A Divine Farmer

Chapter 264 - The Situation in Qinghe Has Changed!

“Why can't we come?” Qu Moyao inquired, fully aware of the answer.

“It's a matter of safety. We're not guarding something ordinary here,” Liu Zhongjun explained openly, considering their partnership. “If we were to place this item here, the higher-ups wouldn't be comfortable with just any ordinary troops. That's why we're stationed here.”

Liu Zhongjun's statement made it clear that he and his team were far from ordinary soldiers.

“Now that you're all here, does that mean we can proceed with the medicine and cosmetics?” Zhang Xiaolong asked.

“Typical businessman, always thinking about your profits with medicine and cosmetics,” Qu Moyao said with an eye roll.

“That's not fair. My medicine involves you too, and last time, it seemed like someone helped themselves quite generously to my cosmetics,” Zhang Xiaolong replied with a laugh.

Qu Moyao, seemingly annoyed on purpose, chose not to respond further, leaving Liu Zhongjun to smooth things over.

“The medicine has been approved. You can list everything but the precious ingredients. As for the rest, it's up to you how much to disclose. But when it comes to the medicine's effects, we must be strict. Mixing it with military supplies would be considered a leak of state secrets—a grave offense. So, even though I trust Mr. Zhang, I must emphasize this point,” Liu Zhongjun stated earnestly.

“Don't worry, the special medicine will be exclusively for your use. I won't even produce it here anymore. That should give you peace of mind, right? Of course, I'll use it for my family and friends. If you're going to accuse me of leaking secrets for that, I might as well back out now,” Zhang Xiaolong said with a smile.

Liu Zhongjun smiled back, “I wouldn't go as far as to prevent you from using it. My concern is the formula falling into foreign hands, which could lead to a catastrophe. The potential damage can't be undone by punishing a single individual.”

“I'm well aware of that. Why else would I entrust the formula to you? I could easily keep it and make money without any risk. It's all for the greater good,” Zhang Xiaolong continued, “Now, let's discuss the cosmetics. Is it possible to keep their ingredients confidential?”

“Yes,” Liu Zhongjun glanced at Qu Moyao, noting her lack of objection, and promptly shared the news, “All the necessary paperwork has been approved. No department will give us any trouble over the details.”

Zhang Xiaolong smiled. “That's great. It looks like we can start producing the cosmetics. I'll make sure to send some your way.”

“What would we do with those?” Liu Zhongjun wondered, “Even if we were interested, wouldn't we prefer something with special effects?”

“Haha, you're a bit out of the loop,” Zhang Xiaolong said with a hint of mystery. “Just think about the value of the Beauty Preserving Fruit, containing the full essence of the Beauty Preserving Grass. Once you consider how well it will sell, you'll understand. If you don't need it for yourself, you could always give it to your girlfriend. What kind of girlfriend wouldn't be impressed?”

“Cough, cough…” Liu Zhongjun hesitated before replying, “Seeing as I don't have a girlfriend, it's pretty much useless to me. But still, save a couple of sets for me, will you?”

Qu Moyao, overhearing the conversation, couldn't stand it any longer. “Really, can't you guys discuss something more wholesome? Is it that every time men talk, it has to be about women? You're acting like a pack of wolves!”

Zhang Xiaolong was at a loss for words. Buying nice things for a girlfriend and nurturing the relationship: how was that unhealthy? But he didn't feel like debating the point. He exchanged a knowing look with Liu Zhongjun, and they both made their exit.

Afterward, he met with Yang Jingjing to pass on the news. She remained quite composed, as she never placed much importance on such matters.

Then he called Su Mei, and her reaction was quite the opposite. Su Mei's excitement was so intense, Zhang Xiaolong thought she might burst his eardrums. Soon after, she was clamoring over the phone to immediately call a meeting to strategize on boosting medicine sales.

Zhang Xiaolong wasn't overly concerned with these developments. His role was simply to disseminate the information and let them handle the rest.

What truly mattered to him was the progress in Clear River Village. He was eager to get everything built up and draw more people in. His hope was to have it all sorted out before his departure, as it would be much less convenient afterward.

The garrison began constructing houses the following day, strategically situated between the orchard and Nest Mountain. While it appeared to be a modest distance away, in reality, they could monitor the entire orchard with just a signal.

The area's safety was further bolstered by the giant wolves Qu Moyao had encountered previously, making it arguably more secure than any other location.

Chu Wenwen and her team also embarked on their journey, setting their sights on the next concert venue and attending to the necessary preparations.

The official video of Chu Wenwen's concert hadn't been released yet, but clips were already circulating online, shared by enthusiastic netizens.

This buzz had its effects, drawing people who had heard of the event, albeit in small groups rather than large crowds. Fortunately, nearly everyone who visited left satisfied.

Particularly noteworthy were the meals. Following Zhang Xiaolong's advice, and with Wang Tiehzhu's reinforcement, the hosts unanimously decided to serve their guests locally grown vegetables.

This decision paid off handsomely as the homeowners who rented out their space not only avoided losing money on purchasing vegetables but actually profited more and earned glowing reviews from their guests.

Although the visitor count was modest, Zhang Xiaolong was pleased with the outcome. He recognized that this was just the start and that progress takes time.

Moreover, Clear River Village had yet to engage in any formal advertising; all the visitors had come of their own accord.

Zhang Xiaolong believed that once they began a promotional campaign, potentially inundating the public with advertisements, people from across the nation would flock to the village for their vacations.

However, that time was not now. Clear River Village was not yet equipped to handle a large influx of tourists, and overwhelming their capacity could lead to widespread dissatisfaction and hinder the village's growth.

Zhang Xiaolong was well aware of the adage, “Haste makes waste.” He knew that even though he could expedite the fruit-growing process and produce exceptionally tasty results, that shortcut wasn't sustainable.

For long-term development, it was essential to follow the proper path, using appropriate strategies to aid progress, but ultimately, it was integrity and innovation that would ensure success.

Standing atop the embankment of the freshly excavated river channel, Zhang Xiaolong gazed at the vibrant array of trees lining each bank, sensing that his goal was nearly within reach.

In the distance, farmland drew water from the river for irrigation. The green wheat seedlings, revitalized by the watering, seemed to burst with vigor.

Suddenly, Zhang Xiaolong's brow furrowed as he peered intently into the water.

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