A Divine Farmer

C79 – The Squandering Posture Was Wrong

The high cost of double-headed abalone stemmed from its inability to be mass-produced rapidly. If it were, its price would plummet from the heavens to that of ordinary meat.

Essentially, even if a method for mass production existed, it wouldn’t flood the market with top-grade abalone. It’s akin to how certain Western farmers used to discard excess milk and food into the sea to prevent price depreciation. That’s the rationale.

Zhang Xiaoloong immediately grasped Hong Yan’s implication and readily consented.

“That’s fantastic,” Hong Yan remarked, expecting a debate but finding Xiaoloong equally astute. “I’ll arrange the contract promptly and offer you a partial deposit upfront.”

“Thank you, Elder Sister Yan,” Zhang Xiaoloong expressed genuine gratitude for averting him from a misguided path.

The remainder of the process proceeded smoothly, with the contract swiftly drafted. Chen Yaru displayed more dedication to this venture than her own affairs, leading to some disagreements with Hong Yan, who accused her of “prioritizing friendship over fairness.”

Nevertheless, this was merely a brief disruption. They soon affixed their signatures and seals to the contract. As promised, Hong Yan also handed over a 100,000 yuan deposit.

Exiting Jinshi, Zhang Xiaoloong exhaled deeply.

While 100,000 yuan wouldn’t leave him flabbergasted, he acknowledged it as the largest sum he’d handled.

For a relatively inexperienced farmer, the excitement was understandable.

Moreover, his journey to Qingyang City had been fraught with obstacles. To negotiate successfully and secure this windfall so effortlessly was both unexpected and cause for celebration.

“Xiaoloong, do you truly intend to abandon mass production of this vegetable?” Chen Yaru suddenly inquired.

“Yes. Didn’t you witness it just now? I’ve already committed to Elder Sister Yan in a contract, so reneging isn’t an option,” Zhang Xiaoloong replied with a mysterious smile.

“Have you devised a plan?” Chen Yaru was sharp; she surmised he wouldn’t surrender so easily. “Actually, I’ve been pondering this too. Elder Sister Yan was correct. We can alter our approach. Instead of flooding the market with premium produce, we can supply her with top-tier vegetables. What if we mass-produce them and elevate them to premium or near-premium quality?”

“We share the same idea!” Zhang Xiaoloong exclaimed, grasping her hand excitedly. “Exactly. Consider this: these vegetables are delectable even when simply boiled in saltwater. Widespread popularity might diminish their allure, so we’ll slightly downgrade their quality and position them as high-quality wholesale market produce. That should resolve everything.”

Chen Yaru felt a slight sweetness as Zhang Xiaoloong unexpectedly grasped her small hand. Although it was his first voluntary touch, his subsequent dissatisfaction dampened the moment. Swatting her lightly on the chest, he exclaimed, “Hey, what’s with ‘even I can make it so delicious’? Is my cooking really that terrible?”

“Um, it seems I should’ve chosen my words more carefully…” Zhang Xiaoloong noticed the hint of threat in the girl’s gaze and swiftly corrected himself, “I meant to say, next time remember to crack the egg properly, then it should turn out perfectly.”

Disheartened, Chen Yaru pondered the adage that the way to a man’s heart was through his stomach. Clearly, she needed to hone her culinary skills, lest she frighten off potential suitors.

“But I truly appreciate your help this time.” Zhang Xiaoloong observed the girl’s beauty and hastened to console her. “If you hadn’t introduced me to Elder Sister Yan, my trip might have been in vain.”

Only then did a smile grace Chen Yaru’s lips, though it swiftly vanished as a blush colored her cheeks. “Um… when I was at home, I didn’t mean… you mustn’t think of me like that, okay?”

Recollecting their earlier interaction, Zhang Xiaoloong found himself glancing at her lips, his own face warming. “No… Well, I’ll be off then. Oh, and here’s the hundred thousand yuan. Keep it for now. I know it’s not enough for the greenhouse, but since it’s profitable now, per our agreement, I should repay you in installments. Consider this the first installment. As I earn more, I’ll pay off the rest.”

Chen Yaru pushed the money away, her eyes reflecting resentment.

Initially, she’d suggested this arrangement to spare Zhang Xiaoloong from hardship, hoping he’d gradually repay the debt. Little did she anticipate him returning more than half within a month. At this rate, considering Hong Yan’s pricing, their debt would equalize by next month.

While it validated his trustworthiness and the greenhouse’s success, she fretted if he’d still remember to visit once the debt was cleared.

Zhang Xiaoloong found her gaze unsettling. “It’s the least I can do. Besides… I’ll make sure to bring you food regularly from now on.”

Chen Yaru’s eyes lit up. Her father’s wisdom shone through. “Let’s get one thing straight. I can’t afford to pay ten times the price for vegetables.”

“How could I expect that? Uncle Chen and you both helped me immensely. I’m just glad you enjoy my cooking.” Zhang Xiaoloong pressed the money into her hands. “But you must take it. Otherwise, I couldn’t face you.”

“According to our agreement, you’re only supposed to start repayment after three months. If you insist on repaying now, I’ll have to charge significantly less interest,” Chen Yaru remarked slyly, rolling her eyes.

“Huh?” Zhang Xiaoloong was taken aback. He hadn’t anticipated being able to circumvent repayment terms like this.

Chen Yaru pouted and shot him a pointed look. “Fine, but you still need this money. How else will you expand your high-quality vegetable production? Do you plan to find another person willing to accept installments like me?”

Zhang Xiaoloong had underestimated this situation. Everything required money. Not only the 100,000 yuan deposit, but even earnings could swiftly diminish.

“Fine, I’ll hold onto it for now. I’ll begin repaying you in three months,” Zhang Xiaoloong finally relented. “I’ll take my leave then. There’s much to prepare in the vegetable field.”

“No,” Chen Yaru scrutinized him. “Complete your tasks here before departing.”

What more was there to accomplish? Zhang Xiaoloong pondered. Suddenly, the memory of the incident at Chen Yaru’s home flashed in his mind. But that couldn’t be the unresolved matter, could it? She seemed touched by it then; she wouldn’t have uttered those words in public otherwise.

Mulling over it, he dismissed the possibility. Chen Yaru must have been genuinely moved at the time. Her street remarks didn’t align with that sentiment.

“Come on, I’ll take you to Shi Peng. These items will be essential for your future endeavors. Without them, you’ll face unnecessary inconvenience,” Chen Yaru said, wordlessly guiding him into the car.

“What exactly are we buying?” Zhang Xiaoloong inquired, puzzled.

“Clothing, and…”

Before Chen Yaru could complete her sentence, Zhang Xiaoloong erupted in protest. Anxious to exit the car, he exclaimed, “I’m not going, I’m not going!”

A single set of clothes cost twenty thousand yuan. Even if he were inclined to spend extravagantly, it didn’t befit a farmer’s budget!