《Reincarnated with a Farming Space to get RICHER》


 Chapter 1: Farming Space

    The room seemed to tilt, but it wasn''t because of any earth tremors. A bone-thin figure hovered beside her, wracked with silent sobs. Her skeletal hand, cold and insistent, shook her with a force that mimicked the phantom quake within. As vision swam from her sudden awakening, the figure solidified - a woman, frail as windblown leaves, tears carving tracks through the dust on her cheeks.


    "Jing Huiyuan! Thank heavens, child, you''re awake! What would we do without you?" the woman cried, her voice a rasp against the dry air.


    Jing Huiyuan. The name echoed strangely in her mind. Suddenly, the memories of the body''s original owner flooded into her head. She was no longer just waking up; instead, she was reborn into the skin of this Jing Huiyuan, a name she had also carried in her past life.


    This Jing Huiyuan was a girl whose existence had been prematurely terminated by severe hunger. She learned that their family had been expelled from the main family due to her grandmother''s demand to sell Jing Huiyuan to a brothel, allowing Jing Rui, the eldest grandson, Jing Huiyuan''s cousin, to attend school. Jing Rui was her father''s older brother''s son and highly favored by the family. Her father, although filial, vehemently disagreed with this and loved his daughter dearly. Their disagreement led to their expulsion from the family, leaving them with nothing but the clothes on their backs.


    They built a small hut on the village outskirts near the foot of the mountain. Others avoided their family, unwilling to associate with their misfortune. The family survived on wild vegetables growing around the mountain''s base. Jing Cheng, her father, occasionally attempted to hunt in the mountains, which were teeming with wild animals, though difficult to catch without proper tools and skills. Thankfully, Jing Cheng managed to catch a few and sell them for coarse rice in the market. For the past six months, their meals consisted of coarse rice and wild vegetables, eaten twice daily. However, this diet didn''t provide enough nutrition for a growing child like Jing Huiyuan, leading to her severe malnourishment and eventual demise.


    A grimace flickered across Jing Huiyuan''s face, but it was as subtle as a butterfly''s flit in the wind. Thankfully, Madam Su Lan, who turned out to be the original owner''s mother, was already halfway across the room and missed it. The news of the original Jing Huiyuan''s fate, like a bitter pill, sat heavy in her stomach. The air, thin and acrid, seemed to press against her chest, mimicking the suffocating despair that had claimed the girl''s life.


    Madam Su Lan''s movements were slow and measured as she retrieved a clay cup, her every action infused with a quiet grace that belied the hardships etched on her face. Jing Huiyuan watched as her mother carefully filled it, the water dribbling through a hairline crack near the rim, leaving the cup only half-full. Yet, despite the imperfection, it was offered with a tenderness that warmed Jing Huiyuan''s heart. For the first time, she truly felt the embrace of a mother''s love, a stark contrast to the cold self-reliance that had defined her previous life.


    A tiny hand tugged at her sleeve, pulling Jing Huiyuan from her thoughts. Her little brother, barely four years old, stood before her, eyes wide with concern. In his dirt-smudged fingers, he held a chipped clay bowl brimming with a thin, green soup. "Sister," he mumbled, his voice barely a whisper, "You need to eat."


    The words, so simple, struck Jing Huiyuan like a fist to the heart. Tears welled up in her eyes, blurring the image of her brother. In his round face and mop of unruly hair, she saw a ghost from her past life, another little brother lost to the cruel grip of the apocalypse. This small, fragile being, untouched by that darkness, filled her with a fierce protectiveness she hadn''t known she possessed.


    Gathering him close, she crushed him to her chest, the surprise of her embrace sending a ripple of giggles through his thin frame. When she pulled back, her own tears mingling with the snot on his cheek, she saw the worry replaced by a shy smile.


    He held the bowl to her lips, his small hands unsteady but determined. The soup, made from scavenged greens and gritty rice, was bitter on her tongue, a reflection of their meager existence. Yet, with each spoonful, a warmth bloomed in her chest, fueled not by the meager broth, but by the love radiating from her brother''s eyes.


