Gourd Farm Chapter 50
Translated by Etherna (ko-fi)
Chapter 50: Procurement
Aunt Hua had just turned away when she heard Yang Feng's words. She immediately stopped in her tracks and turned back.
"You, boy, what do you think of your Aunt Hua?" Aunt Hua frowned slightly, clearly not pleased with Yang Feng's comment.
"I'm just saying, Aunt Hua, don't take it to heart," Yang Feng replied, trying to smooth things over. However, he thought it was better to clarify some things in advance.
"This boy is always overthinking things," he continued.
Seeing that Yang Feng had said enough, Aunt Hua decided not to press the matter further. She picked up her hoe and headed back home.
Yang Feng had his reasons for saying what he did. If any problems arose later, like not making a profit or even incurring losses, at least no one could blame him.
He remembered a past incident in the village when two families, like this one, had a similar situation. They had purchased wheat seeds one year, and one family's crops were doing well, while the others’ were not. The latter accused the former of deliberately deceiving them, and it escalated into a physical altercation. Rumor had it that it even reached the local police station.
Agriculture inherently carried risks, and simply planting seeds didn't guarantee profits. If they did make a profit, that would be great, but if they didn't or suffered losses, the whole village would be buzzing about it within two days.
When the time comes, they could turn white into black, keeping the good news at home and spreading the bad news far and wide. If they faced losses, everything around them would become unbearable. In other words, they could even kick a blade of grass if they saw one.
"Yang Feng, did you perhaps speak a bit too harshly just now? I think Aunt Hua is a bit upset," remarked Xia Ying.
Having spent a long time with Yang Feng, they had become quite familiar with each other. Unlike their initial interactions when she first arrived in the village, they were now comfortable chatting and having meals together. Xia Ying also had a good impression of Aunt Hua.
Yang Feng shook his head, saying, "Better to be safe than sorry. Even if we offend someone now, it's better than them causing trouble for us later."
Yang Feng acknowledged that he was still learning about greenhouse farming. Moreover, he had the advantage of the mysterious gourd. Without it, he wouldn't dare to undertake such a large-scale operation. Unlike him, those who only saw opportunities for profit and rushed in without understanding the risks were taking a huge gamble.
"Old man, why have you come back so early, and the food still isn't ready?"
"Oh, I bumped into Yang meng's father on the way and ended up chatting about greenhouse farming," replied.
"What's there to talk about with him? Even if he knows how to farm, can he really help you?" questioned Aunt Hua. Uncle Hua
Aunt Hua couldn't stand Uncle Hua; she didn't know why, but she just had an aversion to him.
"Ah, it wouldn't hurt to ask around and gather information from these greenhouse growers. Even those three rascals act like Zhuge Liang sometimes."
"You're always criticizing me and the kids. If you're so capable, why don't you start your own greenhouse? Maybe you can be the next Zhuge Liang since you're so knowledgeable?" Aunt Hua's frustration with Uncle Hua's cultural pretensions flared up.
"Alright, alright, let's not argue about that. Have you confirmed the seed situation?" Uncle Hua changed the topic, sensing that Aunt Hua's mood was worsening. He knew from many years of experience that it was best not to push her buttons.
"I just asked Yang Feng, and he said the same thing our son told us," Aunt Hua replied, steering the conversation toward the matter of seeds.
"What about Wuque? Where has that child run off to again?" Aunt Hua had been back for a while now and hadn't seen her son yet. She couldn't help but ask.
"After you left, he hopped on his bike and went to town to buy seeds. He should be back soon," Uncle Hua explained, noticing Aunt Hua's anxiety.
"Sir, do you have any seeds called 'Jin Peng'?" Hua Wuque, with his hair standing on end like a porcupine, rushed into the seed store and asked the shopkeeper urgently.
"What's 'Jin Peng'?" The shopkeeper, looking confused and groggy as if he had just woken up, stood up from his chair.
"Oh, it's tomato seeds called 'Jin Peng,'" Hua Wuque repeated impatiently, getting more and more anxious.
"Alright, why didn't you just say that clearly from the beginning? Follow me," the shopkeeper said, thinking it was a significant matter. He led Hua Wuque to the section where all the seeds were displayed.
"Take a look. Currently, all the seeds we have in the store are here."
Hua Wuque followed the shopkeeper to a glass display case filled with tomato seeds.
"I don't need to look; just give me the Jin Peng seeds."
After a quick glance, Hua Wuque noticed that each seed packet had a picture of a bright red tomato on it. There didn't seem to be any other differences.
"You mentioned Jin Peng, but there are two types: Jin Peng M5 and Jin Peng M6. Which one do you want?"
The shopkeeper retrieved both types from the display case.
"I want the M6."
Hua Wuque had forgotten the exact name in his haste earlier, but now, hearing the shopkeeper mention M6, he recalled what Yang Feng had told him in the greenhouse – it was indeed Jin Peng M6.
"Vroom, vroom."
"Old man, go check if your son has returned. I think I hear the sound of a motorcycle."
"Okay, reduce the heat under the pot, and let the rice simmer a bit longer."
"Creak."
As the two rusty iron doors swung open, Uncle Hua had yet to step outside when Hua Wuque had already ridden up on his bike.
"You rascal, how many times have I told you? Slow down when you ride your bike; it's like talking to a brick wall with you."
Uncle Wuque throttled down and parked his bike in the yard, startling the hens that were still huddled together. They flapped their wings and squawked in panic.
"Son, how did the seed purchase go?"
Wearing a floral apron, Aunt Uncle rushed out, holding a cleaver in her hand.
"Mom, do you really need a knife for a seed purchase?"
As Uncle Wuque got off his bike, he noticed that his mother was wielding a cleaver, and he instinctively took a step back.
"You silly child, don't jump to conclusions."
Only then did Aunt Uncle realize that she was still holding a knife. She had been so excited about her son's return that she had forgotten to put it down while she was chopping vegetables.
"Your son can handle things; there's no need to worry. Look at what this is."
Uncle Wuque opened the metal storage box at the back of his motorcycle and took out the purchased seeds, along with a large plastic bag of seed disinfectant.
"Let's eat first, and I'll tell you all about it later. I'm starving after working hard all morning."
"Alright, let's eat."
With the seed issue resolved, Uncle Aunt was in high spirits. The family sat down together for a meal, discussing how to cultivate and develop the greenhouse. They chatted animatedly, full of enthusiasm.