Chapter Seventy-Six: The Grand Rural Scheme (2)
He Zhi Xing gave each of them a gentle hug, then let go and crouched down to pick wild strawberries. Before long, he had gathered a handful that filled his palm, and he offered a few to each of them, giving the rest to little He Jin.
All the girls exclaimed over how delicious they were. Zhang Yan said, “Brother, it’s a real shame that no one has developed these wild strawberries into a real product—they’re simply too good! We never see these outside. When I was studying in the city, I ate plenty of regular strawberries, but their taste isn’t even a fifth as good as these wild ones. It’s a pity you can’t buy wild strawberries in big cities. Maybe your plans could really work.”
He Zhi Xing nodded. “Yes, in fact, these wild strawberries are quite different from the ones sold in the markets. They’re much smaller, and their stems and leaves are covered in thorns. The tallest of these wild strawberry vines can grow as high as a grown man. When they’re laden with fruit, just looking at them makes you happy. As for why I want to develop wild mountain delicacies, it’s because I’ve discovered such wonderful things, and it’s a pity if people crave them and can’t get them. I don’t want to have such regrets. I know this path won’t be easy, so we need to plan carefully. Now you know why I wanted our old classmates to come back and run for village chief. Big plans need the support of people working together.”
“Mm, by now I truly believe that you can always bring about miracles, Brother,” one of the girls replied. “You dare to do things others wouldn’t even dream of—from fashion brands to a chain of collectible shops, and constantly winning big on the lottery. Every one of these things makes us admire you from the bottom of our hearts. You’re our hero, our prince!”
Zhang Yan, that little minx, was swooning again. Aunt Zhang gave her a gentle tap on the head and chided her with a smile, “You little girl, don’t you have any shame… hehe.” With that, she laughed herself.
He Zhi Xing led them on, and soon they came to a wild fruit tree that resembled a rose bush. He said, “This is a real treasure. Don’t be fooled by its thorny branches and leaves, its white flowers, or the wild fruits that look like thumb-sized gourds with spines all around them. When unripe, the fruits are white; when ripe, they blush red or even deep red. Those with a hint of red in the white look just like the shyly blushing cheeks of a maiden—very beautiful. Once the fruit ripens, pick it, remove the spines, open it up, take out the white-yellow seeds inside, and eat the flesh. It tastes a little sweet and tart, with a refreshing juice that’s like natural nectar. The greatest benefit of this fruit is that it benefits the spleen and kidneys, helps with kidney health, strengthens the spleen, stops diarrhea, and eliminates dampness. It also clears the liver, improves eyesight, boosts energy, nourishes the kidneys, beautifies the skin, and promotes health. If we could cultivate and produce drinks from this wild fruit on a large scale, it could become the healthy beverage of the future, with limitless market potential!”
Ling’er and Yan’er had never seen or heard of such wild fruit before. Listening to He Zhi Xing’s description, they were eager to try one, but unfortunately it was still spring: the tree only bore flowers, not fruit, so they would have to wait.
Afterwards, He Zhi Xing planned to head further into the hilly fields. He asked Yu Fang to drive Aunt Zhang, Jiang Ni, and the little boy home, as the children couldn’t go up the mountain. Only He Zhi Xing and the twin sisters continued on together.
As soon as Yu Fang returned home, inspiration struck. She rushed into her studio and began sketching designs feverishly—patterns based on what He Zhi Xing had just described and the wildflowers, grasses, fruits, and mountain scenery they’d seen along the roadside. She drew many styles, working tirelessly and losing all track of time.
Aunt Zhang devoted herself to looking after the child, while Jiang Ni watched and discussed the designs with great interest. Her own artistic skill was already excellent, so she often offered Yu Fang suggestions, ensuring that the clothing designs would be both fashionable and perfect.