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Yvonne had no idea how many people were eyeing her little oranges. The small stash left home was completely gone within three or four days.
But there was good news–Richard’s vineyard on the outskirts of Strate City had a grapevine where the grapes had finally turned purple.
An employee had noticed it during their patrol, snapped a photo, and sent it to the manager, who cautiously forwarded it to Richard.
This time, the greenhouse was up, preventing birds and pests from stealing the fruit. Since then, Richard has become more engaged, visiting the vineyard every few days.
On one of his visits, he discovered something unusual. A company was planning to build houses near his vineyard.
When Richard first bought the land, he had done his research. The area had always been used for animal farming, but neither animal nor plant farming had been profitable—nothing had ever succeeded there.
Over time, it had accumulated several abandoned farms.
The area was relatively remote, and high–priority development projects had never extended this far. So, it had always been considered land with little value.
But not long ago, Richard bought the farm, and soon after, a few others followed suit and purchased land nearby.
At the time, Richard found it quite amusing–who would have thought that the land value would suddenly skyrocket just a month later?
Confused, he decided to ask about it. The company leader recognized him immediately and greeted him with unusually warm hospitality.
During their conversation, Richard learned about how the company had acquired the land.
The CEO of their group had passed through the area last week and was struck by how fresh and clean the air was. After making some inquiries, he found the land was also very affordable, so he decided to build a retirement home there.
The location was very close to Richard’s vineyard.
When business was brought up, Richard’s mind shifted into high gear. He glanced out at his lonely vineyard and began to think deeply.
Richard thought, ‘Funny how no one ever mentioned the air quality before I built the vineyard. In the end, the problem all comes back to my vineyard.‘
Richard squinted thoughtfully, eyeing the smiling man in front of him. He thought, “The younger generation has an eye for business. He saw the potential in this place right away!
“The location and air quality make this place perfect for a retirement home. Over time, my vineyard will only improve the air. It’s a promising project, but I can’t help feeling like something’s off
As everyone knew, he was a shrewd businessman. Richard thought, ‘If the retirement home is built, it’ll be partly because of my vineyard’s influence. I can’t let this opportunity pass without getting something in return.
I can’t just ask for an air usage fee. If I do, those who dislike me will jump at the chance to criticize me.’
After a moment of thought, a gleam of insight flashed in Richard’s eyes. He turned to the leader beside him and said, “Here’s the deal. I have some ideas about this land. Leave me your CEO’s contact information, and once I’m done here, I’ll contact him.”
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The leader stood frozen in disbelief for a few seconds, then quickly double–checked what he had just heard.
“Richard, are you saying you want to collaborate with us?”
Richard nodded, his stern expression giving little away, though his mind was anything but straightforward.
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Richard thought, If I’m willing to steal oranges from my son and grandson, I’m no saint. Watching others profit from my resources would hurt just as much as losing money.
Richard thought. This young man has real vision. Helping the next generation while benefiting my business and utilizing Yvonne’s talents is a win for everyone. This plan could work out for all of us.’
Once the leader confirmed, he quickly contacted his CEO, excited by the news.
Seeing the leader’s expression as though he’d just hit the jackpot, Richard smiled and said nothing. Before visiting the vineyard, he had his bodyguard jot down the CEO’s contact number.
When he arrived, the manager led him to the grapevine where the purple grapes had started to ripen. He stood under the vine, gazing up at the small grapes, like the fox in Aesop’s fable eyeing the fruit he couldn’t reach.
His stash of little oranges had run out, and he craved something sweet. He debated for a moment whether to pick the grape, unsure if it would be sour and end up wasted.
In the end, Richard resisted the urge. He didn’t want to ruin the little grape.
Though he hadn’t gotten to eat the grape, he had made a small profit today and felt satisfied. With light steps, Richard made his way back to the Adler residence.
These days, Richard didn’t even have to say a word; the driver automatically pulled up to the Holmes residence.
As soon as he stepped out of the car, he nearly collided with a bodyguard carrying a covered jar as he walked out of the house.
The bodyguard climbed into the passenger seat of a car, clearly heading somewhere. Richard’s instincts told him that the jar contained something valuable.
He quickly tossed his cane aside and flagged down the car without a second thought. He grabbed the passenger door and leaned in, asking the bodyguard, “What’s in the jar?”
The bodyguard looked surprised but answered honestly.
“Richard, it’s a jar of homemade fruit wine.”
It was a light, sweet wine made from fresh fruit, with a low alcohol content, perfect for casual drinking.
Richard’s eyes lit up at the mention of it. He leaned even closer to the car window, his face eager.
“Let me smell it.”
The bodyguard hesitated. “I’m afraid it’s meant for someone else, Richard. I can’t open it.”
Hearing that it was intended as a gift, Richard reluctantly withdrew, his disappointment evident as he stepped back.
Suddenly, a thought struck him, and his eyes lit up.
“Wait, this isn’t the wine made from those fragrant flowers in your garden, is it?”
The bodyguard nodded honestly.
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Richard’s eyes gleamed even brighter.
“Where’s this bottle of wine going?”
“It’s for Professor Taylor at the research institute,” the bodyguard replied.
Richard’s wrinkled face sank at those words, as if someone had thrown cold water on him.
The world had just collapsed.
He let go of the car window, turned, and headed back toward the Holmes residence.
There were gardeners, but he didn’t have any.
“Abusing the elderly!” he cried as soon as he entered the door.
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Yvonne, who had been in the house, hurried out at the sound. Richard’s cries grew louder when she saw the little bundle at the door.
The innocent young girl genuinely thought something was wrong and quickly rushed over.
“Richard.”
Her sweet voice made Richard pause momentarily, her innocence softening him.
“Richard, what’s wrong with you?”
The little girl hurried to support his arm, her clear eyes full of concern.
Pouting in mock anger, she puffed out her cheeks, looking like a bit of pufferfish as she fiercely said, “Who’s been mistreating Richard?”
