Chapter 46

Back at the farm, the older sister took the two little ones to change their clothes and take a bath. They couldn't avoid being scolded by their mother for wearing such thick clothes on a hot day, which could make them overheat. The older sister, who was more concerned than their mother, didn't know how to argue back.

"Sis, come and eat the watermelon after changing your clothes. I just bought a watermelon." Li Han placed the watermelon in the sink to cool it down, and the remaining lettuce in the small cart was brought inside and sprinkled with some water, as it had dried out a bit from the afternoon sun.

"These Americans are so stingy, they won't even buy a bunch of vegetables." The mother looked at the remaining lettuce and pouted. "Mom, in America, most people recognize the organic label. Besides, if the vegetables sold by Dudu and Baobao cause any problems, it wouldn't be good." Li Han explained, not wanting to dampen Dudu and Baobao's enthusiasm, but the facts couldn't be ignored.

Li Han cut the watermelon and, after some thought, also cut some fruit to make a fruit smoothie, which was refreshing and cooling. Indeed, Dudu and Baobao preferred the icy cold fruit smoothie. The mother and older sister had to stop them several times before the two little ones patted their small bellies and put down their forks.

"These two kids, Xiao Han, this watermelon tastes pretty good." The older sister, who had just taken care of the two little ones, finally took a piece of watermelon to eat. "This is organic watermelon, grown with natural fertilizer and no pesticides. It tastes a bit better than regular watermelon, but it's more expensive."

Li Han had mostly eaten genetically modified or regular watermelons before, as he couldn't afford the expensive organic ones. In the United States, over 75% of crops are genetically modified, and most of what ordinary people eat is made from genetically modified crops. There are only a few thousand certified organic farms, which is a small number compared to the hundreds of thousands of farms. When Li Han explained this, the older sister and mother were a bit incredulous. "Do Americans eat genetically modified food too?"

"Ha ha, most people don't pay much attention to it. Only the rich care about whether it's genetically modified or not. Many ordinary people don't even know what genetically modified means." But Kemi Star Town is relatively wealthy, and most people still eat genetically modified food.

"I didn't expect America to be so similar to China." The older sister sighed. Li Han smiled, acknowledging that there were differences, but for most ordinary people, there wasn't much of a difference. "Sis, I have to attend a charity party tonight. I'll take Dudu and Baobao with me to play. Sis, help Baobao and Dudu change their clothes."

"Not eating at home?" the mother asked.

Li Han took a piece of pineapple and put it in his mouth. "I'll eat a little to tide me over. These gatherings don't have much good food, just some drinks and talk."

The mother pushed the fruit plate in front of her. "Don't drive tonight. It's dangerous to drive after drinking." "I know, Mom." The fruit was really good, and Li Han took another piece. "Mom, have some too."

Zhang Xiuying took the fruit plate her son handed her and put it aside. "I've already eaten. Your father and brother-in-law will be back soon; let them have it."

"There's more in the fridge. We can cut some more when they come back."

Li Han chatted with his mother for a while, and then his brother-in-law and father returned. The mother handed the fruit plate to her brother-in-law and father. "It's pretty hot outside, but the fruit tastes good." The brother-in-law took a bite of an apple and said.

"Yes, it's quite good. Xiao Han, have Dudu and Baobao come back yet?" the father asked while eating the fruit.

"They're back. Sis took them to change clothes. I'll take them to the party tonight." Li Han helped his brother-in-law and father pour some iced tea. It was quite hot in the afternoon, and his brother-in-law had gone out to ride horses, which was quite impressive. He had gotten his father to love riding horses, and they went out for a ride every afternoon.

Li Pinghe took the iced tea his son handed him and sipped it, frowning slightly. "Party? Is it okay for Dudu and Baobao to go? I think American parties are quite chaotic."

"No, it's not like that. This one is hosted by the largest farm in town, probably to discuss irrigation management. It's just some talk and drinks, nothing to worry about." Li Han smiled and explained. Parties come in many forms, and the ones at Wang's farm are mostly quite dull.

The brother-in-law smiled. "Isn't it like a gathering of our teachers, where we eat and talk about things?" "Yes, Brother-in-law, that's right. Actually, the more lively parties are usually thrown by young people, celebrities, or school parties. The others are similar to business dinners in China."

