Chapter 253

Chapter 253 - A Crisis Approaches!

The riverbed was dry, but one could easily envision how, once filled with flowing water, it would serve as the crowning jewel of the landscape. The surrounding kaleidoscope of trees would only enhance the breathtaking view.

On their previous visit to Clear River Village, they had felt as though the beauty lay just beyond its borders. Now, they sensed that while the village had not yet matched the splendor of its surroundings, the scenery was gradually merging with and enhancing the small village.

From the orchard and market garden to the meandering river, and beyond to the vast farmlands, the young wheat seedlings were vibrantly green. The waves of verdant wheat rippled with the wind, a sight so soothing it was beyond words.

It was as if Clear River Village, nestled within this enchanting landscape, would exude poetry even in its most dilapidated state.

Or perhaps, the allure of such beauty made the prospect of spending a few days in a humble dwelling seem entirely bearable.

“Remarkable, truly remarkable,” Wan Tao exclaimed, giving a thumbs-up. “In just a few days, Mr. Zhang, you've transformed this place. The river's placement is nothing short of genius. It's not only the highlight of this rural beauty but also seems to subtly align with the principles of feng shui. You are indeed a sage.”

Director Wan, you're too kind. I'm no expert in feng shui. Though the feng shui our ancestors spoke of isn't entirely deceptive, it's often misunderstood,” Zhang Xiaolong replied with a smile. “To me, feng shui is about convenience—for others, for oneself, and harmony with nature. This river may seem purely aesthetic, but my ultimate goal is practicality: to efficiently irrigate my orchard and vegetable plot, as well as the neighboring fields. As for the more esoteric aspects, well, I'm just a humble farmer.”

“Your philosophy of convenience and harmony is profound in its own right,” Wan Tao complimented once more. “No wonder Wenwen spoke so highly of this place. I used to think it was merely the scenery that captivated her, but now I see that the scenery is just one facet. What's more significant is the presence of a true master here.”

“Director Wan is flattering me again,” Zhang Xiaolong said with a hearty laugh. “I'm just a simple farmer. No amount of praise will send me soaring to the skies. Eventually, I'll land back on the earth.”

Chu Wenwen peered at the river channel and inquired, “Now that the trench is dug, where will we get the water? The concert is just a few days away. I'm not sure if we'll have enough time.”

Yet, Zhang Xiaolong's choice seemed more serendipitous than deliberate. He might have simply taken a liking to the spot. To assume he had it all figured out would be a misunderstanding.

The preparations were in full swing. Aside from reinforcing the riverbank with his extraordinary abilities to prevent damage and enhance its beauty, Zhang Xiaolong also beautified the road leading from the city to Clear River Village. Trees of various hues were planted along the route, mirroring the riverside's charm.

This beautification did encroach on some farmland, and even a small patch was precious to the locals. Wang Tiezhu was ready to address any concerns, but surprisingly, no one raised any objections. Everything proceeded without a hitch.

Wang Tiezhu quickly realized that the villagers were savvy; they understood that Zhang Xiaolong's efforts weren't for his own gain but for the collective future benefit.

While Zhang Xiaolong wasn't seen as a hero by everyone, his actions were undeniably positive. Any resistance would have been futile and ultimately embarrassing.

As Wang Tiezhu had previously noted, the people of Clear River Village were seldom unreasonable, so the matter was left unchallenged. In fact, the villagers took pride in their land, now adorned with colorful trees, and they tended to them diligently alongside their crops.

With the stage ready and the concert on the horizon, anticipation was high. Chu Wenwen may not have been a household name, but her influence was undeniable. Fans from various cities had traveled to this quaint village just for the chance to witness her debut performance.

Upon arrival, they were taken aback by the sheer beauty of Clear River Village. However, their astonishment turned to bewilderment at nightfall when they realized the absence of inns or hotels. Despite the poetic charm of the orchard and riverbank, they couldn't exactly spend the night under the stars.

Ultimately, at Zhang Xiaolong's suggestion, Wang Tiehzhu played matchmaker and arranged for the visitors to stay with local farmers who had spare rooms.

Thus, the city dwellers got their first taste of the warm hospitality of the Clear River Village residents. Even though the bedding was somewhat awkward, it was a vast improvement over sleeping outdoors. With thoughts of the upcoming concert, they made do for the night.

Little did they know, the concert they were looking forward to the next day was nearly canceled, as its star performer faced a significant crisis.