The fake reviews were a blow, but Liu Jian refused to let them define his farm. With Mei Ling's help and the system's guidance, he devised a plan to fight back. The first step was to address the accusations head-on. They organized a live-streamed tour of the farm, showing every step of the growing process and emphasizing the organic and sustainable practices Liu Jian had implemented.
The morning of the live stream, Liu Jian felt a mix of nerves and determination. He set up his phone on a tripod, ensuring the camera captured the vibrant fields and the meticulous care he put into every plant. Mei Ling stood by his side, ready to answer questions from viewers.
"Alright," Liu Jian said, taking a deep breath. "Let's do this."
As the live stream began, viewers started tuning in. Liu Jian greeted them warmly, his voice steady despite his nerves. "Welcome to my farm. I've heard some concerning rumors lately, and I want to set the record straight. What you see here is the result of hard work, dedication, and a commitment to quality."
He walked through the fields, showing the healthy crops and explaining the organic methods he used. Mei Ling chimed in with details about the soil analysis and pest control, emphasizing the farm's transparency.
The response was overwhelmingly positive. Viewers praised Liu Jian's honesty and the farm's obvious care. By the end of the stream, the tide had begun to turn.
The next day, Liu Jian received a call from a local journalist, Ms. Chen, who had seen the live stream. She was interested in doing a feature on the farm, highlighting its commitment to sustainability and its battle against corporate interference.
"This could be a game-changer," Mei Ling said after Liu Jian shared the news. "A feature in the local paper would give us credibility and reach a wider audience."
Liu Jian nodded, feeling a flicker of hope. "Let's do it."
Ms. Chen arrived at the farm a few days later, her camera and notebook in hand. She spent the day interviewing Liu Jian and Mei Ling, photographing the fields, and even sampling the produce. Her enthusiasm was infectious, and Liu Jian found himself opening up about his journey—the failures, the struggles, and the determination to succeed.
When the article was published, it was a resounding success. The headline read: *"From Failure to Flourishing: The Story of a Modern Farmer Fighting for His Dream."* The article praised Liu Jian's resilience and highlighted the farm's innovative practices. Orders began to pour in, and the negative reviews were drowned out by a wave of support.
But Green Horizon wasn't done. A few days after the article was published, Liu Jian received a visit from Mr. Li. The man's usual smug demeanor was replaced by a cold, calculating expression.
"You've been busy," Mr. Li said, his voice dripping with disdain. "But you're playing a dangerous game, Liu Jian."
Liu Jian crossed his arms, his expression firm. "I'm not playing games. I'm building something real."
Mr. Li's eyes narrowed. "You think a few good reviews and a fluff piece in the paper will save you? Green Horizon has resources you can't even imagine. We'll crush you."
Liu Jian met his gaze without flinching. "You can try. But I'm not backing down."
Mr. Li smirked, but there was a flicker of uncertainty in his eyes. "We'll see."
As Mr. Li drove away, Liu Jian felt a mix of anger and determination. He knew Green Horizon would escalate their tactics, but he was ready. The system chimed in:
[New Mission: Strengthen farm defenses against corporate interference.]
[Reward: 150 System Points, Security Upgrade (Level 1)]
Liu Jian immediately got to work, using the system's guidance to implement new security measures. He installed cameras around the farm, set up motion sensors, and even began training a guard dog. Mei Ling helped him draft a legal document outlining his rights as a farmer, ensuring he was prepared for any legal battles Green Horizon might throw his way.
Despite the looming threat, Liu Jian felt a sense of pride as he looked out over the fields. The farm was thriving, and he had built a loyal customer base. The system's rewards had given him the tools to fight back, but it was his determination and the support of people like Mei Ling that truly made the difference.
But as he stood there, a faint voice in the back of his mind whispered a warning: This is just the beginning. The real battle is yet to come.