Chapter 74

When Fangfang returned to the ranch, she recounted the new events from school to her grandmother again. She also asked her grandmother to sit down, as Fangfang wanted to read a storybook to her, which was a requirement from her teacher.

Fangfang was very happy because not only were her grandparents listening, but the little animals were also lying down obediently to listen. Fangfang felt a great sense of accomplishment.

The next day, Fangfang got up early, first picking up after Bai Xue, and then, after breakfast, she put on her little backpack and waited to go to school.

"Fangfang, don't be so anxious. The school bus will be here in a bit," Liu's mother said with a smile, looking at Fangfang's eager little face. It was still early, just past 8 o'clock.

"Grandma, Teacher Joanna said we must be punctual. It's a matter of personal integrity. We need to develop the habit of being on time from a young age," Fangfang said earnestly.

"You're such a good child. Grandma loves Fangfang the most," Liu's mother said happily. After just one day at school, Fangfang had become so sensible.

"Um, Fangfang also loves Grandma. When Fangfang grows up and earns money, I'll buy you delicious things," Fangfang said, nodding her head vigorously.

"Will you buy something for Dad, Grandpa, and Aunt Michelle too?" Liu Yunxuan, who was nearby, teased.

Fangfang lowered her head and thought for a moment, then said hesitantly, "But I don't know if I can earn that much money."

"Then how about doing chores at home, and Dad will pay you? What do you think?" Liu Yunxuan said, looking at Fangfang's worried little face.

Hearing that she would be paid for doing chores, Fangfang's eyes lit up. "Okay, okay. Dad, you can't go back on your word."

"Dad won't go back on his word. Mopping the floor will be 50 cents, washing dishes will be 50 cents, and cleaning up after Bai Xue will be 1 dollar. How does that sound?" Liu Yunxuan continued.

Fangfang counted on her fingers and thought it sounded pretty good. Then she could buy delicious things for Grandma.

"Okay," Fangfang said happily, nodding her head.

"You, Fangfang is still so young. Why do you always make her do chores? Cleaning up after Bai Xue is fine, but making a child mop the floor and wash dishes?" Liu's mother said to Liu Yunxuan, not in a good mood.

"Aunt, it's fine. In America, many children start doing chores from a young age. We don't give them pocket money casually, which helps them understand the value of money. They learn that earning money is not easy and won't spend it recklessly in the future," Michelle explained. "Some children even make their own juice and sell it at the roadside."

"Alright, if Michelle says it's good, then let's do it. But Yunxuan, shouldn't we give Fangfang a bit more money?" Liu's mother first agreed with Michelle and then negotiated on Fangfang's behalf.

Liu Yunxuan was speechless. When he said it, it was bullying Fangfang, but when Michelle said it, it was great. What a difference in how people are treated.

Liu Yunxuan turned to look at his father, hoping to form an alliance, but his father was just drinking tea and reading the newspaper. Dad, you can't play like this. Your English isn't even fluent, how can you understand American newspapers?

The family chatted and laughed with Fangfang, and time passed quickly. The school bus was almost there.

Fangfang stopped everyone from seeing her off, saying she was already a student and could walk the short distance by herself.

Liu Yunxuan was still a bit worried and asked Da Huang and Ban Li to accompany her, for safety.

After seeing Fangfang off, Professor Lyle from the United States arrived. To their surprise, he was driving a large RV.

"Professor Lyle, on behalf of all the staff at the ranch, I welcome your arrival," Liu Yunxuan said to Professor Lyle and his two assistants.

"Liu, I've been looking forward to this day for a long time," Professor Lyle said happily.

"Professor Lyle, we've already arranged accommodation for you at the ranch. Why did you bring such a large RV?" Liu Yunxuan asked, puzzled, as he had assured Professor Lyle that the ranch could provide accommodation.

"No, dear Liu, you misunderstood. This RV is full of experimental equipment. It's our workplace," Professor Lyle explained.

"Professor Lyle, do you need more assistants? I haven't decided on a project after graduation. I wonder if I could have the honor of joining your research team," Michelle asked.

"Michelle, of course. You are one of the best graduates from the University of Texas," Professor Lyle said, pleased with Michelle's request. He knew about Liu Yunxuan and Michelle's relationship and that Michelle was very capable.

"Alright, Michelle, take Professor Lyle on a tour of the ranch. Let's not start work today. We'll have a barbecue party tonight to celebrate Professor Lyle's arrival," Liu Yunxuan suggested, realizing they were discussing high-level matters he didn't understand.

"Liu, I'll be troubling you for the next few days," Professor Lyle said apologetically.

Professor Lyle was amazed as he toured the ranch with Michelle. Last time, he had mainly focused on the vegetable fields, but this time, he discovered that the Garden Ranch was truly extraordinary.

Seeing the fattened cattle, he wouldn't have known they were less than 12 months old if Michelle hadn't mentioned it. He also saw the majestic Flame and the five梅花鹿 (mule deer) leisurely grazing on the pasture. One of them even came over and rubbed against Michelle affectionately.

This deer was the little Bambi they had found, but it was no longer a little Bambi; it had grown into a large deer.

"Michelle, are these mule deer also raised on the ranch?" one of the assistant researchers asked in surprise.

"Yes, we found this family of mule deer while hunting with Yunxuan," Michelle said with a smile, recalling the scene.

"It's truly incredible," the assistant remarked.

"Wow, what's that? Is it a fox? Am I seeing things?" another assistant, Thomas, exclaimed, rubbing his eyes.

Three little foxes usually played with Fangfang. Now that Fangfang was at school, they would play on the ranch when it wasn't too hot.

"These three foxes were brought by Yunxuan. He found and raised them," Michelle said proudly.

"Amazing Liu, amazing country, amazing East," Professor Lyle also remarked, sensing that the Garden Ranch would bring good results.

"Michelle, are those three cows about to give birth?" Michelle asked casually as they met Garcia during the tour.

"Yes, either tonight or tomorrow. They are already showing clear signs," Garcia said, not paying much attention to Professor Lyle and his team. The boss had said they could do whatever they wanted.

"Michelle, you really look like a ranch owner now," Professor Lyle said.

"It's nothing. These past few days, Yunxuan has been worried about Fangfang at school and hasn't paid much attention to the ranch," Michelle explained, now used to such jokes.

"Michelle, the pasture here is really good," Professor Lyle said, looking at the pasture as they walked.

"Yes, the pasture used to be poor, but after reseeding, it grew so well, and the animals love it," Michelle nodded.

"Michelle, let's start the research now," Professor Lyle said, eager to begin.

Michelle smiled and said, "No rush, Professor Lyle. The weather is getting hot. We have plenty of time, and the pasture will be here. Let's wait until the temperature is not so high. And you need to rest after the long drive."

Professor Lyle thought about it and agreed. The drive had been long, and the temperature was about to rise. The Texas summer sun could be scorching.