Chapter 195 - 86: Extermination_3
For instance, the small irrigation system planned for the sunroom and the already completed seawall encircling the beach reflect this attitude.
In the past, he would definitely have opted for a faster and more effortless method, even if the shortcuts wouldn't last long.
The low-pressure environment has given Chen Zhou more freedom of choice.
When tired, he can give himself half a day off, take Lai Fu to flush out wild rabbits, or grab his fishing rod and go fishing.
When bored, he can take his notebook to the mountaintop, the seaside, or the forest to draw a picture, or paint on framed corrugated cardboard to enrich the decorations in the cave home.
Sometimes, he will pick up projects he had temporarily set aside due to time constraints, like steaming wood strips with a kettle, studying the craft of wheel making;
Or add a few more planks to the bedroom floor, build some exterior walls, carve miniature models of arch support beams to prepare for future construction;
He will also venture into the forest with an ax, chop down a few big trees until he is utterly exhausted, and lie down to breathe among the fallen leaves...
Fearing his language skills might deteriorate in the lengthy solitude, he climbs the sunny slope, stands on the ridge, faces the northeastern sea, and recites poetry loudly in the wind.
Many ancient poems memorized during childhood are indelibly imprinted in his mind, spilling out, and descending from the heights, carried by the sea breeze into the surging waves, creating a unique charm.
...
All tasks are progressing in an orderly manner, overall not encountering too much trouble.
On May 9th, while going to the cave to add salt for the flock of goats, Chen Zhou discovered the belly of the mother goat was slightly bulging, bringing additional joy.
His small flock of goats was finally about to welcome new members; this was a crucial step forward in his animal husbandry endeavor, deserving of celebration.
However, apart from the good news of the mother goat's pregnancy, Chen Zhou also noticed that the young goat, now a half-grown lamb, showed hostility towards its cheap father, frequently thrusting its underdeveloped little horns to butt the male goat.
If it weren't for the male goat's hobbling legs limiting its speed and attack power, this little rascal would likely have already been injured.
While mediating the "father-son conflict," Chen Zhou realized the reason behind the two male goats fighting was the competition for mates.
The gradual sexual maturity of the young lamb had already led its brain to be manipulated by hormones, causing it to develop unhealthy ideas towards its biological mother.
If it doesn't affect the quality of the offspring, Chen Zhou doesn't concern himself with ethical issues within the herd.
However, inbreeding increases the chances of genetic disorders and deformities, allowing such behavior would undoubtedly undermine the foundation of animal husbandry.
Chen Zhou isn't a shortsighted person; upon discovering this phenomenon, he immediately took out a hemp rope, led the young male goat to the cave, tied it up, and retrieved a razor, alcohol, and bandages to perform a "castration surgery."
...
Unfortunately, since the "patient" was too old when undergoing the procedure, having already developed, and "surgeon Dr. Chen" severely lacked experience.
A major error occurred during the surgery—Dr. Chen's hand trembled, cutting the area suspected to be an artery.
The unanesthetized patient screamed in agony and accidentally kicked the surgeon.
The subsequent scene was extremely bloody.
After multiple unsuccessful attempts to stop the bleeding, Dr. Chen, responsible for the castration, could only kill the patient with tears, skillfully dissecting and cooking, grilling, and frying the corpse.
That evening, the aroma wafting from the cave was delicious, and the grief-stricken lead surgeon, Dr. Chen, transformed his sorrow into appetite and ate heartily.