Chapter Thirteen: A Transformation Plan?

The contract signing process between Chi Sui and the Leaping Rock Beetle went quite smoothly, though a small incident did occur. For example, when the contract glowed, Momo jumped out, insisting that since it was the first to arrive at the ranch, it should sign the employment contract first.

With no objections from either Chi Sui or the Leaping Rock Beetle, Chi Sui successfully gained two employees. This new employment contract included a clause ensuring the protection of the employee’s safety. The most significant change was the removal of the original time limit; now, the contract could only be terminated with mutual consent from both parties.

Looking at the two golden contracts shining in the Book of Enlightenment, Chi Sui felt a surge of joy.

After putting the book away, Chi Sui turned to the Leaping Rock Beetle, who was locked in a wide-eyed stare with Momo, and asked, “How should I address you from now on, senior? We’ll be living together for quite some time.”

After ending the little “game” with Momo, the Leaping Rock Beetle cleared its throat somewhat embarrassed and said, “Chi Yu has always called me Mr. Shi. You can address me the same way.”

Chi Sui nodded obediently and replied, “Mr. Shi.”

Just as the words left Chi Sui’s mouth, Mr. Shi spoke up.

“This ranch is in need of renovation, so... may I be so bold as to ask, do you have money?”

If this had been a few days ago, Chi Sui would have admitted to having none—everything was spent. But after sealing a deal with Hector that very morning, Chi Sui answered confidently, “Of course I do! I currently have one gold coin!”

Mr. Shi was stunned by this impressive sum and stared, “Is that all?”

Chi Sui felt wronged. “Isn’t that enough? I had to sell dumplings for four days to earn this.”

That single gold coin was actually a deposit from Hector. They had agreed that Chi Sui would deliver 60 dumplings daily. Although dumplings are a two-star dish, these were half-finished products. Because of portion sizes, one dumpling didn’t constitute a dish, so the order was set at 10 dumplings per set, priced at five silver coins each. Chi Sui signed a 10-day contract with Hector, which amounted to a total order of three gold coins. The one gold coin was the deposit, with the balance to be paid after the 10 days.

To facilitate better cooperation, Hector would be bringing the much-anticipated magical freezer the next day. Of course, it wasn’t a gift but a rental; there would be no charge during the contract period, but after that, the rental fee would be one silver coin per day.

Recalling the morning’s negotiation scene, Chi Sui felt a bit irritated—what a sly merchant!

Upon hearing the selling price of the dumplings, Mr. Shi clicked his tongue twice. “Well, this ranch has no reputation yet, so even the best dishes are hard to sell at high prices. Unlike monster materials, which have fixed market values, food prices fluctuate. Your only sales channel is the buyer, so it’s considerate that he didn’t squeeze you harder on the price.”

“All right, enough said. Hand over the money. I’m going to see... is Darren still at the blacksmith workshop?”

Reluctantly pulling the only gold coin from her wallet, Chi Sui felt as if her heart was bleeding—no money earned these days ever lasted past night.

“Yes, Uncle Darren.”

“That’s good. Make sure to prepare plenty of those rolls for dinner; they’re quite tasty.”

Grabbing the gold coin from Chi Sui’s hand, Mr. Shi left her with nothing but a carefree silhouette.

Watching Mr. Shi fly away, Chi Sui tried to appear casual and said to Momo, “Momo, look at all these vegetables we gathered from the mountain. Let’s eat vegetarian for the next few days.”

As expected, Momo puffed up in protest again.

...

Chi Sui was well aware of Mr. Shi’s flying speed, so when she saw him return with Uncle Darren and bring him straight to the ranch, she maintained a calm expression that showed no surprise.

While the two were passionately discussing the ranch’s future layout, Chi Sui and Momo were leisurely sipping... plain water.

When Uncle Darren handed over the renovation order, Chi Sui couldn’t help but spray out the water she was about to swallow, followed by a fit of coughing.

What kind of renovation costs 50 gold coins?

She thought to herself, why not just sell this ranch outright? What’s the point of renovating?

Momo patted her back worriedly, trying to help ease her coughing.

Finally catching her breath, Chi Sui picked up the order form and began questioning it line by line.

“I understand expanding the breeding area, but why lay fire moth wool under the animal houses’ floors? Are you planning to barbecue them right there?”

Mr. Shi waved a foreleg and explained, “Fire moth wool is a monster material made from the cocoons left after the fire moths emerge. This wool absorbs heat in summer and releases it in winter. After expanding the breeding area, animals are prone to illness caused by temperature extremes. Using this material helps prevent such cases.”

Uncle Darren added, “This material isn’t available in the town; it must be sourced from the nearby Wind Bell Ranch. Including transportation, it’s more expensive.”

Chi Sui pointed to another item. “What about the planting area? I understand fencing around the farmland, but why place flowing flower stones on each plot? What is this? Just these stones alone cost 10 gold coins!”

Mr. Shi spoke enthusiastically, “Don’t mind the cost. This is also a monster material, a stone born from the core of the glowing flower vines. It effectively reflects the nutrient status of the soil. When the stone dims, it means the soil needs rest; even during its recovery, the stone continues to nourish the land. It’s an incredibly useful material.”

Uncle Darren added, “This stone isn’t available in town either. It’s mainly used on Green Island and can be installed after the wind season ends. However, transportation fees add to the cost.”

Chi Sui thought, so everything in Fufeng Town has to be imported.

Taking a deep breath, Chi Sui continued reading, “What about this? The construction of the monster house—I understand that, but why does building the jade bricks alone cost 15 gold coins? Is this also a monster material?”

Mr. Shi replied, “No, that’s just normal material.”

“Then why so expensive?”

“Because I want to live comfortably. After all, this old bone of mine has been exposed to the elements for ten years.”

Chi Sui paused her actions and silently stared at Mr. Shi’s innocent, wide-eyed expression.

Uncle Darren, smiling, added, “These jade bricks come from Silver Island. They’re excellent for keeping warm in winter and cool in summer. But Fufeng Town...”

Chi Sui painfully placed a hand on her forehead and interrupted, “I know, Fufeng Town doesn’t have them either. Add the shipping cost.”

“Yes.”

Seeing Chi Sui’s dilemma, Mr. Shi chuckled, “This is just a long-term plan. Many materials can only be purchased after the wind season ends. For now, our main focus should be on item seven.”

“The electrical renovation plan?”

Mr. Shi nodded seriously, “Exactly. How can a proper ranch owner waste nighttime only resting? Nights should be used wisely, such as by utilizing your culinary skills.”

Hearing this, Chi Sui’s eyes widened, and she couldn’t help but blurt out two words: “The devil?”

“Hahaha, young friend, make money quickly. I want to live soon in a house paved with jade bricks.”

His hearty laughter echoed brightly.

Amidst that laughter, Chi Sui was secretly researching how to unilaterally break the contract in the Book of Enlightenment.