Chapter 7

One early morning, Qin Yi had just woken up and was washing up when Ye Fang came to knock on the door.

"Grandpa asked us to come over. It seems they've made some progress in their research. Let's go and take a look. I'm really curious about the effects of the snow ginseng."

The snow ginseng grew together with the fruit trees, and touching it made one feel that it was extraordinary. The effects were likely to be significant, but the exact extent would need to be seen in the research report.

"I'm also very curious."

Qin Yi was curious whether modern technology could analyze the components of the snow ginseng.

After breakfast, the two of them went to Grandpa Ye's study. Grandpa Ye was already there, and when they entered, he was reading a report, which was probably the research report on the snow ginseng. In front of him was the snow ginseng, and he was reading the report while stroking it. Seeing Qin Yi and Ye Fang come in, he didn't say anything but gestured for them to sit on the sofa.

Qin Yi and Ye Fang didn't disturb him and sat down quietly to wait.

Grandpa Ye was very serious and took several minutes to finish reading. At this point, he seemed a bit excited, and his face turned rosy. However, he didn't say anything, just handed the report to Qin Yi and continued to stroke the snow ginseng. Qin Yi took the report and, seeing Grandpa Ye's actions, understood that the report had indeed revealed something. Ye Fang, curious, leaned over, and the two of them read it together slowly.

After reading the report, Qin Yi felt relieved. The report mainly covered routine things like trace elements and active components, and of course, there were some things that couldn't be analyzed.

What was most attractive was the data from the animal tests. The researchers fed some of the snow ginseng roots to white mice and found that the mice's vital signs significantly increased, cell activity was enhanced, and organ failure was slowed. Overall, their lifespan was greatly extended. The researchers concluded that the entire snow ginseng plant could increase a human's lifespan by over a decade. Of course, the research found that the snow ginseng had no therapeutic effects on diseases and no preventive effects either.

More detailed results couldn't be produced in a short time, and the snow ginseng was too precious to conduct a long-term study on a human by having them take it.

The researchers suggested eating the snow ginseng raw, as there wasn't much research on its components, and excessive processing might affect its efficacy. The snow ginseng's effects were mild and easy to absorb, and the mouse tests showed no adverse reactions. Therefore, eating it raw, though primitive, was currently the best method. However, Grandpa Ye felt that these findings were enough, and it was understandable that other aspects couldn't be researched. The snow ginseng was truly a legendary elixir.

Holding the snow ginseng in his hand, he felt very satisfied. Living for an additional decade would ensure the family's stability and allow his son's generation to make further progress, ensuring the family's glory for at least a few decades. As for the two snow ginseng plants in Qin Yi's hands, he thought it was best to let it be. Getting one was already a stroke of luck, and asking for more would invite disaster!

While Grandpa Ye was deep in thought, Ye Fang was also shocked: "Damn, an additional decade of life."

He muttered to himself and felt more grateful to Qin Yi. He understood how much his grandfather's additional decade of life would benefit the family, and he was more happy than anything.

He cared more about his grandfather living a long life!

Of course, Qin Yi was also shocked on the surface, but he was more happy inside. Proving the efficacy of the snow ginseng would allow him to sell it for a good price.

Grandpa Ye, knowing the value of the snow ginseng, felt he should compensate Qin Yi. Thinking about it, he calmed down and smiled at Qin Yi, saying, "Xiao Yi, such a valuable thing, accepting it without reason makes me feel embarrassed, but I really don't want to return it! How about this, I'll give you a word: as long as you don't break the law, I'll protect you in the country."

Qin Yi was very happy to hear this. This was exactly what he was waiting for, and he quickly stood up to thank him, "Thank you, Grandpa Ye!"

Ye Fang was also very happy. This meant Qin Yi was completely safe.

Grandpa Ye waved his hand and then thought about Qin Yi's plan to auction off a snow ginseng. After some consideration, he said, "A few days ago, Xiao Yi, you said you wanted to auction off a snow ginseng. Do you have any specific plans?"

Hearing his grandfather's words, Ye Fang also looked at Qin Yi, curious about his approach.

"I haven't thought much about it and don't have many channels. I was thinking of contacting an auction house in New York; they are more professional."

Qin Yi found these matters a bit troublesome. To get a high price, the auction house was the best option, and it was safer. However, this would expose him, which was a bit troublesome.

Grandpa Ye also understood Qin Yi's thoughts and said after some thought, "How about this, one snow ginseng for 1 billion RMB, we'll take it."

1 billion? Qin Yi was a bit surprised, but then he thought that such a sum for an additional decade of life was worth it for the right person.

"Of course, if we auction it, the price might be higher, but a private transaction will save a lot of trouble." Grandpa Ye looked at the thoughtful Qin Yi and slowly said, "You don't have to answer right away. Think about it for a few days."

"No need to think. 1 billion is fine. I'm very satisfied with this price." Qin Yi was indeed very satisfied. This way, he had the initial capital for his big plan and saved a lot of trouble.

Qin Yi also knew that if he went the auction route, the news of the snow ginseng coming from him would inevitably leak, and many people would pay attention to him. Even if they didn't take drastic action, being monitored would be normal. Now, 1 billion RMB was enough to serve as the initial capital.

