Chapter 24
Lilith, upon seeing her mother's reaction, couldn't help but burst into laughter. Just a moment ago, her mother's face was filled with pride while drinking the herbal medicine, but now, her expression was twisted, resembling dried laundry that hadn't been properly washed!
Lily couldn't focus on anything else at the moment. She had been too careless, as the taste of the drink she just consumed was incredibly unpleasant! It took her a few moments to recover from the overwhelming taste.
With her senses returning, Lily heard her daughter's questions seeking validation.
"That's right, Mom! It tastes awful! Who would want to drink something so bitter and strange?"
Hearing this, Lily was momentarily speechless because what her daughter said was the truth.
Alex, who noticed the distaste of the two women towards the herbal medicine he concocted, felt a bit displeased. He then took the herb from Lily's hand and gulped it down without the slightest warning. He thought that the two women were exaggerating greatly.
But to Alex's surprise, the taste was indeed terrible! The bitter, sour, and spicy flavors in the herb he had just drunk were much stronger than anything he had ever tasted on Earth!
Despite feeling extreme discomfort, Alex was trying his best not to overreact. He didn't want his unappealing expression to be seen by the two women, as he couldn't handle the taste of his concoction.
Lily and Lilith were a bit amazed at first but then found it quite amusing. They couldn't help but chuckle at the sight of Alex's struggle.
Alex knew what these two women were thinking and felt a little helpless. He couldn't bear the unpleasant taste in his mouth any longer. Just as he was about to give in to the urge to vomit, suddenly a familiar middle-aged woman's voice called out.
"Alex! Where are you!'"
Hearing this, Alex immediately frowned and then struggled to swallow everything in his mouth. After managing to do so, he greeted Greenfield's mother with a forced smile as she appeared with a curious expression on her face.
Meanwhile, Alex managed to avoid the embarrassing incident that almost happened. The herbs in his mouth had completely disappeared, leaving behind a bitter and slightly spicy aftertaste.
Mrs. Greenfield, seeing her family standing together with strange expressions, was a little confused. She couldn't help but ask, "What's wrong with you all? Why are you standing and chatting here?"
Lilith, upon hearing her grandmother's question, immediately complained, "Here comes grandma! My father purposely made something that tastes bad to drink!"
Mrs. Greenfield, who heard this, was a little displeased. She then scolded her son gently, "Russell, you've grown up, why are you still so mischievous like a child!"
Alex, feeling a bit sad, felt he was being misunderstood. "Mom, I'm not playing around. The thing I gave Lilith was some kind of medicine. I told her to drink it to stay healthy! Which medicine isn't bitter nowadays?"
Hearing her son's explanation, Greenfield's mother nodded slightly. It seemed that her son had good intentions in taking care of his child.
With that, it was Lilith's turn to be lectured.
"Your father is right, Lilith. It's good for your health, and the medicine isn't that bitter. In the future, you'll become an extremely beautiful young lady!"
"But grandma, those things are scary! If you don't believe me, try it!" Lilith said, still chuckling, while pointing at the half-filled glass in Alex's hand.
Observing her granddaughter, Greenfield's mother didn't find the situation outrageous at all. She took the glass from Alex's hand to demonstrate that good things should be consumed.
And so, the same thing happened again. Greenfield's mother, who already had wrinkles, deepened them even further. Her expression of intolerance surpassed the ones shown by Lilith and Lily before.
In this scene, Lilith was the most pleased. Who told you guys to bully this cute girl?
Meanwhile, Alex felt depressed seeing his mother like this. At first, he wanted to stop his mother from drinking. But she was so fast that he was left speechless.
"Bah! What is this feeling!" exclaimed Greenfield's mother after finishing a mouthful of the herbs.
Then Mother Greenfield asked Alex accusingly, "Is this medicine? Why does it taste a hundred times worse than medicine?"
Alex, who heard this, was a little speechless. He looked for excuses before finally saying, "Mom, don't you believe me? Isn't there a warm and relaxed feeling in your muscles after drinking it? This is a good thing!"
Hearing this, Greenfield's mother finally realized that it was true, the herbal medicine did have some positive effects as her daughter had described.
Lilith and Lily also finally realized that what their father and husband said was true. However, they still found the taste unbearable.
