10141 New Urban Farmers Chapter 186: Top-Grade Tea (Part 2)

"Haha. Professor Fan is a master of tea ceremony! Old Master Yi's eyes lit up upon hearing that Professor Fan could distinguish the tea leaves just by smelling them, and he said admiringly. However, although he said this, he did not get up to nod in acknowledgment."

Professor Fan Ruhai naturally noticed the old man in the recliner. The old man was clearly older than him, but his complexion and physique were much better. In contrast, he himself, at only sixty-eight, looked older than the old man, his skin already wrinkled. He sensed that this old man was no ordinary person; his health regimen was extremely profound!

"Brother, who is this old gentleman?" Professor Fan Ruhai asked Zhang Guodong politely, as he wanted to get to know him.

Even at nearly seventy years old, he would still have to address Elder Yi as "Old Man," because Elder Yi's beard was snow-white, but his face and physique looked very young, which made him feel inferior.

Zhang Guodong chuckled to himself and immediately introduced, "This is Old Yi, a master of traditional Chinese medicine, who is also an expert in health preservation!"

Old Yi smiled and waved his hand, saying, "What master of traditional Chinese medicine? I was just a barefoot doctor before. Brother Fan is not young anymore. If you don't mind, just call me brother!"

Zhang Guodong smiled knowingly; Elder Yi didn't care about such titles. However, it must be said that Elder Yi's skills in traditional Chinese medicine were indeed unmatched by ordinary experts. Could someone who could forge a path in alchemy be simple?

"Brother Yi, you've been nagging!" Fan Ruhai sat down as well, and Zhang Guodong brewed him a pot of tea. Speaking of brewing tea, only someone like Fan Ruhai would have Zhang Guodong do it himself.

Out of respect for Professor Bai Zhongsheng and others, Zhang Guodong also had a preconceived goodwill towards Fan Ruhai. Agricultural experts, if you don't go to the fields to conduct investigations and research, are you planning to stay cooped up in the lab forever?

As soon as Fan Ruhai sat down, his three disciples were invited by Liu Neng to enjoy chilled drinks under the eaves. Zhang Guodong could nod in acknowledgment, but Liu Neng had to be perceptive and personally attend to them.

"You three are all top students, why are you doing research in Qingmu Township? Isn't Yangling closer and more convenient?" Liu Rang asked curiously as the three sat down under the eaves. It was hot in the courtyard, and everyone was sweating. The chilled drinks were incredibly refreshing.

"Thank you!" Ye Zi accepted the drink offered by Liu Neng, smiling and expressing her gratitude. "Every year, the Agricultural University has research projects in rural areas, but there are so many people involved, plus requests from the government, that's why professors from our university lead students to rural areas throughout the province for research!"

"Oh? Hehe, I see. This place is not close to the provincial capital, and the weather is so hot. You all need to take care of yourselves!" Upon hearing this, Liu Neng immediately felt relieved and his wariness towards these people lessened considerably.

Ordinary people are not allowed to enter this place.

Li Shengtao and Ye Zi expressed their gratitude to Liu Neng.

Tao Jianhua looked curiously at the still-burning small kiln and the two piles of pebbles and jade slag not far away, frowned and asked, "What are those? Are you refining ore? Can I take a look?"

As he spoke, he actually stood up, ready to go and take a look.

Ye Zi and Li Shengtao were surprised. What was wrong with Tao Jianhua? This was someone else's territory. Making demands without their consent was really impolite.

Liu Neng glanced at Tao Jianhua, walked in front of him, blocked his way, and said with a smile, "Sorry, it's dangerous there, so it's best not to go!"

"Danger? It's just a small refining tower. What's so dangerous about it?" Tao Jianhua scoffed. "Are you perhaps illegally refining ore here?"

Liu Neng's expression changed and he said, "Young man, you can eat whatever you want, but you can't say whatever you want!"

"Then what are you afraid of? Are you afraid of people watching?" Tao Jianhua said proudly.

"Hmph!" Liu Neng's face darkened. "Don't you know this is private property? If you want to see this, then we're sorry, but please leave!"

Liu Neng's statement suggests he has become much more restrained since joining Zhang Guodong's group. Otherwise, given his previous personality, he would have been much more ruthless towards Tao Jianhua on Zhang's private turf.

Tao Jianhua ignored Liu Neng's warning. He sneered, "Illegal mining is prohibited by the state. As a person with a cell phone and a conscience, I can't just ignore it!"

"Idiot!" Liu Neng cursed under his breath.

"Jianhua!" Li Shengtong was somewhat displeased. What was wrong with this classmate today? Instead of thanking him for being treated, he was causing trouble? "What's going on with you? Don't embarrass our Agricultural University!"

"Shameful? How am I shameful? Does that mean I can't call the police if I see something illegal?" Tao Jianhua retorted angrily, his face turning red.

Liu Neng looked at the master's student with a hint of pity.

