Although Fu Chengzhuo missed out on being the spokesperson for Guanju Brand Ginger Candy, the Economic Development Department didn't miss the chance to capitalize on his popularity. As a male celebrity starring in a hit drama, he was at the peak of his exposure. If it weren't for Du Ruoxiang's interference, he might have been doing nationwide promotional activities by now.
His fans had grown tired of his commercial endorsements, but when they finally discovered what he genuinely enjoyed eating, they naturally rushed to buy it in droves. The ginger candy company wasn't particularly large, clearly not the type that could afford celebrity endorsements, which only added to the credibility of the candy's quality.
It must be said that as a ginger spirit, Huang's developed ginger candy truly had a unique taste.
People initially tried it out of curiosity, but many ended up giving positive reviews and even made repeat purchases.
[What a magical flavor - it would be too cloying if it were just sweet, but there's this hint of spiciness that's completely different from other ginger candies.]
[I bought some because I've been watching Fu Chengzhuo's drama. It's affordable and tastes good. Once you open a pack, you can't stop eating. I bought more, but I wonder if it'll cause internal heat?]
[Can confirm it doesn't cause internal heat. I finished two packs last night and I'm still fine.]
[It tastes just like the homemade ginger candy my grandmother used to make! I've been looking everywhere for this taste, but other brands just weren't the same!]
[Are they putting something addictive in these? Can't stop eating them.]
[At this price point, they couldn't add much of anything.]
[It's not as amazing as people make it out to be. It's just well-balanced ginger and sugar. Other manufacturers could make the same if they didn't cut corners.]
[Delicious! Love the crunchiness. I was worried about eating it with my indigestion, but it actually helped!]
[I don't usually like ginger candy, bought it for Zhuo-zhuo, but the taste is really good. Looks like we have the same taste.]
Buyers were all discussing the unique flavor of Guanju Brand Ginger Candy, agreeing it was different from other brands and truly deserved its reputation as a specialty ginger candy.
What could be so special about it? It must be the supernatural touch.
Huang's development technique wasn't particularly sophisticated - he just understood ginger better than humans and had a few production tricks.
Guanju Brand Ginger Candy wasn't actually made by Huang; it used ordinary premium ginger, solid ingredients, and maintained low prices. Each jar of specialty ginger candy was priced in the teens, making it affordable enough to hug a jar while eating, and competitive with similar products.
Of course, the production costs for ginger candy were also low, with ingredients consisting of fresh ginger, rock sugar, brown sugar, malt syrup, and sesame seeds, without any fancy additives. For such fast-moving consumer goods, once sales pick up and costs are properly managed, the profit margins can be quite considerable.
The "Fu Chengzhuo's Choice" advertising effect brought in 30,000 sales in one week. Just fulfilling these orders would generate an income of 200,000 to 300,000 yuan, and if the repurchase rate remained high and sales stayed stable, the annual revenue wouldn't be less than that of green tea.
The Observation Bureau only had fifty mu of tea gardens with limited tea production, but ginger candy production wouldn't face such constraints, at least not the seasonal limitations of tea harvesting.
Chu Zhishui calculated that this income would make up for the losses in Director Miao's accounts, and with continued future income, the bureau could issue another round of performance bonuses. If they could just get through this year, next year's tea sales would quadruple, bringing new income, and performance bonuses wouldn't have to be reduced.
The Economic Development Department acted quickly, coordinating with Director Hu and Director He to increase performance bonuses by 100% each month, totaling 8,000 yuan per person. Besides the regular monthly increases, there should be a surplus by year-end for end-of-year bonuses and New Year gifts!
A cheerful atmosphere spread throughout the Huaijiang Observation Bureau, with joy permeating everywhere, and even Director He's hearing problem showed signs of improvement.
Within the Economic Development Department, the happiness brought by the performance bonuses spread throughout the office. Jin Yu was undoubtedly the most delighted - her salary had grown from less than 2,000 initially to several times that amount now, and she even carried herself with more confidence.
