Handshake and the Return Journey

The morning light in Eagle Creek is clearer and more penetrating than in the city. As the first rays of sunlight cross the eastern mountain ridge and pierce through the thin mist in the forest, the entire pasture is like a lit green gem, instantly bursting with vitality.

The dewdrops on the grass blades refracted a rainbow of colors, and the sound of Eagle Creek was especially crisp in the stillness of the morning. Wisps of smoke were already rising from the chimney of the main house.

The atmosphere on this day was completely different from yesterday's "ranch day," which focused on experiences and feelings.

Breakfast was a simple meal of bacon, eggs, and oatmeal, and it was eaten quickly.

Old Johnson changed into a crisper plaid shirt. His expression remained enthusiastic, but his eyes held a newfound focus and prudence characteristic of a businessman. He knew that today was the crucial moment that would truly determine Eagle Creek's future.

"Lin, yesterday I showed you around the ranch," Old Johnson said, wiping his mouth with a napkin, getting straight to the point. "Today, let's take a good look at the ranch's 'bones'—the water and electricity, the boundaries, the condition of every building, and potential maintenance points. Eagle Creek doesn't hide anything; if it's good, it's good. And where investment is needed, I'll be frank. Let's let the facts speak for themselves."

"That's exactly what I need, Andy," Lin Feng said calmly, setting down his coffee cup.

The inspection began with the ranch's own hydroelectric system. Led by Old Johnson and Tom, the group first checked the hydroelectric generator set located next to a small waterfall upstream of Eagle Creek.

The equipment is somewhat old, but it is very well maintained, humming smoothly and providing a stable power supply to the rancher's complex. The backup large diesel generator is also in good condition, with its fuel tank full.

"This old thing was installed by my father. It's sturdy and has never had any major problems," Old Johnson patted the cold metal casing. "Normally, it mainly relies on this to supplement the power grid. In winter, when the stream flow is high, any surplus electricity generated can be fed back. Power outages? They're rare in Eagle Creek."

Next are the wells. Three deep wells, located at the main house, the grazing area, and the edge of the forest, respectively. The water output is stable, and the water quality reports (Tom pulls out a thick stack of test records from previous years) all meet or even far exceed drinking water standards. The supporting water storage tanks, filtration systems, and pipe networks are also functioning normally.

"Water is life, and we never take it lightly," Old Johnson said firmly.

Next came the border patrol. They didn't ride horses, but instead traveled in two sturdy pickup trucks and an all-terrain vehicle. Old Johnson drove himself, taking Lin Feng and K slowly along the ranch boundary.

The boundaries are mostly marked by natural terrain (ridges, streams) and traditional stone walls and sturdy barbed wire fences, with prominent "private property" signs visible at intervals.

At key intersections and high points, simple, non-electric sensor alarms are installed, connected to the main building's monitoring terminal.

"The border is about 22 miles long," Old Johnson said, pointing out the window as he drove.

"Most of them are very clear, and the boundary markers with the neighbors (mainly larger forest farms or federal lands) are jointly inspected annually, with no disputes. These entrances,"

He stopped the car and pointed to a side road and a sturdy log gate. "It's usually locked, and only Tom and I have the Key. The security cameras can see a rough outline, but the resolution isn't high. If we're really going to upgrade security completely, this is the key area."

Lin Feng carefully examined the condition of the fence and the terrain. The boundary line maintenance was indeed in place, but as Old Johnson had said, the existing passive protection measures were far from sufficient for his future needs. However, the foundation was good, and the terrain provided enough room for upgrades.

The afternoon's focus was on building assessment. The ranch complex includes the main house, three large barns, a farm machinery warehouse, a workers' shed, four staff quarters (only two are currently in use), and several old hunting lodges and tool sheds scattered throughout the woods and along the creek.

K, accompanied by a member of "Blood Spear" posing as an assistant and possessing a background in architectural assessment, meticulously inspected the structure, foundation, roof, and plumbing of each building using specialized equipment, taking photos and making records. Old Johnson and Tom accompanied them throughout, answering all questions and even proactively pointing out that certain buildings (such as the oldest barn) needed roof replacements and that a water pipe had slight corrosion that might require attention.

The investigation was meticulous and lengthy. Lin Feng was a man of few words, but his observations were insightful, and the questions he raised were all to the point, such as the corrosion of fences by de-icing salt in winter, the impact of Eagle Creek level on low-lying buildings after heavy rain, and the fire resistance rating of building materials, etc.

Old Johnson's responses became increasingly serious. He realized that this young Eastern buyer was not merely attracted by the "idyllic" pastoral scenery of the ranch, but was assessing every detail and potential risk of a major asset with an engineer's eye.

Emily followed in another car, but she was tactful and didn't interfere too much with the "business." She would only occasionally offer water or snacks when everyone was resting, or add an interesting detail or two when her father was explaining some history.

Her gaze still frequently fell on Lin Feng, but it was more subtle than it had been by the campfire the night before, carrying a sense of observation and appreciation.

