Farming Games are All About Grinding

Additionally, the Qingyue Water Kettle has a third special effect: Moon Dew.

Judging by its effect, this should stem from the fusion of moonlight meteorite iron and wine copper.

"Isn't this the stuff immortals used to drink?" Han Qiwu chuckled, rather looking forward to tasting this moonlight elixir himself.

From the looks of it, all future watering sessions will have to be done at night.

Stowing away the Qingyue Water Kettle, Han Qiwu bent down and formally thanked Master Shuzi. "Thank you, Master. I'll bring you five Frozen Crystal Spheres later for research."

"Haha, no problem, no problem," Master Shuzi replied with a cheerful wave of his hand.

Seeing this, Han Qiwu didn't linger further. After exchanging a few more pleasantries, he bade goodbye to Master Shuzi.

Leaving the blacksmith shop, Han Qiwu directly cycled home, planning to toss the crab shells and hermit crab eggs into the river first, while also experimenting with the salting process for salted duck eggs.

Meanwhile, the delivery guy had already lugged a giant thermal box into the research facility.

The old guard who manned the gate put down his water-pipe, adjusted his reading glasses, and walked over with arms clasped behind his back to ask, "Who's this for? That's one big package."

"Yeah, it's all full of good food. I'm so hungry just from smelling it. Once I finish my deliveries, I need to grab some hotpot," the delivery guy chuckled. He glanced at the label and answered, "Says it's for Tang Qingying. Do you have anyone with that name here?"

"Ah, it's for Tang Qingying again!" The old guard grumbled, then turned and hollered, "Tang Qingying, come get your food delivery!"

Upstairs in her bed, still unable to fall asleep, Tang Qingying blankly glanced at her phone. Only then did she realize her delicious package had arrived. Giddy, she slipped on her slippers and rushed downstairs to the entrance.

Upon seeing the thermal box, she froze for a moment.

Why is it so big?

What's even inside?

Thankfully, just as she finished signing for it, her best friend Jing Yijia arrived. The two of them carried it upstairs together.

Once inside her room, Jing Yijia glanced at the label and teased, bumping Tang Qingying on the shoulder, "Wow, look at you! Such a model student, even getting food deliveries sent to the research facility? Things are progressing fast, huh!"

"Quit spouting nonsense. I've hardly slept at all—it's giving me such a headache," Tang Qingying laughed as she nudged Jing Yijia, crouching down to open the thermal box.

The moment the lid was lifted, the scent of meat and pastries surged into the room.

"Oh my god, what's this? It smells amazing! Honestly, it even smells better than that Buddha Jumps Over the Wall soup we had last week," Jing Yijia exclaimed, her nose twitching as she uncontrollably took several deep sniffs.

Tang Qingying was no different, instinctively swallowing a mouthful of saliva. Her hands sped up and in just a few movements, she had unveiled the insulated container holding the Ancient Dwarf Deer meat.

As the cover came off, an even more intense aroma burst forth.

A few seconds later, the residents in the neighboring rooms couldn't hold back their curiosity:

"Where's that smell coming from?"

"Could it be the cafeteria?"

"Wake up. Stop dreaming. I saw it earlier—Tang Qingying was signing for a package again."

"Oh, come on! Why doesn't anyone send me delicious food like that?"

"I can't take it anymore. I'm going to grab some food!"

"Wait for me!"

Inside Tang Qingying's room, however, she still had her wits about her. She found a small bowl and carefully scooped out a piece of tender braised meat with skin. Taking a gentle bite—

It melted in her mouth!

She almost swallowed her tongue by accident.

"Let me try some too! Geez, how are you such a good student and such an amazing cook? If you find a guy who's as good at cooking, you better marry him on the spot!" Jing Yijia teased, swallowing heavily as she spoke.

"Wait a sec, let me make a quick call first." For some reason, Tang Qingying vividly remembered what Han Qiwu had said before and instinctively stopped Jing Yijia's chopstick-grabbing hand.

When the call connected, Tang Qingying spoke a little shyly, "Han Qiwu, the package has arrived. The braised meat is delicious! My best friend Jing Yijia is here with me. You mentioned not to share it before—does it have something to do with the herbs you added?"

