At noon, everyone was seated.
There were thirty tables in total. Liu Yifeng’s relatives, bringing their entire families, occupied about ten tables.
The rest were either his friends or people from the village, creating a lively atmosphere.
Two candles were lit at the entrance. After a long string of firecrackers, the feast began.
As the meal was nearing its end, the village chief brought up Liu Yifeng’s plan to plant watermelons in the back mountain.
Although met with considerable opposition, some expressed their support. Ultimately, the majority ruled, and Liu Yifeng was permitted to plant watermelons there.
However, few people were optimistic about his venture.
It took at least three months for watermelons to mature. It was already July, far past the optimal planting season.
By the time the watermelons were ready, who would buy out-of-season fruit?
Furthermore, there was no guarantee the watermelons would even grow.
Liu Yifeng’s relatives, upon learning of his intention to develop the countryside long-term, also felt he lacked ambition.
Young people were supposed to venture out into the world, not settle for a life of farming in the countryside.
However, they refrained from interfering. While they outwardly expressed their support, few truly believed he would succeed.
Even Liu Qiang considered Liu Yifeng’s decision unwise. “Yifeng, I know you’re feeling the pressure with your new son, but you can’t just rush into things!
If you think working a regular job is a dead end, why don’t you join me in the renovation business?
It’s tiring, I admit, but the money is good. I earn at least three to four thousand yuan a month, which is more than enough to support a family.”
“Qiangzi, I’ve made up my mind, so please don’t try to convince me. If I do well, I’ll bring you along, and we’ll make a fortune together,” Liu Yifeng said with a smile.
Seeing Liu Yifeng’s resolve, Liu Qiang patted his shoulder. “Alright then, do your best. I’ll be waiting for you to bring me wealth.” Though he knew the chances were slim.
The land in the back mountain was about ten mu in size, more than enough to plant two thousand watermelon seedlings.
Liu Yifeng didn’t want to waste the land, so he bought another three thousand watermelon seeds, a decision made with Tongtong’s consent.
If he intended to make money by growing fruits and vegetables, he couldn’t be hesitant.
For plowing the land, Liu Yifeng hired the same three women from the village as yesterday, paying them 150 yuan each.
The three women worked for a day, and the land was finally plowed.
While they were plowing, Liu Yifeng was also busy.
He began planting the vegetable seeds he had purchased and treated.
These seeds needed to be germinated beforehand for planting.
The germination methods were similar: first, soak them in warm water for a period, then wrap them in a warm, moist gauze to encourage sprouting.
After several days of germination, almost all the seeds had sprouted.
Liu Yifeng and his father were planting tomatoes and water spinach, respectively.
As for beans and cucumbers, they could be planted along the edges of the field, as these two vegetables required trellises once they grew into seedlings. The vines could then twine around the poles, allowing them to flower and bear fruit.
Due to the abundance of seeds and limited land, Liu Changchun specifically plowed over some of the empty land around his house.
He usually only grew vegetables for their own consumption, which didn't require much space, leaving several mu unused.
This land could be used for planting tomatoes and the surplus seeds.
During this time, Liu Mei also came to help, fearing that the father and son might be overwhelmed.
Liu Yifeng initially didn't want her to help, as his aunt was already of advanced age and shouldn't be subjected to such hardship.
However, his pleas were in vain, and he had no choice but to let her assist.
With his aunt’s help, they managed to plant half the land in one day, and they expected to finish the rest by tomorrow.
“Tongtong, now that the planting is done, do we need to fertilize?” Liu Yifeng asked.
Although he had no experience farming, he knew that for vegetables to grow well, they needed fertilizer to absorb nutrients.
To his surprise, Tongtong shook his head. “Papa, no need!”
This response caught Liu Yifeng off guard. How could they grow without fertilizer?
“Papa, I’ll tell you a secret!” Tongtong said mysteriously.
Liu Yifeng leaned down curiously. “What secret?”
“I can make growth agents. Once we sprinkle them, they’ll grow very quickly and be extra nutritious!” Tongtong whispered.
Hearing his son’s words, Liu Yifeng’s jaw dropped as he looked at Tongtong in astonishment.
Growth agents?
Had he heard correctly?
How many more surprises did this child have in store for him?
“Tongtong, you can really make growth agents?
Is it like the kind on the market? Those are harmful substances,” Liu Yifeng asked, concerned.
Many unscrupulous businesses, driven by profit, resorted to using various growth hormones. Consuming too much of these could have significant side effects on the body.
“I wouldn’t be like them. Just leave the growth agents to me, Papa. I’ll research and create them for you tomorrow, and then you’ll see!” Tongtong said, acting like a little adult.
Liu Yifeng couldn’t help but feel a sense of anticipation. At this moment, Liu Mei said, “Yifeng, remember to fertilize these vegetables tomorrow, or they won’t grow.”
“Okay, Auntie, I will,” Liu Yifeng replied obediently.
Regarding her mention of fertilization, he didn’t reveal that Tongtong could make growth agents. He didn’t want anyone to know about his son’s talent yet.
In the evening, after dinner, Liu Yifeng rode his electric scooter to take Liu Mei home.
Liu Mei didn’t live far, just a few villages away, about a twenty-minute ride.
He returned home around 8:30 PM.
Tongtong was playing with his toys. Seeing Liu Yifeng arrive, he ran over joyfully. “Papa, you’re back!”
Liu Yifeng scooped Tongtong into his arms and tickled his nose. “Papa’s back. Did you cry?”
“No, Tongtong was very good,” Tongtong shook his head.
“What a good boy. It’s getting late. Papa will take you for a bath. Papa is tired after a long day, so we need to rest early.”
After the bath, Liu Yifeng, as usual, read Tongtong a bedtime story. Soon, Tongtong fell asleep.
Just as Liu Yifeng was about to go to bed himself, his father entered the room.
“Dad, it’s so late, why aren’t you sleeping?” His father didn’t have a habit of watching TV and usually went to bed around nine.
Liu Chunsheng didn’t speak. Instead, he took out a thick wad of money, all red bills, and handed it to Liu Yifeng.
“Dad, what is this?” Liu Yifeng didn’t take it.
“Take it. I know you still have some money from Tongtong, but that’s money he earned from his drawings. Don’t use it; save it for his education.
Dad is old and doesn’t need much. You can use it, so take it.” Liu Chunsheng was not a man of many words, but his love for Liu Yifeng was evident in his actions.
Without giving Liu Yifeng a chance to refuse, he pressed the money into his hand and then returned to his own room.
They say a father’s love is like a mountain. Looking at the money in his hand, Liu Yifeng felt an immense weight.
His father had toiled his entire life for the family, never enjoying any comfort. He was determined to support the family and ensure his father could live out his old age in peace.
Liu Yifeng made a silent vow!