Seeing Lin Feng carefully inspecting the joints of the wooden structure, seeing him squat down to examine the drainage ditch with focused concentration, a complex light occasionally flashed in his eyes—it was hard to tell if it was admiration, curiosity, or something else entirely.

As the setting sun once again painted the horizon red, the field survey finally came to an end. Everyone returned to the main house, their faces showing signs of fatigue, but their minds were still focused.

In Old Johnson's study, piled high with documents, maps, deer head specimens, and old saddles, the atmosphere became formal and focused. On the large oak desk lay the ranch's cadastral map, asset list, recent income and expenditure statements (audited), and a preliminary assessment summary compiled by K's team that afternoon.

Judy brought in coffee and tea, then quietly withdrew, gently closing the door behind her. Tom stood guard outside. Only Old Johnson, Lin Feng, K, and Kong Xiang, who was there as a "witness," remained in the study. Lü Yi was sent to "inspect the vehicle."

Old Johnson sat down in the high-backed leather chair behind the desk, crossed his arms on the table, and stared intently at Lin Feng sitting opposite him. The warm hospitality he had shown at the bonfire dinner had now been replaced by a calm, shrewd, and fiercely competitive landlord's demeanor.

"Lin, let's not beat around the bush." Old Johnson cut to the chase, pointing to the asset list on the table. "After looking at Eagle Creek Ranch for the past day and a half, you should have a good grasp of its value. Its history, its output, its condition, its potential, and... the Johnson Family's 120 years of reputation and management. I don't want to use 'sentiment' to inflate the price, but it truly deserves it."

He quoted a figure, the same one mentioned by the campfire last night, a price high enough to give most investors pause for thought.

Lin Feng didn't respond immediately. He picked up his coffee cup, blew on it gently, took a sip, and then slowly spoke, his voice steady. "Andy, Eagle Creek is indeed a rare piece of land, and your management and honesty have left a deep impression on me. However, any investment needs to be based on rational assessment and risk hedging."

He gestured to KK, who immediately pulled up several data files from his tablet and began to present them.

Instead of attacking Old Johnson's offer, the analysis employed three professional approaches—the "market comparison approach," the "income approach," and the "cost approach"—combining recent transactions of similar-sized and similar-output ranches in eastern Washington State, the ranch's current profitability (after deducting family management costs), and potential future capital expenditures (such as fencing, building, equipment upgrades, and potential increases in environmental compliance costs). This analysis yielded a relatively conservative "fair value range" calculated using a complex model.

The upper limit of this range is about 15% lower than Old Johnson's offer.

Old Johnson listened quietly, his expression unchanged, but his eyes were sharp, clearly digesting and analyzing every piece of data and argument K presented. After K finished speaking, he was silent for a moment, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the table.

"Mr. K's analysis is very professional," Old Johnson said slowly, his tone still calm.

"Market data is static, but every piece of land is dynamic. Your model may not fully reflect the long-term carbon sequestration value and timber reserve appreciation brought about by sustainable forestry management in Eagle Creek."

Its water resource independence and energy self-sufficiency, as well as its value as a safe haven in extreme situations, cannot be measured by conventional cash flow.

More importantly, its integrity and privacy—you'd be hard-pressed to find another undeveloped piece of land on the market with such a clear and clean area, topography, and title, all so close to a major urban area. This in itself constitutes a scarcity premium.

He did not raise his offer, but refuted the arguments that the valuation was too low point by point, emphasizing Eagle Creek's intangible assets and strategic value. The negotiations entered a substantive confrontation phase.

Lin Feng listened calmly, interjecting at opportune moments to raise questions and discuss specific terms (such as the list of livestock and agricultural machinery included in the sale price, the pricing method for timber inventory, and the issue of the retention or dismissal of existing employees after the transaction). His questions were professional and precise, demonstrating that he paid attention not only to the total price but also to every detail of the transaction to avoid future disputes.

The negotiations lasted for nearly two hours. Both sides came prepared and had their own bottom lines.

Old Johnson remained quite firm on the total price, but made flexible concessions on some specific asset divisions, payment schedules (he agreed to a relatively long, tax-advantaged installment plan), and post-transition assistance (a commitment to provide consulting services for a period of time to help the new owner familiarize himself with ranch operations).

After confirming that the core value (the land itself) and key terms (absolutely clear property rights, no hidden liabilities, and complete control after the transaction) were guaranteed, Lin Feng made a slight increase in the total price. The final figure was about 8% lower than Old Johnson's initial offer, but still near the upper limit of the "fair value range" calculated by K. It was a price that both parties could accept and that they could explain to their respective backers (family or team).

When the last point of contention—the ownership of some old farm tools stored on the ranch that had emotional value but were not core assets—was resolved through a "gift," the atmosphere in the study noticeably relaxed.

Old Johnson let out a long sigh of relief, leaned back in his chair, and a complex smile of relief and accomplishment spread across his face. He reached out his hand across the desk to Lin Feng.

