Chapter 8. Farm Breeze
The school's extracurricular activities arrived as planned. The suspended commuter pod carried the girls across the city's edge. The view outside the window gradually changed from a patchwork of buildings to a vast, pastoral landscape. The air quality sensor quietly shifted from "good" to "excellent," and the scent of earth, grass, and a hint of flowers permeated the cabin, refreshing the senses.
Nestled amidst this vibrant greenery lies Xiaolin Farm, Yuzu's home. The farm is bustling with activity, as sleek, autonomous robots smoothly navigate invisible tracks, cultivating, irrigating, and harvesting. In the livestock area, intelligent cleaners silently maintain a clean environment, while feeders precisely dispense feed to Moomon and Baamon.
The girls' main area of interest was the Moomoons' habitat—a vast pasture where lush grassy slopes resembled a vast green carpet, softly shimmering in the sunlight, dotted with white and purple wildflowers. Spotted mothers and their cubs scattered in groups of three or five, heads bowed, leisurely nibbling the grass, tails twirling leisurely. Yuzu's aunt, Ms. Yayoi Kobayashi, warmly welcomed everyone with a warm smile and a faint scent of hay.
"Mothers must first meet the feeding needs of their cubs," Aunt Yayoi explained softly. "Natural milk production is very limited, so the supply is always very tight. We provide the cubs with special, more nutritious alternative feed," she said, pointing to the trough. "This reduces their dependence on breast milk. Therefore, only children under the age of fourteen can drink the specially provided Moo Moo milk." She smiled gently and added, "When you grow up, you won't be able to drink it anymore."
As she was speaking, a furry, soft, curly-haired Moomon cub happily ran over, rubbed its little head affectionately against the mother's belly, and then expertly found its spot to suckle. Aunt Yayoi laughed at this and said, "Oh, this little naughty boy is craving milk again! Although there are nutritious feeds, the taste of mother's milk is still the best, right?"
This scene caused the girls to burst into laughter and exclaim: "So cute..." "I really want to touch it..."
They then visited the male animal breeding area, where male Moomon and Baemon, aged three months and under one year old, were housed. Auntie Yayoi Kobayashi explained in a calm and respectful tone, "These Moomon and Baemon provide us with an important source of meat. When they grow to maturity, we will use the most advanced painless technology to allow them to pass away peacefully, without fear or pain. We are grateful for everything they have done for us." Her tone was solemn and grateful, and the girls quieted down and nodded earnestly.
Then Aunt Yayoi clapped her hands, her smile brightening again. "Okay, we've covered the theory. Now it's time for everyone to experience it for themselves! While machines can do most of the work here, there are still some tasks that require your keen senses and gentle hands."
The students were divided into two groups.
A group of students approached the fruit and vegetable quality testing station. The table was filled with freshly picked cherry tomatoes, strawberries, and cucumbers, all crystal clear and scented with morning dew. Nearby was a simple electronic evaluation board. Their task was to sample and record the flavors. "The machine's sensors can measure sugar content and firmness, but ultimately, the taste and flavor are determined by our human palate!" the farm employee in charge said with a smile. The girls tasted diligently, occasionally whispering to each other about "this one is sweeter" and "that one has a more refreshingly sour taste," meticulously recording their impressions.
Ruixi and several other classmates came to the Moomoo Beast nursery. Their task was to comb the hair of those furry cubs. The staff gave each of them a special soft small brush.
"This can help keep them clean and simulate the licking of the mother animal, making them feel comfortable and safe." Aunt Yayoi demonstrated the gentle movements, and the little animal made a satisfied purring sound under her hands.
Ruixi cautiously approached a curiously looking Moo-Moo cub with large, wet eyes. She reached out and gently brushed its fur, following the direction of its growth. The little creature seemed to enjoy the service, its ears twitching with pleasure, letting out a subtle, contented "moo~~," and even rubbing against her palm. The warm, fuzzy touch on her palm brought an incomparably happy smile to Ruixi's face. She focused on each cub in her charge, completely immersed in this peaceful and healing work.
After completing the simple practice, the two groups reunited and excitedly shared their experiences—the sweet and sour taste of the strawberries, the softness of the little beasts. Then, led by Aunt Yayoi, the entire group clasped their hands together, faced the breeding area, and sincerely said, "Thank you, Moomomon, thank you, Meowmon, thank you, nature."
Afterwards, with respect and curiosity, the students, introduced by Youzi, paid a visit to the legendary Great Grandmother.
The elderly woman's home, nestled beside the farm, was bright and clean, brimming with the air of life. Though advanced in years, the great-grandmother remained vigorous, her eyes clear and warm, overflowing with an undisguised fondness for children. Upon seeing a group of lively young girls, she happily offered them tea from her treasured tea collection.
During their casual chat, upon learning of the girls' interest in traditional boxing, the elderly woman immediately expressed her strong approval of the hobby: "Exercising your muscles and bones, and promoting blood circulation, is a good habit!" Then, excitedly, she stood up and led them to the courtyard's cherry tree, where she slowly but powerfully practiced a set of fitness boxing techniques. Her movements were smooth and steady, imbued with the calm strength of time. As she demonstrated, she explained the key points of the movements and the coordination of breathing.
"Thank you for your guidance, Great Grandmother!" After practicing boxing, the girls bowed to express their gratitude. The sunlight cast a warm golden edge on them and the old lady.
—The end of Ruixi’s ordinary life—
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