Chapter 51

Driving the small boat across the lake, Li Han felt the cool breeze and heard the joyful laughter of Dudu and Baobao. He felt all the fatigue of the past few days disappear. "Brother-in-law, how does it feel?" "Not bad, Xiao Han. The lake is quite large, it’s a pity to let it sit idle. Do you have any plans?"

Li Han smiled and said, "The scenery here is nice. I plan to plant some fruit trees around the lake. The mud from the lake can be used as fertilizer. As for the lake, it can be used for raising fish and shrimp. The cow manure from the farm can be used to raise earthworms, which can then be used to feed the fish. The earthworm manure can be used as fertilizer for the fruit trees. It’s an eco-friendly cycle."

Brother-in-law nodded. "That’s a good idea. The small hill in front can be used to plant some grapes, creating a small vineyard."

"Brother-in-law, that’s a great idea. We can raise some snails in the vineyard. The snails, fish, and shrimp can be used for dishes, and the grapes can be used for wine. It will make a great table of wine and food."

Brother-in-law smiled and shook his head. "You, with such a good atmosphere, you turn it into a foodie’s paradise."

"Brother-in-law, isn’t being a foodie great? Ask Dudu and Baobao if you don’t believe me." Li Han said with a smile.

Dudu and Baobao nodded their little heads and shouted about eating big snails, big fish, and grapes. Brother-in-law was both amused and exasperated. "Forget it, I won’t say anything more. Xiao Han, can we cast the net here?"

"About right."

Li Han threw the fishing net, and the boat slowed down. Brother-in-law and Dudu, Baobao came over to help. The fish and shrimp in the small lake were surprisingly large. Before long, the net started to move, and it was quite a catch. Li Han and Brother-in-law stopped the boat and tried to pull the net, but it was too heavy for both of them. "Xiao Han, there are a lot of fish here. Do you usually catch them?"

Li Han wasn’t sure. "Maybe. Montana has many lakes, most of which are abandoned. Perhaps people go to the lakes where fish and shrimp are raised. Let’s go back first."

They pulled the net back to the dock. Li Han and Brother-in-law pulled the net, while Dudu and Baobao followed closely with their small buckets. The catch was at least a thousand pounds, and the fish were large and wild-looking.

The number of fish and shrimp exceeded Li Han’s expectations. With so many, he had to change his plans. "Brother-in-law, I’ll go talk to Uncle Ronald about building a canal to divert water from Oram Lake to Dick’s farm. Then we can clean the mud from Oram Lake."

Brother-in-law nodded. "That’s a good idea. I’ll take the fish and shrimp back and process them. If not, we can keep them in the small pond in front of the farm."

"That’s the only option for now." Li Han didn’t have a better plan. They decided to head back to the farm.

Dudu and Baobao didn’t want to go back. They were all dressed in waders and insisted on catching more fish.

"Dudu, go back by yourself." Dudu waved a big net, and Baobao didn’t want to go back. Li Han couldn’t agree to this. The lake was full of mud, and even adults could easily get stuck, let alone two three- or four-year-old kids. "Dudu, be a good girl and go back. Uncle will take you to catch lobsters in the pond later."

Li Han persuaded them, and finally, the two little ones nodded. Dudu drove her small cart with Baobao, slowly heading towards the farm. Brother-in-law followed in the farm vehicle, and Li Han went directly to the town square. Ronald usually worked in town. Li Han knocked on the door, and Ronald was surprised. "Han, have a cup of coffee. Is there anything I can help you with?"

"Thanks, Uncle Ronald. Yes, I want to build an irrigation canal to divert water from Oram Lake to Dick’s farm." Li Han spread out the prepared map and drew a line with a pencil, then drew four more lines from Dick’s Lake to George’s farm, Dikla, Auburn’s farm, and the small farm, connecting four small lakes.

"Oh, that’s not a small project." A spark of interest flashed in Ronald’s eyes.

"Uncle Ronald, I also want to clean the mud from Oram Lake. I need an engineering team. Can you help me contact them?" Li Han said everything, and Ronald pointed to Oram Lake.

"Han, no problem. I’ll help you contact them. You can talk it over." Ronald looked at Li Han and nodded slightly.

"Thanks, Uncle Ronald." Li Han needed to prepare and left without staying longer.

After seeing Li Han off, Ronald held the simple map and suddenly widened his eyes. He ran to his desk, opened the drawer, and took out the map of Komi Star Town. He compared it and looked at the lines Li Han had drawn. "I underestimated Han. He’s planning to build a fully irrigated farm."

Li Han returned to the farm and started preparing. He had already planned to buy two farms, build irrigation canals, and clean the lake mud. After finishing, he immediately started the next project. Li Han’s actions caused a stir in Komi Star Town. Cleaning the lake and building irrigation canals were huge expenses. Many people thought Li Han was crazy and bet that the Chinese boy would soon leave Komi Star Town in disgrace.

Lemton was very happy. Li Han had previously bought two farms that Little Wang Farm had been interested in. These two farms, including Oram Lake and the Yellow Creek Mountains, covered over 5,000 acres, but only about 1,500 acres were suitable for planting. The Yellow Creek Mountains were not even considered part of the farm. What really interested Little Wang Farm was the large, gentle bend of the Yellow Creek River on the farm, which was an excellent water source. This could save over 3,000 meters of irrigation costs. As for the farm size, Lemton didn’t care. Hearing about Li Han’s strange actions, Lemton was in a great mood. "To celebrate our Chinese friend, I’ll buy everyone a beer. Andre, Edik, how about a beer?"

