Chapter 10: Food Safety Officer, Sixth Shelter Uniform
Su Ning took a bite of the cocoa fruit. Her teeth gently touched the surface, felt a slight resistance, then the pulp broke open — the fruit’s sweetness and refreshing flavor burst in her mouth.
It had been a long time since she last ate fruit. She ate quickly but still with elegance, though tears welled in her eyes.
The taste of the cocoa fruit was truly unique — completely different from its appearance.
Sweet and refreshing.
Not only that, but after eating it, Su Ning realized that the cocoa fruit had the same effect she saw through the Eye of the Scavenger — it dispelled all the fatigue accumulated from a full day of carrying bricks, instantly leaving her refreshed.
“Delicious!” Su Ning smiled contentedly and said, “Now everyone can rest assured, right?”
However, she didn’t mention the fruit’s ability to restore energy. After all, her officially reported ability was only to detect whether food was poisonous — not its effects. If others found out, it would only bring unnecessary trouble.
Seeing how happy Su Ning was, the others also realized that this seemingly toxic fruit was actually edible.
Zhang Xing exclaimed in surprise, “You can really eat it!”
Liu Jianjun said joyfully, “Xiao Su, excellent. Since your ability can determine whether materials are poisonous, I have a new job for you!”
Su Ning took the final bite of the cocoa fruit, her eyes bright, listening attentively to Officer Liu.
Liu Jianjun, looking at this child about the same age as his daughter, spoke in a gentler tone.
“From now on, all food supplies acquired by the Sixth Shelter from dungeon runs will need to be tested by your ability to confirm if they’re edible. The position of Food Safety Officer will be your responsibility.”
Su Ning was thrilled. “I’ll definitely complete the task.”
But after the excitement passed, she began thinking: what could she gain from this job?
There were many chances to pick up valuable scraps from work. Now that she had this position, couldn’t she get something extra out of it?
Regardless of anything else, at least she no longer had to carry bricks in the scorching heat — that alone made her satisfied!
Liu Jianjun said, “Very good. Zhang Xing, go get Comrade Su Ning a uniform specially for the Sixth Shelter.”
Then, Su Ning followed Zhang Xing to collect her shelter-issued uniform.
Zhang Xing congratulated her. “Normally, it’s really hard to get a job in the shelter. You’re lucky — I’m a little jealous!”
Seeing the envy in his eyes, Su Ning didn’t brag. Shelter jobs were indeed hard to come by.
When the apocalypse hit, the whole world scrambled to build shelters.
In Daxia, after gathering materials, shelters began construction. Knowledge became wealth — many scientists were secretly assigned to various shelters to prevent human civilization from vanishing.
With the construction of shelters came the gradual implementation of a new system.
For example, Su Ning had earlier seen a digital phone in Zhang Xing’s hand.
With no electricity available outside, only official personnel had access to special communication devices.
And only highly skilled intellectuals could get jobs in the shelters.
She had really gotten lucky.
By the time she received the uniform, the sky was beginning to lighten, so Zhang Xing drove her home.
This was the end of a work shift. Many people in the residential community saw Su Ning being dropped off by an official and were extremely curious.
Especially when they saw the Sixth Shelter uniform in her hands — their faces filled with shock.
“Is that an official uniform? Am I seeing things?”
“You’re not wrong. But why does Su Ning have a Sixth Shelter uniform? That’s not something just anyone can get.”
“You’re asking me? I don’t know either!”
Zhang Li, among the crowd, saw this scene. She had been praised earlier by the leadership for her [Super Strength] talent.
They’d said the more she did, the more she’d be rewarded. Though exhausted from carrying bricks all day, she’d earned decent pay and was happy about it.
Now, seeing Su Ning with a Sixth Shelter uniform, her smile couldn’t hold.
She stormed over and questioned, “Su Ning, why do you have a Sixth Shelter uniform? You didn’t steal it, did you?”
At this stage of construction, only people with uniforms and work permits could enter the shelter.
Su Ning found Zhang Li’s accusation amusing.
She smiled. “I have the uniform because I got a job in the shelter. They gave it to me for a task I need to do. Of course, I didn’t steal it.”
“Impossible!” Zhang Li didn’t believe it.
“What ability do you have that’s worthy of working in the shelter? That lame talent of yours?”
Su Ning chuckled. “Well, believe it or not, that ‘lame’ ability to check if food is poisonous? It just got me a job inside the shelter.”
With that, Su Ning turned and walked away, ignoring Zhang Li.
She knew her words might offend Zhang Li, but she didn’t care.
After all, there was little emotional connection or interaction left between them.
Zhang Li stood frozen, watching Su Ning’s back, full of confusion and resentment.
She had always thought that orphaned Su Ning, after the apocalypse, was just an ordinary person — nothing special.
Yet now, she had managed to land a job inside the shelter. It shocked and enraged her.
She began to wonder if she had missed out on something important — some chance or piece of information.
But those thoughts faded quickly.
“So the Su family’s daughter clung to the government’s leg. Why couldn’t I get a better talent?”
“Who knows?”
“Daybreak’s coming. Let’s go rest. When will this damn heat finally go down?”
“Rumor has it that once it drops, it’ll swing to the other extreme — cold.”
“Either way, I can’t stand the heat anymore! Stuff spoils way too fast. You can’t preserve anything for long.”
“Sigh. Hope they finish building the shelter soon, so we can move in!”
“With your status? You might not even get in.”
“…”
After returning home, Su Ning took out the cocoa fruit pit. It was left after she ate the fruit.
Instead of throwing it away, she had saved it, thinking — could she make it sprout and bear fruit?
Su Ning was filled with anticipation, eager for her next in-game adventure.
Just thinking about the mysterious treasure chests in the game filled her with excitement.
“I hope I find another treasure chest next time — maybe with a decent weapon for self-defense. Or better yet, an ability to help me grow things!” she muttered while looking around her remodeled room.
It used to be empty, but now it was filled with flowerpots and plants, all neatly arranged on shelves she had carefully chosen.
Su Ning nodded in satisfaction. “Mm, this feels much better.”
She couldn’t help but recall her experiences in the game.
Though she’d faced many dangers, she genuinely enjoyed the thrill of adventure.
She knew only by constantly improving could she survive in the game.
And now, she needed to take care of her home life and wait for her next chance to enter the game.
(End of Chapter)