    Madam Su Lan''s eyes landed on the house''s storage, her eyes scanning the near-empty containers where coarse rice once rested. The stark reality of their financial struggle gripped her, leaving an unspoken understanding in the room. With a soft sigh, she suggested, "I think I''ll join your father to gather more wild vegetables."


    Madam Su Lan knelt beside them, a gentle sadness softening her gaze. "Your sister needs to sleep, and you''re strong enough to help me gather greens, aren''t you?" she murmured, brushing a stray hair from Jing Yufei''s forehead. Her words, though soft, held an unwavering resolve. With a reluctant nod, his hand slipped from Jing Huiyuan''s sleeves, leaving a chilling emptiness in its wake.


    The quiet house felt like a weight on Jing Huiyuan''s chest. But a flicker of hope, stubborn and defiant, refused to be extinguished. They wouldn''t starve, not while she had breath in her lungs and strength in her hands.


    She inhaled and tightened her fists, feeling the pulse of life within her. The table before her, once a stark symbol of scarcity, became a canvas for her unwritten promise. In her vision, it transformed, no longer depicting hunger but brimming with an abundance of food. It was a scene where no one would go to bed hungry.


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    In her account of her past life, Jing Huiyuan remembered a harrowing snow apocalypse. She had been betrayed by her best friend upon the revelation of her newfound power, the ability to manipulate space. In this apocalyptic world, there were no zombies or monsters, just relentless, heavy snowfall lasting three months, piling up to eight stories high on their building. Jing Huiyuan, bearing the same name, resided on the ninth floor, her imminent death drawing near. The scarcity of food was dire, as farming proved impossible due to the lack of arable land, resembling an endless expanse like the Atlantic.


    Wealthy individuals had stored vast food reserves even before the snow apocalypse, while the underprivileged, including Jing Huiyuan, had to engage in scouting missions to excavate supermarkets buried in the snow for supplies. Unfortunately, the desperation drove many to lose their morality, resorting to cannibalism.


    In this harsh world, some people awakened extraordinary powers, such as the ability to create tornadoes or fireballs. Jing Huiyuan, in contrast, possessed only enhanced physical strength, making her relatively ineffective in combat, though she still participated in scouting missions. Others with more advantageous abilities dug through the snow, while those with less practical powers carried supplies back to their vehicles.


    Everything changed when Jing Huiyuan awakened her second power¡ªa personal space, about 10 square meters in size, which she could enter and exit at will. Inside this space was a seed machine with an endless supply of seeds. She began farming, although the plants grew no faster than conventional crops. She yearned to share her newfound resource, but with only 10 square meters, the challenge of providing for everyone appeared insurmountable.


    Jing Huiyuan chose to keep her space a secret and devised a plan to grow crops within it, intending to share them with everyone while disguising them as regular supermarket vegetables. This way, she was able to help others while keeping herself safe.


    Jing Huiyuan''s secret endeavor to cultivate crops within her hidden space had been a well-kept secret, and her plants flourished. Everything she planted grew well and were of high quality. She meticulously cared for the vegetables, knowing that their hidden bounty could be a lifeline for everyone in her building in the snow apocalypse.


    However, her best friend eventually stumbled upon her secret agricultural sanctuary. Fearful and driven by jealousy, the friend reported Jing Huiyuan''s abilities to the authorities, setting in motion a chain of events that would change her life forever. The authorities apprehended her, subjecting her to a series of scientific experiments with the singular goal of extracting her extraordinary power and transferring it to themselves.


    Despite the ominous circumstances, Jing Huiyuan maintained her composure, even as the researchers administered an experimental injection. To their surprise, the medicine they introduced into her system triggered a violent anaphylactic reaction. Her body convulsed, and her breathing became labored as her heart raced. In a cruel twist of fate, the very experiment meant to exploit her power lead to a tragic and abrupt end.


