Chapter 1579 - 1560: Atan’s Decision (2)

Miss tasted the tofu pancakes and immediately liked them. The exterior was fragrant, crispy, and crunchy, while the inside was so tender it could ooze water. Coupled with vermicelli and spicy seasoning, Miss ate two in a row, then drank porridge and ate mushrooms and greens, only feeling that these vegetables were fresh and juicy, completely different from those she usually bought in the city.

Miss thought of how they arrived in a hurry yesterday; there weren’t any vegetables at home. Most were brought back by Irving Spencer from the city. Today she finally ate vegetables grown on their land.

"These tofu pancakes are the old master’s favorite breakfast. Miss, if you like them, eat a few more. The tofu is made by us. There’s not much good stuff in the countryside," Aunt Shui smiled.

"Just call me Miss," Miss quickly said, and then sincerely praised, "These things can’t be bought with money outside."

During breakfast, after chatting with Aunt Shui, Miss learned that Anfield Village mostly consisted of old people and children. There were no breakfast shops, clothes stores, let alone shopping malls. The tofu, soy milk, salted fish, and preserved meat were all homemade.

The villagers only went up the mountain to pick tea leaves in spring, then fry them themselves and sell them to tourists at their doorsteps or in nearby counties. Anfield Village is only twenty kilometers from Green County, reachable by bike.

Because it’s so close to the county town, tourists usually make day trips, coming and returning to the county the same day, even if film crews come to shoot, they stay in the county town.

Thus, Anfield Village, despite its beautiful scenery, lovely mountains, waters, and architecture, hasn’t developed its tourism industry.

After breakfast, Marcus Quinn took Miss into the mountains, Irving Spencer specially took leave not to leave. He drove back and intended to drive the two into the mountains but was refused by Marcus Quinn, so he accompanied them walking in.

Exiting the farm, Miss saw quite a few surrounding fields gone barren, with wild grass growing lush and green.

"Miss Chen, from the farm out to the mountains, these were all fields left by the old master, spanning a few hundred acres. The mountain forest, the old master contracted as an orchard for seventy years. My folks rely on selling fruit to cover annual expenses, but unfortunately, they’re old now, and I’m busy with work. The fruits produced in these mountain forests can’t be consumed by the villagers and mostly rot in the mountains. Although village life isn’t as convenient as the city, it’s a shame these assets left by the old master are wasted like this. If you and young master Quinn have time, do come back and visit more often," Irving Spencer said emotionally.

Irving Spencer, a petty civil servant in the city, is adept at reading the room. Seeing Marcus Quinn and Miss return, it appears Marcus Quinn is the master, but it’s obvious that Miss makes the decisions.

The old master had done their family a great favor, and upon hearing Marcus Quinn returned this time, having retired, surely troubled in recent years, Irving Spencer realized Marcus Quinn was more knowledgeable than his father. Marcus Quinn rose to the rank of regimental commander in the Military District but suddenly retired, disappearing for years. Thus, these years hadn’t been smooth, and he’d better return to inherit the old master’s estate.

As for his own family’s troubles, Irving Spencer used his persuasive skills to work on Miss. If this young couple stayed, with Marcus Quinn being the old master’s grandson, Anfield Village would surely regain its former glory.

The old master’s culinary skills and network all depended on Marcus Quinn.

Miss was somewhat surprised, looking at these endless fields, and the orchard on the opposite mountain—all belonging to Marcus Quinn? So Marcus Quinn was clearly a young heir.

"Miss may not necessarily adapt to village life," Marcus Quinn, knowing Irving Spencer’s intentions, said in a low voice.

"If you’re not planning on returning to your family, why not settle in Suton? It’s only a 2-hour drive, and even closer, 20 minutes to Green County. Miss Chen can choose to live in the city or the countryside," Irving Spencer said, "Villagers remember the old master’s kindness; this is your home."

"Let’s talk about it later," Marcus Quinn said lightly.

Miss spoke nothing but kept it in mind. They had no footing in Fountain City; Marcus Quinn went out to work physically every day, and she felt pained watching him. Seacoast was temporarily unreachable; if the resources in Anfield Village were indeed as Irving Spencer said—selling fruit from the mountain forests could cover annual expenses, with many fruits rotting in the mountains—if she and Marcus Quinn opened up fruit sales, Marcus Quinn wouldn’t have to go out to work hard every day.

Irving Spencer led them to the orchard to see, and Miss saw the mountain orchard evidently planned well, sorted in parcels, with fruits available year-round. Now, in September, the jujube trees on the mountain were already red, big and ripe, with early ripened fruits fallen all over the ground. In another patch, the loquat trees were starting to turn yellow, ready for harvest in a month’s time.

"These fruit varieties are top-grade. When planted by the old master, great effort was made, even inviting experts to plant. Now the fruit trees are lush, but with few villagers, most fruits rot in the woods," Irving Spencer sighed.

Miss pulled Marcus Quinn’s sleeve, signaling him to lower his head, and softly said, looking at the man’s mature and resolute face, "Marcus Quinn, I like it here."

Miss was born into a wealthy family; had it not been for the change that year, she might have fulfilled her father’s expectations, marrying a gentle noble, taking over the family business, active in social circles, watching shows, doing charity, becoming a model socialite.

But things went contrary to her wishes, leaving her with nothing now. She met Marcus Quinn, who also had nothing. Since Marcus Quinn provided her a shield, she should also undertake the responsibility with him.

Anfield Village has the old master’s industry and responsibility left for Marcus Quinn. Knowing this is a treasure trove, Marcus Quinn has no reason to give up Treasure Mountain and go back to Fountain City as labor.

Miss instantly affirmed her thoughts, deciding to stay, cultivate the land, and sell fruit to get rich, leading the whole village to prosperity.