Lemton smiled, but Andre and Edik looked a bit uncomfortable, worried about Li Han. Lemton’s intentions were well-known, and they were upset that Li Han had used Little Wang Farm to apply for a $500,000 loan, especially when they heard that the loan was entirely for cleaning the lake mud and building irrigation canals.

"Lemton, you’re so generous. Why don’t I have a beer too?" Ronald pushed open the door and walked in with a smile.

"Of course, Ronald, it’s my honor." Lemton smiled.

"Andre, Edik, the beer tastes great. Why don’t you sit down and have a drink?" Ronald patted Andre’s shoulder, and Andre and Edik sat down without a word.

"Ronald, how’s Han’s project? Is it like Wilson said?" Andre was a good person, and Ronald smiled and handed him the map of Komi Star with marked lines and elevation differences.

"Is this? Does Han plan to...?" Andre and Edik were shocked. The elevation differences, the Yellow Creek River to Oram Lake, and from Oram Lake to Dick’s Lake, then through four irrigation canals to four other small lakes, covered all of Li Han’s farms. This was a fully irrigated farm, using the elevation differences and a large river, one large, one medium, and four small lakes, all connected by five irrigation canals.

This was truly incredible. Lemton, standing behind Andre and Edik, was stunned. This was impossible. How could this Chinese boy do it? If this were true, once the irrigation canals were built and the lakes connected to the Yellow Creek River, Li Han’s farm would become a truly natural fully irrigated farm. The planting costs would be reduced several times, and the farm’s value would increase. Banks would be happy to provide loans for such a farm, and many agricultural companies would not miss out on such a natural fully irrigated farm.

Lemton lost his appetite for beer. Ronald drank his beer and said to Lemton with a smile, "Lemton, Han asked me to thank Little Wang Farm for providing the guarantee. Without the $500,000, he wouldn’t have been able to clean the lake and build the irrigation canals. Little Wang Farm providing guarantees for many farms in Komi Star is a good thing."

"Ha ha ha, yes, Lemton, I suddenly realize you’re a good person. Jack, a beer, Lemton is buying. How can I not have a drink?" Andre excitedly patted the bar.

"Thank you, Lemton, for your generosity. Andre, Ronald, I think we should toast to Lemton on behalf of Han." Edik raised his beer with a smile, and Lemton forced a smile. "I’m really happy for Han. Oh, my time is up. Sorry, Ronald, Andre, Edik, I have to go."

"Lemton, drive carefully. I saw Kemira’s car pass the square when I came." Ronald kindly reminded him, and Lemton thanked him and left the bar in a hurry. Wilson, Obam, and others didn’t know why Lemton left in such a hurry.

At this moment, Li Han was busy picking up small fish and shrimp from the mud. The whole family, young and old, was involved. Dudu and Baobao, like little bears, were splashing in the mud, their faces and hands covered in mud. They were trying to crawl out of the mud, looking like little mud balls.

The sound of large excavators and trucks, along with the laughter of the family, formed the main melody of the farm. Li Han picked up the small fish and put them in a basket. He was surprised by the number of fish and shrimp in the mud. In a short time, he had collected half a basket. He also secretly threw some into the space, where he had created a small pond. The time in the space was ten times faster than outside, and the fish had grown significantly overnight.

Li Han pushed the basket forward and saw the two little ones ahead, laughing. Dudu was trying to pull Baobao out of the mud, but she slipped and fell, and Baobao also fell into the mud. Li Han quickly ran over and pulled them out like pulling carrots. "Dudu."

Baobao pouted, wiping his face, which was now covered in mud, leaving only his big, watery eyes showing some sadness. "It’s not Dudu, it’s a bad fish."

Dudu and Baobao were both covered in mud. The little girl, just pulled out, ran back to where she had fallen and dug a big hole with a small shovel, pulling out a large turtle. Dudu held it up.

Sister was walking over with a towel and was surprised to see the large turtle. Wei Li, Bill, Kadi, and Xiao Miqi, who were picking up fish and shrimp, were also attracted and gathered around. "It’s a big one." Wei Li tapped the turtle’s shell.

"Uncle Wei, it scared the big fish." Dudu pouted and pointed at the turtle’s head. The turtle was smart and didn’t bite Dudu, which surprised everyone. "Dudu, don’t touch it, put it down."

Sister was so scared she dropped the towel. If the turtle bit Dudu’s finger, it would be gone. Dudu waved her little hand and showed her white teeth. "Aunt, it’s okay, Dudu is fine. The big fish is fun."

"Dudu is so silly, it’s a big turtle, not a big fish." Baobao envied Dudu and pouted. "But why is it in the lake with the fish?" Dudu asked, puzzled.

"Big crabs are also in the lake, but they’re not fish. Ask your mom if you don’t believe me." Baobao looked at Dudu as if she knew nothing. Dudu said, "Aunt, is what Baby said right?"

"Mom, say it, Dudu is wrong." Baobao pulled her mom’s hand. "Baby, you’re the older sister, you should let your younger sister. Understand?"

"But it’s a turtle." "I can’t do anything with you. Dudu, it’s a turtle, like a crab."

"Oh, a big crab." Dudu nodded and put the turtle in her basin, thinking it was a big crab she had caught.