“Husband, I heard that Fengshan Farm doesn’t have a parking lot. Are we really going to squeeze into a bus with so many people?” Du Rulan picked up her handbag from the sofa and walked over to Yan Jiaqiang, linking her arm with his, her tone tinged with dissatisfaction.
Yan Jiaqiang didn’t agree. “Let’s take the car. I’m his father, could anyone dare to tow my car away?”
He went to the garage, fetched the car, and the two of them headed to Fengshan Farm.
Sitting in the car, Du Rulan grew more and more frustrated. Her delicate eyebrows furrowed tightly, adding a touch of sharpness to her already fierce appearance. In just a few days, most of the guests from Emerald Villa had switched to Fengshan Farm. Whenever she went out shopping with some other ladies, they couldn’t stop praising Fengshan Farm. Could she not feel annoyed? Moreover, there were many people waiting to see a joke about their Yan family: ‘Father has a villa, his son established a farm, and he didn’t even invite his father on the opening day. Wasn’t this a father-son showdown?’
Although Yan Jiaqiang was also frustrated, he managed to control his temper.
The car drove towards the outskirts, and onto Difeng Road which led to Fengshan. Yan Jiaqiang had heard that Difeng Road was built by Fengshan Farm’s co-owner, Huangfu Yuchen, and named by him as well.
Yan Jiaqiang’s feelings towards Huangfu Yuchen were quite complex. He even wondered if he would have objected to Haungfu Yuchen and Yan Ge’s relationship if Fengshan Farm had been established before he knew about the relationship..
As they continued driving towards Fengshan Farm, Yan Jiaqiang saw three buses labelled “520 Nanyuan Intersection – Fengshan Farm”. Besides their car, there were two other private cars driving not far ahead, and not a single taxi was in sight.
Initially, many guests who used to visit farms for leisure didn’t pay much attention to the absence of a parking lot at Fengshan Farm. They used taxis to come, only to find out at the entrance that taxis were not allowed to pass the gate. So, they had to walk about three or four miles to reach the farm. Later, those who wanted to visit the farm grew wiser, giving up on driving or taking taxis and choosing to take the bus instead. The buses were air-conditioned, with 36 fixed seats, and aside from children under 1.4 metres tall, they didn’t allow sharing seats. The buses were kept clean and tidy, and were not necessarily less comfortable than private cars.
Yan Jiaqiang had a vague sense that something was off, but thinking that he was Yan Ge’s father, he would be able to enter. Yan Ge wouldn’t deny him that much face. So, the car continued towards Fengshan Farm.
After driving for another two miles, Du Rulan noticed a checkpoint ahead. Next to the checkpoint, there was a side road branching off Difeng Road that led back towards the capital city. The two private cars they had seen were parked by the roadside at this moment.
“Honey, look quickly.”
Yan Jiaqiang glanced over. The staff at the checkpoint only allowed the buses to pass while not permitting the private cars. The owners of the private cars got out and had a conversation with the staff, but the staff still didn’t allow their cars to enter.
The owners of the two private cars had to turn around and take the other road back.
“Don’t worry, dear, we can go in.”
The car reached the checkpoint. Xiao Liao, the staff member dressed in a white uniform, glanced at the sedan, inwardly amused by yet another self-important individual. Just now, someone claimed to be the chairman of a certain group, and now, who knows what kind of background this person has?
She quickly took a sip of water. It had been quite manageable these few days, but during the initial days, she had to deal with hundreds of private car owners every day who wanted to drive their cars into the farm. The two bosses were considerate of the staff and had placed a box of bottled water in the duty booth.
Yan Jiaqiang lowered the car window and politely said, “Miss, hello. I’m Mr. Yan’s father. Please raise the prohibition bar and let us in.”
“I’m sorry, sir, please look at the notice.” Xiao Liao pointed to the large-font notice posted on the duty booth.
Yan Jiaqiang’s brows furrowed, and he ordered, “Call your boss.”
Xiao Liao maintained her polite smile, “I’m sorry, sir. Our boss has stated that, unless there’s prior notice, no vehicles other than buses are allowed in. Please understand our work. Alternatively, would you like to call our boss personally?”
Yan Jiaqiang’s face reddened slightly. Even though there weren’t many people around, he still felt like he was being laughed at.
Du Rulan heard the whole conversation from inside the car, and her face became gloomy. She quickly dialled Yan Ge’s phone number.
“Yan Ge, your dad and I are stuck at the checkpoint and can’t get in.”
“You came by car, right?”
“Yes,” Du Rulan replied nonchalantly, “Tell the staff to let us in quickly.”
“The farm’s rules are like this, and we can’t make exceptions. Otherwise, turn around at the checkpoint and go back about two or three miles. There’s an open space there for parking. I’m quite busy right now, so I’ll hang up first.”
Before Du Rulan could say anything else, the call was cut off.
Yan Jiaqiang glanced at her rigid expression, and his flushed face turned livid. He considered turning back, but then thought of today’s purpose for coming. He swallowed his anger and took the road branching off.