"From now on, I'm a wealthy spirit!" Jin Yu declared with her hands on her hips, barely containing her joy. She rarely dared to speak loudly in the office, but announced, "I already told Brother Niu yesterday that I want to treat everyone to milk tea today, and asked him to bring some back when he restocks!"
Chu Zhishui teased with a smile, "Being so generous?"
"Yes, everyone gets some, I want to treat too."
Chu Zhishui often bought afternoon tea for the office without asking for payment from others.
Jin Yu had previously been short on money, and without a car, it was difficult for her to go shopping, so she never found the chance to return the favor. But now with her salary increase, she felt it was worth celebrating and commemorating, specifically asking Niu Shi to help bring back milk tea.
Moments later, Jin Yu returned with pearl milk tea. The Economic Development Department had two humans and two spirits, exactly four cups. Jin Yu carried the plastic bag and began distributing them in order.
Chen Zhuhui accepted the milk tea and sincerely thanked her: "Thank you, Sister Jin Yu."
After giving one to the department's only intern, Jin Yu carried the milk tea to find her remaining colleagues. She glanced nervously at Xin Yunmao, still intimidated by his presence, so she simply handed both cups to Chu Zhishui to pass along, avoiding direct contact with the powerful spirit.
"Thank you."
Chu Zhishui thanked her and placed the pearl milk tea on her desk, suddenly remembering that Xin Yunmao didn't like this drink and preferred fruit tea, though Jin Yu didn't know this. After a moment's hesitation, she still placed the other cup on his desk, not wanting to disappoint Jin Yu.
Just then, there was a knock on the Economic Development Department's door, and Miao Li poked his head in from outside, wearing a Demon Suppression Robe, asking enthusiastically, "I heard you've been looking for me?"
Everyone holding milk tea froze.
After not seeing him for a long time, Miao Li was still as cat-like as ever. With his mixed-blood features, he glanced around observing the situation and tilted his head asking, "Everyone's having afternoon tea?"
Miao Li's appearance disturbed the previously peaceful office.
Facing her natural enemy, Jin Yu immediately became alert and quickly found an excuse to leave: "I need to pay Brother Niu!"
Miao Li didn't mind seeing her flee, casually walking into the room and making his way between Chu Zhishui and Xin Yunmao.
There happened to be an unopened cup of milk tea on the desk, the one meant for Xin Yunmao. Miao Li casually picked it up, punctured it with the straw, and happily began enjoying it, lazily taunting the bamboo spirit: "I'll help you drink this, no need to thank me."
"Why are you here?" Xin Yunmao frowned slightly, clicking his tongue and sneering, "Now that everything's resolved, you finally show up."
Director Miao had been busy with other matters recently, constantly putting off dealing with the peach blossom spirit, which left Xin Yunmao, whose yard had been occupied, holding a grudge.
Director Miao took a big sip of milk tea, and seeing the other's displeased expression, feigned surprise: "No way, don't tell me you don't know Department Head Chu invited me here?"
Xin Yunmao: "!!?"
Xin Yunmao looked at Chu Zhishui in disbelief, his clear eyes trembling slightly up and down, seemingly unable to believe she had let the cat in, somehow showing a trace of tragic betrayal.
Chu Zhishui turned her head guiltily: "I did indeed ask Director Miao to come, it's about some work matters."
Having successfully struck a blow to Xin Yunmao, Miao Li became even more cheerful, continuing to fan the flames: "Go ahead, for the sake of our past with Little Yellow Fish, I can help with anything, whether it's work-related or otherwise."
Chu Zhishui calmly said: "I'd like Director Miao to help with livestream sales."
"Livestream sales?"
"Yes, just one hour in front of the camera each day, it won't take up too much of your time."
Miao Li's cat eyes widened, hearing about having to stay still for an hour, which went against feline nature. His body stiffened, and he immediately turned to leave: "I suddenly remembered I have something to do meow..."
