Chapter 162: Quality of Life_1

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Now that "Project Zero" had achieved half of its goals, Jiang Yu could finally relax a bit.

Since waking up, although Jiang Yu appeared calm and composed on the surface, he actually felt somewhat apprehensive inside.

He had to maintain a detached yet connected relationship with the human world, an unprecedented maneuver that he took seriously.

One wrong step, and his own seclusion plan would be greatly affected.

When Jiang Yu first woke up, it was kept secret from the outside world, so his parents didn't know he was awake.

It wasn't until Jiang Yu began to appear in public that his mother called to confirm.

So after confirming the choice of Moon City's mayor, Jiang Yu took a car home, planning to spend a few days with his parents.

As for the Moon City mayor, it was Burton, the German who stood out in the examination when Jiang Yu was first given heavy responsibilities by Chief Ji and set up the culture company.

At that time, three people passed Jiang Yu's test, Di Fengyi is now Jiang Yu's right-hand man, and the culture company has been thriving under Burton's management.

Later, when the social environment stabilized, the culture company lost its original purpose, but Jiang Yu continued to invest in the company.

The culture company has now branched out across the world, and according to company statistics, Jiang Yu's staunch supporters have reached over ten million.

At least one hundred million people know about Jiang Yu's deeds and agree with his views.

This is a powerful card Jiang Yu keeps hidden and rarely uses; the only time he used it was when Moon City was short of residents, and as soon as Jiang Yu made the call, the threshold at Beck's place was almost trampled down.

Burton's capabilities and loyalty had been verified by time, which is why Jiang Yu entrusted him with such an important task.

Back home, Jiang Yu's parents were naturally very happy, but looking at the three dishes on the dinner table, Jiang Yu smacked his lips and said, "Your son comes home so rarely, and this is what you prepare."

The dishes on the table were shredded potatoes, radish cakes, and stewed cabbage, all common vegetables in winter.

Jiang Yu's mother, Hu Huilan, said, "Have you seen how expensive the vegetables are in the supermarkets? You should be happy there's food to eat, never mind being picky!"

This wasn't really something of great concern to Jiang Yu, "No matter the cost, buy them. Your son is rich now."

In financial matters, Jiang Yu always kept tight control through Di Fengyi.

The culture company, Beck's place, and even Moon City, which had already semi-autonomized, all had financial teams sent by Jiang Yu.

Of course, Jiang Yu didn't want to use this money under his personal name, but as the head of the "Super Soldier" project, leader of the Black Faction Research Group, and receiving a salary from the Star Defense Department, he made enough to support his family in affluence.

Old Master Jiang Wenhuan spoke up at this point, "We don't need your money!"

He pushed the wine bottle toward Jiang Yu, "With the way things are now, life is only going to get tougher. We should prepare to live sparingly from now on."

Jiang Yu poured himself a glass of wine, "I've heard too. Apparently, the standard of living has regressed to what it was in the 90s?"

Hu Huilan, who had just steamed some buns and brought them to the table, took a seat and added, "It's not just like it was back in the day. I heard next year we might even start using food coupons."

Jiang Yu was surprised, "Haven't artificial starch started mass production three years ago? How can there still be a shortage of food?"

Hu Huilan replied, "Everyone says that artificial starch can cause gene mutation and increase the risk of cancer, so they are afraid to eat it."

"Let them suffer!" Jiang Wenhuan took a sip of his wine, "Those Africans who have been eating artificial starch, I haven't heard of their genes mutating.

"People have had it too good in recent years and have forgotten what hunger is. Let them go hungry for a few days and see if they're still so picky."

Hu Huilan sighed deeply, "Life these days really isn't what it used to be."

"Such folly in a woman's words!" Jiang Wenhuan couldn't stand to hear his wife talk like this, "If we don't step up the construction of space infrastructure, humanity could be lost. What kind of life would we have then?"

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Jiang Yu quietly ate and drank, his parents' views actually reflected those of most ordinary people regarding the space industry.

Because life was getting worse, the "anti-escape" movement swept across the globe rapidly.

Some people were genuinely worried that others might secretly flee, but many more wanted to slow down the construction of space facilities to improve their living standards.

As Jiang Yu had said before, humanity is forgetful. About a decade after the Trisolarans' threat emerged, the alien invasion seemed less imminent.

So naturally, they weren't happy when resisting the alien invasion worsened their lives.

Listening to his parents argue for a while, Jiang Yu asked his father when he saw an opening, "Since we're nearly short on food, alcohol must be quite expensive, right?"

Jiang Wenhuan laughed, "You'd kill the distillery folks with laughter with that one. Who said their liquor was brewed from grain? Isn't that slander?"

Jiang Yu put down his cup, suddenly finding the wine less appealing.

He changed the subject, "Would you want to go to Moon City?"

Life quality there is bound to be much better than on Earth.

At this suggestion, Jiang Yu's parents shook their heads in unison, "No, not going."

Jiang Wenhuan said, "I've heard the gravity there is too low. You have to maintain a certain level of exercise daily, or the muscles in your legs will atrophy."

Hu Huilan added, "And I've heard you can't get fresh vegetables there. Vegetables and meat are all dehydrated, just thinking about it ruins my appetite."

"Oh, don't believe those rumors," Jiang Yu said helplessly. "Astronauts from the last century didn't eat dehydrated vegetables in space.

"Now there are thousands of people in space and on the Moon combined! Their diets have diversified, far surpassing what we eat on Earth.

"Besides, the agricultural sector in Moon City is almost ready. When it's done, you can grow whatever vegetables you want."

Still not convinced, Hu Huilan challenged, "Can you stir-fry shredded potatoes in space?"

Jiang Yu smiled helplessly. Actually, you really couldn't; frying anything would probably make a mess all over the space station.

Although Hu Huilan's question felt a bit obstinate, Jiang Yu could tell his folks really didn't plan to live in space.

So, he suggested, "Well, if not to live, how about visiting for tourism once Moon City's facilities are complete in a couple of years?"

Jiang Wenhuan nodded, "That we could do."

Jiang Yu continued, "All my living expenses and consumption are covered by PDC, so you keep my salary card and don't skimp on food or other necessities."

Hu Huilan took the salary card and chuckled, "After all these years, we finally get to see some money coming back."

She tucked the card away, "Don't worry, we won't spend it. We'll save it for your wedding. Hey? Have you visited Yang Dong since you woke up?

"What's wrong with you? You should have gone to see Yang Dong first after waking up!

"Right, you mentioned PDC covers your expenses? Then go to the supermarket and buy some cooking oil for us. The price of edible oil is skyrocketing; we can barely afford it!

"Why not use the foreigners' money if you can?"

Jiang Yu sighed helplessly, "When did you old folks get the impression that PDC is run by foreigners?"

"Nonsense. Their headquarters is on the foreigners' turf. If PDC were ours, would we need to go to their land for meetings?"

Jiang Yu paused, "Your square dancing over the years really hasn't been in vain. You almost make some sense."