My Super Farming System

C17 – Are All Girls So Open-minded?

Ma Yabei’s interview caused an even bigger stir than the program team could have anticipated!

While “Great Adventurers” focused on poverty alleviation, it still retained its entertainment value.

It couldn’t quite match the authenticity of traditional media, though.

And then there was…

Ma Yabei and her colleagues feasting on watermelons on camera, extolling the “must-try” virtues of the series, which said a lot about the fruit’s quality.

Those watermelons were truly delicious!

Even at five thousand apiece, they were worth every penny.

Famous food bloggers started to eye the black skin watermelon with interest.

Whoever got their hands on one for review would see a significant spike in traffic.

“I’m dying to taste it!”

“But where exactly is Walden located?”

“It’s not even marked on the map.”

“I heard Ma Yabei nearly lost her life searching for it in the mountains, only to be rescued by Mr. Watermelon.”

“The area around Walden is terrifying.”

“With no roads, how does one even get there?”

Influencers were torn, frustrated by the tantalizing traffic boost just out of reach.

Yet many began to share their thoughts online, eager for a slice of the fame that came with the pricey watermelons and Zhao Yuegu’s popularity.

Naturally, the road construction issue in Walden also drew attention.

Some engineering firms considered building the road at cost price.

If they could land the project, they’d leverage the media buzz for their company’s publicity.

Numerous company reps made their way to Zeffari County’s offices, hoping to negotiate some level of involvement.

But when they grasped the project’s complexity, ninety percent backed out. The remaining two companies, capable of building the road, were suddenly faced with a daunting realization:

The cost was astronomical!

“Our preliminary estimate puts the road at a minimum of one hundred and twenty million yuan.”

“For such a small village, it’s simply unjustifiable.”

Even the county officials backed down, unwilling to funnel that much money into the road.

Meanwhile, Zhao Yuegu remained oblivious to the mounting situation outside the mountain.

Zhao Yuegu had no idea that the usually tranquil Zeffari County Town Hall was now a hive of activity, all because of the new road. Numerous companies were eager to invest in Walden Village, seeking collaborative development opportunities. However, the Town Hall often redirected these companies to invest elsewhere. It was common knowledge that Walden Village held little investment appeal. In fact, many locals didn’t even know where the village was located.

“The watermelons in the field are nearly past their picking time,” someone noted.

“They won’t last much longer,” another added.

Zhao Yuegu declined the filming request from the program team and borrowed Old Yellow from the village chief to harvest the watermelons. Stored in the cellar, they could last another two weeks. Otherwise, letting them rot in the field would be a real shame.

Lin Luqin was confused. “If you lower the price, the program team would buy your entire crop.”

Zhao Yuegu shook her head resolutely. “I’d rather let them rot than sell them cheap.”

“Why?” Lin Luqin asked.

“It’s just the way it is,” Zhao Yuegu replied, not wanting to elaborate further. His black skin watermelons were already a bargain compared to Zugrary’s fruits. He wasn’t concerned about the money; selling what he could was enough for him.

Zhao Yuegu carefully drove the straw-lined oxcart towards the field. The black skin watermelons were delicate and required gentle handling. The oxcart provided a much smoother ride.

Meanwhile, Ma Yabei hopped onto the carriage, eager to assist. “I’m here to help!” Despite completing her interview, she hadn’t left due to her injury and was staying in Zhao Yuegu’s courtyard. This put Lin Luqin on high alert; she suspected Ma Yabei’s intentions for staying were not entirely pure.

“I want to help too!” Lin Luqin exclaimed, rolling up her sleeves and moving towards the cart. But her assistant quickly pulled her back. “We’ve still got filming to do.”

Frustrated, Lin Luqin clenched her fists, feeling a mix of annoyance and disappointment. With a huff and a stomp of her foot, she left the scene. After all, she was the first to arrive!

Zhao Yuegu didn’t turn Ma Yabei away. He doubted she could handle the labor, but she could certainly keep an eye on the oxcart.

The cow was so well-trained it could work without any supervision…

Besides, there wasn’t much left to do in the field, and it would all be finished before long.

Ma Yabei, perched atop the rocking cart, was brimming with excitement.

“This is my first time riding one, and it’s so much fun!”

“This cow sure takes its time!”

“I’m really enjoying this laid-back lifestyle.”

“If only there were internet access here, it would be perfect.”

Ma Yabei’s laughter was infectious, and she was dressed comfortably for the warm weather.

Zhao Yuegu found his eyes drawn to her.

Indeed, there was something endearing about her cheerful plumpness.

Sensing Zhao Yuegu’s gaze, Ma Yabei blushed, her demeanor softening with a demure charm.

“Keep your eyes on the road.”

“Don’t worry, the cow knows the way.”

As if on cue, the old cow mooed as if in agreement with Zhao Yuegu.

“Is it really that clever?”

Ma Yabei was astounded and reached out to pat the cow’s hindquarters.

But Zhao Yuegu quickly caught her arm.

“Be careful.”

“Your skin is too soft; a swat from its tail would be really painful.”

Ma Yabei’s cheeks flushed a deeper shade of red.

“That’s just an excuse! If you want to hold my hand, just ask—I won’t say no.”

“???”

Are girls these days really this forward?

And yes, a cow’s tail can indeed give quite a sting!

Ma Yabei’s grasp on such everyday knowledge seemed a bit off.

But, she couldn’t deny it.

The touch of his hand was surprisingly pleasant.

Zhao Yuegu’s gaze lingered, contemplating.

The feel of her hand was nice, but perhaps…

“Stop it.”

Ma Yabei swiftly withdrew her hand and turned away, her inner turmoil churning.

“I was the one trying to flirt with him, so why am I the one blushing?”

“He’s just too handsome… I can’t keep my composure around him.”

Ma Yabei covered her face, embarrassed.

Zhao Yuegu couldn’t help but chuckle at her reaction.

They soon reached the watermelon patch.

The seeds provided by the system were of excellent quality, and despite variations in sunlight, soil, and moisture, the only thing affected was the size of the watermelons.

There’s truth to the old adage: work feels lighter when men and women team up.

With Ma Yabei by his side, Zhao Yuegu found the task of harvesting watermelons even more enjoyable.

By evening, he had picked them all, ready to haul the second load of watermelons back home.

The system’s voice rang out once more.

“Congratulations to the host for successfully harvesting an entire field of watermelons, with a total of 196 plants picked! Your earnings amount to $1,960,000.”

That’s nearly two million in revenue, and we’re talking US dollars!

Converted to RMB, that’s at least 12 million!

The joy of this harvest is simply overwhelming.

Such a rate of making money is unparalleled by most around the globe.

But…

Monetary gain is just the tip of the iceberg.

The system’s rewards couldn’t possibly be that superficial, could they?

Indeed, there’s an extra prize awaiting Zhao Yuegu’s collection!