The afterglow of the setting sun fell on Shen Qiqi and Lu Qing. They stood in the orchard, and the air was filled with the fragrance of ripe fruits.

Shen Qiqi's face was filled with a happy smile. She held Lu Qing's hand tightly, feeling his warmth and support.

"The Lu family's financial situation has improved greatly because of these fruit trees," Lu Qing said softly, "and our lives will get better and better." Shen Qiqi nodded, and their laughter echoed in the orchard, as if all their troubles had been blown away by the wind.

However, at this moment, a light breeze blew, bringing with it the noise from the Lu family's old courtyard in the distance.

Shen Qiqi and Lu Qing looked at each other. Although they didn't say it explicitly, they both knew in their hearts that new family conflicts might arise because of economic gains.

"Qiqi," Lu Qing suddenly spoke with a hint of worry in his tone, "We have to be prepared to deal with possible challenges." Shen Qiqi nodded firmly, "Don't worry, no matter what happens, we can face it together." The two hugged each other tightly, and the fruit fragrance in the orchard and their laughter intertwined, forming a warm and beautiful picture.

The last ray of sunset shines on them, freezing the beauty of this moment.

"Lu Qing," Shen Qiqi suddenly remembered something and gently pushed Lu Qing away, a hint of curiosity in her eyes, "What is the secret you mentioned?"

Lu Qing smiled slightly and was about to speak when suddenly Brother Lu's voice came from a distance, breaking the silence.

"Come here, both of you. We have something to discuss at home." Brother Lu's voice was low and serious.

Shen Qiqi and Lu Qing looked at each other. Although they were a little unhappy, they still hurried to the old courtyard.

When I walked into the room, the other members of the Lu family had already gathered. Everyone had different expressions, but there was a tense atmosphere.

"Brother, what do you want to talk to us about?" Lu Qing spoke first, trying to ease the tense atmosphere.

Big Brother Lu frowned, his eyes swept over everyone, and finally stopped at Shen Qiqi.

"I just did the math. Those fruit trees you planted take up too much land. It's more economical to grow food. How are we going to live in the future?"

Shen Qiqi's heart tightened. She knew this moment would come sooner or later, but she didn't expect it to be so soon.

"Brother, the income from fruit trees is much higher than that from grain, and fruit trees can continue to generate income for many years. Look at the income from these few months, isn't it better than growing grain?"

Brother Lu persisted, his voice rising a few decibels: "That's only temporary! Using the land to grow crops would not only provide for our family's food and clothing, but we could also sell them for more money. What you're doing is a complete waste!"

Shen Qiqi felt a sense of oppression, but she did not back down, instead she became more determined.

"Brother, let me explain. Planting fruit trees doesn't just bring short-term benefits. In the long run, their value will be higher. Furthermore, we are also working hard to improve planting techniques and increase yields."

Brother Lu's brows furrowed even tighter, and the atmosphere in the room became increasingly tense.

Shen Qiqi felt Lu Qing's hand gently holding hers, giving her silent support.

"Brother, you're right, but we also have to consider the long term." Lu Qing's voice was calm, but it carried a firmness that couldn't be ignored. "We've already seen the actual benefits brought by the fruit trees. We can't just muddle through this anymore."

Brother Lu wanted to say something, but Shen Qiqi had already stood up and looked at him firmly.

"Brother, we are willing to listen to your opinions, but we also hope that you can understand our efforts. We will definitely find the best way to let the Lu family live a better life."

At this moment, Lu Qing stood up, his eyes filled with determination and resolve.

"Brother, listen to me..."

The atmosphere in the room suddenly became extremely tense, and no one knew what would happen next.

"Wait," Brother Lu suddenly interrupted, his eyes scanning back and forth between Shen Qiqi and Lu Qing, "What the hell are you guys doing?"

Before he finished speaking, Lu Qing gently squeezed his hand, as if sending a signal to Shen Qiqi.

Shen Qiqi's heart lit up, and the corners of her mouth rose slightly, as if she had seen the dawn of victory.

"Brother, listen to me first..." Lu Qing's voice was firm and powerful, but before he finished speaking, the atmosphere in the room froze in an instant.

At this critical moment, Shen Qiqi's Lu Qing cleared his throat and glanced at everyone present, like a confident boss before a PPT presentation.

"Brother, we have to use data to speak for ourselves. The profits from the fruit trees over the past few months are obvious to all. They're more than double what we earn from growing crops, right? This is just the beginning. Once the fruit trees reach peak production, the returns will be even higher. By then, every household will be able to live in a big tiled house!" He paused, a confident smile playing on his face. "I'm not exaggerating; this is a detailed, hard-earned bill. How about I read it out to everyone?"

Lu Qing spoke loudly and clearly, like a sharp sword, instantly splitting the oppressive atmosphere.

Brother Lu was a little stunned by this series of data. The muscles on his face twitched a few times, and anger was like a flame in his heart.

But he really couldn't find any reason to refute, so he could only grit his teeth in hatred, his chest heaving violently.

Seeing that Brother Lu was about to explode again, Shen Qiqi quickly stepped forward, speaking with a somewhat relaxed tone, breaking the tense situation.

"Brother, don't be angry, we are all family, and harmony brings wealth!" She blinked her big eyes like a harmless little rabbit. Who would have thought that she had so many little plans in her mind?

"How about this? To reassure everyone, we take 30% of this year's fruit tree income and use it to improve our grain cultivation. How about that? We can use this money to buy some good seeds and fertilizer to ensure a good harvest next year!"

My dear, there is more to this chapter. Please click on the next page to continue reading. It will be even more exciting later!