today you go to the temporary berth area and inspect all the key parts of the 'Wind Chaser' to find potential hazards and areas that need repair. Repair what needs repair, and tell me what you need."

"I'll look after Yinyin during the day, and we'll come over later to help you move the supplies."

"Understood, boss!"

Han Ning continued, "Also, while you're working over there, keep an eye on the people from other fleets."

"If you come across someone with experience in shipbuilding, you can try to get in touch with them, sound them out, and see what kind of person they are."

"If someone is a good person and is interested in joining us, or is willing to provide technical guidance, please report to me promptly."

"And then... Yu Na, I'll trouble you to protect Lao Xu's safety."

Yu Na hummed in response, but didn't say anything more.

She has now gotten used to following Han Ning's arrangements.

Most importantly, following Han Ning means you can get rich and become stronger.

"As for Professor Ye and Professor Su, we will continue our research on crops."

With clear division of labor, everyone immediately got to work.

With Han Ning taking care of Xu Yinyin, Xu Ming felt much more at ease and waded with Yu Na to the "Wind Chaser" ship, which was moored in the deep water.

Inside the suite, Professor Ye held a pen and paper, waiting for Han Ning to unleash his skill and record the relevant data.

Su Mingke can be responsible for assisting.

As usual, Han Ning arrived at the small planting area that Professor Ye had redesigned.

He first released the "rapid growth" agent onto several ordinary crops as samples.

There's not much to say about these common crops; some are already ripe, and some are nearing maturity.

[Rapid Growth (Intermediate) Proficiency +3, currently 179/200]

Then, he walked to the experimental potato seedling that had repeatedly released nature's blessings.

Professor Ye moved the potato seedling to a relatively large, raised children's bathtub.

Han Ning reached out, and a gentle emerald green light emanated from his palm.

Nature's blessing, a soft halo of light enveloped the potato seedlings, nourishing their roots, stems, and leaves.

[Nature's Blessing (Beginner) Proficiency +1, currently 52/200]

Just then, Professor Ye, who had been observing silently from the sidelines, suddenly spoke up:

"Boss, please wait a moment."

Ever since last night when we were having hot pot, Professor Ye has started calling Han Ning "boss, boss" after hearing Xu Ming address him that way.

Han Ning stopped moving.

Professor Ye approached and pointed to the root area of ​​the potato seedling: "Your energy... seems too evenly distributed."

"According to plant physiology, for tuber crops such as potatoes, the core area for energy accumulation and expansion lies in the underground stolons and tubers themselves."

"Perhaps... you could try guiding and gathering more natural energy into the roots and stems beneath the soil?"

Professor Ye carefully chose his words, saying, "It's like irrigation; you have to water the roots, not the leaves."

Han Ning seemed to be deep in thought upon hearing this.

When he released the "Nature's Blessing," he did indeed evenly cover the entire plant with energy, including the leaves and stems, ensuring that everyone was covered.

Professor Ye's words gave him a new perspective.

"Let me try."

Han Ning releases [Nature's Blessing] once again.

This time, he tried to channel the vibrant natural energy through the cracks in the soil to the roots of the potato seedlings.

A vibrant green glow briefly appeared on the surface of the soil, then seemed to be absorbed and seeped into the depths below.

[Nature's Blessing (Beginner) Proficiency +1, currently 53/200]

Once, twice...

After Han Ning repeatedly released natural blessings, focusing the energy on the potato tubers multiple times.

Changes occur suddenly.

hum!

The otherwise unremarkable potato seedling suddenly trembled.

Immediately afterwards, a strong suction force came from beneath the soil.