Chapter 14

In the United States, half of the crops planted are genetically modified, and vegetables are no exception. Organic vegetables are somewhat more expensive compared to regular vegetables. The variety of vegetables in the small town's supermarket is not extensive, with only tomatoes, potatoes, green beans, cucumbers, and lettuce. However, the meat selection is quite complete. Li Han chose some good beef and pork, a turkey leg, which was enough for a midday meal for three people.

Back at the farm, Li Han busied himself preparing lunch, while Kelly helped take care of the mischievous Doudou. Li Han planned to make some noodle sauce, which better suited Kelly's taste. The noodle sauce was a traditional dish from Li Han's hometown, with a very nice flavor. The sauce was made from minced beef and pork, along with diced cucumbers, potatoes, and tomatoes, and garnished with lettuce, which was enough to make the sauce. The beef and pork were first stewed over a high flame until tender. Thinking that Doudou seemed to like the spring water from the space, Li Han took the water from the space to stew the meat, making a rich and thick meat sauce.

For the vegetables, a bit more care was needed to retain their freshness and flavor, ensuring they were not overcooked. While stewing the beef and pork sauce, Li Han started preparing the noodles. The dough had to be kneaded until it was smooth, with the hands, dough, and bowl all clean. The dough needed to be kneaded until it was half-cooked, with a bit more firmness. When rolling the dough, it had to be even, with the dough sheet as thin as paper, and the noodles cut uniformly, neither too thick nor too thin. The noodles were cooked in chicken broth. As Li Han put the noodles in the pot, the sauce was almost ready, and a rich aroma wafted from the kitchen.

Doudou, who usually didn't like to eat, sniffed the air, tiptoed, and clung to the kitchen counter, looking eagerly with his little mouth smacking. Li Han felt a bit proud; no matter how picky the little guy was, he had become a little glutton now.

"Little glutton," Li Han said, dotting Doudou's little nose with flour. While he was busy, he fished out the cooked noodles, added a few fresh mushrooms to the chicken broth, and adjusted the meat sauce. The rich meat sauce, tender beef and pork, and vegetable sauce were combined, and the meal was complete. He also prepared a dish of stir-fried green beans. Li Han served Kelly first, which made Doudou cry and cling to Li Han's leg.

"Kelly, how does it taste?" Li Han asked with a smile, wiping Doudou's little hands. The little guy was surprisingly good at learning other things, but he couldn't use chopsticks well. In a hurry, he threw the chopsticks and started eating with his hands.

"It's really great, Han. I really appreciate you making such a delicious lunch for me," Kelly said, enjoying the rich sauce, the tender and flavorful meat, and the fresh, crisp vegetables. The noodle soup was especially delicious.

"Thank you. How about another bowl?" Li Han said with a smile. The noodle sauce really tasted great today, and he even thought he might be better off making noodle sauce instead of running a farm.

"Of course, it's really delicious." Kelly didn't hesitate, and the three of them finished the entire pot of noodles. The picky eater Doudou even ate two small bowls and still wanted more, while Kelly and Li Han each had two large bowls.

"Really a memorable meal, Han. Thank you." After lunch, they had a cup of coffee, and Kelly got up to leave. "It's my pleasure. You've helped me so much. I'll see you off." Li Han drove Kelly back to the town and didn't rush back to the farm. Some construction was needed in the afternoon, which would be noisy. Additionally, he needed to prepare for the party the next day. Perhaps the noodle sauce would be a good main dish. Li Han's hometown is in the northwest of China, where noodles are the main food, and he is especially skilled at making them.

When they arrived at the supermarket, Doudou wobbled over to the vegetable section and grabbed tomatoes and potatoes, shoving them into Li Han's hands. "Little glutton," Li Han said, dotting Doudou's nose. Doudou didn't care and pushed Li Han towards the meat section. Li Han had no choice but to buy the ingredients for the noodle sauce first, or Doudou would cause trouble. Despite his small size, Doudou was quite strong and, being young, didn't understand much. When he got rowdy, Li Han was afraid he might knock over the shelves.

After buying the ingredients for the noodle sauce, Doudou sat obediently in the shopping cart, holding a big tomato and playing happily. Li Han bought some food for the party. Since he was inviting many people, the preparation was a bit complicated. He prepared five barrels of beer alone and loaded everything into his pickup truck, heading to George's farm. His own farm was under construction and a bit messy, but George's farm was better suited for a large party, with enough grass for the event and all the necessary utensils and coffee pots.

This was a great place, Li Han thought, much better than his small farm. "However, the cowshed being empty is a problem. I should call Will and ask if Uncle Ronald and Uncle Marbury have any extra cattle or sheep for sale."

Li Han thought about converting George's 2,000 acres entirely to pasture, planting crops on the other 3,000 acres, and turning the small farm into a weekend farm.

"Will, it's Han. Are you at the farm?" Li Han called, knowing Will was usually at the farm in the afternoon. "Han, wait a minute. Dad, it's Han's call. Han wants to raise some cattle."

"Han, do you want to raise dairy cows or beef cattle?" Ronald asked, taking the call. Li Han hadn't really considered this before, as he had no funds to raise cattle and sheep and didn't know much about the differences between dairy and beef cattle.

"Uncle Ronald, I plan to start with 300 beef cattle. I'd like to hear your advice," Li Han said, sharing his thoughts. Ronald gave him a brief introduction to raising beef cattle, which Li Han knew nothing about, including the breeds and what to pay attention to.

"Han, you might need to hire an experienced cowboy to help you," Ronald added.

"Uncle Ronald, as you said, I need an experienced cowboy," Li Han said, rubbing his forehead. Raising cattle and sheep was not a simple task, and an experienced cowboy was essential. Ronald introduced Li Han to a few experienced cowboys in town.

Li Han hung up, tidied up, and drove to the town's bar, which was lively, where cowboys often came to have a beer. "Jack, a beer, please. Is Hutton here today?"

Jack poured a beer for Li Han and pointed to a middle-aged white man by the window. "Another beer," Li Han said, carrying his beer over to Hutton. "How about a beer, Hutton?"

"Hank? Sure, thank God." Hutton didn't hesitate, finishing his beer in one gulp and wiping the foam from his mouth.

"Hutton, I plan to raise 300 cattle and need an experienced cowboy. Uncle Ronald recommended you," Li Han said, gesturing for another beer.

Hutton thought for a moment and took a sip of beer. "Three hundred cattle, one cowboy is too few, and two might be too many."

"I also plan to raise a dozen horses and maybe some dairy cows," Li Han said, as his farm's pasture was not large enough to support too many beef cattle.

"That sounds about right," Hutton nodded.

Li Han and Hutton agreed on a salary of $1,300 and insurance. Hutton then called his daughter, Dana, and they packed their bags and followed Li Han back to the farm.