A Divine Farmer

Chapter 246 - A Paradise

“Whether it's true or not, why don't you come with me and see for yourself?” Zhang Xiaolong said with a smile. “Truth be told, neither the Blood Converging Vine nor the medicinal herbs I mentioned grow quickly. But with some special techniques, once you've got the hang of it, it's definitely doable. At the very least, we should be able to meet the necessary requirements.”

“Great, let's head out now,” Qu Moyao urged.

“Okay, follow me. I've been meaning to check in at home anyway,” Zhang Xiaolong told Su Mei. “You should take a break. It looks like there won't be much for you to do for a while. Alternatively, you could spend some time with Mr. Su. I bet he's giving me an earful right about now.”

“How can that be? The company has been prepping for so long, just waiting on your medicine. How much longer will it be?” Su Mei couldn't hide her anxiety as she watched Yang Jingjing's company surge in popularity.

She had managed the company's affairs in record time, eager to prove her competence. Yet now, she found herself outpaced.

What was even harder for her to accept was that a significant part of Essence Dragon Company's popularity was due to Zhang Xiaolong's performance at the trade show. Without that, Yang Jingjing might not have been such a formidable competitor.

“We can't hide the ingredients until the experts have verified the medicinal properties of the herbs, so you'll need to be patient,” Qu Moyao said with a reassuring smile.

Zhang Xiaolong gave Su Mei a comforting pat on the shoulder. “Taking a break is a good idea. Essence Dragon needs some downtime too. When it's time to get to work, both companies will move forward together. Don't be overly competitive. You're talented and don't need to measure yourself against Jingjing all the time. Remember, she's still learning the ropes.”

“Oh…” Su Mei responded, somewhat reluctantly, yet she found comfort in his words. At least he was beginning to show concern for her feelings and understand her perspective.

As Zhang Xiaolong departed with another woman, Su Mei's thoughts turned strategic. “It's time to visit my father and strengthen our ties. When Eyebrow Dragon Company launches, it has to be as sensational as Essence Dragon Makeup, no, even more so!”

Although Zhang Xiaolong's persuasive words had an effect, it didn't mean Su Mei had given up the fight. Moreover, even though Essence Dragon Makeup hadn't started production yet, there was already a significant demand for pre-orders. Yet, she hadn't produced anything and was too cautious to even consider advertising.

With this in mind, she promptly set off for Yishui.

Outside, Qu Moyao casually glanced at Zhang Xiaolong and remarked, “I wouldn't have pegged you as someone who's adept at handling girls.”

“Hmm?” Zhang Xiaolong paused, then caught on to her meaning. “When you've dealt with your fair share of challenging girls, you pick up a thing or two.”

“So, it sounds like a bunch of beautiful girls are after you, and you're playing hard to get,” Qu Moyao said with a hint of sarcasm. “Aren't you worried that jealous guys passing by might take offense?”

“Before I was married, of course, I liked the idea of many women being interested in me. But after marriage, it's a different story,” Zhang Xiaolong replied playfully.

Noticing Qu Moyao taking the passenger seat of the road lion, Zhang Xiaolong expressed surprise, “Didn't you bring your own car?”

“Your car is more comfortable, and you're not going to be petty about letting me sit for a bit, right?” Qu Moyao responded with dissatisfaction.

“The pleasure is all mine,” Zhang Xiaolong said, making a gracious gesture of thanks.

Experience had taught him that arguing with a woman was unwise; losing meant a real loss, and winning was an even greater defeat. So, he wisely chose to remain silent.

The two didn't speak much during the drive, enduring the prolonged awkwardness.

However, the mood shifted dramatically when Qu Moyao arrived in Clear River Village and was greeted by the vast expanse of blossoms.

“Stop, stop right now!” Qu Moyao exclaimed. “How can there be such a gorgeous place? It's like something out of a fairy tale. Stop the car!”

“You should get out here; it's still quite a distance away. I know a shortcut,” Zhang Xiaolong said with a laugh.

The breathtaking sea of flowers wasn't the result of anyone's planting efforts but his own orchard, which was in full bloom.

Certainly, not every tree was in bloom. If every fruit tree across the hundreds of miles had blossomed, the sight would have been even more magnificent. But such a phenomenon would defy the natural order. Besides, Zhang Xiaolong had intentionally staggered the blooming periods of various trees, ensuring there would always be flowers to admire in different seasons.

The car made its way directly to the glasshouse, now engulfed in a vast sea of flowers. Without familiarity with the area, one would struggle to locate it.

Upon seeing the glasshouse, Qu Moyao and the other girls were struck with awe. “It's so beautiful, just like something out of a fairy tale,” they gasped.

She dashed inside, her gaze first falling upon the glass structure. Bathed in sunlight, the shimmering reflections dazzled her. The numerous glasshouses, reflecting off one another, added an air of mystery to the place.

Qu Moyao ran eagerly to a tree, inhaling the sweet floral scent deeply. The sight was so enchanting it could make any man wish to transform into a flower, just to be adored in such a manner.

Even Zhang Xiaolong, observing Qu Moyao in this moment, thought she looked more adorable now than she ever did in her more solemn moments.

“If only I could live here,” Qu Moyao sighed wistfully.

“If you'd like, you're welcome to stay here for a while each year,” Zhang Xiaolong offered with a smile.

“Really? The owner would let an outsider stay?” Qu Moyao was incredulous.

Pointing to himself, Zhang Xiaolong chuckled, “Hasn't the owner just given permission? Whenever you wish to come, you're welcome to stay. But I must warn you, the living conditions might not be as comfortable as you're imagining. I'm concerned you might not find it to your liking.”

“How could that be an issue? To live in such a place, I'd wake up smiling even if I had to sleep on the ground,” Qu Moyao, a martial artist and a true soldier, had endured all manner of hardships. To her, this place was a utopia. “Wait, did you just say all of this belongs to you?”

“To put it precisely, I've leased this land, and the trees are the fruit trees I've planted. So for the next thirty years, no one will stop you from living here,” Zhang Xiaolong explained with a grin.

“You're amazing!” Qu Moyao exclaimed, grabbing Zhang Xiaolong's arm and jumping with excitement.

She quickly realized that she had taken it too far, looking like a little girl hopelessly infatuated, a far cry from her usual demeanor.

“Actually, you look pretty good right now. Why do you always act so mature and serious? Isn't it better to be yourself?” Xiaolong inquired, puzzled.

“Do you think I'm just putting on an act?” Qu Moyao let out a sigh, returning to her normal self. “If you constantly witnessed people dying around you, powerless to save them, you wouldn't be very cheerful either.”

Xiaolong was suddenly reminded of the events at Qilin Mountain. It appeared that Qu Moyao's experiences were far more profound than he had realized. “I apologize, Dr. Qu, I misspoke.”