Shen Yao and Mo Xuan had been waiting in the orchard for a long time before finally seeing a large group of people arrive.
The short distance felt like it had taken an age.
This was because Elder Qin would stop to photograph and document any novel species he encountered, even if it was just a common wild grass.
Only then did Shen Yao understand why they had taken so long to cover such a short distance.
The *Yaoshan Juta* was located on the fifth platform at the entrance of the orchard, next to a yellow-skinned fruit tree.
This yellow-skinned fruit tree had been purchased by Shen's father from a flower and bird market, advertised as a new variety of purple yellow-skinned fruit tree.
Elder Qin approached the *Juta*, had the protective net removed, and then knelt on the ground to observe it slowly.
His phone's camera was constantly capturing and recording. After finishing, he began searching the vicinity for other *Juta*.
Unfortunately, there were no other *Juta* around. This single plant grew here all alone, making it quite conspicuous.
"Old Zhang, what are you folks doing here?" Elder Qin asked, putting away his glasses.
"Don't play dumb. Can't you see the soil quality issue here?" Professor Zhang's blunt words exposed him.
They were from the same place, just that their workplaces were different later on.
"In this area, eucalyptus trees are generally planted as cash crops. There's no way the soil quality would be this good."
Otherwise, with such good soil, anything planted would be better than eucalyptus!
"Yes, the test reports have been submitted, and we're just waiting for the conclusion from higher up. What about the specimen you found today, how will you handle it?" Professor Zhang pointed to the small *Juta*.
"I plan to take it back. This environment isn't suitable for *Juta* growth, yet it has taken root and sprouted here. We must study it carefully to see if it's a genetic issue," Elder Qin said.
"As long as you're confident," Professor Zhang quietly leaned in and whispered, "take some more soil back with you. It might come in handy."
Professor Zhang's words were subtle, but Elder Qin understood and nodded knowingly.
The two old men chatting in hushed tones were heard by Shen Yao in their entirety.
However, she didn't intervene.
Soon after, Elder Qin finished recording all the information about the *Juta*. He then instructed his assistant to retrieve their equipment. The *Juta* was placed directly into a specialized box, and a small bag of soil was also dug up.
"This place is truly wonderful."
Elder Qin stood up, looking at the entire mountain landscape and exclaiming how fresh the air was.
"It is indeed. Perhaps we can consider retiring here when we're older," Professor He chimed in.
He and Professor Zhang had been staying here for nearly a month, essentially renting the two rooms they occupied.
Shen Yao's family had only charged a nominal fee, especially since Professor Zhang and the others had taught them free of charge about greenhouse cultivation and orchard maintenance.
Moreover, based on what Professor Zhang and his colleagues implied, any good advancements from their agricultural academy would be shared with the Shen family first. It was certainly worth fostering good relations.
Elder Qin wanted to explore the surroundings further, but as time was getting late, he asked Professor Zhang to persuade him to return.
"Don't be ungrateful. The food at the farmhouse is delicious. Missing even one meal is a loss."
Thus, he led Elder Qin and his group to the dining hall.
Upon hearing that Professor Zhang wished to treat them, Shen Huaimin immediately declared that there would be no charge and then busied himself in the kitchen.
In reality, Shen Huaimin no longer needed to be constantly in the kitchen. His master, Uncle Zhang, and the two assistant chefs were more than capable of handling the work.
But Shen Huaimin didn't see it that way. During his master's stay, he was eager for his master to give him private lessons on new dishes every day.
His master, being generous, naturally shared his knowledge wholeheartedly.
During this period, Shen Huaimin's culinary skills had visibly improved.
He already had good talent, and every dish he made had a unique flavor, receiving universal praise.
"Yaoyao, come with your sister-in-law to town!" Ning Min found Shen Yao, holding her car keys.
At that moment, Shen Yao was reading a children's book to her unborn baby for prenatal education.
"What are we going for?" Shen Yao asked, confused.
"Didn't you suggest I open a tailor shop? I've already scouted a location and wanted you to take a look," Ning Min said happily.
She had come to a decision during this time. She wanted to start a business, and her family was very supportive. How could she hold back?
Therefore, she had already begun preparing for the opening of her shop.
She had contacted some friends, and upon learning that she wanted to open a custom tailor shop, they all offered to provide her with inventory.
Because she frequently took on small design orders online, she had also accumulated many business contacts.
This made it convenient for her to select materials online.
She was well aware of the types of fabrics needed for making clothes.
She had already finalized her suppliers, and once the shop was rented and renovated, she could have them delivered directly.
"Then let Yaoyao accompany you, and we can also take Yaoyao to the hospital for her check-up!"
Hearing this, Shen Yao realized she had forgotten about her prenatal check-up!
So, after getting ready, she went with Ning Min to the county.
Shen Yao's medical records were in the city, so she only needed to bring her file to get examined.
There were quite a few people waiting for examinations at the hospital. It was finally Shen Yao's turn, and by the time she finished, it was already noon. The examination results would only be available in the afternoon.
Therefore, they decided to first go and see the shop Ning Min had found for herself.
The shop was not far from their previous restaurant, only about a hundred meters away.
It was a small, two-story commercial unit, very suitable for a tailor shop. The first floor could be used for displaying fabrics and finished products, and the second floor could be renovated into a tailoring workshop.
This way, with the areas separated, it wouldn't seem chaotic or cramped.
It wasn't located in the very center, so the foot traffic wasn't exceptionally high, but it was still a fairly good location. The rent wasn't very expensive, 50,000 yuan per year, which was a moderate price in their small county town.
However, Shen Yao did not approve of Ning Min renting the property. "Sister-in-law, call the landlord and ask if they're willing to sell the shop directly to us!"
Although this was a small county town, the future was uncertain!
"Oh, I don't think that's a good idea. Buying a commercial unit like this would be quite expensive." Ning Min also felt that buying it outright would be too extravagant!
"What's there to fear about having money? It's more secure to use your own shop. What if the landlord arbitrarily raises the rent once you become more well-known? Or what if someone gets jealous and offers a higher price to rent this shop?"
Shen Yao didn't think she was being alarmist; such incidents were frequently reported in the news.