Farming Games are All About Grinding
Chapter 184 - 177: Snake-Repelling Sachet

Chapter 184: Chapter 177: Snake-Repelling Sachet

When Xiao Han reached Grandpa Chen’s doorstep, he hadn’t even knocked when he heard footsteps from inside.

Fair enough.

People with cameras really are different.

Grandpa Chen opened the door and immediately spotted the peony flower in Xiao Han’s hand. Chuckling warmly, he asked, "This flower is truly beautiful. Where did you buy it? I’ve never seen such a beautiful flower in town."

"This wasn’t bought," Xiao Han shook his head as he replied.

Grandpa Chen sighed, "I really envy you young people."

Despite what he said, his inner thoughts were something else: Looks like I won’t be able to buy such a stunning flower for Guo Guo. Such a pity.

Xiao Han caught the expression on Grandpa Chen’s face and secretly found it amusing.

How had he not noticed before that Grandpa Chen had this on his mind?

Alright, Xiao Han decided not to tease Grandpa Chen anymore—there was still so much to do.

He quickly stepped forward, placed the peony flower into Grandpa Chen’s hands, and said, "Grandpa Chen, this flower is for Aunt Guo. First, to thank her for giving me a haircut, and second, for the straw hat she gave me. I originally wanted to deliver it myself, but I’ve got other tasks, so I’ll have to trouble you to take it over instead."

Xiao Han hadn’t dared to give the flower to Grandpa Chen outright. If Aunt Guo rejected the flower because it came from him, it would’ve been a hassle.

This way, by delivering it under his own name, it was a win-win situation.

Upon hearing this, Grandpa Chen’s eyes immediately lit up:

"Ahem, alright then. You young folks are busy, and I’ve got nothing much to do. I’ll take it to Little Red later. Oh, by the way, Aunt Guo’s full name is Guo Zihong."

Xiao Han nodded, secretly cheering Grandpa Chen on in his heart: Grandpa Chen, come on, this is the most I can do for you.

Then, he turned around and pedaled away toward the direction of the mines.

As Grandpa Chen looked at the peony flower in his hand, a wide smile spread across his face.

"Such a gorgeous flower—Guo Guo is sure to love it."

Then, he shut the courtyard door, carefully placed the peony flower into a small vase, dashed into the house to change into his best outfit, smoothed down his hair, tidied up his clothes, changed into a clean pair of shoes, covered the flower with a black plastic bag to protect it, and, with the vase in his hands, headed toward Guo Zihong’s house.

At Aunt Guo’s house, Grandpa Chen gave a light cough and knocked on the door.

"What’s it now? Don’t tell me your hair grew that fast—it’s only been two days!" Aunt Guo’s voice called out from behind the door.

Grandpa Chen quickly explained, "Oh, no more haircuts for me. In a few years, I might as well just go bald. Earlier, Xiao Han specially prepared a beautiful peony flower for you. He’s busy, so he asked me to bring it over."

"Really?" Aunt Guo folded her arms as she opened the door, looking at Grandpa Chen with a skeptical expression. "You know what happens if you try to fool me."

"It’s true!" Grandpa Chen squeezed through the door and carefully pulled off the black plastic bag.

Perhaps because the flower’s fragrance had been trapped in the bag for some time, the moment the bag was removed, the rich peony aroma instantly enveloped Aunt Guo.

Aunt Guo was stunned. As a flower enthusiast with extensive knowledge, she could tell at a glance that this peony was of exceptional quality.

"This won’t do. I just gave him a shabby straw hat—how can I accept such a precious flower?" Aunt Guo quickly waved her hands and turned to Grandpa Chen, saying, "Take it back right now."

At the same time, she thought to herself: If he doesn’t hurry up and take it back, I might not be able to let it go. I’ve never seen a peony this exquisite before.

Grandpa Chen chuckled, "Xiao Han made it very clear. This is to thank you for cutting his hair and giving him a straw hat. If you don’t accept it, his kind intentions will go to waste."

Hearing this, Aunt Guo felt a little embarrassed. "You old fool, do you even get it? This peony flower is so valuable. How am I supposed to thank him in return?"

Grandpa Chen took a deep breath of the flower’s fragrance, grinning as he said, "The hats. I reckon the boy really likes your handmade hats. That day, he stared at them for quite a while, and today, he’s still wearing that straw hat."

"Really?" Aunt Guo’s eyes lit up. "Well, that’s perfect. Here’s a tape measure—help me measure his head circumference later, and I’ll make him a custom hat."

