As Jing Shu somewhat dazedly observed, the distinction between “inside the system” and “outside the system” had already manifested itself early on. In the future, government employees would enjoy access to these green vegetables, while those outside the system would have to settle for mushrooms laden with various chemicals and emanating a foul odor.
Click! Click!
The sound of camera flashes filled the air as photographers captured Minister Niu’s affectionate demonstration with the frogs, along with several curious children counting frogs. These precious moments—of parents interacting with their children and Minister Niu delivering a speech on ‘how to cultivate vegetables in darkness’—moved many family members of employees, and all these scenes were recorded.
Jing Shu, tucking up her trousers and planting rice shoots, had to maintain an elegant smile in front of the cameras until Minister Niu signaled, “Thank you for your hard work, you can go write up your pieces now.”
After the photographers left, everyone relaxed. Interest in the frogs surged, especially among the children who would have jumped in to catch them if not for the barriers.
Women approached with their children, and a group of men proudly stepped aside to smoke a rare commodity these days.
“How much for these frogs? Ever since we ran out of mosquito repellent, we’ve been plagued by corpse flies laying eggs everywhere. It’s so frustrating.”
“My fish tank was overrun with larvae recently. If only I had frogs sooner.”
Complaints poured in from all sides, showing the familiarity among the group, and Minister Niu even winked at Jing Shu.
Seizing the moment, Jing Shu realized that most of these people were middle-level government officials’ family members, still living comfortably enough to afford a few frogs unlike the more desperate apartment dwellers.
Minister Niu had set the stage, and it was time for Jing Shu to rise to the occasion.
“I take care of these frogs like they’re my grandchildren, providing them with the best water and insects…” Jing Shu began to lay it on thick.
A lady interrupted her, “Just tell us what you want for them.”
“One small frog for three bottles of mineral water,” Jing Shu stated, smiling broadly.
Minister Niu’s mouth fell open at her audacity.
Negotiations started with the ladies trying to get a better deal: “The frogs are good but a bit pricey,” and “If we buy more, can we get a discount?”
Minister Niu was astounded by their bargaining, much like dealing with a tough merchant.
Eventually, Jing Shu agreed to a group price, selling each small frog for two bottles of water, throwing in a leash and a container, and promising after-sales service. The deal was sealed, making everyone happy.
Jing Shu taught them how to adjust the leashes and care for the frogs, and they added her on WeChat, promising to promote her if the frogs did well.
Thus, Jing Shu transformed from an internet celebrity into a frog seller.
Pleased with herself, she eyed the over one hundred bottles of mineral water Minister Niu had advanced. Her mother, worried that Jing Shu might have overcharged, scolded her, but Jing Shu argued it was for the frogs’ welfare—to ensure they were valued and cared for.
Minister Niu laughed and agreed with Jing Shu’s methods, then asked to buy thirty more frogs for research into increasing their breeding rates, concerned about the dwindling insecticide supplies. He discussed how the disturbances in the New District the day before had prompted an emergency government meeting to accelerate the distribution of the experimental mushrooms, hoping to placate the restless public with the upcoming news broadcast.
Recalling those moldy mushrooms, Jing Shu shuddered at the thought of ever touching them again.
“I understand, Minister Niu. I am honored to contribute to our country,” Jing Shu replied, and the minister purchased an additional thirty frogs for sixty bottles of water, reserving her next batch as well.
Content with her day’s work, Jing Shu returned home with her frogs and a car full of bottled water. As water became scarcer, she realized she had underestimated her household’s needs.
With the water delivery reduced to just one liter per person per day, Jing Shu knew she had to act fast. She decided to trade her remaining frogs for car parts that could be useful in maintaining her vehicle as the crisis worsened.
She posted in her community group: “@everyone, I am selling a batch of frogs that eat corpse flies in exchange for car tires, shock absorbers, engine oil, and other parts.”
—
Author’s Note:
Thanks to Yuyu Yu Fish, aquarius8502, and Yunxiu for their support! 😘
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