A Day at the Ranch

Sunlight filters through the gaps between the towering fir and hemlock trees, casting dappled, dancing spots of light across the forest clearing.

The horses' hooves pounded on the soft ground covered with pine needles and moss, producing a dull, rhythmic "clatter," which, mixed with the slight rustling of leather harnesses and the occasional snort, created a tranquil symphony unique to the forest at dawn.

A line of six horses moved at a leisurely pace along the woodland trail on the east side of Eagle Creek Ranch. Old Johnson led the way, riding a tall chestnut Quarter Horse with practiced ease, as if he and his mount were one.

Lin Feng rode a docile but spirited black chestnut horse, following slightly behind. K, Lü Yi, and Kong Xiang each rode a horse, with Tom bringing up the rear.

Emily also rode a beautiful dappled mare, walking slightly ahead of Lin Feng, occasionally turning back to say a few words, introducing the surrounding plants or pointing out a landmark in the distance.

Lin Feng's horseback riding skills weren't exactly professional, but they were steady enough. Thanks to his strong body control and learning ability, he quickly adapted to the rhythm of horseback riding.

He loosened the reins, his gaze calmly sweeping across the surroundings. This forest was not a pristine wilderness, but a carefully managed "commercial forest."

The trees are thick and straight, with reasonable spacing. The understory shrubs and fallen logs have been cleared clean, and the ground is covered with a thick layer of humus. The air is fresh and moist. Sunlight forms beams of light between the tree trunks, and the visibility is excellent.

"This area is mainly Douglas fir, with trees between forty and sixty years old," Emily said in a clear voice, with a touch of natural enthusiasm, pointing to the towering trees around her.

"My father and grandfather have always insisted on selective logging, only cutting down mature and overly dense trees, and immediately replanting saplings afterward. So you see, there are big, medium, and small trees in the forest, the ecosystem is vibrant, the soil and water are well conserved, and there is a continuous production of timber."

She turned slightly to the side as she spoke, her golden ponytail swaying gently with the horse's movements. Sunlight danced through the gaps in the leaves on her face, making her look healthy and vibrant.

"A very scientific management method." Lin Feng nodded, his gaze falling on a giant tree marked with a special symbol. "Is that the 'mother tree' that was deliberately preserved?"

Emily glanced at him in surprise, then smiled, a bright smile:

"You recognized it? Yes, that's a 'wolf tree,' that's what we call it here. We don't cut it down; we let it die of old age and fall naturally, providing habitat for insects, birds, and other small animals. The fallen trunks also fertilize the soil. A healthy forest needs such 'old trees.'"

"Wolf Tree..." Lin Feng repeated the vivid name, neither confirming nor denying it. He understood sustainable forestry, but he was more concerned about the actual concealment and defense potential of this forest. The density of the trees and the undulating terrain were enough to conceal a considerable number of personnel and light facilities, and several faintly visible abandoned logging trails and animal paths provided additional routes of movement.

"Emily's the family's 'woodland expert,'" came Old Johnson's hearty voice from ahead, as he steered his horse alongside the Lin Feng. "That girl's been exploring the woods since she was little. She knows better than Tom and me which grove has the most mushrooms and which creek has the fattest trout. Studying design in Portland is such a waste of her talent, haha!"

"Dad!" Emily gave her father a playful glare, a blush creeping onto her face, whether from exercise or something else, it was hard to tell. She glanced furtively at Lin Feng, and seeing no particular reaction from him, she turned back and pointed to a relatively open slope ahead, saying, "We're almost at ' Deer Leap Cliff,' from there we can see the entire eastern part of the ranch and the upper reaches of Eagle Creek."

The group urged their horses forward, climbed a small hill, and suddenly a bright and open view appeared before them.

This is a prominent rocky platform with a rather steep cliff below. The view is excellent, with Eagle Creek winding its way from between the two mountains not far upstream, shimmering like a silver chain in the sunlight.

