Chapter 33: Chapter 33

C33 – He Wanted to Eat Watermelons Freely!!

Xia Guo prided herself on her lofty spiritual pursuits, content with just enough material possessions to sustain her basic needs. Yet, the moment watermelon juice trickled down her throat, her values began to crumble. She even doubted whether anything she’d eaten before was real. How could something so delicious exist in this world?

Zhao Yuegu, on the other hand, was brimming with confidence. “My black skin watermelon isn’t just a unique variety; it boasts several distinct features,” he explained. “First, the soil quality is exceptional. The land surrounding the fields is pristine and untouched by pollution, never tainted by fertilizers or pesticides.”

“Second, we keep the planting density low. Many farmers resort to chemicals to boost yields, but this ultimately depletes the soil’s fertility. Overseas farms are even more extreme, with heavy pesticide use that leaves the land barren, unable to support even the simplest of weeds. The produce that comes from such soil can be quite alarming.”

Xia Guo and Sun’s father nodded in agreement; they were well aware of these issues. Abroad, agriculture had become a large-scale operation. Farm owners sat on thousands of acres, employing a cocktail of chemicals and genetically modified crops to push yields to staggering heights. Each owner was a symbol of affluence.

This industrial approach stripped domestic produce of any competitive edge internationally. The meticulous care and high costs of traditional farming simply couldn’t compete. And Zhao Yuegu’s costs were even higher.

But Zhao Yuegu wasn’t finished. “The irrigation for the watermelon fields comes from the village’s own spring water,” he continued. “This spring produces water so sweet, it’s one of the village’s primary sources. If we bottled and sold it, even at three to five yuan each, it would fly off the shelves.”

“I’ve heard that some imported bottled waters sell for thousands of yuan, but I doubt they can match the taste of our spring water. And when you compare that to my watermelons, well, you might want to reconsider which is truly valuable.”

“Lastly, my yield per acre is just a third of the standard amount. So, tell me, is a watermelon priced at five thousand yuan really that expensive?”

Zhao Yuegu posed the question to Xia Guo and Sun’s father. “Not at all,” they replied. “It’s not just reasonable, it’s practically a steal.”

“Even if it sold for thirty to fifty thousand yuan, people would still swarm to buy it.”

“I’m even starting to worry that a lot of folks might resell these watermelons for a profit.”

Sun’s father said gravely.

Sun Ying shot her father a fierce glare.

Didn’t he realize why he was here?

What if his words offended Xia Guo?

Xia Guo herself seemed visibly moved.

After actually tasting it, she couldn’t deny that the watermelon was worth the price.

It was the kind of flavor you’d remember for a lifetime.

“I’ll be visiting your farm tomorrow to have a look.”

“Absolutely, no problem at all.”

Zhao Yuegu didn’t hesitate to agree.

His conviction only grew stronger.

Anything from the system was bound to be top-notch!

But he feared that future prices might not be so affordable.

Maybe Xia Guo would come to investigate?

But he wasn’t worried about scrutiny. With such limited production, he couldn’t possibly disrupt the market.

In fact…

He had even helped find markets for many unsold watermelons, according to the internet.

That was definitely a good deed.

Meanwhile, Sun’s father approached Zhao Yuegu.

“Brother Lin, sell me a few more later on. I just can’t get enough.”

“Brother Qin, help yourself, as long as you’re not short on cash.”

Sun’s father’s mouth twitched slightly.

Talking about money seemed to spoil the mood.

But he wasn’t exactly short on funds.

The cost of some private kitchen dishes was steep.

Yet none of those meals were as satisfying as this black skin watermelon.

“Here’s 60,000 yuan. Keep the watermelons for me.”

Sun’s father pulled out crisp new bills from his bag and handed them to Zhao Yuegu.

Clearly, he had come prepared.

Zhao Yuegu accepted the money with a smile.

Xia Guo rolled her eyes at the exchange.

She too wanted to buy a couple, but with her modest income, she reluctantly let go of the idea.

“Maybe I should head back and play the stock market, try to earn enough for the freedom to indulge in watermelons.”

Xia Guo mused to herself.

As for her trip to the fields tomorrow, it was merely a formality.

The truth was, the Bureau didn’t really care about the findings.

It was all about providing the public with some closure.

Besides, with a renowned reporter like Ma Yabei weighing in, the online community was starting to come around to the watermelon prices.

Xia Guo had intended to decline Sun’s father’s invitation to enjoy watermelons, but the allure proved too strong to resist!

Pure bliss!

There was something truly wonderful about eating your fill of watermelons.

Basking in the gentle mountain breeze, she felt as if she were in paradise.

If only…

The houses around her weren’t so run-down.

Naturally, if she knew the true worth of these ramshackle dwellings, she’d likely be astounded.

Even as an economics PhD, she’d find it unbelievable.

With scant lodging options in the village, Xia Guo, Sun’s father, and the rest had no choice but to settle there.

The nighttime serenade of crickets, usually a prelude to restless nights for Xia Guo, now ushered in a deep, peaceful sleep.

In such a natural setting, it was easy to leave behind the strife of the outside world and simply savor the tranquility of a beautiful life.

“How many in the city long for all this!”

Listening to the roosters crow and watching the smoke curl up from the chimneys, her eyes landed on Zhao Yuegu tidying the yard, and her pulse quickened.

“How wonderful it would be to live like this every day.”

Her gaze lingered on Zhao Yuegu.

His tall, lean frame exuded a quiet strength.

His cropped hair was tidy, accentuating his rugged, handsome features.

“Many who’ve come into sudden wealth lose themselves in extravagance.”

“But not him.”

“Instead, he’s content to continue working the land.”

“People like that are a rare breed in this world.”

She watched, head tilted, becoming mesmerized.

Zhao Yuegu was like a fine wine to her—each encounter more flavorful, more captivating than the last.

It wasn’t until Ma Yabei emerged, stretching languidly, that even Xia Guo couldn’t help but steal a glance at her sinfully sculpted figure.

Ma Yabei’s gaze carried a clear warning.

She was cautioning her not to set her sights on Zhao Yuegu.

Shortly after, she watched Ma Yabei join Zhao Yuegu, lending a hand with the work, the two sharing jokes and laughter.

She couldn’t help but feel a pang of envy.

It was like they were flaunting their happiness in front of her!

In that moment, her long-dormant heart began to stir ever so slightly.

Ultimately, she approached Zhao Yuegu.

“When are we heading out to the fields?”

“We can go now.”

“Then let’s be on our way.”

Zhao Yuegu shook his head, bemused.

She was undoubtedly attractive, but why was she so driven in her career?

“Alright, let’s go.”

Zhao Yuegu hoisted the farming tools onto his shoulder. The land they had just finished planting still required some tidying up.

He pondered over what to plant next, feeling somewhat indecisive.

He had accumulated quite a variety of seeds from the system to choose from.

Meanwhile, Ma Yabei suddenly looped her arm through Zhao Yuegu’s.

“I’ll come with you.”

Xia Guo’s eyebrows shot up, and she deliberately turned away.