"Just wait a bit longer; it might sprout soon," Brian said.
Eric's brow furrowed as he nodded slightly, with no choice but to wait.
Time seemed to slip by unnoticed.
The seedlings of Chang Weicai, Brian, and Ed began to break through the soil, unfolding their tender cotyledons, while Eric's seeds remained silent without any signs of life.
"It doesn't make sense," Eric grew restless. "We planted them all at the same time, it doesn't make sense that yours have sprouted while mine hasn't…"
As he spoke, he gradually stopped, as if realizing something, his face pallor increasing.
Brian frowned and asked, "What? Did you think of a reason?"
"I... I don't know, could it be related to that incident…" Eric looked dazed. "When you guys went out to look for supplies, I was here alone. It was too cold, my hands froze, and I didn't notice when the seeds fell. By the time I realized, I don't know how long had passed… Maybe the seeds got frostbite, affecting their germination?"
