After hearing this, Zhang Zixuan looked at the basket Jian Xiu was carrying and curiously asked, “What’s this? Weren’t you going to Li Jia Village? Why are you still carrying a basket?”

Jian Xiu quickly composed herself and replied, “I’m planning to buy something to bring back. What’s wrong? Is there a problem?”

Upon hearing this, Zhang Zixuan no longer suspected anything. It was quite normal for people in this area to carry a basket when going out.

It wasn’t until they left the yard that Jian Xiu finally relaxed and breathed a sigh of relief.

It seemed she needed to find an opportunity to be honest with Zhang Zixuan about certain things. Otherwise, every time she went into the deep mountains, she’d have to explain herself, which was a hassle.

Looking at the mountain peaks behind the cottage, Jian Xiu couldn’t help but marvel at how the saying “living off the mountains” was indeed true.

With the wild vegetables at the foot of the mountain, she didn’t have to worry about her family going hungry.

The sky was just beginning to brighten, and Jian Xiu had already started walking toward the mountain path.

The journey to the deep mountains was long. Not only did she need to hunt, but she also had to accumulate some points.

More importantly, she needed to return the same day. Otherwise, Zhang Zixuan would definitely worry.

“Ke Ke, I’m going into the deep mountains now. If I find anything good, make sure to remind me!”

“I know, I know. Even if you didn’t say anything, I’d still know. But don’t get your hopes up too high,” Ke Ke replied.

“Why?”

“Didn’t I tell you before? I can only scan a two-meter radius around you. If you want to scan farther, you’ll need to spend more points.”

“Well, I’d need to have points to use in the first place,” Jian Xiu couldn’t help but complain.

“Keep at it, you can do it!” Ke Ke cheered.

Jian Xiu: “…”

But along the way, Jian Xiu really did spot quite a few valuable items.

“That looks like star anise,” she said, seeing something that resembled star anise in the distance.

“Ke Ke, hurry up and check, is this tree a star anise tree?”

“Move a little closer! This is more than two meters, I can’t scan it from here.”

Hearing this, Jian Xiu walked a little further ahead.

“Yes, yes, this is star anise! Quick, record it!” Ke Ke said excitedly.

Jian Xiu: “…” Could she say she wanted to dig it up and plant it herself?

Ke Ke must have heard her thoughts, as she continued, “This star anise tree is worth 200 points.”

“Really?”

“Yep!”

“Record it, now!” Jian Xiu responded without hesitation.

Well, if one star anise tree appeared, there would likely be more. She didn’t believe she couldn’t find another one.

She had always wanted those ingredients from the apocalypse world—whether for braising, stewing, or boiling. Having those ingredients made the dishes taste so different.

Thinking of this, Jian Xiu didn’t rush into the deep mountains anymore.

As for points, she figured she could just continue walking slowly into the mountainside. After all, accumulating points was her primary goal.

“Xiu Xiu, Xiu Xiu, look to your right. Is that something moving?”

Before she could find another star anise tree, Ke Ke’s voice suddenly sounded in her head.

Jian Xiu immediately followed the direction Ke Ke indicated.

But when she saw what was ahead, she was startled.

“It’s a snake! Should the system record it too?”

“Of course, this is valuable! Quick, record it!”

“Do you want it alive?” Jian Xiu asked.

“Yep, alive is much more valuable.”

“Ugh… its head is triangular, it’s clearly a venomous snake.”

“Don’t worry, just touch it lightly,” Ke Ke reassured.

Hearing this, Jian Xiu took two more steps forward.

But when she saw the snake’s watchful triangular eyes and its half-raised body, Jian Xiu hesitated.

“I need to confirm this—if it bites me, will the system take responsibility?”

“The system will provide medicine, but you’ll need to use your points to cover the cost,” Ke Ke answered.

Jian Xiu: “…” Is that really considered compensation?

“Come on, be careful. Just touch its tail when it’s not paying attention. If you had been more diligent with the system upgrades, you wouldn’t have to do this yourself,” Ke Ke muttered in a complaining tone.

Hearing Ke Ke’s tone, Jian Xiu felt a little guilty.

The system had been around for several days, but she still only had 2.5 points.

Thinking about it, she really felt a bit bad for Ke Ke.

With that in mind, Jian Xiu quickly drew her dagger and moved behind the triangular snake.

Before the snake could react, Jian Xiu’s right hand, holding the dagger, quickly reached for its tail.

In an instant, the snake disappeared from her sight.

“Did you record it? How many points is this snake worth?”

“Hmm, it’s not showing up,” Ke Ke said, sounding puzzled.

“Could it be that there’s no points?”

“It shouldn’t be. Maybe it’s a higher-value item, and the system is taking a bit longer to process. This has happened before. Or maybe there’s a system malfunction. Don’t worry, anything I can scan, you’ll get the points,” Ke Ke reassured.

Jian Xiu: “…” She wasn’t sure if Ke Ke was just trying to comfort her.

Her frustration only grew as she thought about it.

What did “don’t worry” mean?

She had risked her life to catch a venomous snake.

If she only got 2.5 points for it, what was the point of risking her life?

…

Meanwhile.

The news that Jian Xiu had bought many things the day before quickly spread throughout the village.

The villagers were very curious about where she had gotten the silver.

In less than half a day, the entire Zhang family village knew about it, including the old Zhang and Old Liu from the old house.

“Who would have thought? The usually honest and straightforward person actually had such intentions. No wonder they were so eager to split up the family—turns out they’ve been hiding private savings all along.”

Old Madam Liu said through gritted teeth.

“Mom, just now, Aunt Li from the village said that woman even bought an iron pot!” Chen Sixi said with hatred.

“What? An iron pot? That’s something used by big families. She dares to use one?” Fang Shi said, shocked.

“Exactly, we’ve lived here so long, and we haven’t even been able to touch an iron pot. How come they in the fourth house get one?”

“Just a few days since the split. If they didn’t hide some private money, who would believe it?”

“Mom, it’s not enough. We need to go get those things back. Those should have been ours in the first place.”

Zhang Zirong, the eldest son, said with a sinister expression.