Chapter 27: Bringing the Dead Back to Life and Flesh to Bones!

Aunt Wang, who was fetching water by the creek, heard the sounds of children playing behind her. When she turned around and saw who it was, she immediately smiled. "Oh, it's Ruyu! What are you all doing down by the creek? Are you here to catch fish or dig for wild vegetables?"

Sanwa pulled Bai Ruyu over to Aunt Wang’s side and said crisply, "Aunt Wang, we aren't catching fish or digging for wild vegetables. Big Sister said she’s going to get us something delicious to eat."

Sanwa was still young, fond of food, and had no hidden agenda. He thought Aunt Wang was a good person, just like Aunt Ma, as she often gave him things to eat and helped his family. He figured there was no harm in mentioning they were looking for a treat.

Aunt Wang chuckled, amused. "Oh? What kind of delicious thing? Can you tell your auntie?" She took it as nothing more than a child’s joke and couldn't resist teasing them. So many people came to the creek every day; even catching a single fish was considered lucky, let alone finding some rare delicacy. If there really were anything good to be found, it would have been snatched up long ago!

Sanwa looked at Aunt Wang, feeling a bit troubled. "Big Sister hasn't said yet, so I don't know what it is either."

Bai Ruyu smiled from the side. "Auntie, have you ever heard of a delicacy in the water that can bring the dying back to life and restore flesh to bones? It’s called—the Peach Blossom Worm!"

Claiming it could bring the dead back to life was certainly an exaggeration, but the Peach Blossom Worm was incredibly rich in protein and a rare delicacy in the Miao villages. It was usually only prepared as a unique dish when honored guests arrived or during festivals. An old woman who had once taken her in had noticed how thin and frail she was and would stir-fry a serving for her every few days, catching the worms herself in the small creek. Given her current situation, buying them regularly was impossible.

"What? What did you say?" Aunt Wang’s eyes widened in disbelief. "Peach Blossom Worm? What kind of thing is that to have such powers? Does such a rare treasure really exist in this little creek?"

Aunt Wang asked three questions in a row, clearly stunned. She leaned over the creek to peer into the water, but after looking for a long time, all she saw were weeds and the occasional small fish or shrimp darting among the scattered rocks. She couldn't see anything extraordinary at all.

"The claims about its effects are a bit exaggerated, but it is truly good for you. It's just the larvae found in the water," Bai Ruyu explained patiently.

Upon hearing this, Aunt Wang stood up and stepped back, her eyes filled with horror. "You... what did you say? A worm? The 'delicious treat' you’re talking about is a worm?"

She had thought it was something good. She never expected it to be a worm. Was this girl losing her mind again? Aunt Wang looked at Bai Ruyu with suspicion, sizing her up carefully, wanting to ask but not daring to. If she weren't crazy, who would be so obsessed with catching worms in a creek to eat, claiming it was a delicacy and good for one's health?

It wasn't just her; the other three children, who had been excited just a moment ago, were now staring at their older sister with blank expressions, unable to believe their ears.

Ergou stood stunned for a long time. "B-Big Sister, maybe we should just go dig for wild vegetables instead." After dropping that sentence, he turned as if to leave. It seemed his sister still hadn't fully recovered. When they got home later, he would have to tell their parents to take her to a doctor for a proper checkup.

Sanwa quickly followed suit. "I want to go dig for wild vegetables too!"

"I... I..." Little Ya pursed her small lips and slowly retreated.

Bai Ruyu’s expression stiffened. These three really were giving her no face at all. "All of you, stop right there! Give me the bamboo basket."

Today, she would make them taste the charm of the Peach Blossom Worm! It wasn't March, so the worms were scarce, but they weren't entirely gone. Instructing the system to start the livestream, Bai Ruyu rolled her pant legs up to her knees and pushed up her sleeves. She took off her shoes and stepped into the water.

The mountain stream was exceptionally cold, providing a refreshing relief in the sweltering heat of summer, like a cool breeze.

[Liu'er Wannan: Is the streamer planning to catch fish in the river?]
[Qingfeng Suiwoyi: Is the streamer imitating the lives of ancient people? Was it appropriate for ancients to show their feet and arms like that?]
[Chuangfei Suoyouren: What are you talking about? Your mindset wouldn't even survive in ancient times. The ancients were much more open than you imagine; short sleeves, shorts, and sandals were all things they played with long ago!]
[Qingfeng Suiwoyi: You're talking nonsense!]
[Chuangfei Suoyouren: If you don't believe me, look it up yourself. Besides, every dynasty was different. We don't even know what dynasty the streamer is portraying, so why are you making such a fuss?]
[Mianyang Puff: As a long-time fan, I think I have a say here. The streamer is playing a small peasant girl in an alternate ancient world; it’s not based on any real dynasty.]
[Chuangfei Suoyouren: Hear that? Not based on any historical dynasty.]

Bai Ruyu didn't pay any attention to the bickering in the chat; she only needed to stream for two hours a day. She had streamed two extra hours yesterday, which meant another day of life, perfect for handling any emergencies.

"Big Sister! Are you sure about this?" Ergou, standing by the bank, couldn't help but urge, "Maybe you should come back up."

Bai Ruyu bent over, full of confidence. "What's the rush? Come on down and help me catch them. If we get a plateful early, we can still go dig for wild vegetables."

The old woman had taught her how to identify where they lived. Once the spot was found, she just had to place the bamboo basket downstream and turn over the rocks. The Peach Blossom Worms would be carried by the current right into the basket.

After watching for a while, Bai Ruyu finally confirmed the direction and prepared herself. The moment she flipped the rock, she let out a cry of excitement.

"Yeah! Got them!" She watched as various small black worms were swept by the current into the bamboo basket. Her heart raced with a little thrill.

[Xiangqing Nanque: Yeah! The streamer is catching Peach Blossom Worms; her technique is very authentic.]
[Chuangfei Suoyouren: Hey friend, is that stuff actually good to eat?]
[Xiangqing Nanque: Personally, I think it's very fragrant, but many people are discouraged by its appearance before they even try it.]

"Big Sister, what do they look like? Let me see!" Ergou had already taken off his shoes and stepped quickly into the water. He leaned in to look at the bamboo basket Bai Ruyu was holding up. Inside was a pile of wriggling black worms, along with some small fish and shrimp. His face stiffened and he swallowed hard. "Are we really going to eat these tonight?"

[Xiangqing Nanque: This kid's expression is exactly the same as those people.]
[Miaojia Lameizi: Someone is actually imitating us Miao people catching worms! Worthy of rewards, worthy of praise. I'm going to recommend this to my friends right now.]

The screen was filled with gifts. Bai Ruyu couldn't help but think that these "Gods of Wealth" were truly rich. She couldn't take that money out, only use it to buy things from the mall, but she wondered if she could find a way to flip those items and sell them to make some real money. Maybe she could find an opportunity. She would have to try!

Bai Ruyu made up her mind. She glanced at her brother, whose face didn't look too good. "Eat them if you want when the time comes; no one is going to force-feed you. For now, just help your sister get some more. Who knows, maybe Dad and Mom will love them."