Seeing the uncomfortable looks on everyone's faces, Alex hurriedly took the glass filled with medicinal herbs and then asked his mother, "Mother, why did you come at night like this?"
"Ah yes, I just remembered, your uncle and aunt called!" replied Greenfield's mother.
"And what did they say?" Alex was a little confused.
"They said they had tasted the vegetables you brought, and they were really good!"
"Oh, is that so? Then I'll send them more next time."
Seeing her son's relaxed behavior, Greenfield's mother was a little annoyed. She had just received good news from her brothers-in-law about the vegetables that Alex sent, and she was feeling happy about it. However, she was still bothered by the unpleasant taste of the herbal medicine.
After that, her brother-in-law urged him to sell the vegetables at a high price and even wanted to sell them themselves with the help of their connections. Greenfield's mother was naturally dumbfounded upon hearing this. She then remembered her husband's words about how her daughter had made a lot of money. She also recalled her son's words about how he could easily support his wife and children and didn't mind the multi-million debt.
At first, Greenfield's mother was displeased and thought her son was too indifferent. However, she soon realized that her son's confidence had a basis. Mrs. Greenfield then explained how the vegetables appeared and that it was not their hands that planted them but Alex's hard work.
Hearing this, Uncle and Aunt started urging Mrs. Greenfield to ask Alex if they could produce these delicious vegetables en masse. They also mentioned that the vegetables could be sold at 2 to 3 times the price.
Upon hearing this, it was clear that Greenfield's mother was moved and immediately came to her son's house.
"Your son has delicious vegetables, but I had no idea! Your uncle and aunt said that the vegetables you made were really good. They believe that if they sell them with their connections, the price will be much higher," Mrs. Greenfield explained to Alex and Lily.
Lily was slightly surprised to hear this, as she never thought that what her husband had been saying was actually true.
After hearing this, Alex finally came to his senses. He realized that he had been keeping the delicious vegetables to himself and not sharing them with his own family. He used to cook with ordinary ingredients but with a little added moisture of life, which made a significant difference in the taste and quality of the dishes.
With this realization, Alex saw a fantastic business opportunity. His aunt and uncle had connections in town, and he could utilize the acceleration inside the ring space to his advantage. Just imagine, tomatoes that have been planted for only five days can already bear fruit! This was truly remarkable and had great potential for business success.
With these ideas in mind, Alex discussed various plans with his mother. He explained that he had connections in the vegetable sourcing business, so even if their family lacked resources in the future, he could still help them out.
His mother returned home with a sense of joy, thinking about the potential for multiplying their money through this business venture.
After her return, Alex resumed his research activities and also started designing a comprehensive plan for selling vegetables with his future aunt and uncle.
As he was deeply engrossed in his work, Alex's phone suddenly rang. Although a little distracted, he decided to answer the call.
Seeing the name of the caller, Alex was slightly surprised. "What could be related to this person? Was there a problem with the vegetables last time?" he wondered with doubt. Curiosity piqued, he picked up the phone and heard a hurried voice on the other end.
"Hello, good night, Mr. Russell," greeted the caller.
"Yes, good night, Mr. Ethan."
"Is Mr. Russell busy?"
"No, don't worry, Mr. Ethan. I'm not busy. So, why did you call me?"
"Well, are the vegetables still available?" Mr. Ethan asked.
Alex frowned slightly. Didn't he say that he stopped selling vegetables? But as he thought about his mother's words earlier and the short time it took to grow vegetables in the ring space, he couldn't help but ask back with great interest.
"For now, Mr. Ethan, they are available. What's wrong? Are the vegetable sales good?" Alex inquired.
"Heheheh, don't hide from me, Mr. Russell. The sales of the vegetables are excellent and have boosted my restaurant. Moreover, I discovered something amazing in your vegetables," replied Mr. Ethan.
"Amazing? What do you mean?" Alex asked with curiosity.
"Well, I wanted to confirm the quality of the materials from the vendor, so I conducted a lab test. The results came back in a few days, and to learn more about your vegetables, I did further tests for potential health benefits. But to my surprise, it turns out there are active ingredients in Russell's vegetable plants that are not only healthy but also have natural beauty-enhancing properties! These vegetables have incredible potential," explained Mr. Ethan enthusiastically.