    In a sudden realization, she questioned whether she still possessed her space. Without hesitation, she closed her eyes and mentally called out, "Space!" As her consciousness dimmed, she experienced a surreal moment of clarity, sensing a strengthening connection to her hidden sanctuary.


    Upon regaining awareness, she found herself standing in front of an expansive terrain. She marveled at the transformation of her space, whispering in awe, "Is this... now my space?" She gazed around in wonder, discovering that her space had not only endured but had expanded in size. Yet, only the original 10-square-meter area was lush and green, adorned with the plants she had cultivated earlier, vibrant and ready for harvest. Attempting to walk toward the barren part of her space, she encountered an invisible barrier, akin to glass, that blocked her path.


    In an unexpected turn of events, a digital screen materialized before her. As she read the displayed text, it indicated that this inaccessible part of her space could only be unlocked by earning more points. Puzzled by this revelation, she questioned, "So, accumulating points will grant access to all of this? But how can I earn these points?"


    The screen responded with fresh text, stating, "To gain points, you need to perform good deeds."


    As Jing Huiyuan strolled across her small, fertile plot of land, she noticed that the fruits of the plants from her previous life remained remarkably fresh, showing no signs of decay. Her attention focused on a single tomato plant with a cluster of fruits, each displaying vibrant red hues and numbering around 50. She picked all of them, leaving the plant without fruits. It was then that she observed the next text on the screen.


    "Do you wish to delete this plant?" the message inquired. She swiftly chose to decline.


    Realizing the implications, she understood that as long as she refrained from deleting it, the plant would continue bearing fruits, providing a steady source of sustenance.


    However, before anything else, she turned her gaze to her own body, acknowledging the severe malnourishment that had plagued her. As a 6-year-old child who appeared closer to the age of 4, her bony frame and protruding ribs were stark indicators of her dire condition. She recognized that her first priority should be to ensure her own health, avoiding a fate similar to the original owner of the body.


    Her family''s condition was no better, and their well-being took precedence. Her memories of her past life, growing up in an orphanage with her blood-related little brother, left her with questions about her parents. The fact that her brother''s appearance was identical in this life led her to the conclusion that their parents from her past life must be the same as in her current life. Feeling the love and care from her parents in this life, she speculated that her parents in the past had a reason for leaving them in the orphanage and would not have done that if they had a choice.


    With this, she started to eat the tomatoes. She didn''t have to clean them as this place has a disinfecting function. She ate around 10 of them, thinking that she should give some to her family too, but that would surely raise suspicions.


    Hence she decided that she would go somewhere around the foot of the mountain and pretend she got the tomatoes from there. To prove her story, she planned to uproot the tomato plant from her space and transplant it there. It was resistant against drought and floods, so there should not be any problems.

 Chapter 2: Memories of Blood and Birth

    After indulging in the exquisite sweetness of the tomatoes, with a subtle savory and sour twist, Jing Huiyuan''s taste buds couldn''t help but revel in delight. These tomatoes far surpassed any she had tasted in her previous life, even the ones served in the luxurious salads of 5-star restaurants before the devastating snow apocalypse. A satisfied smile crossed her face, her mind already weaving plans of selling these remarkable tomatoes to the local restaurants in the town market.


    Upon leaving her space and her family''s house, she couldn''t help but notice the rustic, technology-free surroundings. It was a stark reminder that she had truly reincarnated into a world where scientific progress had yet to take root.


    Walking toward the foot of the mountain, where she knew her parents would be, she reflected on the knowledge passed down from the previous owner of this body.


    However, her introspection was abruptly interrupted by a coarse, unpleasant voice. Jing Rui couldn''t resist the opportunity to taunt Jing Huiyuan, as he always had. He sneered, "Look who''s here, the family jinx. It''s like bad luck follows you everywhere." He chuckled at his own mean-spirited words. The two boys behind him also laughed along.


    To his shock, Jing Huiyuan didn''t react as she used to. She didn''t tremble, didn''t display fear or sadness. It was as if his words fell on deaf ears, and this departure from her usual reaction unsettled him. Jing Rui continued, his voice dripping with cruelty. "Your family''s so pathetic, living like beggars near the mountain. What''s the point of your father protecting you from being sold to a brothel if you''re all going to live like dogs on the street?" This made the trio laugh until their stomachs ached.