"Which is better? The parties in movies are always so chaotic." The brother-in-law pouted. Li Han had attended a few lively parties, which were a bit over the top, but it was hard to say whether they were good or bad. After all, marijuana is not illegal in some states in America, and many people think it's better than cigarettes, as it's a plant and not addictive in moderation. As for whether it's organic or not, Li Han hadn't really looked into it.

While Li Han was talking with his brother-in-law, the older sister had changed Dudu and Baobao's clothes. This time, she and her mother had brought a lot of clothes. "Baobao, Dudu, you look like little princesses." "Sis, just a simple dress will do. We'll play for a while and come back."

Li Han was a bit helpless. It wasn't like they were going to an award ceremony or a wedding. Why dress so elaborately? "Okay, we can change back after dinner. I think they look very nice." "That's good," the mother said. Dudu and Baobao pouted. "But Grandma, it's so long and hot." "Yes, it's so hot. Change, change," Li Han saw that his mother immediately changed her mind when she heard her granddaughters say it was hot, and he couldn't help but laugh.

Dinner was a bit early. Li Han, dressed in casual clothes, led the two little girls, who were wearing dresses, to Wang's farm. The farm estate was brightly lit, and waiters could be seen coming and going from a distance. Li Han reported his name, and a waiter led him into the estate. The party was on a large lawn, with long tables set up for food and drinks, and there were over a dozen waiters moving around. Li Han looked around and saw not only the farmers from Kemi Star Town but also those from nearby towns.

There were some guests in the living room, who seemed to be from out of town. Li Han didn't want to disturb them and went to get a glass of red wine from a waiter. He then went to the food area and got some sweets for the two little ones. They tasted good, and Dudu and Baobao liked them very much. "Dudu, Baobao, play here for a while, don't run around, okay?"

"Okay." Dudu was happily eating the cake and nodded obediently. Li Han arranged for Dudu and Baobao to sit on a bench at the corner of the lawn and walked over to Andre, Ronald, and a few others. "Our little Hanke has arrived."

"Uncle Andre, Uncle Ronald, Wilson, good evening." Li Han smiled and raised his glass. The Wang farm really spared no expense; the red wine was excellent, and such good wine could cost dozens or even hundreds of dollars.

"Han, how do you feel? I bet you're excited, being here for the first time." Wilson smiled.

"Yes, Wilson, the wine here is really good. Would you like a glass?" Li Han said lightly. Andre and Ronald smiled, and Wilson invited Li Han to drink and talk about the pasture. Jack had spread the word, and Wilson's reputation for being stingy grew.

"Thanks, Ronald, Andre, it seems Demille is looking for me. I'll go over there. Han, I wish you a pleasant evening, and I'm sure you'll remember this wonderful night." "Thanks," Li Han smiled and saw Wilson off. As the party continued, Li Han felt increasingly uncomfortable, with a vague sense of being excluded from the circle.

Marbury walked up to Li Han and patted his shoulder. "Han, are you feeling a bit out of place? Don't worry, have a drink, it might make you feel better." Marbury and Li Han stood outside the main circle, not ignored, but in a way that was hard to describe, uncomfortable, perhaps due to different values or mainstream thinking. They were unknowingly excluded, and Li Han's initial pride was completely gone. He was still an outsider, and he smiled bitterly, shaking his head.

"Baobao, what's wrong?" Li Han's clothes were tugged, and he looked down to see Baobao. "Dudu went with the white-bearded grandpa," Baobao pointed to the living room. Li Han was slightly taken aback. "Excuse me, Uncle Marbury, I need to leave for a moment."

Marbury held Li Han's wine glass, and Li Han quickly led Baobao into the living room but didn't see Dudu. Thinking she might have gone upstairs, Li Han hurriedly tried to go up, but was stopped by two tall waiters. "Excuse me, sir, is there anything we can help you with?" "Daddy," Dudu suddenly ran over from somewhere, holding a small plate of delicate pastries.

"Dudu, are you okay?" Li Han didn't see the grandpa Baobao mentioned and was curious, so he asked Dudu, who only said the white-bearded cake grandpa. "Let's go." Back on the lawn, Dudu shared her pastries with Baobao. Li Han and Marbury stood behind the crowd as the auction began. Compared to the charity auction at Harley, this one was much more upscale, with bids often reaching hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Li Han had intended to buy a couple of items but failed to bid successfully a few times and gave up.

"Han, is it okay?" "It's fine, Uncle Marbury, the wine here is good." Marbury smiled. After the auction, the crowd started chatting, and Uncle Ronald and Andre joined in.

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