Together with the farm manager Arthur, Gilbert met with the farm's management staff to get acquainted.
"This is Dutch, he's in charge of all the cattle and livestock on the farm," Arthur introduced, pointing at a middle-aged man with a big beard, cowboy hat, and overalls.
"Nice to meet you, Dutch," Gilbert said politely, shaking his hand.
Dutch looked rather nervous — probably because it was his first time meeting the boss.
Arthur motioned for him not to worry. "Dutch, tell us about the current livestock situation."
"Yes, sir." Dutch took a deep breath and began. "At present, the farm has 420 cows, 81 horses, and 652 sheep.
There are also more than ten thousand poultry — chickens, ducks, geese, and turkeys — most of them kept in enclosures, with a few free-range.
In addition, the farm keeps thirty-five hounds, whose main work is herding and guarding the property."
Gilbert asked, "We have dairy cows, right? Don't we also have a milk processing facility?"
"Yes." Arthur pointed to a young woman. "Alyssa, why don't you explain that part."
"Of course."
Alyssa looked about twenty-two or twenty-three, wearing a cowboy hat, a plaid shirt, and jeans tucked into sturdy boots — a classic image of an American country girl.
Many like her couldn't afford college and instead worked on farms or tried their luck in the big cities.
Earlier, Gilbert had noticed Alyssa chatting cheerfully with several cowhands, which showed she was quite popular on the farm.
But that wasn't what caught Gilbert's attention — for a moment his gaze lingered where it shouldn't have. He quickly composed himself after a second or two.
Scarlett, however, noticed and playfully gave Gilbert a sharp pinch at his waist when no one was looking.
Completely unaware, Alyssa continued her introduction. "Right now, the milking work is handled by me, my mother, and a few workers.
During the peak milk-producing season, we can collect between two hundred and three hundred fifty kilograms of milk per day.
The exact amount depends on how many cows we have and on their mood."
Gilbert raised his brows. "You mean the cows' mood affects milk production?"
"Of course," Alyssa said matter-of-factly. "When cows are happy, they produce more milk."
Gilbert couldn't help but nod, a smile tugging at his lips. Clearly, Alyssa knew her work well.
After chatting with the others and learning about the farm's overall production, Gilbert finally had a complete understanding of his property.
Later, Alyssa returned with a The False movie poster, blushing slightly as she approached. "Boss, could I have your autograph and maybe a photo together?"
"Of course," Gilbert said warmly.
Alyssa beamed, got his signature, and eagerly leaned against his arm to take a picture — clearly overjoyed.
After fulfilling the young fan's request, Gilbert and Scarlett started walking back, with Arthur accompanying them.
"I'm not very happy with the current farm name," Gilbert said to Arthur on the way. "I want to change it."
"What would you like to call it?" Arthur asked.
Gilbert thought for a moment. "How about Stardew Valley Farm?"
"Stardew Valley Farm?" Arthur repeated, rolling the name on his tongue. "That actually sounds nice."
Although the farm wasn't technically in a valley, the name had a lovely ring to it.
When they returned to the main villa, the rooms had already been tidied. Gilbert changed into casual clothes and came to the living room, where dinner was nearly ready.
Dinner featured local specialties — mainly steak from their own cattle. Alongside were corn cakes, roasted pork ribs, and other hearty meats that dominated the table.
There was also a pot of free-range chicken stewed with wild mushrooms, freshly picked from the forest.
And a platter of fried river fish caught from the nearby Crescent Lake — crispy and fragrant, unmistakably prepared by Lily's skilled hands.
Out on the open lawn in front of the villa, the workers had set up barbecue grills, with vegetables and fruits laid out nearby.
Freshly butchered pork, poultry, and cuts of beef and lamb were ready for roasting.
Kansas barbecue might not be as famous as Texas's, but it certainly had its own character
slow-smoked meats over various woods, coated with thick tomato and honey barbecue sauces. One bite and the rich aroma filled the mouth irresistibly delicious.
Scarlett ate happily, her lips shining with sauce, occasionally slipping things she didn't like into Gilbert's mouth.
Naomi Watts and Cameron Diaz, meanwhile, were busy tending to the children.
One-year-old Illian watched the sizzling pork chops on the grill with wide eyes, drooling,
but his mother Naomi strictly forbade him from eating meat yet.
After the barbecue dinner ended, Arthur arranged for the workers to light a bonfire.
They gathered around singing country folk songs — the lyrics a bit bold and unrestrained, while several young women from the farm danced lively cowboy dances.
Alyssa even tried to invite Gilbert to dance, but Scarlett's sharp glare quickly made her retreat with a nervous laugh.
The bonfire party lasted until about nine in the evening before people gradually dispersed to rest.
