The days following the heavy rain were peaceful, almost deceptively so. The farm buzzed with activity as Liu Jian and Mei Ling worked side by side, tending to the crops and preparing for the next harvest. The system's new features proved invaluable, providing real-time updates on weather patterns and soil conditions. Liu Jian felt a growing sense of confidence, but he couldn't shake the lingering unease about Green Horizon.
One morning, as Liu Jian inspected the bell peppers, the system chimed in:
[New Mission: Establish a direct sales channel to local markets.]
[Reward: 50 System Points, Brand Recognition Boost (Level 1)]
Liu Jian frowned. Direct sales? He had been selling his produce to Mei Ling's stand at the farmers' market, but the idea of expanding his reach was intriguing. If he could build his own brand, he could reduce his reliance on intermediaries and increase his profits.
He brought up the idea with Mei Ling that afternoon as they shared a simple lunch on the farmhouse porch.
"Direct sales?" Mei Ling repeated, her brow furrowing. "It's not a bad idea, but it's a lot of work. You'd need to build relationships with buyers, manage deliveries, and handle marketing. Are you sure you're ready for that?"
Liu Jian nodded, his determination unwavering. "I have to try. If I can establish my own brand, I'll be less vulnerable to Green Horizon's tactics."
Mei Ling studied him for a moment, then smiled. "Alright. I'll help you get started. But don't say I didn't warn you."
With Mei Ling's guidance, Liu Jian began reaching out to local restaurants and grocery stores. At first, the responses were lukewarm. Many buyers were hesitant to work with a small, unknown farm. But Liu Jian didn't give up. He used the system's soil analysis data to showcase the quality of his produce, emphasizing its organic and sustainable origins.
One afternoon, he received a call from a chef at a popular farm-to-table restaurant in the nearby town.
"I've heard good things about your tomatoes," the chef said. "Can you deliver a sample batch by tomorrow?"
Liu Jian's heart raced. "Absolutely. I'll bring them myself."
The next day, Liu Jian arrived at the restaurant with a crate of ripe, vibrant tomatoes. The chef inspected them carefully, slicing one open to examine its texture and flavor. After a moment, he nodded approvingly.
"These are excellent," the chef said. "I'll take 20 kilograms a week to start. If my customers like them, we'll increase the order."
Liu Jian couldn't hide his excitement. "Thank you. You won't regret it."
As he left the restaurant, the system chimed in:
[Progress: Direct sales channel established.]
[Reward: 50 System Points, Brand Recognition Boost (Level 1)]
Liu Jian felt a surge of pride. This was a small but significant step toward building his own brand. But he knew it was just the beginning.
That evening, as Liu Jian prepared to celebrate his success, he received a troubling message from Old Wang.
"Jian, you need to be careful," Old Wang said, his voice tense. "Green Horizon is spreading more rumors. They're saying your produce is unsafe, that you're cutting corners to meet demand."
Liu Jian's stomach dropped. "That's not true. Everything I grow is organic and sustainable."
"I know that," Old Wang said. "But not everyone does. Green Horizon has a lot of influence. They're trying to turn people against you."
Liu Jian clenched his fists, his anger simmering. "What can I do?"
"Fight back," Old Wang said firmly. "Show people the truth. Don't let Green Horizon control the narrative."
The next morning, Liu Jian met with Mei Ling to discuss their next steps. "We need to prove that my produce is safe and high-quality," he said. "But I'm not sure how."
Mei Ling thought for a moment, then smiled. "What if we hosted an open house? Invite the community to see the farm, meet you, and taste the produce. Let them see for themselves how you operate."
Liu Jian's eyes lit up. "That's a great idea. But will people come?"
"If we promote it right, they will," Mei Ling said confidently. "We'll use social media, put up posters in town, and spread the word at the market. People love free samples."
A week later, the farm was bustling with activity. Liu Jian and Mei Ling had worked tirelessly to prepare for the open house, cleaning up the fields, setting up tasting stations, and decorating the farmhouse. The system's brand recognition boost had helped attract attention, and by mid-morning, a steady stream of visitors began to arrive.
Families wandered through the fields, children laughed as they picked fresh strawberries, and local chefs sampled the produce, nodding in approval. Liu Jian moved through the crowd, answering questions and sharing his story. For the first time, he felt a sense of connection with the community.
As the day drew to a close, Mei Ling approached him with a smile. "I think it's safe to say this was a success."
Liu Jian nodded, his heart swelling with gratitude. "Thanks to you."
But just as the open house ended, the system chimed in with a warning:
[Weather Alert: Severe storm expected in 48 hours.]
[Recommendation: Secure crops and prepare for potential flooding.]
Liu Jian's smile faded. He had faced storms before, but this one sounded worse. He turned to Mei Ling. "We need to get ready."
Mei Ling nodded, her expression serious. "Let's do it."
As the sun set, casting a golden glow over the farm, Liu Jian stood at the edge of the field, surveying his work. The open house had been a success, but the looming storm was a reminder that challenges were never far away.
For the first time, though, Liu Jian felt ready. He had faced sabotage, rumors, and storms, and he had come out stronger each time. With the system's guidance, Mei Ling's support, and his own determination, he knew he could weather whatever came next.
But as he looked out over the fields, a faint voice in the back of his mind whispered a warning: This is just the beginning. The real battle is yet to come.