Thanks to Kim Haru's earlier campaign to mobilize the community for large-scale planting, those who participated in the labor received crystal cores and points, enabling them to afford food beyond their allotted rations.

    In short, after this autumn, the economy of the Pyeongseong Safe Zone has slowly started to recover.

    Now, with white radishes being added to the list of items in the shop—especially during winter when radishes are in high demand—a new wave of panic buying seemed inevitable.

    But Kim Haru shook his head. "The quantity is too small. They won't be sold for now."

    The ice-storage greenhouses hadn't been set up yet, and the ginseng spirit's ability to grow radishes wasn't particularly strong. Otherwise, even with all the Cyro Wolf working together, they wouldn't have only managed to dig up a little over thirty radishes. It seemed they would have to wait a bit longer.

    Hwa Jian let out a small sigh of relief.

    Luckily, if the radishes wouldn't be sold so soon, he'd have enough time to prepare for the inevitable rush.

    After handing the radishes to the shop employees, Kim Haru replenished the shop's stock, collected the crystal cores from the counter, and didn't plan on staying much longer.

    "Alright, I'll be leaving now."

    "Take care, Mr. Kim."

    When Kim Haru returned to the Safe Zone Commander's building, the Cyro Wolf was already having an animated discussion with the Pyeongseong Safe Zone Commander. Naturally, the Hamster Tribe was acting as translators, squeaking and gesturing back and forth to facilitate the conversation.

    Watching the challenging three-way communication process, with each side speaking a completely different "language," Kim Haru felt even luckier to have a ginseng spirit who could actually speak.

    He decided to stir-fry an extra plate of radishes for the ginseng spirit later as thanks.

    The moment Kim Haru arrived, the Hamsters and Cyro Wolf all became visibly excited. Whatever conversation they'd been having was abandoned as the large and small creatures eagerly gathered around him.

    The Hamsters were shy and timid, content to merely hover close to him. The three Cyro Wolf, on the other hand, had no such restraint. Thudding toward him with heavy paws, they bounced like fluffy elastic balls, ready to pounce on him. Sёar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    There was no way Kim Haru could handle such a scene.

    "Stop!" He quickly raised his hand, signaling for a pause. "If any of you dare to jump on me, there will be no food for you today!"

    Food!

    At the mention of the keyword, the Cyro Wolf instantly froze in place.

    "Whimper~"

    The Cryo Wolf cautiously rubbed themselves against Kim Haru, carefully controlling their strength, ensuring they didn't accidentally knock him over.

    The Pyeongseong Safe Zone Commander who is standing nearby, also caught on to Kim Haru's words. His eyes lit up as he gained a new idea on how to manage this pack of Cyro Wolf.

    While stroking the fluffy fur of one of the dogs, Kim Haru turned his gaze toward the Safe Zone Commander.

    Without needing any prompting, Moon Baein understood what Kim Haru wanted to ask.

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    "The negotiations went pretty well," Moon Baein explained. "We'll provide them with food and toys, and in return, they'll help us pull the carts. The payment for cart-pulling will also be shared with them according to an agreed ratio. However, the Cyro Wolf said they are not the ones in charge. To sign a formal contract, we'll need their leader to approve it."

    Having noticed the numbers "Snowball No. 2," "Snowball No. 3," and "Snowball No. 4" marked on the Cyro Wolf, Moon Baein couldn't help but feel a bit exasperated at Mr. Kim's naming skills. Nevertheless, he guessed that the leader they mentioned must be "Snowball No. 1."

    Kim Haru also came to the same conclusion. "Alright, I'll bring Snowball No. 1 next time."

    Moon Baein couldn't help but laugh. Of course, it would be Snowball No. 1.

    With the discussion concluded, Kim Haru was handed some white radishes intended for the Safe Zone Commander. He planned to have Jang Dojang show him around the Pyeongseong Safe Zone to observe winter life before returning to his little farm.

    Just as he was about to leave, Moon Baein seemed to remember something and quickly called out, "Mr. Kim, in a few days, the Pyeongseong Safe Zone will organize a team to explore nearby towns for supplies. Would you be interested in joining? If you'd like to go, I'll make sure a spot is reserved for you."

    "Exploring for supplies? Is the Pyeongseong Safe Zone running short on resources for the winter?" Kim Haru recalled hearing from the logistics department that, with careful rationing, the autumn harvest should suffice for three months.

    "It's not about that," Moon Baein shook his head. "There's no immediate concern over supplies. However, while winter brings harsh weather conditions, it also makes the zombies exceptionally sluggish. Most of them fall into a state of dormancy. Even those that can move are extremely stiff. This is a rare opportunity to eliminate more zombies. Those zombie-infested towns that are usually inaccessible can now be explored during winter."

    Ah, so that was the reason.

    Kim Haru thought about the few zombies on his farm that were now completely buried under snow and understood the logic.

    "I'll pass," Kim Haru declined. "Stay safe. If there's anything you need my help with, don't hesitate to ask."

    "Understood. Thank you, Mr. Kim. If there's anything you'd like them to bring back for you, just let us know," Moon Baein added.

    Kim Haru couldn't think of anything specific at the moment. After noting down the date of the team's departure, he put the matter out of his mind.

    Finally, Kim Haru began his stroll around the Pyeongseong Safe Zone with Jang Dojang.

    The three Cyro Wolf were too conspicuous due to their size, so Kim Haru decided not to bring them along, planning to collect them later when he was ready to leave.

    However, he soon regretted not bringing the Cyro Wolf with him.