He noticed Du Rulan’s silence in the car but didn’t say anything.
Du Rulan was feeling anxious. Yan Ge hadn’t even called her “mom,” and the tone he used while speaking to her was as if he were talking to a stranger. What was going on?
The car soon arrived at the open space Yan Ge had mentioned. Yan Jiaqiang’s brows furrowed so tightly that he could have crushed a fly. The terrain was uneven, with many potholes, scattered with fragments of tiles and sand—definitely unsuitable for parking. Apart from their car, there was only one vehicle parked there.
Yan Jiaqiang immediately felt humiliated, as if Yan Ge had slapped him hard across the face. He, who considered himself Yan Ge’s father, had expected to enjoy some prestige by driving in with everyone’s admiring gazes, but Yan Ge had simply disregarded him.
Stepping out of the car, he slammed the car door harshly. “Get out! What are you still sitting there for?”
With that, he no longer paid attention to Du Rulan and walked away on his own.
“Husband, wait for me!” Du Rulan hastily opened the car door and got out. Her high-heeled shoe heel landed on a pebble, causing her to slip and almost stumble. A hint of impatience flashed in Yan Jiaqiang’s eyes as he walked back and helped her up.
Both of them walked towards the villa, sweating profusely. A bus leisurely passed by them, emanating cheerful laughter from inside.
Yan Jiaqiang and Du Rulan felt as if those people were mocking them, and their faces burned.
“That ungrateful child! Is this how he repays us for raising him?” Du Rulan’s face darkened as she quickened her pace, eager to see Yan Ge and give him a good lesson.
Yan Jiaqiang paid her no attention.
After walking for nearly half an hour, they finally caught sight of the farm. Out of the corner of their eyes, they noticed there was actually a parking lot on the side. However, it was filled with buses, and there was another small parking lot with a sign that read “Employee Parking Only.”
As they approached, they observed the scene in front of them, and both of them were taken aback.
At the entrance of the farm was a heart-shaped lake, its water crystal clear, reflecting the blue sky. The water sparkled like a colorful blue gemstone, revealing colorful pebbles and water plants at the bottom. Fish of various colors swam around. A sturdy wooden arch bridge connected both sides of the lake. The railings of the bridge were entwined with lush green vines adorned with purple blossoms.
Along the lake, two wide roads paved with cobblestones led to the farm’s main entrance.
The farm’s main gate was also a wooden fence gate. The rustic brown color juxtaposed with the lively green trees, creating a naturally refreshing atmosphere.
One side gate of the gate was open, with a ticket booth next to it. Children under 1.4 meters received a half-price admission, while others paid the full price of 299 yuan. The ticket was for admission; other expenses had to be paid separately.
This time, Yan Jiaqiang didn’t mention his identity. He silently took out several hundred-yuan bills, got the tickets, and entered directly.
On the left wall of the entrance, a large screen played a short video introducing the farm, and on the right, there was a layout diagram of the entire farm, marking out the orchards, vegetable gardens, fish ponds, wheat fields, restaurants, shops, guesthouses, leisure areas, and restricted zones.
Du Rulan quickly scanned the area and asked, “Where would Yan Ge be? Let’s go find him directly.”
However, Yan Jiaqiang turned his head and walked towards the orchard.
Du Rulan could only follow, forcing herself not to mind Yan Jiaqiang’s indifference. She pondered privately how much longer it would take for the jade on Yan Ge to take effect.
Cameras were installed around the orchard to prevent wanton waste and intentional destruction. Looking around, each fruit tree bore heavy fruit—apples, pears, oranges, dates, and more—all densely clustered and highly appealing. In the orchard, many visitors brought their children, holding delicate baskets and enthusiastically picking various sweet fruits. At the entrance, staff members were responsible for weighing and settling payments.
Built against the mountain, the estate made skillful use of the Fengshan Mountain’s terrain. Yan Jiaqiang and Du Rulan had only toured half of it and were already quite tired.
It was already noon, so the two went to the restaurant and ordered several dishes.
Yan Jiaqiang tasted each dish and furrowed his brows once again.
Du Rulan’s expression also turned more serious. The food at this farm was much better than the cuisine at their Emerald Villa. Even simple stir-fried vegetables were satisfying. If this continued, there was no doubt that the Emerald Villa would inevitably go bankrupt.
“Husband, I think we should talk to Yan Ge as soon as possible.”
This time, Yan Jiaqiang didn’t object. “We’ll give him a call after we finish eating.”
At this moment, Yan Ge and Huangfu Yuchen were on the Star-Picking Tower, basking in the sun and sipping wine. The winter sunlight bathed them, providing utmost comfort. The Star-Picking Tower was built on the highest point of Fengshan, with six or seven floors, offering a panoramic view of the entire farm. However, the Star-Picking Tower was a viewing place specially built for Yan Ge by Huangfu Yuchen, and it wasn’t open to the public. So, it didn’t have an official name; the employees and visitors just referred to it as “high tower.”
Obrigada pela tradução 🧡