"Boss Chu, you mean..."
Someone fairly bold stepped forward to ask Chu Jiangyue.
"The mutated tigers will join us."
Chu Jiangyue of course knew that although hotel guests had become accustomed to the fact that the three tigers lived at the hotel, maintaining a sense of normalcy was contingent on both parties staying within the Jianglin Hotel’s bounds.
Because Jianglin Hotel had clear rules that guests should not engage in fights or brawls.
Trusting Jianglin Hotel meant they didn’t need to worry about being attacked by the mutated tigers while inside.
However, once they left the hotel’s premises, everything changed.
Without the hotel’s restrictions, they couldn’t guarantee that they wouldn’t be attacked by the mutated tigers.
Besides, even before mutation, tigers were difficult for humans to handle, and now with increased size after mutation, mutated tigers had become even more challenging.
"Boss Chu, without the hotel’s constraints, traveling with mutated animals seems unwise."
Animals and humans were inherently different.
If these two mutated tigers suddenly went wild and attacked, they didn’t know how many could come out unscathed.
"If you’re scared, you don’t have to come. I’m not forcing you."
Chu Jiangyue wasn’t about to be manipulated by these people; if they’re afraid, they can choose not to follow.
Wanting to join on her outing comes with many demands, as if the world owes them something.
"Boss Chu is right; those who are scared needn’t follow. Our group travel is based on mutual consent, dislike it, don’t come."
Su Zhucheng stepped out, openly supporting Chu Jiangyue.
Regarding the plan to bring three tigers, Chu Jiangyue hadn’t kept it from anyone, those who didn’t like it simply needn’t join.
Life can’t have it both ways.
"I’m stating the facts; who knows if these two mutated tigers might suddenly go wild and attack on the road.
If you want to gamble your life, we don’t."
"So as I said, if you don’t want to come, don’t. Is anyone forcing you?"
Su Zhucheng’s speech lacked any subtlety, hitting right at the heart.
Seeing Su Zhucheng step up for her, Chu Jiangyue smiled at him: "Mr. Su is right, those who think traveling with mutated tigers is dangerous need not come, I don’t insist."
After speaking, Chu Jiangyue turned away and walked towards her residence.
"Brother Shen, how did I do just now?"
As soon as Chu Jiangyue left, Su Zhucheng went to Shen Zhigui to ask for praise.
Indeed, Su Zhucheng stood up following a signal from Shen Zhigui.
The reason Shen Zhigui didn’t personally intervene was that he felt Su Zhucheng was better with words and feared making things worse himself.
Luckily, Su Zhucheng didn’t disappoint him, successfully helping Chu Jiangyue.
The intricacies within, Chu Jiangyue wouldn’t discover.
Chu Jiangyue returned to her quarters and saw Granny Hua busy in the kitchen.
"Granny, it’s not noon yet; why are you here?"
Seeing Granny Hua outside of the regular meal times surprised Chu Jiangyue.
"Just heard you’re heading out tomorrow, so I’m preparing some food for you to take."
Despite Chu Jiangyue being able to purchase food from her System Mall at any time, those were from the restaurant and hadn’t had new additions for a while.
Granny Hua suspected Chu Jiangyue had grown tired of those, so she came to ensure Chu Jiangyue could eat well while out.
Grateful for Chu Jiangyue bringing hope back into her life, Granny Hua decided to at least help with food preparations when she learned of Chu Jiangyue’s departure.
Chu Jiangyue showed her delight at Granny Hua’s words: "Thank you, Granny!"
Chu Jiangyue greatly appreciated Granny Hua’s culinary skills and felt visibly happier thinking about enjoying her prepared dishes during the trip.
"Need any help? While I may not be able to do much, I can assist."
Chu Jiangyue was modest about her own cooking skills but was precise enough to handle tasks like chopping vegetables.
"No need, you’re heading out tomorrow, just rest today, I can handle it."
Granny Hua declined Chu Jiangyue’s help.
Having lived half a century, she was accustomed to completing kitchen tasks alone, never needing assistance.
This stemmed from the customs of her era.
The mindset of men handling external affairs while women manage home life was ingrained in her like a permanent imprint.
Chu Jiangyue didn’t dwell, understanding Granny Hua’s independence, she returned to her third-floor room.
"Where is the host planning to go this time?"
Upon reaching her room, Little Fox jumped off Chu Jiangyue’s shoulder, stood upright and gazed at her from the desk.
"Just to wander around, see where the road leads."
Despite saying this, Chu Jiangyue intended to visit T City.
Ban Huafang had done a lot for T City, building safe passage alone took much effort, and persuading other survivors must have cost her.
Chu Jiangyue admired Ban Huafang’s perseverance.
To ensure Chu Jiangyue enjoyed her journey, Granny Hua dedicated the whole day to preparing food for her.
Those passing by could smell various dishes, which stirred cravings.
Some even asked for "handouts" through the kitchen window.
But they were informed the ingredients used were for Boss Chu’s meals only, no one else could partake.
Some tried offering Gold Coin, but Granny Hua was unwavering.
This rule had been established upon entering the kitchen.
Granny Hua understood the importance of abiding by rules, never tasting or sampling Chu Jiangyue’s food once.
Her culinary skills were such that she could judge dishes by aroma alone.
No one managed to get food from Granny Hua, yet the restaurant saw a substantial increase in business.
Several renting vendors at Jianglin Hotel also surprisingly saw a surge in customers.
Granny Hua single-handedly boosted Jianglin Hotel’s GDP.
*
The next day, Chu Jiangyue woke up and washed up before visiting the farm in the backyard to check on the soybeans.
Upon entering, she saw an "Harvestable" sign on each plot.
Chu Jiangyue reached out, pointing to the nearest "Harvestable," and two words appeared before her: "Harvest/Harvest All."