Han Qiwu immediately understood what she was getting at. A soft smile crept onto his face as he replied, "Don't worry—if she's in your room, it's fine if she has a little. I was mainly worried that something this delicious would get finished in just a bite by everyone else. Today, eat less of the braised meat and have more of the pastries, alright?"

"Wait, there are also pastries? In that case, I'll just have a few pieces of meat and then open the next box. Have you eaten yet?" Tang Qingying carried on the conversation, completely ignoring her best friend who was practically going crazy with hunger beside her.

Jing Yijia: "FOR THE LOVE OF—LADY!!! I'M LOSING IT HERE!!!!"

"I'll eat later after I finish running some errands. Alright, you go ahead and eat, then have a good rest afterward." Han Qiwu chuckled softly before taking the initiative to end the call.

After hanging up, he realized belatedly why he felt so pleased.

Because Tang Qingying valued him.

Even over something as simple as sharing meat with a friend, she had called to double-check with him first.

It was a feeling only the person involved could truly understand.

A feeling that was intoxicating.

On the other end, Tang Qingying was still smiling as she turned to Jing Yijia, announcing, "You can eat now."

Jing Yijia suspiciously touched Tang Qingying's forehead and asked in disbelief, "Seriously? He hung up on you, yet you're smiling like an idiot? Oh no, this is bad. There's no saving you. What year is it again? If you have a baby, maybe get a dragon this year!"

"What nonsense are you spouting? Keep it up and you won't get to eat at all!" Tang Qingying's face turned crimson as she shoved Jing Yijia lightly.

After eating a few bites of the braised meat, Tang Qingying reluctantly put down her chopsticks and opened the next container.

When the box was opened, she froze again.

This was just too beautiful.

The caramel glaze shimmered, accentuated by delicate gardenia petals, while the pale-yellow pastry practically extended an invitation to feast, crowned with fragrant pine nuts that exuded an alluring aroma.

"What the heck! No way! What kind of major is this guy in? His plating skills are insane!" Jing Yijia exclaimed, struggling to believe her eyes.

"He's my student. What does his major matter? What's wrong—can't someone studying agronomy know how to cook?" Tang Qingying boasted smugly as she picked up a small piece and delicately took a bite, feeling utterly delighted inside.

Moments ago while eating the meat, she had noticed every piece of food was perfectly portioned for a single bite, making it incredibly convenient to eat.

So thoughtful.

The pastry was soft and fragrant, its filling crispy and flavorful, becoming more delicious with every chew.

Before Tang Qingying even realized it, she had already eaten over half of the pastries.

"Let me try it, too." Jing Yijia picked up a small piece to taste. After finishing it, she let out a deep sigh. "Honestly, I regret it."

"Regret what?" Tang Qingying asked mid-chew, puzzled.

"I regret eating too much meat earlier! This stuff is just too good!"

Half an hour later, after finishing the meal, Tang Qingying saw Jing Yijia off and lay on her bed, pondering how to text Han Qiwu to thank him. But before she could even pick up her phone, drowsiness swept over her and pulled her into a deep sleep.

Back home, Han Qiwu looked at his still-silent phone and knew with certainty that Tang Qingying had probably fallen asleep.

He retrieved the crab shells and hermit crab eggs from the storage compartment and placed them in a spot in the river with fewer fish.

To prevent the hermit crab eggs from being eaten, he thoughtfully tucked them inside the crab shells.

A home from birth!

How considerate was that?

Then Han Qiwu moved to the side room, took out the {Salted Duck Egg Jar}, and placed it on the ground. He grabbed two duck eggs and dropped them in.

[Insert Duck Eggs (2/10)]

[Begin Curing?]

[Estimated Time: 24 Hours]

"Yes."

Han Qiwu didn't hesitate. Judging by the current situation, the jar could hold up to ten duck eggs for curing, but the yield at home was too low. Waiting five days just to fill it up seemed impractical. Better to use the 24-hour cycle to cure two eggs for now.

[Curing Salted Duck Eggs, Estimated Time: 24 Hours]

Looking at the crops waiting to be watered, Han Qiwu suppressed his urge to water them immediately. He grabbed his fishing bait and nylon hand-cast net and headed toward the secret realm.

Time to fish and earn some money before buying supplies from the wandering merchant later.

The forest was nice and cool, so the merchant could wait a bit longer.

Let's fish!

Let's see if I can reel in a few more Half-Shell Tooth Turtles today.

Those things were seriously valuable!