C45 [special Professor: Experimental Field]

"It's time to lay my cards on the table, no more pretending."

"Truth is, I'm a farming prodigy."

"These seeds? I cultivated them myself."

"As for anything else, don't bother asking."

"Even if you did, I wouldn't have the answers."

Old Mr. Ma couldn't help but chuckle at this revelation.

Old Mr. Hu, however, regarded him with a keen gaze.

He could see from Zhao Yuegu's demeanor that this young man was no ordinary individual.

Anyone capable of producing such seeds was certainly not ordinary.

"I'll report this to the authorities. You might just end up with a national technology award by year's end."

Old Mr. Hu stressed the significance of the seeds.

Zhao Yuegu nonchalantly shrugged.

"Whatever works."

"We're also looking to ink a deal with Walden Village to cultivate crops and set up a lab here. Is that possible?"

Zhao Yuegu's brow remained uncreased.

Someone after his livelihood?

The farmland surrounding the village was limited.

He wouldn't permit any interference.

That land was as good as money.

"No."

"I'm taking over all the land in the village."

"If you're truly interested in research, you can conduct it on my property."

"I'll make all the data available to you, and you're welcome to take the seeds."

Old Mr. Hu was momentarily taken aback.

He couldn't grasp the distinction.

Why consolidate all the village land under his control instead of leaving some for experimental fields?

Could it be...

Fear of them maliciously seizing the elders' land?

"It's not out of the question, but our team must manage the experimental fields."

"Agreed."

Zhao Yuegu pondered briefly and decided it wasn't a bad idea.

As long as the land was in his name, whoever cultivated it, the profits would ultimately be his.

"We'll need about fifty acres for the experimental field, just to start. Is that an issue? We plan to use it to cultivate these seeds and prepare for the introduction of new varieties."

Clearly, Old Mr. Hu aimed to establish a seed hub here.

Once the rapeseed and cabbage blossoms were ready, they'd turn the seeds into a commercial product.

It was a sound strategy.

Especially considering the output, it was quite comprehensive.

"Absolutely. If you need any advice, feel free to ask me."

"I couldn't ask for more."

"One more thing, I'd like to offer you a position as a special professor at the University of Everbreach to oversee the seed trials. Would you consider it?"

"The university will cover your research expenses and also provide you with a salary," they told Zhao Yuegu, who stroked his chin in surprise. He hadn't expected such a stroke of luck. Yet, upon reflection, it made sense—Old Mr. Hu saw the potential in the seeds for the nation, and Zhao was the pioneer in their discovery. It was only logical to align himself with the University of Everbreach's mission.

Before Zhao could respond, Ma Yabei was already beaming with joy. "Thank you so much, Grandpa Hu."

Zhao's brow creased slightly, but Yabei sidled up to him and murmured, "Accepting the role of special professor comes with boundless perks, and it hardly ties you down. Anyone would jump at the chance."

Zhao trusted Yabei wouldn't steer him wrong.

"Alright," he agreed. After all, farming was farming, and there was plenty of land to go around. He wasn't concerned about running out of space for the seeds.

Old Mr. Hu didn't waste a moment, using military communications to reach the university and secure a direct deposit of ten million yuan. The university's offer didn't end there—they pledged to construct a laboratory in the village, providing electricity, internet, and other essential infrastructure at no cost.

"They'll even build a signal tower and more, all on the university's dime," they said. "Of course, in exchange, we'll take all of the first year's seeds."

Zhao weighed the deal and liked the terms. The ten million yuan was nice, but the prospect of having all the infrastructure handled was even more appealing. Doing it himself would have been a herculean task.

He did have one regret—having already built the road. Had he waited, the University of Everbreach might have taken care of it. Then again, they might have relocated the experimental fields elsewhere. But what's done was done, and he had come out ahead.

Old Mr. Ma watched, envy clear in his eyes. "The University of Everbreach sure has deep pockets. To think, ten million yuan is nothing to them."

"Aren't you going to show some appreciation?" he teased.

Zhao cracked a smile. "We don't have much to offer here in the village, but how about everyone joins me for a meal?"

"That couldn't be better."

Old Mr. Hu was elated.

He believed he had successfully wooed Zhao Yuegu onto his team.

He even felt somewhat grateful to Old Mr. Ma.

Had it not been for his insistence on having a drink, he might never have stumbled upon such a fortuitous opportunity.

The high-yield vegetable seeds would surely bring Zhao Yuegu immense fame, but since they were discovered by the University of Everbreach, they too would bask in the glory.

Had one of the rival universities made the discovery, the accolades would have been theirs alone.

Once the high-yield vegetable seeds became widespread, it would be an achievement for the ages.

Old Mr. Hu himself would have his name etched in history.

What a delightful thought.

"Old Mr. Ma, fetch that two-hundred-year-old wine of yours. We have every reason to celebrate today."

"It's quite a distance, isn't it?"

"What's there to worry about? The helicopter's right there, and it's free to use."

With that, as onlookers watched with envy, the helicopter took off, bound for Everbreach to retrieve the wine.

Old Mr. Ma wasn't the least bit stingy. Instead, he approached Zhao Yuegu, clapping him on the shoulder.

"My boy, I must admit, even Old Mr. Ma can be wrong."

"Please accept my apologies for today."

Zhao Yuegu steadied Old Mr. Ma's arm, taken aback by the gesture.

He hadn't expected Ma Yabei's grandfather to be so genuine, offering an apology to his junior in front of such a crowd.

Regardless of his prestigious former position, his sheer audacity was awe-inspiring.

The previous incident was trivial in hindsight.

Moreover, having waited here nearly a day, yesterday's events were water under the bridge.

"You're Yabei's grandfather, and the misunderstanding was mine. There's no need for apologies."

"Haha, as long as you're not upset, that's all that matters. If Yabei chooses to be with you, I won't stand in the way," Old Mr. Ma said with a hearty laugh, while Ma Yabei, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment, took refuge behind Zhao Yuegu.

Subsequently, everyone settled into Zhao Yuegu's courtyard.

Xueman and Sun Ying headed to the kitchen to prepare a meal.

Ma Yabei followed suit. Whether she could cook was questionable, but she certainly couldn't bear to stay put any longer.

Village Chief Yang was right there by his side, while Sun's father suddenly made an appearance, schmoozing with everyone around. His obsequious demeanor took Zhao Yuegu by surprise.

After all, he was considered a bigwig throughout Everbreach City.

Didn't he have any self-respect?

Yet there he was, selling himself short just to cozy up to the two elders!

"Let me tell you, Old Mr. Ma, Old Mr. Hu, this young man's rapeseed might look impressive, but it's really just a bit higher yielding."

"The watermelons he's grown, now those are a must-try in life."

"The flavor is simply out of this world."