As Ethan was excitedly explaining, Alex's expression turned from curious to horrified and afraid. He cursed silently in his heart, realizing the implications of this discovery. "Damn, this is a disaster!"
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Chapter 25
Upon receiving the news that the vegetables he sells contain some kind of active substance, Alex felt nervous at first. However, he tried to remain composed and act as normal as possible while speaking with Ethan.
"Once again, I apologize, Mr. Ethan. The plants I cultivate are indeed very challenging to grow, which is why I might not be able to meet all of your requirements," Alex explained sincerely.
Ethan, upon hearing this, was initially displeased, but he eventually calmed down because he knew what the other party said was true. High-quality produce is indeed rare.
"Alright then, Mr. Russell, I won't push any further. However, can you assure me that the quality of the vegetables in the future will be consistent, just like this? Additionally, can you maintain the same level of quality for the fruits you grow?" Ethan inquired.
"Oops, I apologize, Mr. Ethan. The quality of the plants is uncertain, as it can be influenced by various factors such as weather conditions. However, I can assure you that I always take great care of my plants. We can discuss the outcome later. As for the fruits, I can guarantee at least this level of taste," Alex replied, trying to sound more optimistic.
Hearing Alex's pessimistic tone, Ethan became momentarily speechless. They exchanged a few more words before finally ending the call.
Still in shock, Alex checked if the other party's phone had died, finally allowing himself to breathe a sigh of relief.
"Ughh, that was a close call," Alex muttered to himself as he contemplated the situation. On Earth, he was always meticulous about the products he sold, conducting lab tests and clinical trials before releasing them to the market. This experience taught him the importance of quality control and making sure his customers received the best possible products.
After obtaining the appropriate assessment and results, Alex felt confident enough to distribute his goods. He was cautious not only to prevent any adverse effects on people who might be allergic or poisoned by his products but also out of fear that others might notice something extraordinary about them. While it was fine to have some level of attention, drawing too much attention could be dangerous.
On Earth, Alex had always been careful with his products, making sure to enhance their nutritional value and taste without making them too conspicuous. He took a conservative approach to marketing and distribution. However, after arriving in this new world, he became less cautious, assuming that his goods would be safe in the market.
Unfortunately, Alex had overlooked the fact that the world he was in now was far different from Earth, and the things he possessed were much more exceptional. This realization made him fearful for his safety and that of his family.
After his conversation with Ethan, Alex felt a sense of relief. "Oh, it's a good thing Ethan warned me; otherwise, I might have followed my mother's advice and expanded too quickly," Alex thought, grateful for the helpful advice, even though he had no clue about Ethan's intentions.
Recalling his mother's enthusiasm for making money with vegetables, Alex couldn't help feeling a bit bitter. "It looks like I'll have to delay and modify the plan my mother, uncle, and aunt came up with. Otherwise, things could get out of hand," he contemplated, realizing the need for caution and moderation.
With these thoughts, Alex entered the ring room and was pleased to see the lush greenery and a cool environment. The plants in the room had adapted well and were thriving.
Alex called the small floating island where the Tree of Life was located to descend. Afterward, he fetched water from a jug and took a few sips, feeling satisfied.
"I need to be more careful in using this liquid in the future," Alex said thoughtfully, recognizing the value of the precious dew of life and the need to use it wisely.
…
The next day, Alex continued working on his fruit farm. He diligently trimmed the weeds around the plants and then watered them with diluted drops of life dew mixed in gallons of water. Additionally, Alex injected nutrient liquid into the plant stems to expedite the nutrient absorption process.
With great care, Alex also watered each hanging peach with nutrient liquid, aiming to enhance the taste of the fruit. Based on his previous research, Alex knew that not only the roots, but also the stems, leaves, and fruit required nutrient fluids for optimal growth. The drop of life dew was intentionally used to strengthen the tree, ensuring a bountiful and delicious harvest in the future.
After finishing everything, Alex returned home for lunch. Without wasting time, he then headed to his parent's house to borrow a car. Once granted permission, Alex aimlessly wandered the city streets, feeling both idle and unsure about his next steps.
He needed money urgently, but he also craved stability. Moreover, Alex knew that his plans required time and careful development, so he couldn't draw too much attention to himself.
