Chapter 56

When one is in a good mood, time always seems to fly by. It had been nearly half a month since the last barbecue dinner. During this time, Liu Yuxuan and Michelle's relationship had been great. Sometimes, when they stayed up late playing with the large tortoise, Michelle would stay at Liu Yuxuan's place. However, she stayed in the guest room.

Michelle also mentioned that she wanted to visit China after the graduation ceremony. This was a great opportunity, and Liu Yuxuan certainly didn't want to miss it.

Liu Yuxuan, who originally planned to return to China soon, had to postpone his trip. The last time he wanted to go home, he was busy getting his Texas driver's license.

Getting a driver's license in the United States isn't very difficult; many Americans get theirs as soon as they turn 16. Moreover, Liu Yuxuan already knew how to drive and was quite skilled, so it should have been even easier for him.

However, Liu Yuxuan didn't realize that he couldn't just take the test whenever he wanted; each step required scheduling. He had to coordinate his schedule with the examiner's.

What was particularly frustrating was that he failed the first road test. The reason was simple: after turning, he had been negligent and didn't place both hands on the steering wheel, using only one hand to turn the wheel. Well, under the examiner's keen eye, he failed and had to make another appointment.

When he returned to the ranch and told Michelle about it, she laughed uncontrollably. It took him almost three months to finally get his license.

Michelle was busy with her master's thesis defense recently. The graduation rate for master's degrees in the United States isn't very high, especially at a prestigious university like the University of Texas.

Liu Yuxuan also had his own matters to attend to. His vegetables finally received the USDA label from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. On the day he received the notification, Garcia and Rodriguez were even more excited than Liu Yuxuan.

"Boss, we finally made it! Pinch me, am I dreaming?" Garcia asked, waving his hands.

Liu Yuxuan pinched Garcia's arm and said with a smile, "Does it hurt? This isn't a dream; it's real."

"Boss, we need to celebrate. We have to let the whole town know this good news."

"Alright, you go and arrange it. We'll all go to the Cowboy Bar for a drink tonight," Liu Yuxuan said, also looking forward to the celebration.

That evening, the town was bustling with people. Brown's Cowboy Bar couldn't accommodate everyone, so Brown set up long tables outside, filled with beer kegs.

"Liu, congratulations. I'll give you 10 kegs of beer tonight as a celebration," Brown said to Liu Yuxuan.

"Brown, you should give me more," Liu Yuxuan joked.

Brown blinked and pleaded, "Liu, please spare me."

With his own success, the entire town joined in the celebration. This kind of atmosphere was something he couldn't experience back home.

"Liu, congratulations. You are truly an angel sent by God to our town," Mayor Jerry said, raising his glass.

"Mayor Jerry, thank you for coming to our celebration," Liu Yuxuan thanked him.

"This is an honor for our town. Liu, we are a small town, and you have brought glory to us," Jerry said, taking a sip of beer.

Jerry had been working for the town for 10 years, always doing his best. It's important to note that mayors in the United States don't receive a salary; they are elected to serve the town voluntarily.

"Jerry, everyone sees the hard work you've put in over the years. You are the one who has contributed the most to this town," Liu Yuxuan said, admiring the mayor. If it were him, he would never agree to such a position.

Jerry was pleased with Liu Yuxuan's compliment. "Alright, Liu, go and celebrate with the young people. I'll have a couple of beers and then go home to rest; I'm getting old."

After saying goodbye to Jerry, Liu Yuxuan joined some of the ranchers for a drink.

At this moment, Sheriff Martin led a black man over.

"Liu, let me introduce you. This is the county commissioner of Nacogdoches County, who came here specifically to celebrate with you." He then turned to the black county commissioner and introduced, "This is our hero from Brown Springs, Liu, the owner of the Garden Ranch."

Liu Yuxuan stepped forward, shook the county commissioner's hand, and said, "Commissioner, welcome. You will be warmly received in Brown Springs."

"Hello, Liu, you are truly a remarkable person from the East. Welcome to Nacogdoches County," the black county commissioner said.

"Yes, I am honored to have chosen Brown Springs in Nacogdoches County. The people here are very warm and welcoming," Liu Yuxuan said.

After a brief exchange, the black county commissioner didn't stay long, had a beer, and left. He had only come to offer a simple congratulations.

"Jerry, the county commissioner just came. Why didn't you come to greet him?" Liu Yuxuan asked Jerry, who was drinking beer nearby, in confusion.

Jerry was puzzled by Liu Yuxuan's question. "Why should I greet him?"

Hearing Jerry's counter-question, Liu Yuxuan was even more confused. "Isn't he your superior? Shouldn't you greet him when he comes?"

"Ha ha ha, I think you're mistaken, Liu," Jerry laughed, took a sip of beer, and continued, "I have no hierarchical relationship with the county commissioner. I serve the residents of Brown Springs, not the county commissioner. Not to mention the county commissioner, even if the president came, I could choose not to see him if I didn't like him."

Liu Yuxuan was taken aback. Listening to Jerry's explanation, he realized that this was America, and the official system was different from back home. He had been somewhat pleased with the county commissioner's visit, but in Jerry's eyes, the county commissioner was nothing, and he completely ignored him.

"Liu, if you have any difficulties in the future, you can come to me. I will do my best to help you. Our town is small, and only by working together can we have a better life," Jerry said.

"Don't worry, Jerry. I really like the beautiful Brown Springs. I promise that if my ranch or factory needs workers, I will prioritize hiring from our town," Liu Yuxuan said. After all, hiring from the town would also improve his reputation.

"I speak on behalf of the young people in the town. Liu, you have given them new hope," Jerry said sincerely. With the economy not doing well, young people without jobs would often get into trouble.

"Let's raise a glass to Brown Springs," Liu Yuxuan proposed.

"Sure," Jerry said, then turned to the bar entrance, picked up the microphone, and said, "Everyone, let's raise a glass to Liu and to our town."

Everyone responded, raising their glasses. Some children even took a sip when the adults weren't looking.

The celebration lasted late into the night, and many people got drunk. Garcia was carried back by Liu Yuxuan and Rodriguez.

Finally, he could see some returns.

The next morning, Liu Yuxuan received many calls, all inquiring about the prices and supply of the vegetables. In the end, Walmart, with its massive purchasing power, bought the vegetables at 80% above the market price, becoming the exclusive distributor in the United States. Walmart was also responsible for transportation and packaging, using their own dedicated packaging. The only addition was the Garden Ranch logo and the USDA label.

In fact, organic vegetables in the United States are usually only 30% to 50% more expensive than regular vegetables. Liu Yuxuan hadn't expected that just having the USDA label would increase the price so much.

Liu Yuxuan was very satisfied with the result. He didn't have to do anything; he just needed to grow the vegetables, and the money would come in.