On both sides of the stream are wide and fertile grasslands, and further away, the main buildings of the ranch are reduced to tiny patches of color.

Beyond the grasslands and hills, one can see the hazy Skagit River Valley Plain to the northwest, and further still, the faintly visible Puget Sound. A strong wind blows across the cliffs, bringing the scent of distant mountains and forests, which broadens one's mind.

"Great place!" Lü Yi couldn't help but exclaim, enjoying the expansive view and the feeling of being high up.

"When my grandfather first saw this view, he decided to settle here," Old Johnson said proudly, pointing with his riding crop. "Look, the pastures are our livelihood, the forests are our shelter, the streams are our lifeblood, and this view is our eyes. Eagle Creek Ranch is a naturally blessed place where we can thrive and protect ourselves."

Lin Feng gazed silently, taking in the entire layout of this land. It was indeed a good place, advantageous for both offense and defense, with enormous potential for self-sufficiency in resources, and far from major transportation routes and towns. Old Johnson's ancestors certainly had foresight.

"Go down, I'll show you the real rice bowl." Old Johnson pulled on the reins, turned the horse around, and rode down a gentler path.

Passing through a sparse secondary forest, the view is once again filled with boundless green. This is one of the core grazing areas of the ranch, with gentle terrain and abundant pasture that stretches all the way to the banks of Eagle Creek.

Hundreds of glossy black, robust Angus cattle grazed leisurely on the pasture, while calves frolicked around their mothers. Several cowboys on horseback patrolled slowly in the distance, waving to Old Johnson and his party from afar.

"Purebred Angus, with a core population of 320," Old Johnson said, his voice filled with emotion as if introducing his most prized creation.

"The feed is mainly pasture, supplemented with alfalfa hay we grow ourselves and a small amount of corn in winter. We don't use growth hormones, and antibiotics are strictly limited. The quality of the meat is excellent, and everyone who has eaten it raves about it. Several top steakhouses in Seattle have always been our regular customers."

He gestured for everyone to dismount and approach the herd. The cattle were not alarmed; they simply looked up at the strangers with their gentle eyes and continued grazing. The air was filled with the unique scent of grass, cow dung, and soil—a scent that belonged to the farm.

"Cattle raising is meticulous work, and it requires a lot of conscience." Old Johnson squatted down, casually plucked a handful of grass, and checked the roots and soil moisture. "The pastures need rotational grazing to allow the grass time to recover. The water source must be clean and tested regularly. The cattle's disease prevention and breeding records cannot be neglected in the slightest. These things are the foundation of the ranch."

Tom led over several docile ponies, allowing Lü Yi and Kong Xiang to get up close. Lü Yi was quite interested and tried to touch a pony's nose. The pony snorted, startling him, and he quickly withdrew his hand, eliciting a soft laugh from Emily. Kong Xiang, however, was more interested in the pasture's irrigation system, pointing to the sprinkler system faintly visible in the distance and asking Tom for details.

Lin Feng and K did not dismount, but simply stood on their horses to observe. K's gaze lingered more on the cowboys, the sturdiness of the fence, and the road along the edge of the pasture that facilitated vehicle passage, assessing the security weaknesses and the difficulty of control here.

He watched Old Johnson's focused profile as he squatted beside the cattle, watched Emily smiling as she instructed Lü Yi on how to properly approach the horses, watched the cowboys' skillful riding in the distance, and watched this vibrant and orderly scene.

Sunshine, meadows, cattle, hardworking people, and landowners who love their land... all of this creates a typical, beautiful, and even somewhat idealistic picture of United States ranch.

It was so beautiful, almost unreal. But the fertile land beneath his feet, the neat fences in the distance, and the healthy state of the cattle all clearly told him that this beauty was real, built by generations of the Johnson Family Clan with their sweat and wisdom.

But this beautiful picture now seems to have reached a crossroads. The occasional complex emotions that flash in Old Johnson's eyes, and Emily and her brother's estrangement from the future of the ranch, are subtle cracks that are not easily noticed in this perfect picture.