Chu Zhishui quickly blocked the attempting-to-flee Miao Li, smiling: "Director Miao, do you remember the debt you owe our department? Shouldn't spirits practice give and take?"
Because Miao Li had caused excessive damage during his mission execution, he had made the already poor Observation Bureau's situation worse, and the money to cover the accounts had to be transferred from the Economic Development Department's account, causing Xin Yunmao to be upset with her during that period.
Caught by his weakness, Miao Li became somewhat embarrassed, but suddenly glancing at a certain spirit, he deflected by asking: "Why not let him do this?"
Xin Yunmao replied carelessly: "Don't embarrass yourself, your treatment doesn't compare to mine."
"Could it be that he's not presentable enough?" Miao Li stirred up trouble maliciously, "Indeed, humans only like feline creatures."
"How could my followers bear to let me show my face?" Xin Yunmao arrogantly lifted his chin and mocked, "Only cunning cats are suited for putting on a show. Flattery and sweet-talking aren't your strong suits - I, with my noble character, simply can't do it."
Miao Li extended his claws in annoyance, "Just seeing you makes me want to scratch you."
He hadn't realized before how irritating Xin Yunmao could be - he was troublesome enough when silent, but even more infuriating when he opened his mouth.
"Control your instinct towards the cat toy," Chu Zhishui stepped in to mediate, "We need to start working."
Meanwhile, Chen Zhuhui had already set up the livestreaming equipment during their exchange, appearing well-prepared.
Miao Li craftily declined: "I've never done this before. I'm not good at talking to cameras, and I'm past the age of meowing all day long."
Chu Zhishui: "That's perfect, because you won't need to speak at all."
"I don't? Then how will we livestream?"
"Please return to your original form first."
"?"
Miao Li looked bewildered.
Chu Zhishui smiled and said, "Miao Li was right about one thing - humans only like feline creatures, so please livestream in your original form."
Miao Li: "??"
Of course, Chu Zhishui couldn't let Observation Bureau staff show their faces, but the livestream needed something on camera - products alone weren't engaging enough. Seeing other livestreamers occasionally featuring pets, she suddenly had an idea: perhaps they could use the demons' original forms, so they wouldn't be recognized in their human forms.
She shared this idea with Jin Yu, but the latter felt it wasn't appropriate.
Jin Yu explained, "After we take human form, we generally don't reveal our original forms. It feels somewhat disrespectful, just... strange? Only shape-shifting demons with weak abilities would show traits of their original forms."
Chu Zhishui questioned, "But I often see Miao Li moving around the bureau in his cat form?"
Jin Yu's expression became peculiar, and she hesitated, struggling for words: "As for Miao Li... it's somewhat understandable. People often don't understand his thinking."
"Don't understand his thinking?"
"Anyway, showing one's original form is like wearing clothes inside out," Jin Yu said with difficulty. "I mean, you can do it, but it's really not appropriate."
After hearing this, Chu Zhishui knew she couldn't ask other demons - it wouldn't be right to make any demon wear their clothes inside out, so she could only ask Miao Li, who seemed to enjoy this sort of thing.
In the office, Miao Li found a secluded corner to return to his original form. The black cat with snow-white paws stood reluctantly before the camera, his face seemingly radiating resentment, his ears trembling dejectedly, and his tail swaying absent-mindedly.
Though he often did unconventional things in the bureau, he never expected to pay the price by being forced to participate in livestream sales.
Xin Yunmao, who had long disapproved of him using his cat form to deceive people, couldn't help but gloat: "This is a good chance to fix your bad habits. You've been in human form for so many years, yet still choose to use your original form - there's definitely something wrong with that."
The black cat shot him an angry glare, but frustratingly couldn't talk back in this form.
"Miao Li, could you please stand next to the scalp nourishing cream? We're taking a photo," Chen Zhuhui felt awkward looking at the black cat, finding it hard to associate him with the handsome young man from earlier.
The black cat remained listlessly unmotivated, clearly unwilling to perform, with his fluffy tail barely swaying.