    Despite his harsh words, Jing Huiyuan maintained a cold, unwavering gaze. She stared at him, her eyes devoid of the fear that had been his source of amusement for so long. Infuriated by her lack of reaction, he pushed further, "Do you even know what it''s like to have real food, or are you stuck with those miserable vegetables?" he insulted when he saw some wild vegetables in her hand. These wild vegetables were picked by Jing Huiyuan along the way to make it appear that she had been gathering them, reducing further questions about the tomatoes later on. There were neighbors watching, after all. They were not the only family struggling, but at least these neighbors had it better, with decent homes and occasional meat on their table.


    To Jing Rui''s surprise, despite all of his efforts, his insults seemed to have no effect. Finally, Jing Huiyuan couldn''t take it anymore. As she approached with an unsettling gaze, Jing Rui''s limbs trembled. He couldn''t help but question his own reactions. He was supposed to be the older, stronger one, and yet, in this moment, he felt a fear he couldn''t explain.


    Jing Rui felt a shiver running down his spine as Jing Huiyuan''s lips curled into an evil smile. She continued walking toward him, each step deliberate and filled with authority. This wasn''t the timid girl he had known.


    It was as though a lion had taken over Jing Huiyuan''s body, and this realization filled him with dread. "Why is she looking at me like this?" he thought, unable to make sense of the situation. He was accustomed to seeing her trembling in his presence, but now, that familiar fear had vanished, replaced by something entirely unexpected.


    Jing Huiyuan then felt it was a waste of time to deal with this child. Despite being the reason for the original owner''s demise, he was still just a child. She made a considerable effort to muster the little patience she had and decided to walk away. Her demeanor from earlier left Jing Rui utterly shocked, rendering him momentarily unable to move even after Jing Huiyuan left. Yet, he quickly regained his composure, pretending that nothing had happened, unwilling to appear embarrassed in front of his two friends.


    Upon reaching the back mountains, she was warmly greeted by her mother. "Huiyuan, my dear, you shouldn''t be wandering around. You are still recuperating." Her voice was filled with genuine warmth and concern.


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    Jing Huiyuan then replied with a smile, "I''m fine, Mother. I picked some wild vegetables." She held up the bundle of greens she had gathered along the way. As Madam Su Lan saw this, her heart ached, and she was moved to tears. How could she have such a sensible daughter? Even her son is looking for wild vegetables with her. How could she deserve such a family?


    Because the mountains are close by, these areas have just the right amount of humidity for wild plants to grow. Also, these greens come back quickly. But over time, families like theirs became more and more dependent on these wild greens for their daily needs, which made them tougher to find.


    Looking at her mother, she once again described how thin she was and how life must have been so hard for her. Based on the previous owner''s memories, she had no information about her mother''s past or even about where she came from. They were originally treated badly because, aside from their father being not the favorite child, his wife had unknown origins. "What if this unruly woman was a criminal''s child, right?" That was the thought circulating inside the family.


    She then recalled a memory of her mother who had just given birth to her. Wait, what''s happening? Why is she having a memory of the original owner when she was birthed as a baby? It was impossible for a baby not even a day old to have such vivid memories, right? This unexpected recollection left her bewildered. How could the original owner, as a mere infant not even a day old, hold onto such clear and detailed memories?


    Jing Huiyuan didn''t think much about it. It must be just a coincidence. In her recollection, she found herself lying on a bed with blood... a lot of blood, her tiny hands clenched into fists. She was crying really hard and it was not even because she was uncomfortable, which would have been valid as her head had just been squeezed going out of the tunnel.


    Jing Huiyuan''s attention was drawn to the cloth beneath her mother, its surface saturated with blood. But the alarming sight didn''t end there; her mother continued to bleed profusely, even though more than two hours had passed since her birth. This was far from the norm, and Jing Huiyuan, the previous owner of her body, sensed that something was seriously wrong with her mother. Overwhelmed by fear and concern, she cried out loudly, her desperate cries reaching the ears of her grandmother.


