First Arrival at Eagle Creek

The vehicle left the last paved county road and turned onto a slightly narrow but well-maintained gravel road.

The road sign was simple: a weathered wooden plank with the words "John Private Rd - No Trespassing" handwritten in rough lettering.

Tall Douglas fir and hemlock trees lined both sides of the road, their canopies intertwining overhead and filtering dappled sunlight. The air instantly became crisp and clear, carrying the scents of pine needles, damp earth, and distant pasture grass—a stark contrast to the smell of downtown Seattle, a mixture of sea breeze, gasoline, and urban dust.

The convoy consisted of three bulletproof black Escalade, understated yet sturdy. Lin Feng sat in the back seat of the middle car, the window half-lowered, his gaze calmly sweeping over the passing scenery. K sat in the passenger seat, an encrypted tablet on his lap, occasionally checking the preset route and real-time satellite imagery. Lü Yi and Kong Xiang sat in the car behind.

"About three miles from the main house," K reported calmly without turning around. "No active surveillance cameras have been confirmed along the way, only a few traditional 'private property' signs. The road conditions are good, with a thick gravel layer sufficient to support heavy equipment."

Lin Feng hummed in agreement, his gaze drifting further into the distance. The trees began to thin out, and a vast grassland, like a green carpet, slowly unfolded before him.

The pasture was neatly trimmed, clearly well-maintained, and a herd of Angus cattle grazed leisurely in the distance, their black and white coats standing out vividly in the sunlight. A wide, clear stream—presumably Eagle Creek —flowed like a silver ribbon through the pasture, shimmering in the sunlight.

Across the stream, the terrain begins to rise, transforming into rolling hills covered in dense forests that stretch to the foot of the distant, bluish-green Cascade Range. A few patches of unmelted snow still linger on the mountain peaks, their outlines clearly defined against the azure sky.

Vast, tranquil, rich, and distinctly layered.

"This place... is not bad." Lü Yi's voice came through the encrypted intercom from the car behind, tinged with surprise. "It's even bigger than it looks in the photos. The grass is so tall; feeding horses here would be a real challenge." His understanding of land value was still limited to "a place where horses can run and fight."

Kong Xiang's voice followed, more calm. "The soil and water conservation is excellent. The water flow in Eagle Creek appears quite stable, and the surrounding vegetation is healthy. The hills and forests to the east serve as a natural barrier and buffer zone. Judging from the site selection, the Johnson Family Clan's ancestors had great foresight."

The convoy continued deeper along the gravel road. Passing a fork in the road, it pointed to "West Forest Farm" and "South Pasture Area". It then crossed a sturdy log bridge, passable by trucks, spanning Eagle Creek, with crystal-clear water flowing beneath. After crossing the bridge, the terrain rose slightly, and on a wide, flat area, the main buildings of the ranch came into view.

The most eye-catching feature is a spacious two-story main house with a robust log structure, complemented by a gray-white stone foundation and chimney. The roof is covered with dark green metal tiles, which have become dignified and weathered over time.

The main house is traditional and sturdy, with a wide, wraparound porch where a few rocking chairs and a hammock are casually placed. Next to the main house are several barns and sheds of varying sizes, painted in a traditional red, and although they are quite old, they appear to be well-maintained.

Further away are circular steel grain silos, livestock pens, and some farm machinery warehouses. The entire complex is rationally laid out, clean and orderly, without the messiness often seen in many farms, exuding a sense of steadfastness and orderliness accumulated over generations.

The convoy stopped in the spacious gravel area in front of the main house. Almost simultaneously, the heavy oak door of the main house was pushed open, and a figure strode out.

The visitor was none other than Andrew John Sr.

He looks more robust than in the file photo. He is nearly 1.9 meters tall with broad shoulders, and even though he is over 60, he has not gained much weight, although his back is not as straight as that of a young person.

He was wearing a faded blue denim shirt, the sleeves rolled up to his forearms, revealing his strong, muscular arms and a well-worn leather watch.

He wore khaki overalls with bits of grass on them and sturdy brown work boots. His face was etched with deep wrinkles, the marks of long hours of outdoor work, his skin a healthy reddish-brown, and he had a neatly trimmed, grayish-white beard.

His short, gray-white hair, though still thick, was somewhat disheveled. What was most striking were his eyes, a deep blue, sharp and direct, carrying the shrewdness and composure unique to those who have long held positions of power and have observed people and land.

Behind him followed a stocky, honest-looking middle-aged white man dressed in work clothes; he was probably the ranch foreman or a capable assistant.

"Welcome to Eagle Creek Ranch!" Old Johnson's voice was loud and cheerful as he strode up to Lin Feng, who had just gotten out of the car, and extended his large hand covered with calluses and small scars.

