StarCraft: Everyone wants the Queen

Chapter 21 Sour Oranges

The next day, Shen Qingqing got up early, which was unusual for her.

The reason is simple: early in the morning, that idiot system started playing "Little Chicken, Little Chicken, Cluck Cluck Cluck" in my mind.

Quarrel.

very noisy.

It's very noisy.

Upon seeing her host awaken, Lao Ba couldn't wait to tell her some good news:

[Host, don't be angry. It's just that our time zone is different from yours, and I had to adjust to the time difference, which is why I arrived a little late.]

"Look, it's only been less than a week. How about we discuss the reward?"

Seeing Shen Qingqing's expression soften slightly, the system pressed its advantage, saying, "You see, just staying here isn't a solution. How about this, we team up. After you successfully become the Insect Queen and are crowned, I'll try to get you a chance to return to your original world. What do you think?"

Lao Ba was filled with anxiety, fearing that she would not agree.

After all, its previous host, the former queen insect, failed due to a sudden accident.

If the Queen of Insects fails to be crowned again this time, it will probably be out of a job at the Time and Space Administration Bureau.

Grandma, just think of it as a chance to be reborn, okay? Let's go all out this time, alright?

He can spout cheesy words without hesitation.

It gave her goosebumps all over.

But she didn't agree immediately. Instead, she asked a few questions, "Why don't you tell us what you do first?"

"Oh, I'm just a system that assists the host in completing tasks. I was created by the God of War to ensure the normal functioning of this world."

"What about the inheritance of memories?"

"Ah, you mean that?" the system replied knowingly. "This is one of the beginner tutorials that every insect queen receives upon transmigrating. As for the power you unleashed earlier..."

Old Ba frantically sifted through the electronic files and finally concluded, "That's an ability randomly acquired after completing a small task."

[By the way, the more tasks you complete, the higher your chances of getting the guaranteed reward and special bonuses.]

Well, it seems that not only did I have to work for a heartless boss while I was alive, but I won't even have peace after I'm dead.

【Host, please reconsider~】

Given that the sky was only just beginning to lighten and it was still early, and considering the injury on my leg, I figured I might have to stay here for another two days.

Shen Qingqing asked, "What will happen if we don't complete the mission?"

【what? 】

Seemingly surprised by her question, Lao Ba thought for a moment and realized that there were indeed no punitive measures.

[Uh, nothing serious, it just means you might not be able to return to your original world.]

"Then we won't go back."

Hearing that there would be no punishment, that she wouldn't be left to fend for herself in the wilderness, or that she wouldn't be erased from the world, Shen Qingqing felt relieved.

And they decided to give up.

Make a big mess.

"Then I'm relieved. You can go now."

[What?] The system couldn't believe its hearing device.

[Say what you just said again?]

"I'm telling you, you can leave me now and find another host." Shen Qingqing lay back on the small wooden bed, preparing to take a nap.

The lonely and miserable Lao Ba was left alone in the system, weeping by himself.

This is so sad. Is this really something a human being would say?

In its hundred years of service, it has never encountered such a difficult host.

The host's previous dream was to conquer the stars and the sea, to be omnipotent and invincible.

And this...

Lying in bed, already fast asleep, Shen Qingqing showed no sign of having the determination to conquer the stars and the sea.

finally……

[Ding-dong~ Your system assistant, Xiao Ba, has gone offline. Please leave a message if you need anything~]

Haha, if you want to compete with her, you should practice for another two and a half years.

With her back to the window, Shen Qingqing opened her eyes, curled herself up in a ball, and huddled in the corner.

The other insects are still resting. The local people are simple and honest, working at sunrise and resting at sunset.

The morning breeze, carrying dew, drifted in through the window and coldly sprinkled on the flames.

The bubbling medicine pot was boiling with medicine to treat her throat.

The high priest said that she had some throat injury that needed treatment, but it was caused by congenital developmental deficiencies and she needed to strengthen her exercise. She might get better someday.

Stepping barefoot onto the floor, the icy touch sent a shiver down my spine.

He added some more firewood and water, then sat on a small stool next to him, propping his head up and watching the flames licking wildly under the stove.

With the help of kindling, the flames burned even more fiercely against the scorching hot bottom of the stove.

The orange flames cast a small patch of light, making people feel warm.

Honestly, she had no desire to rule the world as the Queen of Insects, and she felt the same way about returning to her original world.

Having been given a second chance at life, she wants to live her short life peacefully and simply.

And so, Shen Qingqing leaned against the back of the chair and curled up to fall asleep.

I woke up two hours later.

It was a little past eight o'clock, a great day for college students to start their 8 a.m. shift.

The system, which had been idle for a long time, finally resurfaced.

"If you still want to persuade me, then there's no need to say anything more."

Shen Qingqing was holding a large bowl filled with dark, bitter-looking medicinal soup.

【…】

"Qingqing, drink up! This time it's a modified, enhanced version of the herbal medicine for you." Vina looked at her expectantly.

Since taking the medicine yesterday and nearly vomiting herself to death, Vina decided to improve the prescription.

And it contains dozens of secret ingredients such as rock sugar, snow pear, and mint.

This medicine is made by carefully simmering eight bowls of water down to one bowl, which is then concentrated.

After filtering out the dregs, it looks just like herbal tea.

Shen Qingqing leaned closer and took a sniff.

Even the smell is almost the same.

A short, sharp pain is worse than a long, drawn-out one; I'll just let it all out.

After her tongue touched the medicine, she finally understood what Fourteen meant by the look she gave Vina when she saw what Vina added to it.

It's sour, sweet, bitter, and astringent all at once.

It's like filling a bowl of hot and sour soup with white sugar and then pouring in half a bottle of dish soap.

That taste was absolutely delicious, sour and refreshing.

"what about the taste?"

Vina stared at her longingly, while Fourteen, as if she had already anticipated this outcome, casually handed her a segment of orange.

The sour oranges neutralized the strange smell well, and Shen Qingqing's tightly furrowed brows relaxed somewhat.

"It's okay."

I had to do everything I could to control myself and prevent my expression from getting out of control.

He even had the composure to give Vina a reassuring smile, saying, "Actually, putting aside the taste, the medicine is quite effective."

Upon hearing this, Fourteen raised an eyebrow, his face full of disbelief.

He remembered that a few years ago, Vina had volunteered to make soup in the same way, and then she poisoned the high priest.

From then on, the kitchen became a forbidden place for Vina.

I admire your courage.

In this respect, the Fourteenth Prince concedes defeat.

Then he handed her a segment of orange, "Want some more?"

"I also want!"

Vina let out a scream and pounced on him, then her whole little face scrunched up.

"Good, good tie..."

"Shishi, did you pick an unripe one?"

The moment the sour taste exploded in my mouth, I started frantically searching for water in the treehouse.

"Hmm." Fourteen did not deny that he had picked the sour oranges.

But he swore he absolutely did not do it on purpose.

I thought this orange looked so yellow that it would be sweet, but it turned out to be so sour.

Then Fourteen also broke off a piece for himself.

So sour!

"Vina, is there any more water?"

No! Go fetch the water yourself!