Chu Zhishui: "Miao Li, no fish in the cafeteria next week."
"Meow—"
The black cat protested vocally, finally standing up to halfheartedly cooperate with the photo shoot.
Life had finally caught up with this little cat.
After serving as the livestream mascot for a while and cooperating with Chen Zhuhui for some product photos, as soon as the hour was up, the black cat fled in a flash, refusing to stay in the Economic Development Department any longer. He didn't want to show his original form to anyone for a while now. While he enjoyed annoying other demons by turning into a cat on his own terms, being forced to be a cat performing in livestreams was not enjoyable at all.
Chu Zhishui watched the black cat's retreating figure without pursuing him. Standing at the entrance of the Economic Development Department, she reminded him: "It's twice a week."
"Meow— Meow—"
Chu Zhishui couldn't understand cat language, so she just took it as Miao Li's willing agreement.
With a cat chosen for livestream sales and Chen Zhuhui handling product information, all that remained was the crucial production phase.
Chu Zhishui had met Boss Peng in Yinhai City, learning valuable experience about ginseng cultivation and establishing long-term cooperation, promising to send ginseng materials after returning to Huaijiang.
The sun shone brightly, the weather growing increasingly humid, with the sky as blue as a crystal mirror.
Chu Zhishui planned to visit the forest area to check on the ginseng cultivation. Just as she stood up with her car keys, she sensed someone behind her. Turning around, she saw Xin Yunmao following unhurriedly.
Wearing a light-colored short-sleeved shirt, he glanced at her silently, seemingly unsure what to say, slightly turning his head away but stealing glances at her from the corner of his eye.
"I'm going to see Old Bai, want to come along?" Chu Zhishui smiled, "Come to think of it, it's been a while since we've driven out together."
They hadn't gone on many drives since finishing work at the tea garden.
Xin Yunmao had been feeling somewhat awkward, but hearing her actively invite him, he softly replied: "Mm."
Old Bai's ginseng growing area was located in the forest region not far from the tea garden, where the lush green tea trees could still be seen from above. The environment here was more serene and pristine, untouched by human management and planning, perfect for wild ginseng growth.
The cultivated ginseng area wasn't here; this place was where Old Bai grew forest ginseng, along with some wild ginseng he had transplanted.
The forest was peaceful and verdant.
Standing in the shade, Chu Zhishui was careful not to step anywhere carelessly, afraid of damaging something. After listening to Old Bai's introduction, she questioned: "If you're transplanting wild ginseng from other places here, wouldn't that make it transplanted ginseng?"
She had learned quite a bit from Boss Peng - some people would relocate wild ginseng to their own mountains for better appearance and higher prices, but compared to purely natural wild ginseng, these transplanted ones were somewhat inferior.
"How can it be called transplanted ginseng when the ginseng chooses its own home?" Old Bai argued vigorously, "When humans choose new places to plant, that's transplanted ginseng, but when we choose ourselves, it obviously doesn't count - this is our own will!"
Chu Zhishui diplomatically replied: "Your approach is quite different from how humans evaluate ginseng..."
"What do humans know about ginseng! Only ginseng understands ginseng!" Old Bai protested, "Besides, what I grow isn't forest ginseng - it should be called wild ginseng. I don't use human cultivation methods."
"Fine, I won't argue with you anymore. I have no authority to debate species classification," Chu Zhishui said numbly. "You know best, you understand it the most."
She realized she shouldn't have discussed ginseng with a ginseng spirit - he simply wouldn't accept human market standards.
Chu Zhishui asked curiously: "So what's our current production volume? Ginseng needs time to grow, right? If we want to sell a batch of forest-grown ginseng, don't we need to wait several years?"
"That would be the case for normal growth," Old Bai glanced at Xin Yunmao behind Chu Zhishui, giving her a meaningful look as he whispered, "But with the divine lord's demon energy, just like with the tea garden before, we could reach harvest time much sooner."