After putting Illian to bed, Naomi and Gilbert shared a quiet moment together in the bath their laughter and warmth filling the night,
before retiring to bed for a gentle, affectionate close to the long day.
Lying side by side afterward, Gilbert recounted what he had seen and heard on the farm that day, then said to Naomi,
"I'm thinking of buying a small island — maybe build an island farm someday."
Naomi glanced at him. "Buying an island isn't like buying a farm. What kind of island are you planning to get?"
"Something big," Gilbert replied with a grin. "I'll call it Candy Island. Scarlett's been obsessed with that name for ages."
Although she was the main wife, Naomi couldn't help a small jealous smile. "Why not get Chocolate Island for me then?"
"Sure thing," Gilbert said immediately. "I'll buy a group of islands, one called Candy Island, another Chocolate Island."
Naomi, turning playful for once, said sweetly, "Then I want mine made of pure chocolate."
"Wow," Gilbert laughed. "That might be a little hard to manage!"
"I don't care," Naomi teased, "I still want it made of pure chocolate."
"Alright, I'll satisfy you." Gilbert patted Naomi Watts' firm backside. "We don't have it at the moment, but there's a chocolate bar—you can try it now."
Naomi Watts rolled her eyes at Gilbert, but still moved along. Her golden hair flowed down her back, covering her waist—a sight hard to describe…
The farm holiday was quite leisurely. Gilbert sometimes went with Scarlett to ride and herd with Alyssa, or sailed small boats on Crescent Lake to fish.
Other times, he took the hunting dogs and his rifle to hunt in the forest with Arthur.
Gilbert once hunted a wild boar, had the workers process it, and personally roasted it for everyone. Not to say it was better than regular pork, but it tasted satisfying!
He also experienced mechanized farming, driving the combine harvester, only to be pulled down by Cameron Diaz, who scolded him for ruining the wheat field.
The next day, he joined Scarlett and Anne Hathaway at the local strawberry festival to make strawberry cakes.
The arrival of a famous director in the small town caused a sensation. Nearly everyone in town showed up just to catch a glimpse of Gilbert and the big stars.
This even made the local newspaper. Gilbert's photo with the mayor appeared on the page, the mayor smiling so broadly his wrinkles deepened.
A few days later, Charlize Theron finished her overseas promotions and joined the farm holiday. Anne Hathaway and Scarlett had filming commitments, so they left earlier.
That day, Gilbert strolled through the woods holding Jennifer Connelly's hand.
Kansas had wonderful weather, mostly sunny throughout the year. With plenty of rivers and water resources, irrigation wasn't a problem.
Beside the path they wandered, a small creek flowed. Jennifer liked to take off her shoes and play in the water.
Gilbert held her shoes and her hand to prevent her from slipping into the creek.
Upstream, the creek cascaded over steep slopes, forming white frothy water.
Dense vegetation on either side, sunlight filtering through the leaves creating a mosaic of light and shadow. With the gentle breeze and Jennifer playing in the creek, it formed a beautiful natural scene.
Unfortunately, Gilbert didn't have a camera, or he would have captured this perfect moment.
"Darling, the water's cool! Come play!" Jennifer invited.
"Be careful of catching a cold. Better get up!" Gilbert scooped her up before she touched the ground, holding her in his arms.
Jennifer gasped, wrapping her hands around Gilbert's neck, her hair partially covering her delicate face, her heart racing.
"Put me down, I can walk myself," she whispered.
"No, wait until your feet are dry. There's a lumber cabin ahead—we'll rest there." Gilbert said, carrying her toward the cabin.
This was the farm workers' lumber site. Sometimes tools were made here after cutting wood.
At the moment, no one was there—only the wind, insects, and birds making sound.
Gilbert used his jacket to dry Jennifer's feet before helping her put her shoes back on.
Seeing him so attentive moved Jennifer.
Once her shoes were on, she gave him a gentle kiss. They shared a French kiss, then held each other, savoring this rare private moment.
After a while, Gilbert asked, "Jennifer, do you regret being with me?"
Jennifer frowned, "Don't ruin the mood. I don't regret it!"
"Really? Remember, I can't take you all home at once," Gilbert said.
"Of course I know that," Jennifer buried her head in his chest, listening to his heartbeat. "But I've gotten used to it. Without you, I don't know what to do."
"Then don't leave my side."
"Mm," Jennifer looked up at Gilbert's eyes. "Darling, I want a child too."
"Here?"
"Yes!"
"Alright then…"
The surrounding trees, shy like maidens, tried to shield themselves but still peeked at the couple in the lumber cabin, witnessing the surprising scene.
Even without a bed, they found a way to be playful.
A small Kansas countryside tree had never seen such an explosive scene.
...
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