Chapter 38: Foraging for Mushrooms

Chapter 38: Gathering Mushrooms

Lin Shu thought something serious had happened, only to find out it was just about picking mushrooms.

"You little foodie," Lin Shu gently pinched her cheek. "Don’t worry—didn’t you say nobody picks those bamboo mushrooms? Who’s going to compete with us? Even if no one’s after the bamboo mushrooms, other kinds will be taken if we’re late. Just a moment—I’ll wash up and we’ll go right away!"

When Lin Shu said "just a moment," she truly didn’t keep Lin Xiaopu waiting long. Washing her face, brushing her teeth, and combing her hair were done almost in one swift motion, with quick, decisive efficiency.

This was a habit Lin Shu had developed in her past life. After joining the zombie-fighting squad, missions often came suddenly, allowing no delay—she had to report immediately.

One sister carried a bamboo back basket, the other held a bamboo basket. They informed He Guixiang and hurried off.

He Guixiang called after them, "The back hill isn’t steep, but watch your step—don’t slip and fall."

The sudden rain from the previous night hadn’t lasted long, and the rainwater had already been absorbed by the mountain’s plants and trees. There generally weren’t puddles on the path, but the damp ground could be slippery, so caution was still needed.

He Guixiang used to be someone who picked mushrooms after rainfall. If she were going herself, she wouldn’t think twice, but when it came to her daughters, she couldn’t help worrying. These two sisters—one frail, the other more delicate—simply couldn’t compare to the hardy village women.

The path up the back hill was gentle, and in recent years, no one had suffered serious injuries there from slipping. But the more He Guixiang thought about it, the more uneasy she felt. After hesitating briefly, she went to look for Zhou Ye.

The fish pond behind the vegetable patch was shaping up well. Zhou Ye was placing several recently acquired *Acorus gramineus* plants along the edge of the pond.

These *Acorus gramineus* specimens had been selected specifically because their roots clung to rocks, so they’d been dug up together with the stones. This type of rock-rooted *Acorus gramineus* transplanted easily—just place them near water.

He Guixiang hurried over anxiously and explained why she’d come. "...They just left. Brother A Ye, why don’t you go check on them? I’m afraid they might trip or get hurt. It’s not worth getting injured just for some mushrooms."

After listening, Zhou Ye reassured her, "Auntie, don’t worry. The villagers often go to the back hill. Every time it rains, people head up to pick mushrooms. Even seven- or eight-year-olds come along, and there’s never been an accident. Even if they do slip or get hurt, the aunties and sisters already gathering mushrooms on the hill won’t ignore them."

Hearing this, He Guixiang realized she might have been overreacting. She was about to dismiss it when Zhou Ye added, "Auntie, I’m nearly finished here anyway. I’ll go check on them. There should be plenty of mushrooms on the hill after the rain—I can help gather more."

He Guixiang said warmly, "With you going along, I have nothing to worry about!"

Zhou Ye washed his hands, fetched his steel axe from the yard, fastened it to his waist, and strode quickly toward the back hill.

Since he was heading there anyway, he decided to chop some firewood while he was at it. The household had been using firewood quickly these past few days, and with him busy digging the fish pond, he hadn’t had time to gather any.

Lin Shu and Lin Xiaopu were already on their way to the back hill. There was only one path leading up Sweetwater Village’s back hill—winding and gentle, somewhat like a narrow mountain road.

Of course, it was much narrower than a real mountain road. Many sections were bumpy and pitted, with small holes even collecting water.

Fortunately, dense vegetation grew alongside the path, so when they encountered muddy or uneven spots, they could hold onto the plants for support.

Before long, the soles of the sisters’ straw shoes were caked with thick mud. They had to periodically scrape it off on roadside rocks to keep walking. Otherwise, the buildup would make their feet slip.

As they were scraping the mud from their shoes, they suddenly heard noise behind them and assumed it was other village women coming to pick mushrooms. Living nearby gave them an advantage—others would have had to wake up much earlier to arrive at this hour.

To their surprise, when they turned around, it was Zhou Ye.

Tall and broad-shouldered, he moved swiftly. Even though Lin Shu was looking down at him from higher ground, she felt as if a large figure was rapidly approaching.

Though the mountain path was gentle, it was still a mountain trail. Yet he bounded up in long strides, moving with bold, confident steps.

"Brother A Ye, why are you here?" Xiao Pu called down first.

Zhou Ye didn’t answer right away. He rarely raised his voice, naturally quiet and reserved. Only after closing the distance and glancing at Lin Shu did he explain to Xiao Pu, "Auntie was worried about you and asked me to come check."

Xiao Pu couldn’t help muttering, "What could possibly happen? Mom treats me and A Jie like children."

"The fish pond is almost done," Zhou Ye first updated Lin Shu on the pond’s progress, then reached to take the back basket from her. "I’ll carry it."

Lin Shu didn’t protest. Even though the basket was empty, it still had weight. Who wouldn’t prefer to travel light?

"Brother A Ye is amazing—you’ve built my big fish pond in just a few days," Lin Shu said, handing him the basket with a sweet smile. "Thank you for all your hard work, Brother A Ye. Today, we’ll pick mushrooms and make a big pot of delicious mushroom soup. If you want seconds, you’ll have to help us out a lot."

Zhou Ye looked at her and nodded.

Remembering something, he quickly added, "Sure. You two can search for the mushrooms, and I’ll pick them once you find them."

Nowadays, when speaking with Lin Shu, Zhou Ye tried to say a bit more whenever possible, so she wouldn’t start overthinking and believe he disliked her.

"We can’t let Brother A Ye do everything? Of course, we’ll pick mushrooms together. Besides, the fun is in the picking. Are you trying to steal all the fun from me and Xiao Pu?" Lin Shu teased playfully.

Zhou Ye watched her lively, expressive eyes, pursed his lips, mumbled something indistinctly, then replied, "Whatever you say."

Xiao Pu covered her mouth, stifling a laugh beside them. Brother A Ye was naturally awkward with words—how could he ever win against A Jie’s silver tongue?

Noticing Brother A Ye glance her way, Xiao Pu quickly hugged her bamboo basket. "This basket is light—I don’t need you to carry it for me."

Zhou Ye said nothing more. Carrying Lin Shu’s back basket, he walked slowly behind the two, keeping watch.

"A Jie!" Xiao Pu suddenly stopped and looked back down the path. "I heard people talking at the foot of the hill. Others are coming. Quick, let’s hurry!"

Lin Shu said helplessly, "The back hill is huge—there are mushrooms for everyone. What’s the rush? Tell me, what kinds of mushrooms do the villagers usually pick?"

Xiao Pu paused. "What kinds? Just one kind—the ones with round caps that grow in big clusters. Most others are poisonous, so the villagers don’t dare pick them."

Lin Shu was slightly surprised. "Only that one?"

It sounded like straw mushrooms. While common, the mountains offered far more edible varieties. There were plenty of delicious mushrooms to be found!

Since no one was competing for them, why rush?

Lin Shu happily placed her hands on her hips. "I got up this early not to race for ordinary straw mushrooms. Come on—I’ll show you where to find other delicious ones!"