    Granny Zhao, her grandmother, couldn''t tolerate the disruption, especially when it interfered with her afternoon rest. In her frustration, she seized a broom and began to strike the wives of her older sons, adding chaos to the situation. Granny Zhao even attempted to hurl a pot at them, further exacerbating the turmoil. This prompted her sons to step in, intervening to prevent their mother from causing any further harm.


    That made her even angrier. She sat on the floor and slapped her thighs while crying out loud, "Bah! Huhuhu!" The room filled with Granny Zhao''s furious voice as she wept and cursed, lamenting her fate. "Ungrateful wretches! I raised you all, and this is how you repay me?" Her words dripped with anger and despair. "Why did I birth such ungrateful sons! Huhuhu... It would be better if I were gone than to have raised these unfilial children."


    Originally, the daughters-in-law were fortunate enough to escape Granny Zhao''s temper, which was exclusively reserved for Madam Su Lan, Jing Huiyuan''s mother. Their usual routine involved more gossiping than actual chores. It was Madam Su Lan who shouldered the considerable burden of household tasks, encompassing everything from laundry to general cleaning, except for kitchen duties. Her exclusion from kitchen work wasn''t due to a lack of willingness to assist but was rooted in Granny Zhao''s accusation that she might steal food from there. As a result, the three daughters-in-law focused on the kitchen, a significantly lighter workload than the array of tasks handled by Madam Su Lan.


    When another cry echoed from the newborn''s room, Jing Cheng''s concern grew, and he swiftly went to check on his wife, Madam Su Lan. When he asked how she was feeling, she said she was fine but he couldn''t help but notice that her face was noticeably pale. Given that this was their first experience with giving birth and that Jing Cheng was ignorant of what to expect, he assumed that this was normal.


    Meanwhile, Jing Huiyuan''s loud cries heightened Jing Cheng''s anxiety, and he went to check on their daughter. To his relief, he found a lively and seemingly healthy baby. However, an unsettling thought crept into his mind¡ªwas his daughter trying to communicate something about her mother? As he turned back to Madam Su Lan, he realized that she was experiencing excessive bleeding. Panic took over, and he urgently requested for some copper coins from his parents to summon a doctor. His parents only scoffed, telling him that those whose fate is to die will die. Then he begged on his knees. Seeing that there were neighbors peeping, of course, his parents did not want to appear like bad people and have rumors spread about them. So they yielded to his requests.

 Chapter 3: Tomatoes and Seed Machine

    Jing Huiyuan approached her parents with a request, her voice chiming like wind chimes. "Father, Mother, can I take Jing Yufei with me to explore the land around the outskirts? We might find some additional wild vegetables for our meals."


    A flicker of concern crossed Jing Cheng''s eyes. He scanned the horizon, where the sun was already dipping towards the distant mountains, painting the sky in fiery hues. "Be careful, Huiyuan," he rasped, his voice rough with affection. "The fields beyond can be treacherous, especially with the shadows lengthening. Don''t stray too far, and promise to be back before the first star winks."


    A broad smile, bright as the fading sunlight, split Jing Huiyuan''s face. "We will, Father," she chirped, her hand shooting out to grab her brother''s. "Come on, Yufei, let''s gather enough wild bounty today!"


    Yufei, barely containing his excitement, bounced on his toes. His eyes, reflecting the same adventurous spirit as his sister''s, gleamed with anticipation. He snatched a basket from the corner and clutched it like a prized trophy.


    The tall grass, an emerald sea swaying in the wind, parted before Jing Huiyuan like a welcoming curtain. Each blade brushed against her skin beneath her long skirt, whispering secrets in a language only the summer breeze understood.


    The sun, a fiery ember sinking towards the distant mountains, cast long, playful shadows that danced across the rolling expanse. The scent of wildflowers and damp earth hung heavy in the air, sweet and earthy, filling Jing Huiyuan''s lungs with a sense of unbridled freedom.


