Chapter 3: Chapter 3

C3 – Don’t be like This!

“Why are these watermelons so pricey, yet the camera crew went ahead and bought a bunch?”

“I’m totally clueless about what went down.”

The viewers in the live stream felt their perspectives on the world were being turned upside down.

Despite her clear frustration, Luqin still ended up purchasing two watermelons.

“Could this all be some kind of act?”

“It’s all a sham!”

“I’ve booked my flight; I need to taste these watermelons for myself and see if they’re really that good!”

“Have you lost your mind? You’ll still have to walk three hours to get there, even if you don’t get lost.”

“Don’t go looking for trouble.”

“We should just stay here and enjoy watching Luqin.”

The debate raged on in the live stream.

Ma Yabei, a sharp-witted female reporter, quickly spotted the underlying hot news story.

“This guy is going to make it big just on his good looks alone.”

Ma Yabei was acutely aware of how crucial a handsome face and perfect physique are in today’s digital age.

Her audience was more enamored with her looks than her professional skills, often overlooking her expertise.

“This guy is bound for stardom.”

Without a second thought, Ma Yabei booked her flight and hastily packed her bags.

She had initially set out to cover stories on Luqin and poverty alleviation, never anticipating such an unexpected windfall.

Zhao Yuegu, looking at the dwindling number of watermelons, couldn’t help but feel a twinge of loss.

He had grown attached to them after tending to the watermelons for so long.

Lin Luqin, while enjoying a watermelon, caught sight of the concern on Zhao Yuegu’s face and inexplicably felt a pang of sadness.

“He’s just too handsome.”

She whispered under her breath before approaching him.

“Why are there so few watermelons in your field?”

Zhao Yuegu responded with a gentle shake of her head.

“These watermelons are a special breed. An acre can yield only 300.”

“I avoided pesticides, so insects got to some of them.”

“Plus, there are wild animals around that damaged quite a few.”

“Luckily, I’ve been spared any natural disasters. Keeping these watermelons is fortunate enough.”

Lin Luqin’s heart went out to Zhao Yuegu.

Farming is indeed a tough job.

Having grown up in the countryside herself, she could relate all too well.

“Why don’t you go to the city to work?”

Lin Luqin immediately regretted her words as soon as they left her mouth.

After all, Zhao Yuegu had just made a whopping 150,000 from them!

The cash the program team had on hand was rapidly dwindling.

Plus, if he left for city jobs, they’d miss out on his delicious watermelons.

Zhao Yuegu remained unfazed.

He was content with his life, and that was all that mattered to him.

“If no one farmed, you’d all go hungry.”

He then went on to straighten the scarecrows in the field.

About a hundred watermelons were left. To sell them all, he’d need to convince the program team.

This place was so isolated, it was rare for outsiders to venture here.

Zhao Yuegu’s expression tugged at Lin Luqin’s heartstrings.

“I’ll help you sell the watermelons!”

“Live streaming sales are all the rage now. I’m pretty popular; I could easily sell these watermelons for you.”

Zhao Yuegu shook his head.

“That’s not going to work. The nearest courier is 30 kilometers away.”

“Besides, these watermelons crack at the slightest bump, so they’re not suited for transport.”

With that, Zhao Yuegu offered Lin Luqin a warm smile, which sent her heart racing and her mind spinning with wild fantasies.

“Does his constant smiling mean he likes me?”

“He’d look so handsome if he dressed up a bit. I guess I could accept him.”

“Is it possible that he’s about to confess his feelings, just after we’ve met?”

They were standing rather close, and Lin Luqin had never felt such a surge of panic before.

Zhao Yuegu’s gentle voice thrilled her.

“You come off as tough, but you’re actually quite kind-hearted.”

“He’s complimenting my kindness!”

Yet, something felt off to her.

“Who are you calling tough?”

Lin Luqin brandished her fist and blurted out, “Do you think I won’t punch you?”

Zhao Yuegu just chuckled.

Lin Luqin reminded him so much of his sister.

But why hadn’t his sister brought him his meal yet?

With that thought, Zhao Yuegu abruptly stripped off his shirt.

Lin Luqin backed away quickly, her face a picture of alarm.

“What are you doing?”

“There are so many people watching us!”

“Please, don’t do this.”

Lin Luqin’s voice grew fainter as her gaze lingered on Zhao Yuegu’s physique.

He was impressively built.

His muscles were toned and symmetrical, his form aesthetically pleasing.

He stood tall and erect. Judging by the condition of his skin, he was likely in his early twenties.

“We’re about the same age; we’d make a good pair.”

Zhao Yuegu, puzzled, responded, “What are you talking about?”

Without another word, Zhao Yuegu wrapped a pair of watermelons in his clothes and hoisted them onto his shoulder.

“Looks like you’re headed into the village, right? I’ll show you the way.”