"We could lease another 500 acres from our village," Jason suggested, immediately doubling the proposed land area in a single sentence. "Then we can get the rest from the next village over. That would give us an even 1,000 acres, which should be plenty."
He elaborated, "Once we're open, a lot of people will want to visit our family-style animal farm. We shouldn't set the ticket prices too high. We'll need a large cafeteria so tourists can spend the whole day and have an affordable lunch."
"We definitely shouldn't be like those other tourist traps that charge a fortune for a simple bowl of noodles," he couldn't help but complain. "It's just ripping people off." News stories about scenic spots overcharging for basic food always annoyed him, and it was no wonder tourists were so full of complaints.
"Good idea. Your father and I will go back and talk to people about leasing the land," Lucas said with a smile. "Last time, we only leased from our Village, but people from other villages were eager to rent to us too. All the young people have moved to the big cities for work, so there's really no one left to farm the land."
He continued, "If we rent their land and promise to hire one person from each family to work on the farm, it'll also bring them some income. It's a win-win."
"That's a brilliant idea, Lucas," Jason said, nodding in approval. "Hiring one person from each family we rent from connects the farm directly to their interests. They'll be more likely to protect our investment and stand with us."
"It'll save us trouble down the road. Once the farm is successful, there will always be people who get jealous."
Having grown up in a rural area, Jason was well aware of the fragile social dynamics in a village. People often said villagers were simple, but there was a darker side to it. They couldn't stand to see their neighbors or fellow villagers doing better than them.
He remembered stories from his childhood. One man made a fortune raising pigs, but the next year, someone poisoned his pig farm, and all the pigs died. The family lost everything they had earned. Another family had a fish farm, but a jealous neighbor poured weed killer into their ponds, killing all the fish and ruining them financially.
He sighed. He'd heard too many stories like that, and they were always disgusting. The ugliness of human nature could truly be shocking.
Jason believed that people were inherently selfish. That's why laws were necessary—to punish the wicked and protect the good. Morality alone wasn't enough to keep people in line anymore. That's why he thought his brother-in-law's plan to give the local families a stake in the farm was so smart. It was a good way to build alliances.
In the countryside, there was safety in numbers. It was human nature to bully the weak and fear the strong.
After discussing the family zoo, they all ate dinner, showered, and went to their rooms for the night.
"I'm sleeping in the big room with Uncle Jason!" Lila announced, bouncing and flipping on his soft, wide bed. She had no intention of going to the guest room with her mother.
"It's okay, sister. Just let Lila sleep here," Jason said, his voice muffled as he poked his head out of the bathroom, his mouth full of toothpaste.
Liu Wan glanced at her daughter, who was still rolling around on the bed, and decided not to argue. "Alright, but get to bed early. And don't you dare play on your uncle's phone, you hear me?"
"Okay, I know, Mom!" Lila replied, nodding eagerly while her eyes darted toward the phone.
Liu Wan picked up her son, Noah , and carried him back to the guest room. Though younger, Noah was much more obedient than his older sister.
Jason finished brushing his teeth, washed his face, and chatted with Lin Xiaohan on his phone for a bit before lying down, ready for sleep.
Like a little worm, Lila wiggled across the bed, reaching for his phone.
Jason casually reached out, grabbed her by the ankle, and pulled her back. This little girl had clearly ignored her mother's warning.
"Lila , it's time to sleep. No phone," Jason said, holding her in place with one hand. "Didn't your mom tell you to go to bed early?"
"But Uncle, I can't sleep! Let's just play for a little while. I can show you the video our class made," Lila pleaded, squirming left and right but unable to escape his grasp. She looked up at him with wide, pitiful eyes.
"Don't even try the cute face. It's not going to work on me," Jason said, moving his phone further away. Too much screen time wasn't good for kids' eyes.
After struggling for a few more moments, Lila gave up, punched her uncle's arm a few times in frustration, and finally, after a bit more fussing, fell asleep.
Early the next morning, Jason's parents were already up and busy making breakfast in the kitchen.
Soon, the whole family was awake. After eating and changing into new clothes, they were ready to go see Jason's company. They had heard him talk about how big his business was, but they had never seen it for themselves. Today was the day.
After breakfast, Jason and Lucas each drove a car, taking the family to the Technology Building in the High-tech Zone, which wasn't far from his home.
The family followed Jason through the main doors and took the elevator up to the floor of Fusion Trading .
"Good morning, Mr. Liu."
The young woman at the front desk greeted her boss, then her eyes fell on the group of people with him. She quickly put two and two together.
The receptionist was sharp. She smiled sweetly and said, "Mr. Liu, this must be your family. Welcome to Fusion Trading ! Hello, sir, ma'am. Hello everyone, and hello to you two little ones!"
"Hello," Jason's father said nervously.
"Haha, hello there, you're a beautiful young lady," his mother replied, while Liu Wan also smiled and greeted the girl.
"Hello, sister," Lila chirped with a grin. Noah , however, was a bit shy and stayed close to his grandmother.
Jason led his family into the main office. Fusion Trading now occupied the entire floor of the Technology Building, a full 900 square meters, and it felt vast.
As they walked through the office, employees looked up from their desks to greet Jason , their eyes full of curiosity as they looked at the family following him.
Jason's parents glanced around at the endless rows of workstations. Being the center of attention for so many employees made them feel awkward and uncomfortable.
Seeing his parents' discomfort, Jason quickly guided them into his personal office.
"Oh my goodness, this company is huge! There are so many people," his mother exclaimed as soon as she sat down. "I was so nervous with all those people watching us just now."
"So, do you believe your son has made it big now? That he's really successful?" Liu Wan said with a smile. Even she was surprised. She knew her brother's company was doing well, but this was bigger than she had ever imagined.
Meanwhile, in the finance department, Lin Xiaohan had known her boyfriend was bringing his family to visit today. When she heard the commotion outside, she knew Jason had arrived with his parents.
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