Ye Fang, seeing them reach an agreement, joked to Qin Yi, "How does it feel to suddenly become a tycoon, ha ha!"

Qin Yi chuckled, though the money wasn't in his hands yet, he was a bit excited. 1 billion RMB, he had previously schemed day and night for a few thousand a month, and now he was about to become a billionaire. It really felt like life was a play. But thinking about the space and the spirit spring, and the spirit herbs in the space, his mindset gradually calmed down. Damn, with all those treasures, becoming a billionaire was just a matter of time, no need to get excited!

Grandpa Ye, unaware of Qin Yi's chaotic thoughts, admired him for calming down so quickly: "This kid is not simple. His mindset alone shows he's someone who can achieve great things."

After some thought, Grandpa Ye said to Qin Yi, "The fruit trees are already being researched. This will take time, so there's nothing much to say. In a few days, Xiao Fang's father and a few uncles will return. We'll have a meal together, and Xiao Fang will come too." The last sentence was directed at Ye Fang.

Qin Yi naturally agreed; this was a good opportunity to build a closer relationship. Ye Fang couldn't refuse either, and since Qin Yi was going, he would naturally accompany him. At least there would be a peer to avoid awkwardness. After some more conversation, Qin Yi and Ye Fang left. Back at his place, Qin Yi took out a snow ginseng and gave it to Ye Fang to deliver to Grandpa Ye. He also asked Ye Fang to help set up a Wells Fargo bank account in the U.S., thinking that with the Ye family's influence, setting up an account wouldn't be difficult, and the money could be transferred directly.

After Ye Fang left, Qin Yi closed the door and took a drop of the spring water, diluting it into a small cup to feed Lai Pi.

"Zi zi zi!" Lai Pi ran over as soon as he smelled the spring water, no need to call him. The little guy ran to the cup, first bowed to Qin Yi and chirped, rubbing against Qin Yi's leg to show gratitude, then started drinking. Qin Yi was very happy to see Lai Pi's actions, finding him even smarter, knowing to thank him first. He gently patted Lai Pi's back to show approval.

Lai Pi drank very quickly, his little tongue lapping up the water, which soon disappeared. Qin Yi always found it curious how he could drink so fast with each lap. After Lai Pi finished drinking, Qin Yi held him and sat on the sofa, thinking about his big plan. The first step was to buy a large ranch in the U.S., then raise some cattle and sheep, and other things could come later.

Qin Yi knew himself; he was somewhat clever but very lazy and hadn't learned much practical knowledge in college. Now with the capital, investing was the best option for him. With the spirit spring and the space, the grass would grow well, and the meat of the cattle and sheep should be of high quality. As the saying goes, a ranch is not for raising cattle and sheep, but for raising grass!

After buying the ranch, he would find a specialist to manage it, and he could spend his days herding cattle, riding horses, fishing, and camping, living a carefree life. This kind of leisurely life was indeed very suitable for him, and just thinking about it made Qin Yi feel happy.

When Ye Fang returned, Qin Yi was still lying on the sofa, smiling foolishly, "Drooling!" Ye Fang laughed.

Qin Yi rolled his eyes and handed Lai Pi to him.

"In a few days, when the money is in hand, what do you plan to do?" Ye Fang, holding Lai Pi and sitting down, was curious about Qin Yi's future plans.

"I plan to buy a ranch in the U.S. Didn't I ask you to help set up a Wells Fargo bank account to make it easier?"

"Buy a ranch?" Ye Fang didn't expect Qin Yi to invest in a ranch, but thinking about Qin Yi's character, he understood that he was attracted to the carefree, free-running life.

"A ranch is not bad, it's a good investment, and it has potential for appreciation in the future."

Ye Fang had some business acumen, knowing that if he didn't enter politics, he would have to go into business, so he had been training his business mind.

"Whether it appreciates or not doesn't matter. I'll buy a ranch, raise some cattle and sheep, and a dozen horses. I can fish, ride horses, and enjoy the blue sky and white clouds, how carefree!"

Qin Yi described his future happy life, and even Ye Fang felt a bit envious: "When you're done, I'll come and play!"

"Bring the older and younger brothers too."

"They might not have time. I'll start my own business soon, setting up a trading company, mainly dealing with the line between China and the U.S." Talking about his upcoming business, Ye Fang was also a bit excited.

...

Three days later, Qin Yi received a Wells Fargo bank card with 161 million USD and a domestic card with 7 million RMB for convenience. He planned to go home in a few days and needed some money. After arranging things at home, he would fly directly to the U.S. to buy the ranch.

During these few days, Ye Fang's parents and uncles returned. The eldest and second brothers were in politics, already provincial leaders, and the third brother ran the family business, being the CEO of a large group, all with significant achievements. Of course, with the family's backing, as long as they had some talent, their achievements wouldn't be low. Qin Yi had already met and talked with them, and there was nothing special, just simple greetings from elders to juniors. Grandpa Ye and the snow ginseng matter were probably known to all, and they were all in high spirits.

They had a meal together in the evening, and the next day, Qin Yi bid farewell to Grandpa Ye and boarded the plane back to his hometown in Yunnan.

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