Chef Hua
Chapter 198: Episode 123 How Are the Considerations Going? (Part 3)

Chapter 198: Episode 123 How Are the Considerations Going? (Part 3)

Though Hua Ermu was of a cruel nature, she was not unreasonable. After giving it some thought, she agreed with Hua Xiaomai, and upon returning home, they inevitably recounted the story to Jing Taihe that evening. After hearing it, Jing Taihe repeatedly expressed his agreement, saying, "This is indeed the most suitable arrangement."

Zheng Yakuai, who was accustomed to running around the village, was quite efficient at handling matters. Indeed, he went to scout the fields in the village that very afternoon, and two mornings later, he arrived at the small courtyard of the Jing Family.

"Whew, I’m drenched in sweat after all that running, but I’ve finally found a place," he said as he entered, hastily wiping away his sweat. He rubbed his sleeve across his forehead, flicked it dry, and said to Hua Xiaomai and Hua Ermu with a laugh, "It’s two mu of prime farmland right next to each other, not too far away, especially close to the riverbank where Xiaomai sets up her stall every day. It’ll be convenient for you to work the fields every day, and it’s not far to walk, not tiring at all. As for the fields near the riverbank, as you know, they get plenty of sunlight, perfect for drying whatever you want—it’s excellent!"

"Really?" Hua Xiaomai was naturally very happy to hear this and quickly stepped forward to ask, "With such good land, why would they want to sell it?"

"The owners of the land are an elderly couple. At the beginning of spring this year, they even planted a crop of spring wheat. They said they want to move to a neighboring village to live with their son. With just these two pieces of land, renting them out doesn’t really pay off, so they might as well sell them. It’s the same as with Widow Qi’s land, six diao per mu, which is a common price here in Fire Knife Village. I’ll talk to them again and see if there’s room for negotiation. If you are interested, and since you’re free at the moment, shall I take you there to have a look right now?"

Finding suitable farmland so quickly, of course, they wanted to go see it immediately. Without thinking twice, Hua Xiaomai readily agreed, changed her clothes, and, pulling Hua Ermu along, they immediately left the house.

Zheng Yakuai led the two of them to the two parcels of land near the riverbank. As expected, that area got even more sunlight than the surrounding fields, and since it was not far from the river, it would save some effort in watering.

The spring wheat in the field had just been harvested not long ago, and the wheat stubble was piled high on the ridges, exuding a dry and warm wheat fragrance under the blazing sun.

"The old couple said if someone is willing to buy their land, they won’t bother clearing the leftover wheat stubble, leaving it to you. Burn it, and it will make for ready-to-use fertilizer—how convenient is that?" Zheng Yakuai pointed ahead with a chuckling smile, "I tell you, these two pieces of land are really quite good, perhaps even better than Widow Qi’s. If you aren’t interested, others are waiting to buy. Miss this village, and you’ll miss this shop!"

This saying was purely the lingo of a salesman, something that had to be stated with every deal made. Hua Xiaomai simply smiled, not taking it too seriously. The three of them walked around the field again, and from a distance, they heard the sound of horse hooves. When they turned around, they saw Meng Yuhuai leading his sleek black horse, slowly approaching from the south.

"Big Brother Meng!" Hua Ermu, originally not well-versed in the matter of purchasing land, had been hoping for someone to offer advice, even if just a word or two. Seeing him, she immediately waved and called out.

Meng Yuhuai looked up in their direction, a smile appearing on his lips, and walked over, leading his horse. He nodded to Hua Ermu and then turned his gaze to Hua Xiaomai: "What, you are really buying land?"

"Is there any doubt?" Hua Xiaomai replied without hesitation, looking up at him with a smile, "The sooner we settle this matter, the better we’ll feel. Those leftover chili seeds will finally have a home, sparing me the worry. Big Brother Meng, it’s a stroke of luck that you’re here. Could you help us take a look? How are these two pieces of land?"

Saying this, she pointed to the two mu of prime farmland that Zheng Yakuai had found for them for Meng Yuhuai to see.

Meng Yuhuai glanced at the land briefly, pondered for a moment, then casually tied his horse under a tree, stepped forward, picked up a handful of soil from the field to examine it closely, pinched a small clump, and rolled it between his fingers. Turning back, he nodded and smiled slightly: "Although my family no longer relies on farming for a living, we did own a few mu of land in the early years when my father was still around. These two pieces of land are indeed prime farmland without a doubt, and the area is also convenient for travel. If you really want to buy, it’s a good choice."

"You hear that? What did I tell you?" Zheng Yakuai slapped his thigh, "Brother Yuhuai truly has discernment! I grew up running around behind you, Taihe, and Great Saint, learning little by little. I couldn’t deceive you all, could I?"