His gaze swept quickly over Lin Feng, then over K, Lü Yi, and Kong Xiang, who got out of the car behind him and had different temperaments, as well as several "Blood Spear" mercenaries who got out of the other two cars and were well-trained and maintained a vigilant position. A subtle assessment flashed in his eyes, but the smile on his face remained warm and cheerful.

"Mr. Lin? Was your journey smooth? I'm Andrew John, my friends call me Old Andy."

"Mr. Johnson, it's a pleasure to meet you." Lin Feng extended his hand to shake his, the pressure just right, neither overly enthusiastic nor cold. "Thanks to you, I had a safe journey. The scenery of Eagle Creek lives up to its reputation." He spoke fluent English, with a slight accent, but his word choice was precise.

"Haha, it's all thanks to God and our ancestors." Old Johnson shook his hand vigorously, then let go and patted Lin Feng's arm naturally. "Don't call me 'Mr.,' that's too formal. Just call me Andy. And who are these gentlemen?" He looked at K and the others.

"My colleague, K, is in charge of assessment and logistics. Lü Yi is my security consultant. Kong Xiang is our technical consultant," Lin Feng introduced concisely, without mentioning any further details.

K nodded slightly, his expression calm and professional. Lü Yi grinned as a greeting, his eyes already curiously scanning the surroundings, lingering for a few seconds on the barns and the distant cattle. Kong Xiang, on the other hand, was more reserved, adjusting his Glasses and saying "Hello" in English.

"Welcome everyone!" Old Johnson nodded to everyone, his gaze lingering on K and Lü Yi for a half-second longer, clearly noticing their unusual demeanor, but he didn't ask any further questions. He turned to the burly man beside him, "This is Tom, my right-hand man. He's been in Eagle Creek for over twenty years; there's nothing he doesn't know."

Tom smiled sheepishly, nodded, and said nothing more.

"Come on in, don't just stand here. Come inside and have something to drink and rest. Lunch will be ready soon. My wife Judy and daughter Emily are busy in the kitchen. They'll make sure you get a taste of authentic ranch flavor!" Old Johnson greeted them warmly, stepping aside to lead the way.

The group followed him into the wide porch, where the wooden floor felt solid and stable underfoot.

Sure enough, there were several old-looking rocking chairs on the porch, along with a small wooden table with a pair of reading glasses and an open agricultural magazine on it.

Pushing open the door to the main house, a warm aroma, a blend of the scents of toast, stew, old wood, and a hint of leather, greets you.

The interior space appears more spacious than the exterior. The high-ceilinged living room features a huge stone fireplace that occupies an entire wall, which, even without a fire, still gives a solid and warm feeling.

The furniture is mostly made of heavy solid wood or leather, with traditional styles but well-maintained, and the sofas are covered with brightly colored Native American-style rugs.

The walls are adorned with deer heads, bear skins, vintage hunting rifles, and numerous black-and-white or yellowed old photographs, documenting the lives of several generations of the Johnson Family Clan here. The overall style is rugged yet comfortable, brimming with a sense of life and history, and utterly unpretentious.

"Make yourself at home," Old Johnson gestured for everyone to sit, then walked to an old-fashioned wooden counter with various bottles and glasses. "What would you like to drink? Coffee? Tea? I have some homemade Apple, from last fall, it's quite good. Or something stronger? Bourbon whiskey?"

"Coffee, please." Lin Feng sat down on a leather sofa near the fireplace. K chose to sit in the armchair to his side. Lü Yi and Kong Xiang also found seats, while the "Blood Spear" mercenaries tacitly remained near the porch and doorway, not all of them going inside.

"OK!" Old Johnson deftly began brewing coffee with a siphon pot, his movements practiced and efficient. As he worked, he said, "Mr. Lin... oh, I'll still call you Lin, you don't mind, do you? My agent told me you're interested in land investment in the Pacific Ocean Northwest Region, especially in historically significant and productive areas like Eagle Creek?"

"Yes, Andy." Lin Feng took the hot coffee Tom handed him and thanked him. "I appreciate real estate with a heritage and the ability to create stable value. Eagle Creek Ranch seems to be very well managed."

"Ha! I like hearing that." Old Johnson poured himself a cup of coffee, added a large spoonful of sugar, and sat down on another sofa, stretching out.

"I'm not bragging, but the Johnson Family, starting with my grandfather Old Ethan, has always treated this land like another child."

We graze livestock, but never overgraze; we cut down trees, but we follow the strictest sustainable logging principles: for every tree we cut, we replace it with three.

"Look at the grasslands outside, and the forests on the mountains—they're all healthy! This isn't just a piece of land; it's a responsibility and a business that has lasted for 120 years." His tone was filled with undisguised pride.

"Admirable." Lin Feng nodded, taking a sip of coffee. The flavor was rich and aromatic, clearly from high-quality beans. "Maintaining such an industry requires a tremendous investment of time and effort."

