Chapter 78 Hot Pot

Chapter 78: Chapter 77: Hot Pot

An incredibly faint SIZZLE began to emanate from inside the barrel, as if countless microscopic lifeforms were frantically at work. The temperature of the barrel’s walls rose at a visible rate, quickly becoming warm to the touch. Wisps of white steam, carrying the scent of soil and fermentation, began to curl up from the gaps in the lid and the ventilation holes.

"This is..." Professor Ye, who had been observing from the side, looked utterly astonished at the strange phenomenon. "The temperature is rising rapidly."

He hurriedly took out a laboratory thermometer and inserted it into the observation port.

"The core temperature has exceeded sixty degrees Celsius and is still rising." Professor Ye watched the rapidly climbing scale on the thermometer, his voice filled with wonder. "Truly miraculous..."

The temperature inside the barrel continued to climb, and the steam grew thicker. The smell of fermentation also became stronger, though it wasn’t unpleasant. Instead, it carried a peculiar, earthy fragrance. This process lasted for about ten minutes.

Han Ning didn’t retract his hands until the temperature of the barrel walls began to stabilize and the escaping steam thinned out. This operation had consumed about thirty points of his Spiritual Power. He had a lot of Energy now and recovered quickly—about twenty points of Spiritual Power per hour—so he could afford the expenditure. In the past, he never could have pulled off such an extravagant move.

"Professor Ye, what about now? How much longer will it take?" Han Ning asked.

Professor Ye carefully checked the thermometer, leaned close to the ventilation hole to sniff the odor, and poked a clean wooden stick inside to stir the mixture, feeling the humidity and consistency of the materials.

"Incredible!" he muttered. "Based on this temperature, the intensity of the reaction, and the degree of material decomposition... now... it will probably only take five to seven days!"

"Five to seven days..." Han Ning said, quite satisfied with the result. Compared to forty-five days, this was a massive leap. Besides, he could come and accelerate the process every day, perhaps shortening the time even further.

With the plan progressing smoothly, Han Ning’s mood lightened considerably. Although dabbling in composting and breeding seemed to offer no immediate boost to his current combat strength, it was all laying the groundwork for the future. Once he cultivated mutated crops with special effects like the Red Mist Tomato, or even just used this super compost to mass-produce high-yield, high-quality food crops, the returns would be immense and continuous.

A stable food source was the absolute foundation of survival in the apocalypse. Not to mention, he could also grind his Skill Level for Natural Blessing and Rapid Growth along the way. It was killing several birds with one stone.

"Alright, Professor Ye, Teacher Su, let’s wrap up today’s work here." Han Ning clapped his hands, a smile appearing on his face. "We’ve been busy for so long; it’s time to take a break. Xu Ming should be well-rested by now. I’ll go call him over, and we’ll have a good meal tonight!"

Hearing this, Professor Ye and Su Mingke both stopped what they were doing and looked at him in surprise. Han Ning’s current expression was like night and day compared to the calm, ruthless demeanor he had shown earlier at the Agricultural and Forestry University.

"Get some rest." Han Ning handed them two bottles of water, then headed out to find Xu Ming.

A short while later, Xu Ming walked out, leading his daughter, Xu Yinyin, by the hand. After a few hours of sleep, his Spirit had improved significantly, though he still looked a bit bleary-eyed.

"Boss, what are your orders?" Xu Ming asked, assuming Han Ning had new tasks for him.

"No orders. We’re having a dinner Gathering tonight for hotpot!" Han Ning laughed. "You’re a good cook, so you’re in charge of showing off your skills and whipping up a few dishes today."

"Hotpot?!" Xu Ming’s eyes lit up.

Han Ning waved his hand dismissively. "Go get ready. The meat, vegetables, and soup base are all in my storage room. Take whatever you need."

"You got it!" Seeing the boss give the word, Xu Ming didn’t hesitate. He immediately ducked into the adjacent storage room and began rummaging around.

After waiting a moment, Han Ning saw Xu Ming acting overly frugal, dawdling because he couldn’t bear to use this or that. Taking matters into his own hands, Han Ning decisively brought out several packets of hotpot soup base, dehydrated vegetable packs, a few cans of luncheon meat, and some vacuum-sealed meats.

Soon, a space was cleared in the center of the living room. Han Ning brought over a Jackery portable power station and extravagantly hooked up a power strip to boil water on an induction cooker. The red oil of the beef tallow hotpot base melted in the pot, instantly filling the entire room with a rich, savory aroma. On the table sat a few bags of quick-frozen meatballs of questionable freshness, a few packets of glass noodles, and several plates of sliced, vacuum-sealed cured meat, beef, and ready-to-eat chicken.

Han Ning also found time to call Yu Na over. He had originally invited Lin Qianqian as well, but she was highly career-driven and was currently still in a meeting with the other Awakened, discussing future development plans.

Yu Na didn’t come empty-handed; she brought a bag of dried wood ear mushrooms and a few eggs. Although the ingredients were simple, it was a rare feast in the apocalypse. Additionally, Xu Ming had stir-fried a few side dishes: vinegar-glazed shredded potatoes, pork with wood ear mushrooms, and braised beef with potato chunks.

The red broth in the pot bubbled and rolled with a soft BLUB BLUB, sending up clouds of hot steam. Han Ning, Xu Ming, Professor Ye, Su Mingke, Yu Na, and the little tyke, Xu Yinyin, sat in a circle around the stove.

Han Ning opened some beers and poured a glass for everyone, thoughtfully pouring a glass of Fanta for Xu Yinyin.

"Come on, everyone has worked hard." Han Ning raised his glass. "To surviving, and to... being able to eat hotpot often in the future. Cheers!"

"Cheers!" Xu Ming was the first to respond, heartily chugging a large gulp.

"Thank you, Mr. Han Ning." Professor Ye smiled and raised his glass, taking a small sip.

Su Mingke looked at the steaming hotpot and the glass in front of her, then at Han Ning’s sincere smile. After a moment of hesitation, she finally picked up her glass, gently clinked it against the others, and whispered, "Thank you."

After a few glasses of alcohol and a bite of the hotpot cured meat, a feeling of deep comfort permeated everyone’s bodies. The atmosphere at the dining table grew lively.

Xu Ming began recounting the amusing and thrilling experiences from his days working on ships, drawing bursts of laughter and gasps of awe from the group. Professor Ye shared a few anecdotes from his agricultural work. Yu Na didn’t speak much; she wore a faint smile and occasionally served food to Xu Yinyin.

Meanwhile, Xu Yinyin took small bites of her meatballs. As she listened to the adults chat, her large eyes curiously observed the newcomers, Grandpa Ye and Aunt Su.

Su Mingke was a bit reserved at first, quietly eating her food. But when Xu Yinyin innocently asked her, "Aunt Su, is this meatball yummy?" she gazed into the little girl’s sparkling eyes.

The corners of her mouth curled up slightly as she gave a gentle nod. "Mhm, it’s yummy."

Outside the window, torrential rain poured down and fierce winds howled, as if threatening to submerge the entire world.

Inside the room, the stove fire danced and the hotpot boiled. The aroma of food intertwined with the sounds of laughter and cheerful chatter, creating a scene of utmost coziness.

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The events depicted above are purely fictitious. Any resemblance to reality is absolutely impossible.