"Lin," his voice was slightly hoarse, but his eyes were bright, "It seems Eagle Creek has found a new owner who appreciates it and is willing to invest in its future."

Lin Feng also reached out and firmly grasped the large, calloused hand. His hand was steady and strong.

"I believe this will be the beginning of a new chapter for Eagle Creek." Lin Feng's voice remained calm, but his words themselves carried a solemn promise.

"Cheers!" Old Johnson shouted excitedly, taking a bottle of his prized bourbon whiskey and two glasses from the liquor cabinet under his desk. He poured a little less than half a glass and handed one to Lin Feng, "To Eagle Creek!"

Two wine glasses clinked gently in the air, producing a crisp sound. The amber-colored wine rippled under the light.

A preliminary agreement has been reached. It was agreed that one week later, both parties' legal teams would meet in Seattle to draft and sign a formal sales agreement based on the framework discussed today.

Dinner was a celebratory feast, with an even more lively atmosphere than the previous two days, but also tinged with a subtle sense of farewell.

Judy prepared her best roasted leg of lamb, Emily brought out her collection of fine wines from the Napa Valley. Old Johnson drank heartily, talking more than usual, constantly reminiscing about the ranch, and also revealing a mix of anticipation and uncertainty about the future.

Emily was still sitting near Lin Feng, but she spoke much less. Most of the time, she just listened quietly and looked at Lin Feng. There was a smile and appreciation in her eyes, but also a faint, indescribable sense of loss.

When Lin Feng politely responded to her suggestion that "you can ask me to be your tour guide when you come to Seattle in the future," she simply smiled and nodded without saying anything more.

As night deepened, the celebration ended amidst pleasant drinks and well wishes. Everyone said goodnight and agreed that after breakfast the next morning, Lin Feng and his group would set off back to Seattle.

The following morning, Eagle Creek was shrouded in a fresh, light mist. The motorcade had already started and stopped in front of the main house. Old Johnson and his entire family, along with Tom, stood at the door to see them off.

Judy handed K a basket filled with homemade jam, honey, and bacon, gently reminding him to be careful on the road. Old Johnson patted Lin Feng on the shoulder forcefully. "Lin, see you in Seattle in a week! My lawyer will contact you. Eagle Creek... is in your hands now."

"Don't worry, Andy. Keep in touch." Lin Feng nodded.

Emily stood a step behind her parents. She was wearing a simple T-shirt and jeans, her blonde hair tied in a ponytail, and she had no makeup on; she looked fresh and neat.

When Lin Feng's gaze turned to her, she stepped forward, without extending her hand, but instead gave Lin Feng a deep look with her azure eyes, a bright smile curving her lips, her voice clear and crisp:

"Have a safe journey, Lin. I hope... Eagle Creek won't let you down."

"No, thank you for your hospitality, Emily." Lin Feng replied politely, then nodded to everyone, turned and got into the car.

K, Lü Yi, Kong Xiang, and others quickly got into the car. The convoy slowly drove away from the main house, following the gravel road they had come from, and headed towards the ranch gate.

The Old Johnson family and Tom stood at the door, watching the convoy drive away until it disappeared around the corner in the woods. Old Johnson put his arm around his wife's shoulder, let out a long sigh, and looked on with a complicated expression.

Judy leaned on his shoulder. Emily, on the other hand, kept staring in the direction the convoy had disappeared, remaining motionless for a long time. The smile on her face had vanished, leaving only a blank calm, and a barely perceptible, watery glimmer deep in her eyes.

In the car, Lin Feng leaned back in his seat, closing his eyes to rest. Lü Yi excitedly reminisced about the delicious food and horses at the ranch. Kong Xiang, on the other hand, gazed thoughtfully at the scenery rushing past the window.

K, in the passenger seat, glanced at Lin Feng through the rearview mirror and reported in a low voice in Chinese:

"Boss, preliminary background checks show that the Old Johnson family has a relatively clean history, with some but not deep connections to the local political and business network, and no links to hostile forces or complex legal disputes have been found."

However, formal contracts must undergo our most rigorous review, especially regarding the chain of ownership, environmental responsibility, and any potentially hidden debts or restrictive clauses.

"Hmm." Lin Feng didn't open his eyes, only giving a faint reply. "Hand it over to your team and lawyers. The price is negotiable, but the terms must be unambiguous. Also, arrange for someone to maintain a moderate level of surveillance on the Johnson Family Clan until the deal is finalized."

"Understood." K nodded and began recording the instructions on the tablet.

The convoy drove out of the gates of Eagle Creek Ranch, rejoined the county road, and sped towards Seattle. Behind them, the vast, fertile land, whose future had just been decided by the "handshake," gradually disappeared into the outline of mountains and forests.

They came to investigate, but by the time they returned, they had a clear objective in mind.

A week later, in Seattle. That will be the moment when everything truly begins.

At this moment, in the return carriage, there is only the hum of the engine and a preliminary agreement that has been reached but is far from being finalized.