"You want to call the police? Go ahead and call them!" Liu Neng sneered, snatched his phone, and then glanced at Li Shengtao and Ye Zi.

"Remember, this is private property. If you still don't know what's good for you and try to cause trouble, then we won't be polite!"

"You!" Tao Jianhua didn't expect Liu Neng to actually snatch his phone. That smile made him a little scared, but having his phone taken away was enough to make his blood boil.

Liu Neng snorted, turned around, hesitated for a moment, and walked towards Zhang Guodong.

Tao Jianhua, enraged, tried to snatch his phone back, but Li Shengtong grabbed him, saying, "What's wrong with you? The teacher didn't say anything over there. Are you trying to make the teacher angry?"

Professor Fan Ruhai was of a mild temperament, but they were very afraid of him when he got angry. All three of them were his students, and his evaluations influenced their graduation grades.

It's remarkable that they caught Fan Ruhai's eye. The university also made an exception, assigning three master's students to one mentor—a truly exceptional achievement. Competition for master's degrees at the agricultural university is fierce.

Meanwhile, Zhang Guodong was chatting with Professor Yi and Professor Fan. However, being young, he could only play a supporting role. On the contrary, Professor Fan Ruhai had many health-related questions to ask Professor Yi.

Liu Neng came over, and Zhang Guodong got up and glanced at the three students.

"One of the boss's three students was restless and wanted to go see the small kiln. I took his phone!" Liu Neng said, glancing at Zhang Guodong.

I was still a little apprehensive, even though Zhang Guodong was easy to get along with.

"There are restless people everywhere!" Zhang Guodong said, his eyes fixed on the two approaching, dust-filled cars—a double entendre.

"Give me the phone, it's okay if I want to look at it."

Liu Neng looked at Zhang Guodong in surprise. Wasn't he supposed to forbid people from getting close to that area? Why was he agreeing now? However, Zhang Guodong remained calm and handed the phone to Li Shengtao without saying a word.

"The boss said you can look at the kiln if you want, but don't get too close, otherwise he won't be responsible for any danger!" Liu Neng said.

"Hatch!" Tao Jianhua picked up his phone, his eyes sparkling with excitement, and walked alone toward the small kiln.

Li Shengtong shook his head. This classmate had really changed a lot. Thinking back, he didn't seem so annoying before, but now he was repulsive.

"Shengtao, just ignore him. What happened to him?" Ye Zi said, frowning.

When Li Shengtao saw Ye Zi, he thought this junior sister was actually quite pretty. Suddenly, a thought popped into his mind: Tao Dingjin's eyes were wet with Ye Zi's hair. He seemed to have the same idea. Looking at his own intimacy with Ye Zi, he suddenly realized...

Could that be the case?

Just then, Professor Yi and Professor Fan Ruhai stood up. Judging from their expressions, they seemed to be having a very congenial conversation. Professor Yi was planning to go back to his room to write a prescription for nourishing Chinese medicine for Professor Fan Ruhai, who was overjoyed and also wanted to go in and take a look.

Under the parasol, only Zhang Guodong and Liu Neng remained, along with Tao Jianhua from the Xiaota Kiln. Zhang Guodong felt a bit disgusted with this man, even wondering if he was a master's student. How could he not even know basic manners?

"Liu Neng, go and check on our new guest," Zhang Guodong said.

Two cars stopped outside the gate; seven or eight people got out. Among them seemed to be leaders. A fat man with a protruding belly was surrounded by the others.

One of the men approached Liu Neng arrogantly and said, "So you're a tenant here? Someone reported that you're illegally refining ore here, damaging our township's roads and polluting our environment. Our township's investigation team is going to seal off this place. Please cooperate!"

In fact, Liu Neng knew this person. The deputy director of the police station was named Zhong Ben, but he had never had any contact with this Deputy Director Zhong.

Yan Weimin controlled the police station, so he only cultivated a good relationship with Yan Weimin, the top leader; otherwise, it was a waste of his time.

"Director Zhong, is this legally damaging the road? It shouldn't be our problem, right? There are plenty of trucks carrying stones coming and going in and out of the village every day. As for polluting the environment? Director Zhong and other leaders, please take a look. How can it pollute the environment? These are just stones for construction, prepared for the foundation," Liu Neng said with a smile.

"Some pollution is invisible. Are you the outsider who rented this courtyard from Liu Dewang?" Zheng Haifu frowned and spoke up.

Liu Neng immediately replied, "Yes, it's me, Director Yan. And who is this leader?"

Yan Weimin cleared his throat and introduced, "Mr. Liu is our township head, Zheng! Township head. This is Mr. Liu."

"Oh? Mr. Liu is planning to invest in Qingmu Township?" Zheng Haifu asked, his tone slightly polite but official. "Welcome! May I ask what kind of investment Mr. Liu plans to make?"

"This is still under investigation. As you know, Mayor Zheng, Qingmu Township is quite underdeveloped, and the road is not easy to travel, so the company's shareholders are somewhat hesitant. Of course, I personally am still optimistic about it," Liu Neng said.

