Chapter 4

"Hey, did you mess up your reputation back home and want to come to the U.S.? Lawyers and dentists here do earn a lot, but many people are still at the bottom. I think you need to think it through clearly." At the Los Angeles airport, Luo Yi, Qi Ping's college friend, joked.

"I want to start some agricultural and sideline businesses here. My family is into farming, and I plan to inherit the family business and expand the work of repairing the earth." Qi Ping gave his friend a big hug, and his naturally outgoing personality had become even more open due to his fuller wallet and a miraculous encounter.

"Don't randomly hug people at the airport. It's quite popular here, and you might be misunderstood if you go out in pairs." Luo Yi laughed, picked up Qi Ping's bag, and headed towards the parking lot. He had studied in the U.S. for two years and stayed with a decent company; he was doing well and could be considered middle-class in America.

Life for the American middle class is actually quite comfortable. In Los Angeles and California, an annual income of around $60,000 to $70,000 is roughly middle-class. Luo Yi drove a Volkswagen Golf, not a fancy car, but it was decent. Although there are many cars in the U.S., not all of them are sports cars.

"Your place is pretty nice, with its own small garden." Luo Yi's home was indeed very nice, a small villa with a garden. Although it was in the suburbs, such a house was not cheap.

"It's okay. My parents put all their savings into buying this house. There are three bedrooms upstairs and downstairs, totaling about 200 square meters, which is enough. Although it's not a high-end neighborhood, it's still good; the security is decent, and the people here are quite civilized." Luo Yi explained simply. America is both heaven and hell.

"By the way, I really plan to buy a mountain or something here. Do you have any good recommendations? Not too far north, I'm from the south and I'm afraid of the cold. Also, not too far from the city, otherwise, I'll be all alone in the mountains." Although Qi Ping had passed the college English level six, he still needed to find some local connections, like Luo Yi, who had been in the U.S. for two years.

Luo Yi sized up Qi Ping from head to toe, making Qi Ping feel very uncomfortable. Luo Yi knew Qi Ping's family background, and buying a mountain or forest in the U.S. was definitely not an easy task.

"Are you kidding?" Seeing Qi Ping nod seriously, Luo Yi was now unsure. Helping Qi Ping with a company invitation letter had already involved some risk, but he knew his college roommate was harmless and even overly righteous. However, buying a mountain or forest was not a simple matter.

"Then you might need to get a U.S. green card, otherwise, it will be inconvenient. Actually, getting a green card in the U.S. is not hard; money and skills are key. If you invest around $2 million, the immigration department will come to discuss the green card with you." Luo Yi thought for a moment and felt that if Qi Ping really planned to live here, he would basically need a green card.

"I have a plan for that, and I think the money is enough. The green card is not a big deal; convenience is the most important. I also want to play with guns, and not having a green card might be inconvenient." Qi Ping knew that having a U.S. green card basically means having U.S. citizenship. Of course, having a green card does not mean you are a U.S. citizen, but Qi Ping didn't care; he just needed convenience.

"Then let's not talk about anything else. Let's find a good restaurant and have a big meal, you're paying!" Luo Yi immediately perked up. There was nothing else to discuss; it was a rare opportunity to treat the rich friend, and he would take advantage of it!

Qi Ping still had to work, but it was no problem. He had already given Qi Ping the house keys and reminded him of some things. As for Qi Ping's language issues, although he didn't understand some slang, basic communication was not a problem.

Since he was in Los Angeles, he naturally needed to experience the charm of the City of Angels. He took a small bus to visit famous shopping centers, art galleries, Broadway, Chinatown, and other tourist spots. As a tourist, Hollywood was a must-see, though it was just a general term for the area around the Walk of Fame.

Qi Ping used to think the Walk of Fame was on a very bustling street, but now it looked quite ordinary. Although the surrounding streets were not particularly luxurious, the names of the stars left here indeed attracted a large number of tourists.

Eating ice cream and strolling down Rodeo Drive, the windows on both sides displayed a variety of luxury brands like Armani, Gucci, and Chanel. Of course, the famous Beverly Hills was also a must-see. It is one of the most famous wealthy areas in California, home to many Hollywood stars' mansions, high-end commercial areas, restaurants, and hotels. Beverly Hills is like a city within a city, with each villa having its own unique charm.

Qi Ping felt there were a lot of people, but not necessarily a lot of rich people; more were tourists. He had no particular interest in Beverly Hills. Although he had some money, it was for investment, not for buying a villa, which would not be cost-effective.

"How's the green card thing going?" Qi Ping had been out playing for a day and returned to find Luo Yi, who had finished work, already making dinner. In the U.S., although there is Chinatown, cooking at home is more economical and the food is more authentic.

"It's going well. I'll get the green card once my investment is in place. They all say the same thing; no investment, no approval." Qi Ping didn't mind. Over the past two days, he hadn't just been sightseeing; he had also been doing what needed to be done. "I've also been looking for some real estate agents and plan to start inspecting properties in a couple of days."

"I think it's best to stay in California, closer to home. If you go north, you'll definitely be uncomfortable. Although the land is cheaper there, it's too desolate. Here, it's more comfortable, with warm winters, cool summers, and plenty of sunshine. If you're into farming or livestock, it's convenient here." Luo Yi urged, and California was indeed more convenient. "Look, most of the vegetables I buy are locally grown in California. Why? There are more people and a larger market, and it's easier to transport vegetables. Of course, it's also because the climate here is suitable."

"It's hard to say. I do plan to stay here. Other places might have good environments, but they're not as fun. I want to develop here while finding some lively places to play. Otherwise, I'll go crazy like a hermit. But the land prices in California are indeed quite high, and the money in my pocket might be a bit tight." Qi Ping joked, but it was true.

"Alright, if you buy some land and start a farm or ranch, I might come over to visit you sometime. It would be great to spend a weekend. I'm enjoying a vacation farm lifestyle now." Luo Yi had ulterior motives, but it was also understandable. After all, he was still somewhat unfamiliar with the area, and it was more convenient to interact without affecting his friend's interests.

"By the way, why do the vegetables here have small labels?" Qi Ping was puzzled and needed to ask the local expert.

"Oh, organic vegetables, some are certified organic. Look, most of these vegetables have their origin listed, so you can trace any issues. In the U.S., meat is relatively cheap, and vegetables are relatively expensive, compared to what we see back home. Generally, regular vegetables are not too expensive, but organic vegetables are more expensive. If you start a farm, it's better to grow organic vegetables. It's more tiring, but the profit is higher." Luo Yi explained in detail. After all, Qi Ping was still unfamiliar with the area.

Qi Ping whistled. Although Luo Yi only gave a brief explanation, Qi Ping already knew that getting organic certification in the U.S. was not easy. It was indeed a bit troublesome, but Qi Ping was confident. He believed he could grow better vegetables, which would help him earn more money. A challenge was a good thing!

"Do you want to go to a nightclub to see what it's like? I'll take you around; there are many things you haven't seen." After watching a basketball game at home, Luo Yi enthusiastically suggested.

"No, I'm not in the mood. I've been here for a week, and nothing has happened. I can't relax until I get things settled. I'll go in a couple of days. Once I get my forest, I'll go to the nightclub with you and have a good time." Qi Ping stretched and felt great. In the past, he watched NBA broadcasts during the day, but now in the U.S., he watched games during the prime time in the evening, and then went to sleep, which was very comfortable!