Webnovel Author In The Apocalypse World

"Ah, it's the sound-transmitting snail!" It took him a moment, but he recognized the noise.

Entering the cabin, he confirmed that it was indeed the sound-transmitting snail under the TV, with a faint glow illuminating the circle that connected him with Jang Dojang.

"Jang Dojang?"

"Yes, Mr. Kim," Jang Dojang's voice came through. "When will you next visit the safe zone? The director of the animal research institute wants to meet you."

"He does? What for?"

Jang Dojang sounded a bit exasperated. "Director Do has been trying to reach you several times, but each time he just missed you. He's a bit desperate, so he asked me to contact you. I think it's about the piglet issue you brought up last time."

"If you'd rather not meet him, I can turn him down on your behalf."

After a brief pause, Kim Haru replied, "No, it's fine. Tell him to wait for me at the shop. I'll head over now."

He had planned to take the oranges to the shop anyway and collect today's earnings of crystal cores, so this wouldn't delay him.

As he said this, he faintly heard a muffled but distinctly excited cheer on the other end.

Kim Haru emptied his backpack, pouring out the unpeeled chestnuts.

"Gojo, if you don't have anything else to do, can you shell these? Be careful not to prick yourself. The shells are pretty hard, so it'll be easier if you use something to crack them open."

Go Okrim was more than happy to comply. "I Got it, Kim Haru-hyung! Don't worry, I'll take care of it for sure."

He even considered to reprogramming the two zombies to help him out, figuring that they weren't occupied with anything else at the moment.

With nothing else to pack, Kim Haru grabbed the oranges in his system backpack and activated the teleportation device.

This time, he set his destination directly to his shop in South District Two.

The director of the animal research institute hadn't arrived yet, and Kim Haru glanced at the bustling crowd of customers that was packed tightly in his shop. He initially thought about just putting the oranges on display and then leaving.@@novelbin@@

But on second thought, he decided to wait until closing time before going anywhere.

So, Kim Haru found a corner to stay out of the way and waited.

It wasn't long before Do Seungjin arrived.

The burly animal research institute director, with his broad, muscular frame, was already noticeable on his own, but today he had an enormous bundle of something green strapped to his back.

Seeing this sight, Kim Haru had a sense of foreboding.

Sure enough, Do Seungjin immediately spotted him among the crowd. He then strode over, and, with a thud, dropped the bundle right in front of him.

"Mr. Kim, please accept this gift!"

...

Kim Haru didn't fully realize how he ended up at the research institute. Even as Jang Dojang carefully prompted him, "You can get out now, Mr. Kim," he remained dazed and vacant-eyed.

Do Seungjin, now curled up awkwardly in the back seat, had wanted to talk to Kim Haru but quickly retreated when he noticed his expression.

Your adventure continues at My Virtual Library Empire

How was he supposed to know that Mr. Kim wouldn't appreciate such a grand gesture? Normally, wouldn't people enjoy a big scene when someone's giving a gift or apologizing? Doesn't a larger gesture usually mean more honor?

Fine, it was his fault for being too hasty. Was this gift a complete flop? Would Mr. Kim still be willing to share any tips on how to raise mutated animal with him?

Jang Dojang helped steady Mr. Kim, who still seemed a bit dazed. Glancing back at the enormous figure of Do Seungjin in the back seat, Jang couldn't help but sigh, covering his forehead with his hand.

Only heaven knew the chaos that had unfolded when he'd rushed over after receiving the urgent message. Thankfully, Mr. Kim, in his generosity, hadn't gotten angry—or maybe he just hadn't had the chance to get angry yet. Regardless, Do Seungjin's behavior had been incredibly reckless this time; how could he, as a director, behave with so little composure?

Jang Dojang didn't know what exactly Do Seungjin hoped to gain from Mr. Kim, but it was beyond his ability to intervene meaningfully.

"Director Do, let's get out," Jang Dojang said, opening the car door for Do Seungjin, doing what little he could to facilitate things.

Do Seungjin nodded, sliding out of the car with a sheepish expression.

As Kim Haru looked at Do Seungjin, he was reminded of the painfully awkward scene just moments ago. Fortunately, they'd already arrived at the research institute, and aside from Jang Dojung, who had come out to greet them, no one else was in sight.

This allowed Kim Haru to relax considerably.

It was only then that his thoughts started coming back together, and he recalled what Do Seungjin had said while presenting his gift.

"Pigweed?" Kim Haru asked.

Do Seungjin, who had assumed Mr. Kim wouldn't want to engage with him, had been preparing to ask Jang Dojung for some advice on what to do next. He was caught off guard when Mr. Kim actually asked him a question!

He quickly pulled out the large bundle of pigweed he'd stashed under the back seat.

"Yes, yes, Mr. Kim, here, take a look. This is pigweed."

With that, Do Seungjin began introducing the plant, which, admittedly, didn't quite resemble pigweed.

The bundle he'd brought looked somewhat like seaweed, except it was straighter and sturdier; at least when tied together like this, it didn't flop down. When touched, it felt smooth and springy, clearly brimming with moisture.

"This plant, well, I just call it pigweed because the pigs over in the west really love it. I actually snuck over there to cut a whole bundle to bring back. It provides the pigs with the nutrition they need, and it's especially good for piglets." Do Seungjin spoke with a tone of absolute certainty, as he had observed this firsthand. "Those mutated black pigs grew so plumpy from eating this stuff; it's perfect for fattening them up."