At noon, everyone returned to the main house. A sumptuous lunch had been prepared: freshly sliced Angus steak, grilled to a perfect crisp on the outside and tender on the inside, served with roasted vegetables, cornbread, and hummus. The cooking method was simple, but the ingredients were superb, and the taste was impressive.

The atmosphere was more relaxed than yesterday, and Old Johnson told funny stories about participating in rodeos when he was young, which made everyone laugh.

Emily also became much more lively, speaking vividly and with sharp observations about the eccentric clients she encountered during her design work in Portland, revealing a delicate and intelligent side of her that contrasted with her rugged appearance.

She seemed very interested in Eastern culture and design, and would occasionally ask Kong Xiang questions about traditional China architecture and aesthetics. Kong Xiang answered them with difficulty, and a little sweat appeared on his forehead.

After lunch, they rested for a while. Old Johnson suggested hiking upstream along Eagle Creek to see the water source and some "more wild" places. Lin Feng agreed.

This time, they didn't ride horses; the group walked. Old Johnson and Tom led the way, followed by Lin Feng, K, and Kong Xiang, with Lü Yi bringing up the rear. Emily also joined in with great enthusiasm.

They walked along a tributary of Eagle Creek into the depths of the hills to the northeast. The path became narrower and narrower, and the scenery became more and more pristine. Towering ancient trees blocked out the sun, and the stream rushed and leaped among the rocks, making a gurgling sound. The air was filled with negative oxygen ions and fresh water vapor from the plants.

They rested by a pool beneath a small waterfall. The water was crystal clear, and they could see tiny fish swimming around.

Like a child, Old Johnson scooped up some stream water with his hands and drank it down, exclaiming with delight, "Ah! Try it! Real spring water, a hundred times better than any bottled mineral water sold in the city!"

Everyone followed suit; the water was clear, sweet, and slightly cool. Lü Yi even submerged her head in the water and washed her face thoroughly.

Emily sat on a smooth, large rock, took off her boots and socks, and dipped her fair feet into the cool stream. She sighed contentedly, and sunlight filtered through the leaves, illuminating her beautiful curves.

She noticed Lin Feng's gaze, looked up at him and smiled sweetly, without any hesitation.

"Lin, what do you think of Eagle Creek?" Old Johnson wiped his hands with a towel, sat down next to Lin Feng, and asked casually.

"It's fantastic land," Lin Feng replied honestly, "Impeccably managed. It's clear you and your family have poured your heart and soul into it."

Old Johnson paused for a moment, his gaze falling on the splashing water of the waterfall, and slowly said:

"Yes, it's all been hard work... Sometimes when I think about it, all the joys and sorrows, all the efforts and setbacks of the Johnson Family over the past hundred years are tied to this land."

It sustained us, but it also restricted us. Before my father died, he held my hand and said only one sentence, "Guard Eagle Creek."

His voice was somewhat low, "I've kept guarding it, until now. But sometimes I wonder, what will happen to Eagle Creek when I die? Drew (his son) isn't interested in cows and trees, Emily... she likes it here, but she has her own world. Hand it over to professional managers? Will it still be the Johnson Family's Eagle Creek?"

This was a father's and landlord's genuine concern, not involving any transaction, but only about inheritance. Lin Feng didn't respond, but just listened quietly.

"Perhaps it's time to let Eagle Creek live a different life." Old Johnson turned his head and looked at Lin Feng, his eyes filled with complex emotions, scrutiny, expectation, and a hint of weariness that was hard to detect.

"Hand it over to someone who truly understands its value and has the ability to ensure its continued prosperity. Of course, the prerequisite is that the price must be commensurate with its 120-year history and future potential."

He articulated the core demands of potential sellers: a reasonable price and guarantees for the land's future.

"I understand." Lin Feng nodded, making no promises. He clearly distinguished between business and feelings.

