A Divine Farmer

Chapter 197 - The Bones Can be Called Crisp

The Su family's formidable power was something Zhang Xiaolong simply couldn't match. Despite the substantial financial backing from Lee Donghua and others, he still couldn't wield it as effectively as his own true strength.

When he ultimately lost Strong Dragon, Zhang Xiaolong wasn't taken aback, but he couldn't shake off a sense of gloom.

He chose not to linger in the city, instead returning alone to Clear River Village.

This was his true home. Regardless of the challenges he faced elsewhere, it was here that he could recharge and feel invigorated.

Leaving his belongings at home, he ventured into the countryside. The sight of the verdant spring wheat sprouting across the fields lifted his spirits.

Here and there, solitary graves dotted the landscape, prompting a moment of reflection for Zhang Xiaolong.

Ever since he had received the Shennong Inheritance, life had been smooth sailing. In just a few months, he had transformed from a poor kid who knew nothing of business into a wealthy man worth nearly ten million. What more could he ask for?

Yet, he realized he had nearly lost sight of his original purpose.

Owning Strong Dragon certainly facilitated rapid development and the ability to help others. But even without it, he could continue his earlier endeavors, embodying Shennong's spirit with steadfast determination.

Ironically, the allure of billions had nearly turned him into a true businessman, fixated solely on money, with little regard for anything else.

Having come to this realization, Zhang Xiaolong let out a deep breath, releasing much of his prior discontent, and headed back to his house.

Zhang Daniu and his wife were unaware of their son's troubles. They sensed his recent return was less than joyful and refrained from probing too deeply.

They understood their son had many responsibilities and that asking questions might not be helpful, only adding to his burdens.

Noticing his improved mood, Zhang Daniu, encouraged by his wife, ventured, “Xiaolong, now that you're back, if you're not too busy, could you lend a hand at Wang Fugui's place?”

“Help out? With what?” Zhang Xiaolong asked, caught off guard.

“Look at you, kiddo. Didn't you hear the loudspeaker? Fugui is getting married. You should at least go have a look. If there's anything we can do to help, we should lend a hand,” Liu Mei encouraged.

They wanted their son to get some fresh air and stop dwelling on those vexing matters.

Zhang Xiaolong wasn't too bothered at the moment, but upon hearing his parents' suggestion, he immediately agreed.

In this secluded village, it was customary for neighbors to help out with a wedding. When Zhang Xiaolong got married, nearly the whole village pitched in. It was also a matter of pride.

“Exactly, we might be better off now, but we can't let people think we're too high and mighty to look down on our fellow villagers. Go on over,” Zhang Daniu said.

“How could I not?” Zhang Xiaolong replied with a quick smile. “I was preoccupied with my thoughts and didn't notice the commotion outside. I'll go check it out now.”

“Go ahead. I've heard that Fugui's bride is from the city and quite the looker. Fugui really has a way with words, managing to charm a girl into coming to our humble village,” Liu Mei said with a chuckle.

“What are you talking about? Isn't our daughter-in-law also from the city? Clear River Village won't stay poor forever,” Zhang Daniu interjected, then suddenly added, “Xiaolong, you and Yaru haven't been fighting, have you?”

“No, no, we're fine,” Zhang Xiaolong quickly clarified. “Dad, you're absolutely right. Clear River Village is on the up and up. Soon enough, it won't just be the local girls wanting to stay; city girls will be lining up to join our village.”

Seeing her son perk up, Liu Mei's mood also lightened considerably. “Okay, you and your father both have great vision. I guess I'm the one with long hair and short sight. I can't wait to see all those city girls vying to marry into our village. By then, every man in the village will surely be giving you a thumbs up.”

?With a resounding smack on the table, Zhang Xiaolong startled his parents.

“I've got it,” he said, breaking into a smile. “That's exactly what we'll do. Give me a year, and I'll have those city girls dreaming of joining our village.”

Zhang Daniu and Liu Mei exchanged puzzled glances, unsure of what had gotten into their son. However, he seemed to be in good spirits, so they figured there was no cause for concern.

?Zhang Xiaolong had experienced a sudden moment of clarity. Although he had made peace with losing the Strong Dragon, it was only now that he had discovered his true purpose. Whether it was growing vegetables or producing Elegant Dragon Drinks, his ultimate aim was to amass wealth—not just for his own family, but for the entire Clear River Village.

What was the Strong Dragon? What were billions worth? None of that mattered compared to the importance of ensuring a comfortable life for the villagers.

Of course, taking over the Strong Dragon would allow him to enrich even more people, but that didn't prevent him from pursuing the opportunities at hand.

……

?Wang Fugui's house was festooned with lanterns and streamers, and a loudspeaker hung from the roof. A group of young people, directed by the event manager, bustled about, moving and arranging items in the courtyard in preparation for the wedding ceremony.

Wang Jiutou, Wang Fugui's father, approached Wang Baofeng, who was overseeing the arrangements, and asked, “Should we make a special effort to inform Daniu's family about the celebration?”

?Normally, the sound of a loudspeaker would be enough to alert the entire village—no specific notification needed. But Zhang Xiaolong's current standing in the village had elevated his father, Zhang Daniu, by association. No one wanted to risk slighting them.

Still, Wang Jiutou thought it might be a good idea to extend a personal invitation.

“I think it's better not to,” Wang Baofeng considered before shaking his head. “Xiaolong is a man of important affairs. If he's too busy to attend, it would look worse if we had gone out of our way to invite him.”

“You're absolutely right. I almost made a big blunder,” Wang Jiutou agreed, nodding vigorously.

“What are you two talking about, Ninth Uncle? I'm right here, aren't I? There's no need for anyone to notify me,” chimed in a voice from nearby.

Wang Baofeng and Wang Jiutou turned to see Zhang Xiaolong, covered in dust, helping the young people move things. It was clear he had been there for quite some time, fully involved in the preparations.

“How did this happen?” Wang Baofeng chided himself for his poor eyesight, having failed to recognize Zhang Xiaolong and mistakenly directing him around. “Xiaolong, why are you getting involved in this kind of work? You've gotten your clothes all dirty.”

“You hear what Uncle is saying? I came to lend a hand. I can't just stand by and watch without pitching in,” Zhang Xiaolong replied with a smile. “Besides, I'm still a farmer from Clear River Village. Don't always treat me like I'm someone different.”

“Fair enough, they say the real achievers are the ones without any pretense. You've got my respect,” Wang Baofeng said admiringly. Then, turning to Wang Jiutou with a hint of disdain, he added, “I've been saying, we know what kind of person Daniu is. There's no need for formalities…”

Zhang Xiaolong just smiled and didn't respond, getting back to his tasks.

Once all the work was done, the young folks gathered to shoot the breeze.

“What wedding night are you talking about? Fugui has already been with the bride…”

“How do you know that? Did you see something?”

“You don't have to see it to know. That woman was moaning all night long…”