As a plant demon, Xin Yunmao's demon energy was beneficial to plants. Not only could he sprout seeds overnight, but the green tea he watered could also nourish demons.
Ginseng's growth cycle was longer, requiring more demon energy. Once watered, the ginseng wouldn't retain the demon energy and couldn't nourish demons, but it could rapidly grow to meet human market standards.
Of course, Old Bai had his own calculations. Although the planted ginseng couldn't nourish demons, as a ginseng spirit spending his days in the forest area, he could still absorb some of the great demon's energy.
Hearing this, Chu Zhishui paused. She glanced back at Xin Yunmao, caught him stealing looks at her, then turned back to Old Bai and responded, "Alright, I understand."
Eager to absorb some demon energy, Old Bai enthusiastically said: "Then shall we go now..."
"Not yet, finish up here first, then we'll go check the cultivated ginseng area."
Old Bai was stunned by these words, completely confused about why they wouldn't let Xin Yunmao water the plants now that he was here, instead choosing to go all the way to the cultivation area.
However, since Chu Zhishui had spoken, Old Bai couldn't press further and said: "Alright, I'll tidy up here, then we'll head down."
After Old Bai left, Chu Zhishui changed the subject and said softly, "Let's take a walk in the woods. I think I just saw some wood ear mushrooms."
However, Xin Yunmao remained motionless.
When Chu Zhishui didn't hear any movement behind her, she turned around puzzled, only to see him standing in the shade like a tall, straight tree.
The summer sunlight filtered through the dense leaves, casting dark shadows on his light blue short-sleeved shirt and pale skin. When a breeze passed by, the light and shadows swayed gently.
"Why don't you ask me for help?" Xin Yunmao didn't move, his expression darkening as he felt a tightness in his chest. Looking down, he said, "You used to ask me to water the tea garden, but now you don't even ask me to look for that cat."
He had been observing her lately and noticed she rarely sought him out. If he hadn't gone out with her today, she probably wouldn't have called him over.
Even the ginseng spirit had suggested letting him infuse spiritual energy, but she had casually brushed it off without pursuing the matter.
He still remembered how she had coaxed him into watering the tea garden before, and couldn't understand what had gone wrong, naturally feeling waves of disappointment.
"But you don't really need to do these things," Chu Zhishui said awkwardly. "Whether it's the tea garden or other tasks, you don't need the money."
Now that she knew his identity, she realized he didn't actually need to work - his past agreement to help was merely out of good nature. Watering the tea garden was something he had already agreed to, but adding the ginseng seemed excessive.
Xin Yunmao looked up and countered, "But don't you need it?"
Chu Zhishui fell silent for a moment before sighing deeply and saying earnestly, "I need these things for work, but if one thing doesn't work out, I can always do something else. It doesn't mean I have to slave away endlessly for the bureau."
"You should know the tea is sold to Yinhai City, but Director Ye and the others..." Chu Zhishui paused, choosing not to spell it out explicitly, and instead said diplomatically, "Things only improved later."
She hadn't immediately asked Xin Yunmao to water the ginseng because she was mindful of the other spirits' attitudes. After witnessing their wariness toward the bamboo spirit, she didn't feel Xin Yunmao was obligated to help.
Xin Yunmao was surprised by her words and said blankly, "So you knew."
He had thought she was rejecting him and inexplicably stopped including him.
Chu Zhishui explained patiently, "The Economic Development Department's earnings are shared among all staff, and some spirits there might misunderstand you. If you don't want to work, you can just stay in the department, sunbathe and take afternoon naps. Don't force yourself - what matters is what you want?"
She couldn't just drag him along just because she needed to earn money for the bureau; that would feel too strange.
Even if the ginseng couldn't generate immediate returns, she could think of other ways. Mixing friendship and work too deeply made her uncomfortable, especially if she was the main beneficiary.
"So if I didn't need it, would you still want to do these things?" Her eyes were clear, gleaming in the forest as she looked at Xin Yunmao. "I hope I'm not forcing you to do anything. I want to know what you truly want to do."
