Chapter 143

Chapter 143

As dinner neared its end, most of the important matters had been discussed. The rest needed to be discussed in person with Minister Wang by Cheng Jing and Jiang Nian.

The conversation then shifted to casual chatter.

Li Shuhui, who’d been minding the shop for days, informed Jiang Nian that business was thriving due to their fair pricing. The shop pulled in around 6,000 credits a day on average, and some days even hit over 8,000 credits.

Additionally, some transactions involved trades for gold, silver, jewelry, and other valuables.

The shelves were practically bare, with even the near-expired items completely sold out. She had also replenished stock by snagging cheap supplies at the base’s entrance.

Before leaving, Jiang Nian had transferred a substantial amount of credits to her card specifically for acquiring discounted supplies within the base.

They all silently agreed to stock up as much as possible while supplies were available, ensuring the shop wouldn’t run out of goods later. Even Li Cheng, Yang Kai, and Zhou Li had pitched in without a hitch.

Though they avoided hoarding as officials, they would give a heads-up when new survivors rolled in, allowing anyone with time to check the entrance for potential deals.

"Well done! We’re gonna be rolling in it soon."

Jiang Nian grinned at Li Shuhui’s words, stoked by her hustle and honesty. He made sure no one was left out within his means.

Running a post-apocalyptic general store was a small dream of his—a holdover from his past life. He couldn’t quite explain why, but perhaps it was a way to heal himself.

At its core, buying and selling goods also meant keeping more folks alive.

This way, they could benefit while aiding others, skipping the headache of free handouts and zero thanks.

The items sold were carefully selected. Though many were gone for good once sold, he had already reserved enough for his team’s long-term needs before selling the surplus for credits.

These credits would then be used to acquire things they lacked and tangible assets, riding the base’s coattails.

Even if credits became obsolete after the apocalypse, their stuff’d still be worth something. No matter how the world changed, they wouldn’t have to worry.

When things got back to normal, the assets and supplies they’d exchanged now would ensure their prosperity.

As for the farm, during his recent outings, he had occasionally touched base with the builders. The project was nearing completion, and soon, fresh produce would stock the shelves of his post-apocalyptic shop.

Everything was clicking just right.

Had he not been reborn, Jiang Nian wouldn’t have planned so far ahead. Like most ordinary people, he’d have just scraped by, unsure if he’d even survive till the apocalypse’s end.

"……"

Considering the team must be exhausted from their mission, Uncle Li shooed Cheng Jing and the crew off to bed soon after dinner. Yang Kai and Zhou Li also left, agreeing to discuss any remaining matters after proper rest.

Back in their dorm, Jiang Nian hit the lights and immediately headed to the small vegetable garden on the balcony.

Despite his absence, the sprouts were thriving. The automatic drip irrigation system had kept them hydrated, and the soil remained uncontaminated.

Amid a world scorched black and withered yellow, this tiny patch of green was incredibly soothing—a total win.

*Crunch, crunch…*

Jiang Nian plucked a few tender leaves, rinsed them lightly, then purified them before shoving them straight into his mouth.

One after another, homegrown veggies just taste better!

After checking the house, Cheng Jing walked over and saw him squatting in front of the small garden plot, munching on a lettuce leaf with his cheeks puffed out. In his left hand, he held a small bunch, while his right hand was busy adjusting some uneven seedlings.

He looked exactly like a well-cared-for pet.

Cheng Jing stood there quietly watching. Nian Nian’s hair had grown a bit longer, with a few strands falling over his forehead and cheeks, framing his face softly under the indoor light.

*Need to give him a trim tomorrow…*

Just as the thought crossed his mind, Jiang Nian turned his head toward him:

"Brother Jing, want a bite?"

"Sure."

Cheng Jing walked over and squatted beside him.

Jiang Nian fed him a leaf and stuffed another into his own mouth.

The two of them stayed like that, squatting on the balcony and nibbling on fresh lettuce before finally heading back to the living room.

"Whew…"

Jiang Nian flopped onto the floor in front of the sofa, stretching his limbs. He was too dirty to roll around on the couch, but he still wanted to lie down for a bit.

Even though this trip had been relatively safe, with no close calls, being outside still kept him tense—nothing like the comfort of home.

Seeing him lounge like a lazy cat, Cheng Jing didn’t say anything. He filled the bathtub and turned on the bedroom air conditioner before calling out to him:

"Nian Nian, go shower. You’ll rest better in bed after."

"Mhm."

Jiang Nian grabbed his hand and sat up, blinking.

"Solo or together?"

Cheng Jing pinched his cheek.

"You go first. I put some muscle-relaxing soak in the tub—soak for a while. I’ll be in soon."

They’d been camping outside for days, and he knew Jiang Nian must be exhausted. He didn’t want to fool around in the shower right now.

"Alright."

Jiang Nian nodded, then added somewhat awkwardly:

"Uh, Brother Jing… I’m pretty beat today, so maybe not top tonight."

A lousy first time would be humiliating—he had his dignity. Better to rest up and let Brother Jing enjoy it when he was in better shape.

"Oh?"

Cheng Jing took a second before realizing what he meant, then smiled and nodded.

"Next time, then. Just relax after your shower."

No hurry—they had all the time in the world.

"Mhm."

Jiang Nian walked into the bathroom with his ears burning red, his stomach fluttering nervously.

He just wanted his boyfriend’s first experience to be a good one—Brother Jing wouldn’t think he sucked, right?

"......"

Jiang Nian was half-asleep in the bathtub with his eyes half-closed by the time Cheng Jing finally came in. After washing up himself, Cheng Jing scooped him up, wrapped him in a towel, and carried him back to the bedroom.

Bare-chested, Cheng Jing blow-dried Jiang Nian’s hair while the latter’s restless hands eagerly explored all over his body. After going so long without touching him, Jiang Nian was determined to make up for lost time.

Faced with this tease who talked big but folded fast, Cheng Jing could endure it—but the one taking advantage ended up getting all hot and bothered instead.

"Brother Jing... I’m craving you."

Jiang Nian truly felt he was a lost cause. He’d originally planned to rest up for a few days and switch positions to conquer his boyfriend, but just a few touches of Brother Jing’s abs had his thoughts already racing ahead.

"Still got energy?"

Cheng Jing’s fingers combed through his hair, deliberately brushing against the back of his neck before teasing his ear, now burning so red they were almost see-through.

"Tired doesn’t mean I don’t want you..."

Jiang Nian looked up, answering without a hint of evasion.

Ah, well. Young and horny—what did you expect? Especially with such a handsome boyfriend. No way a guy like him was holding back!

"Alright."

The corners of his lips curled uncontrollably. Cheng Jing adored this little troublemaker’s honesty.

Setting the hairdryer aside, he cupped Jiang Nian’s flushed face with both hands and leaned down for a kiss.

Their breaths intertwined, tender at first before growing hot and hungry.

"......"