He's been spouting nonsense for over twenty days with no progress. What kind of small investment is this? But he used to be a big boss, so it's hard to tell whether his words are true or false, and his expression is quite convincing.

Liu Neng managed to fool Mayor Zheng for a moment. If it really was an investor's visit, then bringing in the investment would be a significant achievement for him.

"Oh dear, I've been so busy talking to Mayor Zheng and Director Yan, please come in! It's so hot. We have plenty of chilled drinks here for you leaders to quench your thirst!" Liu Neng suddenly slapped his forehead and said embarrassedly.

"Yes, it's really too hot!" Zheng Haifu said with a smile.

As everyone entered the courtyard, they saw a parasol. Zhong Sheng immediately said to Zheng Haifu, "Mayor, it's hot. Please have a seat and I'll get you a drink!"

This kid's trying to suck up to the township head will make some people regret it. Why didn't I think of that?

Zhang Guodong wasn't even on the recliner. Both recliners had been moved away. These recliners were made by skillfully crafted stools; Zhang Guodong wasn't even willing to let these people sit on them.

So there are hard plastic stools here.

Zheng Haifu frowned when he saw that it was a hard plastic stool, but with the sun blazing overhead, only the umbrella provided a bit of coolness.

“Didn’t Cai Cai have two reclining chairs? Bring one to the township head!” Zhong Ben said to Liu Neng with dissatisfaction.

"Oh, you even have good tea here?" Zheng Haifu reluctantly sat down and noticed an exquisite teapot. His eyes lit up, and he picked it up, inhaling its delicate fragrance.

It's a pity there was no tea left, but the brewed tea leaves alone smelled so pleasant – it was good tea!

Zhong Sheng was eager to curry favor with Zheng Haifu. Upon hearing this, he immediately said to Liu Neng, "Also, bring another pot of tea like the one from before, but in the new pot!"

Liu Neng was furious that this incompetent deputy director dared to order him around! But he suppressed his anger and, with a wry smile, said, "I'm sorry, this is Professor Fan's stuff, I can't make the decision. Besides, I don't have a reclining chair, so I'll have to trouble you to sit on a stool."

Everyone's attention instantly turned to Professor Zheng Haifu as he entered the room; the three students were naturally not on their radar. They had completely overlooked them!

Liu Neng stiffened awkwardly at the mention of Zheng Haifu and forced a smile, saying, "Is Professor Fan here?"

“They are Professor Fan’s students. Professor Fan should be resting inside!” Liu Neng said, pointing to Li Shengtao and Ye Zi under the eaves.

"Oh, Professor Fan, I must pay you a visit. This tea smells extraordinary. I'd like to ask Professor Fan if Qingmu Township is suitable for tea production. It would be a great thing if our township could introduce this cultivation!" Zheng Haifu said.

“That’s because you’re a tea master, Township Head. Your insight is remarkable. Our township is perfect for growing medicinal herbs. The environment is top-notch. If the environment in our township were suitable for growing tea trees, it would be another major source of income!” Zhong Ben said.

The others nodded in agreement and flattered him.

Zheng Haifu was blatantly flattering Zhong Ben, but he accepted it with a smile and a hint of smugness on his face.

Despite Liu Neng's disdain, this Township Head Zheng was indeed a tea connoisseur, even if he didn't necessarily appreciate tea. He had drunk quite a few good teas and had put a lot of effort into it.

In official circles, there is a tea culture, and many people appreciate tea. Sometimes, giving tea as a gift is worse than giving money.

Especially when you come across good tea, you can't let it pass you by.

Zheng Haifu's mind raced as he made contact with Zhou Yu, the deputy secretary of the county party committee and head of the organization department. He had just made contact with Zhou and heard that Zhou loved tea and even more so, collecting tea leaves. Was collecting tea leaves really his goal? Could tea trees really grow in the climate of the Northwest? The tea trees would probably die long ago.

As they were talking, Zheng Haifu didn't move an inch. A hearty laugh came from inside the house, and Mr. Yi and Professor Fan Ruhai came out.

Zhang Guodong, holding a new teapot in his hand, glanced over here while taking a sip.

When Yi Lao and Fan Ruhai saw Zheng Haifu and the others, they were clearly surprised. At this moment, Zheng Haifu walked over with a smile and shook hands with Professor Fan.

"Professor Fan, welcome to Qingmu Township to inspect agricultural work and support Qingmu Township! I recently returned from reporting to the county. You and your students are already conducting research, so I didn't come to see you without fear of disturbing you, I'm ashamed!" Zheng Haifu said, shaking Professor Fan's hand.

But his smiling face showed not a trace of shame.

Fan Ruhai was a researcher and teacher, but he also knew a bit about officialdom. He smiled and said, "It's all thanks to the support of the leaders of Qingmu Township!"

Note: I'll continue writing the first chapter of the 4,000-word Heavenly Dao at midnight.