"Who says otherwise!" Old Johnson sighed, leaning back on the sofa, his expression slightly complicated. "The effort... my father, my grandfather, and I have poured in is immeasurable. As for wisdom, we've learned as we went, accumulating quite a bit. It's just... times have changed." He waved his hand, not elaborating, but the meaning was clear.

Just then, a gentle female voice came from the kitchen. "Andy, lunch is ready. Please invite the guests over."

"They're here!" Old Johnson immediately stood up, his face beaming with smiles again. "Come on, come on, try Judy's cooking! She's the best chef within fifty miles!"

The dining room is right next to the living room, where a long wooden dining table that can seat ten people has already been set out. The tablecloth is white, the silver cutlery is gleaming, and a large bouquet of freshly picked wildflowers sits in the center.

A kind-faced woman with gray hair and an apron wearing an apron came out carrying a huge stew pot. Seeing Lin Feng and the others, she smiled warmly and said, "Welcome! You must be tired from your journey. I'm Judy."

"Mrs. Johnson, excuse me." Lin Feng nodded politely.

"Just call me Judy, please have a seat." Judy smiled, then called towards the kitchen, "Emily, bring out the toast and salad!"

"Coming!" a clear female voice responded. Immediately afterwards, a young woman came out carrying a wooden tray.

She looked to be in her late twenties, and had inherited her Old Johnson's tall stature. She was well-proportioned and fit, and wore a simple plaid shirt and jeans with the sleeves rolled up, revealing her tanned forearms.

Her long, golden hair was tied into a neat ponytail at the back of her head. Her face was unadorned, her skin had a healthy glow, her nose was straight, and her eyes were the same deep blue as her father's, bright and curious, with a hint of curiosity and an uninhibited gaze. This was Emily John.

"Hi, everyone. I'm Emily." She greeted them warmly, her gaze lingering on Lin Feng for a moment before she politely glanced at the others and placed the bread basket and a large bowl of vegetable salad on the table.

Lunch was typical ranch-style: large portions, hearty, and flavorful. The main course was beef that had been slow-cooked for hours, accompanied by roasted potatoes, buttered corn, and a fresh vegetable salad. The bread was homemade, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Judy's cooking skills were truly excellent; she created a warm and satisfying meal from simple ingredients.

During the meal, Old Johnson naturally took the lead in the conversation. He was witty and talkative, talking about the different jobs on the ranch in the four seasons, telling stories of taming wild horses when he was young, and anecdotes about the fun when the mountains were blocked by heavy snow in winter.

He wasn't deliberately promoting the land; rather, he was like a hospitable host showcasing his proud home and lifestyle.

Judy would occasionally add details with a smile, or ask the guests if they needed more food. Emily was quiet but attentive, noticing when someone's glass was empty and offering to refill it. She would also secretly make a "here we go again" face at her mother when her father was telling some exaggerated stories, making her seem lively and cheerful.

Lü Yi was very satisfied with the food and ate with great relish. He was particularly interested in the hunting stories Old Johnson told, and would occasionally chime in with a question.

Kong Xiang was relatively quiet, but listened very attentively, occasionally asking a professional question or two about the ranch's irrigation system or forestry management. Old Johnson was happy to answer them, even asking Tom to bring a map to explain in detail. K, on the other hand, maintained a polite silence, focusing on his meal, but his eyes were always on his surroundings.

Lin Feng didn't say much, mostly listening and occasionally responding. His questions were often to the point, such as the prevention and control of diseases and pests on the ranch, ensuring the supply line in winter, and handling relations with the local government and neighbors. This showed that he was not just a casual observer, but was genuinely thinking about how to manage this land. This made Old Johnson's eyes show even more assessment and seriousness when he answered.

The atmosphere was harmonious, filled with laughter. Sunlight streamed through the lattice windows into the restaurant, casting warm dappled patterns on the wooden tabletops. Eagle Creek Ranch gave Lin Feng's team a near-perfect first impression—a meticulously cared-for, fertile, and beautiful land; a warm, frank family that loves their home; and a simple yet vibrant way of life.

After lunch, Old Johnson suggested taking Lin Feng and the others horseback riding in the afternoon to get a more direct feel for the scale and details of the ranch. Lin Feng readily agreed.

"Emily," Old Johnson said to his daughter, "Go to the stables and pick out a few docile horses, and have Tom get ready. I'll go with Mr. Lin and the others to change into more comfortable clothes."

"Okay, Dad." Emily replied, and as she turned around, her gaze inadvertently met Lin Feng's again. She smiled slightly, revealing her white teeth, and then quickly walked out.

On the way to the guest room, K whispered to Lin Feng in Chinese, only the two of them could hear, "Boss, Old Johnson is very experienced, enthusiastic but not obsequious, observing while demonstrating. That Emily, her eyes are very lively."

Lin Feng didn't stop walking, and replied in a low voice in Chinese, "Yes. Let's look at the land first. We'll take our time looking at the people."