Super Zoo

If the compensation is only 50%, that would be far too low.

Liang Shi explained that this fluctuating range mainly targets two aspects. First, the initial distribution focuses on efficiency, while the secondary distribution emphasizes fairness; therefore, the poorer areas receive more subsidies; in places with better economic conditions, farmers have higher incomes, and the small amount of money from the land does not account for much, so they get less subsidy.

Because of poverty, Sun Town even got an advantage in this.

The second reason is the value of the 'damaged goods' itself. Some agricultural and livestock products have high added value, and their market prices fluctuate greatly. For example, rabbit farmers in other regions were affected by a wolf disaster, but the long-eared rabbits could be sold not just for meat but also for their fur, and the prices are heavily influenced by market fluctuations. Therefore, it's difficult to calculate their specific value, leaving a floating range to give the government flexibility in management.

The damaged crops in Sun Town are not so particular; their prices are relatively stable and are calculated based on last year's market price unanimously.

After asking Liang Shi about the specific process for applying for compensation, Suming finally hung up the phone and detailed the information to the villagers.

"Mr. Gu, the mute, Third Auntie, you all should quickly tally up the damage you've suffered. Then, everyone can help by pressing a handprint to verify it was caused by wild boars. Submit the documentation to the town office. My friend's classmate is going to visit various rural areas after the New Year, and Sun Town is the first stop in our county. I'll ask him to try to aim for 80% subsidy, and strive to have the compensation distributed within two months," Suming said.

"Does that mean if our crops are damaged in the future, we can also manage it like this, looking to the government for subsidies and compensation?" Xiaohuzi, who lives in the next street, asked.

"Of course!" Suming nodded, "The government protects wildlife, but humans are still the priority, aren't they? It's not like we're going to protect animals when people can't even get by. After you go back, also spread the word to relatives and friends. The government has regulations; they won't let everyone suffer losses."

"Ah, it'd be great if they could compensate everything in full," lamented Second Elder regretfully.

Suming chuckled quietly and said in a lowered voice, "How much was lost is up to what the villagers themselves report, right? Mr. Gu, you three families don't do anything else these few days. Open up a few more acres of farmland. You don't need to plant anything... You get what I'm saying, don't you?"

Only a fool wouldn't understand! Suming's words were almost too clear; although they could only be compensated for up to 80%, you could certainly claim a bit more damage than what actually occurred. For instance, if ten acres were originally affected, now you could till two more acres of wasteland, report twelve acres of damage, and after the calculations, it would equate to essentially 100% compensation.

The witnesses are all from our own community, the investigator is Liang Shi's classmate, and the reported amount isn't much higher—you can't find a reason why it wouldn't go through.

Of course, if someone is too greedy, claiming a loss of thirty or forty acres, or even seventy or eighty acres when they only suffered damage on ten, trying to get rich by defrauding compensation, Suming certainly wouldn't help.

A major catastrophe was now easily resolved, at least in theory, and the mood of the people shifted from deep sorrow to great joy in an instant, especially with the New Year around the corner. Everyone was excited, forgoing sleep; they simply brought over tables and chairs from various homes and started a few rounds of mahjong and poker in the main hall of the Su Family's house.

Gambling over cards during the New Year's holiday is a traditional custom in the countryside. Many avid gamblers would lose everything they earned from half a year's work during these few festive days, which is not uncommon.

This is tradition, and Suming didn't interfere. Despite it being well into the night, the Su Family's main hall was bustling with activity. Only now did the true festive spirit of the New Year become apparent.

Suming, however, didn't join in the card-playing. Ever since he gained the power to attach his soul, he always had the impulse to use it, and playing cards with this ability felt like cheating, as he could see everyone else's hand perfectly clear. So instead, he just sat behind his mother, grinning as he watched her play. His mother was having a run of good luck; she swept the board in just one round, winning two games.

"Suming, your uncle has a favor to ask of you." Mr. Gu tugged at Suming's sleeve from behind, and the two walked to a secluded spot in the backyard before Suming said, "Uncle, there's no need for formalities. Just tell me what you need, and I'll help if I can. If I can't, I won't string you along."

"Well, it's not a big deal. I know you have wide connections in the city. You see, Bao Xian is about to graduate, and since they don't have classes in the last half of the final term of the year, I was hoping you could help him find a job in the city," Mr. Gu said.

Actually, Suming had been approached by more than one person asking for help finding a job. His uncle had mentioned it before. Suming had been planning this for a while and had arrangements in mind, which he could have disclosed today.

But after observing the situation in Sun Town over the past few days, he decided to hold off on mentioning his plans, just in case. It might be overcautious, but being a bit extra cautious never hurt.

"Uncle, don't worry about this matter. I'll work something out. I can't say exactly how right now, but you can be assured that, in the end, I'll make sure the villagers all have something lined up," Suming said.

"You're reliable, and I trust you." Mr. Gu was reassured by Suming's words, even though Suming hadn't made a definite promise, as it was clear Suming genuinely wanted to help.

While they were talking, someone from the main hall called out, "You all must be hungry by now, don't go to sleep yet! The wild boar meat is cooking, and it will be ready by dawn. Everyone who helped gets a share of the wild boar meat to take home..."

The voice belonged to the town butcher, and Suming was startled at first, then slapped his forehead, realizing he had completely forgotten about the two small wild boars. Though called small, together they nearly weighed a hundred pounds. The butcher was efficient and had slaughtered the boars soon after returning.

Butcher Sun, carrying a yoke with two baskets filled with pale wild boar meat, was showing off his butchering skills in the main hall. Spotting Suming coming out, he picked out a large piece of pork stomach and said, "Suming, this pork stomach is nourishing. I brought it especially for you to make soup for your mother to replenish her health."

Indeed, the meat of a wild boar is of better quality than that of a domestic pig, but if not prepared well, it can be gamey and not particularly tasty. The same old principle applies to humans, too: You've got to be principled first. For familiar animals, like the white cat, you'd even endure the pain of labor to help them; for unfamiliar ones, let nature take its course in the food chain.

To protect animals doesn't mean indiscriminately using superpowers to keep all animals alive; that would be disrupting the food chain. As long as there's no overhunting or mistreatment, that's good enough.

Taking the wild boar stomach from Butcher Sun, Suming was startled to see several small lumps on it, resembling boils.

"What's this? The wild boar didn't have stomach cancer, did it?"

The second elder leaned in for a look, "Ah, what a treasure! Suming, cook this up for your mother right away. It's really nourishing!"n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om