Chapter 12 - How Much Do I Have?

At night, Hu Yufeng's mind raced with ideas as she meticulously assessed her property and financial situation. The diamond chips connected to her optical brain shimmered, a reminder of the vast wealth that she had yet to tap into. Although the original owner's assets seemed meager in comparison, she remained undeterred, knowing that she had the potential to turn things around.

Reflecting on her recent adventures in the Enchanted Forest, Hu Yufeng realized that she had neglected to check her accounts before embarking on her journey. Thankfully, she had anticipated a limited financial standing and was prepared to take matters into her own hands. Feng Xiu's generosity toward his son did not guarantee a windfall for everyone, and Hu Yufeng understood the need to forge her own path.

The Feng family resided in the heart of the Capital Star's most prestigious neighborhood, an enclave known for its opulence and exclusivity. Surveying the area, Hu Yufeng observed that while the occupancy rate was not exceptionally high, there were still a significant number of residents present.

Seizing the opportunity, she engaged in conversation with Butler Mu, seeking insights into their community. "How many families reside in this neighborhood?" she inquired.

Butler Mu, taken aback by the unexpected question, composed himself before responding, "There are currently four hundred and fifty occupied mansions in this vicinity, milady."

Hu Yufeng nodded thoughtfully, mentally processing the information. The Feng family's expansive residence spanned over 50,000 square meters and was situated adjacent to the forest scenic area. The air was fresher, the scenery more picturesque, and the feng shui auspicious—an ideal setting for her future endeavors.

Turning her attention to the potential for commerce, she asked Butler Mu, "Are there any vacant shops or restaurants available here?"

A flicker of surprise crossed the butler's face, but he dutifully replied, "There are indeed vacant shops in the vicinity. However, the owner committee imposed a peculiar rule ten years ago, stipulating that only property owners can open businesses here. It appears that some unpleasant incidents occurred in the past when individuals attempted to rent shops for commercial purposes."

A sly smile tugged at the corners of Hu Yufeng's lips as she absorbed this information. The situation seemed tailor-made for her plans. She saw an opportunity to overcome the committee's rule and make her mark in the neighborhood.

"Thank you for enlightening me, Butler Mu," she said, her voice tinged with excitement. "I believe I have just the solution to this peculiar predicament."

As the wheels turned in her mind, Hu Yufeng envisioned a two-pronged approach to success. First, she would utilize a portion of their vast residence to create a dedicated planting field, ensuring a steady supply of fresh and unique ingredients for her culinary ventures. The scenic surroundings and fertile land were ideal for nurturing the mutated plants and creatures she had encountered during her galactic adventures.

With the planting field secured, she would then embark on the task of persuading the owner committee to reconsider their restrictive policy. Armed with her charm, business acumen, and a well-crafted proposal, she was confident she could sway the committee members in her favor.

As she laid out her plans, the allure of entrepreneurship ignited a fire within her. Hu Yufeng saw the potential for financial prosperity and the satisfaction of sharing her culinary creations with the neighborhood's elite. She relished the opportunity to introduce them to a world of flavors they had never experienced before.

The night wore on as Hu Yufeng delved deeper into her research, mapping out the necessary steps and contingencies. As dawn approached, Hu Yufeng's mind was alive with possibilities. She even forgot to sleep.

With her plans set in motion, Hu Yufeng turned her attention to the task of sorting and preparing the seedlings and seeds she had collected. The spacious interior of her space button accommodated a vast assortment of botanical treasures, carefully organized and labeled.

Her fingers delicately brushed against the vibrant colored leaves of young seedlings, their promise of future growth filling her with anticipation. She meticulously inspected each seed, checking for viability and selecting only the best specimens for planting. The variety was astounding, ranging from exotic fruits to rare herbs and spices, each holding the potential to add a touch of magic to her culinary creations.

Before proceeding, Hu Yufeng recognized the importance of assessing the composition of the soil in her backyard. Advanced technology at her disposal allowed for precise analysis, revealing valuable insights into the nutrient levels and pH balance required for optimal plant growth. Armed with this knowledge, she set out to gather soil samples from various areas of her property, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the land she was about to cultivate.

Once the soil analysis was complete, Hu Yufeng wasted no time orchestrating the installation of the greenhouse in her backyard. Advanced engineering and automation ensured that these structures were equipped with climate control systems, providing the ideal conditions for her plants to thrive. But amidst the wonders of interstellar technology, Hu Yufeng yearned to reconnect with ancient planting methods to embrace the wisdom passed down through generations.

With a touch of nostalgia, she decided to dedicate a portion of her planting area to the cultivation of plants using traditional, organic techniques. Inspired by the practices of her ancestors on Earth, she would eschew synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, opting instead for natural alternatives that would nurture her plants and preserve the integrity of their flavors.

In her pursuit of culinary excellence, Hu Yufeng longed to capture the essence of nature in her ingredients. She envisioned a garden abundant with robust tomatoes, crisp lettuce, fragrant basil, and an array of aromatic spices. The delicate fragrance of blooming flowers would dance in the air, inviting pollinators to play their vital role in the cycle of life.

As she oversaw the final preparations, Hu Yufeng marveled at her backyard's amalgamation of advanced technology and ancient wisdom. It was a harmonious fusion where the precision of scientific analysis met the reverence for nature's rhythms. She couldn't help but feel a sense of reverence and gratitude for the opportunity to embark on this journey of growth and discovery.

With the groundwork meticulously laid, Hu Yufeng eagerly awaited the moment when she could finally sow the seeds of her dreams and watch them flourish. In her hands, she held the power to transform her backyard into a verdant oasis.