Chapter 217: Pan-Fried Mushrooms with Worm Eggs (Bonus Chapter)

Wang Qiqi had long been prepared for this moment. Over the past few days, he’d been gathering support, not just among the original residents but also many of the new arrivals, making countless promises along the way.

However, despite his efforts, most people weren’t optimistic about his chances. After all, Zhao Shupi didn’t need to actively campaign; just offering free porridge was enough to attract votes.

Jing Shu wasn’t particularly surprised but impressed nonetheless. Wang Qiqi had managed to save up some virtual coins from previous scavenging expeditions and had borrowed the rest, gathering a total of 500 virtual coins—an enormous sum for the average person.

But what could 500 virtual coins do? It was enough to buy 250 people a meal of white rice, but with tens of thousands of people in Banana District, that wouldn’t be enough to make a difference.

On the other hand, Jing Shu’s third aunt, after her involvement in previous events, had successfully become the manager of the newly established community cafeteria, which now fed many of the local residents. The government had taken over rice distribution.

In addition to her position, two other managers were running separate community canteens in the district, named “Love Family,” “Love Country,” and “Love Smile” cafeterias. They all reported to a district manager overseeing all three.

Although her third aunt’s responsibilities had shifted to handling regular citizens rather than government workers, her influence had grown with the expanded population under her care.

As Jing Shu contemplated the situation, she realized this could be a perfect opportunity to help boost her aunt’s popularity while also aiding Wang Qiqi’s campaign.

Moreover, the three cafeterias were fiercely competing, each trying to outdo the others in sales by offering new dishes daily. Zhao Shupi had gained considerable traction advertising at the “Love Country” cafeteria, leading to long lines of customers throughout the day.

Helping her aunt attract more people seemed like a win-win.

So, what could they do with 500 virtual coins? While Zhao Shupi was likely throwing thousands of virtual coins into his campaign, Jing Shu had another idea: *Pan-Fried Mushrooms with Worm Eggs*.

This dish involved lightly oiling a pan, tearing mushrooms into strips, and frying them with the worm eggs attached over low heat. The water content would evaporate, and the mushrooms would turn golden and crispy, while the worm eggs released a fragrant meat-like aroma. A sprinkle of chili powder and salt added the finishing touch, resulting in a dish that was savory, crispy, and flavorful—a perfect treat in the damp weather.

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The next day...

“Wow, where is that delicious fried meat smell coming from?”

“Hurry up and check it out! ‘Love Family’ cafeteria is serving *Pan-Fried Mushrooms with Worm Eggs*! The smell is incredible!”

“It must be expensive. I probably can’t afford it.”

“They’re giving it out for free! But only a limited number of servings!”

By lunchtime, a long line had formed outside the “Love Family” cafeteria. Drawn in by the smell and the promise of free food, people flocked to the cafeteria.

Wang Qiqi, holding a loudspeaker, explained the rules. Each person who voted for him would receive a free serving of *Pan-Fried Mushrooms with Worm Eggs*. Those who had already voted for Zhao Shupi could still buy a serving for 0.5 virtual coins.

As soon as people tasted the dish, they couldn’t resist coming back for more, boosting the cafeteria’s sales.

Jing Shu scratched her nose with a smile. While she genuinely wanted to help Wang Qiqi win the position of distribution manager and support her aunt’s business, she didn’t expect to earn 1,000 virtual coins from the effort.

Ahem.

Between her chili powder and the leftover lard from the family’s stash, there hadn’t been much cost involved. She had used pig fat accumulated from cooking over time, and her family generally preferred vegetable oils like peanut or rapeseed oil, leaving the lard unused.

Her grandmother had been wondering how to get rid of the excess fat. It turned out the answer was right in front of them—the lard had netted 1,000 virtual coins!

In comparison, Zhao Shupi’s porridge cost much more since it was made from real grains.

The key difference, however, was that *Pan-Fried Mushrooms with Worm Eggs* tasted amazing and received rave reviews. After trying it once, people were willing to spend 0.5 virtual coins for a second serving, as most people had some extra cash from scavenging and trading.

Wang Qiqi quickly shot up the rankings, trailing just behind Zhao Shupi, and became one of the top contenders. People were intrigued by this newcomer who seemed to appear out of nowhere.

To his credit, Wang Qiqi had spun a story about his past adventures in the Banana District, emphasizing how he had earned significant virtual coins and helped residents thrive. He hinted at having connections to a powerful figure in the Banana District’s wealthy villa community, suggesting he could bring real benefits to the people.

Jing Shu pondered, “Am I that powerful figure he’s referring to?”

As Jing Shu considered the future, she began planning for the year ahead.

If last year had been about securing her family’s survival, this year would be about accumulating wealth. In simple terms, she planned to make money and gain the power necessary to protect that wealth.

The second year of the apocalypse was one of the more stable years in the ten-year span. It was a time when currency flowed more freely, but that wouldn’t last. Once the great migration began, and people were forced into a nomadic lifestyle, the economy would slow.

Her first step was to rise to the position of vice president in the Medicinal Herb Association, which would give her the influence needed to protect her family from opportunistic enemies.

As for her family, they were doing well. Her mother had a chance to rise in rank, and if her father could manage the livestock farms, they would be in a strong position.

The second step? Earning more virtual coins. There would be many expenses ahead.

Jing Shu had hoped to make money from cultivating blood mushrooms, but the roots of the mushrooms she had cooked hadn’t grown back in her spatial cube, leaving her somewhat disappointed. Could it be that even the cube couldn’t grow blood mushrooms? Or was her method wrong?

As she pondered the issue, she suddenly had an idea while preparing for Yang Yang’s grandfather’s birthday celebration.

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––– Side Note –––

Finally finished this chapter!