Terror at the Ranch (Part One)

Hornard's ranch lay north of Whitewash City, on the northern bank of the Whitewash River. The scenery was beautiful, and the land was rich.

The ranch had a long history and covered a vast area. Even during the worst economic downturns, it had always kept more than a thousand head of cattle. A small village had even grown up nearby because of it.

Birdsong and the sound of herders' flutes were hallmarks of the place. Even in the bitter winds of Fogwinter Month, the area around the ranch seemed steeped in pastoral peace.

But today, the weather seemed rather gloomy.

Beneath lead-gray clouds, several crows perched on the bare branches of an apricot tree. Their ruby-red eyes watched a vehicle approach from the distance.

Screech.

The tires scraped harshly against the ground as the vehicle stopped at the ranch entrance. Cawing, the crows took wing and flew into the gloomy sky.

Xia Lun pushed open the rear door, jumped out, and looked ahead.

Not far down the road, a girl in a gray hoodie waved vigorously. Beside her stood a burly man with a shotgun and a refined-looking man with lensless, gold-rimmed spectacles pinned to his chest.

"Uncle Xia Lun, we're here to meet you!" The girl skipped over, her dark chestnut ponytail swaying. Her voice brimmed with youthful energy. "Are you hungry?"

Xia Lun searched his distant memories and recalled who she was. This spirited girl was the ranch owner's adopted daughter.

Countless thoughts flashed through his mind, but he gave her his usual warm smile. "Sorry for the wait, and thank you for welcoming me. Shall we head inside?"

Hornard's adopted daughter nodded enthusiastically, her chestnut ponytail bobbing like a squirrel's fluffy tail. "Sure!"

Thud.

Only after that exchange did the three "bodyguards" in bulletproof vests climb out