C38 For the Sake of Profit.

The car zipped along the newly paved road, lifting everyone's spirits.

What was once a two-hour journey now took a mere ten minutes on the smooth surface.

But the twin trails of mud left behind were bound to rankle the workers.

"We just got this fixed! And now it's all dirty?"

"Where did this car even come from?"

"Shh, keep it down. That's the boss who footed the bill for the roadwork. He can travel however he pleases."

With that, the workers fell silent.

It wasn't until they hit the main road that Sun Ying took the wheel.

"We should get the car washed."

Zhao Yuegu surveyed the thick layer of mud caking the vehicle and decided a thorough wash was in order.

Driving around like this would earn them nothing but scorn.

Yet, after being turned away by three car washes, they had no choice but to settle for a smaller operation.

"Kid, where have you been driving? Your car's a mess."

The chatty car wash uncle marveled at the sight, having never encountered such a dirty car in all his years.

The dried mud was practically armor.

"I can wash it, but it'll cost extra."

"That's fine."

As the high-pressure water jet stripped away the grime, the car's clean lines emerged.

"Did you modify this car? It looks like it's seen plenty of off-road action."

"Only the wealthy can afford to go off-roading."

But as the car's true form came into view, the uncle's jaw dropped.

"Holy cow!"

"Is that a Lamborghini?"

"You took this off-roading? What were you thinking, buddy?"

"This has got to be brand new, right? It's got to be worth over three million. I've never seen anything like it in all of Zeffari County."

The car wash uncle was staggered.

Who would have guessed that beneath the muddy shell was a vehicle from one of the most luxurious brands?

No one in their right mind would subject such a car to this kind of treatment.

But Zhao Yuegu had done just that.

It was beyond belief.

The car wash uncle was still in a daze, watching Zhao Yuegu and his companions drive off until he finally snapped out of it and called a longtime friend.

He'd have enough to talk about for months!

Zhao Yuegu wasn't too concerned, though. Getting on the road was the priority.

"Let's hit the highway and head for Everbreach City."

"Yabei, you haven't forgotten your home address, have you?"

Ma Yabei's cheeks turned pink.

"Forget? Impossible... Hold on, I need to call my grandpa to confirm."

"..."

She was such a handful!

How on earth did someone with such a terrible sense of direction become a journalist?

Her family connections must be incredibly strong.

Soon enough, Ma Yabei hung up the phone.

"All set. We're going to Number One Courtyard in Everbreach City. My grandpa is expecting us."

Zhao Yuegu couldn't help but shake his head.

It was a miracle Ma Yabei had managed to grow up at all.

Everbreach City, the capital of Strathmore Province, was expansive and known for its plethora of ancient architecture, making it a renowned tourist destination.

It even served as the capital during the Southern Song Dynasty.

With the burgeoning interconnected economy, it had blossomed into an international metropolis.

Number One Courtyard in Everbreach, nestled beside West Lake, was surrounded by towering ancient trees and breathtaking scenery.

What was truly exceptional was its tranquility, free from the usual tourist crowds.

The traditional Jiangnan-style courtyard homes were a testament to the wealth and status of its residents.

Zhao Yuegu had no doubts now.

Ma Yabei's family wielded significant influence.

Before they could enter the neighborhood, a man in his forties with a straight posture and sharp gaze approached.

"Old Mr. Ma is at home waiting for you."

Zhao Yuegu gave the man a once-over, noting his crisp, efficient demeanor and the unmistakable air of a military elite.

"Thanks, Uncle Xu."

Ma Yabei offered an awkward smile.

Clearly, she would have been lost even in her own neighborhood.

Zhao Yuegu invited him into the car, considering the size of the residential area; it seemed rude to make someone run ahead to show the way.

That wasn't very nice of you.

Before long, Zhao Yuegu caught sight of the expansive courtyard, spanning some five to six hundred square meters.

The decor was modest, bordering on austere.

Yet, upon closer inspection, one would realize that the unassuming trees and ornamental rocks were far from cheap.

Even before stepping through the gate, Zhao Yuegu noticed an elderly man leaning on a cane waiting at the entrance. His hair was snow-white, yet his posture was upright, his hair meticulously combed, exuding a lively spirit.

"Grandpa!"

Yabei rushed to greet him first. Old Mr. Ma affectionately tousled her hair and gave Zhao Yuegu a warm look.

"So you're the young man who cultivated those new sunflower seeds, impressive."

"My old friends will arrive shortly. If these seeds truly can boost the yield per acre, your future is destined for greatness."

Old Mr. Ma got straight to the point, with no pretense.

"I shared these sunflower seeds to help farmers improve their crops, not for any personal gain."

Zhao Yuegu's gaze was sincere.

Living in the valley year-round, what good would fame do him?

Had he desired it, he could have chosen differently when he became an internet sensation.

After all, these days, actors often hold more renown than many national heroes.

Once he's done distributing the seeds, he'd rather return to the honest work of tending his fields.

However, Old Mr. Ma, though appearing gentle, had a sharp edge to him, and Zhao Yuegu preferred to keep his distance.

Even if he was Ma Yabei's grandfather.

"I'll leave the sunflower seeds here. This is all I've brought. I need to be on my way and won't be staying."

With a polite bow, Zhao Yuegu readied himself to depart.

Life in the village was more to his liking—carefree and unbound.

Old Mr. Ma was clearly a shrewd man, likely with hidden motives in his words.

As a straightforward farmer, Zhao Yuegu wasn't interested in playing mind games.

Better to return and cultivate more land.

After leaving the seeds with Ma Yabei, Zhao Yuegu said his goodbyes and headed back to his car.

"Wait, don't leave! You're welcome to stay a few more days."

Ma Yabei was clearly getting anxious.

"You're always welcome to visit Walden if you find the time; I can't just abandon the crops in the fields."

Zhao Yuegu, however, showed no signs of wanting to stay, pressing Sun Ying to head back.

Sun Ying, for her part, looked visibly downcast.

"Boss, I'm begging you, show some humanity."

"We've been on the road for three hours. Can't we at least take a short break?"

"Alright, let's just find somewhere to grab a bite."

"Okay, I know a great spot."

With that, the car started up and gradually faded from Ma Yabei's view.

Ma Yabei opened her mouth as if to speak, her eyes brimming with reluctance, and finally, she just sat down on the ground.

"Grandpa, he's my friend!"

Old Mr. Ma's brow furrowed.

"You're still too young. I wouldn't oppose you marrying a farmer."

"Your great-grandfather was a farmer, after all."

"But could a farmer really afford such a nice car? His intentions can't be that straightforward."

"Yet, he left quite decisively; he's certainly quite the character."

Old Mr. Ma looked visibly torn.

He'd been sizing up people all his life and prided himself on his accuracy.

But this young man, he was hard to read.

His complexion and hands suggested he'd been laboring in the fields for years.

Yet, there was something about his eyes, his demeanor, that didn't quite fit with simplicity.

And then there was the car—far too flashy.

Even as an old man, he could tell it was worth a pretty penny.

As for the seeds he brought, they meant nothing to him.

Did he think it was still the days when pigs could outrun elephants?

The idea that one acre of oilseed could yield oil from six acres was laughable!

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