Grandpa Chen thought for a moment and suggested, "He often goes fishing. How about making him a bucket hat?"

"It’s settled then." Aunt Guo nodded, happily carrying the peony flower into the house.

Grandpa Chen shamelessly followed her in, thinking to himself: Xiao Han is really something. Next time, I’ve got to ask him for two more flowers.

————

Over a thousand meters away, Xiao Han was oblivious to the fact that he had just acquired a new piece of "gear." At that moment, he was sitting in the rural clinic, sipping tea.

What could he do? Doctor Qi was extraordinarily hospitable, and Xiao Han couldn’t bring himself to refuse. After all, he was counting on learning more from Doctor Qi.

This iced tea tasted pretty good.

Doctor Qi had made progress too—he’d even started pairing iced tea with those snacks.

Seeing Xiao Han’s satisfied expression, Doctor Qi couldn’t help but feel a little smug. Smiling, he said, "Xiao Han, thank you for bringing me that peach blossom from the fish belly yesterday."

Hearing Doctor Qi’s choice of words, Xiao Han internally puzzled over it: Xiao Han? Why is he calling me that? Wait, could it be he now thinks I also know medicine?

No way. Yesterday, I was just messing around for fun. Please don’t mistake me for some expert.

I’m counting on you to teach me.

"It was nothing. How’s your health today?" Xiao Han casually responded, keeping in mind how to explain yesterday’s incident.

Just as he was about to clarify, Doctor Qi suddenly turned around, picked up a piece of white paper from the table, and handed it to Xiao Han with both hands, saying, "This is a snake-repelling formula I’ve been working on. Take a look, Xiao Han, and let’s discuss it together."

"I really shouldn’t—"

Xiao Han swallowed his explanation, quickly reached out to take the paper, and pretended to study it intently.

[Congratulations, you’ve learned how to craft a snake-repellent sachet.]

[Snake-Repellent Sachet]

[Ingredients: Realgar ×2, Rivertail Herb ×2, Fiber ×5, Dandelion ×2]

[Effect - Snake Repellent: Wards off ordinary snakes within a 50-meter radius when worn.]

[Effect - Antidote: Reduces snake venom damage and duration by 25%.]

[Duration: Depends on ingredient quality.]

[Note: Adding additional ingredients may grant mosquito-repellent properties.]

"What a stroke of luck!" Xiao Han rejoiced inwardly. With the sachet in hand, he wouldn’t have to worry about running into snakes when heading up the mountain later. Plus, if he encountered them in the mine, it’d offer some protection.

Damage and duration reduced by a full quarter—when accumulated, it was almost halved overall.

What a good item!

Indeed, speaking less turned out to have its advantages.

Feigning a contemplative look, Xiao Han silently worked out the materials for the snake-repellent sachet. He had fiber and dandelions at home, but he hadn’t come across realgar or rivertail herb yet. The former, being a mineral, might be found in the mines, while the latter seemed like a plant he’d likely stumble upon while foraging.

Slowly but surely.

After sorting out the materials in his mind, Xiao Han glanced at the notes for the snake-repellent sachet, cleared his throat, and said to Doctor Qi in an easy tone, "Doctor Qi, your formula is quite good, but the potential of this recipe doesn’t stop here."

Doctor Qi leaned in eagerly, asking, "How so?"

"Summer is coming," Xiao Han smiled faintly, then clasped his hands in farewell as he left the clinic.

Though he had only spoken five short words, the meaning left a strong impression.

As Doctor Qi watched Xiao Han leave, he immediately began pondering wildly: "Summer is coming? But what does that have to do with snakes? ... Wait a minute! I see it now! Mosquitoes—could this formula also have mosquito-repelling properties? ... It actually works! Xiao Han really has sharp eyes! Amazing, truly amazing."

This lad is terrifyingly brilliant!

As Xiao Han cycled away from the clinic, he reflected on his behavior just moments ago.

"I still talked too much. I need to be more careful next time."

His current experience in dealing with this sort of situation was lacking—it needed improvement.

With someone like Doctor Qi, who’s getting on in years, reasoning with them won’t work. Fewer words are better—they can fill in the blanks themselves.

Riding leisurely toward the mines with the spring breeze in his face, Xiao Han felt completely at ease.

The wildflowers and weeds stretching out in his view seemed to have all made an arrangement. As soon as March arrived, they began sprouting everywhere, their vibrant colors blanketing the open fields. If one were to look further up, the trees lining the asphalt roads in town were also covered in white and pink blossoms, occasionally dispersing faint yet pleasing fragrances.

Ah... Spring truly has its charm.