Xin Yunmao met her frank gaze and suddenly felt dazed. He discreetly avoided her eyes, as if unable to maintain prolonged eye contact, and fell into quiet contemplation.
After a long while, he turned back and said softly, "I never cared about their opinions and wasn't planning to change their views. But when you ask if I'm willing, it suddenly becomes hard to answer."
"I want to help you with things, or do things together with you, like with that fish or that cat - I suppose that means I'm willing?" Xin Yunmao asked uncertainly, glancing at her from the corner of his eye. His Adam's apple bobbed slightly, showing a mix of shyness and frustration as he muttered, "The way things are now, it's like you're not even my believer."
Chu Zhishui was startled by his awkward response and asked, "Is that so important to you?"
"Of course it's important. You never ask me to grant wishes, as if you don't need me at all."
His words carried an unmistakable hint of grievance.
Seeing him steal glances at her with such a cautious demeanor, Chu Zhishui felt something stir in her heart, moved by his words in a way she couldn't quite describe. Perhaps for a god, who had no concept of friends or family, the closest connection was with their so-called believers.
Because she couldn't think of wishes and had delayed their ritual, he had tried everything to get her to make wishes, eager to prove himself, only able to confirm their connection hadn't broken through such means.
Compared to his outwardly proud and haughty comments about believers, what showed through was actually his desire to be needed by her.
He didn't want to be left aside, always causing trouble for Jin Yu and Director Miao, occasionally making sour remarks, like a child trying to attract attention.
Xin Yunmao dared not look at her, seeming somewhat awkward after saying those words.
Chu Zhishui suddenly found herself unable to be angry with him. She felt the early summer in Huaijiang was very hot, making her face flush as she hurriedly said, "Alright, alright, I need you, I need you. Would my lord please come water the ginseng?"
Only then did Xin Yunmao's eyes brighten, clearly becoming happy.
Noticing his expression, Chu Zhishui said with amusement, "I'll make wishes to my lord more often in the future."
Xin Yunmao froze for a moment, covering his upturned lips with his fingers as he let out a dignified "Hmph."
Since the ginseng needed watering, Chu Zhishui and Xin Yunmao spent several more hours busy in the forest area, time passing without their notice.
"Let's go," Xin Yunmao said after finishing the work. "It's time to eat."
"Are you hungry?" Chu Zhishui asked doubtfully. "But don't you not need to eat?"
Xin Yunmao gave her a strange look and said, "But don't you need to eat?"
"..."
At his words, Chu Zhishui suddenly realized she was famished and indeed needed to find something to fill her stomach.
When going down the mountain, she asked Xin Yunmao to help clean her shoes, which he gladly agreed to, snapping his fingers methodically and even helping clean her pant legs. He seemed to be thoroughly enjoying granting wishes now, happy even just helping with these small tasks.
Chu Zhishui thought to herself that she hadn't been so innocent and adorable since she was three, getting excited for long periods just from helping her mother with chores, but seeing him like this, she didn't have the heart to spoil his mood and simply let him have his way.
Using her phone to navigate, Chu Zhishui found a small family-style restaurant nearby and decided to have a simple meal there. She ordered one main dish, one plate of vegetables, and a bottle of water for Xin Yunmao, then began eating.
A moment later, Xin Yunmao noticed she wasn't using her chopsticks but was staring intently at the vegetables on her plate. He asked, "What's wrong?"
Chu Zhishui admitted honestly, "I'm full, but I don't want to waste it."
Xin Yunmao fell silent for a moment, then picked up his chopsticks and deliberately ate the remaining vegetables.
"Are you hungry? Should I order more for you?"
Xin Yunmao shook his head after finishing the vegetables.
Chu Zhishui was surprised: "Then why did you..."
Xin Yunmao looked up at her meaningfully, saying in a reproachful tone, "Isn't it because you wished for me to eat your leftovers?"
"..."
Chu Zhishui's face turned red: "I never made such a wish! You didn't have to eat it!"