    Above, a lone hawk circled, its cry a shrill echo against the vast blue canvas. It felt like stepping into a forgotten painting, an idyllic scene untouched by the worries of the world.


    Jing Yufei, with his innocent eyes filled with wonder, couldn''t resist picking some wild veggies they found. He joyfully plucked the colorful greens, his face lighting up with the happiness of discovering something new. However, their calm and happy moment was interrupted by Liu Tao, a kid from the neighborhood who rushed in like a ball of energy.


    "Hey, those are my veggies! You can''t take them!" Liu Tao complained, pointing at the wild vegetables Jing Yufei was holding.


    Jing Yufei, not wanting to give in, bravely said, "No way, these are ours. We saw them first!"


    Yufei''s fingers tightened around the leafy greens, their stems biting into his palms. His heart pounded like a hummingbird''s wings, each beat echoing the word "mine" within his chest. Across the invisible battlefield, Liu Tao stood mirror-like, his grip on the contested vegetables equally fierce. His chin jutted out, a silent declaration of defiance.


    Jing Huiyuan sighed. She stepped between the two boys, her shadow casting a momentary truce over the conflict. Her gaze swept over the scene, taking in the stubborn set of their jaws, the unshed tears glimmering in Yufei''s eyes, and the nervous energy thrumming through Liu Tao''s small frame.


    "Alright, alright, let''s not fight," she said, trying to calm things down. "How about this? We''ll share the veggies between both of you."


    Both Liu Tao and Jing Yufei shook their heads strongly, showing they didn''t want to give up their precious veggies.


    Understanding they needed a different plan, Jing Huiyuan suggested a compromise with a friendly smile, "Since there are two of us and only one of Liu Tao, Yufei, why don''t you give him the veggies? We can always find more, and it''s good to be kind."


    After a short pause, Jing Yufei, still holding his greens, thought about his sister''s words. Realizing that being kind was a good thing, he gave the wild vegetables to Liu Tao, who couldn''t help but smile with happiness. Jing Huiyuan''s smile got even bigger as she saw the problem getting solved.


    "See, everyone is happy now," she said, adding a gentle lesson about working together. "Let''s not fight over such small things."


    A hesitant smile softened Liu Tao''s face as he extended a handful of his greens toward Jing Yufei. The latter looked at the offering, his cheeks still puffed in a remnant of a pout. Then, as if surprised by his own impulse, he reached out and received the greens from Liu Tao''s hand.


    However, their newfound friendship didn''t last long as they started arguing again, this time about who could collect more veggies.


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    With the heated argument between Jing Yufei and Liu Tao providing the perfect diversion, Jing Huiyuan seized the opportunity to slip away unnoticed. The task at hand was crucial, and she needed to find an ideal hiding spot for the precious tomato plants she had brought from her space.


    As she ventured deeper into the outskirts, the scent of wildflowers wafted through the air, adding a delicate perfume to the atmosphere. The soft rustling of leaves and the occasional chirping of birds provided a comforting symphony, a soundtrack to the clandestine operation she was about to undertake.


    Using the original owner''s seemingly perfect memories, Jing Huiyuan tried to recall something. Of the different crops the Jing family had grown and encountered in their business as a family of farmers, Jing Huiyuan noticed that some plants from the world she came from could not be found in her current world. Tomatoes are among those plants.


    When she was sure that no one was around, she entered into her space. As her feet felt the warm ground in her space, the sunlight suddenly shone on her face, making her eyes squint.


    Shafts of golden light played hide-and-seek among the leaves of her plants, casting an ethereal glow over the surroundings. Jing Huiyuan''s senses absorbed every nuance of this enchanting scene, the play of light and shadow becoming an integral part of her memory.


    Jing Huiyuan approached a small, unassuming machine tucked away in a corner. The screen blinked to life, displaying a simple yet crucial question, "What seeds do you want?"


