Chapter 136
Chapter 136 - If You Don't Believe Me You Can Try
“It's not as trivial as it seems. You'll understand once you see it. It's not merely tall; it's taken ownership of this place, exploring every nook and cranny.” Lee Xiulian's words betrayed a hint of resignation.
If elders from families like the Lee Donghua clan knew someone disliked the rapid flower growth, they'd likely be furious to the point of popping their eyeballs.
“Come on, let's have a look.” Zhang Xiaoloong urged Chen Yaru, guiding her into the greenhouse.
Lee Xiulian noted this detail. She had seen this woman before when Zhang Xiaoloong returned in the past, but they had never been so close.
It seemed her brother had finally chosen a partner and embarked on a joyous life.
Though she had long abandoned thoughts of Zhang Xiaoloong, a twinge of jealousy surfaced. If she were a decade younger, perhaps she'd stand a chance with such a man.
Zhang Xiaoloong and Chen Yaru remained oblivious to her thoughts as they entered the greenhouse.
“Oh my goodness!” Chen Yaru exclaimed at the sight of the sea of flowers.
Just as Lee Xiulian had described, the Four Appearances Divine Orchid had claimed the greenhouse as its own. What started in a small area had expanded under the Herb Growing Art, birthing numerous new seedlings and spreading extensively.
The small area could no longer contain them, and they even encroached upon gaps in the vegetable fields.
Yet, this sight transformed the greenhouse into an unusually beautiful scene. The Four Appearances Divine Orchid adorned every corner, with the vegetables serving as a backdrop to the vibrant flowers.
“Is this real, Xiaoloong?” Chen Yaru leaned into Zhang Xiaoloong's embrace, seemingly in disbelief. “You promised me a flower more beautiful than Uncle Lee's. Are these the flowers?”
“Indeed. They're all yours. Choose whichever you like,” Zhang Xiaoloong replied joyfully. “And there's another secret. Apart from me, you're the only one in the world who knows.”
“What?” Chen Yaru's excitement tempered.
Zhang Xiaoloong whispered into her ear.
“Truly?” Despite anticipating it to involve the Four Appearances Divine Orchid, she was still shocked.
“If you doubt me, try it!” Zhang Xiaoloong took her hand and led her to a Four Appearances Divine Orchid.
Once knee-high, the orchids now towered over a meter, nearly reaching the couple's waists.
He plucked a red petal and placed it in Chen Yaru's mouth. Instantly, a sweet fragrance enveloped her senses, akin to sipping the finest wine, and she felt intoxicated.
“How can it be so delicious?” Tears welled in Chen Yaru's eyes as she was moved by the exquisite taste.
Only Zhang Xiaoloong knew these were the Four Appearances Divine Orchid's true perfect forms.
Perhaps due to his care, even though the Four Appearances Divine Orchid was preserved, it fell short of its ancient completeness, resembling an ordinary orchid.
Nurtured repeatedly by the Herb Growing Art in a secure environment, the Four Appearances Divine Orchid finally unveiled its pristine beauty.
Despite its appearance of mutation, it had actually reverted to its original form.
“Just one more petal,” Zhang Xiaoloong grinned, placing another green petal into her mouth.
Chen Yaru, mentally prepared, still found herself surprised by the taste of the green petal, distinct from the red's sweetness.
If the red petal was akin to robust wine, the green was reminiscent of a refreshing natural spring, offering a purer, clearer sweetness.
“Each flower presents four flavors, then?” Chen Yaru quickly caught on.
“Indeed. Just as a peanut exhibits four hues and flavors. While claiming to represent all delicacies might be an exaggeration, it encompasses the majority,” Zhang Xiaoloong reflected.
When he initially transplanted the Four Appearances Divine Orchid, he hadn't foreseen its restoration to its original potency.
Now, thanks to it, his beverages surpassed ordinary standards.
“Xiaoloong, these are incredibly delicious. Why isn't this known to others?” Chen Yaru queried earnestly.
“What? You doubt me?” Zhang Xiaoloong chuckled.
“No,” Chen Yaru shook her head. “I mean, if it's unknown, it could be our secret weapon. Once widely known, its value diminishes.”
Zhang Xiaoloong laughed. “Don't fret. Even if others learn, can you imagine someone like Uncle Lee's old man consuming it? Besides, only my greenhouse nurtures these flowers. Even if someone obtains them, reproducing is impossible. In essence, even if known, they remain exclusively ours.”
Chen Yaru comprehended. Even if someone like Lee Donghua wanted it for eight million, it wouldn't be for consumption. Mass production for beverages was out of the question.
Hence, this treasure belonged solely to Zhang Xiaoloong, unassailable by others.
“But leaving such a precious asset here isn't safe. Can we relocate them?” Chen Yaru considered the risk of theft.
Zhang Xiaoloong scanned the area and called, “Little Lang!”
The wolf pup emerged from the bushes, eager to please.
With keen eyes, it recognized Chen Yaru as its mistress, affectionately rubbing against her.
“Wow, this little guy keeps getting cuter,” Chen Yaru remarked, stroking its fur. “Xiaoloong, where did you find this dog?”
The wolf, hearing ‘dog', dropped to the ground, indignant.
It was a wolf, offspring of the White Wolf King. Why was it called a dog?
Zhang Xiaoloong chuckled at the pup's vexed expression. “Clearly a wolf. But you're learning to be more like a dog.”
“Huh? It really is a wolf?” Chen Yaru recalled previous skepticism. Now convinced, she observed the creature before her.
“Indeed, and there's more to see,” Zhang Xiaoloong teased, leading her away.