The Toolbox
Kēkē had already identified several similar extinct botanical patterns from its vast database, although there was still some uncertainty. However, Kē kē could confidently tell Mǎn Bǎo, "This belongs to the fungi kingdom."
"Can we eat it?"
Kē replied uncertainly, "Maybe?"
Setting down the piece in her hand, Mǎn Bǎo proceeded to break off the rest. If it were edible, she would take it home. Its white interior might pair well with yams.
These organisms grew by clinging to tree stumps, still hidden beneath freshly sprouted leaves. Mǎn Bǎo hadn't noticed them earlier as she sat with her back turned.
Even if she had seen them, she wouldn't have doubted their fungal nature, as they resembled tangled masses of roots.
Now that Mǎn Bǎo had discovered them, she cleared away the concealment to reveal several mushrooms growing on half-buried tree stumps.
Without hesitation, she pulled the items out and carefully placed them in a bamboo basket. There were too many items to carry in one go, so she made three trips.
Kē kē remained silent, deeply analyzing the specimens.
Over the past few years, many extinct species from Mǎn Bǎo have been documented, with their names and basic uses instantly scanned. However, failing to identify a specific name like this was a first.
It saw this as a boon for both itself and Mǎn Bǎo.
The points awarded by the encyclopedia were not solely based on the plant's utility and importance; rarity was also a crucial factor. Plants that could not be identified even through scanning would undoubtedly receive substantial points. If they could further ascertain their growing environment, the bonus points would increase even more.
Kē Kē could foresee this, and Mǎn Bǎo, who had become familiar with the system, naturally anticipated it as well, so she was extremely excited.
Excited enough to immediately pluck several large leaves and carefully sweep away the soil around the tree stump. She discreetly placed these near Kē kē and then stared dumbfounded at the sturdy tree stump.
Kē kē suggested, "Host, there's currently an event at the encyclopedia." Consider purchasing a set of gathering tools.
"But didn't you say I shouldn't take those tools out?" "It could easily expose my identity."
Of course, Kē kē could only respond this way if Mǎn Bǎo intended to confront Bái Shànbǎo with those tools, risking exposure even if she hadn't planned to.
"I can provide camouflage for you by altering the appearance of these tools to match the current styles."
As you age, you may find yourself losing your temper and resorting to these tactics during a confrontation.
Of course, Kē kē wouldn't say that.
Mǎn Bǎo momentarily failed to grasp Kē kē's true thoughts and glanced at the points needed for the toolbox set shown by Kē kē.
Surprisingly few—only nine points. Didn't it used to be ninety?
Mǎn Bǎo scratched her head, still somewhat uncertain, and asked Kē kē.
"Correct, there is currently a discount."
Such opportunities were rare indeed.
Mǎn Bǎo immediately exclaimed, "Let's buy it!"
Kē Kē promptly deducted the points, and soon a box appeared in the space.
Mǎn Bǎo nervously looked around, but Dà yā and the others were nearby, partly obscured by trees, making it hard to see clearly from this angle.
She turned away from the crowd and brought out the toolbox. Inside were various small, specialized tools for collection purposes.
There was a small shovel, two pairs of scissors of different sizes, two different types of knives, and a neatly stacked collection box specifically designed for plants. Flipping further down, Mǎn Bǎo discovered various tools for animals as well. She recognized some, like nets, but many were unfamiliar. However, now wasn't the time to ask about those. Mǎn Bǎo neatly arranged the items, retrieved a small knife, and then returned the toolbox to its place.
Mǎn Bǎo retrieved some items from the tree stump and handed them to Kē kē.
"These should have been placed in the collection box." But forget it; it's your first time using them. Tonight, I will teach you the correct collection procedures.
When the host was younger, even folding and snapping branches required the help of Zhōu Sìláng. When she went out, she was usually accompanied.
The Zhou family's strict control over Man Bao's movements continued until a few months ago, although they still closely monitored her outings, except when visiting the Bai family.
From the nephews and nieces, such as Dàtóu and Dàyā, to Zhōu Wǔláng and Zhōu Liùláng, the eldest brothers.
In such circumstances, Kē kē's tasks for Mǎn Bǎo mainly involved collecting plants. Smaller objects could be thrown into the space within moments, while larger ones required assistance from Zhōu Wǔláng to pull or break them.
Attempting to collect information about the growth environments of plants was too challenging. For example, the previous collection of mycelium. When Zhōu Wǔláng and the others saw that Mǎn Bǎo didn't want mushrooms, they went to dig the mud where mushrooms grew and examined them for half a day.
It was too difficult to quietly record other, more complex survival factors.
So, Kē kē never encouraged Mǎn Bǎo to buy a toolbox.
As Mǎn Bǎo grew older and became smarter, she was able to offer valuable advice to the family, creating more value. Consequently, her position within the family continued to strengthen, leading the family elders to naturally relax their control over her.
When she went to the fields or riverside, at least Dàtóu and Dàyā would not follow her.
The most obvious change occurred when she entered the mountain. In the past, whenever Mǎn Bǎo went into the mountains, her family members would not let her out of their sight for even five steps.
But now, as long as she appeared within the sight of the people at home, they could occasionally see her.
Kē kē was a system, and its primary function was to gather diverse data for analysis. Naturally, it was the first to notice this difference.
Therefore, by collecting the living elements of plants and animals and earning more extra points, host, are you coming?
Text: ### Of course, Mǎn Bǎo would come because the last time she bought those two electric batons, she almost emptied her points, and now she only had more than eight hundred. ###
Mǎn Bǎo contentedly placed the knife into the gap and swung her small hand around to inspect it. She wanted to see if there were still any of those things nearby.
Since it prefers to grow under or lean against a tree, simply looking under the tree would be sufficient.
But she had searched under the bottom of several trees nearby and still had not found them. She could only cast her eyes to the stumps of trees that had been chopped off.
She remembered Kē kē saying that every plant has its own specific growth requirements. What were the necessary conditions for the growth of this fungus?
Mǎn Bǎo squatted back against the tree stump, staring blankly.
Dàyā thought the younger sister had been squatting there for too long, so she couldn't help but run up to see. "Little sister, what are you looking at?"
Mǎn Bǎo's face looked serious. "I'm looking at the tree!"