    Although intrigued to know what other kinds of seeds this machine has, she knew she did not have any time as she would cause her little brother to worry about her sudden absence. Of course, she knew what she was going to pick¡ªtomato seeds!


    As her fingers deftly navigated the touch screen, selecting the desired option, a surprising prompt appeared. "Do you want to pay 1 point for 10 tomato seeds? This is a discount for your first purchase. Normally, you can only get 5 tomato seeds per point."


    Jing Huiyuan''s brow furrowed as she stared at the text on the screen. "I have 1 point?" she wondered aloud.


    Almost as if in response to her unspoken query, the system''s screen flickered. The stark black backdrop softened into a gentle blue, and a new message scrolled into existence, its letters dancing like fireflies: "Host, it was when you resolved the dispute between your brother and another child, which resulted in a friendship between the two."


    Jing Huiyuan''s eyes widened in realization, a subtle smile playing on her lips. "Ah, the argument over the wild vegetables," she recalled, the memory of her intervention now rewarded in the form of a point. This was the good deed she made. It seemed such a trivial thing, a fleeting moment in the grand scheme of life, but the system had deemed it worthy of reward. A warmth spread through her chest, a blend of surprise and satisfaction.


    Grateful for the reward, Jing Huiyuan confirmed her purchase with a decisive click. With a soft hum, the small machine processed Jing Huiyuan''s selection, confirming her purchase of 10 tomato seeds with a subtle glow from its screen.


    Then, with a delicate whir, the machine dispensed the tomato seeds into a small compartment at its base. The tiny, nondescript seeds tumbled into view, each carrying the latent power to sprout into vibrant plants bearing succulent fruits. Gently, she retrieved the seeds, cradling them in her palm.


    Before stepping out of her farming space, her gaze darted around the surroundings. A subtle rustle of leaves accompanied her careful steps as she approached the tomato plants she had nurtured. With a practiced hand, she knelt down and gently uprooted three plants, their roots clinging to the earth as if reluctant to leave their sanctuary.


    Of course, she uprooted the fruit-bearing (or at least close to bearing fruits) ones. Otherwise, how else could she explain the three tomatoes she brought?


    The plants, with their intricate network of roots exposed, were cradled in her arms alongside the harvested tomatoes.


    Exiting her farming space felt like stepping from one world into another. The transition from the sun-dappled sanctuary to the untamed outskirts was subtle, but the air outside carried a different energy¡ªa blend of harshness and hope.


    Choosing a concealed location behind the tall grass, closer to the mountain where few ventured, Jing Huiyuan began the delicate process of planting the tomato seeds. She carefully arranged three small tomato plants, making sure to position them in a way that seemed natural among the surrounding vegetation.


    To further disguise the new additions, Jing Huiyuan strategically placed pebbles and rocks around the base of the plants, creating the appearance that they had been in the area for some time. The meticulous effort was not just about planting; it was about seamlessly integrating the foreign crops into the natural environment.


    As she marveled at the beauty of the three tomato plants, Jing Huiyuan noticed that two of them had around six unripe fruits, promising a bountiful harvest in about two days. The third plant, however, just had flowers for the time being.


    With a practiced grace, she dispersed the seeds, releasing them like whispers into the air. Each seed found its place in the soil, nestling among the blades of grass and the cradle of rocks. Her movements, akin to an intricate dance, were deliberate yet seemingly random as if the seeds were merely caught in a gentle breeze, choosing their own destiny.


    According to her calculations, the seedlings would most likely sprout in the following week.


    As Jing Huiyuan continued her work, the peacefulness of the surroundings was shattered by rustling sounds emanating from nearby bushes.


    A shape, fleeting and menacing, danced at the edge of her vision. Was it the glint of fur, the flash of scaled hide? Or just the cruel play of sunlight on dead branches? Her heart hammered against her ribs, a trapped bird desperate for escape.


    The rustling came again, closer, bolder, like the hiss of a serpent testing its strike. Another wave of fear swept over her¡ªwas it a threat? A dangerous beast? However, as she cautiously approached the source of the noise, relief washed over her.