Chapter 248

Chapter 248 - The Legendary Beauty Is Crying!

“I'm sorry for making you the butt of the joke. We villagers tend to speak plainly. Just take it as a bit of humor,” Lee Xiulian suddenly realized that joking in front of her daughter might not have been appropriate.

“It's okay. I actually find it refreshing. It's much better than people constantly scheming against each other,” Qu Moyao quickly waved her hand and reassured her.

“Really, it's nothing serious. It's just that those of us in the village who have been growing vegetables have already been paid. Now, those who didn't grow any are feeling jealous. They're asking for seeds and want to sign a collection contract. What do you think?” Lee Xiulian inquired.

Zhang Xiaolong smiled; these developments were within his expectations. “How are the vegetable sales going?”

“Very well,” Lee Xiulian replied with evident joy. “Mr. Lee even said he could take as much as we can supply.”

“In that case, let's inform everyone that we won't be signing any new collection contracts. If they want to grow vegetables, we'll provide the seeds, but ultimately, we won't handle the collection. However, when the trucks come to pick up the produce, they can deal directly with the buyers,” Zhang Xiaolong explained. “This includes those who have already signed contracts with us. They can also try to find new markets. If someone can sell our vegetables further afield, that would be ideal. Our village's produce should reach across the nation.”

“Right, I think that's the way to go. It doesn't make sense for us to shoulder all the risk. If you want to make money, you have to carve your own path. That's just common sense,” Lee Xiulian expressed her full agreement.

“Oh, and about the fruit trees—if anyone wants to plant them, we can sign a contract and collect the fruit once it's ripe,” Zhang Xiaolong suddenly added.

Lee Xiulian hesitated, “But our own fruit trees haven't even borne fruit yet. And it takes two years to see any profit from them, right? I'm worried people won't be too keen on waiting that long for a return.”

Zhang Xiaolong chuckled, “In that case, we'll let it be. Last time, hardly anyone signed up when we offered to sign the collection contract. Now, seeing the potential for profit, everyone wants a piece of the pie. Of course, that's not possible. However, there's a new opportunity on the horizon. It remains to be seen if they're brave enough to seize it. I want to drive home the point that opportunity and risk go hand in hand. If you're not willing to invest and shoulder even the slightest risk, you'll always be trailing behind others.”

With just a few words, Zhang Xiaolong had everything sorted out, and then he took Qu Moyao to the glass greenhouse.

They had thought the vast expanse of flowers was the highlight, but when Qu Moyao laid eyes on the Four-phenomena Divine Orchid filling the room, she was utterly spellbound.

It took her a while before she immersed herself in the floral wonderland, sniffing here, caressing there, and even embracing the flower stalks. Her excitement was palpable, as if she had been transported back to her youth, free from all burdens and pressures, surrounded only by joy and vivacity.

Zhang Xiaolong gave a wry smile and responded, “Let's go!”

The Beauty Preserving Grass was housed in its own separate greenhouse. As the door swung open, the interior was unveiled. While it lacked the dramatic presence of the Four-phenomena Divine Orchid, it possessed its own unique charm.

Each plant of Beauty Preserving Grass was a vibrant emerald green, often adorned with one or two shiny red, round fruits that were utterly adorable.

If the Four-phenomena Divine Orchid was akin to a glamorous and enchanting woman, then the Beauty Preserving Grass was the epitome of innocence and charm, much like a sweet young girl.

“So, this is the medicinal herb you mentioned? It looks more like a houseplant,” Qu Moyao remarked, caressing the red fruits.

“A lot of things can be quite beautiful; it's all about whether we choose to cultivate that beauty,” Zhang Xiaolong explained. “We'll plant the Blood Converging Vine here. As for the Beauty Preserving Grass, take a few with you for the experts to examine. But I recommend that both plants should be grown here. The conditions at your place might not be conducive for their rapid growth. It might be best to entrust this task to me.”

“Then...” Qu Moyao began, feeling a twinge of regret for Zhang Xiaolong. “Considering that this formula only cost a million, it's already quite unfair to you. Without our need for it, such a thing would be invaluable. And now you're also handling the most crucial part. It's quite a burden, and I think it's only right that we offer you some form of compensation. It would be unfair otherwise.”

“That's true for you as well. Naturally, I'll accept any compensation you offer,” Zhang Xiaolong said with a smile. “After all, taking up my land deserves some recompense. I'm a farmer, and the land is our lifeline. I've devoted my lifeline to this project, so asking for compensation is only fair.”

Qu Moyao's eyes briefly scanned the room, her gaze inadvertently landing on a certain area of Zhang Xiaolong.

“Cough, cough...” Zhang Xiaolong suddenly felt embarrassed, “That's not what I meant.”

Qu Moyao chuckled dismissively, “For such a grown man to be more bashful than I am is surprising. I'm starting to wonder if you were really the one who single-handedly took down that group of people.”

Zhang Xiaolong didn't bother to argue. Facing down a gang of ruthless criminals wouldn't faze him in the slightest, but the playful teasing from a beauty like Qu Moyao was a different story.

“Anyway, I've been thinking about something. If we're serious about cultivating Beauty Preserving Grass and Blood Converging Vine here, the current measures won't cut it. We need to beef up security. No matter how meticulous our work is, a single slip-up like last time could spell disaster,” Qu Moyao said, noticing Zhang Xiaolong's silence and dropping the jokes.

“This place is truly secure. Don't believe me? I'll prove it to you!” Zhang Xiaolong then gestured to Lee Xiulian, “Ms Lianzi, bring out our security team!”