Feeling perplexed, Alex strolled around the city, visiting various places in search of distraction. After a while, hunger and boredom caught up with him. With a grumbling stomach, Alex headed in a particular direction, hoping to find a snack.
Politely, he approached a grilled seafood shop and asked the lady, "Excuse me, madam, how much does one portion cost?"
"Prices range from 5 dollars to 15 dollars."
"Alright, I'll have one."
"What would you like? Fish? Squid? Octopus?"
"Just squid, please."
The seller nodded and started preparing the squid as per Alex's order. While waiting, Alex looked around and found something interesting to observe. Right next to the seafood snack stall, there was a genuine seafood restaurant offering Live Seafood, where customers could witness the process of cooking and preparing the dishes directly.
Alex was particularly intrigued by the butcher who worked there. He watched the man expertly cut various types of marine animals, including large tunas and lobsters. Alex was amazed by the skill and precision required to cut them properly.
While Alex was watching from afar, he was called out by the owner of the seafood snack stall, informing him that his order was ready. Alex paid for the squid and took his order.
"Thank you," Alex said after receiving his order.
"You're welcome, enjoy your meal," replied the seller.
Alex nodded in appreciation and took a bite of the grilled squid. He savored the tender texture and the delightful spiciness of the seasoning that heightened his appetite. Satisfied with his snack, Alex decided to continue watching the skillful fish and seafood cutting at the nearby restaurant.
To his surprise, Alex wasn't the only one interested in this spectacle; many other people were also captivated by the impressive knife skills on display. The skill of the butcher seemed to be a charming aspect of the restaurant, drawing in fascinated onlookers.
While Alex was enjoying his food and watching the captivating seafood-cutting show, he overheard a conversation nearby.
"Did you know that the fish this person is cutting is very expensive?"
"Oh, come on. I might believe you if those were giant lobsters, but these are just regular fish."
"Seriously, it's true! Check it out, the types and prices of the fish are listed on the internet!"
"Ahh, you're right. Huhu, the people eating here must be wealthy!"
The person continued to gossip while being entertained by the show, but Alex was more focused on their words. Due to his heightened senses from his training, Alex could hear the whispered conversation, as if the person was speaking loudly in his ear. Accidentally eavesdropping on their conversation, Alex couldn't help but feel intrigued by the mention of expensive fish being served in the restaurant.
After finishing his snack, Alex's eyes lit up as an idea came to his mind. He quickly finished his meal and headed in a particular direction. Rushing to his car, he opened his cell phone to search for relevant articles on the internet.
Alex carefully searched for some time before concluding. "There are indeed many valuable treasures in the ocean, but I'm not sure if I can use that strange method to dive to the bottom of the sea," he wondered curiously.
After contemplating for a while, Alex finally made a decision. He headed to a shopping mall to purchase the necessary equipment for his venture. With everything prepared, Alex felt a sense of anticipation as he drove towards the beach, ready to embark on his underwater exploration.
At four o'clock in the afternoon, Alex finally arrived at the beach. The salty smell wafting in the air relaxed his body. He took out his cell phone to inform his family that he would be home a little late.
After gathering the things he had bought, Alex moved to a secluded corner to change into a revealing swimsuit. Once ready, he double-checked his belongings before confidently swimming into the sea. Despite the slight difficulty of swimming with only one hand, Alex quickly adapted. Thanks to Russell's knowledge and previous experience, especially from his time in the army, he acquired swimming techniques from one of the books in the chest.
Indonesia is an archipelago, various swimming techniques existed in different regions. Some tribes even developed the ability to hold their breath underwater for an extended period. Thus, it was not surprising that such swimming techniques were documented in the books.
After swimming for a while, Alex finally reached a location that matched the criteria mentioned in the articles he read on the internet. He took a deep breath and started diving down to the bottom of the sea to begin collecting valuable items.
As he descended, the sunlight gradually diminished, leaving the area in darkness. The pressure from all directions increased as he went deeper, making Alex uncomfortable. However, he persevered, hoping to reach the bottom.
After a considerable effort, Alex finally reached the ocean floor. As he looked around, he couldn't help but feel a shiver down his spine. The surroundings felt eerie and mysterious.
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