On the way back, the atmosphere was a little quiet, with everyone lost in their own thoughts. Emily seemed to want to lighten the mood, so she took the initiative to strike up a conversation with Lin Feng, asking him what sports he liked, what his impressions of Seattle were, and even half-jokingly asking him if he was interested in "ranch life".

Lin Feng's reply was polite but concise. Emily was not discouraged and continued to smile.

As evening fell, everyone returned to the main house. The sunset painted the sky with brilliant orange and purple hues, and the silhouettes of distant mountains and forests appeared like elongated shapes. The enticing aroma of food wafted from the main house.

Dinner was the highlight of the ranch experience. The long table was laden with a sumptuous feast: a huge roasted turkey, honey-glazed ham, salads made from a variety of freshly picked vegetables from the ranch, creamy mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce... a dazzling array of dishes, and generous portions. Judy even baked Apple and walnut pie for dessert.

"Thank you all for your hard work today," said Old Johnson, the host, raising his glass full of red wine, his face beaming with genuine enthusiasm. "It's just a simple meal, nothing special, but it's all from Eagle Creek itself. I hope you all enjoy it! Cheers to Eagle Creek, and to our friends who have come from afar!"

"Cheers!" Everyone raised their glasses in response. The crystal glasses clinked together, making a crisp sound.

The atmosphere at dinner was much more lively than the previous two times. Perhaps it was the daytime activities that had brought them closer, or perhaps it was the effect of the alcohol. Old Johnson was more talkative, recounting everything from the history of the frontier era to local anecdotes.

Lü Yi ate large mouthfuls of meat and drank large bowls of wine, praising the roast turkey highly. Kong Xiang also relaxed a lot, occasionally interjecting. K remained restrained, but the lines on his face softened.

Emily sat diagonally opposite Lin Feng. She had changed into a floral dress, washing away the day's weariness, and applied light makeup, making her appear even more radiant and beautiful under the lights.

She seemed to pay special attention to Lin Feng, frequently exchanging glances with him, refilling his glass when it was empty, and looking at him and laughing when she heard something interesting.

She asked many questions about the East and about business investment, her tone full of admiration and her eyes filled with undisguised interest. This goodwill was expressed directly and boldly, consistent with her cheerful personality as a ranch girl, but it also carried a clear purpose—whether it was at her father's behest or her own plan.

Old Johnson and Judy observed their daughter's behavior but did not stop her; on the contrary, they were happy to see it happen and occasionally made a harmless joke.

In their view, if their daughter could establish some connection with this seemingly young, promising, wealthy, and genuinely interested Eastern buyer, it might not be a bad thing, either for the transaction itself or for the potential future of Eagle Creek.

Lin Feng handled the situation appropriately, politely yet distantly. He could see Emily's enthusiasm, and he also understood the factors that might be mixed behind it. He had no ill feelings towards her personally, and even appreciated her energy and frankness, but he would never let such personal feelings affect his business judgment.

Dinner ended in a pleasant atmosphere (at least on the surface). Old Johnson, still wanting more, pulled Lin Feng aside for a glass of whiskey by the fireplace, where they chatted about local policies and neighborhood relations, essentially laying everything out. It wasn't until late at night that everyone went back to their rooms to rest.

Lin Feng stood by the window of his guest room, gazing at the tranquil pasture bathed in moonlight. A few distant barks echoed, emphasizing the depth of the night. After a day's experience, the value of Eagle Creek Ranch was undeniable. The Old Johnson family—warm, frank, and passionate about the land—also faced real-world challenges. His daughter's goodwill might be a bonus, or perhaps it had ulterior motives.

But none of that matters.

Importantly, this land met almost all of his requirements.

The Johnson Family Clan appears to be an ideal target for a deal.

That's enough.

As for those heartwarming scenes of ranch life and the bright smiles of young girls, they are nothing more than insignificant decorations in the face of cold strategic needs and massive plans.

He drew the curtains, shutting out the moonlight and the tranquility of the pasture.

In my mind, the blueprint for the future of this land is becoming increasingly clear.